Herbal Medicine

Bitter Almond and Laetrile
by MedlinePlus
The almond is closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry (all classified as drupes). Unlike the others, however, the outer layer of the almond is not edible. The edible portion of the almond is the seed.

Clove (Eugenia aromatica) and Clove Oil (Eugenol)
by MedlinePlus
Clove is widely cultivated in Indonesia, Sri-Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania and Brazil. It is used in limited amounts in food products as a fragrant, flavoring agent, and antiseptic. Clinical trials assessing monotherapy of clove are limited

Elder : Scientific and Traditional Uses
by MedlinePlus
Several species of Sambucus produce elderberries. Most research and publications refer to Sambucus nigra . Other species with similar chemical components include the American elder or common elder ( Sambucus canadensis ), antelope brush

Copper: Scientific and Traditional Uses
by MedlinePlus
Copper is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods, including vegetables, legumes, nuts, grains and fruits, as well as shellfish, avocado, and beef (organs such as liver). Because copper is found in the earth's crust, most of the world's surface

Goldenseal, Berberine
by MedlinePlus
Goldenseal is one of the five top-selling herbal products in the United States. However, there is little scientific evidence about its safety or effectiveness. Goldenseal can be found in dietary supplements, eardrops, feminine cleansing products, cold

Aloe (Aloe vera)
by MedlinePlus
Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions.

Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza) : Scientific and Traditional Uses
by MedlinePlus
Danshen ( Salvia miltiorrhiza ) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), often in combination with other herbs. Remedies containing danshen are used traditionally to treat a diversity of ailments, particularly cardiac (heart) and vascular

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
by MedlinePlus
Astragalus products are derived from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus or related species, which are native to China. In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is commonly found in mixtures with other herbs, and is used in the treatment of numerous

Arginine (L-Arginine)
by MedlinePlus
L-arginine was first isolated in 1886. In 1932, L-arginine was found to be required for the generation of urea, which is necessary for the removal of toxic ammonia from the body.

St. John's Wort : Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort) have been recommended traditionally for a wide range of medical conditions. The most common modern-day use of St. John's wort is the treatment of depression.

Peppermint Oil
by MedlinePlus
Peppermint is a perennial flowering plant that grows throughout Europe and North America. Peppermint is widely cultivated for its fragrant oil, which is obtained through steam distillation of the fresh above-ground parts of the plant. Peppermint oil

Oleander
by MedlinePlus
The term oleander refers to two plant species, Nerium oleander (common oleander) and Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander), which grow in temperate climates throughout the world. Both species contain chemicals called cardiac glycosides that have effects

Hoxsey Formula
by MedlinePlus
Hoxsey formula is a misleading name, because it is not a single formula, but rather is a therapeutic regimen consisting of an oral tonic, topical (on the skin) preparations, and supportive therapy.

Lycopene Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Lycopene is a carotenoid, and is present in human serum, liver, adrenal glands, lungs, prostate, colon, and skin at higher levels than other carotenoids. Lycopene has been found to possess antioxidant and antiproliferative properties in animal

Biotin (vitamin H)
by MedlinePlus
Biotin is an essential water-soluble B vitamin. Biotin is required by the body in order for four specific enzymes to function in metabolism: propionyl coenzyme A carboxylase (PCC), pyruvate carboxylase (PC), beta-methylcrotonyl coenzyme A carboxylase

From Magic to Medicine
The New Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide to Natures Best Medicines
by Michael Castleman
Just what is a healing herb? The word herb comes from the Latin for grass. Technically, herbs are plants that wither each autumn, plants other than shrubs or trees. But many woody perennials are used in herbal healing, such as slippery elm, tea tree

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna L. or Royle ex Lindl)
by MedlinePlus
Belladonna is an herb that has been used for centuries for a variety of indications, including headache, menstrual symptoms, peptic ulcer disease, inflammation, and motion sickness.

Depression: Herbal Alternative?
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
For severe depressive episodes, medications are often the first step because of the relatively quick relief they can bring to physical symptoms. For the long term, however, psychotherapy may be needed to address certain aspects of the illness that drugs

Ginkgo Biloba: An Ancient Tonic for Health and Longevity
Gingko Biloba: An Herbal Foundation of Youth For Your Brain
by Glenn S. Rothfeld, M.D, M.Ac., Suzanne LeVert
Do you want to improve your concentration? Boost your energy? Fight aging? Ginkgo biloba, an extract from the oldest tree in the world, can increase your brain function and offer a wide range of benefits - from better sexual performance to higher test

Sweet Almond
by MedlinePlus
The almond is closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry (all classified as drupes). Unlike the others, however, the outer layer of the almond is not edible. The edible portion of the almond is the seed.