posted November 02, 2002 02:01 PM         

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianus)

This plant is native to the Mediterranean and grows wild throughout Europe,
North America and Australia. Milk Thistle has been used in Europe as a remedy
for liver problems for thousands of years. Its use was recorded in the first
century (AD 23-79), noting that the plant was excellent for protecting the
liver. Early Christian tradition dedicated milk thistle to Mary, calling it
Marian
thistle. In the 19th century the Eclectics used the herb for varicose veins,
menstrual difficulty, and congestion in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Milk
thistle has also been taken to increase
breast-milk production, stimulate the secretion of bile, and as a treatment
for depression.

Milk thistle nutritionally supports the liver's ability to maintain normal
liver function. It has shown positive effects in treating nearly every known
form of liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, necroses, and liver
damage due to drug and alcohol abuse. Milk thistle works due to its ability
to inhibit the factors responsible for liver damage, coupled with the fact it
stimulates
production of new liver cells to replace old damaged ones.

Milk thistle has been proven to protect the liver from damage. The
detrimental effects of environmental toxins, alcohol, drugs and chemotherapy
may be countered with this valuable herb.
The active chemical component in the herb is silybin, which functions as an
antioxidant and is one of the most potent liver protective agents known.
Clinical trials have proven silybin to be effective in treating chronic liver
diseases and in protecting the liver from toxic chemicals.
An injection of silybin is a proven antidote for poisoning with the Deathcap
mushroom (Amanita phalloides).

Silybin is a part of the chemical structure of the flavoligan silymarine.
Milk thistle's hepatoprotective effects may be explained by its function of
altering the liver cell membrane structure, blocking the absorption of toxins
into the cells. Hepatoprotection by silymarin can
also be attributed to its ability to increase the intracellular concentration
of glutathione, a substance required for detoxicating reactions in liver
cells. Milk thistle is also an antioxidant that is more potent than vitamins
C and E.

Parts Used: Seeds for powdered or liquid extract.

Common Use: Helps the liver detoxification process. For all liver disorders
such as jaundice and hepatitis. Fights pollutants and prevents free radical
damage by action as antioxidant. Protects the liver and stimulates the
production of new liver cells. Helps common skin conditions related to poor
liver function.

Care: Annual or biennial. Very drought tolerant, self seeds readily. Prefers
sunny position and well drained, dry soil.

--

posted November 02, 2002 10:38 PM         

ginseng- just a little strength and energy booster..

kava kava- once in a while at night I drink it to help relax my mind and body for sleep.

Valerian root, hops, passion flower, catnip, or chamomile- to help me get to sleep quickly!

Cayenne pepper- to keep blood pressure, cholesterol down, to regulate digestive system, keep the heart healthy.

garlic, onions- boost immune system!

ginger- help the food digest better and is supposed to be great for motion sickness

Parsley- great for kidneys and has vitamins

I use aloe vera on my face every night before bed- it is antibacterial, moisturizing without being oily, and a skin softner!

Tea tree oil is great for foot odor or problems that might come with having to wear pantyhose all day and the feet not being able to breathe in leather shoes (grumble grumble)

posted November 03, 2002 12:46 PM         

Jade, please let me know about the eyesight herbs. I have a distance number, and although it's only slight at the moment, I want to get rid of it completely, and I'm not nearly regular enough with my Reiki for it to be effective.

I have a friend who has liver problems. I'm sure she'll be excited about this stuff!

posted November 03, 2002 01:43 PM         

Aquamoon- I have a feeling Jjade will be teaching us about eyebright next?? That is what my grandmother puts into her eyes..

posted November 03, 2002 05:39 PM         

ANSWER: The herbs have been used for Glaucoma or eye are herbs good for the eye.

Ginkgo, Latin Name: Ginkgo Biloba - Good for Glaucoma and other eye problems including circulation

Bilberry/Blueberry Fruit, Latin Name: Vaccinium sp - weak vessels integrity and increased circulation to eyes

Bugleweed, Latin Name: Lycopus virginicus - used for bulging eyes

Elder berries, Latin Named: Sambucus nigra - increase vascular integrity and circulation, increase eyes ability to see

Gou qi zi (Lycium fruit, Wolfberry), Latin Name:Lycium chinensis - spots in eyes, floaters, excessive tearing, poor or cloudy vision, poor night vision and all conditions of the eyes such as degeneration of cateracts, diabetic retinapathy, macular degeneration, peripheral nueropathy, etc.

Chrysanthemum, Latin Name: Chrysanthemum moriflorium - signs associated with eyes: red, painful eyes especially with a lack of tears, light sensitivity, dizziness associated with vision, cloudy vision, etc.

Nu Zhen zi, Shiny Privet, Ligustrum fruit, Latin Named: Ligustrum lucidum - Eye problems such as cataracts, retinitis, macular degeneration, poor night vision, dry, irritated, red eyes, etc.

Calendula, Pot Marigold, Latin Name: Calendula officinalis - Great for the eyes, Rich in flavanoids such as carotinoids especially luten which is specific to eyes. Increases integrity of veins, arteries and capillaries.

Supplements suggested for eyes and Glaucoma include:

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Beta Carotene
Mixed Carotinods
Magnesium
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Bilberry/Blueberry

In your diet choose and eat your foods by color the Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet these colors help with health.

This article was download from www.Healthwell.com.

Glaucoma

The term glaucoma describes a group of eye conditions that are usually associated with increased intraocular pressure (pressure within the eyeball). This increase in pressure can ultimately cause blindness if left untreated. In many cases, the cause of glaucoma is unknown. Because glaucoma may not cause any symptoms until it has reached an advanced and irreversible stage, regular eye exams are recommended, especially after the age of forty. Conventional medications are frequently effective in reducing intraocular pressure. Therefore, it is important for people with glaucoma to be under the care of an ophthalmologist.

Dietary changes that may be helpful: At least two older reports claimed that allergy can be a triggering factor for glaucoma.1 2 Although an association between allergy and glaucoma is not generally accepted in conventional medicine, it seems reasonable for someone with glaucoma to consult a physician to diagnose and treat possible allergies.

Nutritional supplements and other natural therapies that may be helpful: Several studies have shown that supplementing with vitamin C can significantly reduce elevated intraocular pressure in individuals with glaucoma.3 These studies used at least 2 grams per day of vitamin C, but sometimes much larger amounts were given. Higher quantities of vitamin C appeared to be more effective than smaller amounts.

Doctors often suggest that people with glaucoma take vitamin C to “bowel tolerance.”4 The bowel-tolerance level is determined by progressively increasing vitamin C intake until loose stools or abdominal pain occurs, and then reducing the amount slightly, to a level that does not cause these symptoms. The bowel-tolerance level varies considerably from person to person, usually ranging from about 5 to 20 or more grams per day. Vitamin C does not cure glaucoma and must be used continually to maintain a reduction in intraocular pressure.

Many years ago, the flavonoid rutin was reported to increase the effectiveness of conventional medication in people with glaucoma.5 The amount used—20 mg three times per day—was quite moderate. Seventeen of 26 eyes with glaucoma showed clear improvement. The effects of rutin or other flavonoids in people with glaucoma have apparently not been studied since.

Supplementing with 0.5 mg of melatonin lowered intraocular pressure of healthy people,6 but there have been no studies on the effects of melatonin in people with glaucoma.

Magnesium can act as a dilator of blood vessels. One study looked at whether magnesium might improve vision in people with glaucoma by enhancing blood flow to the eyes. In that trial, people were given 245 mg of magnesium per day. Improvement in vision was noted after four weeks, but the change did not quite reach statistical significance.7

There is some evidence that alpha lipoic acid, taken in the amount of 150 mg per day for one month, improves visual function in people with stage I or stage II open-angle glaucoma.8

Surveys have shown that Eskimos, who consume large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, have a much lower incidence of open-angle glaucoma than do Caucasians. Although there have been no studies on the use of omega-3 fatty acids in glaucoma, supplementing with cod-liver oil (a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids) reduced intraocular pressure in animals.9

MORE ON GLAUCOMA
QUESTION: I have normal tension glaucoma and am always on the lookout for remedies without harmful side effects. I have read that an eyewash made from coleus forskohlii can lower intraocular pressure without causing harm. Do you know how I can obtain the eyewash or make it myself?

ANSWER: COLEUS, Coleus forskohlii Latin Named: Plectranthus barbatus

An aromatic perennial with tuberlike roots and an erect stem reaching 2 feet. Native to India, Coleus grows on the dry slopes of the Indian plains and in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Native to India, Coleus is used in Indian folk medicine rather than within the Ayurvedic tradition and is a traditional digestive remedy. It shot to fame in Western medical circles when one of its constituents, forskolin, was first isolated in the
1970s. Research by an Indian/German company showed that forskolin was a powerful medicine for various conditions, including heart failure, glaucoma and bronchial asthma. It also exhibited non specific spasmolytic activity on smooth muscle of gastrointestinal tract in guinea pig. Topical ocular application of forskolin lowered intra ocular pressure in rabbits, monkeys and humans.

Coleus is used in treatments to relieve glaucoma pressure within the eye. It has been reported is several studies to lower the intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Forskohliin was an experiment eye drop found to reduce eye pressure. It was abandoned because the eye drops produced a milky covering over the eye.
This side affect is eliminated by taking the herb orally as a tea, extract or pill.

Preparation: Decoction of root, make a decoction with 15 g root and 500 ml water. Drink in small doses over 2 days. Infusion of leaves to relieve gas and bloating, drink
1 cup twice a day.

ROSACEA AND EYE PROBLEMS
QUESTION:
I have rosacea and have eye problem. I read that taking Oregon Grape Root will help relieve the problems with my eyes. My eyes often burn and I lose my eye lashes. It is supposed to also be good for the skin. I flush mostly with heat but also with alcool and spicy food which I avoid completely.

Can you help me with any more information on this herb, the quantity I should take daily, and the counter indication, if any.

If you know of any other herb that would help my problem, please let me know.

Thank you in advance.

ANSWER: Oregon Grape Root, Latin Name: Mahonia aquafolium is a great alterative herb, helping the body to eliminate wastes and good for liver insufficiency, it is a strongly bitter herb with a active constituent called berberine. Berberine acts as broad spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral agents. It is an herb suggested for skin problems associated with congested liver problems.

Herbs associated with Rosacea include:

Figwort, Latin Name: Sacrophularia nodosa / S. marylandica

Red Alder/Tag Alder, Latin Name: Alnus rubra/Alnus serrulata

Gotu kola, Latin Name: Centella asiatica

CONJUNCTIVITIS
QUESTION: I have had congunctivitus for over ten years. I have tried everything. I had to give up my contacts after 20 years and go to glasses. I work outside in Arizona and glasses don't work too well. Is there anything you could suggest that could cure or help me with this chronic condition?

ANSWER: Conjunctivitis may also be called "pinkeye," because it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that covers the eyeball.

The eye may appear bloodshot, have crusty discharge and scratchy feeling like something is in the eye.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by viral and bacterial infection such as germs which cause the common cold and the Herpes virus, allergies, environmental
polutants/irritants such as smoke or chemicals such as chlorine or contact lens solution, or injuries to the eye.

Herbal teas/tinctures traditionally used have been applied to the eyes directly, or in compress or poultice form. Note: dilute alcohol based tincures with saline water and thoroughtly strain any preparations to be used in the eye, because particulates can irritate the eye and if absolute sterility is not assured,
further serious infection may occur.

Dr Christopher suggests a Cayenne Pepper eyewash preparation he sells, I have never tried it.

The herbs Barberry, Oregon Grape and Goldenseal contain
berberine, a substance with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. A pharmaceutical preparation is made based on berberine, that is routinely used in Germany for conjunctivitis.

The herb calendula has anti-inflammatory and
antiseptic characteristics and the orange carotenoids are specific to eye health.

Chamomile has also been used to soothe conjunctivitis symptoms and is antiinflammatory.

It is suggested that those who suffer from chronic conjunctivitis have a Vitamin A deficiency, but this does not substantiate its use to treat or prevent the condition.

Bee Propolis has also been used for this condition.

Finally I would increase water intake to upwards a gallon a day (try to get a ounce for each body pound you way).

Use vitamin C 5-10 grams or to bowel tolerance.
Bilberry and Blueberry are specific to eye health.

Finally George O. Dever, a holistic eye doctor from Seattle did a lecture at American Herbalist Guild conference 1999 and spoke on herbal and alternative approaches to eye treatment.

You may want to get the proceedings from this conference

RETINOPATHY
QUESTION: I have a dear friend, 68 with adult onset diabetes and a history of cancer who has been told that she is developing glaucoma and retinopathy. She has asked me what herbal protocols might halt the advance of this disease state. I immediately thought of Yarrow to assist in shrinking the cappilarries near and around the eyes (along with many other healing benefits) but I would like to know what other herbal/nutritional protocols that you can advise. I will help her to sort through the information and get her anything necessary if I have not made the particular medicine myself.

ANSWER: Eye problems are a major problem for the elderly and especially those with diabetes. For diabetics control of sugar levels is critical, adult onset can usually be corrected with weight loss and exercise. These supplements have been associated with improvements to eye conditions

Lipoic acid

Vitamin E

Vitamin C

OPC's

Bilberry or blueberry

Ginkgo

There is a download off The Natural Pharmacist Website, http://www.tnp.com which has a lot of detail about retinopathy and diabetes which is recommended.

This is from the site I gave earlier where you can ask the Hebalist a question or look through frequently asked questions there is usually an answer for what you are looking for Love Jade

posted November 03, 2002 11:36 PM         

I do not know the antioxidant that you mentioned, but I do drink green tea after meals so that and I can some antioxidant action for all the oxidising food!

Well I'll be real honest with you- I have been drinking the cayenne pepper in water or a mixture of low sodium V8 and water for almost a year now, and I have also recently started drinking either chlorella or kelp with some psyllium husk powder, and about a month ago I started drinking the vinegar and I can't tell if the good effects are everything all combined or the vinegar, or maybe it doesn't do anything and it's only the cayenne and kelp! But no, I have actually felt an increase in energy and almost as the drinking the vinegar makes me not crave so many odd things which in turn means I eat less? But I do like it and plan on continuing! Thanks for asking..
tomorrow: herbs that lift the mood!

posted November 05, 2002 01:11 AM         

basil

lavendar (as in aromatherapy)

lemon balm (also good for high blood pressure)

lemongrass (the tea is used in Indonesia and Malaysia to combat depression and bad moods)

St. JOhn's Wort (be careful and do not take if you take birth control pills as this effects the metabolism of the pill and can render it inactive)

And now a little about chives:
Did you know chives have the same good properties of onions and garlic with less crying involved in the preparation, haha? Yes they do! They are so easy to grow (require very little attention and water) and snipped raw on pretty much any food (salads, veggies, chicken, fish, soup, etc.) they add nice flavor. Don't cook them so they retain their good flavor and properties. You may even find yourself using less salt after you try chives!