Lignum vitae Health Dictionary

Rhodiola tea is a delicious, mellow herbal tea. With its plant growing in cold, mountainous regions, this tea has various important health benefits. Find out more about rhodiola tea! About Rhodiola Tea Rhodiola tea is made from the rhodiola rosea plant. It grows in cold, mountainous areas, such as the Arctic, the mountains of Central Asia, the Rocky Mountains, and European mountains (Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathian Mountains). It is also known by the names golden root, rose root, Aaron’s rod, arctic root, king’s crown, lignum rhodium, and orpin rose. Rhodiola is a perennial plant with spikes of green leaves. The shoots can grow up to 35cm, and each bear a single yellow flower, which blooms during the Arctic summer. How to prepare Rhodiola Tea It takes awhile to prepare rhodiola tea, but it should be worth it. To enjoy a cup, you have to follow a few steps. For one cup, you need about 5 g of rhodiola root. Put that into a cup of freshly boiled water and let it brew for about 4 hours. Once the time is up, filter the liquid and your tea. Add honey or fruit juice if you want to sweeten the flavor. Rhodiola Tea Constituents Rhodiola rosea has lots of active constituents. Some of the important ones include rosavin, rosin, rosarin, rhodioloside, tyrosol, and salidroside. In its composition, we can also find phenolic antioxidants: proanthocyanidins, quercetin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol. As rhodiola tea is made from the rhodiola rosea plant, these constituents are transferred to the tea, as well. Rhodiola Tea Benefits The most important health benefits of rhodiola tea are related to your mental state. It helps if you’re feeling depressed; it improves your mood and fills you with energy. It also reduces fatigue and stress, and it’s bound to make you feel more relaxed. Generally, it helps enhance your mental functions, including your memory. By reducing stress levels, rhodiola tea also reduces the amount of stress hormones which can cause heart problems. Rhodiola tea regulates your heartbeats and fights against heart arrhythmias. Men can drink rhodiola tea if they’ve got erectile dysfunction; this tea is often included in the treatment. It’s useful for women too, as it helps lose weight and can therefore be drunk when on a diet. At the same time, it can also help with anaemia. You should drink rhodiola tea to help you with muscle recovery after exhaustive exercising. This tea increases the level of enzymes, RNA, and proteins needed.Rhodiola tea can help if you’ve got a cold or the flu. Interestingly, it will also help you if you’ve got altitude sickness. Rhodiola Tea Side Effects Even if rhodiola tea has so many health benefits, there are a few side effects you should be careful with, too. It is best not to be consumed by pregnant women, or those who are breastfeeding. In both cases, rhodiola tea can affect the baby. Even if rhodiola tea is used to treat depression, it is not good when it comes to bipolar disorder. Make sure you talk with your doctor first if you’re not sure whether you should drink rhodiola tea or not. Also, as rhodiola tea is used to enhance your energy, you should not drink it in the evening or even worse, before going to bed. It might lead to insomnia. Rhodiola tea should be on your list of ‘teas to drink’. You don’t have to worry when on a diet, as it will also help you lose weight. Just make sure you won’t get any side effects and you’re safe to drink it!... drink more rhodiola tea!

Linn.

Family: Zygophyllaceae.

Habitat: Introduced from the West Indies; grown as an ornamental.

English: Lignum Vitae, Tree-of-life, Pockwood tree.

Ayurvedic: Jivadaaru, Loha- Kaashtha.

Unani: Chob-hayaat.

Folk: Loha-lakkar.

Action: Antirheumatic, anti- inflammatory, mild laxative, diuretic, diaphoretic, fungistatic (During the sixteenth century it was used as a cure for syphilis.)

Key application: As a supportive therapy for rheumatic complaints. (German Commission E.) The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia reported anti-inflammatory activity in the resin.

Several triterpene saponins, sapo- genins and prosapogenins have been isolated from different parts of the plant.

A triterpenoidal saponin, isolated from the flowers, showed activity against Gram-negative bacteria. (The herb is used as a additive to mouth washes.)... guaiacum officinale

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a substance found in abundance in the oleoresins of Larrea (Chaparral) and the Guaiacum genus (Lignum Vitae). It is strongly antioxidant to lipids and is antifungal, antimicrobial and antibacterial. Both plants contain a constellation of related compounds and do not have the potential kidney toxicity found in pure NDGA...and the reason it is no longer used as an EDTA-type edible oil stabilizer in food manufacturing.... ndga

n. (in anatomy) a treelike structure. Arbor vitae is the treelike outline of white matter seen in sections of the cerebellum; it also refers to the treelike appearance of the inner folds of the cervix (neck) of the uterus.... arbor

Lignum vitae (Guaiacum officinale).

Plant Part Used: Stem, wood.

Dominican Medicinal Uses: Stem, wood: tincture, orally, for upper respiratory tract infections, skin ailments, arthritis and venereal disease; tincture, externally, for arthritis, rheumatism, joint pain (also orally in small amount); decoction, externally, to prevent hair loss.

Safety: Considered safe is used appropriately; adverse effects include skin rash, diarrhea, gastroenteritis and intestinal colic.

Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In an animal study of a closely related Guaiacum species, the following effects were shown: anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic.

* See entry for Guayacán in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... guayacán

Linn.

Synonym: Biota orientalis Endl.

Family: Cupressaceae.

Habitat: Native to China; planted all over India in gardens.

English: Oriental Arbor-Vitae.

Folk: Morepankhi.

Action: Leaves—diuretic, insectici- dal antipyretic.

The leaves contain rhodoxanthin, amentoflavone, hinokiflavone, querce- tin, myricetin, carotene (20.8 mg/100 g dry basis), xanthophyll and ascorbic acid (68 mg/100 g). Essential oil, obtained from twigs (0.32) and berries (0.25%), contains alpha-thujene, (+)- sabinene, (+)-camphene, cedrol, ce- drenol and alpha-and beta-pinenes as major constituents.

American Arbor-Vitae and White Cedar has been equated with T. occidentals and is used as Thuja.

It was introduced into India from North America, and grows as a Christmas tree in the plains of India.

Leaves—aninfusionisusedasa uterine stimulant, emmenagogue and diuretic. Boiled in lard, are applied externally for rheumatism. Bark—astringent, emmenagogue, diuretic. Oil— poisonous, disinfectant, insecticidal. Seed and fruit— antibacterial; inhibited the growth of Gram-positive microorganisms.

The leaves yields a volatile oil, containing thujone as major component, with iso-thujone, borneol, bornyl acetate, l-fenchone, limonene, sabinene, camphor, l-alpha-thujene; flavonoids, mucilage, tannins.

The heartwood yields a non-toxic antibiotic substance. It gave sesquiter- pene alcohols—occidentalol and oc- cidol; also alpha-beta-and gamma- eudesmol.

Thuja is used in homoeopathy for tissue degeneration and tumours, warts and fungoid growths, both internally and externally.... thuja orientalis

Herbs that stimulate the body’s immune system to withstand infection. Alternatives to anti-bacterial substances obtained from micro-organisms as penicillin, streptomycin etc. Those from herbs do not destroy beneficial bacteria normally present in the intestines, neither does the body get used to them.

Some essential oils are natural antibiotics. Others: Blue Flag root, Buchu, Chaparral, Butterbur, Echinacea, Feverfew, Garlic, Goldenseal, Holy Thistle, Horse Radish (Vogel), Juniper berries, Myrrh, Nasturtium, Poke root, Red Clover, Watercress (Vogel), Wild Indigo, Wild Thyme.

Vitamin C is a powerful antibiotic (1-2g daily).

ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES. A group of agents known to reduce inflammation. Action is not to suppress but to enable tissue to return to normal on the strength of its own resources. Some members of the group are helpful for chronic conditions such as polyarthritis and rheumatism caused by a sub-acute inflammation going on quietly over a long time. Others work by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. General. Chamomile (German, Roman), Cowslip root, Fennel, Feverfew, Heartsease, Mistletoe, Turmeric, Yellow Dock.

Specific. Bistort (bowel). Comfrey (bones). Devil’s Claw (muscles). St John’s Wort (nerve tissue). Lignum vitae (rheumatic joints). Poke root (lymph vessels). Eyebright (conjunctivitis: topical as an eye lotion). Horsechestnut (anus). Bogbean (liver and gall bladder).

Steroid-like action. Ginseng, Black Cohosh, Black Haw, Liquorice, Wild Yam.

Aspirin-like action. Birch, Black Willow bark, Meadowsweet, White Poplar bark, White Willow bark, Wintergreen.

Some types of inflammation may be reduced by herbs that stimulate the eliminatory organs – lungs, bowel, skin and kidneys. A timely enema may reduce a high temperature with inflammation, to expel toxins and unload an over-loaded bowel; (Dandelion root, Parsley root, Sarsaparilla).

ANTI-INFLAMMATION FORMULA. (Biostrath). Drops containing cultures combined with extracts derived from medicinal plants possessing known therapeutic properties: Arnica, Bryony, Balm, Chamomile, Horseradish, Marigold, Hypericum, Echinacea.

Indications: colic, inflammation of the alimentary tract. ... anti-infectives

A systemic inflammatory disease of several joints together where erosive changes occur symmetrically, and which may arise from inflammation and thickening of the synovial membrane. Cartilage becomes eroded and fibrous or even bony fusion leads to permanent fixation of a joint, or joints. Polyarthritis. An auto-immune disease.

Symptoms. Morning stiffness and pain wearing off later. Easy fatigue and decline in health. Nodules on surface of bones (elbows, wrists, fingers). Joint fluids (synovia) appear to be the object of attack for which abundant Vitamin C is preventative. Anaemia and muscle wasting call attention to inadequate nutrition, possibly from faulty food habits for which liver and intestine herbs are indicated.

Treatment. Varies in accord with individual needs. May have to be changed many times before progress is made. Whatever treatment is prescribed, agents should have a beneficial effect upon the stomach and intestines to ensure proper absorption of active ingredients. (Meadowsweet)

It is a widely held opinion that the first cause of this condition is a bacterial pathogen. An anti- inflammatory herb should be included in each combination of agents at the onset of the disease. See: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS. Guaiacum (Lignum vitae) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) have a powerful anti-inflammatory action and have no adverse effects upon bone marrow cells or suppress the body’s immune system. Breast feeding cuts RA death rate.

Of therapeutic value according to the case. Agrimony, Angelica root, Balmony, Black Cohosh (particularly in presence of low back pain and sciatica), Bogbean, Boldo, Burdock, Celery, Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Echinacea (to cleanse and stimulate lymphatic system), Ginseng (Korean), Ginseng (Siberian), Liquorice, Meadowsweet, Poke root, Prickly Ash bark, White Poplar bark, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts. Alfalfa, Bogbean, Nettles. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes, 1 cup thrice daily.

Decoction. Prickly Ash bark 1; Cramp bark 1; White Willow bark 2. Mix. 1oz to 1 pint water gently simmered 20 minutes. Dose: Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Feverfew, Poke root, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam, Ligvites.

Alternative formulae:– Powders. White Willow bark 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Black Cohosh half; Ginger quarter. Mix. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily.

Liquid extracts. White Willow bark 2; Wild Yam half; Liquorice half; Guaiacum quarter. Mix. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily.

Tinctures. Cramp bark 1; Bogbean 1; Prickly Ash half; Meadowsweet 1; Fennel half. Mix. Dose: 1-3 teaspoons thrice daily.

Ligvites. (Gerard House)

Cod Liver oil. Contains organic iodine, an important factor in softening-up fibrous tissue, to assist metabolism of uric-acid, help formation of haemoglobin, dilate blood vessels; all related to arthritics. The oil, taken internally, can reach and nourish cartilage by the process of osmosis; its constituents filter into cartilage and impart increased elasticity.

Topical. Evening Primrose oil, Wintergreen lotion, Comfrey poultice. Hydrotherapy: hot fomentations of Hops, Chamomile or Ragwort. Cold water packs: crushed ice or packet of frozen peas in a damp towel applied daily for 10 minutes for stiffness and pain. See: MASSAGE OIL.

Aromatherapy. Massage oils, any one: Cajeput, Juniper, Pine or Rosemary. 6 drops to 2 teaspoons Almond oil.

Supportives: under-water massage, brush baths, sweat packs, Rosemary baths, exposure of joints to sunlight.

Diet. Low salt, low fat, oily fish, Mate tea, Dandelion coffee. On exacerbation of the disease cut out all dairy products.

Supplements. Daily. Evening Primrose capsules: four 500mg; Vitamin C (1-3g); Bromelain 250mg between meals; Zinc 25mg.

General. Residence in a warm climate. Yoga. Disability and deformity may be avoided by a conscientious approach to the subject. ... arthritis – rheumatoid

 A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony prominence on the inner side of the foot at the base of the big toe due to injury, flat feet, arthritis or narrow shoes. A corn (clavus) is an area of thickening and hardening of the skin, worse from friction or pressure on the toes.

Relieve pressure on the tender area by use of thick felt rings.

Alternatives. Internal (to reduce inflammation). Prickly Ash, Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum). Celery seed tea for elimination of uric acid.

Topical. Lobelia, Comfrey or St John’s Wort fomentation. Zinc and Castor oil ointment or cream. Comfrey cream. Bind a slice of lemon over bunion or corn at night. Wipe surface with a cut raw onion or garlic 2-3 times daily. Wipe with expressed orange-coloured juice of the fractured stem of Greater Celandine.

Paint with Liquid Extract Lobelia. (Ernest Cockayne FNIMH)

For corns, soak feet in hot soapy water; scrape away the corn and when dry cover with a plaster. Successful results reported with Houseleek steeped in Cider vinegar. Hundreds of corn-cures exist.

Old Yorkshire tradition: 2 teaspoons Epsom salts to a bowl of hot water for a foot-soak; finish off with a Castor oil wipe.

Greek traditional: Rub corn or bunion with lemon juice and leave on lemon rind overnight. Onion juice. Preventative: Anoint feet with Plantain oil believed to be effective. Cider vinegar as a lotion. Aromatherapy. Massage feet after soaking: Lavender, Geranium. ... corns, bunions

Agents that increase the flow of urine from the kidneys and so excrete excess fluid from the body. As well as elimination of fluid, diuretics cause potassium to be expelled. To restore the chemical balance, potassium is often prescribed. The advantage of some herbal diuretics is their ability to make good the loss without the use of synthetics, i.e., Dandelion root contains an abundance of potassium (three times as much as some). Liquorice reduces the action of a diuretic by causing fluid and salt retention.

Demulcent diuretics (Marshmallow root, Corn Silk, Couch Grass) protect the delicate parenchyma of the kidneys against irritation by gravel, stone or inflammation. All detoxifying prescriptions, as given for such chronic diseases as rheumatism, arthritis, etc, would include a diuretic to ensure complete excretion of by-products and metabolism.

Diuretics are prescribed for high blood pressure, water retention, inflammation of kidneys or bladder and oedema. They are usually combined with ‘heart’ remedies (Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley, Broom, etc) for dropsy of cardiac origin. Best taken cold on an empty stomach.

The possibility of diuretic abuse should be borne in mind when women and sportsmen seek to lose weight by such means. The following is a selection from over 300 herbs known as diuretics.

Agrimony, Bearberry, Bilberry leaves, Blue Flag root, Bogbean, Boldo, Boneset, Broom, Buchu, Bugleweed (cardio-active diuretic to increase force of the heart beat), Burdock, Celery seed, Clivers, Corn Silk, Couchgrass, Dandelion, Devil’s Claw, Elder, Fennel seed, Gravel root, Heather flowers, Juniper berries, Kava Kava, Kola, Life root, Lignum Vitae, Lily of the Valley, Lime flowers, Marshmallow, Mullein, Pai Shu, Parsley Piert, Pellitory, Pumpkin seed, Sarsaparilla, Saw Palmetto, Sea Holly, Stone root, Vervain, Wild Carrot, Yarrow, Yerba Mate tea, Garden Nasturtium.

See: POTASSIUM. DANDELION. ... diuretics

Lignum vitae tree of the West Indies. Guaiacum officinalis L. German: Guajakbaum. French: Bois de gai?ac. Spanish: Guayaco. Italian: Guaiaco. Parts used: heart wood and gum resin. Keynote: rheumatism.

Constituents: terpenoids, lignans, resin acids.

Action: anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, adaptogen, diuretic, powerful blood cleanser, anti-psoriasis, anti-tuberculin, diaphoretic, acts on fibrous tissue.

Uses: Inflammatory rheumatism: takes the heat out of any rheumatic or arthritic flare-up. Rheumatoid arthritis, gouty nodes on fingers, knees, etc. Osteo-arthritis. Mercurial poisoning is ever present in the modern world: Guaiacum is a natural antidote for this metal for the many conditions it causes including rheumatism. Shrunken tendons of hands (Dupuytrens contracture). Overpowering body odour. Psoriasis, eczema, boils, abscesses. In the 16th and 17th centuries it had a reputation for syphilis.

Combines well with Sarsaparilla for the above: (Guaiacum 1; Sarsaparilla 2 parts).

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Decoction: quarter of a teaspoon wood chips or sawdust to each cup water simmered gently 20 minutes. Dose: quarter to half a cup.

Liquid Extract: 1-2ml.

Tincture, BPC 1934: 1:5 in 90 per cent alcohol, dose 1-4ml. ... guaiacum

For non-persistent constipation. An aperient for stool-softening purposes, milder than a cathartic. Sometimes given with a carminative to prevent griping.

Agar-agar, Balmony, Barberry, Black root, Blue Flag root, Bogbean, Boneset, Buckthorn, Burdock, Clivers, Dandelion, Figs, Frangula bark, Fenugreek, Fringe Tree bark, Lignum Vitae, Liquorice root (mild), Ispaghula seeds, Mountain Grape, Rhubarb root, Senna pods, Wahoo, Yellow Dock. If constipation persists or worsens a practitioner should be consulted.

Tea: Formula:– Dandelion root, crushed or shredded, 1; Senna leaves 2; Peppermint 3. Mix. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water, infuse 15 minutes. Cup 1-3 times daily.

Tablet: Active constituents: Aloes (Cape) BP 50mg; Pulverised Fennel BHP (1983) 15mg; Pulverised Valerian BP 30mg; Pulverised Holy Thistle BHP (1983) 60mg. A traditional herbal remedy for the relief of occasional or non-persistent constipation. (Gladlax – Gerard House)

Long term use of laxatives should be avoided. ... laxative