Category: Herbs

Basil Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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Basil Herb

A spicy herb prized by cooks, basil belongs to the mint family. It comes from a plant called Ocimum basilicum (sweet or common basil) or O. sanctum (holy basil).

Common doses of Basil

Basil comes as a tea and as powdered or chopped leaves.

Some experts recommend the following dose :-

  • 2.5 grams of fresh dried leaf powder taken daily. To make a tea, place 2.5 grams of fresh dried leaf powder in 1/2 cup water, strain, and drink once or twice daily as needed.

Why people use Basil herb

  • As an antiseptic
  • Inflammation
  • High blood sugar
  • Pain relief
  • Stomach ulcers

Side effects of Basil

Call your health care practitioner if you experience dizziness, hunger, confusion, headache, trembling, heavy sweating, rapid pulse, and cold, sweaty skin (symptoms of low blood sugar).

Basil also may cause or contribute to liver cancer.

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.

  • insulin
  • oral drugs used to treat diabetes (don’t use basil medicinally when taking these drugs).

Important points to remember

  • Don’t use basil for medicinal purposes if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
  • If you have diabetes, use this herb only in the amounts typically found in foods.
  • Avoid long-term medicinal use of basil.

What the research shows

Of the few human studies of basil’s medicinal effects, one small study showed it significantly reduced blood sugar. This could make it useful in treating non-insulin-dependent diabetes. However, similar results must be duplicated in a large, controlled trial before medical experts can recommend the herb. Claims that basil is effective against other diseases remain unproven

Other names for Basil: –

Other names for Basil include common basil, garden basil, holy basil, and sweet basil.

No known products containing basil available commercially.

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Barberry Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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Barberry Herb

Barberry comes from the roots, wood, and bark of Mahonia vulgaris and M. aquitolium (also called Berberis aquifolium and B. vulgaris). Native to Europe and some parts of North America, Mahonia species are popular landscape shrubs. The plants have edible, red-orange, fruit like berries. The root wood of the barberry plant gets its bright golden-yellow color from berberine, which is added to some eye­drops and eyewashes.

Common doses of Barberry

Barberry comes as:

  • tablets (400 milligrams)
  • liquid
  • extract
  • tea

Some experts recommend the following dose :-

  • 400 milligrams taken orally daily.

Why people use Barberry herb

Side effects of Barberry

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of barberry:

  • bloody urine, painful urination, flank pain, and fever (symptoms of kidney inflammation)
  • diarrhea
  • confusion
  • poisoning
  • Barberry also can cause miscarriage and stupor.

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 barberry if you’re pregnant because it can cause miscarriage.
  • Use this herb cautiously if you’re a female of childbearing age.
  • Seek immediate medical help if you experience poisoning symptoms (diarrhea, bloody urine, painful urination, fever, flank pain, confusion, and stupor).
  • Don’t consume large amounts of barberry because it contains potentially toxic chemicals.

What the research shows

Medical experts don’t have enough information about barberry to recommend it for treating diarrhea or other conditions. In one study, barberry proved more effective than a placebo in resolving diarrhea caused by cholera. However, it wasn’t more effective than a placebo when diarrhea stemmed from other causes.

Other names for Barberry : –

Other names for barberry include berberry, common barberry, European barberry, jaundice berry, Oregon grape, pepperridge bush, sour-spine, sowberry, trailing mahonia, and wood sour.

A product containing barberry is sold as Oregon Grape Root.

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Balsam of Peru’s Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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Balsam of Peru's Herb

Myroxylon pereirae (M. balsamum) – the tree that balsam of Peru comes from ­grows in Peru, Florida, and Central America. The herb is made from a boiled extract of the tree’s battered and scorched bark.

Balsam of Peru’s vanilla-like scent and flavor make it useful in hair care products, lotions, chocolates, baked goods, gelatins, puddings, frozen dairy desserts, and other cosmetic and food products. The German government permits its use as a treatment for various skin conditions.

Common doses of Balsam of Peru’s

Many commercial products, such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and salves, contain small amounts of balsam of Peru. Some experts recommend the following dose:

  • For hemorrhoids, 1.8- to 3-milligram suppositories taken rectally.

Why people use Balsam of Peru’s herb

  • Anal itching
  • Bedsores
  • Cancer
  • Dandruff
  • Lice
  • Pinworms, tapeworms and other worm infection
  • Scabies
  • Skin sore
  • Wound healing

Side effects of Balsam of Peru’s

Call your health care practitioner if you experience skin Inflammation or irritation. Balsam of Peru also can cause poisoning in breast-fed infants whose mothers applied the herb to their nipples.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action of produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use balsam of Peru when taking sulfur-containing products, such as Azulfidine or Bactrim.

Important points to remember

  • Don’t use this herb if you’re pregnant or breast­ feeding.
  • Use balsam of Peru cautiously if you’re prone to skin inflammation or irritation.
  • Watch, for allergic reactions if you’re using a topical form of this herb.

What the research shows

Little scientific evidence supports claims that balsam of Peru has medicinal value. What’s more, the potential side effect of skin irritation limits medicinal uses. For these reasons, experts caution people not to use balsam of Peru except in manufactured cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Other names for Balsam of Peru’s : –

Other names for Balsam of Peru include black balsam, Indian balsam, and myroxylon.

No know medicinal products containing balsam of peru are available commercially.

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Chickweed Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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chickweed

What is chickweed?

Components of chickweed, a widely occurring “weed,” are extracted from the leaves, stems, and flowers of Stellaria media. A member of the Caryophyllaceae family, this plant is native to Europe.

Common doses of chickweed

Chickweed comes as:

  • capsules
  • crude herb
  • liquid extract (alcohol-free available)
  • oils
  • ointments
  • tea bags (caffeine-free)
  • tinctures

Some experts recommend the following doses:

  • As capsules, 3 capsules taken orally three times daily.
  • As liquid extract, 15 to 30 drops (diluted) taken orally up to three times daily.
  • As an ointment, apply liberally to affected areas as needed up to four times daily.
  • As a tea, several times daily as needed.

Why people use chickweed herb

  • As an expectorant.
  • Burns
  • Cough
  • Dry, chapped skin
  • Fever
  • Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism, eczema, and psoriasis.
  • Insect stings and bites
  • Itching
  • Rashes
  • Skin irritation
  • Sore throat
  • Stomach ulcers
  • To “cleanse” the blood
  • To drain abscesses and boils
  • To lose weight
  • Wounds

Side effects of chickweed

Call your health care practitioner if you experience symptoms of nitrate poisoning, such as dizziness, weakness, headache, and fainting spells, when using chickweed.

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 this herb if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
  • Be aware that chickweed may cause nitrate poisoning because it contains nitrate. One person who ingested excessive amounts experienced paralysis.

What the research shows

Clinical evidence doesn’t support herbalists claims that chickweed is effective in treating a wide range of ailments.

Other names for chickweed : –

Other names for chickweed include mouse-ear, satinflower, star chickweed, starweed, stitchwort, tongue grass, white bird’s-eye and winterweed.

A product containing chickweed is sold as Chickweed.

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Avens Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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Avens

Since the 12th century, some Europeans have claimed avens can ward off evil spirits and repel Poisonous creatures. A volatile oil, avens is extracted from the dried herb, rhizome (underground stem), or root of Geum urbanum, a member of the family (Rosaceae).

Common doses of Avens

Avens comes in a tincture and a tea. Some experts recommend the following dose:

  • 1 dram (fluid extract of the herb), 1/2 to 1 dram (fluid extract of the root), or 15 to 30 grains as a tonic (Powdered herb or root) taken orally three times a day.

Why people use avens herb

Side effects of avens

Call your health care practitioner if you experience unusual symptoms when using avens.

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 avens if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
  • Report unusual symptoms to your health care practitioner.

What the research shows

Studies comparing avens to Tylenol or other drugs that contain acetaminophen and other drugs used to reduce inflammation suggest that the herb may have some anti-inflammatory effect. However, experts know little about its safety.

Other names for Avens: –

Other names for avens include Benedict’s herb, city avens, clove root, colewort, geum, goldy star, herb bennet, way bennet, wild rye, and wood avens.

No known products containing avens are available commercially in the United States.

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Arnica Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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Arnica Herb

Some herbalists believe arnica has exciting medical possibilities. The German government has approved it as a topical agent for relief of inflammation, pain, and bacterial infections. Nonetheless, the Food and Drug Administration considers arnica unsafe.

Arnica comes from the flowers and rootstocks of Arnica montana, A. fulgens, A. sororia, and A. cordofolla. Certain Arnica species are native to Alaska, the western United States, and Mexico. Others are native to Europe and Siberia.

Common doses of Arnica

Arnica comes as a spray for topical application and as tablets, teas, gels, tinctures, creams, ointments, and under­the-tongue preparations. Creams typically contain 15% arnica oil. Salves should contain 20% to 25% arnica oil.

Experts disagree on what dose to take. Homeopathic doses (trace amounts) seem to be most popular.

Why people use arnica herb

  • Joint aches
  • Muscle aches
  • Pain
  • Wound healing

Side effects of Arnica

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of Arnica:

  • allergic skin inflammation with topical use
  • irregular heartbeats and headache (from high blood pressure)
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and appetite loss (from stomach and bowel inflammation

Arnica also can cause:

  • liver failure
  • muscle weakness, collapse, and possibly death
  • nausea, vomiting, organ damage, coma, and possibly death in children who eat arnica flowers or roots
  • nervous disorders

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use arnica while taking drugs that lower blood pressure.

Important points to remember

  • Don’t use arnica if you’re pregnant. This herb may cause uterine contractions and has unknown effects on the fetus.
  • Don’t apply arnica to broken skin or open wounds.
  • Keep arnica preparations out of children’s reach.
  • Know that when taken orally or applied on an open wound, arnica may cause high blood pressure, severe heart problems, vertigo, and kidney dysfunction.
  • Avoid prolonged topical use because of the risk of allergic reaction.

What the research shows

Clinical studies don’t bear out herbalists’ claims that arnica has medical benefits. Studies of postoperative dental patients and hysterectomy patients suggest the herb isn’t effective in treating pain. Also, a small study of marathon runners found that arnica didn’t help relieve muscle stiffness or promote healing of muscle injuries. What’s more, arnica carries a significant risk of allergic reactions.

Other names for Arnica : –

Other names for arnica include arnica flowers, arnica root, common arnica, leopard’s bane, Mexican arnica, mountain arnica, mountain daisy, mountain tobacco, sneeze­wort, and wolfsbane.

Products containing arnica are sold under such names as Arnicaid, Arnica Spray, and Amiflora (Gel).

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Anise Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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Used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, anise also is found in many cough drops, baked goods,and beverages. Anise comes from Pimpinella anisum, a Mediterranean plant.

Anise oil is extracted from aniseed (the plant’s dried ripe fruit) by steam distillation. The oil also can be obtained from the Chinese star anise plant (lliicium verum). The Food and Drug Administration considers anise oil safe

Common dose of Anise

Anise comes as an extract and lozenges and in teas. It’s also available in trace quantities as a flavoring agent in liqueurs, lozenges, and teas and as a fragrance in soaps, creams, perfumes, foods, and candies. Some experts recommend the following dose:

  • For intestinal gas, 0.1 milliliter of anise oil taken orally three times a day.

Why people use Anise herb

  • Asthma
  • Cough
  • Intestinal gas
  • Lice
  • Muscle spasms
  • Scabies
  • To repel insects

Side effects of Anise

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of Anise:

  • allergic reaction
  • mouth and lip inflammation (from anise-containing toothpaste)
  • nausea, vomiting, and seizures (from ingesting as little as 1 to 5 milliliters of anise oil)
  • skin irritation on contact.

Ingesting just 1 to 5 milliliters of anise oil may lead to pulmonary edema.

Intoxication with an anise-based beverage can cause pseudo-Conn’s syndrome (hypermineralocorticism), an overgrowth of the adrenal glands that causes low blood potassium levels, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and increased urination and thirst.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use anise while taking iron supplements.

Important points to remember

  • Don’t use anise if you’re pregnant.
  • Use this herb cautiously if you’re prone to contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Don’t ingest pure anise oil except under a health care practitioner’s supervision. It may be toxic.
  • St ore anise in a tightly sealed, light-resistant container at room temperature.
  • Be aware that anise may cause weight gain from salt and water retention.

What the research shows

In a Russian study, aviation flight controllers who took a combination of anise, brandy mint, and lavender oils had reduced mental fatigue. Nonetheless, anise has limited therapeutic benefits. Until researchers know more about the herb, they caution against using it except as a flavoring agent or fragrance. They especially warn people not to ingest large amounts (several milliliters or more) of anise oil because this may cause serious digestive tract problems.

Other names for Anise: –

Other names for anise include aniseed, anise oil and sweet cumin.

Products containing anise are sold under such names as Beech Cough Drops and Bronhillor Natural Source Cough Candies & Throat Discs.

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Angelica Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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Angelica Herb

What is Angelica ?

A perennial plant in the parsley family, angelica is a Chinese herb whose roots, rhizomes (underground stems), fruits, and leaves are used medicinally. The many Angelica species include A. aeufiloba, A. archangeliea, A. atropurpurea, A. dahuriea, A. edulis, A. gigas, A. keiskei, A. koreana, A. polymorpha, A. pubeseens, A. radix, and A. sinensis.

Some authorities believe angelica may cause cancer. Such concerns led the International Fragrance Commission to recommend a limit of 0.78% angelica root in commercial preparations of suntan lotions.

Common dose of Angelica

Angelica is available as fluid extract, tincture, essential oil, or cut, dried, or powdered root. Experts disagree on what dose to take.

Why people use Angelica herb

Side effects of Angelica

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of angelica:

  • dizziness or a faint feeling (from low blood pressure).
  • unusual skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use angelica while taking Coumadin (a blood thinner).

Important points to remember

  • Don’t use angelica if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
  • Use this herb cautiously if you have diabetes.
  • Call your health care practitioner if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising after using angelica – especially if you’re taking a blood thinner such as Coumadin.
  • Be aware that using angelica may pose a cancer risk.
  • If you experience an allergic reaction after taking this herb, seek medical help promptly.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure while using angelica.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maGYWjXqRHg

What the research shows

In a study of young women with menstrual problems and vaginal discharge, angelica root extract (combined with several other Chinese herbs) helped regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the amount of discharge. However, the herb hasn’t been ‘Studied adequately in people. Although it’s widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, Western medical experts don’t recommend it for specific medicinal uses.

Other names for Angelica : –

Other names for Angelica include angelica root, angelique, dong quai, engelwurzel, garden angelica, root of the Holy Ghost and wild angelica.

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American Cranesbill Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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American Cranesbill Herb

What is American cranesbill ?

American cranesbill comes from Geranium maculatum, a perennial herb common to the eastern United States and Canada. Herb forms taken internally are prepared from the plant’s dried rhizome (underground stem) and leaves. The flowers are used for topical preparations.

Common doses of American cranesbill

American cranesbill comes as extracts, decoctions, tinctures, teas, and poultices. Some experts recommend the following doses:

  • As an infusion, steep 1 ounce of plant material in 1 pint of water.
  • As a decoction, use I to 2 teaspoons of the rhizome in 1 cup of water three times daily.
  • As a tincture, use 2 to 4 milliliters three times daily.

Some experts recommend the following doses:

  • Call your health care practitioner if you experience unusual symptoms when using American cranesbill. This herb may cause liver damage.

Why people use American cranesbill herb

Side effects of American cranesbill

Call your health care practitioner if you experience unusual symptoms when using American cranesbill. This herb may cause 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.

Important points to remember

  • Don’t use American cranesbill if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
  • Know that medical experts warn against consuming this herb because they know little about its effects. If you wish to do so despite this caution, watch for unusual symptoms and report these to your health care practitioner at once.

What the research shows

Information about this herb’s safety and effectiveness isn’t available. Without this crucial data, medical experts advise people to avoid American cranesbill.

Other names for American cranesbill : –

Other names for American cranesbill include alum bloom, alum root, American kino, chocolate flower, crowfoot, drove’s-foot, herb robert, old maid’s nightcap, wild cranesbill and wild geranium.

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Aloe Herb – Uses And Side Effects

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Aloe

What is Aloe?

Aloe has a long history of popular use. It comes from the aloe vera plant (also called Aloe barbadensis, A. vulgaris hybrids, A. africana, A. ferox, A. perryi, and A. splcata). The plant’s large, bladelike leaves are the source of aloe gel. Aloe preparations for oral use contain either the colorless juice that comes from plant’s top layer or a solid yellow latex obtained by evaporating the juice.

Aloe comes as both topical and oral preparations. Topical preparations contain the colorless aloe gel or aloe vera gel (sometimes mistakenly called “aloe juice”). Aloe gel can be prepared by various methods. Some people prefer to obtain fresh gel directly from the aloe vera plant.

Common doses of Aloe

Aloe comes as:

  • capsules (75,100, or 200 milligrams of aloe vera extract or aloe vera powder)
  • gel (98%, 99.5%, 99.6%)
  • juice (99.6%, 99.7%)
  • cream, hair conditioner, jelly, juice, liniment, lotion, ointmcnt, shampoo, skin cream, soap, sunscreen, and in facial tissues.

Some experts recommend the following doses:

  • For skin irritation, itching, burns, and other wounds, apply an external form of aloe liberally as needed.

Although internal use isn’t recommended, some people suggest 100 to 200 milligrams of aloe or 50 to 100 milligrams of aloe extract orally, taken in the evening.

Why people use Aloe herb

Side effects of Aloe

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of Aloe:

  • delayed healing of deep wounds (with topical forms).
  • dehydration (with frequent use).
  • intestinal spasma
  • reddish urine (with frequent use).
  • skin irritation.

Aloe also can cause :-

  • blood build-up in the pelvis (with large doses).
  • low blood potassium, resulting in irregular heartbeats, weakness, and flaccid muscles.
  • severe diarrhea, kidney damage, and possible death (from overdose).
  • spontaneous abortion or premature birth if taken during late pregnancy.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use aloe internally if you’re taking :-

  • digoxin (Lanoxin).
  • drugs that cause potassium loss, such as Bumex, Demadex, Edecrin, Lasix, and Sodium Edecrin.
  • diuretics.
  • drugs for irregular heartbeats.
  • steroids.

Video

Important points to remember

  • Don’t use external aloe preparations if you’re allergic to aloe or plants in the Liliaceae family (garlic, onions, and tulips).
  • Don’t take aloe internally if you’re pregnant, breast-feeding, or menstruating.
  • Don’t give aloe to children.
  • Avoid aloe if you have kidney disease or heart disease.
  • Don’t use aloe vera gel or aloe vera juice internally. You may experience severe stomach discomfort and serious problems from body salt imbalances.
  • Be aware that four people have died after receiving aloe vera injections for cancer Injecting aloe vera isn’t recommended.

What the research shows

Studies show that topical aloe gel application eases acute inflammation and itching, promotes wound healing, and reduces pain. Fresh aloe may have value in treating burns and minor tissue injury, although studies aren’t well documented. The Food and Drug Administration considers topical aloe to be generally safe, although it doesn’t recommend aloe for any specific condition.

No studies support internal consumption of aloe juice. Aloe laxatives that contain anthraquinone have dramatic effects, and most experts recommend less toxic laxatives.

A recent study found that aloe can alter the body’s DNA. This finding may lead to research investigating aloe’s possible role in treating cancer.

Other names for Aloe: –

Other names for aloe include aloe barbadensis, aloe vera, Basbadoa aloe, burn plant, Cape aloe, Curacao aloe, elephant’s gall, first aid plant, hsiang-dan, lily of desert and Zanzibar aloe.

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