Feverfew

• Actions: Anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, anti-pyretic, antispasmodic, bitter

• Medicinal Uses: Prophylaxis and treatment of migraine. Cough, colds, febrile diseases, nervous debility, worm infestation, dyspepsia.

• Side effects: low-medium

• Doses: 50-200 mg/day tincture 5-20 drops

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity

• Sesquiterpene lactons: parthenolide, (and derivatives) canin, balchanin, volatile oils, flavonols.

• Extracts inhibit the release of serotonin from platelets

• Inhibits platelet aggregation

• Inhibits arachidonic acid pathway, (prostaglandins and leukotrienes)

• Inhibits release of granule contents from white blood cells

• Contraindicated in pregnancy, inflammation of oral mucosa (ulceration)

Herb –Drug Interaction

• None documented

• potential antithrombic effects

• Potential interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Gingko

Names : Gingko Biloba, Maidenhair-Tree

Parts used : Leaves. In oriental herbalism the seed kernel is used extensively.

Constituents :

•Lignans, especially the ginkgolides.

•Miscellaneous: terpenes, tannins.

•Flavonoids, mainly flavone glycosides including ginkgetin, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives.

Actions : Anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, relaxant, digestive bitter, uterine stimulant.

Indications:

Traditionally known as an anti-microbial & anti-tubercular agent, new research has shown a profound activity on brain function and cerebral circulation.

Clinically it is proving effective in a range of vascular disorders.

Ginkgo has been suggested in the following conditions:

• vertigo, tinnitus, inner ear disturbances including partial deafness

• diminished sight and hearing ability due to vascular insufficiency

• impairment of memory and ability to concentrate

• diminished intellectual capacity and alertness as a result of insufficient circulation

• anxiety, depression, neurological disorders, dementia, Alzheimer's disease.

• complications of stroke and skull injuries

• intermittent claudication as a result of arterial obstruction

• a sensitivity to cold and pallor in the toes due to peripheral circulatory insufficiency

• Raynauds disease, cerebral vascular and nutritional insufficiency

• hormonal and neural based disorders as well as angiopathic trophic disorders

• arterial circulatory disturbances due to aging, diabetes and nicotine abuse

• sclerosis of cerebral arteries with and without mental manifestations

• arteriosclerotic angiopathy of lower limbs, diabetic tissue damage with danger of gangrene

• circulatory disorders of the skin, as well as ulcerations caused by ischaemia.

Precautions and dosage:

Few, if any side effects have been documentedGastric disturbance , headache and allergic skin reaction observed after prolonged administration.

Dosage:Typical daily dose is 120-160mg. Available in capsules 40,60 or 120 mg of a concentrated (50:1) leaf extract. Tincture: 1-2 ml.

Gotu Kola

Names: Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) , Brahmi, Indian Pennywort, Chi-hsueh, Ts’ao

Parts used: The entire plant is used medicinally.

Constituents: triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, madasiatic acid, terpene acetate, camphor,cineol, glycerides,fatty acids, various plant sterols and polyacetylene compounds.

Actions:

Wound Healing (topically applied)

Anti-Scarring agent (topically applied)

Circulation improvements

Memory improvements

Antipyretic (fever reduction, antimicrobial)

Varicose veins, vein tone

Anti-stress

Chronic hepatic disorders

Indications:Gotu Kola helps to combat stress, improve reflexes, beneficial effect on circulation and increase mental and physical power. In Ayurveda Gotu kola is one of the chief herbs for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells. Oriental healers relied on gotu kola to treat emotional disorders such as depression that may be rooted in physical problems.

Gotu Kola is used for high blood pressure, senility, aging, and to help the body protect itself against toxins. It improves blood flow while strengthening the veins and capillaries. As a mild diuretic can help to shrink swollen membranes and aid in the elimination of excess of fluid. Additionally it is very useful for people who are inactive or confined to bed due to illness.

Gotu kola reduces scarring when applied during inflammatory period of the wound. It is also very effective with burns if applied immediately after the accident. Intramuscular injection with local application to the effected area prevent infection and scar formation

Precautions and dosage:

No health hazards or side effects known in conjunction with the proper administration. The fresh plant may have a low potential for skin irritation.

Dosage:Typical daily dose is 0.6 gm of dried leaves. Available in capsules 10mg concentrated extract (3-6 times daily). Tincture: 1-2 ml.

Herbs used in depression:

Mugwort (Artemissa vulgaris)California Poppy (Eschscholtzia californica)St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)Basil (Ocimum basilicum)Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)Kava-kava (Piper methysticum)

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Names: Klamath Weed, Amber, Touch-and-Heal, Rosin Rose,Tipton Weed.

Parts used: whole plant

Constituents: naphtodiathrones; hypericin, pseudohypericin, protohypericin, and cyclopseudohypericin, phloroglucinol derivative; hyperforin flavonoids; catechin, quercetin, rutin, biapigenin, and hyperin tannins and essential oils

Properties: anti-inflammatory, bittersweet, cooling, astringent, nervine, anti-microbial

Medicinal use: anxiety, nervous tension, (mild sedative), menopausal disturbances, PMS, inflammation of the skin, wounds and burns.

The antidepressive effect mainly due to serotonin reuptake inhibition.

St. John’s Wort

• Actions: Antiviral, nervine, antidepressant, antiseptic

• Medicinal Uses: treatment for mild to moderate depression, neuralgia , sciatica, muscular rheumatism, menopausal anxiety, bruises, shingles

• Side effects: low

• Doses: 300 mg std ext 0.3% hypericin 3xd 3-6 ml liquid ext

Herb-Drug Interaction• St. John's wort may interact with oral contraceptives• protease inhibitors (such as indinavir and ritonavir

, which are used to treat HIV infection• MAOIs and other antidepressants• immunosuppressant cyclosporine • Cardiac glycosides digoxin • iron supplements• the anticoagulant warfarin