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Black Cohosh
Preparations of black cohosh consist of fresh or dried
rhizome with attached roots. The German Commission E
lists the following actions for this herb: "oestrogen-like
action, luteinising hormone suppression, and binding
to oestrogen receptors."6 The Commission E has approved
the use of black cohosh for premenstrual discomfort
and dysmenorrhoea or climacteric [menopausal] neurovegetative
ailments.5 Amerindians used this herb for general malaise,
gynecopathy, kidney-related problems, malaria, rheumatism
and sore throats. Early American colonists used black
cohosh in preparations for amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual
period), bronchitis, chorea (disorders characterised
by rapid, involuntary movements of the limbs, face,
trunk and/or head), fever, itch, malaria, nervous disorders,
snakebite and uterine disorders.3,6
Black cohosh, in small doses, aids menstrual cramps,
eases pain during childbirth and aids uterine contractions.
It also contains natural oestrogen, the female hormone
and has been used to treat the symptoms associated with
menopause. In one clinical trial of young women with
a hysterectomy, black cohosh was as effective as oestrogen
in decreasing menopausal symptoms.6 Some of the side
effects associated with this herb are occasional gastric
discomfort.
Contraindications: Pregnant and/or nursing women
should not use black cohosh. Products: NR1 Restful,
Perfect Balance and Transcend.
Blue Cohosh
This herb is rich in polysaccharides. It is considered
to be an excellent stimulant for the Blue cohosh is
also recognised for its oestrogenic and antispasmodic
properties.3 This herb has also been used historically
to treat bronchitis, cholera morbus, colic, convulsions,
cramps, dropsy, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, epilepsy, hiccups,
hysteria, sore throat, stomatitis, uteritis, uterine
cramps and infections and vaginitis.3
According to noted botanist James A. Duke, "North American
Indians used the root to promote menstruation, using
it also for lingering parturition...blue cohosh is better
for uterine pains, black cohosh for lower back pains,
in menstruation."3
Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated
for pregnant women and perhaps for those individuals
with high blood pressure.3 Products: Perfect Balance.
Burdock Root
This herb is used for ailments and complaints involving
the gastrointestinal tract, gout, arthritis and kidneys.
It is also used as a diaphoretic (induces sweating),
a diuretic as well as blood purifier. It is recommended
as a blood-purifier as it relates to arthritis, lumbago,
rheumatism and sciatica.3 The insulin content of this
herb imparts its ability to speed the healing of skin
lesions.4 It is used for many skin conditions including
boils, carbuncles and psoriasis.4,5
It has been used as a folk-cancer remedy in Chile, China,
India, Canada and Russia. It has been suggested to be
helpful in cancers, tumors involving the breast, glands,
intestine, knee, lip, liver, stomach and uterus.3
Duke notes that Meskwai Indians used burdock root in
labor. Experimental activity of this root reveals hypoglycemic
activity. Studies have reported that burdock can help
to restore liver and gallbladder function. Research
has also established that burdock has both antifungal
and antibiotic properties and can lower blood sugar,
inhibit certain forms of cancer and speed healing of
specific skin ailments.4 In vitro, burdock shows mild
antimicrobial activity.5 Products: Arth-X, Arth-X Plus,
PowerHouse and PowerHouse Plus.
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