Gentian Root, Valerian Root and Golden Seal Root are examples of herbs
with high amounts of bitter principles.
Coumarins
These constituents tend to fall under the aromatic category. They have anti-
clotting effects in low dosages and are used as a poison in high dosages.
Coumarin glycosides are very fragrant and have shown to have antifungal,
anti-microbial, anti-tumor and hemorrhagic effects.
Essential Oils
All foods and plant life have their essential oils, also called volatile oils or
essences. These are concentrated compounds comprised of organic
substances including alcohols, ketones, phenols, acids, ethers, esters,
aldehydes and oxides. Essential oils give the aroma to a plant, flower or food.
They play a vital role in the health of your nervous system. Essential oil
therapy offers the individual tremendous power when used properly. There
are essential oils for just about everything, including lymph movement,
sweating, proliferaters (healers) and diuretics. Some essential oils include,
Rosewood, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Rose, and Clary Sage.
Flavones
Also known as flavonoids, flavonals, flavonones, isoflavones and xanthones.
Many flavones such as flavonoid glycosides are vital to calcium and vitamin
C utilization. Bioflavonoids are co-factors in strengthening tissue, especially
cardio- and vascular tissue. They include rutin, hesperidin and vitamin P.
Fruits and vegetables have abundant flavones. Many antioxidants such as
anthocyanidins and anthocyanins are related to flavonoids. These factors in
foods strengthen the heart, brain, vascular walls and promote immune
response. Also see: Phenols. Fruits and especially berries (Hawthorn, Saw
Palmetto, blueberry, and others) are high in flavones.
Glycosides
Glycosides are bonded sugars, which can be broken down into one or more
sugars (glycones). Even though glycosides are not considered a major
classification of phytochemicals— as are alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids,
carbohydrates, lipids, etc.—they bind with these major groups to form