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Fennel Seed is also known by the names Finocchio and Carosella. The name Fennel is derived from the Latin, "foenum", meaning "hay" due to the finely divided leaves of the Fennel plant. Ancient Greek athletes ate Fennel Seed so they would gain strength, but not weight. During the Middle Ages, the seeds were chewed to stave off hunger during fasting periods, and also during long church sermons. Eating the leaves has been a traditional tonic for the eyes, brain and enhanced memory. The Fennel plant came originally from Europe, where it is still grown today. Fennel Seeds are also cultivated in many parts of North America, Asia, and Egypt. The major constituents of Fennel, which include the terpenoid anethole, are found in the volatile oil. Anethole and other terpenoids inhibit spasms in smooth muscles, such as those in the intestinal tract, and this is thought to contribute to fennel's use as a carminative (gas-relieving and gastrointestinal tract cramp-relieving agent). Related compounds to anethole may have mild estrogenic actions, although this has not been proven in humans. Fennel is also thought to possess diuretic (increase in urine production), choleretic (increase in production of bile), pain-reducing, fever-reducing, and anti-microbial actions. The seeds are used as a flavoring agent in many herbal medicines, and to help disperse flatulence. The seeds, and roots, also help to open obstructions of the liver, spleen and gall bladder, and to ease painful swellings, in addition to helping with yellow jaundice, the gout and occasional cramps. Fennel Seed was formerly an official drug in the United States, and was listed for the treatment of indigestion. |
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Cascara Sagrada means "Sacred Bark". The name dates back to the 17th century when the American Indians introduced the Spanish and Mexican explorers to the usefulness of the bark for constipation and upset stomach. The bark was first marketed to the medical community in 1877 when the pharmaceutical company of Parke-Davis introduced a bitter emetic fluid extract. In 1890, the plant was officially listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoea. It is a shrub, native to North America. Cascara Sagrada is popularly used to treat chronic constipation. As a nutritional supplement, Cascara Sagrada supports and strengthens the colon, liver, gallbladder and digestive system. Cascara is perhaps the safest and most certain natural laxative available, and can be used to restore tone to the colon and thereby overcome laxative dependence in the elderly. The herb is safe and effective for detoxifying and cleansing programs, as opposed to the harsher laxatives, such as senna. Cascara Sagrada bark has been used for centuries by various cultures around the world. Cascara Sagrada is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-5, calcium, manganese and potassium. The natural constituents found in Cascara Sagrada stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids, increase the flow of bile, and cleanse the intestines. Cascara Sagrada is beneficial for treating a sluggish gallbladder, digestive problems, enlarged liver, intestinal parasites, jaundice, and colitis. In addition, Cascara Sagrada may be used to treat hemorrhoids, and a variety of skin problems. To prevent gripe, it is best combined with some carminative herbs such as Anise, Fennel, or Caraway Seeds. |
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Senna is also known by the names Alexandrian Senna and Rajavriksha. Cassia senna is native to tropical Africa, and is cultivated in Egypt and the Sudan; Cassia angustifolia is native to India, and is cultivated mainly in India and Pakistan. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the leaves and the pods. The leaves have a purging quality, but afterwards have a binding effect Both the leaves and pods are used in many over-the-counter pharmaceutical preparations. People in northern Africa and southwestern Asia have used Senna as a natural laxative for centuries. It was considered a "cleansing" herb because of its cathartic effect. In addition, the leaves were sometimes made into a paste, and applied to various skin diseases. Acne and ringworm were both treated in this way. Senna is a powerful cathartic used primarily in the treatment of constipation, working through a stimulation of intestinal peristalsis. The primary chemical constituents of Senna include anthraquinone glycosides (sennosides, aloe-emodin, rhein), beta-sitosterol, flavones, tartaric acid, mucin, essential oil, mucilage, tannin, and resin. The sennosides are irritating to the large intestine lining, causing peristaltic action and bowel evacuation. It also helps to temporarily prevent fluid from being absorbed from the large intestine, thus contributing to softer stools. Senna is often combined with aromatic, carminative herbs such as Cardamom, Ginger Root, Peppermint, and Fennel, to increase its palatability. Other historical applications of this herb have included support for inflammatory skin conditions, hypertension, and obesity.
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