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Black Cohosh Extract
Latin Name: Cimicifuga Racemosa (Ranunculaceae)
Common Name: Black Cohosh, Black Snakeroot, Squawroot
Origin & History: Black cohosh is native to Canada and the
eastern states of the US, growing as far south as Florida. It prefers
shady spots in woods and shrubby areas. The herb is now grown in Europe
and can be found in the wild, having self-seeded from cultivated plants.
It is grown from seed, and the root is harvested in autumn.
Active Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside),
Isoflavones (formonoetin), Isoferulic acid, Salicylic acid, Tannins,
Resin.
Parts Used: Roots.
Common Uses: Common Uses: Black cohosh has long been used by Native
Americans for female problems. It is used today for menstrual pain and
problems where progesterone production is too high, and for menopausal
symptoms, especially hot flashes, debility, and depression. Black cohosh
is useful for inflammatory arthritis, especially when it is associated
with menopause, and it is also an effective remedy for rheumatic problems,
including rheumatoid arthritis. The sedative action of black cohosh makes
it valuable for treating a variety of conditions, including high blood
pressure and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It is also an effective
treatment for whopping cough and asthma.
Calendula
Extract
Latin Name: Calendula Officinalis (Compositae)
Common Name: Calendula, Pot Marigold
Origin & History: Calendula is native to Europe and has large,
yellow or orange flowers with many petals. Easily propagated from seed, it
flourishes in almost all soils. The flowers are harvested as they open in
early summer and are dried in the shade. It was used in the Middle Ages to
treat varicose veins, bedsores and skin blemishes and has long been used
in an ointment form for many first aid treatments.
Active Constituents: Anti-inflammatory, Relieves muscle spasms,
Astringent, Prevents hemerrhaging.
Parts Used: Heads and Pedals
Common Uses: Common Uses: Calendula relieves pain and has been
found to be a natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic. It
is an exceptional skin conditioner and is well known for its capacity to
repair damaged skin, diminish bruising, cure bedsores, relieve sore
nipples, and cure athlete's foot and other forms of fungus. Calendula
helps damaged blood vessels to seal, it stops bleeding and prevents
bruising. Calendula is also effective in the treatment of varicose veins
and hemorrhoids. It is high in carotenoids as noted by its bright yellow
or orange colored flowers. Carotenoids assist in a quick and efficient
repair of skin damage and the effects of aging on the skin.
Damiana
Extract
Latin Name: Turnera Diffusa, T. Diffusa, Aphrodisiaca (Turneraceae)
Common Name: Damiana
Origin & History:Damiana is native to the Gulf of Mexico,
southern California and the northern Caribbean Islands, and Namibia. It
grows in the wild and is also cultivated in these areas, preferring a hot,
humid climate. The leaves are harvested when the herb is in flower in
summer.
Active Constituents: Arbutin, Volatile oil containing delta-cadinene
and thymol, Cayanogenic glycoside, resin, Gums.
Parts Used: Leaves.
Common Uses: Damiana has been used for thousands of years in Latin
American cultures ritualistically as a sexual stimulant. Growing in dry,
rocky climates, Damiana is a shrub with small yellow flowers that is
generally found in the southwestern regional areas of Mexico, California
and Texas. Considered to be an overall body tonic, Damiana is no longer
considered an herb just for men, but may be used for a variety of ailments
for both men and women.
Damiana affects the nervous system by acting as an anti-depressant,
soothing anxiety, nervousness and mild depression, while promoting the
general feeling of well being. Damiana also stimulates the blood
circulation in the body consequently raising energy levels to alleviate
fatigue and stimulate weight loss.
Other known uses for Damiana are as a mild laxative used for relieving
constipation, soothing headaches caused by menstruation and thinning
fluids resulting from asthma, colds and flue.
Dong
Quai Extract
Latin Name: Angelica sinensis (Umbelliferae )
Common Name: Dong Quai
Origin & History: Mainly from three Chinese provinces, Shansi,
Shantung and Chili where it is ranked next to licorice in frequency of use
in Chinese herbal prescriptions. It is a brown, fleshy root and has a
strong celery-like odor. The Dong Quai plant is typically harvested after
the plant is three years old. Rich in niacin and vitamin E, Don Quai is
also a good source of iron, cobalt and essential oils.
Active Constituents: Coumarin, Volatile oil, Vitamin B12, Beta-sitosterol.
Parts Used: Roots
Common Uses: An all purpose herb used as an overall tonic for the
female reproductive system and to treat a variety of female gynecological
disorders. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this herb has been used
extensively to alleviate discomfort caused by premenstrual syndrome and
menopause as well as other symptoms associated with female hormonal
changes. May also be effective in the treatment of high blood pressure,
boost the metabolism, reduce cholesterol, aid digestion and relieve pain
caused by arthritis.
Safflower
Oil
Latin Name: Carthamus tinctoruis (compositae)
Common Name: Safflower, Hong Hua
Origin & History: Thought to be native to Iran and northwestern
India, and possibly Africa, this herb is also found in North America and
the Far East, It grows in open areas and is gathered in summer.
Active Constituents: Safflower contains carthamone, lignangs, and a
polysaccharide.
Parts Used: Flowers, seeds, seed oil.
Common Uses: In the 19th century North American herbal medicine,
safflower was used to induce sweating, to promote the onset of a menstrual
period, and as a treatment for measles. In Chinese herbal medicine, the
flowers are given to stimulate menstruation and to relieve abdominal pain.
The flowers are also used to cleanse and heal wounds and sores and to
treat measles. In the Anglo-American herbal tradition, the flowers are
also given as a treatment for fever and skin rashes. The unpurified seed
oil is purgative.
Saw Palmetto Extract
Latin Name: Sabal Serrulata, Serenoa serrulata (Palmaceae)
Common Name: Saw palmetto
Origin & History: Saw palmetto is indigenous to North America
and can be found growing in sand dunes along the Atlantic and Caribbean
coasts from South Carolina to Texas. It is propagated from seed in spring
and needs well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Berries are harvested when
ripe in autumn, then dried, often with the seeds removed.
Active Constituents: Volatile oil, Fixed oil, steriodal saponin,
Polysaccharides, Tannins.
Parts Used: Berries.
Common Uses: An herb used to tone and strengthen male and female
reproductive systems, saw palmetto relieves testicular inflammation,
inhibits the hormone responsible for prostate enlargement, and reduces
breast tenderness related to breast feeding and menstruation.
Saw palmetto's antiseptic and astringent properties help ease inflamed and
irritated tissues of the urinary tract. Expelling toxins and irritants by
stimulating urine flow, saw palmetto may help reduce the risk of urinary
tract infections.
As an expectorant, saw palmetto alleviates coughs and congestion brought
on by asthma, bronchitis and colds. Saw palmetto may also be used to
balance the metabolism, and digestion. |
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