Garlic is a popular herb in the kitchen as well as the medicine cabinet.  Their sulphur compounds, alliin and allicin, have been well studied for their pharmacological activity.  Garlic has many benefits for cardiovascular health.  Garlic intake is shown to decrease levels of LDL cholesterol, the cholesterol responsible for cholesterol plaques and the storage of fat, and triglycerides.  Garlic also increases levels of HDL cholesterol, which is responsible for moving stored fat to the liver for processing and excretion from the body.  HDL cholesterol protects against plaque formation.
 

Garlic preparations also lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation.  Thus garlic can be used to prevent stroke and heart attack.  Garlic has beneficial effects on blood sugar.  Insulin is released from the pancreas, in response to sugar intake.  It allows the intake of glucose by the cells as a fuel source.  Without insulin sugar stays in the blood, and cells become starved for energy, as happens in the condition diabetes.  Eventually the pancreas becomes worn out and does not produce as much insulin or the body’s cells become intolerant after years of high insulin levels.  Garlic can increase the release of insulin and help the body’s cells respond to insulin.  Garlic’s sulphur compounds are also antimicrobial against bacteria and fungi.  Therefore garlic may be used to treat colds, yeast infections and help individuals who have low immune functioning.

Garlic is a medicinal food because the active ingredients are present in the clove in sufficient quantities to have some medicinal effects.  The active sulphur compounds are sensitive to heat, and most are destroyed by the cooking process, so raw garlic is best.  Garlic supplements are found as encapsulated herb, tablets and aged extracts (oils).  If the social aspect of eating garlic is a problem, odourless garlic extracts are available in capsules.  Although, some people say that the garlicky body odour and breath decreases if use garlic regularly.  Garlic products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of sulphur compounds they contain.  There are many types of garlic supplements, choose the best one for you and consider combination products that target your particular needs.  Garlic can be found in combination products for immune boosting, cholesterol control, blood pressure regulation, heart health, etc.

Garlic, when used as a food, has very few side effects.  Most side effects and cautions are relevant only when garlic supplements are used.  Garlic contains volatile sulphur components (they give it the characteristic odour) that have blood thinning and blood sugar decreasing properties.  Garlic supplements should be used with caution by diabetics, hypoglycemics, individuals with low blood pressure and individuals on blood thinning medication, including aspirin, or anti-hypertensives.  For the same reason, garlic supplements should be discontinued prior to surgery or dental work.  Garlic can theoretically decrease thyroid functioning by blocking the uptake of iodine in the gastrointestinal tract.
 

Ginger is a popular herb in the kitchen as well as the medicine cabinet.  It has a long history of use in foods because it soothes the digestion.  The essential oil, gingerol, aids digestion by increasing the release of digestive juices and regulating intestinal contractions.  Ginger’s anti-nausea properties are due to the essential oil, shogaol.  
 

It has been clinically tested and shown to be as effective as many anti-nausea drugs.  The big benefit of using ginger for nausea is that it does not cause drowsiness.  Ginger can be used for nausea from motion sickness, pregnancy, and cancer treatment.  Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for muscle and joint injuries like athletic injuries and arthritis.  Historically ginger was also used topically as a wash for wounds and sores because it has the ability to prevent infection.  

Ginger is a medicinal food because the active ingredients are present in the root in sufficient quantities to have some medicinal effects.  Chewing on raw ginger or ginger candy is often sufficient to decrease nausea.  Ginger tea is helpful for nausea and indigestion.  Dried ground ginger that is used as a spice has less medicinal value because the essential oils are lost in the drying process.  Ginger supplements are found as encapsulated herb and tablets.  Ginger products should be standardized as an assurance that some active ingredients are present.  Ginger can be found in combination products for indigestion, motion sickness and inflammation.  

Ginger, when used as a food, has very few side effects.  Most side effects and cautions are relevant only when ginger supplements are used.  Ginger has blood thinning and gallbladder stimulating properties.  Ginger supplements should be used with caution by individuals on blood thinning medication, including aspirin, and individuals with gallstones.  For the same reason, ginger supplements should be discontinued prior to surgery or dental work.   
 

Gingko biloba is the oldest known tree species on earth with an estimated age of more than 200 million years.  A gingko tree can live up to 1000 years.  The medicinal seeds are found only in the inedible fruit of the female trees.  Gingko is the most frequently prescribed medicinal herb in Europe.  It makes sense that the oldest known tree is used for concerns that become more prevalent as we age. 
 

Gingko is used to increase blood flow to the whole body but especially to the brain and extremities.  The active components are flavone glycosides, potent antioxidant molecules.  Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage.  Gingko’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and therefore reduce damage to vessels all over the body, including those in the brain.  It has anti-aging properties because as an antioxidant it protects the body against environmental pollutants other substances that lead to aging.  Gingko increases circulation by making the blood flow freely, thus enhancing oxygen delivery to and waste removal from cells.  Gingko may also improve the communication between brain and nerve cells.  Gingko is used by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including: senile dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, impotence, cold hands and feet and intermittent claudication (poor circulation in the legs).  Students have also used it as a memory enhancer.

Gingko is commonly purchased as encapsulated herb or tincture.  Gingko products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of active compounds they contain.  Gingko can be found in combination products for memory, eye health, cardiovascular health and sexual functioning.  These trees are widely cultivated for their leaves and seeds so there is no concern with the ecological impact of gingko use.  Interestingly they are also planted in cities because they can tolerate the harsh urban environment.  

Gingko contains components that have blood-thinning properties.  Gingko supplements should be used with caution by individuals with active bleeding, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure and individuals on blood thinning medication, including aspirin, or anti-hypertensives.  For the same reason, gingko supplements should be discontinued prior to surgery or dental work.  Gingko can alter the effectiveness of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of anti-depressant.   
 

There are several plants that are commonly referred to as ginseng. In the strict sense of the word “ginseng” refers to the Panax genus, of which Korean and American ginseng are the most well known medicinal herbs.  Siberian, Indian and Brazilian ginsengs are not members of this genus, but share similar medicinal effects to the true ginsengs.  This article will discuss Korean, American and Siberian ginseng.  For a discussion on Indian and Brazilian ginseng see the articles titled “Ashwagandha” and “Suma”.

The ginsengs are adaptogenic herbs, meaning that they help people during stressful times and recovery from illness and fatigue.  The ginsenosides and eleuthrosides are the active medicinal components of the ginsengs.  Studies show that they have a structure that is similar to the steroid hormones and act through the brain.  The end result is stimulation of the adrenal gland and activation of the body’s energy reserves.  This response keeps us safe, allowing us to fight for survival, or to flee from dangerous situations.  It also increases heart rate; blood pressure and blood flow to the brain, muscles, lungs and heart.  Thus ginseng leads to increased energy, mental performance and performance in physical tasks like athletics.  This response can deplete the body after a while so ginseng also contains substances that stimulate cell replication, protein synthesis, immune functioning and blood sugar regulation.  All of these properties nourish the body and aid in recovery from times of high activity, illness and stress.  The ginsengs are recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of needs including athletic performance, energy, recovery from illness or surgery, stress, support during cancer treatment, impotence, low libido and frequent colds and flus.      

The difference in the ginsengs is the strength of their activity and the amount that they stimulate versus nourish the body.  Red Korean ginseng is the most stimulating and least nourishing.  It is usually recommended for men.  Korean white ginseng is slightly less stimulating than the red variety and is a good choice for energy enhancement in women.  Both of these varieties are not usually recommended for long-term use.  Siberian and American ginseng are moderately stimulating and more nourishing.  They are useful for everyone and can be used for longer periods of time. 

Ginseng can be found in a variety of different forms.  Raw herb, teas, single serving liquid vials, tinctures, encapsulated herb or capsules are all widely available.  Premium ginseng root can be extremely expensive, costing thousands of dollars a kilogram.  This leads one to wonder what type of ginseng most manufacturers are using.  Purchase whichever type of ginseng suits your needs but be sure to buy a standardized product as an assurance of the quality of the ginseng.  Ginseng products may also be Ginseng can be found in combination products for energy, sexual functioning and memory.  Ginseng is found in traditional Chinese formulas.  Use caution when purchasing these formulas because their quality varies widely, toxic contaminants may be present and manufacturing practices in China are not well regulated.    

Korean ginseng’s recommended dosing regimen is 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off.  Siberian ginseng can be taken in the same way as Korean ginseng but it is commonly used for longer periods of time without rest.  Ginseng contains components that have blood thinning, blood pressure altering and blood sugar altering properties.  Ginseng supplements should be used with caution by individuals with active bleeding, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes and hypoglycemia.  For the same reason, ginseng supplements should be discontinued prior to surgery or dental work.  Ginseng can alter the effects of caffeine, stimulants, decongestants, blood thinners, including aspirin, anti-hypertensives, sedatives, insulin and oral hypoglycemics.  Ginseng should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers. 
 

Goldenseal is most commonly known as a partner to echinacea for the treatment of common cold and respiratory infections.  It was originally used by native North Americans for a variety if infectious complaints.  Berberine is the component of goldenseal that makes it an infection fighter.  It has anti-microbial activity against viruses, fungi, parasites and bacteria.  Hydrastine is the component of goldenseal that relaxes smooth muscles. 
 

This is helpful to relieve coughs, intestinal and stomach spasms and decrease blood pressure.  Additionally goldenseal decreases secretions and inflammation in mucus membranes.  Thus goldenseal can be used for gastritis, inflammatory bowel problems, cystitis (bladder inflammation), sinusitis, bronchitis and rhinitis (nasal inflammation).  There are some claims that goldenseal can mask urine drug screening but there is no clinical study to prove this effect.

Goldenseal can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, tablets, extract or tincture.  In general liquid preparations of goldenseal are stronger than dried preparations.  Formulas often contain the whole plant but the root is where the most beneficial medicinal properties are found.  Goldenseal is found in formulas for colds and flus, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections and healing mucus membranes.   

Goldenseal kills beneficial intestinal bacteria therefore probiotic supplements should be used during and after treatment with goldenseal.  Goldenseal’s active components are uterine stimulants and should not be used by pregnant women.  Goldenseal’s components transfer into breast milk and should not be used by nursing women.  Overdose of goldenseal can lead to hypotension, slowed heart rate, gastrointestinal problems, hallucinations, delirium and respiratory collapse.
 

Gotu kola is an herb that helps to promote the healing of damaged tissues.  It is not related to the kola nut and does not contain caffeine.  Gotu kola stimulates the production of connective tissue including keratin; the material that your body uses to repair breaks in the skin.  It is used topically to treat wounds, skin infections, skin conditions like psoriasis and to heal surgical wounds.  Gotu kola has some antioxidant properties.  Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage.  Gotu kola’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and therefore reduce damage to the skin and vascular system.  This makes gotu kola a good herb for conditions of vein laxity and poor circulation such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids.  Gotu kola also increases levels of antioxidants that are found in the liver.  These molecules help the body to process and excrete toxins.  Finally gotu kola increases circulation and has been used to aid memory, alleviate fatigue and increase libido.

Gotu kola is commonly purchased as tea, encapsulated herb or tincture.  Gotu kola products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of active compounds they contain.  Gotu kola can be found in combination products for memory, sexual functioning and vein support.  Topically tea, creams and salves can be used to help to heal wounds or treat skin conditions.

Individuals taking sedatives or anti-anxiety medication, because gotu kola may add to their effect, should use gotu kola supplements with caution.  Gotu kola should not be used during activities that require alertness.  Gotu kola should not be used in pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage.  Topical application of gotu kola may cause contact dermatitis.
 

Green tea is the dried leaves of the same tea plant that gives us the popular black tea.  The difference is that black tea is fermented to produce the characteristic flavour and this process destroys most of its medicinal benefits.  Green tea’s polyphenols have been well studied for their pharmacological activity.  Green tea has many benefits for cardiovascular health.  Green tea intake is shown to decrease levels of LDL cholesterol, the cholesterol responsible for cholesterol plaques and the storage of fat, and triglycerides. 
 

Green tea also increases levels of HDL cholesterol, which is responsible for moving stored fat to the liver for processing and excretion from the body.  HDL cholesterol protects against plaque formation. It also improves blood circulation and decreases inflammation in vessels.  Thus green tea can be used to prevent stroke and heart attack.  The polyphenols are also antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative damage.  Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage.  Green tea’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and therefore reduce damage to tissue.  Green tea’s epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the spread of tumours to other areas of the body.  It may also increase the effectiveness of some anti-cancer medication while protecting the body’s normal cells from cancer therapies like radiation and chemotherapy.  Natural health practitioners for low immune functioning, age-related diseases, cardiovascular disease and cancer may recommend green tea.  

Green tea is a medicinal food because the active ingredients are present in a cup of tea in sufficient quantities to have some medicinal effects.  However, by adding milk to green tea the antioxidant status of the tea can be significantly lowered.  There are many types of green tea beverages, bagged or loose leaves, organic and non-organic, caffeinated and decaffeinated products.  Green tea may also be combined with other herbs or flavours (i.e. lemon, peach, jasmine).   Green tea supplements are found as encapsulated herb or tablets.  Green tea supplements should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of polyphenols they contain.  It can be found in combination products for cholesterol control, heart health and anti-aging.  

Decaffeinated green tea and green tea supplements have less contraindications and side effects associated with their use.  However one must consider that the decaffeinating process may add chemical residues into the leaves.  Green tea should not be used with blood thinners, by individuals with blood disorders or a decreased ability to clot.  Green tea should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to surgery or dental work.
 

Guggulipids are a remedy that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.  In India they are now considered a lipid- lowering drug.  Another traditional use for guggulipids is as an anti-inflammatory agent.  Guggul extracts work most effectively on types of high cholesterol where there is too much of the harmful cholesterol, called LDL, VLDL and triglycerides.  They do not raise levels of beneficial, HDL, cholesterol.  The mechanism by which guggulipids alter cholesterol is four-fold.  Firstly they block the production of cholesterol by the liver.  Secondly they increase the excretion of cholesterol through the bile.  Thirdly  they increase the uptake of LDL by the liver. Lastly they increase thyroid activity, thus stimulating the metabolism of LDL cholesterol.  Guggul extracts have been shown to decrease the severity and formation of cholesterol plaques.  Guggulipid also protects the body by neutralizing harmful free radicals. 

Guggulipids supplements are found as encapsulated herb or liquid extracts.  Guggulipids products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of guggulsterones they contain.  Guggulipids can be found in combination products for cholesterol control.  

Guggulipids should not be used in pregnancy, during lactation or by individuals with thyroid disease, active bleeding, or blood disorders.  Guggulipids should not be used with blood thinning medications, NSAIDs or aspirin and should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to surgery or dental work.  Guggulipids can alter the metabolism of drugs that are metabolized in the liver such as anti-hypertensives, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.  Guggulipid consumption can cause gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals.