Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.)

Spearmint in the mint family (Lamiaceae) has bright green, wrinkled, lance-shaped leaves, spreads by underground stems, and grows to 2 feet in height.1 Small pinkish-lilac flowers appear in summer. It is native to the Mediterranean region but has naturalized in virtually every country to which it has been introduced.1

History and Traditional Use

Spearmint is a common garden mint with a distinct flavor and a reputation for increasing the appetite.1 In the ancient Middle East, it was one of the plants that could be used to pay taxes. It was believed that spearmint would prevent the curdling of milk and help with watering eyes and sores. It was applied with salt to relieve bites from mad dogs, wasps, and bee stings. Spearmint was inhaled to relieve tension in the head and revive memory. As a gargle, it was said to cure sore mouth and gums. Rose leaves and mint were heated and applied outwardly to induce sleep.1 In addition, spearmint was used to treat sore throat, diarrhea, headaches, cramps and colds.2

Modern Medicinal Use

While spearmint has frequently been used in much the same way as peppermint, it has far less menthol, the primary active chemical constituent found in peppermint.3 It is useful in relieving intestinal gas.2 A recent study suggests that spearmint oil may be effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus.4

Modern Consumer Use

Spearmint oil is primarily used as a flavoring agent and can be found in baked goods, candies, chewing gums, desserts, processed fruits, and sauces.2 Spearmint leaves and extracts are used in beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), and other foods. Spearmint leaves and oil are commonly found in herb teas as a flavoring, and in tinctures, capsules, and tablets for colds, fevers, and digestion.2 Spearmint oil is used to flavor toothpaste, mouthwash, and soap.

References

1 Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. New York: Dover Publications; 1971.

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

3 Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Honest Herbal. 4nd ed. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press; 2000.

4 Imai H, Osawa K, Yasuda H, Hamashima H, Arai T, Sasatsu M. Inhibition by the essential oils of peppermint and spearmint of the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Microbios. 2001; 106 Suppl 1:31-39.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

Early American Throat Soother

Fast facts: relieves sore throats, soothes burns and skin irritations, eases indigestion, treats minor wounds

When alumni come to visit the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in Storrs, John Michael Edwards, PhD, is more than happy to show them around the old alma mater. But all the while, he’s got at least one eye on the department’s jar of slippery elm.

It seems that the graduates developed a taste for the stuff when they were students — and they aren’t afraid to raid the jar when they’re back in town, says Dr. Edwards, associate dean of the School of Pharmacy.

“In the old days, the pharmacy students had to be able not only to identify powdered drugs but to identify them in chunks — and slippery elm was one of them,” says Dr. Edwards. “If you suck on a piece of slippery elm, you get this mucilage out of it that’s sort of sweet. Every so often, we have an alumnus who comes back and pounces on the jar of slippery elm bark.”

Former pharmacy students aren’t the first to have coveted slippery elm bark. Before Dutch elm disease decimated the great slippery elm forests of the northeastern United States, this plant was perhaps the country’s favorite home remedy — used in sore throat lozenges and as a hot cereal (like oatmeal) for ulcers, heartburn and common digestive complaints.

That sweet mucilage apparently coats and soothes mucous membranes. “There’s a polysaccharide in the bark that’s very soothing, there’s no question about that,” says Christopher W. W. Beecher, PhD, associate professor of pharmacognosy in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. A polysaccharide is a kind of carbohydrate.

Soothing Relief You don’t have to scout the forests for slippery elm trees in order to take advantage of this old-fashioned herb. You can still buy slippery elm throat lozenges in health food stores and some drugstores.

If you prefer a pleasant-tasting tea, add a cup of boiling water to a teaspoon of slippery elm powder or to slippery elm tea that you can buy at a health food store. Add sugar or honey to taste.

For a poultice to pack on burns, boils, minor wounds and inflamed skin, simply add enough water to slippery elm powder to create a paste. (Some people are allergic to slippery elm. If you find that the paste irritates your skin, discontinue use.)

*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.

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.