Aloe Vera has been used by herbalists to treat intestinal infections, suppressed menses, and colic. Aloe has been historically used for many of the same conditions for which it is still used today - particularly constipation and minor cuts and burns. Aloe Vera is taken internally for stomach disorders. Dried Aloe latex, a substance derived from the leaf, is a strong laxative. When applied externally, Aloe Vera restores skin tissues and may aid the healing of burns and sores. It can also be used on blemishes and dandruff. Used cosmetically, Aloe Vera softens the skin. Modern doctors have also used Aloe for x-ray burns, sunburn, chemical burns, first degree burns, traumatized tissue, skin inflammation, stomach ulcers, herpes simplex, periodontal surgery, insect bites and stings, irritating plant stings, and other minor skin manifestations. Topical applications have included this herbs inclusion in many over-the-counter lotions, poultices, salves, shampoos, and sprays. Aloe had shown outstanding results in treating facial edema. When used as a mouth rinse, it was effective for cold spores and lockjaw. Two small controlled human trials have found that Aloe, either alone or in combination with the oral hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide, effectively lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Primary chemical characteristics of this herb include aloins, anthraquinones, barbaloin, polysaccharides, and salicylic acids. Aloins, obtained from the gel in the leaf, are largely responsible for the plant's healing properties. The plant also contains vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, niacinamide, choline, calcium, iron, lecithin, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc.
|
|
Slippery Elm grows widely throughout North America. The part of this plant used medicinally is the inner bark, which contains mucilage, a long chain of sugars (polysaccharides) that make a slippery substance when combined with water. Nineteenth century midwives used Slippery Elm to lubricate their hands when performing gynecological exams. This herb was also consumed the last few weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labor. Slippery Elm is rich in nutrients and is easy to digest, making it an excellent food during times of digestive discomfort. It can be made into a gruel. In times of famine, early American settlers used it as a survival food. Native Americans found innumerable medicinal and other uses for this tree. Canoes, baskets, and other household goods were made from the tree and its bark. Slippery Elm was also used internally for conditions such as sore throats and diarrhea. As a poultice, it was considered a remedy for many inflammatory skin conditions. The powdered bark can be fed to people that cannot keep any food down such as chemotherapy patients or those recuperating from illness. This herb is also recommended for those who are wasting away, failing to thrive, and losing weight. It is so safe, Slippery Elm can be added to baby food as a nutritive, and is also good for babies who cannot digest milk. The primary chemical constituents of Slippery Elm include mucilage, starch, tannins, calcium, vanadium, and zinc. The herb works with the body to draw out impurities and toxins, assisting with the healing of all body parts. Slippery Elm's coating action soothes the irritated tissues of the intestines, colon, urinary tract, and stomach ulcers. |
|
Barberry is a densely branched, deciduous shrub 3-8 feet tall. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the root, root bark, bark of stem, and rhizome berries. The primary chemical constituents of Barberry include alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine), chelidonic acid, resin, tannins. The root-bark contains berberine, a bitter alkaloid, that aids in the secretion of bile and is good for liver problems, acts as a mild purgative, and helps regulate the digestive processes. The antibacterial properties of the alkaloid berbamine have shown activity against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Eschorichia Coli. It has anti-microbial properties that are especially beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract. Barberry has a beneficial effect on the blood pressure by causing a dilatation of the blood vessels. This herb is also good for hepatitis, colic, jaundice, diabetes, consumption. Historically, Barberry was used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion, and in the treatment of inflammatory arthritic, sciatica, and rheumatic complaints. Use of this botanical decreases heart rate, depresses the breathing, stimulates intestinal movement, reduces bronchial constriction, and kills bacteria on the skin. It is indicated in congestive jaundice, and inflammation of the gall bladder and gallstones. As a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects, Barberry is used by weak or debilitated people to strengthen and cleanse the system. It also appears to be able to reduce an enlarged spleen. It acts against malaria and is effective in the treatment of protozoan infections. Berberine is highly bactericidal, amoeboidal and trypanocidal. It is active in vitro and in animals against cholera.
|
