Basil Benefits
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a popular kitchen herb used for flavouring food. It is also widely regarded for its health-enhancing properties. Basil has been a staple of medicine for generations and the herb has been used to treat a variety of different conditions, from inflammation to bug bites.
Wow posts seem messed up lately. I don't have 524 on Zenith. O.o
Eleuthero
Uva Ursi, or bearberry. Interestingly it's called swine's lingonberry in Finland.
Cardamom : Elettaria cardamomum
Medicinal Uses: * Aromatherapy * Ayurvedic * Bronchitis * Christmas * Congestion * Culinary/Kitchen * Digestion * Halitosis * Herbal Steam * Herbal Teas * Nausea
Properties: * Analgesic * Antispasmodic * Antispasmodic * Aphrodisiac * Aromatic * Carminative * Digestive * Diuretic * Mental Clarity * Mood * Warm
Eyebright Euphrasia, various species
Euphrasia, various species
Eyebright flowers - Donald Macauley
Common Names
Eyebright
Botanical Name
Euphrasia, various species
Family
SCROPHULARIACEAE
mountain rose
Buy Eyebright Bulk Organic
Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Eyebright
remedyHow to Use| Side Effects | Plant & Garden|
Medicinal Uses: * Allergies * Congestion * Eyes/Vision * Sinus
Properties: * Astringent
Parts Used: Aerial parts
Constituents: glycosides (including aucubin), saponins, tannins, resin, volatile oil.
Ginseng Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng
ginseng roots
Common Names
Ginseng root , Ren-shen, X-yang-shen, Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng
Botanical Name
Panax ginseng
Family
ARALIACEAE
Medicinal Uses: * Alcoholism * Chinese * Fatigue * Immune * Libido * Longevity Tonics * Memory/Focus * Stress
Properties: * Adaptogens * Anodyne * Breath * Circulation * Immunostimulant * Stimulant * Tonic
Parts Used: root
Constituents: hormone-like saponins, (ginsenosides), volatile oil, sterols, starch, sugars, pectin, vitamins bl, b2 and b12, choline, fats, minerals
How to Use: Ginseng
Ginseng is one the best known and widely prescribed herbs in Chinese medicine as a general adaptogenic and restorative tonic. The German Commison E has approved ginseng as a tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility, for declining capacity for work and concentration, also during convalescence. Adaptogens such as ginseng are highly regarded in both Western and Eastern traditions for use in debilitated persons suffering from exhaustion, fatigue, liver disease, stress and wasting from chronic disease. Ginseng may boost mood and improve memory and attention spans for those under stress. Although the exact mechanisms of activity are not known, it is likely that ginseng protects a portion of the brain known as the hippocampus from the effects of stress hormones. (Duke,James, Ph.D.) Ginseng enhances the immune response which helps fight off viruses and bacteria. (Foster, Steven and Yue "Herbal Emissaries") Ginseng is one of the best known herbal tonics used to restore libido in men without an increase in testosterone, which can aggravate prostate disorders.(Meletis, Chris D.) Unfortunately, the fame of ginseng has led to misconceptions about its use and to low grade or adulterated products being sold as ginseng in the West.
Panax, the generic name is derived from the Greek Panakos (a panacea), in reference to the miraculous virtue ascribed to it by the Chinese, who consider it a sovereign remedy in almost all diseases. The word Ginseng is said to mean wonder of the world, however, it is not universally applicable in every illness. It should not be taken during acute inflammatory disease or bronchitis since it can drive the disease deeper and make it worse. Chinese medicine considers ginseng to be one of the most yang herbs, suited to health problems related to a deficency, or fraility (considered to be more yin). For someone with a very strong yang condition, the effects of ginseng will hardly be noticable and is actually contraindicated for those whose yang condition is causing high blood pressure. This may explain the conflicting reports here in the West on whether ginseng is a cure for high blood pressure, or worsens it. (Weiss, Gaea and Shandor) Moreover, in China, ginseng is rarely used on its own, but is usually combined with other herbs, such as licorice or Chinese dates, which temper its powerful nature. Most herbalists recommend taking periodic rests from ginseng as it can raise anxiety levels in some people. White, Linda B. M.D.
Preparation Methods & Dosage : Ginseng is often taken for a month at a time, alternating with a two week rest period. Ginseng powder can be taken in teas, added to soft drinks, or even used in cooking soups. Ginseng roots are also used as extracts, and in capsule supplements.
Ivy gourd Coccinia grandis
Coccinia grandis
Coccinia grandis
Common Names
Ivy gourd
Botanical Name
Coccinia grandis
Family
CUCURBITACEAE
Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Ivy Gourd
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Medicinal Uses: * Diabetes
Properties: * Hypoglycemic
Parts Used: Fruit, Leaves
How to Use: Ivy gourd
Ivy gourd is used in Ayurvedic medicine and Asian cuisine in a very similar manner to that of bitter melon. This very adaptable plant has been introduced to Hawaii as a food crop where it has become an invasive species. The plant has a potential hypoglycemic action in patients with mild diabetes. 1
Preparation Methods & Dosage :The gourd is used in cooking and the dried leaves are sold in supplements.
Ivy gourd Side Effects: Very invasive species. Keep tightly controlled if planted. No adverse side effects from using as a food source are noted. This herb is not well studied.
Jasmine
Family Name: Oleaceae
Botanical Name(s): Jasmianum Grandiflorum
Popular Name(s): Royal Jasmine, Spanish or Catalonian Jasmine as well as Jati.
Parts Used: Flowers and oil are used.
Habitat: It is native to China, Japan and eastern India.
Description: Jasmine is a woody, perennial climber, which reaches up to 15 meters in height. The stems and leaves are green and the plant bears pinnate leaves and sweet-smelling flowers that are borne in clusters in summer, followed by black berries. It is the J. grandiflorum that is mostly used in herbal remedies, while the J. officinale is mostly used in aromatherapy.
Uses: It is mostly used in Ayurvedic medicine for infections with high fever, conjunctivitis, sunstroke, dermatitis, as well as cancer of the bones, lymphatic nodes and breast cancer. Jasmine is used for mouth ulcers, and the fresh juice is applied to corns. On the skin it is used with great effect to treat dry, stressed and sensitive skins and also helps to increase elasticity.
Kudzu Pueraria lobata
Pueraria lobata
Common Names
Kudzu
Botanical Name
Pueraria lobata
Family
FABACEAE
Medicinal Uses: * Addiction * Alcoholism * Aphrodisiac * Cancer Prevention * Cardiovascular * Chinese * Digestion
Parts Used: dried root
Constituents: ash, calcium, daidzein, daidzin, genistein (the same compound found in soy), riboflavin
How to Use: Kudzu
Kudzu has shown some promising results in reducing the desire for alcohol in studies. Although the mechanisms through which it works remain unclear, kudzu shows an ability to both decrease the amount of alcohol a person drinks, and help prevent hangovers.
Kudzu increases circulation, an action that tends to reduce muscle pain and stiffness, and increases blood flow through the coronary arteries. One kudzu compound is a beta-blocker, which reduces a racing pulse induced by stress. It has traditionally been used for respiratory infections. Kudzu contains an estrogenlike compound that can binds to breast cancer cells, blocking estrogen that stimulates cancer cells to reproduce.2
The starchy root of kudzu is high in complex carbohydrates, helps balance the acidic nature of many foods, and is soothing and cooling to the digestive tract. Powdered kudzu root is used to thicken sauces, especially in Asian cooking.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Powder added to teas, extracts. Kudzu may be more effective if used in its natural state, such as in kudzu tea.
Traditional Chinese Medicine traditional Chinese medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as gat-gun,ge gan, kudzu is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. TCM uses kudzu in treating the symptoms of high blood pressure such as headache and dizziness (although kudzu has little or no effect on blood pressure itself). Kudzu powder is also taken internally on a regular basis to prevent recurrences of colds sores, shingles, and genital herpes. 1