IN FRATERNAM MEAM: HERBS THAT RELIEVE DISCOMFORT

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

HERBS THAT RELIEVE DISCOMFORT

Introduction:
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Occasional discomfort is a natural fact of the human condition, and there are many natural cures for the aches and pains that afflict us. This is a brief overview of the herbal remedies frequently used to relieve the physical distress caused by some disorders.

Cayenne(also known as "Capsicum" or Red Pepper)is the dried fruit of the Capsicum Fruitescens plant.

Used to Treat:
Stomach upset and digestive disorders.

How it works:
Taken internally, cayenne stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and aids in the process of digestion. Externally applied as a cream, it is used for arthritis or general pain conditions.

Adverse reaction/precautions:
Sensitivity to cayenne varies greatly from person to person. Caution should be used in determining the appropriate dosage, as taking too much can cause severe stomach irritation. Cayenne should not be used during pregnancy or while breast feeding.

Chamomile (more specifically known as German Cahmomile) Consists of the dried flower herbs of Matricaria recutita.

Used to treat:
Dyspepsia (GI UPSET), menstrual cramps, and also as a sedative.

How it works:
Taken internally (most often as a tea) chamomile contains compounds that control spasms and inflammation and can help reduce fever.

Adverse reactions/ precautions:
Can cause contact dermatitis, anaphylaxis and other hypersensitivity reactions especially in people allergic to ragweed.

Cascara Sagrada is derived from the dried bark of the cascara sagrada tree (Rhamnus purshiana)

Used to treat:
Constipation

How it works:
Taken internally, induces bowel movements by increasing the volume of bowel content and stimulating contractions (peristalsis)

Adverse reactions/ precautions:
Extended or habitual use of Cascara Sagrada can lead to chronic diarrhea and weakness due to excessive potassium loss.

Feverfewis a perennial herb whose name is adapted from the Latin word Febrifuga meaning Fever Reducer

Used to treat:
Fever and headaches (including migraine headaches and associated nausea and vomiting)

How it works:
Taken internally feverfewinhibits the secretion of serotonin, a chemical produced by the body and believed to be a cause of migraine headaches.

Adverse reactions / precautions:
Donot use if pregnant or lactating. Donot use in children under the age of 2. Donot take contineously for longer than 4 months without the advice of a physician. Feverfew has been reported to cause mouth ulcers and stomach upset in some patients.

Ginger is the rhizome (underground stem) of the plant Zingiber officinale.

Used to treat:
Indigestion, nausea and motions sickness.

How it works:
Taken orally, ginger contains compounds that quell feelings of stomach upset and aids digestion.

Adverse reactions / precautions:
although effective in alleviating nausea in pregnant women, large amounts should be avoided because safety date is lacking.

Papayais the fruit of a small tree (Garica papaya) that is native to tropical areas throughout the world.

Used to treat:
Digestive disturbances, especially those associated with protein rich foods.

How it works:
The active ingredient, called papain or vegetable pepsin, is a mixture of enzymes that help to break down fats, carbohydrates and other food elements.

Adverse reactions/ precautions:
May induce allergic reactions in people who are sensitve to papain.

Psyllium consists of the cleaned, dried ripened seed of the Psyllium plant.

Used to treat:
Chronic constipation and conditions requiring soft stools (hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal-anal surgery, heart coditions)

How it works:
Taken by mixing plenty of water or other fluids, it leads to increased bowel content and stimulated evacuation.

Adverse reactions/ precautions:
Allergic reactions are rare, but have been reported . should not be used by patients with bowel or GI tract obstraction. Diabetics should use sugar free formulations.

Saw Palmetto is derived from the dried ripe fruit of Serenoa repens,a member of the Palm Family.

Used to treat:
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and associated urinary difficulties.

How it works:
Taken internally, reduces inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland.

Adverse reactions/ precautions:
a small percentage of patients have reported stomach upset.

White Willow Bark; is the dried bark of trees of the family of Salix Alba.

Used to treat:
Rheumatism and arthritis, also to reduce fever and relieve discomfort of colds and the flu.

How it works:
Taken internally, (usually as a tea), the bark inhibits the synthesis of the chemical Prostaglandin in tissues and nerves. (this is the same mechanism of action as Ibuprofen)

Adverse reactions/ precautions:
May cause stomach upset, nausea and vomiting. Donot use inc hildren under 18 yrs of age.

(abstracted from SAVON)

posted by infraternam meam @ 12:31 AM

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