Herbs Listings

Herbs - G

• Garlic     
  Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels; increases HDL (good) cholesterol levels; detoxifies the blood and lymphatic systems; treats upper-respiratory infections, such as the common cold, pneumonia, and influenza; promotes digestion; relieves pain; increases blood circulation; used in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and many types of cancer; an anti-tumor agent that inhibits tumor growth; effective in killing and expelling parasites and bacteria; detoxifies the body of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury; strengthens the immune system; lowers blood pressure and reduces blood fats; prevents ulcers and yeast infections.                                                                                                                                                            
• Gentian                                                                                               The human tongue distinguishes all the known flavors by the use of only four primary taste receptors found on the tongue, the receptors for sweet, sour, salty and bitter tastes. The taste receptor for bitter flavors is actively stimulated by the bitter principles in the gentian herb; the presence of the herb on the tongue boosts the production of saliva and gastric secretions due to this effect. The action of the bitter principle, leads at once to the stimulation of the appetite and also greatly improves the functioning of the digestive system at the same time.

   

  Physical systems such as weakened digestion, leading to excess abdominal gas, persistent indigestion, and poor appetitecan be relieved due to the stimulatory effect of the herb on the digestive system. The active absorption of nutrients in the stomach is also increased by this improvement in the secretion of the stomach - a general improvement in digestion is induced by the herb. A stimulatory effect on the gallbladder and liver is also observed when gentian is used by patients. The use of the herb, promotes the efficient functioning of these organs, it boosts their primary actions in the digestive system. For this reason, taking the gentian is a very good idea, in any condition connected to a weakened digestive system affecting the patient. Older patients are often advised to take gentian as a digestive tonic.

   

  Gentian acts by promoting the rapid absorption of nutrients into the body across the wall of the gut, due to its effect on the functioning of the digestive system. The gentian herb also helps the body in actively absorbing a wide array of other useful nutrients, such as the essential mineral iron and the vitamin B12, and is the preferred herb for use in cases of iron-deficiency anemia - which is almost always a result of heavy bleeding due to other problems. Women affected by heavy and excessive menstrual bleeding are often given gentian along with their other prescriptions for this reason.                                                                                                                                     

• Ginger                                                                                                  The rhizome of ginger is used not only as a flavoring for drinks like ginger ale but has also been used as an herbal remedy for asthma and coughs related to inflammation or allergies. There are over 80 species of ginger, historically found in China, Japan, Australia and Hawaii.

   

  Reduces the risk of a heart attack by reducing blood platelet "clumping"; thins the blood; stimulates circulation and blood flow; reduces spasms, cramping, indigestion, nausea, coughs, sinusitis, and sore throat; fights inflammation, and cleanses the colon; aids digestion by relieving gas and bloating; helps with arthritis, phlebitis, and muscle soreness, by reducing pain and swelling; used for heartburn, ulcers, impotence, intermittent claudication, and motion sickness; increases energy levels.                                                                                                                 

• Gingko Biloba                                                                                        A vascular-dilator which promotes blood and oxygen circulation to the brain, which in return helps short-term memory; promotes mental alertness; sharpens mental focus and concentration; offers significant protection against Alzheimer's disease; supplies blood nourishment to every part of the body; helps prevent strokes by preventing the formation of blood clots; relieves the bloating and fluid retention of PMS; used to treat ringing in the ears (tinnitus), macular degeneration, and depression; promotes circulation in the legs; can reverse the sexual dysfunction (impotence in men and the inability to achieve orgasm in women) caused by vascular-related problems.                                                                                                                      
  
• Goldenrod                                                                                      Goldenrod has several anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and is an excellent diuretic. It can be used in conjunction with echinacea for the treatment of nephritis and cystitis. Use it for upper respiratory infections when there is an overabundance of mucus and postnasal drip.

   

  Goldenrod contains bioflavonoids, which strengthen the veins and is therefore indicated for varicose veins and fragile capillaries. It is also a carminative, and will ease colic and flatulence. Because of its antifungal properties, it can be used as a douche. Goldenrod is generally prepared as an infusion.                                                                                                                                   

• Goldenseal                                                                                     Boosts a sluggish glandular system; helps regulate liver function; kills poison in the body; cleanses mucous membranes; aids in all digestive problems from peptic ulcers to colitis; fights infection and inflammation; increases the effectiveness of insulin; strengthens the immune system, colon, liver, pancreas, spleen, lymphatic, and respiratory systems; can stop a cold, flu, or sore throat from developing.                                                                                                                                                                          
• Gotu Kola                                                                                             The whole gotu kola plant has been widely used in India and Fiji to treat skin inflammations, to improve blood circulation, to aid in the treatment of bloating, congestion and depression. A Sinhalese proverb says “Two leaves a day keep old age away.”

   

  A memory and brain stimulant; helps with learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, and senility; a thyroid support that counteracts fatigue and depression; increases the sex drive; increases blood circulation and protects against cardio-vascular disease; used to treat varicose veins, particularly, discomfort, tiredness, and swelling; used to treat hemorrhoids; stimulates the central nervous system; promotes wound healing; helps promote a healthy heart and liver function; helps eliminate excess fluids; rebuild energy reserves.                                                                                                                                                                    

• Gravel Root                                                                                           Useful for kidney problems, urinary difficulties and gravel, dropsy, rheumatism and neuralgia. Used primarily for kidney stones or gravel, it is also of benefit in the treatment of cystitis, dysuria and urethritis. It is also used in pelvic inflammatory disease. It can play a useful role in a systemic treatment of rheumatism and gout as it encourages excretion of excess uric acid. It tones the reproductive tract and is used to treat inflammation of the prostate, spasmodic dysmenorrhoea with scanty menstruation; and to ease childbirth.                                                                                                                                            
  
• Greater Celandine                                                                         Chelidonium (Greater Celandine) is stimulating to the liver and gallbladder. It is effective in the treatment of gallbladder infections and gallstones, and is often used as a constituent of prescriptions designed to clear the liver and bowel. It may be used as an antispasmodic remedy in stomach pain, and has also been used in the treatment of eczema and to remove cataracts. Externally,  the orange latex from the stem may be used in the treatment of verrucae, skin tumours and tinea. The active principle is the alkaloid chelidonine, which has spasmolytic properties specifically directed at the bile ducts and the bronchi. However, results appear to be inconsistent; the medicinal action is greatly reduced on prolonged storage.

   

  The plant has narcotic properties and a reported anticancer activity; it has been found that chelidonine inhibits mitosis. The isolated alkaloids protopine, sanguinarine, chelerythrine and chelidonine have antibacterial actions and are antitussive too. Chelidonine produces mild but prolonged lowering of arterial blood pressure, increases the production of urine and inhibits or delays the development of anaphylactic shock.                                                                                                                                      
• Green Tea                                                                                           Rich in polyphenols, which contain potent anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties; helps protect against cancer; lowers cholesterol levels; reduces the clotting tendency of the blood; stimulates the immune system; helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels; combats mental and physical fatigue; helps prevent atherosclerosis; prevents an enlarged prostate; used in weight-loss programs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
• Gum Benzoin   
  

  Benzoin is a tree native to South-East Asia. Its trunk exudes a gum well known for its strong astringent and antiseptic action. For this reason it is used externally to fight tissue inflammation and disinfection of wounds. When taken internally, benzoin gum acts to settle griping pain, to stimulate coughing, and to disinfect the urinary tract. Benzoin gum is widely used in cosmetics as an antioxidant in oils, as a fixative in perfumes and as an additive to soaps. When steam inhaled, it helps healing sore throats, head and chest colds, asthma and bronchitis.