The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

On to dong quai constituents.

Angelol (Coumarin):

Bergapten (also known as 5-methoxypsoralen) (Coumarin) has been used to treat vitiligio and psoriasis and is phototoxic in lime peel extracts and essential oils. Petersen adds it can cause photosentization and is carcinogenic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 95, 210; Petersen, 2018).

Carvacrol (Volatile Oil): is in many plants of the Lamiaceae family. It is a strong antiseptic and has anti-fungal and anthelmintic properties as well (Hoffman, 2003, p. 65; Ganora, 2009, p. 135).

Coumarins inhibit aggression but are considered weak.  They are phytoestrogenic.

Essential Oils are steam soluble. These are often the active compounds in the plant but even more so, they are often needed to activate the other constituents of the plant for a synergistic effect (Ganora, 2009, p. 19, 43, 45, 46, 51, 68 ,109, 134, 137, 139).

Ferulic Acid (Polyphenolic Acid) increases phagocytosis (Hoffman, 2003, p. 152).

Isosafrole is carcinogenic (Petersen, 2018).

Ligustilide (Essential Oil):

N-butylidene phthalide (Essential Oil):

Osthol (Coumarin) may inhibit platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction. May also cause hypotension (Petersen, 2018).

Phytosterols: mean there is a hydroxyl group attached to the C3 and an extra methyl or ethyl in the side chain. This is what differentiates it from an animal sterol (phyto meaning plant). Ganora says these are soluble in oil. She says these are good for cholesterol, blood lipids, and reduce blood-soluble vitamins in the blood. These are good for enlarged prostates and some are anti-carcinogenic.  These also are believed to be responsible for sexual and hormonal toning activities. The major phytosterols which may come up later are beta-sitosterol, campestrerol, and stigmasterol (Hoffman, 2003, p. 83, 143; Ganora, 2009, 44, 46, 64, 69, 91, 92, 134, 145).

Polyacetylenes (Sesquiterpese lactone glycosides) are alcohol-solvent between 40-60% (Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 64, 85, 97, 98). Petersen (2018) adds they are anti-microbial (p. 169).

Polysaccharides (Mucilage) activate the macrophages which initiates the body’s defenses against pathogens and cancer cells (Hoffman, 2003, p. 544).

Psoralen (Coumarin):

Safrole (Phenylpropanoid, Essential Oil, Terpenes) is found in the essential oil. Some science claims this is carginogenic but when a sassafras tea with the constituent is consumed, it's not. The amount of the constituent probably plays a role here (Ganora, 2009, p. 109).

Sesquiterpenes (in volatile oil): Constituents are often classified based on structure and this particular one makes that hard...  There are over 200 structure types. The 3 main structures are acyclic, monocytclic, and bicyclic. Some of these act as pheromones for communication between plants. Some provide a defensive role (Hoffman, 2003, p. 67).

Volatile oil: Volatile just means they evaporate more quickly than other substances. If it says "volatile", you want to use the plant as fresh as possible and try not to warm it up in any way (Ganora, 2009, p. 52, 57, 61, 134, 139). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oils are what is extracted from the plant to make essential oils and are made of a lot of compounds, sometimes as much as 100 (p. 14).

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

On to dong quai actions.

Sedative hematonic: Simply means it cleans the blood while also being a sedative.

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

This was an interesting herb to research because it had three different common names which were used in my library. I was amazed by the amount of data on this herb as well as the level of science.  This is another herb that should be a dear friend to most females.  Love and Light!

On to dong quai.

Constituents: Essential oil (ligustilide, n-butylidene phthalide), phytosterols, ferulic acid, coumarins (angelol, angelicone, osthol, psoralen, bergapten), volatile oil. Osthol may inhibit platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction. May also cause hypotension. Psoralen and bergapten are photosensitizing.  Bergapten, safrole, and isosafrole are carcinogenic. Low molecular weight polysaccharide shows anti-tumor properties.  There is conflicting research on phytoestrogenic activity (Petersen, 2009, p. 60-1). Clark (2011) says this is a good source of Vitamin E (p. 187). Chevallier (2016) says voliatile oil (ligustilide, sesquiterpenes, carvacrol), coumarins, phytosterols, polyacetylenes, and ferulic acid (p. 63).

Therapeutic Actions: Anticoagulant, stimulant, anti-platelet, relaxant (Petersen, 2018, p. 62). Griffin (1997) calls this a sedative hematonic (p. 220). Clark (2015) says it is a uterine and menstrual stimulant (p. 70). Chevallier (2106) says tonic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, thins blood, and promotes menstrual flow (p. 63). Bown (1995) says female tonic for the reproduction system and liver, mild laxative, sedative, anti-bacterial, and painkiller (p. 238).

Indications: Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, blood deficiency, purify the blood, hypertension, constipation, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, kidney disease, nerve pain, coronary hypertension, allergy attacks, and liver protection. Topically used for premature ejaculation.  It has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years with the “yin” profile. Also used for menstrual cramps, irregularity, retarded flow, weakness, infertility, and menopause. Can also help with rheumatism, ulcers, anemia, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis (Ganora, 2009, p. 58-9, 62). Tierra (1998) mentions dang gui (different spelling in Chinese) and chuan xiong combined promote blood circulation. On page 150, he says there are four combinations.  The first being by itself where it is called sovereign (remember, Chinese medicine works differently) and is used as a blood tonic. The second has been mentioned already. The third is assistant with peony root which is also for toning the blood.  The fourth is assistant with rehmannia root to nourish blood and yin. He continues on page 399 anemia and gynecological problems are also helped with this herb. Griffin (1997) says the Chinese use it for blood building and a female tonic. The cooked root is good for the endocrine system, improved circulation, lower blood pressure, energy, constipation, PMS, menstrual irregularity, menopausal symptoms, and female longevity (p. 220). Groves (2016) says estrogen deficiency which includes help in the first portion of the menstrual cycle, being too thin, anemic, and light bleeding. Fertility issues and anxiety may be included here. It also fortifies iron levels. For women, this is nourishing, energy, and vitality (p. 250). Chevallier (2016) says regulates uterine contractions hence its effectiveness on period pain. It also normalizes the function of the heart and thins blood. Use it for “deficient blood”, anemia, pale complextion, palpitations, lowered vitality, regulating the menstrual cycle, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, circulation, including in the stomach and cold hands/feet, abscesses and boils (p. 63). Bown (1995) says menstrual, postpartum, menopause issues, and anemia. Acupuncture for pain, neuralgia, angina, and arthritis (p. 238). Heinerman (1996) says it stimulates uterine contractions in an orderly fashion which reduces the pain of cramps without having an estrogenic effect. It helps with all gynecological problems caused by “deficient, poor quality, or stagnant blood”. Using decoctions or alcohol extracts, it lowers blood pressure and consuming it demonstrated less plaque in arteries than the control subjects had. The pain it treats is in acupuncture but not for acute pain like sprains, infections or tumors (p. 208-9).

Safety: Not safe during pregnancy of breastfeeding.  It may be an issue with conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.  It does not have generally regarded as safe status in the US but is widely available as a supplement and is safe as a food additive (Petersen, 2018, p. 62). Tierra (1998) says not to put more than 3 grams in soup for men, 6 grams for women (p. 399). Clark (2015) says not to use during pregnancy or nursing (p. 70). Gardner (2013) says not to use within seven days of surgery due to a bleeding risk. There is a potential interaction between this herb and warfarin.  Do not take with anti-coagulant drugs.  There was no genotoxicity discovered and at extreme doses, there is a potential for damage to kidneys but the amount to get to that point is very high (p. 65). Ulbricht (2010) says not to use while pregnant or lactating. It may increase bleeding so do not use with anti-coagulant or anti-platelet drugs. It may cause photosensitivity and it may effect heart medication (p. 299). Heinerman (1996) says not to use if pregnant, with excess menstruation, fever, fast pules, diarrhea, or abdominal distension (p. 201).

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the lesson I attended.

The next herb will be dong quai if I can find enough information on it.  Wish me luck! Love and Light!

On to the constituents of devil's club.

Falcarinol (Polyene, Polyacetylenes): This may have chemoprotective actions abs be cytotoxic to human cancer cells as well as potentially antifungal and antibacterial (Ganora, 2009, p. 97). (Carrots, Celery, Devil’s Club, Fennel, Ginseng, Ivy, Parsnip, Parsley, Tomato Leaves)

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the lesson I attended.

I actually got to work on my book yesterday!  I hope to continue that today and research the new herb to be posted here tomorrow for the day after that. Love and Light!

On to the constituents of devil's club.

Falcarindiol (Polyene, Polyacetylenes) is a dual inhibitor that falls under the category of diaryl heptanoids. This may have chemoprotective actions abs be cytotoxic to human cancer cells as well as potentially antifungal and antibacterial (Hoffman, 2003, p. 159; Ganora, 2009, p. 97).

Unsaturated Fatty Acid are fatty acids that contain carbon-carbon double bonds. Ganora breaks these down into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (Hoffman, 2003, p. 54; Ganora, 2009, p. 64).

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the lesson I attended.

I have already discussed all the therapeutic actions involved in how this herb works so I'm going straight to the constituents today.  Love and Light!

On to Devil's club constituents

Alpha-cubebene (Sesquiterpene):

Beta-sitosterol (Phytosterols), also seen as B-sitosterol, is in a lot of higher plants. It is essential in cell membranes. It seems to have antihyperlipoproteinemic activity. Ganora adds this constituent accounts for around 70% of phytosterols, which of course means sterols that are found in plants.  (Hoffman, 2003, p. 84, 143; Ganora, 2009, p. 145).

Falcarindiol (Polyene):

Falcarinol (Polyene):

Glycerides:

Lignans (Aglycones Glycosides): tend to have antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-viral, and antifeedant properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 112-4, 143, 175; Petersen 2018, p. 169). It is an estrogen blocker (Ulbricht, 2010, 332). 

Oleic Acid (Fixed Oils, monounsaturated fat, UFA) is a monounsaturated (Unsaturated Fatty Acid) fat. This is found in olive, canola, peanut, palm fruit, corn and cottonseed oils. It is also in other natural oils in minor amounts. Used in the diet, it reduces inflammation and the chances of getting some cancers. It is also cardio protective and helps the function of the immune system as well as reducing LDL cholesterol (Ganora, 2009, p. 64, 86, 87).

Oplopandiol (Polyene):

Oplopanone (Sesquiterpene):

Polyenes are antifungal agents, also called antimycotic (Ganora, 2009, p. 97).

Saponin can be antifertility, antihepatoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, capillary strengthening, cytotoxic, antitumor, insecticidal, antifeedant, molluscicidal, piscicidal, and plant growth inhibitors. These are listed under the heading "General Properties of Steroidal Saponins" (Hoffman, 2003, p. 81).

Sesquiterpenes (in volatile oil): Constituents are often classified based on structure and this particular one makes that hard...  There are over 200 structure types. The 3 main structures are acyclic, monocytclic, and bicyclic. Some of these act as pheromones for communication between plants. Some provide a defensive role (Hoffman, 2003, p. 67).

Spathulenol (Sesquiterpene):

Stearic Acid (Lipid) is a straight-chain acid that is also called n-octadecanoic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 55; Ganora, 2009, p. 64, 86, 93).

Stigmasterol (Phytosterols), found in higher plants, is vital in the structure of cell membranes (Hoffman, 2003, p. 84, 143; Ganora, 2009, p. 69, 145).

Tannins (Polyphenols) can damper some of the harsher effects of some constituents but excessive use of them can cause certain cancers. In lab studies, they can inhibit fungi, yeast, bacteria and viruses. They do inhibit some other cancers and are antioxidants. There are different kinds of tannins so the risks vary. They are present in plants to protect them in various ways, depending on location (Hoffman, 2003, p. 114-117, 201).

Trans-nerolidol (Sesquiterpene):

Unsaturated Fatty Acid:

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the lesson I attended.

This herb is a prime example of why I need to keep buying books.  I have a fairly "large" herbal library and only two books had this herb and neither discussed how to use it. I did find it in the Natural Medicine Database so I was able to compile enough information for a post.  Love and Light!

On to devil's club.

Constituents: Natural Medicine Database (2019) says saponins, glycerides, tannins, oleic acid, unsaturated fatty acids; no alkaloids or gallic acid. Inner bark has polyenes (falcarinol, falcarindiol, oplopandiol). Root bark has sesquiterpenes (alpha-cubebene, trans-nerolidol, spathulenol, oplopanone), stearic acid, stigmasterol, ß-sitoserol, and lignans.

Therapeutic Actions: Natural Medicine Database (2019) says purgative, emetic, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer.

Indications: Griffin (1997) says regulate blood sugar (p. 140).She says it’s reported to be similar to Siberian ginseng (p. 141). Gardner (2013) says to control diabetes and it has been duplicated in studies (p. 608).  Natural Medicine Database (2019) says internal and external infections, arthritis, wound healing, fever, tuberculosis, stomach trouble, cough, cold, sore throat, diabetes, hypoglycemia, pneumonia, swollen glands, boils, sores, burns, and skin infections.

Safety: Gardner (2013) says the safety has not been assessed in pregnant and lactation women though the review didn’t identify anything immediately which would pose an issue. There were also no issues identified which would indicate potential reactions (p. 608).

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the class lesson.

Hubby is home!  I have all the posts for this herb ready to go, though.  I'll get the herbarium up as soon as I can.  it will be today.  Love and Light!

On to cramp bark.

Antiabortives: inhibit abortions and bleeding (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). Essentially, if you are having a difficult pregnancy, these may help prevent the body from aborting the baby.

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

The next herb I'm going to talk about is called devil's club.  I have not started my research on it yet so I may end up skipping tomorrow but I'll try to get it all done and posted in time.  Love and Light!

On to cramp bark

Catechins (Tannin) is very common, especially in woody plants. Flavonols are strong antioxidants, mild astringents, and anticarcinogenic. They are soluble in hot water and are antioxidant, antiangiogenic, pro-apoptotic (against cancer specifically), antiatherosclerotic (prevents the build-up of bad cholesterol), antihypertensive, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, and may prevent metabolic syndrome (Hoffman, 2003, p. 108; Ganora, 2009, p. 66, 118, 123, 156).

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

While the fruit is not what's medicinal, I thought this picture would help in identifying the tree if there is one in your area.

Here are the constituents of cramp bark.

Catechins (Tannin):

Cholinergenic:

Coumarin (Coumarins) is hepatoxic is rats and dogs but not humans.

Free Hydroquinones (Hydroquinones):

Hydroquinones are urinary antiseptics. Hoffman adds for this to be created in the body, it must have an alkaline environment. It is also antibacterial, antitumor, antimitotic, and hypertensive (Hoffman, 2003, p. 93; Ganora, 2009, p. 65).

Methylarbutin (Hydroquinones):

Polysaccharides (Mucilage) activate the macrophages which initiates the body’s defenses against pathogens and cancer cells (Hoffman, 2003, p. 544).

Proanthocyanidins are condensed tannins.  If acids or enzymes are present, they are not water-soluble. These are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective (Hoffman, 2003, p. 13, 114, Ganora, 2009, p. 66).

Scopoletin (coumarin) is common in the Nightshade family, poppies and grapefruit (Ganora, 2009, p. 65, 110).

Scopoline (Coumarin):

Tannins (Polyphenols) can damper some of the harsher effects of some constituents but excessive use of them can cause certain cancers. In lab studies, they can inhibit fungi, yeast, bacteria and viruses. They do inhibit some other cancers and are antioxidants. There are different kinds of tannins so the risks vary. They are present in plants to protect them in various ways, depending on location (Hoffman, 2003, p. 114-117, 201).

Viopidial is antispasmodic.

Have a Great Day!