G
diuretics (PH2). “Three newborns were intoxicated after an intake of 0.3–0.6 g ginseng decoc-
tion; one died” (Oriental studies translated by AHP.). Blumenthal suggests it may potentiate
MAOIs (MAB). Use should be restricted to 3 months (SHT). “It has been found to increase
counts of total lymphocytes, T-Helper cells, and T4 and T8 subsets, and to improve NKC
activity.” Positive as all this sounds, O’Brien cautions that headaches may result from chronic
use. Do not take with digitalis (O’Brien, 1998).
Extracts (Ginseng) — Ginsenosides stimulate insulin release and increase insulin receptors to
exert a hypoglycemic response” (PH2). Root LD50 = 2000 mg/kg orl mouse (CAN); root LD50
= >5000 mg/kg orl mouse (CAN); LD50 (mixed saponins) = 500–900 mg/kg ipr mouse; 367 mg/kg
ivn mouse; >5000 mg/kg orl mouse (HH2). CAN probably devotes more pages (pp.145–149) to
the pharmacological effects of ginseng than the other herbs they treat more cursorily, “many of the
pharmacological actions documented for ginseng directly oppose one another (hardly my usual
synergy (JAD)) and this has been attributed to the actions of the individual ginsenosides. For
example, ginsenoside Rb1 exhibits CNS-depressant, hypotensive and tranquilizing actions; while
ginsenoside Rg1 exhibits CNS-stimulant, hypertensive, and antifatigue actions. These opposing
actions are thought to explain the ‘adaptogenic’ reputation of ginseng, that is the ability to increase
the overall resistance of the body to stress and to balance bodily functions.” PH2 states it even
more narrowly, “A single ginsenoside may initiate multiple or opposing actions in the same tissue”
(PH2). My speculation is even stronger. The homeostatic human body is able to selectively sequester
needed compounds from the homeostatic plant and, to an extent, exclude the unneeded compounds.
Thus the hypotensive human who coevolved with ginseng might selectively use the needed hyper-
tensive ginsenoside, while the hypertensive human might adaptogenically sequester the hypotensive
ginsenoside. Something for whatever ails you. Remember, this herb, like all herbs contains all the
compounds essential for plant life, and many of those essential for human life. Carrots are consid-
erably cheaper.
GLORY-LILY (Gloriosa superba L.) XSynonym — Clinostylis speciosa Hochst., Gloriosa abyssinica A. Rich., G. homblei De Wild., G.
hybrid, G. rothschildiana O’Brien, G. simplex auct., G. speciosa (Hochst.) Engl., G. virescens Lindl.
Activities (Glory-Lily) — Abortifacient (1; CRC; WOI); Alexeteric (f; CRC); Alterative (f; CRC);
Analgesic (f; CRC); Antibacterial (1; CRC; WOI); Antiseptic (1; WOI); Antispermatogenic (1;
ZUL); Aphrodisiac (f; ZUL); Candidicide (f; CRC); Cholagogue (f; CRC; EFS); Emetic (1; WOI);
Emmenagogue (f; EFS); Laxative (1; CRC; EFS; WOI); Mitogenic (f; CRC); Pediculicide (1; CRC;
ZUL); Poison (1; CRC); Stomachic (1; CRC; WOI); Teratogenic (1; ZUL); Tonic (1; CRC; WOI);
Vermifuge (1; CRC; WOI).
Indications (Glory-Lily) — Acne (f; ZUL); Arthrosis (1; CRC; ZUL); Ascites (f; CRC); Bacteria
(1; CRC; WOI); Bite (f; CRC); Bright’s Disease (1; CRC; ZUL); Bruise (f; CRC; ZUL); Cancer
(f; CRC); Candida (f; CRC); Childbirth (1; CRC; WOI); Cholera (1; CRC; ZUL); Colic (1; CRC;
WOI; ZUL); Constipation (1; CRC; EFS; WOI); Dermatosis (1; CRC; WOI; ZUL); Epistaxis (f;
CRC); Erysipelas (f; CRC); Gonorrhea (f; CRC; WOI); Gout (1; WOI); Guinea Worm (f; CRC);
Hemorrhoid (f; CRC; WOI); Impotence (f; CRC; ZUL); Infection (1; WOI); Infertility (f; ZUL);
Leprosy (f; CRC; ZUL); Lice (1; WOI); Malaria (f; CRC; ZUL); Neuralgia (1; CRC; WOI); Pain
(1; CRC; WOI); Parasite (1; CRC; WOI); Rheumatism (1; WOI); Scabies (f; CRC); Snakebite (f;
CRC); Sore (f; CRC); Spermatorrhea (f; CRC); Splenosis (f; CRC); Sprain (f; CRC); Syphilis (f;
CRC); Tumor (f; CRC); Typhus (1; CRC; ZUL); Ulcer (1; CRC; WOI); Worm (1; CRC; WOI);
Wound (1; ZUL); Yeast (f; CRC).
Dosages (Glory-Lily) — 5–10 grains vermifuge, stomachic, and tonic (WOI); larger doses toxic,
possibly lethal; do not take (JAD).