YOU + =

A compendium of herbs and some of their uses

HOME

Herb List
A -B -C -D -E -F -G -H -I -J -K -L -M -N -O -P -Q -R -S -T -U -V -W -X -Y -Z

Minerals - Trace Elements - Vitamins - Vitamins2 - Mental Health

YARROW
Achillea millefolium
Strengthens and tones the genito-urinary system, helps relieve hypertension,relaxing to the heart, nourishes the reproductive system and heart, soothes and heals mucus membranes Yarrow opens the pores of the skin thereby permitting a greater release of internal poisons through the magic of perspiration. The flowers contain a peculiar type of oil which saturate the bloodstream and chemically "collect" or absorb different kinds of toxic impurities. For the layman to understand how this peculiar pharmacological action works, consider uric acid as an oil spill on the ocean of life within us, namely the blood. The remarkable oil from yarrow blossoms is like a foaming detergent put on top of this pollution to help draw it together or "bind" it up for easier handling and elimination. Yarrow actively promotes perspiration and open the pores of the skin, thereby releasing toxic impurities from the system. Yarrow or milfoil is chiefly characterized by two major actions on the system: (a) works on the liver to produce bile, and (b) stops any kind of intemal hemorrhaging and builds up the blood. It is also recognized effective against yeast infection in the female reproductive organs. The leaves and flowers yield a dark green, volatile oil, a peculiar principle, cchillein, and achilleic acid, which is supposed to be chemically identical with aconitic acid. The plant also contains resin, tannin, gum, and the regular ash consisting of nitrates, phosphates, and chlorides of potash and lime. In India aconitic acid from the deadly potent aconite root has been mixed with capsicum fruit and used internally by physicians and doctors as a quinine-like agent for bowel and bladder infection, diarrhea and vomitting, and intestinal worms. British pharmacists have recommended aconitic acid for fevers, colds, pneumonia (in the first stages, however), pleurisy, ruptured aneurysm (disease of an artery or blood vessel), and severe tonsillitis in children. Assuming, therefore, that the achilleic acid found in yarrow is very similar to aconitic acid (only much more milder and less harmful), why couldn't it give the same kind of chemical performance for all of the above-mentioned infections as well? It stands to reason it would and be a lot safer on top of it. Yarrow flowers are used in this combination, whereas the leaves were used in an earlier, slightly altered version of the same thing. This herb has tannin and choline among its many active ingredients. The tannin or tannic acid in the flowers is a strong virus inhibitor. Laboratory experiments several decades ago determined that influenza virus Type A could definitely be stopped from multiplying when they were subjected to a dose of tannic acid from nutgalls of the oak tree. This demonstrates just how valuable yarrow is against the common cold.

YELLOW DOCK
Rumex crispus
Time of Administration: morning to evening.
Good for the lymphatic system, liver bile, tonic, good blood purifier, good in all skin problems (eczema, acne, pimples). Yellow dock has chrysophanic acid, emodin, tannin, calcium oxalate, and lapathin as its active constituents. It has enjoyed some clinical use in the past as a mild laxative (Merck Index, p. 925).

YERBA BUENA
Satureja douglasi, labiatae
Used for colds, flu, fevers, indigestion and gas. Helps the lungs, stomach and bladder. Diaphoretic, aeromatic, carminative, diuretic.

YERBA-DE-MATE
Ilex paraguariensis

YERBA MANZA
Anemopsis californica

YERBA SANTA
Good for rheumatism, excellent for congested respiratory system, effective for excessive discharge from the sinuses.

YOHIMBE
Pausinystalia yohimbe

YUCCA
Yucca spp, Yucca glaucoma
Time of Administration: afternoon.
Use for arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cataracts, scalp problems, cancer. Yucca root contains special steroid saponins which have been successfully tested under clinical conditions to determine its effectiveness in treating acute forms of arthritis. Yucca saponins' greatest effect are on the natural flora of the intestines. Apparently they can strengthen this flora where enemas and colonic irrigations could not. The saponins provide a healthy alkalinity to an otherwise acid-ridden system full of toxic impurities. For victims of gout this should come as good news. Yucca saponins are also recognized as cleansing and clarifying agents where mineral and salt content may be high. Scientific experimentation has demonstrated the saponins' unique acceleration of breaking down organic wastes, like uric acid, inside the body. But the greatest value of these saponins are as a precursor to synthetic cortisone. Arthritic sufferers can find great therapeutic potential in yucca root for this. Recent research has been done at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wyoming in Laramie to show that yucca has strong anti-cancer potential. Part of the report issued by the scientists involved made these interesting observations: "The active material found in our studies is sensitive to light and heat. Only the fresh yucca flowers possess anti-cancer activity, not the seeds, leaves, fruits or roots. The activity is lost when the flowers wilt or dry. There are at least 2 active ingredients in the yucca flower . . . It seems evident that yucca flowers have potent anti-cancer effects and other yucca species should also be tested." They concluded their research paper with this interesting statement: "A noteworthy finding is the wide range within which a yucca extract exerts an anti-cancer effect without evidence of major toxicity .... In the light of these observations, it may be permissible to speculate that plants may become an important potential source of second generation anti-cancer drugs-materials of lower toxicity than our present agents. (M. S. Ali, G. C. Sharma, R. O. Asplund, M. P. Nevins, and S. Garb, Nutt. (Lilliaceae)", Growth 42:220-221. In a letter dated November 30, 1978, Dr. Asplund, who is a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Wyoming, stated that they had found many other herbs since the above report was issued, which also manifested strong anti-cancer activity in them. He said, "We have had positive results on twelve plants in all, that is to say, their extracts have improved the life span of tumorous mice." To conclude, let it be said that the words of the scientists just quoted regarding the low toxicity of herbs versus the higher one in present synthetic drugs (see above quote from yucca report) is enough of a testimonial to the worthwhile value and tremendous healing virtue to every plant covered in this section. In a way, modern science has exonerated medicinal herbs from the superstitious nonsense some would still like to see them kept in and placed these wonderful agents within the dignified reach of all who wish to use them. In other words, scientists like Dr. Asplund and countless others involved in the study of plants these days, have given herbs the respect they finally deserve!

HOME

Herb List
A -B -C -D -E -F -G -H -I -J -K -L -M -N -O -P -Q -R -S -T -U -V -W -X -Y -Z

Minerals - Trace Elements - Vitamins - Vitamins2 - Mental Health

All material presented here is for entertainment use only, and is not meant as medical advice for diagnosis, treatment or cure of any illness, disease or malady.

(c) 1997 E-Mail
jerbear@who.net

---

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page