Around 450 B.C., the ancient Greeks made wine from celery and served it as an award at athletic games. Celery tonics and elixirs have been used since the late 19th century. Today, of course, we use celery to flavor food, soap, and gum. High In fiber, this vegetable is popular with dieters.
Celery comes from Apium graveolens, a widely cultivated biennial herb. Steam distillation of the seeds yields oil of celery.
Common doses of celery
Celery comes in capsules (450 and 505 milligrams). Experts disagree on what dose to take.
Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of celery:
allergic reactions, such as throat closure, facial swelling, and hives.
blisters
skin inflammation.
Large doses can cause slowing of the nervous system, resulting in such symptoms as drowsiness.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you’re taking
Important points to remember
Avoid celery capsules if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
What the research shows
Several therapeutic claims for celery have been verified. For instance, celery lowered blood pressure in a small study of patients with high blood pressure. Nonetheless, medical experts don’t recommend using it in amounts greater than those normally found in food
Other names for celery : –
Other names for celery include apium, celery seed, celery seed oil, marsh parsley, smallage, and wild celery.
Products containing celery are sold under such names as Cachets Lesourd, Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray, Guaiacum Complex. Herbal Diuretic Complex. Rheumatic Pain. and Vegetex.
Celandine comes from the roots and flowering tops of Chelidonium majus, a member of the poppy family (Papaveraceae) common to North America, Europe, and Asia. Some people use the milky, orange juice from the stems and other C. majus parts for medicinal purposes
Celandine is an Ingredient in an antiretroviral drug that may act against the Epstein-Barr and herpes viruses. Ukrain, derived from celandine, is available by prescription in Europe but not approved for use in the United States. Celandine products available in the United States (manufactured as herbal nutritional supplements or topical herbal treatments) haven’t been tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Common doses of celandine
Celandine comes as extract, tincture, and tea. (In Eastern Europe, it’s also available as a prescribed injection.) The dose depends on the product used and the intended purpose.
The dose of Ukrain (used in Europe to treat tumors) depends on the person’s immune status. The drug is given by intravenous injection, with single doses ranging from 5 to 20 milligrams depending on tumor mass, speed of tumor growth, extent of the disease, and the person’s immune status. In several studies, people received Ukrain injections every other day.
Why people use celandine herb
Cancer
Colonic polyps
Digestive disorders
Eye irratation
Gallstones
Hepatitis
Jaundice
Live disease
To soften calluses and corns
Side effects of celandine
Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of celandine:-
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. If you’re using Ukrain, don’t take:
digitalis drugs, used to treat heart failure . morphine and related drugs
oral drugs used to lower blood sugar
sulfa drugs such as Bactrim.
Important points to remember
Don’t use celandine if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Don’t give this herb to children.
Don’t use celandine for more than 2 weeks at a time.
If you have, or suspect you may have, a serious liver or stomach disorder, don’t use this or any other herbal supplement or fresh herb.
Know that the C. majus plant is highly toxic. Contact with the sap causes skin inflammation. Oral consumption can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, severe stomach inflammation, other serious stomach problems, coma, and even death.
Be aware that oral ingestion of celandine has led to poisoning and death.
Don’t use herbal extracts in your eyes or on your skin unless the FDA has approved them for such use. Eye or skin contact may lead to blindness, infection, or skin sores.
Don’t take celandine instead of prescribed drugs for diagnosed ailments.
Be aware that greater celandine isn’t related to lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria).
What the research shows
Research indicates that Ukrain (derived from celandine) has been effective against cancers of the esophagus, breast, cervix, testes, urethra, and ovaries; colorectal cancer; malignant melanoma; optic nerve tumors; and, in AIDS patients, Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Scientists believe Ukrain might one day play an important role In treating cancer and other diseases, but they must conduct more research before the Food and Drug Administration can approve such use.
Because of the serious risk of complications from self-treatment of liver, digestive, and eye diseases and skin inflammation, medical experts don’t recommend celandine supplements or topical agents. They also caution against using this herb to self-treat or prevent diseases and against ingesting Chelidonium majus, the plant that celandine comes from
Other names for celandine : –
Other names for celandine include celandine poppy, common celandine, felonwort, garden celandine, greater celandine, rock poppy, swallow wort, tetter wort, and wart wort.
Products containing celandine are sold under such names as Bloodroot/Celandine Supreme, Cacau, Celandine Extract, Celandine Tops and Roots, Cytopure.
Derived from the dried fruit (pepper) of plants in the Solanaceae family, natural capsicum has been used for centuries-especially the Capsicum frutescens and C. annum species. Peppers are among the most widely consumed spice in the world. In some Southeast Asian countries, the average person eats nearly 50 milligrams of peppers daily.
Capsicum, derived from capsicum, is highly potent. Recently, it has gained wide spread popularity as as ingredient in non lethal self-defense sprays. Such sprays have immobilizing effects, such as eyelid spasms, blindness, and incapacitation for up to 30 minutes.
Common doses of Capsicum
Capsicum comes as
a cream (0.025%, 0.075%, 0.25%)
gel (0.025%)
lotion (0.025%, 0.075%)
self defense spray (5%, 10%)
Some experts recommend the following dose:
As a topical preparation, apply three or four times a day.
Why people use Capsicum herb
Bowel disorders
Chronic laryngitis
Pain relief
Poor circulation
Skin irritation
Urinary urgency
Side effects of Capsicum
Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of capsicum :
back discomfort
burning pain in the nose, sneezing, or bloody nasal discharge
closing up of the throat
cough
eyelid spasm, extreme burning pain, eye tearing and redness
skin irritation, itching, stinging or redness
stomach upset
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use capsicum when taking:
certain drugs used to lower blood pressure, including Aldomet, Catapres, Tenex, and Wylcnsin
drugs for depression called MAO inhibitors, such as Marplan and Nardil.
Important points to remember
Don’t use capsicum if you’re allergic to it or to chili pepper products.
Avoid capsicum if you’re pregnant because it could stimulate the uterus.
If you’re using capsicum topically for pain relief, remember that it may take up to 28 days to be effective, depending on the condition you’re using it for.
Apply it at least every 4 to 6 hours. Know that less frequent application may be ineffective.
Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, or broken skin. If contact occurs, flush the exposed area with cool, running water as long as necessary.
To minimize stomach upset, remove the seeds before eating the peppers.
Be aware that scientists have no evidence that topical use causes permanent injury to the nervous system.
Don’t confuse capsicum peppers with common black peppers or white peppers.
What the research shows
Topical capsicum preparations have been proven effective in treating pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes-related nerve problems, postoperative pain, and certain other pain syndromes. These preparations also ease itching, including itching resulting from kidney failure. Long-term use seems to cause no permanent side effects. For some people, initial burning sensation and delayed onset of action may bo In least desirable aspects of capsicum preparations.
One study suggests that inhaling capsicum may ease a runny nose that’s not caused by allergy or infection. However, some people can’t tolerate taking it this way. Another study explored capsicum as a treatment for urinary urgency, with the preparation administered directly into the bladder. Most patients reported improved symptoms, although they also had side effects, such as a sensation of warmth or burning after urinating. Despite these studies, medical experts caution against ingesting more capsicum than you normally eat in food.
Other names for Capsicum: –
Other names for capsicum include bell pepper, capsaicin, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, hot pepper, paprika, pimiento, red pepper, and tabasco pepper.
Products containing capsicum are sold under such names as Capsin, Cap-Stun, Capzasin, Dolorac, No Pain HP, Pepper Defense, R-Gel, and Zostrix (HP).
Calumba, from the Jateorhiza calumba (J. palmata) plant, is native to Mozo and the forests of eastern Africa, where it’s cultivated for use as a dye and flavoring agent. During processing, the plant’s root is dried and powdered. As the Powder absorbs moisture from the air, it decomposes and changes from green to brownish black.
Common doses of Calumba
Calumba comes as capsules and an elixir (often prepared without heating as a cold infusion). Experts disagree on what dose to take.
Call your health care practitioner if you experience any unusual symptoms when using calumba.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you’re taking.
Important points to remember
Don’t use calumba if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you’re using this herb to treat diarrhea, keep in mind that proven drugs for diarrhea exist.
What the research shows
Medical experts don’t recommend this herb because it hasn’t been studied in people. With many approved drugs for diarrhea on the market, further investigation and development of calumba for medicinal use isn’t likely.
Other names for Calumba: –
Other names for for calumba include Cocculus palmatus and columbo root.
Products containing calumba are sold under such names as Amaro Maffioli, Appetiser Mixture, Bitteridina, Ducase, Elixir Spark, Padma-Lax, Richelet, and Travel-Caps.
Cocoa comes from the seeds of Theobroma cacao, the cacao tree. Native to Mexico, this tree now is cultivated in many tropical areas, especially western Africa. Cacao refers to the crude material (cacao tree and cacao beans), whereascocoa indicates the processed product.
Many cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products contain cacao in one form or other. Chocolate is prepared by mixing cacao powder with sugar, flavoring, and extra cocoa butter fat. Cocoa extract is an ingredient in various beverages. Cocoa powder and cocoa syrup are used to flavor many foods and pharmaceutical products.
Common doses of Cacao tree
Cacao comes as cocoa powder, butter, syrup, and extracts. Experts disagree on what dose to take.
Why people use Cacao herb
As an emollient and skin protectant
As a suppository
To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
To treat wrinkles
Side effects of Cacao
Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of cacao:
Eating 222 grams or more of dark chocolate may cause poisoning symptoms, such as headache, nausea, insomnia, restlessness, excitement, muscle tremors, fast pulse, irregular heartbeats, and mild delirium.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you’re taking, especially:
drugs for depression called MAG inhibitors, such as Nardil and Parnate (don’t eat cocoa when taking these drugs)
Theo-Dur (avoid eating large amounts of cocoa when using this drug).
Important points to remember
Don’t eat cocoa if you’re allergic to it.
Use cocoa cautiously if you’re on a low-sodium diet or have irritable bowel syndrome.
Limit your cocoa intake if you have inflammatory bowel syndrome, heart or blood vessel disease, or irregular heartbeats.
If you’re prone to developing acne, avoid cosmetics that contain cocoa butter.
What the research shows
Certain antioxidants in cacao may decrease atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries) and reduce blood clot formation. One study showed that these antioxidants may lower the risk of death from coronary heart disease in elderly men. However, you can also obtain these antioxidants from some fruits and vegetables, which probably have a higher nutritional value than cacao and contain much less fat. Chocolate generally is considered nontoxic.
Other names for Cacao : –
Other names for cacao include chocolate, cocoa and cocoa butter.
Many commercial products containing cacao are available as foods, flavorings or condiments.
Butterbur has been used for thousands of years to treat digestive disorders, asthma, cough, skin diseases, and urinary and genital tract spasms. Active components comes from the leaves, flowers, stems, and root stock of Petasltes hybric P. officinalis, or Tussilago Petasltes. Some formulas use extracts from the leaves and roots of P. frigidus, also called western coltsfoot. These low-lying perennial herbs of the Composite family (Composltae) are endemic to the United States.
Common doses of Butterbur
Butterbur comes as:
standardized capsules (25 milligrams)
Petasites extract
liquid Petasites extract (concentration may vary)
Some people smoke P. frigidus, drink it as a tea, or use it as a poultice. Experts disagree on what dose to take.
Some experts believe butterbur may cause cancer and liver damage.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you’re taking, especially anticholinergics such as atropine.
Important points to remember
Don’t use this herb if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Don’t use butterbur if you have decreased intestinal or bladder motility because it may worsen symptoms of these disorders.
If you have asthma, be aware that taking butterbur may make this condition worse if inadequately treated.
Know that some experts believe this herb may cause cancer or liver damage.
What the research shows
Despite the use of butterbur extract for centuries, scientists don’t have enough Information to establish its safety and effectiveness In preventing or treating any disease. Animal studies suggest the herb may reduce certain types of muscle spasms and ease inflammation, but no human studies have been done.
Further research may show that the herb’s more active components have a beneficial effect, but the extracts would have to be purified and standardized before reliable claims could be made. Active extract components may vary from batch to batch, and potentially hazardous substances have been identified in these plants.
Other names for Butterbur : –
Other names for butterbur include European pestroot, sweet coltsfoot and western coltsfoot.
Products containing Butterbur are sold under such names as Alzoon, Butterbur Root Extract, Feverfew/Dogwood Supreme and Wild Cherry Supreme.
Commonly eaten in Asia, burdock is extracted from the dried root of great burdock, Arctium lappa, or common burdock, Arctlum minus, a large biennial grown in China, Europe, and the United States. In the spring, you can identify this herb’ the round heads of Its purple flowers.
Burdock seeds and leaves have been used in folk medicine for a wide range of ailments Some Asians eat Burdock root.
Common doses of Burdock
Burdock is available as:
capsules (425 and 475 milligrams)
liquid extract
cream for topical use
tincture
dried root
tea
Some experts recommend the following doses:
As a tea, 1 cup taken orally three or four times a day.
Call your health care practitioner if you experience allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation).
Using a commercial burdock tea contaminated with atropine can cause poisoning symptoms, such as enlarged pupils, blurred vision, and a fast heartbeat.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use burdock when taking insulin or oral drugs for diabetes. Combining burdock with these drugs may decrease your blood sugar too much.
Important points to remember
Don’t use burdock if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Avoid this herb if you’re allergic to Arctium lappa, A. minus, or related plant species.
If you have diabetes, be aware that burdock may put you at risk for dangerously low blood sugar. Consult your health care practitioner, who may recommend adjusting your dosage of insulin or other diabetes drugs.
What the research shows
Some studies suggest that burdock might have therapeutic benefits. However, clinical trials haven’t been done to verify these benefits. Also, medical experts lack information about the herb’s safety and effectiveness.
Other names for Burdock : –
Other names for burdock include bardana, beggar’s buttons, clotbur, cockle buttons, personata, Philanthropium, thorny burr, and wild gobo.
Products containing burdock are sold under such names as Anthraxiviore and Burdock Root.
Bugleweed comes from the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of Lycopu, and L. europaeus. Members of the mint family, these plants are native to Europe and North America.
Common doses of Bugleweed
Bugleweed is available as a dried herb and as a liquid extract and tincture. Experts disagree on what dose to take.
Why people use Bugleweed herb
As an astringent
Fast pulse
Graves’ disease
Intermittent fever
Pain relief
Side effects of Bugleweed
Call your health care practitioner if you experience unusual symptoms when using bugleweed.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use bugleweed when taking:
heart drugs called beta blockers, such as Inderal (combining these with bugleweed may mask symptoms of an overactive thyroid)
thyroid hormone replacement drugs
Important points to remember
Don’t use bugleweed if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Use this herb with extreme caution if you have an under active pituitary (hypopiluitarism), pituitary adenoma, hypogonadism, a thyroid-related tumor, or a similar endocrine disorder.
Use bugleweed cautiously if you have a heart condition.
Tell your health care practitioner you’re using bugleweed. He or she may want to check for hormone changes caused by bugleweed use.
Know that this herb hasn’t been tested in thyroid conditions other than overactive thyroid.
If you have a thyroid condition, don’t substitute bugleweed for prescribed antithyrol drugs, such as Propyl- Thymcil or Tapazole.
If you have osteoporosis or take oral contraceptives or fertility drugs, consult your health care practitioner before using bugleweed.
What the research shows
Information about bugleweed’s effects comes solely from animal studies. Results of animal studies don’t necessarily apply to people, but they should inspire caution. Bugleweed has been shown to Inhibit various hormones, although researchers haven’t evaluated the extent of inhibition. The herb may well merit a role in treating Graves’ disease, but it must be investigated more thoroughly
Other names for Bugleweed : –
Other names for bugleweed include carpenter’s herb, common bugle, Egyptian’s herb, famsyon maiy, gypsy-weed, gypsywort, menta de lobo, middle comfrey, Paul’s betony, sicklewort, su femsyunu, water bugle, and water horehound
No known products containing bugleweed are available commercially.
Buckthorn comes from the berries of Rhamnus cathartica, a thorny shrub or native to Europe and naturalized in parts of the United States and Canada. Juice from the berries produces a saffron-colored dye. The bark yields a brilliant The ripened berries are sometimes mixed with alum, resulting in a sap-green often used for watercoloring.
Once used mainly as a laxative, buckthorn now serves mainly as a dye. Its laxative action can be severe, and its use in humans was largely discontinued after discovery of R. purshiana, a related plant with a gentler action. Until the 19th century, buckthorn was available as a syrup, prepared by boiling buckthorn juice with mento, ginger, and sugar.
Common doses of Buckthorn
Buckthorn comes as a syrup. Experts disagree on what dose to take.
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you’re taking.
Important points to remember
Don’t use buckthorn if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Use this herb cautiously if you have digestive tract problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease. Buckthorn may worsen these problems.
Keep buckthorn berries and preparations out of children’s reach.
Know that gender and more predictable laxatives than buckthorn are available.
What the research shows
No clinical trials support buckthorn’s medicinal use. The herb’s violent actions and severe side effects suggest that its risks out weigh its benefits. Medical experts recommend using gentler, more predictable laxatives instead.
Other names for Buckthorn : –
Other names for buckthorn include common buckthorn, European buckthorn, hartshorn, purging buckthorn and waythorn.
Products containing buckthorn are sold under such names as Herbal Laxative, Herbalene, Laxysat Mono Abfuhr-Tee Nr.2, Neo-Cleanse and Neo-Lax.
Considered a “cooling” diuretic by Ayurvedic medicine, buchu was once diuretic and antiseptic in the U.S. National Formulary. It was also listed in the British Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for certain urinary tract disorder. Germans use buchu as a diuretic and a treatment for kidney and urinary tract infection However, German health authorities don’t endorse this.
Active components of buchu come from a volatile oil in the leaves of Barosma betulina (Agathosma betulina) and the related species B. serratifolia and B.crenulata, low-lying shrubs in South Africa. The leaves are harvested when the plants flower or bear fruit.
Common doses of Buchu
Buchu comes as dried leaves (for infusion) and a tincture. Some experts recommend the following doses:
As an infusion, 1 small glass (1 ounce of dried leaves added to 1 pint of boiling water).
As a tincture, 1 to 2 milliliters taken orally three or four times daily
Why people use Buchu herb
Fluid retention
Urinary tract and genital infections.
Side effects of Buchu
Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of buchu:
Buchu also can cause miscarriage. Using buchu volatile oil can result in:
liver damage
kidney inflammation and dysfunction.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use buchu when taking blood thinners such as Coumadin.
Important points to remember
Don’t use buchu if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Avoid this herb if you have a kidney infection, kidney disease, or a liver disorder be cause it may worsen these conditions.
Tell your health care practitioner that you’re using buchu. He or she may recommend periodic liver function tests to check for liver damage.
Avoid ingesting the plant because some components may be toxic.
What the research shows
No studies prove that buchu is effective. Medical experts don’t recommend the herb because it may damage the liver.
Other names for Buchu : –
Other names for buchu include agathosma, Barosma betulina, betuline, bocco and Diosma betulina.
No known products containing buchu are available commercially.
