Bilberry (Vaccinum myrtillus)
Acts as a potent antioxidant. Promotes retinal health. Strengthens vascular walls Enhances circulatory systems. |
May help with diabetics retinopathy or cataract formation. Its deep purple pigment contains a flavonoid compound known as anthocyanosides which are strong antioxidants to protect the eyes from free radical damage. Usual dosage: 80 mg two to four times per day. |
(Echinacea angustifolia)
(Echinacea purpurea)
Potent antibacterial and antiviral. Effective for colds, flu, most infections including kidney, vaginal, tonsil, and bronchial. |
Stimulates immune system. Widely used medicinal plant for various conditions. A rest period of 1-2 weeks is recommended after every 6-8 weeks of use. Usual dosage: 250 mg capsules, two times per day or 1-4 ml as a tincture. |
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Relieves headaches. Help arthritis. Reduces fever. Relieves colds. |
Flowers may be dried and used an an insecticide. Should not be used during pregnancy. Look for a capsule standardized to contain at least 0.2% parthenolide. Usual dosage: 100 mg capsules two or three times per day. |
Ginkgo biloba
Increases circulation. Acts as a powerful antioxidant. Inhibits platelet aggregation. Combats mental fatigue. Improves memory. Acts as an anti-asthmatic. Enhances blood supply to the brain. Reduces dizziness. |
Derived from one of the oldest leaf-bearing trees in North America. May slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. May reduce ringing in the ears (known as tinnitus). Perhaps the most commonly prescribed herb in all of Europe. Should not be taken at the same time as anticoagulants such as warfarin or aspirin. Usual dosage: 80 mg capsules, two or three times per day. As a tincture, 0.5 ml three times per day. |
Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng)
Combats mental and physical stress. Improves mental and physical performance. Helps diabetes. Combats fatigue. |
Stimulates central nervous system. Lowers blood sugar. Women may experience breast tenderness at high doses. Usual dosage: 250 mg capsules, two times per day. |
Hawthorn
Improves rheumatism. Treats angina. Reduces high blood pressure. Prevents atherosclerosis. Improves circulation in the legs. Improves pumping capacity of the heart. Helpful in early congestive heart failure. Potent antioxidant. |
May be used for an extended period of time. High flavonoid content. |
Ginger
Treats nausea and vomiting. Helps motion sickness and digestive upset. Has anti-inflammatory properties. Supports circulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Useful in atherosclerosis. Prevents ulcers. See more on ginger in Meals That Heal. |
May be used as a food, plant, or medicine. Usual dosage: 250-500 mg capsules, two or three times per day. |
Aloe vera (Aloe vulgari)(Aloe barbadensis)
Used topically for sunburn, wound healing, and skin irritation. Can treat constipation. Enhances immune response. Treats diabetic ulcers, asthma, and diabetes. |
Antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. Stimulates connective tissue formation. Not effective for asthma if taking corticosteroids. |
Kava Kava
Reduces stress and anxiety. Improves your mood. May help with insomnia. |
Look for kava standardized to contain 30-70% kavalactones. Should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women. Usual dosage: 250 mg capsules, one to two times per day. |
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Protects and detoxifies liver. Aids regeneration of liver cells. Benefits cirrhosis of the liver. |
Protects against chemical toxins and liver damage due to excess alcohol consumption. Useful in hepatitis and elevated liver enzymes. Look for standardized extract of 70% silymarin. Usual dosage: 200 mg capsules, one to three times per day. |
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Treats enlarged prostrate. (BPH). Exhibits diuretic properties. |
Increases urine flow while decreasing night urination. May be more effective than Proscar for BPH. Can be more effective when combined with another herb, Pygeum africanum. Look for a standardized extract of 85-90% fatty acids and sterols. Usual dosage: 160 mg capsules, two per day. |
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Can treat mild to moderate depression. Can lift your spirits and improve your mood. Provides antiviral activity. Exhibits antibacterial properties. Assists wound healing when used topically. |
May help treat herpes simplex types l and ll. May treat retroviruses. Do not take if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Look to purchase a standardized extract containing 0.3 % hypercin and hyperforin, the active ingredients in St. John's wort. The most common antidepressant recommended in Germany. Usual dosage: 300 mg capsules, two or three times per day. |
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Reduces high blood pressure. Reduces high cholesterol. Reduces high triglycerides. Prevents colds and other infections. See "Meals That Heal," for more on garlic. |
Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal. May have immune-enhancing and anticancer effects. |
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)
Stevia is a shrub native to Paraguay that has been used to sweeten and flavor beverages and foods for centuries. It's quite popular in Japan, where it can be found in many food products including soft drinks, gum and ice cream. While stevia can be 100 to 400 times sweeter than sugar, depending on the type you're using (liquid, refined powder, dried leaf), it's virtually calorie free. |
Stevia does not affect blood glucose levels; is an excellent sweetener for diabetics and hypoglycemics; lowers elevated blood pressure without affecting normal blood pressure, and inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Stevia can only be sold in the United States if labeled as a "dietary supplement," with no mention of its sweetness on the label. |
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Helps digestive disorders. Benefits morning sickness. Treats acne and eczema. Helps inflamed eyes. Treats colds and flu. Treats infectious diarrhea. Stimulates the immune system. |
Has antiseptic properties which soothe and heal wounds and inflamed mucous membranes. Has antibiotic properties. Augments cancer therapies. Excessive amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset, high blood pressure, or an irregular heart rhythm. Should not be used by pregnant or lactating women. Usual dosage: 250 mg capsules two times per day. |
Allan Magaziner, D.O.
Scott R. Greenberg, M.D.
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