Herbal Medicine

Iodine : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Iodine is an element (atomic number 53) which is required by humans for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine/T3 and thyroxine/T4). Chronic iodine deficiency can lead to numerous health problems in children and adults, including thyroid

Tea Tree Oil : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil is purported to have antiseptic properties, and has been used traditionally to prevent and treat infections.

Ginger : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
The rhizomes (underground stem) and stems of ginger have assumed significant roles in Chinese, Japanese and Indian medicine since the 1500s. The oleoresin of ginger is often contained in digestive, antitussive, antiflatulent, laxative, and antacid

Your Beauty-Wellness Test

Are You Primarily Yin, Yang, or Yin/Yang? Now that I've provided you with a wealth of new information about health and beauty in the Chinese tradition, it's time to discover how to put these principles to use.

Turmeric and Curcumin : Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
The rhizome (root) of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat gastrointestinal upset, arthritic pain, and 'low energy.' Laboratory and animal research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

Selenium : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. It is an essential element in several metabolic pathways, including the glutathione-peroxidase pathway. Selenium appears to promote antioxidant activity in the body via glutathione

Ginseng : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
The term ginseng refers to several species of the genus Panax . For more than two thousand years, the roots of this slow-growing plant have been valued in Chinese medicine. The two most commonly used species are Asian ginseng ( Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer)

Red Yeast Rice : Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Red yeast rice (RYR) is the product of yeast ( Monascus purpureus ) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It contains several compounds collectively known as Monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol

Licorice and DGL : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Licorice is harvested from the root and dried rhizomes of the low-growing shrub Glycyrrhiza glabra. Currently, most licorice is produced in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. Licorice was used in ancient Greece, China, and Egypt, primarily for gastritis and ailmen

Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil : Dosing and Safety
by MedlinePlus
Flaxseed oil should be kept refrigerated in an opaque (non-transparent) bottle, since its chemical parts may break down if exposed to light, oxygen, or heat. Whole flaxseed can be stored for up to one year in a dry location.

Marshmallow Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Both marshmallow ( Althaea officinalis ) leaf and root are used in commercial preparations. Herbal formulations are made from either the dried root or leaf (unpeeled or peeled). The actual mucilaginous content of the commercial product may vary according

The Attitude of Radiant Health
The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs
by Ron Teeguarden
One of the great secrets of a long, satisfying, and happy life, according to Eastern wisdom, is to focus on health instead of disease. This is the psychological basis of the art of radiant health. Develop the attitude of radiant health, and radiant health

Red Clover : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Red clover is a legume, which like soy contains phytoestrogens (plant-based chemicals that are similar to estrogen, and may act in the body like estrogen or may actually block the effects of estrogen). Red clover was traditionally used to treat asthma

Understanding and Using Herbal Medicines
The Complete Guide To Herbal Medicines
by Charles W. Fetrow, Pharm.D., Juan R. Avila, Pharm.D.
Most people are familiar with herbs as foods — for example, basil and oregano in sauces, parsley as a garnish. However, for thousands of years many cultures around the world have used herbs and plants not just to eat but to treat illness.

Hops : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
A hop is a member of the Cannabacea family, traditionally used for relaxation, sedation, and to treat insomnia. A number of methodologically weak human trials have investigated hops in combination withvalerian (Valeriana officinalis) for the treatment

Horse Chestnut : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) is widely used in Europe for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a syndrome that may include leg swelling, varicose veins, leg pain, itching, and skin ulcers.

Propolis : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Propolis is a natural resin created by bees, used in the construction of hives. Propolis is produced from the buds of conifer and poplar tress, in combination with beeswax and other bee secretions. Historically, propolis was used in Greece to treat

Before You Begin this Book
Earl Mindell's New Herb Bible
by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
According to a recent survey, one-third of all Americans today use herbal supplements and related products. Once relegated to a small shelf in the back of the store, herbs now account for about 25 percent of all sales in natural food stores.

Introduction
Corrine T. Netzer's Big Book of Miracle Cures
by Corinne T. Netzer
Almost everyone would like to be healthier and take steps to prevent serious diseases such as cancer, heart failure, arthritis. The question is how? We live in a world where there are many choices but few concrete answers.

Astragalus : Dosing and Safety
by MedlinePlus
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven.