The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body - Heal Your Body Naturally and Maintain Optimal Health Using Alternative Medicine, Herbals, Vitamins, Fruits and Vegetables (81 page)

Rhodiola Root is considered a heart healthy herb that may protect against heart ailments. It appears to decrease the amount of adrenalin and cortisol released during stress and defends the heart against "adrenalin burn."  It is believed to lower serum fats and cholesterol, while increasing the resistance of blood vessels to cholesterol plaques, thus helping to increase blood circulation and reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks. In clinical tests, Rhodiola Root was shown to reduce and/or prevent stress-induced cardiac damage, decrease myocardial catecholamines and cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels and activated receptors in the heart muscle, preventing arrhythmias.

With regard to thyroid function, Rhodiola Root was shown in clinical tests to enhance thyroid function without causing hyperthyroidism.

Rhodiola Root has been recommended for or anyone requiring more mental clarity or anyone who has memory problems. Because the herb is believed to improve blood circulation, this activity apparently increases the blood supply to the brain, enhancing both cognitive function and attention span. It is also thought to increase bioelectrical activity in the brain, which also may improve memory and brain energy.

Studies show that Rhodiola Root may be effective in promoting weight loss by stimulating the "lipolytic processes."
  It seems to have the ability to mobilize fromadipose tissue and activate adipose lipase, a key enzyme required to burn the body's fat stores. This process helps to stimulate the natural fat burning system in your body that is needed for weight reduction.

Rhodiola Root combats the effects of asthenia, an emotional stress condition that is characterized by sluggishness, low motivation, muscle weakness, continual
 fatigue, labored breathing, palpitations and excessive sleeping.  In clinical tests, use of Rhodiola Root reversed this condition.

It is thought that Rhodiola Root may possess potent antioxidant properties. Russian researchers have found that in laboratory tests, it inhibited the growth of, and improved immunity to, various types of serious invasive illness.

Precautions:

Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications with the use of Rhodiola Root, but because there is limited clinical information, it would be wise for pregnant and nursing women to consult their physicians before using.

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Rhubarb Root
is an ancient and gentle, but
extremely effective, laxative
. It supports good colon health by cleansing it and treating constipation, and in smaller doses, its astringents have
eased diarrhea, bleeding and hemorrhoids
.  Rhubarb Root is considered a
wonderful cleanser
for the
intestines, bowels, liver and blood,
helping to rid the system of accumulated toxins. It is also an anti-microbial, antibacterial, and antibiotic and antiviral, and it may even
help to improve your digestion
.

Plant Description:

Rhubarb, also called sweet round-leaved dock or pie plant, is usually thought of as a fruit, but it is actually one of the few perennial vegetables in existence. Ordinary garden rhubarb carries the botanical name of
Rheum rhaponticum, though there are other members of this botanical group that are also used for medicinal purposes. Chinese rhubarb, which is called da huang in traditional Chinese medicine, has the botanical name Rheum palmatum. Chinese rhubarb has a much stronger taste and properties than the common American variety. Rhubarb is a member of the same family as buckwheat, the Polygonaceae family. It originally came from Mongolia in northern Asia, but was long ago introduced to both India and Turkey. It was formerly called India or Turkey rhubarb.

History:
Rhubarb Root is a leafy, hardy perennial that is one of many species native to the cool mountains and high plateaus of western and northwestern China, India, Tibet, Russia and Turkey, that have been used in Asia for their laxative properties as far back as the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D.23). 

Rhubarb occurs in commerce under various names (Russian, Turkey, East Indian and Chinese), but the general geographical origin of all species is the same; the commercial names simply refer to the route by which the herb was formerly transported to European markets.
 

The origin of the name of Rhubarb's botanical genus,
Rheum,
is somewhat vague: Some believe that it is derived from the Latin words,
Rha Babrum
, an ancient name for the Volga River, where the plant grew in profusion; others claim that it comes to us from the Greek word,
rheo
, which means "to flow," an allusion to the root's purgative properties. In the first century A.D., Dioscorides, the most influential pharmaceutical writer of antiquity, spoke of a root known as
rha
or
rheon
, an herb that came from the Bosphorus Strait that separates Europe from Asia. Rhubarb Root was introduced to Europe in 1767, although specimens of another rhubarb species,
Rheum palmatum
(Turkey Rhubarb/Chinese Rhubarb), were cultivated as early as 1762, in the Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh; and in the eighteenth century, cultivation of
Rheum palmatum
was given preference, but the two are frequently used interchangeably, with only minor variations in chemistry. The roots of
Rheum officinale
are much smaller than those of the Chinese/Turkey Rhubarb and appear more shrunken, spongier, and distinctly pink in color, bearing star-shaped spots and thriving in well-drained, moist, humus-rich soil in sun.

The familiar, edible garden Rhubarb that we include in our diets is a hybrid that was developed during the nineteenth century, and the roots have no medicinal value. Rhubarb Roots are lifted in autumn from plants that are at least three years of age, then dried and used in herbal medicine. Only the roots of this bitter, astringent, cooling herb are used medicinally; the leaves are highly poisonous.
  Current research in China is investigating the potential use of Rhubarb Root as an antineoplastic in cancer therapy that may prevent the development, growth or proliferation of malignant cells and tumors. In animal trials, Rhubarb Root caused damage to sarcoma-27, and the emodin content inhibited melanoma growth. The herb is also an ingredient in the controversial Essiac formula, which is an herbal mixture that was invented by Canadian nurse, Rene Caisse, as a treatment for cancers (its efficacy has not been established, nor is its use sanctioned by the established medical community).

Some of the constituents found in Rhubarb Root include anthraquinone glycosides (the active purgative ingredient), tannins (astringents), a bitter principle, pectin, rutin, starch, catechin, phytosterols, physcion, gallic acid, oxalic acid, aloe-emodin, rhein (sennosides A and B) and flavones. Paradoxically, because of the opposing nature of the tannins and anthraglycosides, the health of the colon is supported by the dosage, and the effects vary, i.e., larger amounts treat constipation, and lower doses treat diarrhea.

Medical Uses:

Rhubarb Root has been used for over two thousand years as a mild, yet powerful and effective, laxative that empties the intestines and cleanses the bowels thoroughly. The anthraquinone glycosides (also found in
Senna
,
Buckthorn
and
Cascara Sagrada
) are natural stimulants and produce a purging action, which make it useful for treating chronic constipation. At higher doses, the anthraquinone activity is thought to predominate, resulting in more watery and more frequent stools. Its mild action has been considered suitable for children, and it is often used to soften stool in the presence of anal fissures and hemorrhoids and used post-operatively for recto-anal operations. In China, it is included in some standard bowel preparation programs for colonoscopy.

The tannins in Rhubarb Root produce astringent properties, and when taken in small doses, the tannin activity in Rhubarb supersedes the anthraquinone activity, thus leading to a lower water content of stool, and this action has been effective in relieving diarrhea. Moreover, the pectin content in Rhubarb Root is also thought to work well with tannins as an anti-diarrhea. As an effective astringent, Rhubarb Root has been used to alleviate hemorrhoids, internal bleeding and inflamed mucous membranes.

Rhubarb Root is considered an "alterative" or agent that helps to gradually and favorably alter the course of an ailment or condition. It helps to modify the process of nutrition and excretion and restore normal bodily function, acting to cleanse and stimulate the efficient removal of waste products from the system. As such, it not only cleanses the intestinal tract and blood, but it is also thought to cleanse the liver by encouraging bile flow. The herb is said to enhance gallbladder function and relieve both liver and gallbladder complaints by releasing an accumulation of toxins.

The bitter principle included in Rhubarb Root is said to stimulate good digestion and improves the appetite. It is considered a "stomachic" that relieves gastric disorders, improves the appetite and gives tone and strength to the stomach. Rhubarb Root is thought to be particularly effective in treating atonic dyspepsia, helping the digestive organs when in a condition of torpor and debility. In addition, the herb is also believed to encourage gastric flow, which also aids the digestive process.

Rhubarb Root is considered an anti-microbial that has been used to treat internal pinworms, threadworms and ringworms.

Treatments:

Rhubarb Root is thought to possess antibacterial, antibiotic and antiviral properties. In vitro studies, the anthraquinone in Rhubarb exhibited virucidal activity against HSV I, measles, polio and influenza virus; and the rhein component showed antibacterial activity against
Bacteroides fragilis
, but thus far, no conclusions have yet been published.

Rhubarb Root may be used externally to fight inflammation and infection (skin eruptions, boils and carbuncles, etc.) and to promote healing (wounds, cold sores and burns, etc.).

Precautions:

Pregnant and nursing women should not use Rhubarb Root, nor should it be used by those who suffer from colitis or have intestinal obstruction.  Long-term use is not recommended, as it may cause dependence and tendency toward chronic constipation, nor should it be taken when the colon is already empty. People with a history of renal stones should avoid Rhubarb Root (and any herbs with oxalates).  Never eat or cook Rhubarb leaves as a food. Oxalates are contained in all parts of Rhubarb plants, especially in the green leaves, and are considered extremely toxic. There is some evidence that anthraquinone glycosides (the active purgative ingredient) are also present and may be partly responsible. The stalks and roots contain low levels of oxalates, so this does not cause problems.

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Rose Hips are rich in many nutrients, Rose Hips have gained an honored place as a healthy supplement to help maintain good health and prevent colds, flu and infections. They contain
sixty times
the amount of vitamin C than found in lemons! Rose Hips help to strengthen body tissues, build and maintain a healthy vascular system and prevent damage to fragile capillaries. Rose Hips are thought to prevent many types of infectious ailments before they happen by using a prophylactic dosage on a daily basis.

Medical Uses:

This
well-known source of vitamin C is often recommended for boosting resistance and fighting infections, although scientific proof of its effectiveness is still considered lacking.

Rose Hip
seed is recommended for urinary tract infections, although here too, effectiveness awaits further confirmation. Other unverified uses of the seed include treatment of rheumatism, gout, kidney disease, water retention, and sciatica (nerve pain in the lower back and thigh).  The plant's seed receptacle contains its vitamin C, while the seeds themselves harbor compounds that flush excess water from the body and exert a laxative effect.

Plant Description:

Roses are a group of herbaceous shrubs found in temperate regions throughout both hemispheres and grown in sunny or light shade and thrive in well-drained, slightly acid soil. Probably cultivated first in ancient Persia and carried to Greece and Rome, there are now hundreds of species of this beautiful flower cultivated throughout the world that occupy a vital place in medicine, as well as cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, and foods. The leaves of
Rosa canina
were once even used as a substitute for tea.

History:

The botanical name,
Rosa
, is derived from the Greek,
roden
, meaning "red" and the Latin,
ruber
, also meaning "ruby" or "red," as apparently, the Roses of the ancient Mediterranean region were deep crimson, giving birth to the legend that the flowers sprang from the blood of Adonis.  Roses have a long tradition of medicinal use. The ancient Romans used
Rosa canina
(or Dog Rose) for the bites of rabid dogs, and in the first century A.D., the Roman, Pliny, recorded thirty-two different disorders that responded well to Rose preparations.