Medicine for the 21st Century

ECHINACEA
Echinacea purpurea
Widely used by Native Americans and the most popular herb in America prior to the advent of antibiotics, Echinacea is commonly used to prevent and treat colds and flus. Studies have demonstrated that the tincture of the root of Echinacea purpurea helps to decrease the symptoms and duration of flu-like infections. More research is needed on the best form and dosage of this herb.

FEVERFEW
Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew has been used for over 2,000 years as a treatment for headaches and fever. The active ingredient in feverfew which seems to be responsible for its antimigraine effect is parthenolide. Two of three studies have shown benefits for migraine patients. One study showed a 70% reduction in the frequency and severity of migraines. In Canada, feverfew has recently been approved as an over-the-counter medication to prevent migraines. This herb should be avoided during pregnancy.

GINGKO
Ginkgo biloba
Used since the 15th century in China, the leaves of the Ginkgo tree, the oldest living tree on earth (first appearing about 200 million years ago), contain several compounds called ginkgolides that have unique therapeutic properties. Ginkgo's best known property is its ability to increase circulation to the brain and the extremities. There have been over 500 studies on Gingko since the 1950s, and a standardized ginkgo extract has been developed in Germany to treat cerebral dysfunction with the accompanying symptoms of memory loss, as well as dizziness, tinnitus, headaches, and male impotence. Studies using ginkgo with Alzheimers patients have shown promising results.

MILK THISTLE
Silybum marianum
Milk thistle has generated a great deal of excitement due to its effect on liver disorders for which conventional medicine is generally ineffective. In fact, this herb has been used for liver disorders for over 2,000 years ago dating back to ancient Greece. Over 300 studies on the effectiveness of silymarin, the main chemical component of milk thistle seeds on the treatment of liver disease, show it acts to protect the liver from toxins and stimulates the production of new liver cells. It is approved in Germany for use as a supportive therapy in the treatment of chronic inflammatory liver disorders such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

SAW PALMETT0
Serenoa repens
The berries from the saw palmetto plant, a small shrub native to the southeastern U.S., has become a well-known herb to men in their 40s and 50s. Clinical trials have shown that saw palmetto is effective in reducing symptoms associated with BPH (enlarged prostate) including the urge to urinate frequently in the night. Studies have demonstrated nearly a 50% increase in the rate of urinary flow in men as well as over 40% reduction in frequency of nightly urination.

ST. JOHN'S WORT
Hypericum perforatum
St. John's Wort, the widely popular anti-depressant herb, has a 2,400 year history of safe and effective use dating back to Hippocrates, the Father of Western medicine. Today in Germany more than 50% of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders are treated with St. John's Wort. Convincing research has demonstrated that St. John's Wort is an effective remedy for mild to moderate depression. The therapeutic effectiveness has been shown to be often similar tothat of SSRI anti-depres sant drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. St. John's wort, however, has far fewer side effects and is available over-the-counter for a fraction of the cost of prescription anti-depressants.

VALERIAN ROOT
Valeriana officinalis
With a long history of use in European traditional medicine, valerian root exerts a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system and is most helpful for insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety. In Germany, valerian root is approved as an over-the-counter medicine for 'states of excitation' and insomnia due to nervousness. A scientific team representing the European community has reviewed the research on valerian and concluded that it is a safe nighttime sleep aid. These scientists also found that there are no major adverse reactions associated with its use, and unlike barbiturates and other conventional drugs used for insomnia, valerian does not have an adverse reaction with alcohol, and is not addictive like some conventional benzodiazepine medications.
-James Strohecker