Holy Basil

Holy Basil is known as ‘Queen of Herbs’ in India and has been used medicinally and grown there for over 3,000 years. Holy Basil is a powerful panacea and herbal medicine that is often employed to promote longevity due to its action on mood and to encourage energy and vitality. Ayurvedic medicine considers Holy Basil an ‘elixir of life’. It is a tonic for the body, mind and spirit.

Common Name: Holy Basil, Tulsi

Latin Binomial: Ocimum tenuiflorum

Part Used: Leaf

Qualities:

A herbal medicine for those who feel helpless and without hope, especially due to illness or chronic conditions.

Constituents:

• Ocimumoside A and B (antioxidant and adaptogenic activity plus central monoamine and HPA-axis modulation)
• Volitile oils
• Phenolics
• Flavonoids
• Neolignans
• Terpenoids
• Fatty acid derivatives

Seeds contain mucilage, pollysaccharides, and beta-sitosterol

Actions:

• Adaptogen
• Anxiolytic
• Antidepressant
• Antioxidant
• Anticancer
• Chemopreventative
• Antifungal
• Antidiabetic
• Antimicrobial
• Cardioprotective
• Hepatoprotective
• Hypolipidaemia
• Immunomodulator
• Neuroprotective

Indications:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Stress and fatigue
• Immune dysfunction associated with stress or chronic illness
• Sleep issues
• Poor memory and cognition
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Can increase mental clarity and improve cognitive function
• Convalescence
• Enhances mood and motivation – may help shift perspective towards wellness and restore hope during illness
• Metabolic conditions – e.g. diabetes, insulin resistance, diabetes
• Fungal infections
• Cancer prevention
• Cardiac disease
• Hepatic disease/steatosis
• Peptic Ulcers
• Cancer adjunct to radiotherapy

Traditionally: Used for many ailments (as a panacea) such as common colds, bronchitis, fever, headaches, fatigue, inflammation, skin conditions, heart disease, poisoning and malaria.

Contraindications:

Not recommended to use Holy Basil in either pregnancy or lactation due to a lack of evidence regarding its safety in these areas.

Holy Basil may act as a male contraceptive in large doses.

Interactions:

Caution with coprescription with other medications that are metabolised via cytochrome P450 enzymes as Holy Basil has been shown (in vitro) to modulate these enzymes (theoretical).

Dosage:

1:2 LE 20 – 50ml weekly

TREATMENT TIME FRAMES: It may take two months to see full effect when using as adaptogen for stress, anxiety or depression

Combinations:

Combine with Horopito for fungal infections

References & Articles:

tulsi-a-herb-for-all-reasonsDownload

2018-a-review-on-phytochemical-and-pharmacological-properties-of-holy-basilDownload

Petasites

Found in wet, damp, marshy ground, near water.  Used throughout history to treat fevers, the plague and skin wounds. It is found in Europe and in some parts of Asia and North America.

The name Butterbur apparently comes from the fact that its large leaves were used to wrap fresh butter in the cellars of American pioneer farms.

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Botanial Name: Petasites hybridus 

Common Names: Butterbur, Blatterdock, Bog Rhubarb, Butter-dock, Sweet Coltsfoot

Family: Asteraceae (Senecioneae)

Part Used: Rhizomes, roots and leaves can be used; roots have stronger antispasmodic effects. In Japan it is used as a vegetable, with the young shoots being used for this purpose.  Leaves are collected during time of growth.

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Qualities:

The large leaves of Petasites love moisture

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Emotional/Energetics: 

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Constituents:

• Petasin
  • reduce spasms in smooth muscle and vascular walls
  • Inhibit leukotriene synthesis 
• Isopetasin 
  • Positive impact on prostaglandin synthesis 
• Volatile oil
• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (highest in stalks and lowest in the leaves)

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Actions:

• Antispasmodic
• Anodyne
• Anti-inflammatory
• Neuroprotective
• Cardiotonic (traditional)
• Diaphoretic (Hoffman)
• Diuretic (Hoffman)

Additional observations:

• May improve lung ventilation
• Possible impact on normalising blood lipids
• Possible support of antioxidant pathways in liver – glutathione reductase, peroxidase and transferases 
• May reduce vasoconstriction via blocking calcium-gated channels in vasculature
• Noted to induce formation of peptidoleukotrienes released from macrophages
• May also reduce release of histamine and leukotrienes from mast cells

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Indications:

• Chronic asthma (antispasmodic)
• Chronic cough
• Chronic obstructive bronchitis
• Allergic airway disease
• Migraine prevention
• Prevention of gastric ulcers
• Irritable bladder
• Urinary tract spasm relief 
• Kidney stone disorders
• Obstruction of bile flow
• Intestinal colic
• Menstrual cramping / dysmennorhoea
• Allergic hyperactivity
• Specific: smooth muscle spasm and ‘difficult types of pain’ – e.g. terminal cancer / bone metastasis (Weiss); may reduce the need for other pharmaceutical sedatives / anodynes

COMMISSION E (leaves) – Nervous, cramp-like states, pain, colic, headaches and as an appetite stimulant; supportive therapy for spastic pain in the urinary tract.

Seems specific for pain of the vasculature – smooth muscle spasms in hollow organs – e.g. bronchi, uterus, bladder.

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Safety – Cautions & Contraindications:

In rats – reduction in testosterone production; unknown if this is relevant to humans 

Alkaloids may be toxic to liver and carcinogenic in animals, therefore adhere to low doses

Possible interaction with pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory agents.

CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY & LACTATION

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Dose:

Migraine prevention – daily dose 4 to 6 months, then see if dose frequency can be reduced.  If migraines return, step up dose slightly.

Infusion: 1 teaspoon or root in 1 cup water – bring to boil and simmer 10-15 minutes.  Drink 3 x day.

USE LEAVES EXTERNALLY AS A WOUND DRESSING

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Combinations:

MIGRAINES: Feverfew, Turmeric and St. John’s Wort

VASCULAR INFLAMMATION: Horsechestnut, Angelica and Dan Shen

ACUTE SPASTIC COUGH: Thyme, Fennel

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References:

Hoffman, D. (1990). Holistic Herbal.

Oliff, H. (2002). Butterbur Monograph. HerbClip. American Botanical Council

Stansbury, J. (2012). Petasites for pain and inflammation. Naturopathic Doctor News and Review.

Grape Seed Extract

Botanical Name: Vitis vinifera

Common name: Grape Seed Extract

Family: Vitaceae

Parts Used: 

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Active Constituents: 

• Proanthocyanidins
• Hydrolyzable tannins

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Actions: 

• Antioxidant
• Increases capillary resistance
• Collagen stabiliser
• Hypocholesterolamic
• Antiatherogenic
• Anti inflammatory
• Cognition enhancer, neuroprotective

Both very similar chemically & clinically
Classic antioxidant
Pinus pinasta reduces NF-kb expression
Vitis vinifera may also be a connective tissue tonic

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Indications: 

• Capillary disorders – fragility
• Oedemas
• Venous insufficiency
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• PMS (venolymphatic problems)
• Following radiation therapy
• Prevention of CV disease and hypercholesterolaemia
• Cofactor for Vit C intake
• Stabilize connective tissue tone – also fractures
• Antiallergic esp rhinitis
• Cancer protective esp breast

Cardiovascular risk
Oxidative stress in connective tissue (e.g. CT inflammatory diseases
Reactive immune mediated inflammation including allergic reactions

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Contraindications: 

In cancer only use where there is no longer any risk of metastases as may stimulate circulation and spread of metastases

Cautions: 

Tannins – take away from nutrients

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Dosage:

Fluid extract 1:1 20-40 ml per week

Tablet equiv to dry seed 6g 1-2 per day (standardised to 40-60 mg procyanidins)

50 – 100mg per day of red wine??

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References & Links to Articles:

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Ginkgo

 

Dating back at least 200 million years, Ginkgo has likely been extinct in the wild for centuries, but survived in Far Eastern temple gardens.

This deciduous denier, with separate male and female plants, was introduced into Europe in 1730. It’s potent cardiovascular system actions have made this herb popular in western herbal medicine.

Protection for nerves and cells of the body.

Leaves look similar to the two lobes of the brain and two lobes of the lung… This herb is indicted for both of these organs (AntiPAF in Asthma/allergies).

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Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba

Common name: Ginkgo, Maidenhair tree

Family: Ginkgoaceae

Parts Used: Leaf – traditionally also the nut was used

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Active Constituents: 

• Flavonoids
• Ginkgo flavone glycosides (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetine, proanthocyanidins)
• Several triterpene lactones
• Gingkolide A,B,C, J, M, ginkgolides and bilobalide
• Ginkgolic acids

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Qualities: Sweet, Bitter, Neutral, Dry & Astringent

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“Significant improvement in mental states, emotional liability, memory and tendency to tire easily have been reported…” –Rudolf Weiss, 1985

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Actions: 

• Antioxidant
• Vasodilator
• Anti-inflammatory
• Platelet-aggregating factor inhibitor (PAF)
• Circulatory stimulant
• Tissue perfusion enhancing
• Vascular Tonic
• Cognition enhancing
• Neuroprotective

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Indications: 

• Dementia / mild to moderate cognitive impairment (Cochrane)
• MS (RCT)
• Cerebral insufficiency
• Alzheimer’s
• Parkinson’s
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Intermittent claudication
• Chilblains
• Raynaud’s syndrome
• Haemorrhoids
• Macular degeneration
• Prevent complications of diabetes, e.g. diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy etc.
• Erectile dysfunction or SSRI induced sexual dysfunction
• Vertigo, tinnitus, prevention of altitude sickness
• Allergies, asthma (anti PAF)
• Congestive dysmenorrhoea & PMS ( esp. breast symptoms)
• Vitiligo
• Alopecia – via the TNF-a pathway
• Reduce breast tenderness before menstrual cycles.

METAL ACCUITY & IMPROVES AWARENESS – Antioxidant and cerebral circulation booster. 

Support bone health? Use as a osteoblastogenesis enhancer.

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Contraindications: none known

Cautions: 

 

Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, palpitations, restlessness, weakness, bleeding or skin rashes. **These may be dose dependant and are rare**

DO NOT exceed stated dose of seeds – can lead to skin disorders & headaches. Cases of contact dermatitis with fruit pulp have been recorded but this part of plant is NOT used medicinally.

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Dosage: 

Liquid Extract: 21-28ml of the standardised (2:1) Tablet: 35:1 to 67:1 (usually 50:1).

• –  standardised to 22–27% flavone glycosides, 5–7% terpenes lactones (2.8–3.4% ginkgolides A, B and C, and 2.6–3.2% bilobalide)
• –  4-12 weeks is recommended in chronic conditions

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Combinations: 

• Panax, Bacopa – cognition
• Lime flower for circulatory disorders (Ody)

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OTHER USES:

• INFUSION: Make with 50g dried leaves to 500ml water. Take as drink or use as a wash for haemorrhoids or varicose ulcers
• SEED DECOCTION: Combine with herbs such as elecampane or mulberry leaves for asthma and severe or persistent coughs – 3 to 4 seeds are enough for three doses

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References & Links to Articles:

Ody, Penelope (1998). The Herb Society’s Complete Medicinal Herbal. Milan: Dorling Kindersley

 

Withania

A mainstay for managing high cortisol yet at the same time, improving “stores” of vitality.  

In Ayurvedic medicine it is known as a rejuvenating botanical; improving the body’s ability to maintain physical effort and help the body adapt to various types of stress.  Withania is reputed to impart the vigour and strength of a stallion.  

It is also a key herb for adrenal and sexual health, by supporting healthy testosterone levels and DHEA levels.

The species name; ‘somnifera’, comes from the herb’s use as a sleep aid and sedative. 

Ashwagandha is one of the rasayana herbs in Ayurveda — one of the herbs that purportedly promotes youth and longevity and alleviates suffering. 

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Botanical Name: Withania somnifera

Common name: Withania, Ashwaganda, Winter Cherry, Indian ginseng

Family: Solanaceae

Parts Used: Root (leaves and berries are also used)

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Active Constituents: 

• Alkaloids
• Steroidal lactones (withanolides and withaferins, sitoindosides)
• Iron; not enough to restore but to provide tonic to decrease fatigue
• Amino acids — improve brain function/neurotransmitter support

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Qualities:

Bitter, sweet, warm and relaxing

Phase of Life & Emotional Connections: Fulfilment. Tonic for the nerves and brain.

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Actions: 

• Adaptogen
• Tonic
• Nervine
• Mild sedative (on an unregulated nervous system)
• Nervous system tonic
• Neuroprotective
• Blood tonic / antianaemic
• Antitumour
• Antiinflammatory
• Immune modulating
• Thyroid modulating – appears to improve T4 conversion to T3 
• Antiarrhythmic (Hechtman, 2012)
• Aphrodisiac
• Chondroprotective
• Hepatic
• Antistress – via modulation of GABA and a reduction in plasma corticosterone levels

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 Indications: 

• Stress (physical and emotional stress)
• Anxiety
• Debility / convalescence (especially immune deficient/depleted individuals as an immune adaptogen)
• Post viral syndrome and fatigue
• Insomnia (sleep maintenance and onset) – balances natural sleep cycles in those who are “wired and tired”; taken at night, it can help reduce elevated cortisol levels and support sleep
• Sleep deprivation – can reverse anxiety and improve locomotor activity that can be induced by sleep deprivation and also improve all biochemical parameters of oxidative stress
• Nervous exhaustion where sleep issues are prominent
• Drug and alcohol withdrawal
• Erectile dysfunction and male infertility – a human clinical trial found that treatment with Withania (five grams per day for three months) resulted in a decrease in stress and significant decrease in cortisol levels in a group of men with stress-induced infertility
• May prevent cancer / cancer therapy adjunct to reduce conventional treatment side-effects (must check for interactions)
• Athletes
• Elderly as a tonic
• Recurrent infections and chronic immune deficiency
• Recovery after illness in children
• Anaemia
• Leukopaenia
• Failure to thrive in children
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Poor concentration and memory
• Pernicious anaemia
• Chronic inflammatory disease (i.e. arthritis)
• Hypothyroidism
• Lead-induced toxicity (Kumar, P. et al. Glioprotective Effects of Ashwagandha Leaf Extract against Lead Induced Toxicity, BioMed Research International, 2014: 182029)

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Contraindications: None known

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Cautions: 

• Those individuals with a Solanaceae sensitivity
• High doses may cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea or vomiting (alkaloids)
• Hyperthyroidism – monitor closely due to reported thyroid stimulating activity

Was used traditionally during pregnancy although caution should be used, with dosage and length of treatment carefully considered

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Dosage:

5 -14ml of 1:2 liquid extract/day

35 – 98ml of 1:2 liquid extract/week 20- 50ml of 1:1 liquid extract/week

Dried Herb Equivalent
3 – 6 g / day dried root (decoction)

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Combinations:

• Siberian Ginseng for immune dysregulation and stress
• Passiflora for anxiety and sleep issues

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POINTS OF NOTE:

• The alkaloids present in Withania are understood to be responsible for the sedative and hypotensive actions
• Used in convalescence, it contains iron and has been shown to increase haemoglobin
• A mild sedative, Withania is used in many conditions exacerbated by stress, including insomnia and male sexual dysfunction
• Anti inflammatory, in conditions including asthma, psoriasis and rheumatic pains
• Used in convalescence due to its immune modulating effects

• May promote learning and memory as well as senile dementia

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  References & Links to Articles:

  Bone, K. (2003) Guide to blending liquid herbs