Alternative Medicine

Thuja As Alternative Medicine

2008-07-05T06:20:00.001-07:00

Thuja As Alternative Medicine

Thuja is an alternative medicine that can be used internally and externally. It is used as a treatment for many medical conditions. It is often used in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of herpes sores.

It is used as a remedy for glandular disorders and blood changes.
It is a treatment for respiratory tract infections.
It is an effective treatment for skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, corns, itchy skin and brown spots.
It is a remedy for polyps and warts.
It is a treatment for smallpox vaccination related side effects.
It is used as a treatment for nail, skin, ear and foot fungus.

Thuja is available as capsules, oil, tincture and extract. Standard dosage is 36 mg a day. This herb is safe when the recommended dosages are adhered to. Pregnant or nursing women are to refrain from using this herb. Thuja is just as effective an alternative medicine for external health problems such as bedsores, burns and gangrene.

Boldo As Alternative Medicine

2008-07-03T07:10:00.001-07:00

Boldo As Alternative Medicine

Boldo is an alternative medicine with a long history of use by the natives in Chile and Peru. It is a Peruvian herb used mainly for the treatment of gallstones and abdominal disorders.

It is used to expel intestinal worms and parasites.
It is a treatment for digestive complaints such as heartburn, dyspepsia, indigestion, spasms and cramps.
It is a remedy for constipation.
It is effective in treating kidney and urinary tract infections.
It is used to alleviate liver and gall bladder pain.
It is a remedy for mild liver problems.

Boldo is available as tablets, capsules, extract and tinctures. It is not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women. This herb is also not to be used by people with severe liver diseases or obstructed bile ducts. Boldo is an alternative medicine that is safe to use when taken in therapeutic doses.

Vervain As Alternative Medicine

2008-07-01T04:33:00.001-07:00

Vervain As Alternative Medicine

Vervain is a Celtic alternative medicine used to getting rid of bladder stones from the body. This herb is also useful in treating a wide range of other health complaints.

It is a remedy for liver disorders.
It is a treatment for insomnia and post natal depression.
It is effective in treating fatigue, exhaustion and anxiety.
It is a pain killer for rheumatism, arthritic and joint pain.
It is used to treat jaundice, irregular menses and gallstones.
It is a tonic for the nervous system.
It is a treatment for skin disorders such as eczema, insect bites, weeping sores and wounds.
It is used to treat ear infections, bruises and sprains.

Vervain is safe when the recommended dosages are not exceeded. Excessive consumptions can cause vomiting. Pregnant or nursing women and children are advised to refrain from taking vervain. It is also not recommended for people with kidney or liver disorders. To treat ear infections, wounds and rheumatism a poultice is often applied. To help pass kidney stones an infusion is used. Vervain is still used as an alternative medicine by herbalists to treat kidney and gallstones today.

Withania As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-29T06:41:00.001-07:00

Withania As Alternative Medicine

Withania is an alternative medicine that has been used for more than 4000 years in Ayurvedic medicine. It is often regarded as the "Ginseng of India".

It is used to treat anemia.
It is a remedy for arthritis, rheumatism and joint pain.
It is effective in treating insomnia and nervous exhaustion.
It is a mild tranquiliser to give relief to stress.
It is also used as a treatment for cough, asthma, fever, tuberculosis, paralysis and loss memory.
It is an energy and immune system booster.

Withania is a very safe herb to use. It is often used in treatments for pregnant women and babies. Withania is an alternative medicine used to help people suffering weight loss as a result of radiotherapy or tumours.

Propolis As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-27T06:06:00.001-07:00

Propolis As Alternative Medicine

Propolis is an alternative medicine that has remained popular over a long period of time. It has been used since ancient times in folk medicine. Today it is still extensively used in Argentina. It is a natural substance gathered from trees by honey bees to protect the bee hive from infections.

It reduces the chances of cataracts.
It promotes heart health.
It is a remedy for gastrointestinal infections such as peptic ulcer.
It is a preventative for infertility in male.
It makes an excellent dressing for wounds.
It is a treatment for skin disorders such as acne, sunburn and ulcer.
It is a remedy for allergies.
It is effective in treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis.
It is used to treat gum disease, sore throats, ear problems, headaches, colds and flu.

Propolis is available in tablets, extract, powder and capsules. It is generally non toxic and safe for most adults. However, it is not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women. Side effects include skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis, lesions and peeling lips. Do not apply this herb to the area around the eye.

Standard dosage is one teaspoon of powder mixed with food thrice a day or 10 to 20 drops of extract three times a day. Do not use with anti-microbial drugs, anti-coagulants, anti-cancer agents, osteoporosis agents and immune stimulants. It will interact with these drugs and supplements. Propolis is an old alternative medicine used in our modern medicine.

Wild Indigo As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

Wild Indigo As Alternative Medicine

Wild Indigo is an alternative medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections and an immune system booster. This plant belongs to the legume or pea family. It is seldom used alone and often used along with thuja, myrrh or Echinacea.

It is a remedy for typhoid fever and malaria.
It is a treatment for digestive tract and intestinal infections.
It is used as a treatment for ear and nose inflammation and infections.
It is a remedy for throat infections and inflammation such as for laryngitis and tonsillitis.
It is used for treating chronic fatigue syndrome.
It is a treatment for cold and flu.
It is effective for diminishing lymph swellings.
It is a topical treatment for inflamed nipples, painless ulcers and inflamed wounds.

Wild indigo is available as powder, tablet or capsule. An infusion is made by steeping half a teaspoon of wild indigo root in 250ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Dosage for tincture is one to two ml three times a day. This herb is safe when used as directed. For lymph disorders it is often combined with burdock, cleavers or poke root. If used for colds and flu it is blended with thuja or Echinacea. Today wild indigo is an alternative medicine used by herbalists along with Echinacea to treat chronic fatigue syndrome.

Catnip As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

Catnip As Alternative Medicine

Catnip is an alternative medicine that is used to treat various ailments in human and cats. It is a member of the mint family. This herb is also wonderful for babies and children.

It is a remedy for gastrointestinal distress such as colic.
It is used to calm and induce sleep in children and babies.
It is a treatment for insomnia, stress and anxiety.
It is a remedy for colds, migraines, tension headache, toothaches and fever,
It stimulates sweating.
It is a treatment for hyperactivity in children.
It is a muscle relaxant to treat spasms.
It helps to prevent premature birth and miscarriage.
It eases morning sickness.

Catnip is generally taken as a tea or an infusion. It is a safe herb and does not show any contraindications. However, it is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Excessive consumption could lead to diarrhea or vomiting. It is often used together with other herbs such as elder, cayenne, yarrow and saffron. It is more often employed for use on cats. Catnip remains less known as an alternative for human use today.

Reishi As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

Reishi As Alternative Medicine

Reishi is an alternative medicine that has been used in China and Japan for thousands of years. It belongs to the mushroom family and a very versatile medicine to treat a wide range of health ailments.

It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
It is used to prevent and to treat coronary heart disease.
In China it is used to treat chronic hepatitis.
It is a treatment and preventative for memory loss.
It is used to treat asthma and coughs.
It is a remedy for insomnia and fatigue.

Reishi is available as teas, tablets, tinctures and extract. This mushroom is very safe and can be taken over a long period without any side effects. It is best taken with an empty stomach in the morning. Reishi can be used by pregnant or nursing women and children. Very often it is combined with other herbs. Mountain climbers often consumed this medicinal mushroom to combat altitude sickness. Today Reishi is still popular as an alternative medicine for promoting vitality and combating fatigue.

Mullein As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Mullein As Alternative Medicine

Mullein has been a valued alternative medicine since ancient times. It is also called great mullein, common mullein, velvet dock, mullein dock and Aaron's-rod. This herb is well known for treating childhood ailments such as chickenpox, tonsillitis and mumps.

Mullein oil is an effective remedy for earache.
It is a treatment for sore throat, dry coughs and hoarseness.
It is used to treat glandular swellings and sprains.
It is a remedy for bronchitis, pneumonia, colds and flu.
It is excellent for sore joints and aching muscles.
It is used to treat asthma and allergies.
It is a relaxant to treat stress.

Mullein is commonly taken as a tea or infusion. The leaves can be made into a poultice to treat sprains and swellings. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as thyme, lobelia, sage, chamomile, marjoram, elder, red clover, white horehound and coltsfoot. To treat mumps, chickenpox and measles it is blended with catnip. This herb is used with licorice and uva ursi to give relief to coughs. For earaches soak some mullein flowers in olive oil.

This herb is non toxic even pregnant or nursing women can use it. Side effects are very rare. The only known side effect reported is skin irritation. It is not recommended for people that are on diabetic drugs as this herb will inhibit the effectiveness of the medications. Today mullein remains the best known alternative medicine used by herbalists to treat coughs, colds and sore throat.

Costus As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

Costus As Alternative Medicine

Costus is an alternative medicine used by the Chinese and Indians for centuries. In China it is one of the 50 fundamental medicinal herbs. It is of the same family as ginger.

It is a remedy for gastric disorders such as diarrhea, bloating and stomach ache.
It is a treatment for mild skin irritations.
It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat asthma and coughs.
Its roots are used to expel parasites.
In Tibet it is a remedy for emotional weakness.
In India it is inhaled to clear the bronchial passages.
It eases pain associated with rheumatism.

Costus is available as extracts, powders or infusions at Asian markets and specialty stores. Amount to be taken is related to the condition that requires treatment. It is a non toxic herb without any known drug interactions. It can sometimes bring on skin irritation when used externally especially in sensitive individuals. The dried roots of costus are still used as an alternative medicine to give relief to symptoms associated with intestinal disorders.

Bogbean As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-15T07:22:00.001-07:00

Bogbean As Alternative Medicine

Bogbean is an alternative medicine best known for treating rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also called by the names of marsh trefoil, buckbean and water shamrock.

It is a treatment for anorexia.
It is a remedy for digestive disorders such as dysentery, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
It is used to treat gout and rheumatism.
It is effective in treating skin diseases such as ulcers, rashes and boils.

Bogbean is available as teas, capsules, powder, extract, tablet and whole leaf. It is safe when the standard dosage is taken. An infusion is made by steeping 2 teaspoonfuls of leaves in 250 ml of boiling water for 15 minutes. Bogbean is often combined with other herbs such as white willow, black cohosh, celery seed to treat joint pains. For dyspepsia treatment it is used together with sage or wormwood.

Pregnant or nursing women are advised to refrain from taking bogbean. This herb must not be used by those suffering from colitis, diarrhea or dyspepsia. It is also not recommended for people who are on blood thinning medicines such as aspirin or warfarin. Excessive consumption of this herb could lead to diarrhea and upset stomach.

Today herbalists still use bogbean as an effective alternative medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism and loss of appetite.

Wood Betony As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-13T05:59:00.000-07:00

Wood Betony As Alternative Medicine

Wood betony is an alternative medicine highly esteemed by the Italians, Spanish and Greeks. The North American Natives have used it for centuries and the Anglo-Saxons considered it to be their most important herb. It is also known as purple betony, bishopswort and betonica.

It eases the symptoms of colds and flu.
It reduces inflammation associated with sinusitis.
It is used to treat coughs and bronchitis.
It promotes proper digestion.
It is a remedy for diarrhea.
It is a sedative to treat anxiety.
It is an effective remedy for urinary disorders.
It alleviates all face pains and headaches.
It is a treatment for oral and throat complaints.

Wood betony is safe when the recommended dosage is taken. The leaves are usually made into an infusion or tea. To make an infusion steep 2 teaspoonfuls of dried flower or leaves in 250ml of boiling water for 15 minutes. This herb is not to be used by pregnant or nursing women. Excessive consumption can result in mild gastrointestinal upset.

During the Middle Ages wood betony was considered a cure all medicinal plant. Wood betony was once highly revered as an alternative medicine and is still widely used today by herbalists.

Motherwort As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

Motherwort As Alternative Medicine

Motherwort is predominantly an alternative medicine for the female womb problems. It belongs to the mint family and is often called by the name Lion's Ear. This herb is also effective in the treatment of many other health disorders.

It is a remedy for epilepsy.
It is a treatment for heart complaints such as palpitations, irregular heartbeats and rapid heart rate.
It is a sedative for insomnia, anxiety and nervousness.
It eases PMS and symptoms of menopause.
It lowers high blood pressure.
It is a remedy for digestive problems such as cramps, gas and stomach pain.
It is a treatment for respiratory passages congestion and shortness of breath.
It is used topically to treat shingles and itching.
It is used externally to improve eyesight.

Motherwort is available as capsules, tablets, tea, leaves, tincture and extract. An infusion is made by steeping 1 teaspoonful of leaves to 250ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. Pregnant or nursing women and young children must not use this herb. It is also not recommended for use in the case of heavy menstrual bleeding. Some side effects include contact dermatitis, diarrhea, uterine bleeding, stomach irritation and allergic reactions.

This herb has been used for centuries in childbirth related conditions. Today herbalists use motherwort as an alternative medicine for a wider range of conditions.

Tansy As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-09T01:19:00.000-07:00

Tansy As Alternative Medicine

Tansy has been used for centuries as an effective alternative medicine for expelling parasites from the intestines. It belongs to the Thistle family and also called gold buttons, bitter buttons, ginger plant and bachelor’s buttons. This wild plant has many other medicinal uses.

It is a remedy for prostatitis.
It is excellent for removing excessive gas from the stomach and digestive tract.
It is effective for treating kidney problems such as water retention.
It is a treatment for gallbladder and liver disorders.
Its leaves can be used as a wash or poultice for skin disorders such as wounds, swelling, ulcers, scabies and cuts.
Its roots are a treatment for gout.
In Europe the elderly people used the leaves to treat fever, colds or stomach upset.
It is a remedy for amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea.
It is a treatment for nausea and stopped menses.

Tansy is available as tea, leaves and roots. It is an herb that is toxic when used in amount other than the recommended dosages and for period longer than 7 days. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. This herb is often used with other herbs such as Pennyroyal and Blue Cohosh. For worms infestation it is combined with wormwood, chamomile and senna. To treat prostatitis it is used together with golden seal, agrimony or kava kava. It can also be combined with peppermint or chamomile to give amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea relief. Side effects of toxicity include vomiting, dilated pupils, nausea, rapid pulse, convulsions and even coma. It is sad to say tansy is an alternative medicine that is little used by modern herbalists.

Kola Nut As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-06T05:46:00.001-07:00

Kola Nut As Alternative Medicine

Kola nut the seed from the Kola tree has been used as an alternative medicine on the African continent for centuries. It is also known as Cola and is grown commercially worldwide. It was mainly used as an energy booster. However, it also has many other medicinal uses.

It is used as an antidote for poison in Jamaica.
It suppresses the appetite and an aid to weight loss.
It combats physical and mental fatigue.
It is an antidepressant to treat anxiety and depression.
It is a treatment for asthma and whooping cough.
It is a remedy to counter drowsiness.

Kola nut should be used with caution and should not be taken over long period. Long term use could have carcinogenic results. Side effects include anxiety, dizziness or nervousness. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Anyone who have intestinal or stomach ulcers should avoid using this supplement too. For those who are sensitive to stimulants or caffeine they must not use kola nut. In addition people who suffer from high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disorders or ulcers should avoid using this seed. Today kola nut is still used as an alternative medicine mainly due to its antidepressant properties.

Arrowroot As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

Arrowroot As Alternative Medicine

Arrowroot is an alternative medicine that has been used by the natives in West Indies for hundreds of years. It is the root from a plant called Maranta. The Arawaks tribe used it to draw out the poison from toxic arrow wounds.

It is taken in oral form to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea.
It is also used as a topical treatment for irritated, inflamed or painful skin.

Arrowroot is available at Asian markets, supermarkets and health food stores. It is safe when taken in recommended dosages. Generally it does not cause any interaction with health supplements or drugs. Arrowroot is not just an alternative medicine but also the best form of starch for the stomach.

Buchu As Alternative Medicine

2008-06-02T13:32:00.001-07:00

Buchu As Alternative Medicine

Buchu is an ancient alternative medicine used in South Africa by the Khoikhoi natives. It was used to treat cholera and prostate gland infections. This herb was later introduced to Great Britain around 1800.

It is a remedy for urinary tract infections such as painful urination.
It regulates blood sugar levels.
It is used to treat kidney problems such as gallstones.
It is a treatment for yeast infections.
It is effective in alleviating PMS bloating.
It is used for treating prostate incontinence.
It eases inflammation and pain associated with gout and rheumatism.

Buchu is available as tea, tincture and capsules. It is considered a safe herb with no toxicity. Buchu vinegar is made by steeping fresh sprigs in white vinegar. This vinegar is great for cleaning wounds. For prostate disorders use the leaves. To treat urinary tract infections take the herb as a tea. For gout or rheumatism pains a poultice or tea is excellent.

Buchu is not recommended for those who suffer from any kidney infections and disorders such as painful urination and blood in urine. Side effects include diarrhea, stomach upset, kidney irritation and menstrual irregularity. It is also not to be taken by pregnant or nursing women.

This herb is a popular ingredient in many herbal diuretic formulas sold. In South Africa buchu remains a common alternative medicine in many households.

Couchgrass As Alternative Medicine

2008-05-31T04:22:00.000-07:00

Couchgrass As Alternative Medicine

Since the first century couchgrass has been used as an alternative medicine. It is also known as dog grass and couch or bermudagrass in Australia.

It is a treatment for urinary tract, prostate and bladder infections such as urethritis and cystitis.
It is a remedy for gastrointestinal complaints.
It is a recommended treatment for gout.
It is effective in treating liver and kidney infections.
It is often combined with other herbs to treat rheumatism.

Couchgrass is available either hulled or unhulled. It is a non-toxic herb with no side effects. Even dogs recognize it for its medicinal properties. Dogs eat it when they are sick. Couchgrass is one of the very few herbs that can be safely taken as an alternative medicine in large doses on a regular basis.

Cornsilk As Alternative Medicine

2008-05-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Cornsilk As Alternative Medicine

Cornsilk is an alternative medicine derived from the common vegetable, corn. It has been used for over a century for a variety of health problems.

It is a treatment for edema.
It is an effective treatment for bed wetting.
It is used to lower blood pressure.
It is a remedy for water retention.
It can prevent frequent urination.
It can help with weight loss and obesity.
It is a treatment for urinary tract, kidney and bladder infections such as cystitis and kidney stones.

Cornsilk is available as capsules, tea, powder or extract. It is generally taken as a tea. An infusion can be made by steeping 2 teaspoonfuls of fresh or dried silk in 240 ml of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Cornsilk is often combined with other herbs such as yarrow, bearberry, buchu and couchgrass to treat cystitis. For bed wetting it is used together with horsetail or agrimony.

This herb is safe to be used over long term. There are zero side effects when the standard dosages are taken. It is effective either in fresh or dried form. Pregnant or nursing women and young children must not take cornsilk. People who have kidney or liver diseases must also avoid this herb. Today cornsilk is an alternative medicine used mostly as a diuretic.

Bayberry As Alternative Medicine

2008-05-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

Bayberry As Alternative Medicine

Bayberry is one of the most useful herbs in alternative medicine. It is also called candleberry, wax myrtle and waxberry. In China the leaves are made into an infusion to ease stomach complaints.

Its tea is an effective douche to treat excessive vaginal bleeding.
It stimulates blood circulation.
In poultice form it is used to treat skin disorders such as cuts, ulcers, wounds, bruises and insect bites.
Snuffing bayberry powder can clear sinuses.
It is a treatment for canker sore in the bowel, mouth, stomach and throat.
It fights infection by inhibiting bacteria.
It is a remedy for hemorrhages.
It is effective in treating diarrhea, fever, coughs, colds and jaundice.
It is a powerful decongestant and expectorant.

Bayberry is available as tea, capsules, liquid extract and powder. It is often used in combination with other herbs. To treat cholera it is mixed with ginger. For colds and fevers it is usually taken with capsicum. It is sometimes combined with peppermint, yarrow, sage or catnip to treat colds and flu. Its tea is also used as a wash for bleeding gums.

A tea can be made by steeping one teaspoonful of bayberry bark powder in 250ml of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. This herb must be used under an herbal practitioner’s instructions. Excess consumption can cause liver and kidney damage. However, bayberry is rarely used as an alternative medicine today.

Perilla As Alternative Medicine

2008-05-25T05:19:00.001-07:00

Perilla As Alternative Medicine

Perilla is an alternative medicine used commonly in Chinese medicine. It belongs to the mint family and the Chinese used it to boost the immune system.

It is used to treat lung complaints such as cough.
It is a remedy for asthma and some allergies.
It is a treatment for sunstroke, fever and nausea.
It eases the symptoms of flu and cold.
It is a remedy for morning sickness.

Perilla is available as seeds, powder, stems whole or dried. This herb is also often blended with other ingredients in herbal formulas. A tea or decoction can be made from the stem. The stem is used by pregnant women for morning sickness. Perilla stem is safe and have no side effects even in larges doses. The stem does not shown any interactions with drugs.

Standard dosage for perilla seeds is 5 to 10 grams a day. However, for anyone with breathing problems or coughs, avoid taking the seeds. The seeds are also not recommended for those with spleen deficiency related loose stools.

Most of the time medicinal herb is not recommended for use by expectant women. In this rare instance, Perilla is one alternative medicine that can be safely taken by women when pregnant.

Soapwort As Alternative Medicine

2008-05-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

Soapwort As Alternative Medicine

Soapwort is an alternative medicine that has been used by mankind for more than 3000 years to the time of the Assyrians. Both its root and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. They are usually boiled in hot water and then strained.

It is excellent treatment for skin disorders such as acne, eczema, boils and psoriasis.
It is a remedy for gout, joint pain and rheumatic pain.
It is effective for respiratory complaints such as bronchitis, coughs, flu and cold.
It is an excellent expectorant.
It is also a laxative and diuretic.

Soapwort is safe for external use. However, it must not be taken orally unless under the guidance and instructions by a trained practitioner. When taken in large doses it can be toxic and purgative. Some side effects are tremor, tongue paralysis and dry mouth. Expectant or nursing women must avoid this herb.

Soapwort as a medicinal plant has a long history. Soapwort is not an alternative medicine used much by modern herbalists because of its purgative properties.

Ephedra As Alternative Medicine

2008-05-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

Ephedra As Alternative Medicine

Ephedra is a well known alternative medicine used by the Chinese. It also goes by the names Squaw tea, Ma Huang and Mormon tea. This herb is used mainly to treat allergy conditions such as hay fever, asthma, sinusitis and nasal congestion. It is also excellent for cold and bronchitis.

Ephedra is not recommended for long term use. It must not be taken by anyone with fever or taken together with caffeine. Side effects for over use include high blood pressure, anxiety, weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, chest tightness, stroke, nervousness and even death. Ephedra is an alternative medicine that has to be used under strict professional instructions.

Pinkroot As Alternative Medicine

2008-05-19T05:05:00.000-07:00

Pinkroot As Alternative Medicine

Pinkroot is an alternative medicine first introduced by the North American Indians. Other names for this plant are worm grass, Caroline pink and Maryland pinkroot. It was used as a laxative, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-diarrheic.

Today it is used solely to eliminate intestinal worms especially roundworms and tapeworms. It is generally used in combination with herbs such as fennel or senna to ensure the expulsion of pinkroot and the parasites from the intestines. This herb is toxic when taken in large doses. Side effects include dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, convulsions, muscular spasms and even death. To use pinkroot as an alternative medicine effectively the proper dosage must be administered under professional instructions.

Pokeweed As Alternative Medicine

2008-05-17T04:50:00.001-07:00

Pokeweed As Alternative Medicine

Pokeweed is an alternative medicine that has been used for thousands of years. The North American Indians used it to treat ailments such as syphilis, cancer, itching, rheumatism and heart disorders. Other names for this herb are pigeon berry, inkberry and pokeberry.

It is used to treat tonsillitis, swollen glands and sore throat.
It is used to prevent pregnancy in women.
It is a treatment for upper respiratory infections.
It is an effective laxative.
It alleviates arthritis and rheumatism related pain.
It is a treatment for infections of the ovaries and testes.
It is used to treat fungal and skin infections such as scabies and acne
Many herbalists used it to treat an under active thyroid and goiter.

Pokeweed is available as powder, tincture, liquid extract and poultice. It is not safe when taken in high doses. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using this herb. All parts of the pokeweed the berries, leaves and root can be used as alternative medicine.