Herbs Listings

Herbs - F

• False Unicorn  
  

  A key remedy for conditions affecting the uterus and the ovaries. False unicorn seems to have a "normalizing" effect on the female reproductive system, encouraging a regular menstrual cycle, and it is given to women with irregular or absent periods. False unicorn also encourages the ovaries to release their hormones at the right point in the month. It can take some months, however, for the herb to have a significant effect on the cycle. In addition, false unicorn is used to treat endometriosis, uterine infections, ovarian cysts, and menopausal symptoms.

  Additional uses - False unicorn is a tonic for digestive and genitourinary conditions.                                                                                                                                                                        
• Fennel Seed                                                                                        Rids the intestinal tract of mucus; helps with coughs and persistent bronchitis by dissolving mucus in the upper respiratory tract; rids the body of pinworms; opens obstructions of the liver, spleen and gall bladder; relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract to help expel gas; has a mild estrogenic effect, meaning it acts like the female sex hormone, estrogen; relieves gastrointestinal spasms; effective in the treatment of gout; has shown to cure colic in infants.                                                                                                                                                                
  
• Fenugreek                                                                                      Fenugreek is a digestive aid. As an emollient it is used in poultices for boils, cysts and other complaints. Reducing the sugar level of the blood, it is used in diabetes in conjunction with insulin. It also lowers blood pressure. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights infection. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, and loosens & removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen. Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine. Fenugreek contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and relaxing inflamed tissues. Fenugreek stimulates the production of mucosal fluids helping remove allergens and toxins from the respiratory tract. Acting as an expectorant, Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis and congestion. 

   

  In the East, beverages are made from the seed to ease stomach trouble. The chemical make-up is curiously similar to cod liver oil, for which a decoction of the seed is sometimes used as a substitute. Many other properties are ascribed to it in India and the East and not surprisingly include aphrodisiac.                                                                                                                                                      
• Feverfew                                                                                       Feverfew has been used for reducing fever, treating headaches, arthritis and digestive problems.  It is hypothesised that by inhibiting the release of serotonin and prostaglandins, both of which are believed to aid the onset of migraines, feverfew limits the inflammation of blood vessels in the head. This would, in theory, stop the blood vessel spasm which is believed to contribute to headaches. The active ingredients in feverfew include parthenolide and tanetin. Capsules or tablets of feverfew generally contain at least 205 mcg, parthenolide; however, it might take four to six weeks before they become effective, and feverfew is not a remedy for acute migraine attacks. Parthenolide has also been found recently in 2005 to induce cell death in leukemia cancer stem cells.                                                                                                                        
  
• Flax                                                                                                       Its high content of alpha linolenic acids has made the ancient flax seed become our modern miracle food. Alpha linolenic acid is a type of plant-derived omega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Benefits of flax seed as shown in many studies include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits show that flax seed may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the risk of a heart attack.  Aside from alpha linolenic acid, flax seed is rich in lignan. Lignan is a type phytoestrogen (antioxidant) and also provides fiber. Researches reveal that lignan in flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease -- including a possible role in cancer prevention especially breast cancer. It is thought that lignan metabolites can bind to estrogen receptors, hence inhibiting the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer.

   

  Recent studies also showed positive benefits of flax seed oil in IBD (Crohn's Disease and Colitis). Flax seed oil seems to be able to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.                                                                                                                         

• Fo-Ti Root                                                                                               A kidney, liver, and blood tonic used to restore energy and vigor; contains anti-cancer properties; reduces hypertension and blood cholesterol levels; increases red blood cell count and reduces blood fats; increases fertility; boosts the immune system.

   

  The part of this plant used is its root. Fo Ti is second only to ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine. Fo Ti, according to Chinese legend, was used by a 58 year old man who ate it and then fathered many children. It has been used to tread colic, enteritis or the inflammation of the intestines, gout and hemorrhoids. Research is being done on its use to lower cholesterol and to aid in the acceptance of organ transplants.