Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Common names: Shave grass, scouring rush

Parts used and where grown: Horsetail is widely distributed throughout the temperate climate zones of the northern hemisphere, including Asia, North America and Europe.1 Horsetail is a unique plant with two distinctive types of stems. One variety of stem grows early in spring and looks like asparagus, except for its brown color and the spore-containing cones on top. The mature form of the herb, appearing in summer, has branched, thin, green, sterile stems and looks very much like a feathery tail.

In what conditions might horsetail be supportive?

Â¥ brittle nails

Â¥ edema (water retention)

¥ osteoarthritis ¥ osteoporosis

Â¥ rheumatoid arthritis

Historical or traditional use: Since recommended by the Roman physician Galen, several cultures have employed horsetail as a folk remedy for kidney and bladder troubles, arthritis, bleeding ulcers, and tuberculosis. Additionally, the topical use of horsetail is said to stop the bleeding of wounds and promote rapid healing. The use of this herb as an abrasive cleanser to scour pots or shave wood illustrates the origin of horsetailÕs common namesÑscouring rush and shave grass.2

Active constituents: Horsetail is very rich in silicic acid and silicates, which provide approximately 2-3% elemental silicon. Potassium, aluminum, and manganese along with fifteen different types of bioflavonoids are also found in the herb. The presence of these bioflavonoids are believed to cause the diuretic action, while the silicon content is said to exert a connective tissue strengthening and anti-arthritic action.3 Some experts have suggested that the element silicon is a vital component for bone and cartilage formation.4 This would indicate that horsetail may be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis. Anecdotal reports suggest that horsetail may be of some use in the treatment of brittle nails.

How much should I take? Horsetail can be taken daily as a tea at 1-4 grams per day. A tincture can also be used at 2-6 ml per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Horsetail is generally considered safe for non-pregnant adults at the recommended dose. The only concern would be that the correct species of horsetail is used; Equisetum palustre is another species of horsetail, which contains toxic alkaloids and is a well-known livestock poison.

The Canadian Health Protection Branch requires supplement manufacturers to document that their products do not contain the enzyme thiaminase, found in crude horsetail, which destroys the B vitamin thiamin. Since alcohol, temperature, and alkalinity neutralize this potentially harmful enzyme, tinctures, fluid extracts, or preparations of the herb subjected to 100°C temperatures during manufacturing should be the preferable form of the plant utilized for medicinal use.5

References:

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 306&endash;8. 2. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1991, 219&endash;21. 3. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 238&endash;9. 4. Seaborn CD, Nielsen FH. Silicon: a nutritional beneficence for bones, brains and blood vessels? Nutr Today 1993;28:13&endash;18. 5. Fabre B, Geay B, Beaufils P. Thiaminase activity in Equisetum arvense and its extracts. Plant Med Phytother 1993;26:190&endash;97.

*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.

Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum)

A great deal of research has been done in recent years concerning sexual performance and libido. Some of that research has concentrated on herbal ingredients with a legendary history as natural aphrodisiacs, and Horny Goat Weed (also known as Epimedium Sagittatum, Epimedium Grandiflorum, Yin Yang Huo, or Inyokakau) is among the top performers.

The scientific community has focused mainly on men and treating erectile dysfunction, but women’s sexual performance and loss of sex drive among both sexes are also hot issues today. Horny Goat Weed libido and sexual performance enhancer works for both men and women boosting sexual energy and stamina so that you can have the physical intimacy you’ve been looking for!

Horny Goat weed is a traditional Chinese herb of long-standing use that has been supported and recommended by those in the health care profession. Horny Goat weed has been used in the past to relieve liver, joint, knee, and back problems, and now it is promoted as one of the most powerful herbal aphrodisiacs and treatments for sexual dysfunction in men and women.

It affects testosterone production and release

Stimulates sensory nerves

Restores decreased sex drive

Promotes erectile function

Supports muscular growth and Health

Alleviates fatigue

Relieves premenstrual and menopausal symptoms

no known negative side effects with Horny Goat Weed.

Over the last few years a lot of attention was brought to erectile dysfunction and impotence in men. Herbal formulations dating back thousands of years have been quite effective in restoring sexual prowess..

Clinical studies on several herbal products claiming to treat impotence andsexual performance related problems. To the surprise of the scientific community some of these herbs have proven to be very effective in the long term.

One of those herbal products is Horny Goat Weed

Within the first month of usage you will be impressed, within 3 months or more, you will be amazed.

But behind the laughable nickname stands a serious herb. The Chinese consider horny goat weed the premier libido-lifter for men and women, and top aid to erectile function in men. The plant has long been employed to restore sexual fire, boost erectile function, allay fatigue and even alleviate menopausal discomfort. The Chinese, the worlds leading herbalists, are famous for their healing ability exemplified by their longevity and virility.

Discovered by a Chinese goat farmers who observed old; over the hill goats sexual rejuvenation after eating the large thorn covered weeds that other animals avoided, hence the reason for the name. The effects proved the same in humans. Desire is also increased along with erectile function, increased testosterone levels, androgen like influence on the testes, prostate and important sexual muscles.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences recommends the regular use of Horny Goat Weed to slow the aging process, as it improves the overall quality of life as well.

Horny Goat Weed stimulates sexual activity in both men and women, increases sperm production, stimulates the sensory nerves, and increases sexual desire. It’s aphrodisiac effects has been verified in both animal and human research. As effective as Horny Goat Weed is to treat sexual dysfunction, when combined with other well known herbal aphrodisiacs such as Maca the results are nothing short of amazing.

Known in China as Yin Yang Huo, horny goat weed was first described in classic Chinese medicinal texts dating back more than two thousand years. The Chinese use the term Yin Yang Huo in reference to any of several species of epimedium, a leafy groundcover that grows most abundantly at higher altitudes.

Recommended use: As a dietary supplement, take one (2) daily with a meal. For more immediate response take three (3) to four (4) capsules 90 minutes before activity.

Ingredients:(Epimedium grandiflorum) 500mg,

*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.

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

A Traditional Cough Remedy

Fast facts: relieves coughs

Once upon a time, Europeans believed horehound would help ward off witches’ spells. But whatever the herb’s anti-ghoul properties, they apparently weren’t powerful enough to prevent the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from casting a spell over horehound in 1989. Over the protests of herbalists that year, the FDA ruled horehound ineffective against coughs and banned it from over-the-counter cough remedies.

That was news to traditional herbalists. They’ve been recommending horehound to treat coughs for literally thousands of years. You might think the FDA ruling was the end of the story, but it’s not. You can still buy the herb, you can still buy horehound candies, and some herbal experts say the final word has not yet been said on this topic. David P. Carew, Ph.D., professor emeritus of medicinal and natural products chemistry at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, for example, actually whips up his own tasty, old-fashioned horehound candy at home. “I like the flavor of horehound myself,” says Dr. Carew. “I also think there’s some mucus-ejecting action in horehound, but I’m sure it all depends on how strong the extract is that you put in.”

Horehound’s phlegm-evicting component is thought to be released when the herb is cooked. Called marrubiin, this chemical apparently irritates the lining of the throat, causing horehound’s expectorant action, according to Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University School of Pharmacy in West Lafayette, Indiana, and author of The Honest Herbal.

During one study, marrubiin was found to increase the production of bile in laboratory animals, says John Michael Edwards, Ph.D., associate dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. “Presumably this means it would stimulate all sorts of secretions,” says Dr. Edwards. “Think of it this way: Something that increases one secretion is likely to stimulate others.” Horehound has never been just a cough remedy. It has had other uses over the years as well, from luring bees to gardens and adding a flavorful punch to English ales to featured status as a bitter herb during Jewish Passover. One group of physicians in 19th-century America also prescribed it for colds, asthma, intestinal worms and menstrual complaints. None of these uses has been scientifically investigated, however.

Old-Fashioned Relief? If you’d like to try horehound tea, pour a cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of dried horehound leaves and steep for ten minutes. Sweeten to taste. The candies are hard to find, and if you do find them, you’ll see that they no longer come with a medicinal label. You can judge for yourself whether the ancients were right about horehound’s ability to relieve a cough. You can also enjoy the candies just as a treat, although the sweet/bitter taste is unusual, to say the least.

*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.

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Parts used and where grown: The hops plant, Humulus lupulus, is a climbing plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Hops are the cone-like, fruiting bodies (strobiles) of the plant and are typically harvested from cultivated female plants. Hops are most commonly used as a flavoring agent in beer.

In what conditions might hops be supportive?

Â¥ anxiety

Â¥ insomnia

Historical or traditional use: Soothing the stomach and promoting healthy digestion has been the strongest historical use of this herb. Hops tea was also recommended as a mild sedative and remedy for insomnia, particularly for those with insomnia resulting from an upset stomach.1 It was also common for a pillow to be filled with hops to encourage sleep. Traditionally, hops were also thought to have a diuretic effect and to treat sexual neuroses. A poultice of hops was used topically to treat sores and skin injuries and to relieve muscle spasms and nerve pain.2

Active constituents: Hops are high in bitter substances. The two primary bitter principles are known as humulone and lupulone.3 These bitter principles are thought to be responsible for the appetite-stimulating properties of hops. Hops also contain about 1-3% volatile oils. Hops have been shown to have mild sedative properties. Many herbal preparations for insomnia combine hops with more potent sedative herbs, such as valerian.

How much should I take? The dried fruits can be made into a tea by pouring 150 ml of boiling water over 1-2 U.S. teaspoons (5-10 grams) of the fruit. Steep for ten to fifteen minutes before drinking. Tinctures can be taken in amounts of 1-2 ml two or three times per day. Dried hops in tablet or capsule form can also be taken at a dose of 500&endash;1,000 mg two or three times per day. As mentioned above, many herbal preparations use hops in combination with herbal sedatives, including valerian, passion flower, and scullcap.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Use of hops is generally safe, and there are no known contraindications or potential interactions with other medications. There are some reports of persons experiencing an allergic skin rash after handling the dried flowers; this is most likely due to a pollen sensitivity.

References:

1. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 285&endash;6. 2. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 56&endash;7. 3. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 305&endash;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.