Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Parts used and where grown: The ubiquitous, small, green chickweed plant grows across the United States and originated in Europe. The leaves, stems, and flowers are used in botanical medicine.

In what conditions might chickweed be supportive?

Â¥ eczema

Â¥ insect stings and bites

Historical or traditional use: Chickweed was reportedly used at times for food.1 Chickweed enjoys a reputation as treating a wide spectrum of conditions in folk medicine, ranging from asthma and indigestion to skin diseases. Traditional Chinese herbalists used a tea made from chickweed for nosebleeds.

Active constituents: The active constituents in chickweed are largely unknown. It contains relatively high amounts of vitamins and flavonoids, which may explain some of its effect. Although some older information suggests a possible benefit for chickweed in rheumatic conditions, this has not been validated in clinical practice.2

How much should I take? Although formerly used as a tea, chickweedÕs main use today is as a cream applied liberally several times each day to rashes and inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., eczema) to ease itching and inflammation. As a tincture, 1-5 ml per day can be taken.

Are there any side effects or interactions? No side effects with chickweed have been reported.

References:

1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 458-9.
2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 265.

*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.

Agnus-castus, chaste berry

Parts used and where grown: Vitex grows in the Mediterranean countries and Central Asia. The dried fruit, which has a pepper-like aroma and flavor, is used.

In what conditions might vitex be supportive?

Â¥ fibrocystic breast disease

Â¥infertility (female)

Â¥menopause

Â¥menorrhagia (heavy menstruation)

Â¥menstrual difficulties (secondary amenorrhea)

Â¥premenstrual syndrome

Historical or traditional use: Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus mention the use of vitex for a wide variety of conditions, including hemorrhage following childbirth, and also to assist with the ‘passing of afterbirth.’ Decoctions of the fruit and plant were also used in sitz baths for diseases of the uterus. In addition, vitex was believed to suppress libido and inspire chastity, which explains one of its common names, chaste tree.

Active constituents: The whole fruit extract, which contains several different components, is thought to be medicinally active.

* 1 Vitex does not contain hormones; its benefits stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland, specifically on the production of luteinizing hormone. This increases progesterone production and helps regulate a woman’s cycle. Vitex also keeps prolactin secretion in check.

2 The ability to decrease excessive prolactin levels may benefit infertile women.

How much should I take? Many people take 40 drops (in a glass of water) of the concentrated liquid herbal extract in the morning. Vitex is also available in powdered form in tablets and capsules, again to be taken in the morning.

With its emphasis on long-term balancing of a woman’s hormonal system, vitex is not a fast-acting herb. For premenstrual syndrome or frequent or heavy periods, vitex can be used continuously for four to six months. Women with amenorrhea and infertility can remain on vitex for twelve to eighteen months, unless pregnancy occurs during treatment.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Side effects of using vitex are rare. Minor gastrointestinal upset and a mild skin rash with itching have been reported in less than 2% of the women monitored while taking vitex. Vitex is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

References:

1. Monograph Agni casti fructus (Chaste tree fruits). Bundesanzeiger, May 15, 1985 (no. 90), Dec 2, 1992 (no. 226).
2. Sliutz G, Speiser P, et al. Agnus castus extracts inhibit prolactin secretion of rat pituitary cells. Horm Metab Res 1993; 25:253-5. *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.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Anthemis nobilis L. (Roman)
Chamomilla recutita L. Rauschert Matricaria chamomilla (German)
Matricaria recutita Compositae Composite family

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.), in the Aster family (Asteraceae) is native to southern and eastern Europe and western Asia.1 The daisy-like flower has white petals, a yellow center, and an apple-like fragrance.

History and Traditional Use

Chamomile has been used since the Roman era and its name is derived from the Greek, meaning “ground apple”.2 Traditionally, chamomile has been used to prevent stomach spasms in digestive disorders. In addition, it has been used as a skin wash to cleanse wounds and topical ulcers.3 Chamomile was also used to treat diarrhea, toothache, and bleeding and swollen gums. In the form of a compress, chamomile was used to treat gout, skin problems, and inflammation.4 It has also been used as a soothing, mild sedative, and was considered a preventative for nightmares.2

Modern Medicinal Use

Currently, chamomile is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, an astringent, and as a catalyst in wound healing.5 Chamomile has also been approved by the German Commission E in the treatment of skin and mucous membrane inflammations, bacterial skin diseases (including the oral cavity and gums), inflammations of the respiratory tract, and internally to treat spasms and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.6 Studies have shown that children treated with chamomile had significant reduction in the duration of diarrhea.3

Modern Consumer Use

Chamomile is commonly used in teas as an agent to calm the stomach and relieve symptoms of indigestion, flatulence, and bloating. It is also used to treat mild sleep disorders. As a natural soothing agent, chamomile is also used externally to treat mild skin disorders such as eczema.1 Extracts of chamomile are used in beauty products such as bath oils, shampoos, hair dyes, sunscreen, and mouthwashes. The oil is used as a fragrance component in soaps, lotions, creams, and perfumes. Chamomile extract is also used as a flavor component in many major food categories such as alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins, and puddings.4

References

1 Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

2 Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Volume 1. New York: Dover Publications, Inc; 1971.

3 DerMarderosian A, Beutler JA. The Review of Natural Products: The Most Complete Source of Natural Product Information. 3rd ed. St Louis (MO): Facts and Comparisons; 2002.

4 Leung AY., Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley-Interscience; 1996.

5 Blumenthal M, Hall T, Goldberg A, Kunz T, Dinda K, Brinckmann J, et al, editors. The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; 2003.

6Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. The Complete German Commission E Monographs&emdash;Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communication; 1998.

*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.

Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)

Fast facts: may help prevent certain cancers, regulates blood pressure, reduces cholesterol

Celery seed adds a distinctive bite to sauerkraut, a fine-edged sharpness to coleslaw and a tangy zip to soups, stews and salad dressings.

Yet along with its refreshing flavor, scientists have found that celery seed may also be adding protection against cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

In a study for the National Cancer Institute, Luke Lam, Ph.D., and his colleagues at LKT Laboratories in St. Paul, Minnesota, have been analyzing the chemical constituents of celery seed oil and their effect on living beings.

“We isolated five compounds of interest,” says Dr. Lam, who was formerly a researcher at the University of Minnesota. “Then we took three of those compounds and looked for their ability to prevent tumor formation in animals.”

The result? “The compound sedanolide was the most active,” says Dr. Lam. It and a related compound — butyl phthalide — reduced the incidence of tumors in laboratory animals anywhere from 38% to 57%. Whether celery can help prevent cancer in people as well as in animals is not yet known.

Studies also suggest that celery seed may give people an edge on another health front: lower blood pressure. So reports William Keller, Ph.D., professor and head of the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics at the Northeast Louisiana University School of Pharmacy in Monroe.

In one study at the University of Chicago, laboratory animals given a daily dose of butyl phthalide experienced a 12 percent reduction in their systolic (the top number) blood pressure over a four-week period. What’s more, laboratory studies also indicate that butyl phthalide may help reduce high cholesterol.

If you’d like to try celery seed for yourself, you can prepare a tea by pouring boiling water over one teaspoon of freshly crushed seeds. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes before drinking.

*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.