MORE INFO ON HERBS

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Toxic Herbs

Even though some of these herbs have been used safely for various

medicinal purposes, prolonged use and/or high dosages may prove dangerous.

a.. Blue cohosh: While black cohosh is safe, blue cohosh should not be

used by women who are pregnant because the herb may induce labor.

b.. Borage: This herb, traditionally used to treat coughs and illnesses of

the throat, has liver toxicity and may contain ingredients that could cause

cancer of the liver.

c.. Calamus: Used as a tea to treat dyspepsia, gastritis and ulcers, it

should not be used over a long period of time because its use has been

associated with cancerous tumors in rats.

d.. Chaparral: Once popular as an anticancer drug, the herb has never been

proven effective this purpose and poses a potential for liver toxicity.

e.. Colt's foot: Used to reduce throat irritation and coughing, it may

have carcinogenic potential and liver toxicity.

f.. Comfrey: This herb was used for many years for external wound healing.

In the 1970s it began to be used internally in the United States. While it

may have some beneficial effects, it also contains very toxic pyrrolizidine

alkaloids, which have caused liver cancer in small animals.

g.. Ephedra: This has been used as a general stimulant and for treatment

for asthma. It has also been used for weight loss. In excessively high

dosages, ephedra can lead to asphyxiation and heart failure.

h.. Germander: Although this herb has been used to help digestion and

treat gallbladder conditions, it has strong liver toxicity.

i.. Licorice: (not the same as the candy) - Used to treat gastric and

duodenal ulcers, this herb has liver toxicity if taken in large doses over

extended periods of use.

j.. Poke root: This herb has been used as an emetic and as a treatment for

rheumatic disorders, but it is poisonous.

k.. Sassafras: The herb has been used to treat urinary tract disorders,

but the FDA has banned the food or drug use of both the herb itself and

safrole, a constituent in the oil in sassafras, because they have caused

cancer of the liver in small animals.

l.. Wormwood: This is the key ingredient in the alcoholic beverage

absinthe, which is illegal in the United States because it contains a toxic

combination of thujone and isothujone.

Supplements for infertility

Dietary supplements that can enhance fertility include:

a.. Multivitamins can help treat infertility in women.

a.. Vitamin E has antioxidant activity that prevents reproductive damage in

men and women. It can increase sperm count and motility in men and balance

hormones in women.

a.. Vitamin C has antioxidant activity that prevents reproductive damage in

men and women. Also, a study found that vitamin C supplementation led to

improved sperm count and decreased sperm clumping in infertile men.

a.. Folic acid (with a multivitamin) improved fertility in a study of

infertile women.

a.. Zinc deficiency is often associated with low sperm count. Studies have

found that zinc supplementation can improve male fertility.

a.. Arginine supplementation led to major increases in sperm count and

motility in a study of infertile men.

a.. Selenium has antioxidant activity. Selenium supplementation led to

increased sperm count and motility and decreased number of abnormal sperm in

a study of infertile men.

a.. Beta-carotene supplementation can increase sperm count and motility.

a.. B vitamins (B2, B6, and B12) are important for optimal fertility.

Herbs for Female Infertility

The following may be taken by women to treat infertility:

a.. Dong quai ( sinensis) has been used to regulate menstrual

cycles and for infertility.

b.. Licorice helps to balance levels of estrogen and testosterone and is

used for infertility.

c.. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) has a beneficial effect on the uterus,

can calm the nervous system, and can balance hormone levels.

d.. Nettle (Urtica dioica) supports the uterus and hormonal system.

e.. Raspberry leaf strengthens the mucous lining of the uterus.

f.. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) balances hormone production.

g.. Ladies mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) balances hormone production.

h.. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an Ayurvedic remedy for infertility

and works by balancing hormones.

i.. Rehmannia is an Ayurvedic remedy for infertility.

j.. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is an Ayurvedic remedy for infertility.

k.. False unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum) balances hormone levels.

l.. Pomegranate essence balances the reproductive system.

Herbs for Male Infertility

The following may be taken by men to treat infertility:

a.. Ginseng may increase the formation of sperm, testosterone levels, and

sexual activity.

b.. Pygeum may help infertile men who have a reduced secretion of semen.

c.. Pine bark extract improves sperm shape.

d.. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) balances hormone production.

e.. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an Ayurvedic remedy for infertility

and works by balancing hormones. May increase sperm production.

f.. Saw palmetto (Serenoa serrulata) increases the production of

testosterone and strengthens the reproductive system.

g.. Ashwaganda (Withania omnifera) is an Ayurvedic remedy that improves

the quality of semen and sperm count.

h.. Chinese herbals must be specifically designed and used to treat

infertility in males.

Herbs to AVOID taking internaly during pregnancy

Culinary herbs like oregano and thyme are safe in the small amounts used in

cooking but not in the larger doses used for teas or tinctures.

HERBS LISTED AS:

Anthraquinone, Uterine Laxative, Uterine Stimulants

Stimulates smooth muscle including uterine tissue can cause miscarriage

a.. Aloe (Aloe spp.)

b.. American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) abortifacient

c.. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) may use to prepare for labor in

last 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.

d.. Blue Cohosh (first 2 trimesters) may use to prepare for labor in last

5-6 weeks of pregnancy; black cohosh is better choice.

e.. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

f.. Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

g.. Calamus (Acorus calamus)

h.. Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana)

i.. Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)

j.. Docks (curled) (Rumex crispus)

k.. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

l.. Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium)

m.. Flax Seed (Linum usitatissimum)

n.. incense (Boswellia carterii)

o.. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

p.. Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)

q.. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

r.. Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas)

s.. Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) abortifacient

t.. Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale)

u.. Mistletoe (Viscum album)

v.. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

w.. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

x.. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) abortifacient

y.. Periwinkle (Vinca rosea)

z.. Poke Root (Phytolacca americana) abortifacient

aa.. Rhubarb (Rheum spp.)

ab.. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

ac.. Senna (cassia acutifolia)

ad.. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) abortifacient

ae.. Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)

af.. Thyme (therapeutic doses) (Thymus vulgaris)

ag.. Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina)Wormwood (Artemisia spp.) abortifacient

ah.. Wormwood (Artemisia spp.) abortifacient

Emmenagogues

Help promote and regulate menstruation.

a.. Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) (regulates menstruation)

b.. Cotton-root Bark (Gossypium herbaceum)

c.. incense (Boswellia carterii)

d.. Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)

e.. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

f.. Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) abortifacient

g.. Mistletoe (Viscum album)

h.. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

i.. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

j.. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) abortifacient

k.. Periwinkle (Vinca rosea)

l.. Poke Root (Phytolacca americana) abortifacient

m.. Rhubarb (Rheum spp.)

n.. Rue (Ruta graveolens)

o.. Senna (cassia acutifolia)

p.. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

q.. Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)

r.. Thyme (therapeutic doses) (Thymus vulgaris)

s.. Wormwood (Artemisia spp.) abortifacient

t.. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Alkaloids, Bitter Principles or Essential Oils

Has effects on the functions in the mothers body or fetus.

a.. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

b.. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

c.. Calamus (Acorus calamus)

d.. Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)

e.. Celandine (Chelidonium majus)

f.. Cinchona

g.. Ephedra (Ephedra vulgaris)

h.. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

i.. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

j.. Juniper (Juniperus communis)

k.. Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

l.. Marjoram (therapeutic doses) (Oreganum vulgare)

m.. Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas)

n.. Oregano (therapeutic doses) (Origanum vulgare)

o.. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

p.. Rhubarb (Rheum spp.)

q.. Rosemary (therapeutic doses) (Rosmarinus officinalis)

r.. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

s.. Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)

t.. Thyme (therapeutic doses) (Thymus vulgaris)

u.. Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina)

v.. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Herbs that can be useful during pregnancy

Use only those herbs, singly or in combinations as teas or tinctures, which

fit your needs. As always be in contact with your health practitioner if you

are experiencing serious problems or discomfort. Choosing which herbs to use

depends on individual circumstances. It is not necessary to use all the

herbs in the hopes of avoiding all possible problems that may occur during a

pregnancy.

The information given is not meant to be used to diagnose a problem, and the

herbs listed here work well in combination with allopathic medicine. It may

be necessary to use more than one medical system to ensure a healthy

pregnancy.

a.. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) -- rich in calcium, trace minerals and

vitamins E, K, and carotene

b.. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) -- tones uterus; regulates

contractions at birth; -- use only during third trimester

c.. Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) -- helps relieve leg cramps; helps

prevent possible miscarriage

d.. Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) --tones uterus; regulates

contractions at birth; -- use only during third trimester

e.. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) -- reduces constipation with regular

use; calming -- 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses

f.. Cleavers (Galium aparine) -- diuretic to reduce edema (fluid build up

esp. in feet and wrists; helps decrease high blood pressure

g.. Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) -- antispasmodic (relieves muscle

cramps); helps prevent possible miscarriage

h.. Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinales) -- rich mineral source;

root tea or tincture decreases constipation; root & leaf tea are diuretic

decreasing edema and raised blood pressure

i.. False Unicorn Root, a.k.a. Helonias Root (Chamaelirium luteum) --

helps prevent possible miscarriage; eases nausea

j.. Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare) -- reduces constipation, carminative

(relieves excess gas)

k.. Ginger (Zingibar officinalis) -- relieves nausea; -- very high amounts

may lead to miscarriage

l.. Hawthorn (Cratageus spp.) -- improves circulation; decreases high

blood pressure

m.. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) -- rich mineral and silica content for

strong bones; long-term use requires thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation

n.. Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) -- calming; relieves nausea -- 1-2

cups daily; avoid high doses

o.. Lemon Balm ( officinalis) -- calming; relieves nausea;

carminative

p.. Nettles (Urtica dioica) -- rich mineral source

q.. Partridge Berry, a.k.a. Squaw Vine (a repens) -- tones uterus

to prepare for birth

r.. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) -- carminative

s.. Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) -- tones uterus; improves

contractions; decreases constipation

t.. Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) -- calming

u.. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) -- relieves contipation; nourishing

v.. Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) -- relieves uterine pains

Herbs for Nursing

Also any Useful Herbs for Pregnancy listed as nourishing or rich in

minerals.

a.. Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) -- stimulates milk production;

especially in combination with red raspberry leaves

b.. Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) -- use cream or ointment

externally on sore nipples between feedings

c.. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) -- calming; useful in colic; both

mother and baby can benefit from tea; helps with teething pain

d.. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) -- stimulates milk flow; relieves colic

and gas

e.. Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis) -- stimulates milk production

f.. Lemon Balm ( officinalis) -- calming; relieves gas pains

Herbs to Help Stop Nursing

All help gradually stop milk production.

a.. Herb (Geranium robertianum)

b.. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) large amounts

c.. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

d.. Periwinkle Herb (Vinca minor)

e.. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

f.. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)

Hart

Wife to Jon, Love of My Life

Mom to 4:

Arianne (16) ~ a(8)

(4) ~ (My TR Baby - born 6/20/02)

Glory to God and Many Thanks to Dr. Levin

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