bulk-herbs-teas

Buchu leaf, powder

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:43:36 +0100

Scientific Name: Barosma betulina (and Agathosma b.)
Rutaceae

Common Names: Buchu
Part used: Leaf

Active Properties: Aromatic stimulant and tonic, dyspeptic, cutaneous, and rheumatic.

Active compounds: Buchu leaves contain volatile oil, gum, extractive, chlorophyll, resin, lignin, etc. Buchu contains diosphenol: stearopten and some amount of salicylic acid. The burned leaf is high in manganese. The diosphenol obtained is an oxycamphor. The leaves contain dioscampho and diosmin, lipids, terpineol, bioflavonoids, and the flavonoids: Diosmin, Quercitin, Rutin.

Dosage:

Dose of the powder, from 20 to 30 grains, 2 or 3 times a day; of the infusion, 2 to 4 fluid ounces, 3 or 4 times a day.

Externally:

A paste of the leaves can be applied to the skin as decoration. The leaves are combined with oil and used as perfume.

Buchu Leaf Information

Buchu leaf, Latin name Agathosma betulina, was originally used widely in Europe and Africa as a remedy for the treatment of many afflictions. It is a small shrub that is native to South Africa, where its peppermint-like flavor is added to brandies and wines.

Buchu Leaf Benefits

Buchu leaf is an effective remedy for many ailments. It has been shown to be an effective diuretic, as well as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. These medicinal properties make Buchu leaf effective for many problems, including kidney infections, urinary tract infection and bladder disorders. It is an ingredient in many over-the-counter diuretics used for premenstrual bloating.

Buchu leaf has also been shown to benefit coughs and colds. It helps to relieve nausea and gas, and is beneficial for incontinence related to prostate abnormalities.

Buchu Leaf Diuretic

Buchu leaf is contained in many weight loss formulations and PMS medications because of it diuretic effect on the body. It helps to eliminate excess water weight and reduce bloating and swelling. Buchu leaf is very effective for cleansing the bladder and urinary tract of toxins and aids in weight loss.

Has Been Used For:

Has been used for the early stages of diabetes.

Has been used for urinary tract infections (often combined with couchgrass and yarrow, also Uva-ursi), prostatitis, cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis, spermatorrhea, dysuria, urine rentention, cancer, digestive problems, skin problems, gout, rheumatism, coughs, colds (often combined with Althea officinalis), chronic bronchitis, gravel, irritation and congestion of the bladder, dropsy, leukorrhea, gallstones, kidney problems, yeast infection, and bloat. Often included in herbal diet pills because of its ability to reduce bloating and excess water (doesn't do a thing for your real weight problem though, since this herb also stimulates appetite!)

Has been combined with Marshmallow leaf and/or Corn Silk for burning during urination. Has also been used for bed wetting

Aromatic, antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic (taken as hot tea); stimulates and cleanses the urinary system, helps to eliminate uric acid; affects bladder, stomach, and lungs. Causes a sensation of heat in the stomach which spreads out, increasing pulse, stimulating appetite, and increasing urine output.

Has been prepared in vinegar and used as a lotion for bruises and sprains.

Alfalfa Leaf

Sun, 30 May 2010 03:45:35 +0100

Considered an herbal remedy for appetite loss. Used historically in Chinese and Indian medicine for digestive problems. Gaining popularity for its apparent cholesterol lowering properties. Its estrogen mimicking action has resulted in its use as a herbal remedy for menopause symptoms. Good source of Vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, and K plus calcium, potassium, iron and zinc.1

Eliminate bloating and water retention with Alfalfa Leaf - the "Father of all Foods." This excellent source of nutrients will help boost a sluggish appetite, relieve constipation and the swelling that often accompanies rheumatism and arthritis. It is most helpful in treating kidney and urinary tract infection and will help detoxify the body, especially the liver.

Beneficial Uses:

Alfalfa is a good laxative and natural diuretic that promotes urine flow and is often used to treat urinary tract infections and eliminate excess retained water.

Alfalfa is especially useful for replacing vitamin K that is depleted during treatment with a wide variety of drugs, including antibiotics.

Alfalfa acts as a blood purifier and has helped many arthritis sufferers.

The action as a detoxifier and blood purifier has been found to be beneficial for a variety of illnesses, including liver disorders, breath odor, infections, disorders of the bones and joints and skin ailments.

Alfalfa has an alkalizing effect on the body. It is a great source of mineral supplements that are all alkaline, which has a neutralizing effect on the intestinal tract, thereby easing digestive problems, such as upset stomach, gastritis and indigestion.

Alfalfa contains a high calcium and magnesium content, and studies have shown that migraines may be prevented and/or reduced when these two minerals are combined. All the minerals are in a balanced form, which also promotes absorption.

Herbalists have long used Alfalfa Leaf to treat ulcers, as the bioflavonoids found in Alfalfa reduce inflammation of the stomach lining and build capillary strength, while Alfalfa's vitamin A helps to maintain the stomach's overall health. The herb's enzymes aid in food assimulation. During the Han Dynasty (200 A.D.), Alfalfa was used to treat ulcers and continues in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to strengthen the digestive tract and stimulate the appetite.

Alfalfa is said to lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques (by blocking cholesterol's absorption into the body from the intestines), balance blood sugar (especially when taken with manganese) and promote pituitary gland function.

Alfalfa is an immune-system stimulant that promotes normal blood clotting; and the vitamin K content helps treat bleeding gums and nosebleed, but does not interfere with normal circulation. The bioflavonoids found in Alfalfa are believed to build capillary strength.

Alfalfa contains phytoestrogens, and the herb has had some estrogenic activity in women whose own sex hormone production has declined; thus Alfalfa has helped many women with the discomforts of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. The Vitamin K2 found in Alfalfa may also partially prevent bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency.

Contraindications:

Alfalfa should not be taken by those who have autoimmune problems (lupus, etc.), nor should it be taken by pregnant women. Ingestion of very large amounts (the equivalent of several servings)
of the seed and/or sprouts or supplements has been linked to the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the autoimmune illness characterized by inflamed joints and a risk of damage
to kidneys and other organs. The chemical responsible for this effect is believed to be canavanine. Alfalfa should be avoided in patients with hormone sensitive cancers, and due to the high content of purines, Alfalfa should be avoided in patients with gout. Do not take Alfalfa without first talking to your doctor if you are taking: Azathioprine (examples: Imuran), Cyclosporine (examples: Sandimmune, Neoral, Sang Cya), Blood thinning medicines (examples: warfarin (Coumadin) and Prednisone. Alfalfa may lower the amount of potassium that you have in your blood, and it may cause you to have belly pain, pass more gas or have larger and more frequent bowel movements (BMs). It may also cause you to have diarrhea (loose BMs).

Bulk Herbs & Teas

Sat, 29 May 2010 23:39:09 +0100

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