EPHEDRA

(Ephedra Sinica)

also called Ma Haung

Traditional Chinese Herb

this natural stimulant increases heart rate, stimulates brain activity, constricts blood vessels and opens the bronchial tubes.

EPHEDRA 

Primary Uses

asthma or bronchitis

used for symptoms of cold/flu:  nasal congestion, cough, fever and chills

weight loss supplement

EPHEDRA 

Main active ingredient

Ephedrine--can be synthesized into psuedoephedrine and used as OTC cold medication. 

EPHEDRA 

Ephedrine Alkaloids

used as dietary supplements for weight loss

performance booster

metabolism booster

EPHEDRA 

Use for weight loss

natural thermogenic which increases metabolism and aids in burning fat, causing body temperature to rise

EPHEDRA

Forms of consumption

tablet, capsules, tea

EPHEDRA

Side effects

irritability, restlessnes, anxiety, insomnia, headache, nausea, vomiting, urinary problems.

SERIOUS:  High blood pressure, rapid or irregular heart beat, stroke, seizure, addiction, death

EPHEDRA

Contraindicated in

anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart disease, prostate enlargment, difficulty urinating, seizure disordes, psychiatric disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes, pregnancy

EPHEDRA

Adverse drug interactions

amphetamines, antidepressants, aspirin, anticoagulants, blood pressure medication, caffeine and narcotics

SAW PALMETTO

Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata

berries used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)

SAW PALMETTO

Primary uses

treats urinary problems (decreased urinary flow and nighttime urination and frequent urination) in men

thought to reduces testosterone and shrinks the prostate by slowing the growth of the prostate cells.

SAW PALMETTO

Other uses

aid in hair loss, strengthen the thyroid, aid in digestion, increase appetite, relieves respiratory problems, increase sex drive, help in infertility, treat baldness

being used in women to aid in s/s of PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome) (ie. unsightly facial hair and acne)

SAW PALMETTO

Main active ingredients

fatty acids, plant sterols, and flavonoids 

SAW PALMETTO

Forms of consumption

dried berries, powdered capsules, liquid tinctures, liposterolic extracts

can be made as a tea, but main ingredient of fatty acids are not water soluble, so may not be effective.

SAW PALMETTO 

Side effects

constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, flatulence, impotence, hypersensitivity, rash, testicular discomfort, breast enlargement/tenderness, and erectile dysfunction in men

SAW PALMETTO

Contraindicated in

not recommended for use with children, pregnant or breast feeding women due to effect on hormones

women at risk for hormone related cancers

SAW PALMETTO

Adverse drug interactions

Finasteride or any other drug used to treat BPH,  antiplatelet, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, interferes with the absorption of Iron

COMFREY

Symphytum officinale

helps new skin cells grow, reduces inflammation and keep skin healthy

speeds up restorative processes of damaged tissues and bones

COMFREY

Main active ingredient

allantoin, rosmarnic acide, mucilage, pyrrolizidine alkaloids

allantoin has mosturizing and kerolytic properties that soften the keratin in the skin and promotes healing in skin wounds.

rosmarinic acid can help to decrease any inflammation you have, while the mucilage has a soothing effect. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids help to stop bleeding

COMFREY

Primary uses

used to treat wounds and reduce inflammation of sprains and broken bones

mouthwash and gargle for gum disease and sore throats 

once used for stomach ailments

COMFREY

pyrrolizidine alkaloids

dangerous chemicals concentrated in the new leaves and roots of the plants that are toxic to the liver and can cause death

due to toxicity, comfrey should only be used for no longer then 10 days at a time for up to 4-6 weeks in a year

COMFREY

Administration form

ointments, creams, poultices, and liniments

COMFREY

Side effects

Hypersensitivity and severe liver damage

COMFREY

Contraindicated in

Pregnancy or breastfeeding women, do not use on open wounds or broken skin, if you liver disease, alcoholism or  cancer, children or elderly due to liver toxicity

COMFREY

Adverse drug interaction

should not be used with acetaminophen or any other drug that causes liver damage

not to be used with other herbs like kava, skullcap, and valerian, will increase liver damage