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.

Hawthorn Berries

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacanthas)

Hawthorn berries have been used since the Middle Ages to support the heart and normalize cardiovascular functions. Today, hawthorn berries are one of the most valuable medicinal herbs used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and circulatory disorders.

European studies have shown that this botanical increases blood flow to the heart and brain, protects the heart from irregular beats, enhances the strength of the heart’s contractions, and mildly lowers blood pressure. Compounds in hawthorn can help protect the heart against oxygen deprivation, a condition that often leads to angina, a disease marked by intense chest pain.

Hawthorn is rich in bioflavonoids, which relax and dilate the arteries. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that help increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. This reduces the work required by the heart to circulate blood, and in-turn reduces blood pressure and stress to the heart muscle. The bioflavonoid substances give strength to the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow to other areas of the body. Components in hawthorn have also been shown to lower cholesterol, and the amount of plaque in arteries.

Hawthorn normalizes heart action, which benefits the entire body by improving circulation and increasing tolerance for physical exertion. The herb appears to increase the power of the heart’s contractions, making the organ more efficient. It helps prevent irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias, which can lead to heart attacks.

Hawthorn in combination with other drugs is given for cardiac problems such as palpitations, angina, and rapid heart beat. Studies have shown that the herb restores blood pressure to normal, not only lowering high blood pressure but also raising blood pressure that is low.

Hawthorn’s flowers, leaves and berries are all used in herbal supplements Each is high in flavonoid content, which gives the plant powerful antioxidant properties. Hawthorn contain three groups of compounds which are key to the plant’s positive effects on the cardiovascular system. These constituent groups are the triterpenoid saponins, the amines and the flavonoids. By inhibiting free radical formation, hawthorn’s antioxidant activity can be beneficial in maintaining healthy heart vessels and promoting overall heart health.

Hawthorn is also a diuretic, helping to rid the body of excess salt and water and thus supporting weight-loss programs. It has also been used treat digestive problems, nervous tension, insomnia, and sore throat. Combined with Ginkgo Biloba it works to enhance poor memory by improving circulation of blood within the head and increasing the amount of oxygen to the brain.

The herb is best-used long term, because the active constituents do not produce rapid results. The benefits develop slowly, and have a direct effect on the heart itself, especially in cases of heart damage and heart problems associated with liver disease. It is gentle and safe for long-term use with no toxic side effects.

Parts Used: Berries, young stems, leaves, and flowers.

Common Use: Helps treat heart disease and related symptoms. Considered by herbalists to be the world’s best cardiac tonic. Used for beginning heart disease, mild heart-muscle weakness, angina, and arrhythmia. Hawthorn promotes healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels by relaxing blood vessels, increasing metabolism in the heart muscle, and improving blood supply to the heart. Also used for sleeplessness, nervousness, poor digestion, and weight control.

Care: Perennial that tolerates most soil mixes. Full sun to partial shade. Hawthorn trees with their white rose-like flowers are considered one of the most beautiful spring flowering shrubs.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Parts used and where grown: All teas (green, black, and oolong) are derived from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference is in how the plucked leaves are prepared. The leaves of the tea plant are used both as a social and medicinal beverage. Green tea, unlike black and oolong tea, is not fermented, so the active constituents remain unaltered in the herb.

In what conditions might green tea be supportive?

Â¥ cancer risk reduction

Â¥ gingivitis (periodontal disease)

Â¥ high cholesterol

Â¥ high blood pressure

Â¥ high triglycerides

Â¥ immune function

Â¥ infection

Historical or traditional use: According to Chinese legend, tea was discovered accidentally by an emperor 4,000 years ago. Since then, traditional Chinese medicine has recommended green tea for headaches, body aches and pains, digestion, depression, immune enhancement, detoxification, as an energizer, and to prolong life. Modern research has confirmed many of these health benefits.

Active constituents: Green tea contains volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, but the active constituents are polyphenols, particularly the catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The polyphenols are believed to be responsible for most of green teaÕs roles in promoting good health.1

Research demonstrates that green tea guards against cardiovascular disease in many ways. Green tea lowers total cholesterol levels and improves the cholesterol profile (the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol), reduces platelet aggregation, and lowers blood pressure.2 3 4 5 The polyphenols in green tea have also been shown to lessen the risk of cancers of several sites, stimulate the production of several immune system cells, and have anti-bacterial propertiesÑeven against the bacteria that cause dental plaque.6 7 8

How much should I take? Much of the research documenting the health benefits of green tea is based on the amount of green tea typically drunk in Asian countriesÑabout three cups per day (providing 240-320 mg of polyphenols). To brew green tea, 1 U.S. teaspoon (5 grams) of green tea leaves are combined with 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water and steeped for three minutes. Tablets and capsules containing standardized extracts of polyphenols, particularly EGCG, are available; some are decaffeinated and provide up to 97% polyphenol contentÑwhich is equivalent to drinking four cups of tea.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Green tea is extremely safe. The most common adverse effect reported from consuming large amounts of green tea is insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms caused by the caffeine content in the herb.

References:

1. Graham HN. Green tea composition, consumption, and polyphenol chemistry. Prev Med 1992;21:334-350. 2. Kono S, Shinchi K, Ikeda N, et al. Green tea consumption and serum lipid profiles: A cross-sectional study in Northern Kyushu, Japan. Prev Med 1992;21:526-531. 3. Yamaguchi Y, Hayashi M, Yamazoe H, et al. Preventive effects of green tea extract on lipid abnormalities in serum, liver and aorta of mice fed an atherogenic diet. Nip Yak Zas 1991;97(6):329-337. 4. Sagesaka-Mitane Y, Milwa M, Okada S. Platelet aggregation inhibitors in hot water extract of green tea. Chem Pharm Bull 1990;38(3):790-793. 5. Stensvold I, Tverdal A, Solvoll K, et al. Tea consumption. Relationship to cholesterol, blood pressure, and coronary and total mortality. Prev Med 1992;21:546-553. 6. Stoner GD, Mukhtar H. Polyphenols as cancer chemopreventive agents. J Cell Bioch 1995;22:169-180. 7. You SQ. Study on feasibility of Chinese green tea polyphenols (CTP) for preventing dental caries. Chin J Stom 1993;28(4):197-199. 8. Hamilton-Miller JM. Antimicrobial properties of tea (Camellia sinensis L.). Antimicro Ag Chemo 1995;39(11):2375-2377.

*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.