Herbs for Chronic Vaginal Infections

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Support for Chronic Vaginal Infections.http://www.viable-herbal.com/products/prod64.htm*** NOTE *** The herbal use and health information provided below is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem, and should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should seek professional care.ASTRAGALUS is a traditional Chinese herb derived from the root of the perennial Astragalus membranaceus. In China, Astragalus enjoyed a long history of use in traditional medicine to strengthen the Wei Ch'i, or "defensive energy", or as we call it, the immune system. Regarded as a potent tonic for increasing energy levels and stimulating the immune system, Astragalus has also been employed historically as a diuretic, a vasodilator and as support for the treatment for respiratory infections. Astragalus has recently become popular with western herbalist and alternative health care providers. Astragalus has been used to replenish vital energy, and may also reduce blood pressure by helping to rid the body of excess water weight. Astragalus has been used by Oriental herbalists for centuries for diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Recent studies suggest that it may help activate the immune system, thus enhancing the body's natural ability to fight disease.BARBERRY, which is also called “Oregon Grape Root”, is derived from Mahonia Aquifolium, a small evergreen that grows wild on mountains in the Pacific Northwest. Early settlers first learned of the therapeutic use of Barberry from native American Indians who made a bitter brew from the yellow root (or rhizome) of this small shrub. Used in small doses, Barberry tonic was believed to be an effective treatment for heartburn, stomach upset, ulcers, and in specific amounts to stimulate appetite. Current herbal literature commonly recommends Barberry tinctures as a treatment for liver problems such as hepatitis and jaundice. It is also considered effective in lowering blood pressure, reducing heart rate and respiration, reducing bronchial constriction, and as a 'palliative' for menstrual irregularities. It is also used as a topical antiseptic. Researchers studying Barberry have determined that it does contains a number of physiologically active alkaloids, chief among them 'berberine', 'berbamine', and 'oxyacanthine'. Berberine has been found to exhibit some antibacterial activity, accounting for its traditional uses as an antiseptic when applied to the skin. Barbering is also known to possess sedative qualities, and can act to lower blood pressure and stimulate the uterus.BURDOCK ROOT is a carrot-like root from the plant Arctium lappa, a biennial herb grown in China, Europe and the United States. Employed as a popular folk medicine around the world, Burdock is also consumed as a vegetable in Japan, where it is called 'gobo'. The volatile oils of Burdock seeds are said to be an effective diaphoretic, used to inducing sweating as an aid in neutralizing and eliminating toxins from the body. This activity is widely utilized by herbal practitioner's in support of treatments for liver problems, gallstones, flu, and the kidneys. Studies of Burdock show that it is high in minerals, being a good source of iron. Data also indicates that the root is a good source of the carbohydrate inulin which can account for 45% of the plant mass.CINNAMON is considered a useful carminative for the removal of gastrointestinal gas. This herb is an effective digestive aid, and has also been used in folk remedies as a styptic for conditions such as uterine hemorrhage. Recent studies have determined that consuming as little as one-half teaspoon of Cinnamon each day may reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels by as much as 20% in Type II diabetes patients who are not taking insulin. Most people are familiar with the sweet but pungent taste of the oil, powder, or sticks of bark from the Cinnamon tree. Cinnamon trees grow in a number of tropical areas, including parts of India, China, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Caribbean.ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA is one of the most exciting therapeutic herbs available today, a unique herb related to the sunflower (Asteraceae) plant family. Echinacea has been widely used by Native Americans, particularly the Plains Indians, for hundreds of years as an antiseptic, an analgesic (pain killer) and for the treatment of snakebites. Echinacea is also used extensively by herbalists and alternative health care providers to boost the immune system, help speed wound healing, reduce inflammations, treat colds and flu, and fight infections. A growing collection of scientific evidence supports Echinacea's important contribution to stimulating the immune system. Researchers have found that Echinacea's immune-stimulating properties are due to a rich host of polysaccharides and phytosterols unique to this plant. Researchers have identified a number of important active ingredients, including glycosides (especially echinacoside), eichloric acid, chlorogenic acid, polysaccharides (echinacin B, inulin, arabinogalactans, xyloglucans), isobutylamines (echinacin), alkylamides, phytosterols, and many other valuable compounds. Scientists have found that Echinacea helps to activate macrophages, key immune system elements that are directly involved in the destruction of bacteria, viruses, other infectious agents and cancer cells. Macrophages produce much of their lethal effect by generating free oxygen radicals as well as producing a key protein called “interleukin-l”. A report in the December 1984 issue of Infection and Immunity demonstrated that a polysaccharide fraction derived from Echinacea purpurea significantly increased the killing effect of macrophages on tumor cells. The polysaccharides also increased the production of free oxygen radicals and interleukin-1. The Echinacea polysaccharide had no effect on T-lymphocytes (involved in cellular immunity) and only a modest effect on B-lymphocytes (involved in humoral immunity-making antibodies). Another report indicated that Echinacea enhances natural killer cell activity, another important component in the immune system.GARLIC has diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, and stimulant properties. Many marvelous effects and healing powers have been ascribed to Garlic. It possesses stimulant and stomachic properties in addition to its other virtues as a vermifuge. As an antiseptic, its use has long been recognized.GOLDENSEAL, a member of the family Ranunculaceae, is a native American medicinal drug introduced to early settlers by Cherokee Indians who used it as a wash for skin diseases and sore eyes. Goldenseal extract, derived from the rhizome and roots of this small forest plant, has acquired a considerable reputation as a general bitter tonic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders. Goldenseal's benefits can be attributed to its alkaloids, especially hydrastine and berberine. The latter is also responsible for the drug's characteristic golden color. These alkaloids are strongly astringent and help reduce inflammation of mucous membranes. Hydrastine has also been reported to lower blood pressure and stimulate peristalsis, along with being an anti-tussive (relieves coughs). Barberine and its sulfate, berberine sulfate, have been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity in vitro, and also have been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and immuno-stimulatory activity, as well. Barberine has shown marked effects on acute diarrhea and its antibacterial qualities interfere with the ability of micro-organisms to adhere to the walls of host cells. Goldenseal has been recommended for a variety of inflamed mucous membranes, including stomach, intestinal, vaginal and rectal. It has been reported that the plant relieves pains and helps heal wounds and stop bleeding. In addition, the antibacterial action helps reduce or prevent infection of open sores.LICORICE ROOT, for good reasons, is contained in many of the formulations developed by Viable Herbal Solutions. Besides possessing numerous specific medicinal properties, it modulates and strengthens the activity of other herbal ingredients in each formulation. In both Western and Eastern medicine, Licorice Root plays a central role, and is used in both cultures for almost exactly the same conditions. Licorice Root's status as a tonic is undoubtedly due to the cumulative effect of all its medicinal properties. An example of the benefits of this herbal ingredient includes, but is not limited to, the following: Licorice protects & heals distressed mucous membranes of the intestinal tract, and is an excellent anti-inflammatory which has been used successfully in treating dermatological problems, as well as to reduce the symptoms of stiff, inflamed and sore muscles & joints.MILK THISTLE is among the most ancient of all known herbal medicines, having been used as a folk remedy for centuries for liver complaints. Recent research has demonstrated that extracts of Milk Thistle do indeed protect against some very nasty liver toxins through the action of a host of antihepatotoxic (liver protectant) compounds commonly referred to as silymarin. Silymarin has been shown to consist of a large number of flavonolignans, including silybin, isosilybin, dehydrosilybin, silydianin and silychristin. The results of numerous studies suggest that silymarin not only protects liver cells by preventing the actions of toxic substances but that it also stimulate protein synthesis to accelerate the regeneration and production of liver cells. Silymarin, and component silybin, function as antioxidants, protecting cell membranes from free-radical-mediated oxidative damage. This type of damage is known as lipid peroxidation. Most liver toxins produce their damaging effects by free radical mechanisms. Both silymarin and silybin protect red blood cell membranes against lipid peroxidation and hemolysis (breaking down of the red blood cells) caused by certain red blood cell poisons.NETTLES has been used as a vegetable and folk remedy for centuries. Collected before flowering, Nettles were thought useful as a treatment for asthma, as an expectorant, antispasmodic, diuretic, astringent, and tonic. The diuretic properties of nettles are well recognized, and several pharmaceutical preparations incorporating Nettles are marketed in Europe for this purpose.Dried white OAK BARK has many health-promoting properties and is a natural source for tannic acid. This makes it useful for stomach and digestive concerns, as well as skin health and much more. You'll often find White Oak in natural skin creams for a variety of applications.OREGON GRAPE ROOT is an important herb that has been forgotten and overlooked. However it is a powerful antibiotic that deserves respect. Before European colonists arrived, the indigenous peoples of North America treated all manner of complaints with Oregon Grape. The berries were used for poor appetite. A tea made from the root was used to treat jaundice, arthritis, diarrhea, fever, and many other health problems. The roots are used in herbology as a nutritional aid to the digestive and circulatory systems. Alkaloids, including berbamine, canadine, hydrastine, and the most famous, berberine, account for the beneficial activity of Oregon Grape. Berberine has been shown to effectively treat diarrhea in patients infected with E. coli. One of the ways berberine may ease diarrhea is by slowing the transit time in the intestine. Berberine inhibits the ability of bacteria to attach to human cells, which helps prevent infections, particularly in the throat and urinary tract. These actions, coupled with berberine’s ability to enhance immune cell function, make Oregon Grape useful for mild infections. An ointment of Oregon Grape has been shown to effectively treat the skin disease psoriasis. Whole Oregon Grape extracts were shown in one laboratory study to reduce inflammation (often associated with psoriasis) and to stimulate the white blood cells known as macrophages. In this study, isolated alkaloids from Oregon Grape did not have these effects. This suggests that something besides alkaloids are important to the properties of Oregon Grape.PAU D'ARCO is an antibacterial agent which has a positive overall healing effect, and also exhibits numerous anti-viral properties. Derived from the inner bark of a native South American tree, this herb has strong anti-yeast and anti-fungal properties. Considered a good blood alterative, it has application in numerous chronic health disorders. A primary action of Pau D'Arco includes its use as a powerful immune system builder, again relating back to its blood cleansing capabilities. This herb has also been used historically for a variety of conditions, including candidiasis, smoker's cough, warts, all types of infection, diabetes, ulcers, rheumatism, allergies, and liver disease.REISHI MUSHROOM is also known by the name Lucky Fungus. Reishi Mushrooms grow wild on decaying logs and tree stumps in the coastal provinces of China. The fruiting body of the mushroom is employed medicinally. In the Taoist tradition, Reishi is said to enhance spiritual receptivity. It was used by monks to calm the spirit and mind. It is also considered a symbol of feminine sexuality. Reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years to treat liver disorders, hypertension, arthritis, and other ailments. Reishi also has immune potentiating properties.SHIITAKE MUSHROOM is also known by the names Oak Mushroom, Oriental Black Mushroom, and Glossagyne. In the wild, this light amber fungus is found on fallen hardwood trees. Shiitake has been revered in Japan and China as both a food and medicinal herb for thousands of years. Wu Ri, a famous physician from the Chinese Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368–1644), wrote extensively about this mushroom, noting its ability to increase energy, cure colds, and eliminate worms. Wild Shiitake Mushrooms are native to Japan, China, and other Asian countries. Shiitake is widely cultivated throughout the world, including the United States. The fruiting body is used medicinally. A vast amount of research into Shiitake's medicinal properties has been completed and shows that it has the ability to fight tumors and viruses and enhance the immune system. Primary chemical constituents of Shiitake include Polysaccharide (lentinan), eritadenin, proteins, fatty acids, and vitamins D, B-2, B-12. The proteins contain all of the essential amino acids, and most commonly occurring non-essential amino acids and amides. The fatty acids are largely unsaturated, and Shiitake's are rich in vitamins and minerals. Key therapeutic substances also present are glucans, a major constituent of the cell walls. Shiitake also yields Lentinan, a beta-1,3-linked glucan polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 1 million. Lentinan reversed tumor growth when injected in mice. It acts by stimulating the immune system, rather than by direct action on the tumor. Because of its large molecular size, Lentinan is not absorbed efficiently when taken orally, but some is absorbed. Lentinan activates the alternative complement pathway, stimulating the macrophages, thus inhibiting tumor growth. It also may activate interleukin-1 secretion, which helps trigger T lymphocytes. Shiitake is believed to stimulate interferon production. Eritadenine, a purine alkaloid from Shiitake, is similar to nucleotides in structure, and lowers cholesterol in animal studies.VITAMIN A (beta-carotene) is necessary for growth & repair of body tissues; helps maintain smooth, soft disease-free skin; helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat & lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections; protects against air pollutants; counteracts night-blindness & weak eyesight; aids in bone and teeth formation. Vitamin A is fat-soluble and is sensitive to oxygen, especially with heat. Current medical research shows that foods rich in Beta Carotene will help reduce the risk of lung cancer & certain oral cancers. Unlike Vitamin A from fish liver oil, Beta Carotene is non-toxic. A deficiency of Vitamin A may result in night blindness; increased susceptibility to infections; rough, dry, scaly skin; loss of smell & appetite; frequents fatigue; lack of tearing; defective teeth & gums' retarded growth.VITAMIN E is an essential vitamin which promotes normal bodily growth and development, treats & prevents numerous skin disorders, prevents oxidation of free radicals in the body, acts as an anti-blood clotting agent, protects tissue against oxidation, promotes normal red blood cell formation, and decreases scarring from wounds.