nition(thinking) and may be helpful in Alzheimer’s disease, early stroke, and
Raynaud’sphenomenon (circulatory disorder). In rare instances, patients who
take Ginkgo experience headache and GI disturbance.
GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG)
Ginseng is taken for short-term relief of stress and as an energy boost. Ginseng
is also used to improve digestion. Red Korean and Chinese Ginseng are used for
chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
KAVE KAVA (PIPER METHYSTICUM)
Kave Kava root promotes sleep and muscle relaxation. In tea, Kave Kava com-
bats urinary tract infections. Some patients used Kave Kava with herbs such as
valerian and St. John’s Wort for anxiety.
LICORICE (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA)
Licorice seems to have physiologic effects similar to aldosterone (an anti-
hypertensive) and corticosteroids (an anti-inflammatory) and is related to gly-
cyrrhizin, which is a major ingredient.
PEPPERMINT (MENTHE PIPERITA)
Peppermint stimulates appetite and aids in digestion and treatment of bowel dis-
orders when taken internally. Hot peppermint tea stimulates circulation, reduces
fever, clears congestion, and helps restore energy. Peppermint is also an effec-
tive treatment for tension headache when rubbed on the forehead. Some research
has shown peppermint to be as effective as Extra-strength Tylenol in relieving
headache.
PSYLLIUM (PLANTAGO)
The psyllium seed is used as a laxative and for the treatment of hemorrhoids,
colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
CHAPTER 8 Herbal Therapy^133