The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies (41 page)

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)

Provides information on naturopathy and a directory of licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs).
www.naturopathic.org

American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Includes information on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), plus a search function to help you find a licensed TCM practitioner in your area.
www.aaaomonline.org

American Botanical Council (ABC)

A nonprofit research and educational foundation that provides information on individual herbs and news related to herbalism.
www.herbalgram.org

American Chiropractic Association

Information on chiropractic and a search function to help you find a licensed chiropractor near you.
www.amerchiro.org

American Herbalists Guild

The primary trade group of herbal practitioners in the United States. Offers a state-by-state search function to help you find an herbalist in your area.
www.americanherbalistsguild.com

American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

The trade association for manufacturers of herbal products, including dietary supplements.
www.ahpa.org

The Alternative Medicine Foundation

A nonprofit group that provides information on herbal medicine and several complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities that incorporate herbs.
www.amfoundation.org

Balanced Healing Medical Center

Provides information about balancing the best of conventional medicine, alternative medicine, and research methods to facilitate healing. Offers herbs, supplements, and solutions for a variety of conditions.
www.balancedhealing.com

Herb Research Foundation

A nonprofit group that provides information on research, legislation, and other developments related to herbs.
www.herbs.org

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

Provides information on aromatherapy and a membership guide that can direct you to an aromatherapist in your area.
www.naha.org

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

The official site of NCCAM, the government agency in charge of scientific research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
www.nccam.nih.gov

Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)

This is the government agency in charge of all dietary supplements, including herbal products.
www.ods.od.nih.gov

Organic Consumers Association

A nonprofit group that encourages sustainable organic farming; search for information on a particular herb or get a list of retailers that sell organic products near you.
www.organicconsumers.org

PubMed Central

PubMed Central is a free archive of biomedical and life sciences journal articles.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acne, 85, 202–4, 267

Adaptogens, 17–18, 156

Addictions, 128, 136–38, 267

Agrimony, 151

Alfalfa, 275; cardiovascular health, 61; digestion, 26; gas, 145; immune system, 236; interactions, 234, 236; men and, 48; urinary tract, 26; women and, 32

Alkaloids, 5–6

Allergies, 114–24, 267; to foods, 122–24, 150–51; to herbs, 238; respiratory, 117–18; skin, 119–22

Almond, 254; digestion, 143; fertility, 41; hair care, 199

Aloe, 246, 254, 275; avoiding in pregnancy, 231; bleeding, 181; burns, 183; digestion, 26; hair care, 197; interactions, 234; skin, 175; ulcers, 143

Altitude sickness, 185–86, 267

Alzheimer’s disease, 67, 68–69, 130, 267

American ginseng, 246, 275; attention disorders, 80, 136; children and, 231; colds and flu, 15, 80; nausea, 25, 150, 184; surgery and, 229

Amla, 18, 275; hair care, 194, 196; immune system, 166

Andrographis, 275; colds and flu, 80, 158, 169; immune system, 236; interactions, 235, 237

Anesthesia, 229

Antimicrobials, 22–23

Antioxidants, 23–24, 89–90

Anxiety, 79, 128, 129, 132–33, 267

Apple: diet and, 218; digestion, 148; hair care, 202

Apricot, 254

Arnica, 246, 275; allergic reactions to, 115, 238; bruises, 181; pain relief, 111, 168, 188

Aromatherapy, 10–11, 44

Arrowroot, 75

Arthritis, 65–67, 107–8, 267, 273

Artichoke, 275; allergic reactions to, 238; cardiovascular health, 61; digestion, 142, 151, 170; liver, 97

Ashwagandha, 20, 275; anxiety, 29; diet and, 216; fertility, 41; immune system, 102, 236; interactions, 233; pain relief, 108; stress, 132

Asian ginseng, 20, 276; diet and, 214, 216; immune system, 102, 157; interactions, 59, 231, 234, 235; men and, 51; nausea, 185; as stimulant, 28; stress, 132

Asthma, 124–25, 129, 268

Astragalus, 18, 276; cancer, 9, 99; colds and flu, 158, 169; fertility, 52; immune system, 102, 157, 236; skin, 121

Athlete’s foot, 83–84, 163, 268

Athletic performance/strength, 213–17, 268, 272

Atlantic cedar, 200

Attention difficulties, 79–80, 128, 135–36, 268.
See also
Cognition/memory

Avocado, 195, 197

Ayurvedic medicine, 3, 18, 248–49

Bach, Edward, 11–12

Bacterial infections, 155, 161–63

Bahupatra, 21

Barberry, 276; as antimicrobial, 23, 180–81, 186; diarrhea, 148; digestion, 25, 152; immune system, 156, 236; infections, 162; pain relief, 168

Barley, 202

Beans, 219

Beauty and self-care, 191–206, 264–66

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPG), 52–

54, 268

Bilberry, 242, 276; digestion, 25; immune system, 102; interactions, 234; vision, 64

Bipolar disorder, 134–35

Bitter orange, 214

Black cohosh, 276; avoiding for children, 73, 231; avoiding in pregnancy, 42, 230; interactions, 236, 237; women and, 44

Blood pressure, 59–60, 91–92, 271

Body odor, 86, 269

Bone and joint health, in seniors, 65–67

Borage, 276; interactions, 235, 237

Boswellia, 276; asthma, 126; digestion, 152; mood, 29, 135

Breastfeeding, 230–31

Breast health, 33–35

Bruises, 181–82, 268

Burns, 182–83, 268.
See also
Sunburn

Bursitis, 107–8

Butcher’s broom, 276

Butterbur, 276; allergic reactions to, 115, 238; colds and flu, 119; headaches, 113; interactions, 237

Calendula, 180, 276; acne, 203; allergic reactions to, 115, 238; burns, 183; children and, 231; interactions, 233; oral care, 176; skin, 76, 82; teenagers and, 85

Camphor, 277; body odor, 86; infections, 165; as insect repellant, 190; pain relief, 20

Cancer, 4, 97–100, 268; of prostate, 48, 53; of skin, 204–5

Candida infections, 38–39, 164–65

Canker sores, 268

Caraway, 145

Cardamom, 171

Cardiovascular issues, 59–62, 90–92, 129, 234–35, 269, 271

Cartenoids, 24

Cascara sagrada, avoiding for children, 73

Cataracts, 62, 64

Cat’s claw, 277; immune system, 236; infections, 163; interactions, 237; pain relief, 108

Cayenne, 277; allergic reactions to, 238; as anti-inflammatory, 21; avoiding in pregnancy, 231; chemistry of, 5; diet and, 218; headaches, 113; immune system, 102; interactions, 235; osteoporosis, 66; pain relief, 20, 42, 111, 168

Celery, 218

Chamomile, 15, 180, 243, 277; allergic reactions to, 115, 238; allergies, 123; as anti-inflammatory, 21; anxiety, 29, 79; chemistry of, 6; children and, 74; digestion, 25, 142; facial care, 205, 206, 265; hair care, 194, 196; interactions, 233, 235; as nervine, 18; skin, 175; sleep, 28, 173; ulcers, 143

Chickenpox, 81

Children’s issues, 70–86, 231–32, 271

Chiropractors, 248

Cholesterol, 60, 61–62, 90–93, 236, 271

Chronic diseases and conditions, 87–102, 228–29

Chronic fatigue syndrome, 101–2, 269

Cinnamon, 277; allergic reactions to, 238; diabetes, 94; diarrhea, 148, 184; diet and, 217; digestion, 25; interactions, 234, 237; men and, 48

Clove, 277; allergic reactions to, 238; children and, 84; diarrhea, 184; diet and, 218; men and, 48; oral care, 176; pain relief, 168

Cocoa, 14, 254, 277; diet and, 216; fertility, 41; hair care, 199; interactions, 234; as stimulant, 28

Coconut, 254; lice, 83; sunscreen, 172

Coffee, 277; asthma, 126; avoiding in pregnancy, 42, 230; diet and, 214, 216; facial care, 204; interactions, 234; as stimulant, 28

Cognition/memory, 67–69, 261, 267, 269.

See also
Attention difficulties

Cola, 216

Colds and flu, 116, 117–19, 169–70, 257, 259, 269; allergies contrasted to, 118; children and, 80–81; colds and flu, 26–27

Cold sores, 160, 269

Coleus, 277; diet and, 212; interactions, 235, 237; sunscreen, 172

Colic, 74

Comfrey, 246, 277; bruises, 182; interactions, 237; pain relief, 111, 188

Constipation, 145–47, 269

Contraception, 40

Cordyceps, 18, 20, 277; cancer, 99; diet and, 214; immune system, 236; liver, 97

Corn: children and, 75; diet and, 218; hair care, 195

Cough relief, 26–27

Cramp bark, 278; pain relief, 109, 168

Cranberry, 39

Cytochrome P450, 226

Dandelion, 278; urinary tract, 26, 39; women and, 37

Dandruff, 197–99, 269

Dang shen, 245

Danshen, 245, 278; addictions, 29, 138; cardiovascular health, 92; interactions, 235

Decoctions, 241, 256

Dementia, 67–69

Depression, 133–35, 227, 269

Dermatitis, 268; atopic, 119–20; children and, 75–76; contact, 120–22

Devil’s claw, 278; as anti-inflammatory, 21; interactions, 235; osteoarthritis, 66; pain relief, 20, 109, 169

Diabetes, 93–95, 130, 234, 269

Diabetic retinopathy, 63–64

Diaper rash, 75–76, 269

Diarrhea, 25, 147–49, 184, 270

Dietary issues, 207–19, 274

Digestion, 24–26, 78, 139–52, 170–71, 257, 267, 270, 271

Dill, 25

Dong quai, 278; avoiding in pregnancy, 42, 230; interactions, 59, 231, 235, 236; women and, 44

Ear infections, 77, 84–85, 270

Echinacea, 246, 278; allergic reactions to, 115, 238; children and, 84, 231; colds and flu, 81, 119, 159, 169; digestion, 152; immune system, 156, 236; infections, 160, 165; skin, 189; urinary tract, 39

Eclipta, 278; allergic reactions to, 238; hair care, 201

Eczema.
See
Dermatitis

Elderberry, 278; as antimicrobial, 23; as antioxidant, 9; colds and flu, 159, 169; immune system, 236

Eleuthero, 18, 278; diet and, 214; fertility, 52; immune system, 236; interactions, 233, 234, 235

Emergencies, 177–90

Emotions.
See
Psychological and emotional issues

Epimedium, 48

Erectile dysfunction, 50–51

Essential fatty acids, vision and, 64

Eucalyptus, 278; as antimicrobial, 186; asthma, 126; diet and, 212; interactions, 234; lice, 83; pain relief, 111; skin, 189

Evening primrose, 278; cancer, 100; digestion, 152; interactions, 235; osteoporosis, 66; sleep, 55; surgery and, 229; women and, 35

Exercise, 157

Facial care, 204–6, 265–66

Fennel, 278; as antioxidant, 24; children and, 74; colds and flu, 27; digestion, 25, 78, 171; gas, 145

Fenugreek, 278; allergic reactions to, 238; diabetes, 94; digestion, 25, 26, 46; interactions, 234

Fertility.
See
Sexual health and fertility

Feverfew, 279; allergic reactions to, 238; avoiding in pregnancy, 42, 230; chemistry of, 6; headaches, 113; immune system, 102; interactions, 59, 231, 235; pain relief, 20, 169

Fibrocystic breast changes (FCCs), 34–35

Fibromyalgia, 101–2

First aid, 177–90

Flavonoids, 24

Flax, 279; attention disorders, 80, 136; cardiovascular health, 61; children and, 231; digestion, 26, 146, 171; hair care, 200; immune system, 102; interactions, 234, 235, 236; men and, 48; sleep, 55; vision, 64; women and, 32, 45

Flower essences, 11–12

Flu.
See
Colds and flu

Folliculitis, 162

Foods: allergies to, 122–24, 150–51; healing nature of some, 12–13

Fungal infections, 156, 163–65

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), 33

Garcinia, 213, 279

Garlic, 13–14, 180, 242, 279; as antimicrobial, 23; as antioxidant, 24; cardiovascular health, 62, 92; chemistry of, 5; children and, 231; colds and flu, 170; diet and, 218; digestion, 143; hair care, 199, 201; infections, 77, 160; interactions, 59, 231, 235, 236, 237; memory, 68

Gas/flatulence, 25, 144–45, 270

Gentian, 26

Ginger, 14, 279; allergic reactions to, 238; allergies, 123; as antimicrobial, 23; avoiding in pregnancy, 231; cancer, 100; chemistry of, 5; children and, 231; colds and flu, 27, 159, 170; diarrhea, 148; diet and, 218; digestion, 78, 150, 171; immune system, 102; interactions, 59, 234, 235; memory, 68; nausea, 9, 25, 42, 150, 185; osteoarthritis, 67; pain relief, 109

Ginkgo, 242, 279; addictions, 29; asthma, 126; attention disorders, 80, 136; chemistry of, 6; interactions, 59, 231, 235; memory, 69; men and, 51; nausea, 186; stress, 132; surgery and, 229; vision, 64

Ginseng, 94

Glaucoma, 62–63, 64

Goji-berry, 18, 279; cardiovascular health, 92; fertility, 52

Goldenseal, 246, 280; as antimicrobial, 23; avoiding in pregnancy, 230; children and, 231; immune system, 157, 236; infections, 77, 84; inflammatory bowel disease and, 152; interactions, 233; oral care, 176; pain relief, 20; urinary tract, 39

Gotu kola, 280; as antimicrobial, 186; avoiding in pregnancy, 231; Ayurvedic medicine and, 18; facial care, 205; fertility, 41; infections, 163; interactions, 233, 237; skin, 175; ulcers, 144

Grape, 242, 254, 280; allergic reactions to, 238; as antimicrobial, 24; cancer, 100; cardiovascular health, 61; chemistry of, 6; diet and, 219; facial care, 205; immune system, 102; memory, 69; sunscreen, 172; vision, 64

Grapefruit, 280; allergic reactions to, 238; as antioxidant, 24; asthma, 126; diet and, 216; facial care, 265; interactions, 233

Guarana, 280; avoiding for children, 73, 231; avoiding in pregnancy, 42, 230; diet and, 214, 216; interactions, 234; as stimulant, 28

Guggul, 280; acne, 203; cardiovascular health, 61; interactions, 236; osteoarthritis, 67; teenagers and, 85

Gymnema, 280; diabetes, 95; diet and, 213

Hair care, 193–202, 258, 269, 270, 272

Hand washing, 158

Hangovers, 170

Hawthorn, 242, 280; cardiovascular health, 92; chemistry of, 6; interactions, 231, 235, 236, 237; as nervine, 18

Headaches, 31, 111–13, 261, 270

Hemorrhoids, 270

Henna, 196

Hepatitis, 96–97

Herbalists, 247

Herbal medicine: buying and storing of herbs, 240–47; as complement to conventional medicine, 8–15; history and evolution of, 1–8; making own remedies, 253–66; understanding uses of herbs, 249–52; working with professionals, 247–49

Hives, 120, 121–22

Homeopathy, 11

Hops, 281; anxiety, 29, 133; colds and flu, 27; interactions, 233; skin, 121

Hormones, 235–36; in men, 47–48; in women, 31, 47

Horse chestnut, 281; interactions, 234, 235

Horsetail, 281; as antimicrobial, 187; bleeding, 181; hair care, 200

Immune system, 153–66, 268, 270, 271; autoimmune disorders, 100–102; bacterial infections, 155, 161–63; colds and flu symptoms, 157–59; fungal infections, 156, 163–65; viral infections, 156, 159–61

Immunoglobulin E (IgE), 116

Indigo, 196

Infections, 22–23, 268, 271; children and, 77, 81–82, 84–85; women and, 37–39.
See

also
Immune system

Inflammation and injuries, 21, 104–8

Inflammatory bowel disease, 152

Infusions, 194, 198, 241, 255, 256

Insect repellants, 189–90, 271

Interactions, 59, 226, 232–37

Ipecac, 26

Irritable bowel syndrome, 151

Isatis: colds and flu, 159, 169; infections, 160; oral care, 176

Jasmine, 44

Jock itch, 83–84, 163

Jojoba, 195, 281

Juniper, 281; acne, 204; avoiding in pregnancy, 230; diarrhea, 148; digestion, 25; nausea, 185; urinary tract, 39

Kava, 242, 246, 281; anxiety, 29, 133; avoiding in pregnancy, 42, 230; interactions, 233, 237; men and, 51; sleep, 28, 55, 173; women and, 45

Konjac, 281; diabetes, 95; diet and, 212; interactions, 234

Kudzu, 281; addictions, 29, 138; interactions, 234, 235, 236; women and, 45

Lavender, 243, 281; anxiety, 29; burns, 183; children and, 74, 84, 231; digestion, 171; facial care, 265; hair care, 200; headaches, 113; infections, 77, 165; nausea, 150; pain relief, 110; skin, 76; sleep, 28, 174; stress, 132; women and, 44

Lemon balm, 15, 282; anxiety, 29, 79; children and, 231; immune system, 166; infections, 160; interactions, 233; memory, 69; mood, 29, 135; as nervine, 18; sleep, 28, 55, 174; stress, 132

Lemon eucalyptus, 190

Lice, 82–83, 270