ECHINACEA
(Echinacea angustifolia)
Other Names: Purple Cone flower, Echinacea purpurea
General Description: A perennial, native to the American midwest.
Parts Used: The flowers, and especially the root.
Active Ingredients: echinacosides
Traditional Uses: Native Americans used echinacea extensively. The herb became a best selling medicinal plant prescribed by physicians until it was replaced by antibiotics and forgotten.
Current Status: Echinacea appears to be a immune enhancing agent. Small studies in Germany are encouraging. The herb has been in the news quite a bit lately as American researchers are now beginning clinical studies of this promising herb.The Bastyr University Research Institute in Seattle is looking for volunteers to participate in a study of echinacea for respiratory infections. For further information call 206-365-3130. We may find it useful in menopause to help fight off recurrent vaginal and bladder infections.
Precautions: Echinacea is non-toxic when used at recommended doses.
References: 17, 18, 19, 42.
UVA URSI (BEARBERRY)
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Other Names: Coralillo.
General Description: A low-lying evergreen shrub found in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Uva-ursi means "Bear's grape" in Latin, bears like it.
Parts Used: The leaves.
Active Ingredients: arbutin.
Traditional Uses: Bearberry has been used for bladder infections since it was first described in The Physicians of Myddfai, a 13th-century Welsh herbal.It was listed in the U.S.Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1926.
Current Status: Bearberry is still used as a mild urinary antiseptic. For mild or chronic bladder infections. In Germany, Bearberry is approved as a urinary antiseptic.
Precautions: Should not be used for more than 7 days. Avoid use during pregnancy.If taken in large doses can cause vomiting, convulsions and collapse.
References: 27, 66.
GOLDENSEAL
(Hydrastis canadensis)
Other Names: Seal-all, Golden Thread, Yellow Root, Indian Dye.
General Description: Goldenseal is an unusual-looking small perennial with a single red fruit, common in North America.
Parts Used: The rhizome
Active Ingredients: Hydrastine
Traditional Uses: Goldenseal was used by Native Americans for a variety of conditions. It's greatest use was for local inflammation and infections. Goldenseal was listed tn the U.S. Pharmacopoeia until 1926.
Current Status: Goldenseal may be useful for post menopausal vaginal irritation and inflammation and for uterine cramps.
Precautions: Not recommended for use during pregnancy.
References: 1, 28, 29.
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