IHerbs

12/09/2017

Sweet Wormwoods

After centuries of being forgotten, a common herb was rediscovered that has cured malaria in millions of people. Today, access to medicine programs such as the Novartis Malaria Initiative make antimalarial drugs based on Artemisia annua available to the people who need it.

28/08/2017

MULLEIN
(Verbascum) (velvet plant)
(Verbascum sinuatum)
بوصير

Mullein is a plant. The flower is used to make medicine.

Mullein is used for cough, whooping cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis, hoarseness, pneumonia, earaches, colds, chills, flu, swine flu, fever, allergies, tonsillitis, and sore throat. Other uses include asthma, diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal bleeding, migraines, joint pain, and gout. It is also used as a sedative and as a diuretic to increase urine output.

Mullein is applied to the skin for wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, bruises, frostbite, and skin infections (cellulitis). The leaves are used topically to soften and protect the skin.

In manufacturing, mullein is used as a flavoring ingredient in alcoholic beverages.

How does it work?
The chemicals in mullein might be able to fight influenza and herpes viruses, and some bacteria that cause respiratory infections.

USES

Ear infections (otitis media). Early research shows that applying a specific product (Otikon Otic Solution by Healthy-On Ltd) that contains mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort to the ear for 3 days reduces ear pain in children and teenagers with ear infections.
Wounds.
Hemorrhoids.
Colds.
Flu.
Asthma.
Diarrhea.
Migraines.
Gout.
Tuberculosis.
Croup.
Cough.
Sore throat.
Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis).
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of mullein for these uses

SIDE EFFECTS

Mullein is POSSIBLY SAFE for when applied to the ear, short-term. A specific product (Otikon Otic Solution, Healthy-On Ltd.) that contains mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort has been used in the ear for up to 3 days.

Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Mullein is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the ear, short-term. A specific product (Otikon Otic Solution, Healthy-On Ltd.) that contains mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort has been used in the ear for up to 3 days.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking mullein if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

INTERACTIONS

There is currently no information for MULLEIN Interactions

DOSING

The appropriate dose of mullein depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for mullein. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

24/08/2017

Leadership

Leaders' Unique Perspectives and Skills

19/08/2017

Herbs-Drugs Interactions

13/08/2017

HOUSELEEK
(Sempervivum tectorum)

Houseleek is a plant. The leaf of the non-flowering plant is used to make medicine.

Houseleek is used for severe diarrhea.

Some people apply houseleek directly to the skin for burns; ulcers; warts; and itchy, burning skin and swelling associated with insect bites. The diluted juice is used as a gargle for ulcers in the mouth.

How does it work?
There isn't enough information to know how houseleek might work.

USES

TAKEN BY MOUTH

Severe diarrhea.
Other conditions.

APPLIED TO THE SKIN

Ulcers in the mouth.
Burns.
Skin ulcers.
Warts.
Itchy, burning skin and swelling from insect bites.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of houseleek for these uses.

SIDE EFFECTS

There isn't enough information to know if houseleek is safe when taken by mouth or put on the skin or what the possible side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of houseleek during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

INTERACTIONS

currently there is no information for HOUSELEEK Interactions

DOSING

The appropriate dose of houseleek depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for houseleek. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

09/08/2017

GOLDENROD

(Aaron's Rod) (Solidago virgaurea)
عصا الذهب
Goldenrod is an herb. People use the parts that grow above the ground for medicine.

The names “early goldenrod,” “European goldenrod,” and “Canadian goldenrod” are used interchangeably. Don’t confuse this herb with Verbascum densiflorum, which is sometimes called “goldenrod.”

Goldenrod is used to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation), as a diuretic to increase urine flow, and to stop muscle spasms. It is also used for gout, joint pain (rheumatism), arthritis, as well as eczema and other skin conditions. Goldenrod is also used to treat tuberculosis infections that have become active again after a period of inactivity (latency), diabetes, enlargement of the liver, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, hay fever, asthma, and an enlarged prostate.

Some people use goldenrod as "irrigation therapy." This is a procedure that involves taking goldenrod with lots of fluids to increase urine flow in an effort to treat inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract, as well as stones in the kidney or urinary tract.

Goldenrod is used as a mouth rinse for inflammation of the mouth and throat, and it is also applied directly to the skin to improve wound healing.

How does it work?
Goldenrod contains chemicals that increase urine flow and have anti-swelling (anti-inflammatory) effects.

USES

Spasms.
Swelling (inflammation) of the mouth, throat, and lower urinary tract.
Wounds.
Gout.
Arthritis.
Kidney stones.
Skin conditions.
Tuberculosis.
Diabetes.
Enlargement of the liver.
Hemorrhoids.
Internal bleeding.
Asthma.
Hayfever.
Prostate enlargement.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of goldenrod for these uses.

SIDE EFFECTS

There is not enough information available to know if goldenrod is safe to take for medical conditions.

Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking goldenrod if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use..

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Goldenrod may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking goldenrod.

Fluid retention (edema) due to heart or kidney conditions: "Irrigation therapy," during which goldenrod is taken with large amounts of fluids to increase urine flow, should not be attempted in people with fluid retention due to heart or kidney disease.

High blood pressure: There is a concern that goldenrod might make the body accumulate more sodium, and this can make high blood pressure worse.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Herbal "irrigation therapy" may not work against infections and may require the addition of germ-killing medications. "Irrigation therapy" should be monitored closely. Don’t depend on it for clearing up an infection.

INTERACTIONS

Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with GOLDENROD
Goldenrod seems to work like "water pills" by causing the body to lose water. Taking goldenrod along with other "water pills" might cause the body to lose too much water. Losing too much water can cause you to be dizzy and your blood pressure to go too low.
Some "water pills" include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

DOSING

The appropriate dose of goldenrod depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for goldenrod. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

05/08/2017

INDIAN GOOSEBERRY (Phyllanthus emblica) (Aamalaki) (Emblic)
أملج شانع

Indian gooseberry is a tree that grows in India, the Middle East, and some southeast Asian countries. Indian gooseberry has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Today people still use the fruit of the tree to make medicine.

Indian gooseberry is taken by mouth for high cholesterol, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), diabetes, pain and swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis), cancer, upset stomach, eye problems, joint pain, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea (dysentery), osteoarthritis, obesity, and “organ restoration.” It is also used to kill germs and reduce pain and swelling caused by the body’s reaction to injury or illness (inflammation).

How does it work?
Indian gooseberry seems to work by reducing total cholesterol levels, including the fatty acids called triglycerides, without affecting levels of the “good cholesterol” called high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

USES

High cholesterol. Early research suggests that taking Indian gooseberry for 4 weeks decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.
Osteoarthritis. Research shows that taking two capsules of an Ayurvedic formula containing Indian gooseberry and several other ingredients three times daily for 24 weeks is as beneficial as taking glucosamine sulfate or the drug celecoxib for reducing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Cancer.
Swelling of the pancreas.
Indigestion.
Eye problems.
Joint pain.
Diarrhea.
Bloody diarrhea (dysentery).
Obesity.
Diabetes.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate Indian gooseberry for these uses.

SIDE EFFECTS

Indian gooseberry seems LIKELY SAFE for most people when consumed in amounts found in foods. Ayurvedic formulations containing Indian gooseberry have been linked to liver damage. But, it’s not clear if taking Indian gooseberry alone might have these effects.

Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Indian gooseberry as medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Bleeding disorders: Indian gooseberry might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in some people. If you have a bleeding disorder, use Indian gooseberry with caution.

Diabetes: Indian gooseberry might decrease blood sugar levels. Your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.

Liver disease: In theory, taking Indian gooseberry with ginger, Tinospora cordifolia, and Indian frankincense might make liver function worse in people with liver disease. But it’s not known if taking Indian gooseberry alone can have these effects.

Surgery: Indian gooseberry might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking Indian gooseberry at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

INTERACTIONS

There is currently have no information for INDIAN GOOSEBERRY Interactions

DOSING

The appropriate dose of Indian gooseberry depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Indian gooseberry. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

31/07/2017

Plant based longevity diet

30/07/2017

CALOTROPIS (Aak) (Calotropis gigantea) (Calotropis procera)
نبات العشار أو العشر

Calotropis is a plant. People use the bark and root bark for medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, calotropis is used for digestive disorders including diarrhea, constipation and stomach ulcers; for painful conditions including toothache, cramps, and joint pain; and for parasitic infections including elephantiasis and worms. Some people use calotropis for syphilis, boils, inflammation (swelling), epilepsy, hysteria, fever, muscular spasm, warts, leprosy, gout, snakebites, and cancer.

In inhalation therapy, smoke from the bark is inhaled for coughs, asthma, and to cause sweating.

How does it work?
Calotropis contains chemicals that might help thin mucous and make it easier to cough up. In studies in animals, calotropis has shown some activity against pain, inflammation, bacteria, fever, and ulcers caused by alcohol and medications such as aspirin, indomethacin (Indocin), and others.

USES

Toothache.
Syphilis.
Epilepsy.
Fever.
Leprosy.
Gout.
Snakebites.
Digestive disorders.
Diarrhea.
Cramps.
Boils.
Cancer.
Swelling (inflammation).
Joint pain.
Ulcers.
Cough, when inhaled.
Asthma, when inhaled.
Other conditions.

SIDE EFFECTS

Calotropis is UNSAFE, especially in high doses. It contains chemicals that can interfere with heart function, particularly at high doses. It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, convulsions, and death.

It’s not known whether it’s safe to inhale calotropis smoke.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to use calotropis during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Avoid use.

INTERACTIONS

Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with CALOTROPIS
Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Calotropis also seems to affect the heart. Taking calotropis along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects. Do not take calotropis if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.

Lithium interacts with CALOTROPIS
Calotropis might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking calotropis might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Stimulant laxatives interacts with CALOTROPIS
Calotropis can affect the heart. The heart uses potassium. Laxatives called stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the chance of side effects from calotropis.
Some stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax), cascara, castor oil (Purge), senna (Senokot), and others.

Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with CALOTROPIS
Calotropis might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart and increase the risk of side effects from calotropis.
Some "water pills" that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.

DOSING

The appropriate dose of calotropis depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for calotropis. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

30/07/2017

Grapefruit interactions

29/07/2017

Analgesics potency compared to Morphine

28/07/2017

Hormones