by Ron Foster
anti-inflammatory
anti-bacterial
The native American Indians used several indigenous species of Hypericum as an abortifacient, antidiarrheal, dermatological aid, febrifuge, hemostat, snake bite remedy, and general strengthener. After St. John's Wort was introduced by European settlers, they used it as well for similar conditions.
The extracted oil has historically been used to heal knife and stab wounds
The primary constituents in St John’s Wort’s flowers, leaves and stem are:
flavonoids (immune-balancing)
quinones (anti-tumor)
polyphenols and tannins (antioxidants)
St John’s Wort is also a celebrated pain reliever. As a nervine tonic it works well with injuries to calm nerve endings. It can also prevent inflammation.
St John’s Wort penetrates deep into muscles to reach nerve endings and release throbbing tension.
Manage arthritis and joint pain
Calm the nerves after a bee sting or bug bite
Soothe the sting of cuts or wounds
Calm inflamed tissue and inflammation in the nervous system and spinal cord
Playing it Safe
I will tell you right now this plant interacts with a lot of pharmaceutical medication, it can both lessen or heighten the effects of medicines.
Safety concerns have arisen over use of St. John’s Wort. That is why it is not in Woodswalker. As discussed above, this plant stimulates liver detoxification, and therefore, will reduce the clearance time for certain pharmaceuticals, so please check with a knowledgeable herbalist or pharmacist before taking St. John’s Wort with prescription drugs (Winston, 2007). St. John’s Wort may cause photosensitivity and should not be used during pregnancy without professional guidance. Avoid excessive exposure to UV radiation (e.g. sunlight, tanning) when using this product.
One unique property of Trail Master Blend and Woods Walker by Kings Mountain Herbals is its content of Heal All Herb which actually helps protect the body from UV (nice balancing act here!).
Fair-skinned persons should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight during use of St. John’s Wort. It may decrease the blood levels of certain orally administered drugs. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) can ease mild to moderate depression, says Andrew Weil, MD, who is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. But there is not enough evidence that it helps with major depression. Besides, depression isn't something to treat without help. "It's not the common cold. If someone wants to use St. John's Wort for depression, they still must be managed by a health care provider," McQueen tells WebMD.
Here's one major reason why: drug interactions. St. John's Wort can make many other drugs less effective. There have been cases of unintended pregnancies in women taking St. John's Wort and birth control pills and cases of organ rejection in those taking St John's Wort with anti-rejection drugs after a transplant.
If you are taking any prescription drug and are interested in trying a course of St. John's Wort for mild to moderate depression, first discuss possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.
Saint John's Wort has three primary active ingredients: hypericin and hyperforin. Hypericin has been found to have antibiotic and antiviral properties and also to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Hyperforin, as a reuptake inhibitor of monoamines (monoamines are neurotransmitters that help regulate emotion among other brain functions), has been found to play a large role in the antidepressant effects of this plant. These two constituents combined with a number of other flavanoids found in this herb are likely the main reasons for all of the positive attributes associated with St. John's Wort.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. DO NOT TAKE ST JOHNS WORT WHILE ON ANY OTHER ANTIDEPRESSANT.
It’s actually quite a complex herb both for body and mind, if you wish to explore it further in depth.
Summary of Constituents and Activity from Hypericum perforatum
Constituents & References
Activity & References
Dianthrone derivatives
hypreicin, pseudohypericin, frangula-emodin anthranol (and a mixture of the precursors, proto-hypericin & hypericodehydrodianthrone
photodynamic, anti-depressive (MOA inhibitor), anti-viral
Flavanols
(+)-catechin (+polymers: condensed tannis), leucocyanidin, (-)-epicatechin (total tannin content is 6.5-1.5%)
astringent, anti-inflammatory, styptic, anti-viral
Flavinoids
hyperoside (hyperin), quercetin, isoquercetin, rutin, methyhespericin, iso-quercitrin, quercitrin, I-3/II-8-biapigenin, kaempferol
capilary-strenghening, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, cholagogic, dilates coronary, arteries, sedative, tumor inhibition, antitumor, antidiarrheal
Xanthones
xanthonolignoid compound (roots)
generally, xanthones exhibit anti-depressant, antitubercular, choleretic, diuretic, antimicrobial, antiviral and cardiotonic activity
Coumarins
umbelliferone, scopoletin
--
Phenolic corboxylic acids
caffieic acid, chrlorogenic acid, genistic acid, ferulic acid
--
Phloroglucinol derivatives 62,63,64
hyperforin
anti-bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus)
Essential oil components
monoterpenes
a-pinene, B-pinene, myreene, limonene
Sespuiterpenes
caryophyllen, humulene
(small amounts--0.05-0.3%); the physiological activity of mono-and sespuiterpenes are reviewed elsewhere; H. perforatum essential oil is antifungal
n-Alkanes
methyl-2-octane, n-nonane, methyl1-2-decane, n-undecane, all in the series C16-C29(especially nonacosane)
--
n-Alkanols 73
0.42% of total dried herb: 1-tetracosanol (9.7%), 1-hexacosanol (27.4%), 1-octacosanol (39.4%), 1-triacontanol (23.4%)
74,75,76,77,78,79,80
health products including octacosanol are sold in Japan and the U.S. as "metabolic stimulants" (Japanese studies show it stimulates feeding of silkworm larvae; studies with neurological disorders (Parkinson's, ALS, MS) show mixed results
Carotenoids
epoxyxanthophylls
available oxygen in xanthophylls may explain burn-healing activity
Phytosterols
B-sitosterol
--
You can broad spectrum concentrate a mixture if you are sure nothing counteracts with each other which is difficult to do with pharmaceuticals but not so much of a concern if you are well versed in herbalism. Many herbs can be synergetic with others or be used to strengthen or enhance others while still being powerful enough to stand on its own or normally added to a blend to target something specifically.
Licorice is one such common herb which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. More than 20 triterpenoids and nearly 300 flavonoids have been isolated from licorice. Recent studies have shown that these metabolites possess many pharmacological activities, such as antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and other activities.
It has many anti-viral capabilities that have been studied in medical labs as to how it accomplishes its tasks against such as flu viruses.
Reduces HMGB1 binding to DNA, and inhibits influenza virus polymerase activity.
Licorice is a helpful adjunct for many people that battle chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, because of its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects.
Trail Master includes a measure of 5:1 concentrated granule herb; 100 g granules is equal to 500 g (1.1 lb.) dried herb.
Licorice root contains many anti-depressant compounds and is an excellent alternative to St. John's Wort. As an herbal medicine, it has an impressive list of well documented us
es and is probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal wonders. Licorice is useful for many ailments including asthma, athlete's foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, viral infections, fungal infections, ulcers, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendinitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, yeast infections, prostate enlargement and arthritis.
Hundreds of potentially healing substances have been identified in licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). The herb's key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhizin (which is 50 times sweeter than sugar), exerts numerous beneficial effects on the body, making licorice a valuable herb for treating a host of ailments. It seems to prevent the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol (the body's primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone), making these hormones more available to the body. It has a well-documented reputation for healing ulcers. It can lower stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild laxative. It can also be used for irritation, inflammation and spasm in the digestive tract. Through its beneficial action on the liver, it increases bile flow and lowers cholesterol levels Some people take licorice by mouth for sore throat, bronchitis, cough, and infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
Licorice is also taken by mouth for Addison's disease, a type of diabetes caused by a hormone deficiency (diabetes insipidus), menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), liver disorders, malaria, tuberculosis, high potassium levels in the blood, food poisoning, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition in which there is too much muscle tone (hypertonia), abscesses, recovery after surgery, rash, and high cholesterol.
Licorice also appears to enhance immunity by boosting levels of interferon, a key immune system chemical that fights off attacking viruses. It also contains powerful antioxidants as well as certain phytoestrogens that can perform some of the functions of the body's natural estrogens; very helpful during menopause. Glycyrrhizinic acid also seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and of viruses such as influenza A. In the respiratory system, it has a similarly soothing and healing action, reducing irritation and inflammation and has an expectorant effect, useful in irritating coughs, asthma and chest infections. It has an aspirin-like action and is helpful in relieving fevers and soothing pain such as headaches. Its anti-allergenic effect is very useful for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma.
Licorice can be overdone and I suggest you study its warnings as well as research the web for its other benefits. Most of the warnings are for very high usage.
For use against Candida, licorice is packed with about 25 different chemicals that are known antifungals.
For most, this bottle of Trail Master will last you a lifetime and I hope you never have to use it, but if you do you are receiving all our wishes of good health and my best research and field practice.
The extra herbs are to assist in physical recovery, particularly if you have any nerves damaged from an injury, St John’s Wort will lead the recovery in that.
A single antiparasitic herb, however, is not going to work against all parasitic infections. Since different herbs use different mechanism to kill parasites, it is common to include multiple herbs as a part of the parasite cleanse.
Our colloidal silver contains 99.99% pure silver particles suspended indefinitely in demineralized water that kills bacteria and viruses. The presence of colloidal silver near a virus, fungi, bacterium or any other single celled pathogen disables its oxygen-metabolism enzyme, its ‘chemical lung’, so to say. Parasites reproduce by laying eggs that carry an oxygen-metabolizing enzyme. The eggs cannot hatch when there is a sufficient amount of silver in the surrounding area. Within a few minutes, the pathogen suffocates and dies, and is cleared out of the body by the immune, lymphatic and elimination systems. Unlike some pharmaceutical products which destroy beneficial enzymes, Colloidal Silver leaves these tissue-cell enzymes intact, as they are radically different from the enzymes of primitive single-celled life.
Chrysanthemum parthenium~ Fever Few
Scientific Name(s): Tanacetum parthenium Schulz-Bip.
Common Name(s): Altamisa, Bachelor's button, Chamomile grande, Chrysanthemematricaire, European feverfew, Feather-fully, Featherfew, Featherfoil, Febrifuge plant, Feddygen fenyw, Feverfew, Flirtroot, Grande chamomile, Midsummer daisy, Mutterkraut, Nosebleed, Santa Maria, Vetter-voo, Wild chamomile, Wild quinine.
Preliminary studies suggest that feverfew may help reduce damaged skin cells and inflammation. Other studies show feverfew may help relieve dermatitis and improve the appearance of the skin.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, and problems with menstruation and labor during childbirth.
American feverfew (Wild Quinine) has a long history of use in medicine. The Quapaw Indians used its crushed leaves as a poultice for burns and made a concoction to treat horses. Early European settlers, because of its bitter taste, used it to treat various internal ailments. In World War I, a shortage of quinine, extracted from the bark of a tropical tree, was feared so leaves of this plant were stockpiled hugely in anticipation of a need that never materialized except it was used in many cases to treat malaria if stocks of the true material run short. The wild quinine name seems to have originated about this time, supplanting the feverfew name.
Feverfew was popular in the 1980’s as a treatment for migraines. A survey of 270 people with migraines in Great Britain found that more than 70% of them felt much better after taking an average of 2 to 3 fresh feverfew leaves daily. Several human studies have used feverfew to prevent and treat migraines. Overall, these studies suggest that taking dried leaf capsules of feverfew every day may reduce the number of migraines in people who have chronic migraines.
One study also used a combination of feverfew and white willow (Salix alba), which has chemicals like aspirin. People who took the combination twice a day for 12 weeks had fewer migraines and the pain did not last as long or hurt as much.
The first century Greek physician Dioscorides used feverfew as an antipyretic. Feverfew also was known as "medieval aspirin" or the "aspirin" of the 17th century. In 1633, the plant was recommended for use to treat headaches in Gerard's Herbal.
Feverfew products usually contain dried feverfew leaves, but all parts of the plant that grow above ground may be used. Researchers thought a substance called parthenolide, which helps relieve spasms in smooth muscle tissue, was what made feverfew effective against migraines. However, after more studies researchers are not sure which part of the herb may best treat or prevent migraines.
Feverfew is sometimes applied directly to the gums for toothaches or to the skin to kill germs. It is also applied to the skin for itching and to prevent insect bites.
Some people also use feverfew as a general stimulant and for intestinal parasites. Feverfew parthenolide-free extract is suggested to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Specifically, its antioxidant effects have been demonstrated through inhibition of smoke and ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, apoptosis, and through scavenging free radicals
How does it work?
Feverfew leaves contain many different chemicals, including one called parthenolide. Parthenolide or other chemicals decrease factors in the body that might cause migraine headaches. The daisy-like feverfew was once believed to have been used to save the life of someone who had fallen from the Parthenon, the temple of the goddess Athena on the Acropolis in Athens, hence its scientific name parthenium.
Parthenolide may also reduce inflammation and may stop cancer cells from growing.
Feverfew flower extract behaves as a potent pain reliever in acute, inflammatory, articular and neuropathic pain. It appears as a
natural strategy potentially suitable for the treatment of different kinds of pain.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination Tanacetum parthenium should be used with caution with warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin because Tanacetum parthenium can decrease clotting, increasing bleeding risk from these medications.