Bupleurum is also known as Hare's Ear. Bupleurum Root is one of the most important herbs used in Chinese herbalism. The Chinese name for Bupleurum, chai hu , means "kindling of the barbarians". The part of this plant used medicinally is the root, which is dug up in Spring or Autumn, dried in the sun, and then cut into short pieces. Bupleurum is not a tonic herb, but it is useful in the tonic system because of its ability to relieve liver tension and digestive disturbances, and because its actions are detoxifying & anti-microbial. Bupleurum has the ability to clear "stagnation" virtually anywhere in the body. It can be used to relieve spasms, muscle tension, lumps, and bleeding due to menstrual irregularity. An essential oil in Bupleurum is responsible for its ability to relieve surface heat. This herb is anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, mild sedative, antipyretic ( reduces fever ), analgesic, adaptogen, and anti-tussive. The primary chemical constituents of Bupleurum Root include fatty acids, glycosides, oleic acid, palmitic acid, quercetin, and narcissin. This herb also contains constituents known as saikosaponins that appear to account for much of the medicinal activity of the plant. Bupleurum Root is a primary herb in dozens of classical formulations which serve a wide variety of harmonizing activities, all of which regulate body energy, help relieve blockages in the body, and discharges the toxins safely out of the system. As time go by, these Bupleurum-based formulas typically become less and less necessary, until eventually they only need to be used occasionally, if at all. It can be used for treating the common cold that is accompanied by alternating symptoms of chills and fever, chest pain, prolapse of the anus, uterus, & other internal organs, and irregular menstruation. It is also effective for women with menstrual problems associated with premenstrual syndrome ( PMS ). Regarding its effective liver cleansing capabilities, one of its most important activities is to continually eliminate impurities and waste matter from the system - Bupleurum has a unique reputation for deeply cleansing this overburdened organ. |
|
Milk Thistle has been used in Europe as a remedy for liver problems for thousands of years. Its use was recorded in the first century (AD 23-79), noting that the plant was excellent for protecting the liver. Early Christian tradition dedicated milk thistle to Mary, calling it Marian thistle. In the 19th century the Eclectics used the herb for varicose veins, menstrual difficulty, and congestion in the liver, spleen and kidneys. The seeds were consumed by European wet nurses to insure a healthy milk supply. Milk Thistle seeds help stimulate protein synthesis in the liver. They even can help reverse the damage done from eating poisonous mushrooms, which destroy liver cells and usually cause death. When Milk Thistle seeds are used within 48 hours, the survival rate is almost 100%. When fed to animals that had partial hepatectomies, their livers grew back more quickly. Milk Thistle is a good supplement to use to protect the liver when needing to take pharmaceutical drugs. Primary chemical constituents of Milk Thistle include flavolignans ( silymarin ), tyramine, histamine, gamma linoleic acid, essential oil, mucilage, and bitter principle. The dried fruit of Milk Thistle contains the flavonoid complex known as silymarin - the constituent responsible for the medical benefits of the plant. Milk Thistle can be used to increase the secretion and flow of bile from the liver and gall-bladder. Its traditional use as a liver tonic has been supported by research showing that it contains constituents which protect liver cells from chemical damage. It is used in a whole range of liver and gall bladder conditions including hepatitis and cirrhosis. Historically, this herb has been used in Europe as a liver tonic, and current phytotherapy indicates its use in a whole range of liver and gallbladder conditions including hepatitis and cirrhosis. It may also have value in the treatment of chronic uterine problems. A wealth of research done in Germany is revealing exciting data about reversal of toxic liver damage as well as protection from potential hepato-toxic agents. The mechanism of action of silymarin is becoming well understood, providing insights into the metabolic basis of this herbs activity.
|
