Upsets with emotions affect the nervous system which in turn compromises the immune system.

The planet is becoming more mineral deficient.

Naturopathy is complementary with orthodox medicine

• work mainly with chronic disease
• all medical emergencies need to be handled by orthodox medicine
• do not use herbs in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy

Herba is a latin work meaning grall or herbage

• constitutes all crops

Wort – early name for herbs – prized for its medicinal properties

• organic
• taken exclusive from plants
• natural cure for diseases
• all parts of the plan can be used – the part of each plant used varies from plant to plant
• are assimilated in inorganic matter (minerals) and contain these minerals and convert them into organic matter which can be assimilated in the body
• contain vital force
• enhances or supports client’s vital force and helps promote normal health
• classified by their action (way it works on the body)

• contain vitamins and minerals therefore strengthening (e.g. skeleton) a structure or strengthen muscular function (e.g. heart)
• oats are a good example of this

• decrease flatulence and bowel spasm
• decrease bloating
• decrease spasms and cramps
• decrease bloating nervous excitability

Herbal medicines are specific to an organ system

• cardiotonics – heart
• hepatics – liver
• cholagogues – gall bladder
• genito-urinary – genital/bladder functions

• herbs are made to this principle
• use whole part of the plant part
• nothing is taken out of it
• technically there shouldn’t be a reaction
• stimulate organ function by their tonifying action
• provide food for tired cells at the same time as curing the disease

• is a craft and a philosophy
• - follows a treatment structure which cures illness

Allopathic medications – pharmaceutical drugs

• inorganic
• inert
• most (75%) synthetically derived so don’t have vital force
• can’t be classified as a food
• more of a toxin than are herbs
• cannot be assimilated into the body (can’t be absorbed)
• give neither life nor strength to the human body
• mercury sulphate used to be used as a treatment for eczema. It suppressed the disease on the surface so it internalised and became asthma
• teeth fillings may cause mercury poisoning ® increased salivation and poor memory
• use the isolated constituent (active ingredient)
• e.g. an alkaloid
• ephadrine from ephedra
• digitoxin from digitalis
• because of this they can’t be assimilated and the residue can get lodged between the cells in the body and remain there as a foreign substance and have the potential to form a tumour or cancer
• work by irritating and provoking vital centres into action but do not enhance the persons vital force
• do not give the person permanent energy
• do not restore tone to an organ system
• if a sick person’s vital force is low, certain organs and tissues become exhausted e.g. hypertensive drugs taken over a period of time cause enlargement of the heart leading to angina and other diseases over a period of time. Other effects of these drugs include liver and kidney damage
• the drugs can cause permanent organ damage/changes
• e.g. hormones (steroids) cause kidney and liver damage as these organs try to break the drugs down and filter them
• symptomatic in that they only treat the symptoms and do not address the underlying condition causing the symptoms
• the ‘offending’ organ is isolated with the drugs irritating or provoking it to function in a particular way
• not holistic
• bacterial infections that are treated with antibiotics
• these drugs kill the bacteria but do not increase the immune system
• if the offending body part can’t be treated then its surgically removed
• some drugs can be useful in the elimination of congestion as in the case of diuretcis
• increase urine production by improving kidney function as in the case of congestive cardiac failure
• drugs are very necessary in life threatening situations
• herbs won’t help with these
• early onset diabetes and heart disease need drugs
• do not treat acute STDs or TB – these conditions are reportable illnesses
• vaccinations and serums may interfere with the cells intelligence
• mechanical parts in replacements improve people’s quality of life
• some people say that there is minimal consideration given to the spiritual and emotional identity of the person which leads to the decrease in satisfaction people feel with orthodox medicine. This is one of the reasons people turn to complementary therapies

• the level of vital force is determined by what disease is present and what vital force is in our food
• Vital Force is the cosmic energy
• Prana in India
• Ch’i in India

• pervades (exists) in all living things
• gets in through air and food
• if you eat processed food then your body may become deficient in vital force
• raw foods increase your vital force
• meditation and yoga increase vital force through breathing – tai ch’i as well
• these are the best ways to exercise as they do not deplete the body of other resources
• increases a person’s energy level through increasing their blood circulation through their body
• increases the physical function of the body at a cellular level
• increases mental function as it increases the amount of oxygen available for the brain to use
• net result is of spiritual advantage as regular meditation increases your spirituality
• if you have a low grade fever let it run its course as this is the body’s way of combating viruses
• any congestion or over restriction of a body organ or tissue:-
• decreases blood supply to the area, hence a decrease in oxygen
• if continues over a long period of time can end up as cancer
• food low in vital function:-
• the body has to use its own enzymes which decrease the body’s vital force
• need vegetable enzymes
• food that is low in fibre leads to obstruction as the stool becomes sticky and clings to the bowel wall
• imbalance of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes an increase in mucous production which can lead to an ulcer
• ginger increases digestion and perspiration so the body can remove toxins
• with congestion, e.g. constipation, the body autointoxicates by the bowel absorbing the toxins from the fecal matter
• fermentation can occur
• good medium for parasites
• symptom is a sore throat or arthritis/rheumatism as the body is being poisoned from within

Pharmacognosy with knowledge of drugs

Mucilagenous Herbs "coloidal solutions"

Properties – slimy, more or less thick and adhesive like

• may be colours or colourless
• often referred to as Polysaccharide hydrocolloids
• antiinflammatory

Derived from –

• roots e.g. Altheae officinalis (marshmallow), Symphytum officinalis (comfrey)
• bark e.g. Ulmus fulva (slippery elm)
• seeds e.g. Plantago ovata (psyllium hulls)
• leaf e.g. aloe vera

Characteristics –

• have starch bodies that swell up in water
• make into a decoction – roots put into a stainless steel bowl with water and simmer until ½ the water volume has dissipated (20 – 40 minutes). This makes an ointment base
• use decoctions externally only
• bark, added to hot water, swells up and turns into a porridge
• can be made into a drink but need to make sure that its followed with another glass of water
• if you don’t want a large volume then do a fluid extract of a tincture
• fluid extract 1kg of herbs to 1 litre of fluid (25 – 60% alcohol)
• tincture 1 kg of herbs to 5 litres of fluid (45 – 80% alcohol)

1. emollient (topical) – treatment of skin problems

• are protective of the wound
• soften external tissue and relax them
• takes pressure off the nerves that sense pain
• leaves a protective barrier on external tissues as well
• anti inflammatory – reduced inflammation associated with skin conditions (externally) bites, ulcers, rashes, eczema etc
• can make into a poultice

1. Demulcent (internal)

• decreases inflammation of the mucous membranes (e.g. as in stomach ulcers) urinary tract infections (e.g. cystitis), bronchitis (respiratory system)
• leaves a thin film through the gut but also goes to the unrinary tract as well as the respiratory tract
• works through reflex action
• best to take on an empty stomach as least an hour before eating
• protects damaged tissue from HCL allowing the underlying tissues to heal
• cystitis is through an increase in ammonia in the urine which causes an inflammatory response and damage

1. Bulk laxative

• especially seeds and bark
• in small doses they restrain peristaltic action as they absorb all the fluid in the bowel. Useful for diarrhoea and dysentry as they make the stool firmer and more formed
• large doses cause a laxative action
• increase the stool size and softness
• diverticulitis is where small prockets of feaces are trapped in the bowel wall. Eventually become pusy and affect the other organs near by. Caused through inadequate peristalisis
• excites peristalsis
• psyllium cleans the bowel wall
• good for constipation or irritable bowel
• if don’t take enough water then can end up with compacted feaces

Gums "viscous colloidal solutions"

• brittle, transparent or transluscent which form blue-like masses when combined with water

• shrubs – Accacia (gum arabic) or tragoncanth (from Astragalus spp)
• marine gums – agar, algin or carageenan
• seed gums – guar and psyllium
• plant extracts – pectins (part of a sugar acid from fruit which forms a gel)

• red algae or seaweeds
• e.g. Chonius crispis (Irish Moss)
• kelp – brown – Fucus resiculosus
• gives stability to emulsions and suspensions
• good toothpaste base

• used as a suspending agent
• as an emolsifyer
• as a gelating agent for making suppositories

• seed gum
• powdered endosperm of the seed
• bulk forming laxative
• thickening agent
• tablet binder

• binds to form tablets
• made into emultions
• used as gelating agents
• suspending agents
• stabilisers
• thickeners

• has nourishing properties
• easily digested and assimilated
• suitable for diabetics who have to watch carbohydrate intake – doesn’t contain sugar or astrigents

NB with polyuria – astrigents are not good

Glycoside = glycone (sugar) and aglycone (non-sugar – is the therapeutic action but needs the sugar to work)

1. glycosides in plants are involved in protective and sanitary functions. They are located in flowers, leaves, seeds of pulses, yams and sweet potatoes.
2. On hydrolysis they yield one or more sugars (glycone) as well as a non-sugar component (aglycone). The sugar component is given a name dependant on the type of sugar it is derived from e.g.

• glucoside from glucose
• pentoside from pentose
• fructoside from fructose

1. from the aglycone one can expect to find groups from other classes of plan constituents, for example:

• tannins
• sterols
• decrease cholesterol (hypocholesterolgenic)
• occurs in the plants as sitosterol
• carotenoids
• medium orange or yellow pigments e.g. carrots and sweet potatoe
• provitamin A, requires zinc to be converted into Vitamin A in the liver
• anthocyanins (glycoside pigment which is blue, red and violet – flowers)
• cherries, blueberries and plums

1. there are several types of glysides, some of which include the following:

• cardiac glycoside
• steroidal glycoside (saponins)
• progesterone – wild yam
• testosterone – sarsparilla
• some also supply cortisone
• anthocyanidin glycoside
• cyanogenetic glycoside
• anthraquinone glycoside
• flavonoid glycoside

1. Cardiac glycosides work on the heart by enhancing the rate and rhythm of the contraction of the heart and are used in congestive heart failure
2. Steroidal glycosides have the ability to provide the precursors for steroid production

• progesterone (wild yan, testosterone (sarsparilla)

1. Anthocyanadin glycosides are flavonoids structurally related to flavones. Their glycosides are known as anthocyanins (Greek – antho=flower, kyanos, blue)

• anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, bulk laxative
• anti inflammatory
• anti allergic

1. cyanogenetic glycosides are found in the kernels of some fruits e.g. amygdalin which is found in the bitter almond (otherwise known as Laetrile or vitamin B15) or prunasin from Prunus serotina – sedative and antispasmodic action. These constituents are highly toxic in large amounts

• good for coughs, especially persistant, dry, irritable coughs
• anti-tumour
• coughs especially persistant, irritable dry cough e.g. wild cherry bark
• useful for being antitumour – works on fast dividing cells (as with cancer) – decrease the rate that the cells divide
• red clover is good for uterine fibroids and breast cancer as competes with oestrogen (Trifolium pratenese)

1. Anthraquinone glycosides are used for the treatment of chronic constipation of the bowel
2. Flavonoid glycosides are primarily considered to be anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy herbs as well as being useful for the treatment of capillary fragility and other blood vessels disorders.
3. Phenolic glycosides are antiseptic, antibacterial, have an affinity with mucous membranes

1. This is a term given to a group of natural purgatives or stimulant cathartics which are used for the treatment of chronic constipation.
2. Herbs containing anthraquinone glycosides have yellow, orange-red pigments and are bitter to taste. They , therefore, stimulate bile flow. They are used as dyes in the textile industry. They are usually soluble in hot water or dilute in alcohol.
3. The glycosides upon hydrolysis yield aglycones that are di, tri or tetrahydroxy-anthraquinones, or modifications of these compounds.
4. The action of herbs containing anthraquinone glycosides is dependant on the presence of bile and that they are digested in the glycoside form. Bile and the glycone component of the glycoside is necessary for absorption of the anthraquinone from the gut. The aglycone has no therapeutic action on its own.
5. Absorption takes from 8 – 14 hours before peristalsis has become enhanced sufficiently to bring about evacuation of the bowel.
6. Stimulant cathartics work by increasing the tone of the smooth muscle wall of the colon which leads to increased contraction and peristaltic motion. They should only be used short term as over use will lead to exhaustion of the stimulated tissue and constipation will re-occur.
7. The stronger anthraquionone glycoside herbs have a tendency to produce griping therefore carminative herbs whould be combined with these to reduce this effect. Anethum graveolens (Dill) Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)

• carminative
• contains volatile oils
• if someone is trying to get pregnant instruct them not to self-treat constipation as senna and some of the other herbs will cause an abortion

The more gentle anthraquinone herbs include:

• Rhamnus purshiana (Cascara)
• Rhamnus fragula (Buckthorn)
• Rheum Palmatum (Turkey rhubarb)

Stronger acting anthraquinone glycosides include:

• cassia angustifolia (senna)
• Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) – the yellow latex between skins

Another useful herb for the treatment of constipation is:

• Rumex crispus which contains anthraquinone glycosides.

• prolonged use can lead to increased loss of tone of the stimulated tissue and the re-occurrence of constipation
• use therefore short term and then prescribe other herbs to re-educate the bowel

• pregnancy – senna will cause an abortion
• spastic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome where there will already be symptoms of spasm and pain due to excessive tone of the bowel smooth muscle (stool will be small and nut like in both children and adults brought about by stress or nervous anxiety)
• the tissue of the bowel is holding on and gripping tightly – need a carminative herb such as psyllium
• need to work with the emotional and psychological problems of the person
• ask the person about their feaces (e.g. if like rabbit poo) the colour (grey to green denotes gall bladder dysfunction)

Alkaloids are derived from a diverse range of play courses including roots, rhizomes, leaves, bark, fruits and seeds. Most occur in the Leguminosae, Solanaceae and Rubiaceae family. All alkaloids end in "ine" which is a chemical rule. Some times there is a fine line between the therapeutic dose and a toxic dose

• e.g. Rubiacea – potatoes, deadly nightshade
• on post mortem these substances can’t be traced in the body

Bitter to taste, usually alkaline and they contain one or more nitrogen atoms (e.g. Ergotamine contains 5 nitrogen atoms). Many alkaloids are the most poisonous of known substances.

1. Sedative – most pronounces action on the nervous system bringing about physiological or psychological changes. The alkaloid Reserpine (from Rauwolfia serpentine – Snake root – schedule 4) acts as a sedative depressing the central nervous system and is useful for psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, also useful for hypertension. Withania somnifera – sedative adaptogen, tonic – stress, exhaustion leading to impotence. Its high in iron, is anticancer and decreases sensitisation.
2. Hypotensive – indicated for the treatment of hypertension e.g. Rauwolfia serpentine acts by blocking neurotransmitters which leads to dilation or relaxation of blood vessels which causes the blood pressure to drop
3. Hypertensive – Ephedrine (Ephedra) in inappropriate doses – anti-inflammatory, allergies including asthma and hayfever.
4. Analgesic and Narcotic – codeine and morphine (Papaver somniferum) severe pain
5. Mydriatics – atropine (Atropa belladonna) is a muscle relaxant and dilates the pupils
6. Bronchodilator – Lobeline (Lobelia inflata) for the treatment of asthma
7. Antimicrobial – Berberine (Hydrastis canadensis, Berberis vulgaris) bacterial infections
8. Antileukemic – vinblastine (Vinca rosea) oncolytic activity (contains over 90 alkaloids)
9. Oxytocic – (Claviceps purpurea – Ergot of Rye) post partum haemorrhage
10. Stimulant – caffeine (Cola vera)

The names of the alkaloids can be obtained in the following way:

* Generic name: Hydrastine from Hydrastis canadensis

(genus) Atropine from atropa belladonna

* Specific name: Cocaine of the plant yielding them – Coca leaf

* Common name: Ergotamine from the plant ergot

* Physiological Activity: Emetine producing emesis (vomiting)

Symphytum officinalis – comfrey (alakaloid Pyrrolizidine) causes irreversible liver

Tussilago farfara – Coltsfoot (pyrrolizidine) may be smoked for emphysema

Borago officinalis _Borage (pyrrolizidine)

• ephedrine has a more prolonged effect than morphine in asthma
• Mydriatics (Atropine) are used in anaesthetic
• Bronchodilators (Lobeline) are a schedule 2 herb
• Antimicrobial (Berberine) is effective on the bacteria of the digestive system.
• Good topically for dirty, infected wounds
• Candida
• Effective with gastric ulcer bacteria
• Antileukemic (Vinblastine) are useful for treatment of cancer
• Oxytocic some can cause a miscarriage to occur
• Stimulant (caffeine) stimulates the central nervous system

Pyrrolizidine (comfrey)

• causes irreversible liver damage
• do not take for regular use
• coltsfoot – smoke instead
• borage – adrenal stimulant, better than evening primrose and linseed

1. Volatile oils are ‘odorous’ principles found in plants and because they evaporate when exposed to the air at ordinary room temperatures they have been given the term "essential oils". The oil may be stored in special glandular airs (labiatae), oil tubes called vittae (Umbelliferaea) and modified parenchyma cells (Piperaceae).
2. Properties of volatile oils:

1. are soluble in alcohol and fats
2. slightly soluble in water
3. most essential oils are colourless apart from Azulene which is blue (Matricaria recutita – Chamomile).

1. extraction of oils is achieved by steam distillation which is the most common method of extraction. Other methods include solvent extraction, infusion, and water distillation
2. Pathway of volatile oils:

• inhalation of the essence via the nose which is sensed by the olfactory receptors in the bony structures of the nose called turbinates. The chemical dissolves and comes in contact with a layer of fine hairs which stimulates the olfactory bulb of the brain. The olfactory nerves connects to the limbic part of the brain which is responsible for sensory functions including emotions etc.

1. The total volume of essential oil of the plan it generally very low from 1 – 5% or more. Many therapeutic oils are so potent they are still active in the Galenic preparation. On isolation they are highly concentrated and widely used as oils for aromatherapy where they are diluted in a carrier oil.
2. Volatile oil compounds are a mixture of hydrocarbons with Terpene being the most common type which is built up from the isoprene molecule (C5H8). A variety of substances can be synthesized by starting with this molecule as a building block. Starting with the simplest substance we have the following variations:

1. monoperpenes - C10H16
2. sesquiterpenes – C15H24
3. diterpenes – C20H32
4. sestertepenes – C25H40
5. triterpenes – C30H48

Carvone (dill and caraway) }

Menthol (peppermint) }antiseptic, useful for sore throats/infections of the

Thynol (thyme, catmint) }mucous membranes

Thugone (sage) }

Citral (lemon balm) }sedative or carminative, good for nervous exciteability

Linonene (fennel, dill and caraway) }headaches and paliptations

Camphor (catmint, rosemary, sage) }circulatory stimulant, digestive stimulant, relaxes

}cardiac sphincter

diosphenol - (diuretic) (buchu)

• largest group of oils and have a greater molecular weight than monoterpenes

Azulene (blue chamomile) – anti inflammatory and antispasmodic

• has the potential to decrease histamines, reduce allergic response in tissues e.g. eczema
• also works on ‘allergic’ asthma and hayfever
• anxiety, nervous tension and headaches
• strongly antiseptic
• pre-ulcerative conditions of the stomach

Bisabolol (blue chamomile) – anti inflammatory

• decreases the level of pepsin secreted in the stomach without altering the stomachs acidity

Actions of volatile oils:

1. carminative
2. antiseptic
3. antispasmodic
4. bitter
5. peripheral vasodilators and/or circulatory stimulants
6. relaxant and sedative
7. stimulant
8. diuretic
9. rubefacient
10. anaesthetic

1. massage in carrier oil
2. inhalation
3. baths
4. compresses
5. sprays
6. gargles and mouthwashes
7. ointment, creams and lotions

1. always use diluted
2. short term use
3. not to use directly on the skin
4. are not to be given itnernally
5. short term use
6. never on infants under 12 months of age directly to the skin
7. extreme caution in pregnancy – never in the first trimester especially
8. avoid contact with the eyes

• vitality and humors
• 4 humors – earth, air, fire, water and vital force
• earth – melancholic (cold and dry)
• air – sanguine (hot and moist)
• fire – choleric (hot and dry)
• water – phlegmatic (cold and moist)
• balanced humoral excess
• stimulated vital force into actin
• detoxified any organ systems where appropriate
• treatment – hot baths for fevers
• laxatives for diarrhoea
• cold herbs for chills
• treatment was classified as:- primary or secondary – secondary disease occurred through improper treatment of the primary
• based on Eurasion cosmology
• signs and symptoms indicated that the disease processes are trying to get out of the body through symptoms such as nose bleeds, haemorrhage, diarrhoea and headaches
• Hippocrates is the patron saint of medicine

• 4 humors – no priority given to the vital force
• medicinal
• technical
• fever was reduced
• diarrhoea was stopped
• mucous in the lungs was coughed out
• excess wet was dried up with the use of astringent herbs

Sanguine: (air signs) (pitt’a in Ayvedic system)

• cheerful, confident and optimistic
• ruddy complexion
• hot and moist
• tendency towards inflammatory diseases

Choleric: (fire signs especially Sagitarians) (pitt’a)

• hot, firey temperament, easily angered
• hot and dry
• liver disease
• skin rashes
• burns and sun burns
• hypertension
• fevers

Melancholic: (Vata)

• pale complexion
• sensitive
• visionary
• tendency to cold and dry
• susceptible to mental and sexual diseases

Phlegmatic: (Karpha)

• indifferent
• slow and more dull than sanguine
• cold and moist
• congestion and stagnation
• rheumatic and mucous diseases

• empiricist by practice, rationalist at heart
• believed in anatomy and physiology and pharmacy
• elevated physicians to that above the lay person
• expected doctors to work from theory
• brought in licensing and developed a medical authority
• his theory of medicine was inconsistant. He believed more in focusing on the isolated organ and less on the vital force. When he couldn’t explain logically how an organ/organ system worked he was forced to go back to the vital force concept
• wrote 30 volumes of medical folk lore. Brought classification to the materia medica.
• His philosophy was practied for 1500 years
• William Harvey 1628 brought about the demise of Galen’s philosophy
• Developed Theriac – a mixture of dozens of herbs, honey, minerals etc and snake venom – brewed for 40 days then left to mature for 12 years. Was supposed to be the cure-all for all diseases

• worked with herbs and alchemy
• based his philosophy on vitality from Hippocrates

believed in the doctrine of signatures

Flavonoid is derived from the Greek work ‘flavus’ for yellow. (flavonoids which are coloured red, blue or violet are called Anthocyanins)

• most widely found pigment in the plant kingdom

1. Flavonoids are glycosides which can be broken down into four main groups based on the ‘flavone’ model

1. Flavones and isoflavones (the latter are isomers of flavones)
2. Flavonols
3. Isoflavones
4. Xanthones

properties of flavonoid glycosides are as follows:

1. taste is bitter or sweet
2. isoflavones have steroidal properties (genistein found in trifolium is oestrogenic and is good for breast tumours – binds to receptors)

actions of flavonoid glycosides

1. anti-inflammatory
2. anti-allergic
3. decrease capillary fragility and permeability of blood vessels
4. cardiac regulating
5. immunostimulating
6. anti-oxidant
7. diuretic

1. anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic

• inhibits certain prostoglandins and other inflammartory leukotrienes which are involved in the inflammatory processes associated with rheumatism, arthritis, allergies (hay fever, asthma and skin disorders)
• don’t want leukotrienes from meat
• if people losing weight and have allergies they have a great risk of asthma and eczema
• amalgum removal – need to see a specialist to have them changed over
• causes tiredness and toxicity
• e.g. broom
• glandular fever and hepatitis
• astragalus membranaceous (rutin and quercetin)
• viral infections – glandular fever
• tumours
• chronic fatigue
• regulates blood sugars
• probably better than ecchinacia

1. capillary fragility and permeability of blood vessels

• strengthens fragile blood vessels in conditions where there may be bruising, radiation induced haemorrhage and phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), haemorrhoids
• also regulates connective tissue
• radiotherapy
• affects blood vessels – can’t operate on tissue that has been radiated
• vaccinium myrtillus – bilberry – strengthens the capillaries
• glomerules – filtration unit of the kidneys – in diabetics can break down very easily
• capsella bursa pastoris – shepards purse – good for diabetic reinpotahy
• varicose veins – buckwheat
• ruscus aculeatus – broom – contains rutin (one of the most common flavonoid glycosides)
• broom good for ‘heavy legs’ in menopause – has an affect on heart and is also a diuretic
• e.g. Crataegns osycathoids – hawthorne has rutin and quercetin
• hypotensive, cardiotonic – stabilizes heart muscle contraction
• e.g. Tilia platyphillias – lime flowers
• flavonoid resperdin
• hypotension – nervous tension, arteriosclerosis
• antioxidant
• ginko biloba
• prevents formation of free radicals
• anzheimers disease
• central ischaemia – brain damage due to vascular disease
• skin problems
• brain longevity – can reverse early alzheimers
• down’s syndrome – calcification of brain tissue after about age 14
• tinitus – possibly due to decreased blood supply and plaque on the membrane
• ginko biloba
• cocculus
• low fat diet
• chelation therapy
• if due to excess noise – irreversible

1. cardiac regulating

• flavonoids are hypotensive and are useful for the treatment of hypertension (reducing high blood pressure)
• are indicated for poor peripheral circulation

1. immunostimulating

• flavonoids can be immune stimulating, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-tumour.
• Useful for the treatment of viral infections 9HIV) cancer and tumours

1. anti-oxidant

• some flavonoids help to prevent the formation of free radicals and therefore can be used to prevent lipid peroxidation
• in case of Silybum marianum it is considered to be anti-hepatotoxic because it prevents damage to the liver from free radicals or chemicals

1. diuretic action

• used for the treatment of fluid retention which may be a complication of poor peripheral circulation

1. Tannins represent the largest group of polyphenols (number of phenolic groups)
2. They are usually found in volume in the outer cork and heart wood of the Oak tree (quercus species) also old and drying leaves, the bark and the richest source of all being insect galls of the oak tree.

• gall – the lava of the gall wasp secretes an enzyme so the gall grows around the lavae in the trunk of the tree
• also used to tan leather
• work on muscle fibre

3. Properties of tannins are as follows:

1. taste is sour
2. they form precipitates with protein, heavy metals, alkaloids and especially with gelatine and salivary proteins
3. due to the preciptation of proteins, tannins have the potential to inhibit enzymes and bacteria
4. much of the tannin remains unabsorbed in the gut after ingestion and a variable amount makes its way through the body fluids as tannate where it is then excreted by the kidneys

• tannins precipitate with milk in tea so that they don’t make stomach lining leathery

3. there are two types of tannins:-

1. condensed tannins
2. hydrolysable tannins

3. tannins are considered to be astringent in action which occurs in the following way:

1. drying
2. contracting or binding
3. Haemostatic
4. Strengthening

• decreases mucus discharge from mucous membranes by constricting secreting cells in medical conditions such as catarrhal cystitis and sinusitis for example
• e.g. mucoglytis

1. binding or contracting

• of epithelial tissue where there is inflammation and irritation associated with infection in conditions such as gastritis, enteritis and colitis and contracting as in the case of dysentery and diarfrhoea
• bind or pucker up epithelial tissue of damaged tissue
• gastritis – increased mucous which causes decreased HCL leading to ulceration

1. haemostatic

• prevents bleeding from small wounds externally by forming an ‘eschar’ where there are abrasions and burns.
• Arrests internal bleeding in medical conditions such as menorrhagia (excessive menstruation) or haemorrhoids
• e.g. with hazel
• no use in peptic ulcer

• restores tone to muscular tissue as in conditions such as vaginal and uterine prolapse or in urinary incontinence
• red raspberry leaf to tone after childbirth.
• urinary incontinence – need to strengthen the bladder

3. Cautions and contra-indications

1. to be used short term as long term use can lead to reduced absorption of nutrients across the gut wall lining due to thickening or hardening of the mucous membrane lining
2. long term use can lead to the development of constipation as tannins are drying
3. are contra-indicated if chronic constipation is an existing problem

1.Characteristics

1. Saponins are derived from the Greek work "Sapo" for soap
2. they are complex glycosides and when combined with water forms a colloidal substance which, when shaken, forms a lather e.g. Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) which is used exernally for the treatment of dandruff

2. Properties

1. Haemolytic – ‘dissolves’ the cell wall of the red blood cell and disrupts them when injected intravenously and are therefore considered to be toxic if used this way. Can be said to increase permeability of membranes
2. When taken orally saponins are considered to be harmless and they accelerate the body’s ability to absorb other active compounds such as minerals for example

3. On hydrolysis the glycoside splits into a sugar + sapogenin (aglycone) the sapogenin does not have haemolytic properties
4. Saponins fall into two types of steroidal glycosides:-

1. triterpenoid (pentacyclic triterpenoids)
2. Steroidal (tetracyclic triterpenoids) are less widely distributed than the triterpenoidtype

3. Saponins have the following actions:

1. anti–inflammatory expectorant (stimulant type)
2. diuretic
3. hormonal as previously mentioned
4. antispasmodic

• reduces inflammation associated with skin conditions, bronchitis and asthma, gastritis, cholecystitis, arthritis
• e.g. Licorice (tritepnoid) – bronchitis, asthma and externally for red, hot, fiery eczema

1. Expectorant (stimulant type)

• for lung conditions such as bronchitis, pulmonary congestion including pneumonia – cold, wet, damp conditions of the lung
• polygala senega (snake root) - saponin is senegin
• too high a dose will cause emesis and diarrhoea
• don’t give for a dry cough

1. diuretic

• for fluid retention of supression of urine with inflammation of the kidneys or urinary system

1. hormonal (steroidal)

• provides the precursors for steroid hormone production including cortisone, progesterone and testosterone for example
• need progesterone for calcium building in bones (wild yam)

1. Antispasmodic

• smooth muscle spasm associated with bilious colic, irritable bowel.
• Other conditions – uterine cramps, ovarian neuralgia, bronchitic asthma
• e.g. wild yam

• principles of administration and determination of doseage

1. The therapeutic dose is to be observed at all times. That also includes all cautions and contraindications for each herb
2. The following observations should always be taken into account

1. is the condition acute of chronic as that will determine the treatment
2. is the medicine for an adult or a child
3. is the patient weak or strong (physically and emotionally)

• if strong, then possibly may be able to increase the therapeutic dose
• check the person’s temperament
• if the person is angry and/or irritable (e.g. in the morning or in response to loud music) then check for other signs of liver problems such as intolerance to alcohol and nausea/bloating/pain after eating fatty foods
• if the person is mild and yielding they will possibly need a lower dose, may need a more mild treatment regime
• if they’re anxious, nervous, agitated, restless (e.g. pacing a lot, unable to sit still) then check for other signs of nervous system involvement. These people may be deficient in certain minerals and may need their nervous system tonified

NB after starting on a herbal remedy, if a person starts to show symptoms such as dizziness then they are possibly reacting to the herbs. If this is the case you can either lower the dose, change the herb or change to homeopathy

NB with people who have ADD you can use herbs to calm down their nervous system then take out of their diet all the foods that cause problems such as sugar. Their blood sugar level usually needs balancing

• one side effect of Ritlin is that it slows down pituitary growth

NB the contraceptive pill can cause polycystic ovaries and endometriosis

NB cod liver oil is good on women who have beards

NB red raspberry leaf tones the uterus

1. Pregnancy and lactation

1. do not use any herbs during the first trimester
2. there are some herbs that are safe – use only the mild and nutritive herbs
3. be aware of those herbs that are contraindicated during pregnancy (such as senna) and avoid using them
4. the doseage prescribed is to be much lower than that usually prescribed for a woman (e.g. 10-30 drops t.d.s.)
5. avoid any herbs which have an action on any organ in the pelvic region (e.g. anthrocyanine glycosides, emolient enagogues which normalise the menstrual cycle and cause bleeding)
6. if the woman is constipated may use psyllium hulls, increase her fresh water intake, fresh fruit and vegetables, magnesium and calcium

1. Age will determine the doseage expecially for the young and elderly who take a similar dose to the young e.g. 5 – 10 drops for people 7 –10 years and for elderly people.

• there are two formulas to establish the dose for kids

1. age

- Cowling’s Rule Age of next birthday + 24

i.e. if the child is 3:

Young’s – 3/12 + 1/3 = ¼ + 1/3 = 1/7

Cowling’s – 4/24 = 1/6

If the adult dose is 1 – 2 mls (20 drops to a ml)

1 – 2 % 20 = 20 – 40

1/7 = 3 – 6 drops

1/6 = 3 – 7 drops

1. Gender

1. Generally women require lower doses due to average lower weight and size
2. Hormonal status will determine wome herbs that will need to be avoided especially in women who have problems with their oestrogen/progesterone ratio

• if a woman has had breast, uterine or ovarian cancer then avoid oestrogen herbs

• take care with women who have uterine fibroids

1. Doseage

• safest to commence treatment with a small dose especially if you suspect liver impairment of the person has a general sensitivity to alcohol
• if the person tolerates this doseage for a couple of days then increase the dose to the individual therapeutic dose (e.g. after 3 days)
• if any unusual symptoms occur (e.g. nausea, dizziness) then instruct the person to cease it and contact you
• "prove" – its where the person develops the symptoms that the remedy would be given to treat
• means that the person has the wrong remedy
• women placed on hormonal regulating formulas may develop headaches or nausea in the first 7 days (during the time the hormones are starting to adjust and the liver is detoxing). If this occurs then instruct the woman to stop the remedy for 3 days then recommence on a lower dose after retesting for tollerance.

NB Pulsatilla changes the baby’s position in the uteris.

1. slow and gradual effect – take medicine in a small volume of syrup and milk in between meals to decrease its absorption rate
2. to achieve a local effect on the stomach or intestinal lining medicine may be taken in Acacia gum or olive oil to decrease absorption rate
3. bitter tonic herbs are best taken 30 minutes before a meal to increase appetite/digestion
4. for irritating medicines prescribe them in milk or syrup or combine them with protein food to prevent irritation from happening
5. where there is hyperacidity of the stomach prescribe medicine after a meal to neutralize the digestive juices

NB if cleansing 1.5 – 2 hours between meals if quick absorption into the blood is required

6. to aide absorption of herbal medicines such as for alterative hormones or to produce a rapid effect, best taken 1 – 2 hours before or after a meal
7. if any nausea or vomiting is experienced medicine may be taken in a large volume of fluid, syrup or honey. Check the person’s liver function as well

NB to slowly cleanse liver – increase amount daily of raw food, fish. Decrease red meat intake to twice a week. Do not have any dairy and decrease carbohydrates

NB gradual weight loss is permanent

NB the first month of any new regime is the hardest. After than, if continued, becomes a permanent regime in the person’s body and mind

NB tinned fish is as good as fresh

NB easily tolerated fruits include peaches, pears, dark grapes, mandarins, blueberries, bananas and apricots

NB if the person complains of bloating then they possibly have a salicilate intolerance

NB decrease dairy intake – maximum of 3 times a week and only 30 grams

NB if parents have an intolerance then their children will probably have the same intolerance

NB Hyvitas – great vitamin formula for kids

• strong tasting herbs can be taken in capsules or wrapped up in a small disk of rice paper
• if mother is breat-feeding and the baby is sick, give the mother the herbs as it will pass onto the baby via her breast milk
• if you have to give herbs to an infant under 12 months that is not being breast fed then give only 1 – 2 drops. Do not give herbs to a child under 12 weeks

• this includes conditions such as common cold, flue, fever, diarrhoea (food poisoning)
• caused by the presence of bacteria and their toxins or by a virus
• the body temperature rises from 37°C (upper end of normal) to 38 – 39°C with an infection (with young kids watch carefully if their temperature goes above 39° as they can fit)
• fever is the body’s mechanism to kill bacteria
• if you use anything to bring the temperature down the disease will reappear in a couple of days
• fever affects the hypothalamus
• vital force keeps the body’s defence mechanism at this satate to destroy the pathogen

• address the acute signs and symptoms
• fever equalises circulation
• use circulation stimulants and diaphoretic herbs which will increase secretion through sweating to increase the excretion of toxins
• if it’s a bacterial pathogen then use antibacterial or immune stimulating herbs to help the body kill off the germs
• if the person has nasal congestion then needs herbs that are anticatarryl
• there are different herbs for upper and lower respiratory tract
• if person has cough stemming from the lower respiratory tract give expectorant herbs
• for wheezing give antispasmodic herbs

NB always be careful with tannins.