rooibos

Common name
Bushman tea, Red bush tea
Botanical name
Aspalathus linearis
Parts used and where grown
Rooibos is a nitrogen-fixing shrub native to South Africa. Its leaves are fermented and sun dried for use as a tea.
Rooibos has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Allergies
* - Anti-aging
* - Cancer prevention
* - Indigestion
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Rooibos is a pleasant-tasting beverage that has been used traditionally to sooth digestion and relieve stomach cramps, colic, and diarrhea. Rooibos tea has also been used to relieve allergies and eczema, and to slow aging.
Active constituents
Rooibos is completely caffeine free and, unlike black tea (Camellia sinensis), does not contain tannins that may interfere with iron absorption. Rooibos is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids (including aspalathin, (+)-catechin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, quercetin, rutin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and vanillic acid). The polyphenol aspalathin is unique to rooibos. The plant also contains oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and a variety of minerals, though at levels that are of questionable clinical relevance.1
Preliminary studies show that rooibos has antimutagenic and antioxidant properties.2 3 4 5 It has also shown some ability to prevent radiation damage in animals.6 7 8 This research somewhat supports rooibos’s traditional use to slow the aging process, and its modern use as a cancer preventative. Laboratory and animal studies indicate that it affects antibody production and has anti-HIV activity.9 10 11 These studies raise the possibility that the herb could be useful in aiding deficient immune responses in allergies, AIDS, and infections. No clinical trials have yet been published on this herb, however, so its efficacy is still unknown.
How much is usually taken?
A tea can be made by steeping 1 to 4 teaspoons (5 to 20 grams) of rooibos in 1 cup (240 ml) of water for up to ten minutes. Three cups of this tea per day may be drunk, with or without food.12
Are there any side effects or interactions?
As rooibos has not been studied scientifically in humans, there is no information available about its safety in pregnancy or lactation or in people with kidney or liver failure. However, it is generally considered a very safe herb, and there are no known side effects, contraindications, or drug interactions.13
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with Rooibos.
Source: www.cncahealth.com

artichoke

Botanical name
Cynara scolymus
Parts used and where grown
This large thistle-like plant is native to the regions of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally. However, the roots and the immature flower heads may also contain beneficial compounds.1
Artichoke has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Indigestion and lack of appetite (digestive aid)
** - High cholesterol
* - Irritable bowel syndrome
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
The artichoke is one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants. The ancient Egyptians placed great value on the plant—it is clearly seen in drawings involving fertility and sacrifice. Moreover, this plant was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a digestive aid. In 16th century Europe, the artichoke was favored as a food by royalty.2
Active constituents
Artichoke leaves contain a wide number of active constituents, including cynarin, 1,3 dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, and scolymoside.3 The choleretic (bile stimulating) action of the plant has been well documented in a controlled trial involving a small sample of healthy volunteers.4 After the administration of 1.92 grams of standardized artichoke extract directly into the duodenum, liver bile flow increased significantly. This choleretic effect has led to the popular use of artichoke extract in Europe for the treatment of mild indigestion—particularly following a meal high in fat. In an uncontrolled clinical trial with 553 people suffering from non-specific digestive disorders (including indigestion), 320–640 mg of a standardized artichoke extract taken three times per day was found to reduce nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and flatulence in over 70% of the study participants.5
The standardized extract has also been used to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides. In one preliminary trial6 and one controlled trial,7 use of a standardized artichoke extract was found to lower cholesterol and triglycerides significantly when taken in amounts ranging from 900 to 1,920 mg per day. One preliminary trial failed to find any effect.8
While scientists are not certain how artichoke leaves lower cholesterol, test tube studies have suggested that the action may be due to an inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and/or the increased elimination of cholesterol because of the plant’s choleretic action.9 In test tube studies, the flavonoids from the artichoke (e.g., luteolin) have been shown to prevent LDL-cholesterol oxidation—an effect that may reduce risk of atherosclerosis.10
How much is usually taken?
The suggested adult amount of the standardized leaf extract is 300–640 mg three times daily for a minimum of six weeks.11 Alternatively, if a standardized extract is not available, the amount of the crude, dried leaves is 1–4 grams, three times a day.12
Are there any side effects or interactions?
At the recommended amount and according to the German Commission E Monograph,13 there are no known side effects or drug interactions. The use of artichoke is not recommended for those who are allergic to artichokes and other members of the Compositae (e.g., daisy) family. In addition, those who have any obstruction of the bile duct (e.g., as a result of gallstones) should not employ this plant therapeutically. The plant’s safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with artichoke.

andrographis

Common names
Chiretta, Chuan xin lian, Kalmegh, Kirata
Botanical name
Andrographis paniculata
Parts used and where grown
Andrographis originated in the plains of India, and it also grows in China. The leaves and flowers are used medicinally.
Andrographis has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Common cold
*** - Immune function
*** - Infection
** - Dysentery
* - HIV infection
* - Indigestion
* - Viral hepatitis
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Andrographis has long been used in traditional Indian and Chinese herbal medicine. The most common reported uses were for digestive problems (as is the case with most non-toxic bitter herbs such as andrographis), snakebite, and infections ranging from malaria to dysentery.1 2 Interestingly, some of these uses have been validated by modern scientific research. Although the roots were sometimes used in traditional medicine, the leaves and flowers are now more commonly used.
Active constituents
The major constituents in andrographis are diterpene lactones known as andrographolides. These bitter constituents are believed to have immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, fertility-decreasing, liver-protective, and bile secretion-stimulating actions.3 Though some older studies suggested andrographis was antibacterial, modern research has been unable to confirm this finding.4
Several double-blind clinical trials have found that andrographis can help reduce symptom severity in people with common colds.5 6 7 8 9 Though the earliest clinical trial among these showed modest benefits, later studies have tended to be more supportive. Standardized andrographis extract combined with eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), known as Kan jang, has also been shown in a double-blind clinical trial to reduce symptoms of the common cold.10
A preliminary uncontrolled study using isolated andrographolide found that while it tended to decrease viral load and increase CD4 lymphocyte levels in people with HIV infection, at the amount used, the preparation led to side effects, including headache, fatigue, a bitter/metallic taste in the mouth, and elevated liver enzymes (which returned to normal after the medication was stopped).11 It is unknown whether the andrographolides used in this study directly killed HIV or had an immune-strengthening effect.
Andrographis has proven helpful in combination with antibiotics for people with dysentery, a severe form of diarrhea.12 It has also shown preliminary benefit for people with chronic viral hepatitis.13
How much is usually taken?
Andrographis is generally available as capsules with dried herb or as standardized extracts (containing 11.2 mg andrographolides per 200 mg of extract). For dried herb, 500–3,000 mg are taken three times per day. In clinical trials, 100 mg of a standardized extract were taken two times per day to treat the common cold.14 For indigestion, andrographis may be taken as a tea. Use 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of the herb for each cup (250 ml) of hot water. Allow the mixture to stand for 10–15 minutes before drinking (sip before meals).
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Some people develop intestinal upset when taking andrographis. If this occurs, reduce the amount taken or take it with meals. Headache, fatigue, a bitter/metallic taste, and elevated liver enzymes were reported in one trial with HIV-infected people taking high doses of isolated andrographolides.15 This has not been reported in people using whole andrographis or standardized extracts at the amounts recommended above. As with all bitter herbs, andrographis may aggravate ulcers and heartburn. The safety of andrographis during pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with andrographis.

marshmallow

Botanical name
Althea officinalis
Parts used and where grown
The marshmallow plant thrives in wet areas and grows primarily in marshes. Originally from Europe, it now grows in the United States as well. The root and leaves are used medicinally.
Marshmallow has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Asthma
* - Common cold/sore throat
* - Cough
* - Crohn’s disease
* - Diarrhea
* - Gastritis
* - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
* - Indigestion
* - Pap smear (abnormal)
* - Peptic ulcer
* - Ulcerative colitis
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Marshmallow (not to be confused with confectionery marshmallows) has long been used by herbalists to treat coughs and sore throats.1 Due to its high mucilage content, this plant is soothing to inflamed mucous membranes. Marshmallow is also used by herbalists to soothe chapped skin, chilblains (sores caused by exposure to cold), and minor wounds.
Active constituents
Mucilage, made up of large carbohydrate (sugar) molecules, is thought to be the active constituent in marshmallow. This smooth, slippery substance is believed to soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes. Marshmallow has primarily been used as a traditional herbal soothing agent for conditions of the respiratory and digestive tracts.2
How much is usually taken?
The German Commission E monograph suggests 1 1/4 teaspoon (6 grams) of the root per day.3 Marshmallow can be made into a hot or cold water tea. Often 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 grams) of the root and/or leaves are used per cup (250 ml) of water. Generally, a full day’s amount is steeped overnight when making a cold water tea, 6–9 teaspoons (30–45 grams) per three cups (750 ml) of water, or for fifteen to twenty minutes in hot water. Drink three to five cups (750–1250 ml) a day. Since the plant is so gooey, it does not combine well with other plants. Nevertheless, it can be found in some herbal cough syrups. Herbal extracts in capsules and tablets providing 5–6 grams of marshmallow per day can also be used, or it may be taken as a tincture—1–3 teaspoons (5–15 ml) three times daily.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Marshmallow is generally safe with only rare allergic reactions reported.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with marshmallow.

prickly ash

Common names
Toothache tree, American prickly ash
Botanical names
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis, Zanthoxylum americanum
Parts used and where grown
The bark and sometimes the berries of these two American trees are used as medicine. There are many other trees in this genus that grow on other continents, including Chinese prickly ash (Zanthoxylum bungeanum), which grows in Asia.
Prickly ash has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Indigestion
* - Insufficient salivation
* - Rheumatism
* - Toothache
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Many eastern Native American tribes valued prickly ash as a remedy for upset stomach, sore throats, aching muscles, skin infections, to stimulate saliva flow, and various other conditions.1 Eclectic physicians (doctors who recommended herbal medicines) in the United States at the end of the 19th century continued the traditional uses of prickly ash, primarily as a digestive aid, to strengthen the nervous system, and for cholera.2 The bark was also widely used by herbalists to treat rheumatic conditions.3 Prickly ash is also considered an alterative in traditional herbalism, meaning it enhances the body’s ability to fight against and recover from all manner of difficulties.4 Chinese prickly ash (Zanthoxylum simulans) is used for similar indications as its American relative as well as for killing parasites.5
Active constituents
Prickly ash bark contains alkaloids and a volatile oil. The fruit is rich in the volatile oil. Little research has been done specifically on the constituents or actions of American prickly ash. Preliminary Chinese trials have reportedly found that oral use of Chinese prickly ash berries can alleviate pain due to indigestion, gallbladder disease, or ulcers, as well as eliminating pinworms.6 Herculin, an alkamide in the plant, produces a localized numbing effect on the tongue when consumed.7 Whether this explains the historical use of prickly ash for toothaches remains to be confirmed in clinical trials.
How much is usually taken?
A tea of prickly ash is made by simmering 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of the bark for 10–15 minutes. Three cups (750 ml) per day are recommended.8 Alternatively, a tincture, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 ml) three times per day, may also be used.9 Prickly ash is best taken just before meals. Traditionally, the bark was chewed to relieve tooth pain.10
Are there any side effects or interactions?
There are no known side effects from using the amounts of prickly ash noted above. Since it stimulates digestive function, prickly ash should best be avoided in conditions such as ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer disease, or gastroesophageal reflux. Some herbal experts suggest that prickly ash be avoided by pregnant women because it may stimulate menstruation and increase risk of a miscarriage.11
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with prickly ash.

AHCC

Common name
Active Hexose Correlated Compound
Botanical name
Basidiomycetes
Parts used and where grown
AHCC™ is a newly developed “functional food” made through the hybridization of several kinds of mushrooms belonging to the Basidiomycetes family, including shiitake (Lentinula edodes), cultured in a liquid medium. The mushroom's sources and details of methods of preparation have not been fully disclosed.
AHCC has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Cancer
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
AHCC was not used in traditional medicine. The mushrooms of the type from which AHCC is made were historically used as tonics and for chronic infections, anemia, and a variety of other conditions.1
Active constituents
AHCC consists of polysaccharides, particularly low molecular weight alpha-1,3-glucans, amino acids, and minerals.
How much is usually taken?
Studies have typically administered 3 grams per day orally.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
In the studies in which AHCC was given to people with cancer, no side effects or drug interactions were observed. However, thorough studies establishing its safety have not been conducted. There are no reports that AHCC is contraindicated in any condition. Use in pregnancy and lactation have not been studied.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with AHCC.
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