SAGE (SALVIA OFFICINALIS)
Dry sage leaves are used to heal wounds. Tea made from sage leaves soothes a
sore throat when gargled. Sage also helps to dry mother’s milk and reduce hot
flashes. Sage is known as the herb of longevity.ST. JOHN’S WORT (HYPERICUM PERFORATUM)
St. John’s Wort is used to treat depression, anxiety, and psychogenic distur-
bances similar to the way monoamine oxidase (MAO) is used. However, unlike
MAO, patients who use St. John’s Wort do not have to avoid tyramine-rich
foods. St. John’s Wort is also known as “herbal prozac.” Besides its psycholog-
ical effect, St. John’s Wort is also a dietary supplement in the United States,
although it does not have FDA approval.SAW PALMET TO (SERENOA REPENS)
Saw Palmetto relieves symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged
prostate) and other urinary conditions. Saw Palmetto is also used as an expecto-
rant and treatment for colds, asthma, bronchitis, and thyroid deficiency.VALERIAN (VALERIANA OFFICINALIS)
Valerian is a mild sedative and sleep-inducing agent that has an effect similar to
benzodiazepines. It has been called herbal valium. However, Valerian has an
odor of “dirty socks” making it a very low risk for overdose. There have been
no reports that frequent use of Valerian leads to habituation and addiction.YARROW (ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM)
Yarrow stops bleeding wounds and is used as a healing lotion and ointment. It
also is used to reduce pain and heavy bleeding due to menstrual irregularities
and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Yarrow enhances circulation, lowers
blood pressure, and has an antispasmodic and anti-microbial effect. It also has
an anti-inflammatory effect on skin and on mucous membranes. The most fre-
quently reported side effect of Yarrow is dermatitis (skin rash). Yarrow should
not be used for patients who have epilepsy or are pregnant.(^134) CHAPTER 8 Herbal Therapy