~ St. John's Wart ~

Rx: combats stress, minor depression, and alcohol cravings. It is an antispasmodic,anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, astringant, expectorant, nervine, vulnerary, it treats bedwetting, and insomnia. It has been found to inhibit the growth of HIV and AIDS in animals. The oil extract of St.John's Wort can be used for intestinal and stomach problems. Drink the tea if you would like help with anemia, headaches, jaundice, feminine difficulties and pains, and chest congestion. Use an oil made of it externally on burns, wounds, sores, bruises, and skin problems. Taken internally, St. John's wort has a sedative and pain reducing effect. As a lotion it will speed the healing of many skin problems, especially sunburns. Because of it's antibiotic properties, it has been and is being tested for it's food preservation abilities.

~ Ephedra, Chinese: Ma Huang ~

Rx:Ephedra has been used extensively for the treatment of asthma, and also as a natural decongestant and antihistamine. It has become a very popular ingredient in herbal combinations for allergies and hay fever. Since it is a stimulant which increases the metabolism and increases body temperature, it has been used to control weight and to help prevent sleep. One of the side-effects of increased metabolism is an increased pulse rate and a slight elevation in blood pressure.Ephedra is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart problems or thyroid problems. Even though producers of the product have put the warings on the labels, there have been a few unfortunate cases where an overdose has occured due to disreagard of the dosage recomendations. A total of eight accidents have resulted in death. Despite these events, Ephedra has an excellent safety record considering the large number of people who have used the herb.Especicaly when compared to Aspirin, because 20,000 Americans die each year from taking aspirin, and aspirin substitutes.) When used properly the herb is as safe or safer than most over-the-counter medications. Just to make a point about how stimulating this herb can be,Epinephrine (pronounced eh-pin-ef-rin) (a word rooted from Ephedra)is another name for adrenaline. Ephedrine is a powerful stimulant. In fact, it's molecular structure is close to methamphetamine(speed). Ephedra can produce a positive urine test for amphetamines (speed). Some other medicinal uses of Ephedra include the decreasion of cigarette cravings, promotion of mensturation, and promotion of uterine contractions.

~ Don Quai ~

Rx:often included in prescriptions for abnormal menstruation, suppressed menstrual flow,painful or difficult menstruation, and uterine bleeding. A traditional use of dong quai was for hot flashes associated with perimenopause. Dong quai is also used for both men and women with cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure and problems with peripheral circulation.

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