caution needed

Herbs for Health

Please Read:

In regards to herbs and herbal products, the terms natural, pure, holistic, organic or any other name or term they may come under, DOES NOT mean that they are completely free of risks, side effects or that they cannot cause harm or even death.

Always thoroughly research the ingredients, and ensure you understand all cautions, side effects, and possible allergies prior to any massage or taking any herbals or applying anything topical, and please ensure you have read the disclaimer and spoken with your healthcare provider.

Papaya

Carica papaya

 

Unproven but May Help With:

Raw papain may help with gastrointestinal complaints, inflammation and gastro-duodenal ulcers. The leaves may help as a prophylaxis treatment for gastrointestinal disorders and parasitic intestinal infections as well as for coughs and bronchitis. Boiled leaves have been used for dengue and malarial fevers in Ayurvedic medicine.

Possible Side Effects:

Allergic reactions and asthma attacks are possible with the raw papain.

Contra Indications:

Raw papain, papaya leaves and unripe papaya fruit are contraindicated in pregnancy due to its abortifacient effect. There has been some documented interactions with raw papain and warfarin due to the fibrinolytic affect whilst taking anticoagulants.

Methods of Use:

Papaya leaves are often made into an extract, tea or juice. The fresh fruit and the leaves can be dehydrated and powdered to add to smoothies.

Nutrition:

Leaves: Vitamins A, C, & E, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron & Fibre.

Fruit: Vitamins A, C, & E, Magnesium, Potassium & Fibre.

Aloe  Vera

 Aloe Barbadensis

Unproven but May Help With:

Constipation, haemorrhoids, and to aid digestion. Aloe Vera is thought to have an antibacterial and antiviral affect. When applied topically, Aloe Vera may have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, increase collagen and contribute towards wound healing; it has also been found to improve psoriasis. In Chinese medicine, Aloe Vera is used for the treatment for fungal diseases; and in Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe Vera is used for stomach tumours, constipation, skin diseases, amenorrhea, infections and worm infestations.

The fresh juice of Aloe Capensis has been used for eye inflammation.

Possible Side Effects:

Heart arrhythmias, abdominal spasmodic cramping, edema, bone deterioration and hematuria. Aloe can cause loss of electrolytes.

 

Contra Indications:

Aloe is contraindicated in pregnancy, and in children under 12 years, it is also contraindicated for people with inflamed intestinal diseases such as IBS, cron’s disease, ulcerative colon, and abdominal pain and discomfort. Loss of potassium from long term use can interact with cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic drugs, corticosteroids and diuretics.

 

Methods of Use:

Aloe Vera gel from within the leaves as a topical cream or ointment. Internal use not recommended unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner and under the supervision of your medical doctor.

 

Nutrition:

Leaves: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, & E, Choline, & Folic Acid.

Cinnamon – Coming Soon

 

Unproven but May Help With:

Stomach

 

Possible Side Effects:

Stomach

 

Contra Indications:

Pregnancy,

 

Methods of Use:

Powedered dried herbs,

Nutrition:

Leaves: Vitamins .

Fruit: Vitamins .

 

 

Beetroot –

Coming Soon

 

Unproven but May Help With:

Stomach

 

Possible Side Effects:

Stomach

 

Contra Indications:

Pregnancy,

 

Methods of Use:

Powedered dried herbs,

 

Nutrition:

Leaves: Vitamins .

Fruit: Vitamins .

Ashwagandha –

Coming Soon

 

Unproven but May Help With:

Stomach

 

Possible Side Effects:

Stomach

 

Contra Indications:

Pregnancy,

 

Methods of Use:

Powedered dried herbs,

Nutrition:

Leaves: Vitamins .

Fruit: Vitamins .

 

 

Ginger –

Coming Soon

 

Unproven but May Help With:

Stomach

 

Possible Side Effects:

Stomach

 

Contra Indications:

Pregnancy,

 

Methods of Use:

Powedered dried herbs,

 

Nutrition:

Leaves: Vitamins .

Fruit: Vitamins .

Echinacea –

Coming Soon

 

 

Unproven but May Help With:

Stomach

 

Possible Side Effects:

Stomach

 

Contra Indications:

Pregnancy,

 

Methods of Use:

Powedered dried herbs,

 

 

Nutrition:

Leaves: Vitamins .

Fruit: Vitamins .

Spirulina –

Coming Soon

 

Unproven but May Help With:

Stomach

 

Possible Side Effects:

Stomach

 

Contra Indications:

Pregnancy,

 

Methods of Use:

Powedered dried herbs,

 

Nutrition:

Leaves: Vitamins .

Fruit: Vitamins .

Valerian –

Coming Soon

 

Unproven but May Help With:

Stomach

 

Possible Side Effects:

Stomach

 

Contra Indications:

Pregnancy,

 

Methods of Use:

Powedered dried herbs,

 

Nutrition:

Leaves: Vitamins .

Fruit: Vitamins .

 

 

Herbs at A Glance

Herbs at a Glance is a series of brief fact sheets that provides basic information about specific herbs or botanicals—common names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and resources for more information.

National Centre for Complimentary and Integrative Health

Chinese Herbal

Medicine

 

 

 

 

 

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