DONG QUAI (ANGELICA SINESIS)
Dong Quai is used for menstrual cramps and to regulate the menstrual cycle. In
rare instances, Dong Quai causes fever and excessive menstrual bleeding. Experts
on herbal therapy recommend that patients avoid using Dong Quai.ECHINACEA (ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA)
Echinacea enhances immunity by increasing white blood cells, cells in the
spleen, and by activating granulocytes. The Echinacea leaf is used to combat
respiratory and urinary infections. Native Americans use Echinacea to treat
snake bites. Its root is used to treat symptoms of the flu. Patients with auto-
immune disease and abnormal T-cell functions—such as those found in HIV,
AIDS, and TB—should avoid Echinacea.GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM)
Garlic is a common herb used in food preparation and is reported to lower cho-
lesterol and triglyceride levels and decrease blood pressure and reduce the clot-
ting capability of blood. Garlic is also an antibiotic for internal and external
treatment of infections and wounds. Warm garlic oil is used to treat ear aches.
Garlic is also known as the herb of endurance.GINGER (ZINGIBER)
Ginger increases the effectiveness of the immune system and is used to treat
stomach and digestive disorders including motion sickness. Ginger is found to
relieve nausea and relieves pain, swelling, and stiffness from osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis.GINKGO (GINKGO BILOBA)
Ginkgo is the most commonly used herbal therapy in the world and is used to
increase the dilation of cerebral arteries and increase the uptake of oxygen and
glucose. Ginkgo has been found useful for treating dementia syndromes, inter-
mittent claudication (decreased circulation in the legs), vertigo (dizziness), and
tinnitus (ringing in the ears). There is also evidence that Ginkgo improves cog-(^132) CHAPTER 8 Herbal Therapy