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From: "The Way Of Herbs", by Michael Tierra, p.178-9
Kola Nut
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(Cola acuminata and C.nitida)
(Cola, Guru nut)
Part Used: Seed
Energy and Flavors: Bitter, warm
Systems Affected: Kidney-adrenals, heart, liver
Biochemical Constituents: Caffeine (up to 2.5%), theobromine,
tannins, phenolics, coloring matter,
betaine, protein, starch
Properties: Stimulant, diuretic, cardiac tonic, antidepressive,
astringent
The active ingredient in kola nut is caffeine. It is used both for its
stimulating action as well as its flavor and color in various soft
drinks. Its use for depression and fatigue, therefore, is purely
symptomatic. A continual reliance on such symptomatic treatments as
this and others such as coffee or tea (Camellia sinensis) for tiredness
and fatigue is bound to deplete further the body's reserves, setting
one up for more chronic degenerative conditions. Fatigue and tireness
usually have a cause that should be discovered and treated at a deeper
level with diet, herbs, and appropriate physiotherapy and lifestyle
adjustments.
Dose: 1-3 grams; of the tincture 5-15 drops.
Kola nuts are used for: tiredness and fatigue
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AP 3 Dec 95 12:02 EST V0091
Copyright 1995 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
By The Associated Press
A List Of Healing Herbs
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Some herbs that have shown the greatest medicinal promise:
-- Garlic. Lowers blood cholesterol and inhibits clotting; fights
bacteria, funguses and parasites; hinders cancerous tumors and
radiation damage to tissues. Coated tablets offer an odorless,
tasteless way to take garlic.
-- Echinacea (EK-in-AY'-see-ah). Compounds in the root and underground
stem of this cousin of the daisy stimulate immunity and are especially
valued against colds and flu. Echinacea also boosts the activity of
bacteria-fighting white blood cells and inhibits bacteria from entering
cells.
-- Gingko (GING'-koh). The leaves of this ornamental Chinese tree
contain substances that stimulate oxygen flow to the brain in
aging-related disorders. Gingko is widely used in Europe against
short-term memory loss, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears,
vertigo and depression.
-- Saw palmetto (SAW pal-MEH'-toh). The berries of this palm tree
produce substances that reduce symptoms of benign prostate enlargement;
available in extracts in Europe but only sold in the United States in
cut or powdered form for tea, which is ineffective for prostate
conditions because the active ingredients are not water soluble.
-- Milk thistle. Its seeds contain compounds that protect the liver
against poisons, and it may gain a role in treating hepatitis and
cirrhosis. The active ingredient, silymarin, is poorly soluble in
water, so teas are ineffective. Intravenous solutions hold the most
promise as medicines.
-- Bilberry. An extract from this low-growing shrub from Europe and
Asia strengthens blood capillaries; used to treat diabetic eye damage,
poor limb circulation and hemorrhoids after pregnancy. Taken in tablets
or capsules.
-- Feverfew. The leaves of this perennial herb contain a compound that
works against migraine headaches and accompanying nausea and vomiting.
But a recent study found that no commercial feverfew products in North
America contain even half of the amount of the plant's active
ingredient, parthenolide, necessary to result in a high-quality
medicine.
-- Ginger. This popular and well-known spice is available in capsules
to combat nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness and post-operative
nausea. Unlike prescription drugs, ginger has no sedative qualities to
make it unsafe for pregnant women or inappropriate for post-surgical
patients.
-- Valerian (Vah-LEHR'-ee-an). Tablets and extracts made from the root
and underground stem of this garden perennial are the No. 1 sedative in
Europe. Unlike approved sedatives in the United States, valerian's
effects are not boosted by alcohol.
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AP 3 Dec 95 12:02 EST V0092
Copyright 1995 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
By The Associated Press
List Of Hazardous Herbs
-----------------------
Nine herbs that the Food and Drug Administration has said are
associated with serious adverse reactions or possible hazards.
-- Chaparral. Linked to six North American cases of liver inflammation,
one requiring a transplant. No contamination or mechanism for harm has
been found, but in December 1992, the American Herbal Products
Association asked that chaparral for internal use be withdrawn from the
market. Has been promoted as a "blood purifier," cancer cure and acne
treatment, the FDA says.
-- Comfrey. Since 1985, at least seven cases of liver complications
have been reported in users. In March 1992, the American Herbal
Products Association recommended discontinuing internal use. Comfrey
stimulates cell growth and is used for wound healing but it contains
compounds toxic to the liver when taken internally.
-- Yohimbe. Produces adverse reactions when consumed with certain foods
-- liver, cheese and red wine. Kidney failure, seizures and death have
been reported in users. Dilates blood vessels and is valued as an
aphrodisiac. Not readily available in the United States, herbalists
say.
-- Lobelia. Has been linked to adverse reactions when used as a dietary
supplement; high doses can suppress breathing, cause sweating, speed
the heart, lower blood pressure and even lead to coma or death, the FDA
says. Used to ease breathing in people with pneumonia, bronchitis and
asthma. The plant is also the source of lobeline, a nicotine-like
ingredient in some over-the-counter smoking deterrents, including
CigArrest tablets.
-- Germander. At least 27 cases of liver inflammation, including one
death, were linked with germander in France, which banned it from
drugs. Is used as a weight-loss aid. Not generally available in the
United States, herbalists say.
-- Willow bark. Like aspirin, contains salicylates, which could produce
the same adverse reactions as aspirin, ranging from stomach irritation
to Reye syndrome in youngsters with influenza or chicken pox, the FDA
says. Is promoted as an "aspirin-free" pain reliever, but no adverse
effects have been reported.
-- Jin Bu Huan. A Chinese patent medicine, literally "more valuable
than gold," that came to the FDA's attention after three Colorado
children got into an adult's bottle of it and took massive overdoses,
resulting in severe sedation that required medical treatment. Is
marketed as a sedative and pain reliever. At least three cases of liver
inflammation associated with it have been reported in California.
-- Stephania and Magnolia. A Chinese herbal preparation containing
Stephania and Magnolia that was sold as a weight-loss treatment in
Belgium has been implicated in severe kidney injury to at least 48
women; at least 18 developed kidney failure requiring transplants or
dialysis, the FDA says.
-- Ma huang. Products containing Ma huang have been associated with
high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, nerve damage, muscle injury,
psychosis, stroke and memory loss; Ma huang is sold in products for
weight control and enhanced energy, often combined with caffeine, which
boosts the effect, the FDA says. Used in China for more than five
centuries to treat asthma and hay fever. Contains ingredients from the
plant family Ephedra, which also yields pseudoephedrine, the active
ingredient in decongestants such as Sudafed.
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