Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Skullcap

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) a member of the mint family, (Lamiaceae), is native to the moist woods of the eastern United States. It is a perennial herb that grows to 2′-3′ with bluish flowers appearing from July through September.1

History and Traditional Use

Traditionally the whole plant was collected in June, dried, powdered, and used in the treatment of convulsions, hysteria, nervous headaches and headaches caused by excessive coughing, nerve pain, rabies, and rickets (Vitamin D deficiency).2 Additionally, it has been used for epilepsy and nervous conditions causing involuntary muscular and facial twitching.2

Modern Medicinal Use

While skullcap does not have any current medical applications, recent studies suggest that it may be useful in a number of conditions and diseases. Skullcap has been effective in treating blood clots in the brain and paralysis caused by stroke.3 Other studies show that skullcap may be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.3

Modern Consumer Use

Skullcap is used in herbal sleep aids to promote restful sleep, often in combination with valerian. Patents have been filed in the United States for a skin lotion formula containing skullcap,4 a product for both treatment and prevention of prostate cancer,5 and for a cosmetic formula to diminish unwanted skin pigmentation.6

References

1 DerMarderosian A, Beutler JA. The Review of Natural Products, 3nd edition. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons; 2002.

2 Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines. 2nd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2002.

3 Cauffield JS, Forbes HF. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Lippincotts Prim Care Pract. 1999 May-June;3(3):290-304.

4 Meybeck A, inventor. LVMH Recherche. Method of skin care utilizing liposomes containing Scutellaria extracts. US patent 5 643 598. July 1, 1997.

5 Chen S, Wang X, inventors. International Medical Research, Inc. Herbal composition for treating prostate carcinoma. US patent 5 665 393. September 9, 1997.

6 Perrier E, Rival D, inventors. Bioetica, Inc.Compositions and methods for inhibiting the formation of unwanted skin pigmentation. US patent 5 773 014. June 30, 1998.

Siberian ginseng, ci wu ju

Parts used and where grown: Eleuthero belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a distant relative of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Also known commonly as touch-me-not and devilÕs shrub, eleuthero has been most frequently nicknamed Siberian ginseng in this country. Eleuthero is native to the Taiga region of the Far East (southeastern part of Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan). The root and the rhizomes (underground stem) are used.

In what conditions might Siberian ginseng be supportive?

Alzheimer’s disease athletic support chemotherapy support chronic fatigue syndrome common cold/sore throat diabetes fibromyalgia HIV support infection influenza stress fatigue

Historical or traditional use: Although not as popular as Asian ginseng, eleuthero use dates back 2,000 years, according to Chinese medicine records. Referred to as ci wu ju in Chinese medicine, it was used to prevent respiratory tract infections as well as colds and flu. It was also believed to provide energy and vitality. In Russia, eleuthero was originally used by people in the Siberian Taiga region to increase performance and quality of life and to decrease infections.

In more modern times, eleutheroÕs ability to increase stamina and endurance led Soviet Olympic athletes to use it to enhance their training. Explorers, divers, sailors, and miners used eleuthero to prevent stress-related illness. After the Chernobyl accident, many Russian citizens were given eleuthero to counteract the effects of radiation.

Active constituents: The constituents in eleuthero that have received the most attention are the eleutherosides.1 Seven primary eleutherosides have been identified, with most of the research attention focusing on eleutherosides B and E.2 Eleuthero also contains complex polysaccharides (a kind of sugar molecule).3 These constituents play a critical role in eleutheroÕs ability to support immune function.

As an adaptogen, eleuthero helps the body adapt to stress. It does this by encouraging normal adrenal glands function, allowing them to function optimally when challenged by stress.4

Eleuthero has been shown to enhance mental acuity and physical endurance without the letdown that comes with caffeinated products.5 Research has shown that eleuthero improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle. This means that a person is able to maintain aerobic exercise longer and recovery from workouts is much quicker.6

Another way that eleuthero reduces stress on the body is to combat harmful toxins. Eleuthero has shown a protective effect in animal studies, against chemicals such as ethanol, sodium barbital, tetanus toxoid, and chemotherapeutic agents.7 Eleuthero also reduces the side effects of radiation exposure.8

Evidence is also mounting that eleuthero enhances and supports the immune response. Eleuthero may be useful as a preventive measure during cold and flu season. Recent evidence also suggests that eleuthero may prove valuable in the long-term management of various diseases of the immune system, including HIV infection, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune illnesses such as lupus.9

How much should I use? Dried, powdered root and rhizomes of 2-3 grams per day can be used. Concentrated solid extract standardized on eleutherosides B and E, 300-400 mg per day, can also be used, as can alcohol-based extracts, 8-10 ml in two to three divided dosages. Historically, eleuthero is taken continuously for six to eight weeks, followed by a one- to two-week break before resuming.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Reported side effects have been minimal with use of eleuthero. Mild, transient diarrhea has been reported in a very small number of users. Eleuthero may cause insomnia in some people if taken too close to bedtime. Eleuthero is not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure. It can be used during pregnancy or lactation. However, pregnant or lactating women using eleuthero should avoid products that have been adulterated with Panax ginseng or other related species that are contraindicated.

References:

1.Collisson RJ. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus). Brit J Phytother 1991; 2:61-71. 2.Farnsworth NR, Kinghorn AD, Soejarto DD, Waller DP. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus): Current status as an adaptogen. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, ed. H Wagner, HZ Hikino, NR Farnsworth. London: Academic Press, 1985, 155-215. 3.Hikino H, Takahashi M, et al. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of eleutherans A, B, C, D, E, F and G: glycans of Eleutheroecoccus senticosus roots. J Natural Prod 1986; 49:293-7. 4.Wagner H, Nörr H, Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994; 1:63-76. 5.Farnsworth NR, Kinghorn AD, Soejarto DD, Waller DP. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus): Current status as an adaptogen. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, ed. H Wagner, HZ Hikino, NR Farnsworth. London: Academic Press, 1985, 155-215. 6.Asano K, Takahashi T, et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human working capacity. Planta Medica 1986; 37:175-7. 7.McNaughton L. A comparison of Chinese and Russian ginseng as ergogenic aids to improve various facets of physical fitness. Inter Clin Nutr Rev 1989; 9:32-5. 8.Collisson RJ. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus). Brit J Phytother 1991; 2:61-71. 9.Ben-Hur E, Fulder S. Effect of P. ginseng saponins and Eleutherococcus S. on survival of cultured mammalian cells after ionizing radiation. Am J Chin Med 1981; 9:48-56.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Shiitake (Lentinan edodes)

Common name: Hua gu

Parts used and where grown: Wild shiitake mushrooms are native to Japan, China, and other Asian countries and typically grow on fallen broadleaf trees. Shiitake is widely cultivated throughout the world, including the United States. The fruiting body is used medicinally.

In what conditions might shiitake be supportive?

Â¥ chemotherapy support

Â¥ hepatitis

Â¥ HIV support

Historical or traditional use: Shiitake has been revered in Japan and China as both a food and medicinal herb for thousands of years. Wu Ri, a famous physician from the Chinese Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644), wrote extensively about this mushroom, noting its ability to increase energy, cure colds, and eliminate worms.1

Active constituents: Shiitake contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, shiitakeÕs key ingredientÑfound in the fruiting bodyÑis a polysaccharide called lentinan. Commercial preparations employ the powdered mycelium of the mushroom before the cap and stem grow; this is called LEM (lentinan edodes mycelium extract). LEM is also rich in polysaccharides and lignans.

Research indicates that LEM helps decrease chronic hepatitis B infectivity, as measured by specific liver and blood markers. A highly purified intravenous form of lentinan has been employed in Japan for the treatment of recurrent stomach cancer, which increases survival with this cancer (particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy). These effects may be due to shiitakeÕs ability to stimulate specific types of white blood cells called T-lymphocytes. Case reports from Japan are also highly suggestive that lentinan is helpful in treating individuals with HIV infection. However, large-scale clinical trials have not yet been performed confirming this action.2

How much should I take? The traditional intake of the whole, dried shiitake mushroom, in soups or as a decoction, is 6-16 grams per day. For LEM, the intake is 1-3 grams two to three times per day until the condition being treated improves. As LEM is the more concentrated and hence more potent extract, it is preferred over the crude mushroom. Tincture, in the amount of 2-4 ml per day, can also be used.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Shiitake has an excellent record of safety but has been known to induce temporary diarrhea and abdominal bloating when used in high dosages. Its safety during pregnancy has not yet been established.

References:

1. Jones K. Shiitake: The Healing Mushroom. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1995. 2. Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms. Santa Cruz, CA: Botanica Press, 1995, 125-8.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

SHEEP SORREL (Rumex acetosella)

Common names are field sorrel, red top sorrel, sour grass and dog eared sorrel. It is a hardy perennial, and is much smaller than either French or Garden Sorrel. Is often tinged a deep red hue especially towards the end of the summer. It grows to about a foot high. It has narrow sharp pointed leaves and spikes of green flowers turning to red. Flowers in late spring.

Sheep sorrel grows wild in most parts of the world except the tropics. It is abundant in Britain, where it is sometimes called Field Sorrel. Considered as a common weed in the U.S., it thrives with little moisture in acidic soils.

The entire plant may be harvested to be used in essiac. Or, just the leaves and stems may be harvested, which allows the plants to regrow and be reharvested again for seller profit. Because of this, it is very difficult to locate and purchase dry whole-plant Sheep Sorrel with roots and at this time no markters use whole-plant Sheep Sorrel in their essiac. The solution is to grow your own Sheep Sorrel from seeds. If you can find a good source for them, the seeds are expensive to buy.

The plant portion of the Sheep Sorrel may be harvested throughout the spring, summer, and fall, early in the morning after the dew has evaporated, or late in the afternoon. Harvest on a sunny day, as the plants need several days after a rain in which to dry properly. Harvest leaves/stem or whole plant before the flowers begin to form, since at this stage the energy of the plant is in the leaves, stems and roots. In the fall, plant energy is concentrated in the roots.

Never buy or collect more than a year’s supply of Sheep Sorrel, as it loses it potency when stored longer. It can be obtained commercially but be careful to purchase Sheep Sorrel that is certified organic and pesticide free. Fresh Sheep Sorrel will be green in color and have an aroma of sweet grass.

Sheep Sorrel is high in vitamins A, B complex, C, D, K and E. Its minerals include significant levels of calcium, iron, silicon, magnesium, sulphur, zinc, manganese, iodine and copper. Sheep Sorrel also contains beta carotene and chlorophyll; citric, malic, oxalic, tannic and tartaric acids and it is rich in potassium oxalate.

Because of the oxalic acid, Sheep Sorrel is generally not recommended for use by persons with a history of kidney stones.

Young Sheep Sorrel leaves were popular as a cooking dressing and as an addition to salads in France several hundred years ago. Indians also use Sheep Sorrel leaves as a tasty seasoning for meat dishes and also baked it into their breads. In early days it was of use against scurvy.

Sorrel plants have been a folk remedy for cancer for centuries both in Europe and Asia, more recently in North America. Alleged to break down tumors and alleviate some chronic conditions and degenerative diseases, it is an astringent and diuretic. It has been anecdotally reported to be a fever reducer, aid digestion, relieve stomach hemorrhage and jaundice. There are no scientific studies that prove Sheep Sorrel does anything of benefit for any health condition.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.