Materials of Medicine

Panax ginseng (Ginseng, Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng), Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng)

Glycosides, flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins (ginsenosides), Beta-sitosterol, vitamins (B's), volatile oils

Adaptogenic, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, circulatory stimulant, nutritive

Panax is a supreme adaptogenic tonic thought to be due to the ginsenosides found in the root. It is useful when there is decreased resistance to illness, decreases ability to handle stress and decreased stamina. It is specifically indicated for people who can no longer adapt to stress, mental, emotional and/or physical. Panax is derived from the Greek, panacea, meaning "cure for all". In Chinese medicine, it is known as a Qi tonic. Specific conditions it is used to treat include: lethargy, anorexia, profuse sweating, wheezing, insomnia, forgetfulness, weaknesss, emaciation, convalescence, weakness in old age and memory decline. It extends the half life of cortisol and increases available DHEA. It is thought to be useful in treating patients who have been taking steroidal anti-inflammatories

The old USSR used Panax in their athletic programs, noting an increase in oxygen availability and thus, greater endurance in their athletes. They also noted an increase in fatty acid metabolization inside the muscle of athletes.

Many studies have been done showing the enhanced mental functioning in persons taking Panax. Performance and accuracy increased during long term testing. Some studies have shown increased activity in the CNS and increased metabolic activity in the CNS with Panax ingestion. It has anti-depressant activity in persons with depression due to neurasthenia, weakness or depletion. It is considered to be a supreme tonic for those recovering from chronic illness, surgery or long-term stress.

Other endocrine effects have been noted. Specifically, Panax can stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas and increase sensitivity to insulin in the receptor sites, causing a hypoglycemic effect in diabetics or Syndrome X. Since it also increases cerebral vascular flow, it is indicated for use when treating diabetes. It has been shown to increase interferon production by immune cells. This may be a secondary effect. In Western medicine, it employed to treat anorexia and digestive upset due to mental/nervous exhaustion.

Korean ginseng is said to be more warming than American ginseng. American ginseng is also thought to be more moistening. (per Sharol Tilgner, ND). Panax is stimulating and should not be used with acute inflammatory conditions and when the patient is already stimulated.

Serenoa Repens, S. serrulata, Sabal serrulata (Saw Palmetto)

Fatty acids, flavonoids, sterols (beta-sitosterol)

Anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, hormone balancer, minerals, vitamins

Serenoa is known primarily as a treatment for BPH. It is also useful for the treatment of chronic prostatitis, orchitis, epididymitis, and orchalgia. It does not decrease the size of the prostate, but does decrease the inflammation and reduce symptoms like hesitancy, urgency and urinary incontinence. The sterols inhibit DHT from binding to receptor sites. There is also an interesting action of inhibiting the binding of estrogen to prostate receptors.

Serenoa is also an anti-catarrhal that reduces the production of mucus and inflammation especially of the throat and larynx according to Dr. Bill Mitchell.

Dr. Mitchell also has used Serenoa to stimulate development of mammary glands in cases of inhibited puberty. It will also decrease the incidence of deep cystic acne in those whose acne is exacerbated by hormonal imbalance.

It was traditionally used as a food, indicated for increasing appetite and energy in those with little appetite and weight loss.
Contraindications: None
Toxicity: None
Drug Interactions: None
Pharmacy:

Tincture (1:5): 1 tsp. BID – TID made from semi-dry ripe berries only

Fluid Extract (1:1): ½ tsp. BID made as noted above

Standardized Extract: 150 mg. BID. Many SE are made from a mix of dried green and ripe berries and you may have to dose higher than a tincture or powdered herb made from ripe berries only.

Powdered Herb: if made from semi-dried ripe berries, 0.5-1.0 gram BID

Symphytum officinalis (Comfrey)

Allantoin, pyrrolizidine alkaloid (lasiocarpine, symphytine, etc…higher in root), gums, mucilage (higher in root), nutrients (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, trace minerals, vitamin A and vitamin C), resins, starch, tannins

Anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, astringent, cell proliferant, demulcent, vulnerary

Symphytum is used to treat shallow gastric, duodenal and intestinal ulcerations, diarrhea and dysentery. The Allantoin stimulates cell proliferation and combined with the nutrients promotes healthy connective tissue matrix formation. Allantoin also catalyzes the growth of leukocytes adding to wound healing by preventing infection. If used in water extraction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid extraction is limited. The tannins have an astringent action, decreasing bleeding and also help limit absorption of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. In the older texts, it was indicated for treatment of scrophulous conditions.

In the respiratory tract, it is a demulcent expectorant, and effective in treatment of dry, irritated cough. It was used to treat cough with hemoptysis and combines well with other herbs.

Symphytum has been used to treat Vaginitis and leucorrhoea, especially when accompanied by chronic or repeated cystitis. It has action in these systems due to the astringent, demulcent and vulnerary actions.

In the Musculoskeletal system, it will decrease the healing time and increase the effective healing of fractures. It is also used to treat injury of tendon and ligament, perhaps due to the nutritional components of the plant. It may be used both internally and topically, as well as in homeopathic dilution. It can reduce the inflammation and pain of autoimmune conditions such as RA.

Topical use of Symphytum is common through the world. It is used to treat conditions that include inflammation and even infection. Ulceration, especially those in chronic, debilitated patients that have not responded to other treatment, will respond to Symphytum. You may use either root or leaf in poultice or fomentation. You may combine the fomentation with oil in dry and irritated conditions. Leave the application on for extended time for quickest results (hours). It may also be used to reduce bruising, contusion and cracked, sore nipples. If used with nursing mothers, then the nipple needs to be cleaned before nursing the infant.

Infusion: leaves-2 – 6 gm/cup water, 1 cup TID

Decoction: Hot- 2 – 4 gm/cup water, 0.5 – 1.0 cup TID

Cold (mucilage)-Don’t use boiling water, in order to preserve the Allantoin. If leaves are used, then use cold liquid over leaves. If root, then need to simmer. You may use water, wine or make syrup. Take 1 – 4 oz. BIT – TID

Tincture (1:5): 2 – 5 ml TID

Fluid Extract (1:1): 1 – 3 ml TID

Topical: Bath, compress, cream, fomentation, oil, ointment, poultice, or wash

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)

This plant is native to the Mediterranean, Ukraine, India and China. It will grow up to 50 cm in height, producing petiolate, tri-lobed leaves with pale yellow flowers. The pods grow up to 20 cm and contain numerous seeds.

Trigonella is a food and spice that has been eaten in many parts of the world. Trigonella is most commonly used in treatment of diabetes. It will lower blood sugar and enhance insulin receptor sensitivity. It is also useful in the treatment of type II diabetics to reduce carbohydrate cravings.

The seeds are mucilaginous which when ingested help to hydrate the mucosa of the respiratory system and aid expectoration. The seeds also have a hypolipidemic action due to the high fiber content. The high quantity of mucilage eases and enhances expectoration. Trigonella is also a good carminative and bitter, improving digestion and decreasing the craving for sweet.

Externally it may be used as a poultice. Its emollient action decreases inflammation and has a vulnerary action on the wound.

Infusion: Cold infusion X 3 or overnight 0.5 – 1.0 gm seeds/cup H2O TID

Powdered seed: 2.5g/day (to treat type 2); dosage is high due to large amount of fiber. You can get the seed defatted and use a lower dose. Start with half dose and work up as it can be irritation to the GI.

To increase milk production, gently simmer 11/2 tsp of the seeds in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Drink a cup three times a day. Can add 1 tsp Aniseed to the mixture to make it taste better.

Urtica dioica radix:

Fluid Extract (1:1): ½ tsp TID

Powdered Capsule: 900 – 1200 mg/day

Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)

Protease, proteins, resins, sesquiterpenes, starch, vitamins, volatile oils (gingerols, shogaol)

Analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-spasmodic, carminative, choleretic, diaphoretic, gastrointestinal stimulant, hypolipidemic, rubefacient, sialagogue, circulatory stimulant, thermogenic, anti-emetic

The fresh root has more activity than dried, because the gingerols converts to shogaols or zingerone during storage. Zingiber is a tonic digestive stimulant. It increases the secretion of saliva that triggers the release of HCl and other digestive enzymes. It also increases gastric motility and reduces intestinal spasm. Consider for conditions such as IBS and colic. It will also reduce gas and nervous diarrhea. Reduction of diarrhea is enhanced when combined with astringents. It has well documented action in reducing nausea, especially the nausea of pregnancy, from motion sickness and secondary to medication or post-operative nausea and vomiting. It has also been shown to reduce ulcer formation.

Zingiber has an analgesic effect, reducing pain. It has been shown effective in reducing the pain of migraine headaches. It is a warming herb, and is indicated for treatment of conditions that present with an underlying cold condition. It will reduce the pain of dysmenorrhea, and is used to treat musculoskeletal pain and inflammation like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and sprain/strain injuries. It decreases platelet aggregation and may have the ability to reduce clotting that contributes to inflammation. It is also a peripheral circulatory stimulant used to treat Raynauds, cold extremities and poor circulation.

The effects on immune function include anti-microbial action against bacteria like Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, Tricophyton violaceum and Trichomonas vaginalis.

Infusion: 3 – 5 gm fresh grated herb per cup water

Decoction: 1-3 gm dried herb per cup water

3 – 5 gm fresh root per cup water

Dried Herb: 1 – 10 gm in divided dose (begin lower dose and gradually increase)

Zingiber beer, wine, vinegar recipes available in King’s American Dispensatory.