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Sage - Sage extracts have both strong antioxidant and antiseptic properties. The essential oil of sage contains active constituents, including ocimene, cineole, limonene, and terpinene. Several of these terpene compounds are antioxidants and kill a variety of bacteria.
Saw Palmetto - Saw Palmetto has been commonly recommended for the enlargement of the prostate. Extracts of Saw Palmetto provides fatty acids, sterols, and estoers. The extract is thought to reduce the amount of dihydrotesterone (an active form of testosterone) locally in the prostate. Saw palmetto does not inhibit production of this form of testosterone elsewhere in the body. Saw palmetto also discourages the actions of inflammatory substances that may contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In Europe, herbal supplements have become one of the leading methods for managing early stages of BPH. Successful treatment of BPH is an ongoing process. Men with BPH will probably need to take one or a combination of these herbs indefinately. Any nutritional support for BPH should be done after consulting a doctor. Over the last decade, numerous clinical studies have proven that 320 mg per day of the liposterolic extract of saw palmetto berries is a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of BPH. Although some uncontrolled clinical studies have shown success over a three-month period, recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of saw palmetto in studies lasting six months to three years. A three-year study in Germany found that 160 mg of saw palmetto extract twice daily reduced nighttime urination in 73% of patients and improved urinary flow rates significantly. In a multicenter study at various sites in Europe, 160 mg of saw palmetto extract twice daily was found to treat BPH as effectively as Proscar® without side effects such as loss of libido. A one-year study found that 320 mg once daily was as effective as 160 mg twice daily in the treatment of BPH. Saw palmetto extract has also been combined with a nettle root extract to successfully treat BPH. One study using a combination of saw palmetto extract (320 mg per day) and nettle root extract (240 mg per day) showed positive actions on symptoms of BPH over a one year-treatment period. Another study compared the same combination to Proscar® for one year with positive results. How much should I take? For early-stage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), many people take 320 mg per day of the iposterolic saw palmetto herbal extract in soft-gel capsules-which are rich in fatty acids, sterols, and esters. It may take four to six weeks to see results with BPH; if improvement is noted, the saw palmetto should be used continuously. Although it has not been tested for efficacy, saw palmetto can also be used by making a tea with 5-6 grams of the powdered dried fruit. Liquid extracts of whole herb at 5-6 ml per day may also be used, but again has not been specifically tested.
St. John's Wort - New research suggests that St. John's wort extracts exert their antidepressant actions by inhibiting the reuptake of the eurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This action is possibly due to the constituent hyperforin. By making more of these neurotransmitters available to the brain, St. John's wort is able to act as an antidepressant.
Shiitake Mushrooms - Shiitake stimulate immunity and fight tumor growth.Shiitake contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, shiitake's key ingredient-found in the fruiting body-is a polysaccharide called lentinan. Commercial preparations employ the powdered mycelium of the mushroom before the cap and stem grow; this is called LEM (lentinus edodes mycelium extract). LEM is also rich in polysaccharides and lignans. Research indicates that lentinan injections may help some people with hepatitis. A highly purified intravenous form of lentinan has been employed in Japan for the treatment of recurrent stomach cancer, which increases survival with this cancer (particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy). These effects may be due to shiitake's ability to stimulate specific types of white blood cells called T-lymphocytes. Case reports from Japan are also highly suggestive that lentinan is helpful in treating individuals with HIV infection. However, large-scale clinical trials have not yet been performed confirming this action.
Thyme - Thyme contains the natural phytochemical, thymol, which has antimicrobial properties. Thymol is used in antiseptic mouthwashes, liniments, and herbal cough remedies. The herb is also traditionally used in teas for treating symptoms associated with cough, cold and flu.
White willow - White willow bark contains a painkiller,salicin, and other compounds that can be metabolized into salicylic acid. Thus, the herb acts more slowly and over a longer period of time than aspirin does in easing pain. White willow is commonly used to treat rheumatism, fever, headache and pain caused by inflammation. The salicin in white willow is contained in such small amounts that a very large amount of willow bark would need to be ingested for the painkiller to have a therapeutic effect.
Yohimbe - Studies suggest that yohimbe may be an effective treatment for male organic impotence, particularly that associated with diabetes. An alkaloid derived from the African yohimbe tree, the yohimbe bark is used as an aphrodisiac and hallucinogen.