Agnus castus

Herbal medicine

Vitex agnus castus, also known as chasteberry, has been widely researched. It is best known as a female hormone balancer, especially helping to promote the production of progesterone by increasing luteinizing hormone and inhibiting the production of follicle-stimulating hormone by the pituitary. Its main indications are to treat frequent menstruation, premenstrual symptoms such as fluid retention and acne, and menopausal problems. In breast-feeding mothers, Agnus castus can help to stimulate milk production, although it takes a few weeks to take effect. This herb has a relaxing and calming quality.

Information compiled by Linda Lazarides
Naturopathic Nutritionist, Author, Educator

• Books by Linda Lazarides
• Practitioner training course

Alder buckthorn

A herb used as a bowel stimulating laxative. It is considered to be less habit-forming and irritating than many other laxative herbs such as senna.

Information compiled by Linda Lazarides
Naturopathic Nutritionist, Author, Educator

• Books by Linda Lazarides
• Practitioner training course

Aloe vera

Aloe vera refers to the gel in the centre of the leaf of Aloe vera plants. However some preparations may be homogenized whole leaf extracts, which also contain aloes, the laxative substance found in the bitter, yellow juice which is also contained in the leaf.

Studies have found the gel to be effective against first- and second-degree burns, radiation burns, skin ulcers and peptic ulcers.

Information compiled by Linda Lazarides
Naturopathic Nutritionist, Author, Educator

• Books by Linda Lazarides
• Practitioner training course

Angelica

A warming herb described as an aromatic digestive. It is used as an expectorant and against pleurisy and bronchitis, arthritic conditions and intestinal flatulence. Angelica is also widely used as a flavouring in foods.

Information compiled by Linda Lazarides
Naturopathic Nutritionist, Author, Educator

• Books by Linda Lazarides
• Practitioner training course

Artemisia annua

This herb is described by Dr Leo Galland as highly effective against parasites, and particularly useful in chronic infections, since it is not toxic as are prescription drugs such as Flagyl.

Information compiled by Linda Lazarides
Naturopathic Nutritionist, Author, Educator

• Books by Linda Lazarides
• Practitioner training course

artichoke

Artichoke

Herb

Extracts from the leaves of the globe artichoke have anti-toxic effects on the liver, similar to those of the herb extract silymarin. They can also promote regeneration of the liver and increase the blood supply to that organ. Artichoke leaf extracts can reduce blood cholesterol by increasing the excretion of cholesterol, but also appear directly to inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. The main use of artichoke leaf extract is against gall bladder disease, reducing pain, nausea and digestive discomfort, and stimulating gall-bladder drainage.

astragalus

Astragalus

Herb

A tonic herb, frequently used in Chinese herbal medicine.

barberry

Barberry

Herb

Also known as Berberis vulgaris, barberry bark contains an alkaloid known as berberine, which is found helpful as a wash for hypersensitive eyes, inflamed lids and chronic or allergic conjunctivitis. This herb also has an antibacterial effect which, when it is taken orally, makes it useful against dysbiosis. It also stimulates bile flow and eases liver congestion. It is frequently used to combat an inflamed gall bladder as well as intestinal inflammation, which is often associated with dysbiosis.

bayberry

Bayberry

Herb

A warming, astringent herb, often used against inflammatory conditions of the intestines, and regarded as a digestive tonic.

bladderwrack

Bladderwrack

Herb

A form of seaweed used (like kelp) for its high iodine content. May be beneficial in hypothyroidism.

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