Herbs Listings

Herbs - M

• Maca
  

  Maca root (Lepidium meyenii [Latin]) is native to the mountain regions of Peru, where it has had a reputation as a powerful sex-enhancer since the times of the ancient Incas. Maca has been called Peruvian Viagara® and Peruvian ginseng because of its legendary ability to promote mental and physical vitality and increase libido in both men and women. Maca is often referred to as a natural hormone balancer, an adaptagen that can treat symptoms of menopause and sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Maca root may also help treat other conditions associated with hormone imbalance, such as depression, insomnia, fatigue, and acne. 

   

  Maca root actually provides the body with many healthful nutrients, including potassium and calcium (it actually has higher levels of calcium than milk). It also contains protein, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. However, it is the presence of two recently discovered compounds, macamides and macaenes, that are thought to give maca its powerful aphrodisiac effects. In the April 2000 issue of the medical journal Urology, researchers reported that rodents fed a concentration of macamides and macaenes developed a striking increase in energy, sex drive, and stamina. 

   

  Maca is recommended for treatment of a host of hormone-related disorders, including low sex drive in men and women, infertility, low sperm count, impotence, and menopausal and premenstrual symptoms. Research indicates that hormone-balancing maca also supports adrenal gland function, which is very important in times of stress when the adrenal glands produce large amounts of adrenaline. 

   

  Athletes sometimes use maca to boost energy and stamina, and there are reports that this root can increase mental function as well.                                                                                                                                                          
  
• Mandrake                                                                                      Mandrake has a long history of medicinal use, though superstition has played a large part in the uses it has been applied to. It is rarely prescribed in modern herbalism, though it contains hyoscine which is the standard pre-operative medication given to soothe patients and reduce bronchial secretions. It is also used to treat travel sickness. The fresh or dried root contains highly poisonous alkaloids and is cathartic, strongly emetic, hallucinogenic and narcotic. In sufficient quantities it induces a state of oblivion and was used as an anaesthetic for operations in early surgery. It was much used in the past for its anodyne and soporific properties. In the past, juice from the finely grated root was applied externally to relieve rheumatic pains, ulcers and scrofulous tumours. It was also used internally to treat melancholy, convulsions and mania. When taken internally in large doses, however, it is said to excite delirium and madness. The root should be used with caution, and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. See the notes above on toxicity. The leaves are harmless and cooling. They have been used for ointments and other external applications to ulcers etc.                                                                                                        
• Marjoram                                                                                            Marjoram tea has been used historically for relief from symptoms of hay fever, sinus congestion, indigestion, asthma, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, colds, coughs, and nervous disorders.  It is a gently fragrant, calming herb that does have mild antioxidant and anti-fungal properties.  Unsweetened tea can also be used as a mouthwash or gargle.  Take 1-2 cups of tea per day for the therapeutic benefits.  

   

  Externally, Marjoram leaves can be ground into a paste (add hot tea or water, and a little oatmeal for consistency purposes, if desired), and used for the pain of rheumatism and for sprains.  The leaves can be made into an oil for relief of toothache pain - drop a few drops of the oil on the affected tooth. Leaves can also be placed in cheesecloth or a coffee filter and placed under the tap for a fragrant and refreshing bath that is believed good for the skin.                                                                                                                                                             

• Marshmallow                                                                                    Useful whenever a soothing effect is needed, marshmallow protects and soothes the mucous membranes. The root counters excess stomach acid, peptic ulceration, and gastritis. Marshmallow is also mildly laxative and beneficial for many intestinal problems, including regional ileitis, colitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Taken as a warm infusion, the leaves treat cystitis and frequent urination. Marshmallow's demulcent qualities bring relief to dry coughs, bronchial asthma, bronchial congestion, and pleurisy. The flowers, crushed fresh or in a warm infusion, are applied to help soothe inflamed skin. The root is used in an ointment for boils and abscesses, and in a mouthwash for inflammation. The peeled root of marshmallow  may be given as a chewstick to teething babies.                                                                                                                                    
• Meadowsweet                                                                               Early European uses - Meadowsweet was one of the most sacred herbs of the Druids, although whether it was& used as a medicine is not known. It has been a longstanding folk remedy in much of Europe. Nicholas Culpeper wrote in 1652 that "it helpeth speedily those that are troubled with the cholic being boiled in wine; and stayeth the flux on the belly."

  Neutralizing acid - Meadowsweet is a remedy for acid indigestion, helping to heal and to reduce acidity. Its ability to reduce acid levels throughout the body is not established, but its effectiveness in painful arthritic and rheumatic problems is probably not due entirely to its anti-inflammatory action. It would seem that reducing acidity within the stomach can help to reduce acid levels in the body as a whole, thereby helping joint problems (which are associated with acidity). Meadowsweet is also occasionally used for cystitis.

  Digestive remedy - Meadowsweet is a safe remedy for diarrhea, even in children, and is used with other herbs for irritable bowel syndrome.                                                                                                                                                                                              
• Milk Thistle                                                                                        Milk Thistle Seed contains the chemical "silymarin" a super anti-oxidant which protects the liver from toxins and pollutants by preventing free radical damage; stimulates the production of new liver cells; reduces toxicity and reverses liver damage caused by most prescription and over-thecounter drugs, including, acetaminophen, Aspirin, nicotine, cholesterol-lowering drugs, chemotherapy drugs, psychotropic drugs, allergy drugs, blood pressure lowering drugs, and alcohol; protects against pollutants such as, carbon monoxide, pesticides and herbicides, by breaking them down from potentially lethal substances into those that are less destructive to the body; has shown to treat liver disease, including hepatitis and cirrhosis; improves blood platelet count and white blood cell count; has an anti-cancer effect on both breast and prostate cancer; strengthens the heart and lungs; increases the flow of oxygen to the brain.                                                                                                                                                                                         
• Mistletoe                                                                                       European mistletoe is chiefly used to lower blood pressure and heart rate, ease anxiety, and promote sleep. In low doses mistletoe also relieves panic attacks, headaches, and improves concentration. European mistletoe is also prescribed for tinnitus and epilepsy. In anthroposophical medicine, extracts of the berries are injected to treat cancer.                                                                                                                                                
• Motherwort                                                                                        Used to regulate and strengthen the heartbeat; slows a rapid heartbeat; relieves premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, depression, mood swings, and menopause with its well-known hot flashes; relieves cramps caused by painful menstruation; releases body toxins through perspiration; lowers blood pressure; contains ursolic acid which possesses anti-viral and anti-tumor properties; invigorates the blood, and improves blood flow by breaking up blood stoppage; used as a uterine stimulant.                                                                                                                                          
• Mugwort                                                                                                The mugwort has a large number of uses, and has been traditionally used to treat digestive disorders, and it has also been used as a tonic for various remedies. The mugwort is known to be milder in action than most other species of Artemisia, and this means that it can be taken for improving appetite, digestive functions, and absorption of nutrients over long periods of time, in small dosages. The elimination of worms within the body is achieved, and whenever needed, it can be used to induce menstruation as well. In Europe, mugwort is assumed to be a uterine stimulant, but this idea is in direct opposition to the Chinese concept of using mugwort to prevent miscarriage in a woman, and also to reduce and to stop excessive and heavy menstrual bleeding. The herb is also widely used as an antiseptic, and is known to provide relief in cases of malaria.                                                                                        
• Mullein                                                                                               Acts as an expectorant to help loosen and remove mucus; helps with upper respiratory problems, nasal congestion, throat irritation, emphysema, and lung problems; has a calming effect on irritated nerves.                                                                                                                                              
• Mustard Seed                                                                                      Historically, mustard has always held an important place in medicine. The ancient Greeks believed it had been created by Asclepious, the god of healing, as a gift to mankind. Although the volatile oil of mustard is a powerful irritant capable of blistering skin, in dilution as a liniment or poultice it soothes, creating a warm sensation. Mustard plasters are still used today as counter-irritants. Over the years mustard has been prescribed for scorpion stings and snake bites, epilepsy, toothache, bruises, stiff neck, rheumatism, colic and respiratory troubles. It is a strong emetic (used to induce vomiting) and rubefacient (an irritant) that draws the blood to the surface of the skin to warm and comfort stiff muscles. It is useful in bath water or as a foot bath, as “It helpeth the Sciatica, or ache in the hip or huckle bone” .(Gerard, 1579).                                                                                                                 
  
• Myrrh                                                                                                  Therapeutic properties - The medicinal actions of myrrh have not been well researched, although its astringent, antiseptic, and antimicrobial actions have been confirmed. Myrrh is not soluble in water and is therefore normally taken in the form of a powder or a tincture, rather than as an infusion. Myrrh is not easily absorbed by the intestines and so is generally used in external treatments or gargles rather than in internal remedies.

  Ayurvedic remedy - In Ayurvedic medicine, myrrh is considered to be tonic and aphrodisiac and to cleanse the blood. Myrrh also has a reputation for improving the intellect. Myrrh is widely used throughout India and the Middle East for the treatment of mouth, gum, throat, and digestive problems, as well as for irregular and painful menstruation.

  Mouth & gum remedy - Myrrh is one of the most effective herbal medicines in the world for sore throats, canker sores, and gingivitis (gum infections). The diluted tincture is used as a mouthwash and is effective as a gargle, helping to counter infection and inflammation and tighten the affected tissue.

  External uses - Externally, myrrh's astringent and antiseptic actions make it a useful treatment for acne and boils, as well as for mild inflammatory skin problems. The herb's drying and slightly anesthetizing effect has led to its use in Germany as a treatment for pressure sores caused by prosthetic limbs.

  Other medical uses - Strep Throat, Tooth decay.