Ashwaganda Root and Powder Profile

Also known as- Withania somnifera, Indian Ginseng, Avarada, Withania, and Ashwaghanda.

Introduction

Ashwaganda is a member of the nightshade family, however it should be noted that that unlike other Nightshades, Ashwaganda lacks the poisonous attributes. Typically found and cultivated in India, Ashwaganda has been popularly applied to those with overworked and often hyper-tense lives. Ashwaganda is India's native answer to Ginseng and it is currently being applied in Ayurvedic medicine to treat hypertension and stress related ailments. Recent studies have attempted to popularize its use as a preliminary treatment for male infertility and impotence problems.

Constituents
Mainly consisting of withanolides, glycosides and several different alkaloids.

Parts Used
Eastern and Western herbal medicine use the dried root. Most notably, the dry, cut root. Berries of this plant are mildly toxic to the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. No major studies have released the benefits of the leaf.

Typical preparations
Tea decoction from the root, liquid herbal extract, herbal capsules (non-standardized) Dried crushed or powdered roots can be applied to food or directly consumed.

Summary
Not much research has been carried out for this particular botanical and to date there have not been any released notes on possible medicinal contraindications, side effects or potential health hazards. This particular root has been used successfully for the last 3,000 years and the empirical evidence of the ages speaks for itself. It comes highly recommended in times of severe strife and stress-induced discomfort. However Ashwaganda should not be consumed for long periods of time and is better reserved for the "times of need".

Precautions
Botanical safety guidelines in the US and Germany have suggested that Ashwaganda may be a mild abortifacient and it is not recommended for pregnant women.

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Catnip Profile

Also known as- Nepeta cataria, Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Field Balm, Menta De Gato.

Introduction

Catnip is, as its name suggests, the herb of choice for cats. A member of the mint, catnip attracts cats of all breeds and sizes, who often run up to the herb, paw it, roll in it, meow loudly, and then suddenly lose interest in the herb for hours or days until sensitivity to the herb "resets" itself.

Constituents

Nepetalactone, essential oil

Parts Used

The leaf, dried, cut, and powdered.

Typical Preparations

As a tea, extract or lightly sprinkled on food. Herbal pillow for cats.

Summary

Scientists have ascertained that the feline reaction to catnip is due to the its content of nepetalactone. The herb is also strongly antifungal and a bactericide for Staphylococcus aureus, as well as a close chemical relative to a number of insect repellants that affect mosquitoes and termites.

Precautions

Not recommended for use while pregnant.

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

California Poppy Profile

Also known as- Eschscholzia californica, Western Poppy, Poppy, and Gold Poppy.

Introduction

The California poppy is the state flower of California, a tender perennial plant bearing blue-green leaves and 2 to 4 inch (5 to 10 cm) wide flowers that open in bright sun and close on cloudy days and at night. California poppy is one of the oldest North American remedies for stress-induced maladies including sensitivity to changes in the weather.

Constituents

Alkaloids, principally cryptopine.

Parts Used

Above-ground parts of the plant, dried.

Typical Preparations

Most frequently used as a tincture. Combined with hawthorn and magnesium salts in formulas for relieving anxiety. Also commonly combined with birthwort, night-blooming cereus, kava, lavender, passionflower, St. JohnÍs wort, and/or valerian. Can also be taken as a tea or encapsulated.

Summary

California poppy is most often employed to provide restful sleep without the side effects of benzodiazepine drugs such as Librium, Valium, and Xanax. Clinical studies showed that California poppy in combination with hawthorn and magnesium salts is safe, effective, and free of side effects for the treatment of mild to moderate anxiety. The advantage of California poppy is relief from tension without morning grogginess, nausea, vomiting, or constipation.

Precautions

Safety not established during pregnancy or nursing or for children under the age of 6.

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Catuaba Bark and Powder Profile

Also known as- Anemopegma mirandum, Erythroxylum catuaba, angelim-rosa, caramuru, cataguà, catiguà, chuchuhuasha, pau de reposta, or tatuaba. "Little catuaba" is the medicinal herb, while "big catuaba" is the hardwood.

The species Anemopaegma mirandum has the same medicinal properties as Erythroxylum catuaba as found in several scientific studies.

Introduction

Catuaba (pronounced kot-chew-BAH) is a smaller flowering tree of the Amazon jungle related to the coca plant but producing none of the alkaloids found in cocaine. It bears orange and yellow flowers that produce a yellowish-brown, inedible fruit.
The Tupi tribe in northern Brazil discovered the aphrodisiac qualities of catuaba several hundred years ago. Trading the herb throughout South America, the Tupis have made catuaba the most popular of all the Amazonian aphrodisiac plants.

Constituents

Some varieties of catuaba contain yohimbine. The antibacterial constituent of the herb is cinchonain. Also contained are fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidant flavonoids.

Parts Used

Bark.

Typical Preparations

Catuaba is used in capsules, teas, and tinctures.

Summary

The native peoples of the Amazon who use catuabà combine it with muira puama, allowing the mixture to stand in warm water overnight to make an amber medicinal infusion.
There is laboratory evidence that catuabà enhances male sexual performance by increasing the brainÍs sensitivity to dopamine, making the sex act more pleasurable, as well as by vasodilation, enhancing erectile strength. In 2002, a Brazilian company was awarded a patent for an HIV prevention formula based on an extract of the herb, although research is still in progress.

Precautions

None.

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.