Red aloe vera (Aloe cameronii)

Aloe cameronii Plants

Photo Courtesy of Geoff Stein.

Aloe cameronii (Cameron's Red Aloe) is a medium sized aloe which produces numerous upright stems of open rosettes to growing up to 2 feet tall. Its narrow leaves turn deep red when grown in full sun and high heat. Aloe cameronii’s bright orange-red flowers emerge in 1 foot tall spikes from late fall through the winter. And while the flowers are truly beautiful, they are even more attractive in contrast with the deep red of Aloe cameronii leaves.

Aloe cameronii should be grown in full sun in well drained soil and irrigated only occasionally to enhance its leaves’ red color. If you over water this plant, the leaves may turn green. Aloe cameronii is a relatively hardy plant, handling down to the mid 20's without frost damage. This aloe species combines attractive foliage and attractive flowers.

Aloe cameronii was first discovered by Kenneth Cameron of the African Lakes Corporation, who sent it to the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew in 1854.

Herbal Remedy, Elymus repens

Alternative Medicine to Treat Cystitis and Urethritis

Elymus repens may be used as an alternative treatment to relieve disorders disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract such as Cystitis and Urethritis.

Elymus repens, synonym Agropyron repens, also known as Couch grass, Dogs Grass, Quack grass or Twitch, is widely distributed in North America, Europe, North Africa and North Asia. It is found growing wild in gardens and fields, particularly those with a clay soil. The fleshy white roots are spearlike with regular nodes of small rootlets every few centimeters. The roots can spread underground many tens of centimeters, and the bright green leaves may reach up to a meter in height.

It is not easy to find an Elymus repens enthusiast amongst gardeners as it has a bad reputation as an invasive and persistent perennial weed; in the past, however, Elymus repens was widely used as an herbal remedy to treat disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract such as cystitis and urethritis (infection and inflammation of the urethra).


Clinical studies
Scientific studies have shown that Elymus repens has diuretic and sedative effects in rats and mice, but there is a lack of clinical research assessing the medical effects of Elymus repens in humans. The Council of Europe classifies it as suitable for addition to foodstuffs in small quantities; indeed the French still do regularly make a tisane of Elymus repens root. In the past the dried, ground roots of Elymus repens have been added to bread dough, and it is still used today as fodder for livestock.

How to prepare Elymus repens herbal remedy yourself

To collect and prepare Elymus repens yourself, dig up the long roots in spring or early fall and wash them well. Cut out the thick sections of root between the nodes of rootlets. Dry these sections of root and store in an airtight container.

The easiest way to use Elymus repens as a herbal remedy is to prepare a decoction of the herb; gently simmer the dried root in water (do not boil hard) for thirty minutes, strain and discard the boiled roots. Take 4-8 grams of the dried root prepared in this way three times daily.

This pale straw colored fluid has a rather bland, but not unpleasant, taste.

Given the lack of scientific studies in humans, avoid using Elymus repens during pregnancy and lactation.

Elymus repens in commercial herbal preparations Elymus repens is included in many herbal preparations, such as “Femmeherb Cystaid” treatment for cystitis and “Napiers Uva Ursi Tea” for urinary tract infections or an irritable bladder. These are blends of several herbs including Elymus repens so be sure to read any warnings on these commercial treatments that include Elymus repens.

Although the scientific evidence today is inconclusive, Culpeper was in no doubt over the virtues of Elymus repens:

Turmeric Spice Benefits the Heart

Popular Asian Spice’s Heart Health Benefits Proved

Turmeric has long been known by Chinese and Indian healers for its curative properties. Canadian researchers have shown how it can prevent or reverse cardiac problems.
Turmeric, a golden yellow spice derived from a root similar to ginger and galangal, is a major ingredient in spice mixes for cooking curry dishes throughout India, China and Southeast Asia.

Healing Properties of Turmeric
As well as its digestive properties, the healing properties of turmeric have been well known in eastern cultures. It is used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to reduce scar formation, and is a common home remedy to apply to a cut or bruise to prevent ugly scarring.

Now Canadian researchers have shown that eating curcumin, a natural ingredient in turmeric, may dramatically reduce the chance of developing heart failure.


Researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre of the Toronto General Hospital found when the herb was given orally to a variety of mouse models with enlarged hearts (hypertrophy), turmeric can prevent and reverse hypertrophy, restore heart function and reduce scar formation.

Curcumin Works in the Cell Nucleus
The researchers were able to show that, unlike many natural compounds whose effects are minimal, curcumin works directly in the cell nucleus by preventing abnormal unraveling of the chromosome under stress, and preventing excessive abnormal protein production.

“Curcumin’s ability to shut off one of the major switches right at the chromosome source where the enlargement and scarring genes are being turned on is impressive,” says Dr. Peter Liu, cardiologist in the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Scientific Director at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health.

He is also the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Polo Chair Professor in Medicine and Physiology at the University of Toronto,

Dr Liu described the research and its implications for people with heart problems in a media briefing on the paper, Curcumin prevents and reverses murine cardiac hypertrophy, which was published in the February edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Curcumin’s action is good news for the many fans of Indian and Asian food, and people with concerns about developing heart attacks or heart failure.

However, Dr Liu cautions about going overboard on eating curries or other turmeric-based dishes. “The beneficial effects of curcumin are not strengthened by eating more of it,” he says

Safe and Effective Means of Preventing Heart Failure
Since curcumin is a naturally occurring compound that is readily available at a low cost, it might be a safe and effective means of avoiding heart failure in the future by preventing enlargement of the heart.

“Whether you are young or old, male or female, the larger your heart is, the higher your risk is for developing heart attacks or heart failure in the future,“ Dr Liu says.

Clinical Trials of Curcumin
However, it’s too soon for curcumin-based medications to be on the market, as they have not yet undergone clinical trials.

There are some curcumin-based treatments currently in clinical trials; these are for patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancer and are showing promising results.

If clinical trials of curcumin support initial findings of preventing heart enlargement, Dr Liu predicts it may offer hope for millions of patients with heart enlargement in a relatively safe and inexpensive manner.

In the meantime, he recommends common sense approaches to maintaining a healthy heart: “lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, exercising and healthy eating.”

And if that healthy diet also includes a golden yellow curry dish once in a while, so much the better!

Healthy Cooking with Spices

Nutritional Benefits of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and More

Adding aromatic and flavorsome spices to recipes has a variety of health benefits.
Spices are full of antioxidants which may help prevent certain conditions, such as premature aging and heart problems, from occurring. Although many spices can be purchased in capsule form from local health food store, a tastier option is to incorporate these health giving seasonings directly into culinary creations. It is much healthier to flavor foods with herbs and spices rather than sprinkling on loads of sugar and salt.

Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be used to help control diarrhea and vomiting. Recently this spice has been studied to see if it can be used to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. An added benefit of these studies is that cinnamon may also help to lower cholesterol levels.


Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has traditionally been used as a digestive regulating herb. It can help to alleviate the symptoms associated with nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness and indigestion.

Benefits of Clove
Clove oil can be used in an emergency to help alleviate the pain associated with a toothache. Saturate a cotton ball with a few drops of the oil and place it on the tooth that is causing discomfort.

Benefits of Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another spice that can be used to ease complaints associated with an upset stomach and may bring relief to anyone suffering with diarrhea.

Other Spices
Additional spices worth researching for their health benefits include garlic, turmeric, cayenne pepper and paprika.

Using Spices
Cinnamon can be sprinkled on top of cereal, oatmeal and lightly buttered toast and muffins. Cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg can be added to coffee beans or tea leaves before brewing the next cup. Sweet spices, such as clove and allspice, work well when paired with foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots and winter squash. Nutmeg also tastes great sprinkled onto baked squash or incorporated into meat dishes such as Swedish meatballs.

Exercise Caution
Anyone that has a history of heartburn should exercise caution when using some of these remedies. The hotter, spicier herbs, such as cinnamon and ginger, have been known to cause heartburn in certain susceptible individuals. Also, nutmeg can be a hallucinogen when used in excessive quantities.

Flax Seed Oil Source of EFAs

Essential Fatty Acids in Oil and Seeds Maintain Health of the Colon

Flax seed oils and seeds contain Essential Fatty Acids ( EFAs) needed to maintain the health of the colon. Helps clean the body of toxic materials.
“Wherever flax seed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health.” Mahatma Gandhi

Flax Seed for Health
Flax is a blue flowering plant that is grown for its oil rich seeds. Flax has been used in the human diet since at least 3000 B.C. Around 650 B.C., Hippocrates wrote about the soothing nature of eating flax to relieve abdominal pains. Today, many people consume the whole seed for its many health benefits and its unique nutty flavor. Flax is currently under study at the National Cancer Institute as well as other research centers in the U.S. and Canada.

The major components of flax seed are oil and protein. The majority of flax oil that is available in North America is sold in capsules or in bottles. The interest in flax oil has grown in recent years because it is unique among oil seeds containing an exceptionally high concentration of the Omega 3 fatty acids. Flax oil, when extracted with care, is one of the greatest sources of essential fatty acids.

The protein in flax seeds is easily digested and contains all the amino acids needed for building a strong body. The fiber in flax acts as a broom sweeping the colon of toxic material, metabolic waste and dried mucus. Flax fiber is an excellent food for friendly bacteria in the intestine, which keeps disease-causing organisms in check.


Flax mucilage helps to prevent toxic build-up in the bowel during fasting or a healing diet. When juice fasting, take a teaspoon of whole flax, two to three times per day, with a generous supply of water. Do not chew the seeds; swallow them whole with a glass of water. This will allow only the mucilage to escape. The flax seed will pass out of the system without releasing any of its oil. Even though the oil is highly nutritious, it can hinder the deep cleansing process that is desirable during juice fasting.

Flax seed contains lignans that have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds have the richest source of lignans, 100 times more than the next best source, that of wheat bran. These little seeds improve digestion, help stabilize blood glucose levels, fight tumor formation and enhance cardiovascular health. Never purchase ground flax. Grind your own flax seeds fresh in a coffee grinder and eat immediately. Both the flax seed and the flax oil are very unstable and turn rancid if they are not refrigerated.

In this day and age of fat phobia and the resultant barrage of low fat and non-fat food products lining the grocery store aisles, a recommendation to supplement your daily diet with one to two tablespoons of essential fatty acid-rich flax or borage seed oil would appear to go against what you are being told! To the contrary, this is exactly what health conscious consumers are doing across the country to attain and maintain health

The essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in flax seed oil have been scientifically validated to benefit optimal health. A lack of the dietary essential fatty acids has been suggested to facilitate degenerative disease. Surveys indicate that at least 80% of our population is deficient in the essential fatty acids. Unfortunately, mass commercial refinement of fat and oil products and foods containing them has effectively eliminated the essential fatty acids from our food chain, contributing to our modern day deficiencies and growing concern with obesity. Flax seed (whole or ground) can be a wonderful addition to pancakes, breads, muffins, soups and whole grain casseroles.

Rosemary Herb Helps Memory

How Rosemary Protects our Brains from Free Radicals


New research details how the culinary and medicinal herb, rosemary, a delight to taste and smell, also protects our brains against neurodegeneration from free radicals.

Who doesn’t love the tangy, aromatic smell of rosemary? Picked fresh off a bush, bought in the market or cooked with your favourite foods. Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, skillet fried chicken with rosemary, white wine and butter, oven-roasted potatoes with sea salt, olive oil and rosemary, mm mm!

Culinary and Medicinal Herb
Originally a native of the Mediterranean, the evergreen shrub Rosemary, (Rosmarinus officinalis), grows well in most countries, and has been an important part of many cuisines since the Greeks and the Romans first used it for flavouring foods and wine. It also has a long medicinal history, brewed into remedies for respiratory, digestive, skin and nervous complaints. In the Middle Ages, rosemary was used to fumigate houses against the plague.

The herb also had spiritual and religious significance, particularly in remembering the dead, as Shakespeare tells us: “There’s rosemary: that’s for remembrance”, and it is often planted around war memorials and cemeteries.


Now scientists are able to tell us how rosemary can assist with memory and thinking by protecting our brains.

Carnosic Acid Fights Free Radicals
A collaborative group from the Burnham Institute for Medical Research in La Jolla, California and in Japan, report that rosemary contains carnosic acid (CA) which fights off free radical damage in the brain.

CA can protect the brain from stroke and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease resulting from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals are thought to contribute not only to stroke and Alzheimer’s, but also to the ill effects of normal aging on the brain.


The scientists report that CA activates a novel signaling pathway that protects brain cells from the ravages of free radicals. In animal models, the group, led by Drs. Takumi Satoh (Iwate University, Japan) and Stuart A. Lipton, MD, PhD, Director, Professor, and Senior Vice President at the Burnham’s Del E. Webb Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research Center found that CA becomes activated by the free radical damage itself, remaining innocuous unless needed. This makes it the perfect drug. they say.

New Drugs From Rosemary?
The Institute is looking at ways to isolate CA as the basis for a medication for elderly and neurologically-ill patients. Doctors Satoh and Lipton have filed a United States patent application for a whole series of novel compounds that show increased benefits over rosemary itself.

“This is not to say that rosemary chicken is not good for you,” said Dr. Satoh, “but it means that we can do even better in protecting the brain from terrible disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Lou Gehrig’s disease, perhaps even slowing down the effects of normal aging, by developing new and improved cousins to the active ingredient in rosemary.”

“This new type of drug works through a mechanism known as redox chemistry, in which electrons are transferred from one molecule to another in order to activate the body’s own defense system,” said Dr Lipton

“Moreover, unlike most new drugs, this type of compound may well be safe and clinically tolerated because it is present in a naturally-occurring herb that is known to get into the brain and has been consumed by people for over a thousand years.” The studies are reported in the latest editions of The Journal of Neurochemistry and Nature Reviews Neuroscience.

While the scientists get on with developing new drugs from rosemary, we can go on enjoying the aromatic herb in many delicious dishes, knowing it not only smells and tastes heavenly, but is protecting our brains as we eat.

Home Remedies with Ginger

Easy Ways to Use Ginger for Headaches, Flu and Other Ailments


Ginger can be used to help arthritis, diarrhea, flu, headache, heart and menstrual problems, diabetes, and probably the most well-known, stomach upset and motion sickness.

Ginger has a wonderful taste and aroma and has been used for thousands of years, both for flavoring food and for medicinal purposes. This common cooking spice adds flavor to many dishes, but it can also help with many illnesses and ailments.

What Exactly is Ginger?
Ginger, also called ginger root, comes from the stem of a plant that grows to about a foot tall in tropical climates. But it's the underground part of the plant, called the rhizome, the thick, knotty stem which is used in cooking and healing.

You can purchase ginger as raw, powdered, crystallized, in extracts, tinctures, capsules, tea, and in oil form.


How to Take Ginger
Most doctors base herbal dosages for adults on a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Suggested standardized dose is 75 to 2,000 milligrams, divided throughout the day. Herbs should be taken with care, just like other remedies. Because herbs can interact with medications and cause side effects, it's a good idea to check with your health care provider or pharmacist for any concerns.

• For upset stomach, indigestion and gas: fresh root: 2 to 4 grams daily, powdered: 0.25 to 1.0 gram (start small, 1/4 tsp to 4 oz. water, warm or cold), liquid extract: 30 to 90 drops, 500 milligram capsules: 2 to 8 (adjust for potency) or sip some ginger ale.
• Ginger can also be used to prevent vomiting. You might try taking it every four hours as needed. Chewing on a 1/4 oz piece of fresh ginger sometimes helps too.
• Motion sickness. Try the same amount for upset stomach, but use before travel.
• Ginger has been used for years to relieve arthritis pain: Again, 2 to 4 grams daily. Ginger oil (available in health food stores) and fresh ginger may also be rubbed into a painful joint. A warm poultice can be made with fresh or powdered ginger. Mix enough ginger (several tablespoons) with very hot water to make a paste, spread on a gauze and allow it to soak in. Apply, ginger side to skin, to painful areas for a few minutes.
• For cold and flu symptoms, sore throat, headache two tablespoons fresh ginger in hot water several times a day. Commercial ginger tea works well too. Some people find relief from inhaling a few drops of ginger oil or fresh ginger in steaming water.
• For children, it's recommended that ginger not be used by children under two years of age. Of course, check with your doctor before giving any medicine or herbal remedy to your kids. If approved, a standard dosage guide is based on weight. So if your child weighs 50 pounds (20 to 25 kg), the appropriate dose of ginger would be 1/3 of the typical adult dosage.
• For diabetes, some doctors suggest drinking ginger in water first thing in the morning to help regulate glucose.

A recent study of ginger for osteoarthritis of the knee was conducted at the University of Miami in Florida. A highly purified and standardized ginger extract had an impressive effect on reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis. A group of 261 people received a ginger extract twice daily and experienced less pain. According to researchers Dr. Altman and Dr. Marcussen, participants required less pain medications compared to those taking a placebo. Other studies with ginger show promising results for heart patients and diabetes as well.

So the next time your tummy is upset or your head hurts, you might consider reaching for your spice rack instead of the medicine cabinet.

Essential Oils

Distilled Oil Is Used in Aromatherapy and Many Crafts

Many of the fragrances you have come to take for granted in household cleaning agents, soaps, cosmetics, and room fresheners started out as essential oils.
Essential oils can be used in the making of candles, potpourri, and perfume. They have restorative properties when used in aromatherapy, and can create a warm and pleasant atmosphere in your home. The next time you want to add a little spice to your day, treat the blues, or inject a little romance, create some magic with essential oils.

For centuries, oil has been extracted from plants by distillation in order to preserve their fragrance. Ancient Egyptian and Chinese texts document the properties of these precious substances, and Biblical references to their value abound. Because of the burgeoning interest in aromatherapy, essential oils have become popular in their own right and are now inexpensive and easy to find.

Below is a sampling of the oils that are available, together with a brief summary of their properties. They can be used as single fragrances or mixed to create custom blends. Lesley Bremness in her book, “The Complete Book of Herbs”, recommends a number of essential oil blends for therapeutic use, and offers an extensive index of oils.


Bergamot
Bergamot can help create a relaxing atmosphere, reduce anxiety, and combat depression. It has antiseptic properties, and has been used in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and cold sores. Bergamot has a floral fragrance mixed with undertones of citrus.

Cardamom
Historically, cardamom it has been prized as an aphrodisiac and used as an herbal remedy to aid digestion and treat nausea. It has a slightly spicy fragrance and is sometimes used in cooking.

Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has natural antiseptic qualities and has been used as an insect repellent and antifungal. It has a bitter sent with undertones of thyme.


Jasmine
Jasmine has been used in the treatment of dry, irritated skin and to reduce the appearance of scars. It has a sweet, delicate fragrance that helps to combat depression.

Lavender
Lavender is one of the most common of the essential oils, and has been used as an ingredient in cosmetic and cleaning agents for decades. It is helpful in the treatment of oily skin and can provide relief from sunburn and insect bites. Lavender is also an excellent insect repellent. It has a woody, astringent fragrance.

Patchouli
Patchouli oil has been effective in the treatment of headaches and has sedative properties. It is often used in essential oil blends because it works to bring different fragrances together in harmony. Alone, it has a smoky, masculine fragrance.

Sandalwood
Sandalwood is another essential oil that is commonly used to blend scented oils. It has been useful in the treatment of depression and to reduce stress. It has a mild earthy scent.

Tea Tree
Tea tree has antiseptic properties that can aid in the treatment of acne and insect bites. It has also been used effectively in the treatment of athlete' s foot. It has a bitter, medicinal scent.

Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang has been used to treat stress, and insect bites. It has a strong sweet fragrance. Use this oil sparingly. Prolonged exposure may cause headaches.

Try aromatherapy, or use essential oils to create your own fragrance blends. There are kits available with recommendations for great blends that will match your personality or address your unique needs.

Because essential oils are concentrated, they should always be handled with care and never applied directly to the skin unless they have been blended with base oils like grape seed or vegetable oil.

Herbs for Stress and Strain

Natural Products for the Strain When You Can't Let It Go

Stress and strain are in everyone's life. Once we learn to recognize them, we can find ways to manage them and be more relaxed.
What is stress and what is strain? We all have a normal, happy, healthy state that is unique to us. A stress is a force that is pushing us away from that state—noise, pollution, death of loved ones, some bad food—stress can be almost anything. Strain is the amount that a stress moves us away from our normal state.

So, for instance, a stress might be getting fired from a job. The strain might be the worry that we’ll run out of money before we get another job. Usually when we complain about stress, it’s really the strain that we’re talking about.

It’s important that each person understands what “normal” is for them, so they can recognize strain when it occurs. One person might lose their job and be fairly relaxed about finding the next one. Another person who gets laid off may have a panic attack, or simply start overeating a bit. If the second person knows that they tend to overeat when stressed then they are better prepared to recognize strain and take some action to resolve the strain and get back to normal.


The Buddha said (just paraphrasing) that all human suffering comes from grasping at objects that are essentially ephemeral. Another way of saying this is that we all have stress because change is inevitable. We can avoid strain if we don’t “grasp” at the things that are changing. Let it go—as they say.

For those of us who haven’t learned to “let it go” there are a few herbs that might help take the edge off of stress. They aren’t cures—but they can assist the nervous system to deal with stress and strain.

• Passion Flower extract (Passiflora incarnate) is used in commercial preparations in Europe to relieve mild nervous stress. It will relieve mild anxiety, aid in getting a good night’s sleep and lower some types of hypertension.
• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a nerve tonic and sedative. It’s been used historically for epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, and nervous tension.
• Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is a sedative and an anti-anxiety herb. It is non-addictive, so it might be a better choice than benzodiazepines or tranquilizers.
• Oats (Avena sativa) are a nerve tonic that has been used for centuries for sleeplessness, nervous exhaustion.
• Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) is a tonic for the circulatory system that might be of use if stress and strain are raising blood pressure a bit.
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has very mild sedative properties. It also tends to help the digestive tract. Many people are bothered by digestion upset when they’re under stress. A cup of chamomile tea might be ideal for them.
• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) has been thought to be a tonic for the circulatory and nervous systems for a thousand years.
• Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a sedative that can be used for restlessness and insomnia.

Everyone is different and responds differently to herbs and pharmaceuticals. So several of these may help a person who is experiencing strain, or none of them may help.

If a person is having trouble managing stress and strain, it may be possible to eliminate some of the stresses in their life. That way there’ll be more energy available to deal with the strain that remains.

We all know people who react to strain by drinking more coffee which is going to add chemical stress to the body in a number of ways. They’ll feel like they have more energy to take on the world, but the reality is that their nervous system will be less up to the tasks.

Managing stress is a matter of detachment, eliminating unnecessary stressors, and possibly adding a few herbs. If that doesn’t work, then get some professional help.

If you’re already taking pharmaceuticals, be sure to consult your physician before adding herbs to your daily routine.

Slippery Elm's Medicinal Value

The inner bark of this native tree has many medicinal uses.

There are many uses for this safe and effective herbal treatment. From a poultice to a twice a day capsule, it can be very beneficial.

Slippery Elm is a tree that is native to North America. The inner bark of the tree is the part used for its medicinal value. Ten year old bark should be used and it should be grey colored, not red. It has mucilaginous properties, or mucus-like, hence the common name slippery Elm. This property gives it great value in treating digestive problems as well as the blood purifying effect it has against cancer.

External Uses
Used externally, slippery elm makes an excellent treatment for wounds and other skin problems. The cells of the inner bark expand and get spongy when mixed with water. Early American settlers would soak the bark in water and apply it to wounds to create a natural bandage as it dried. To use as a poultice, clean the wound with soap and water, moisten the powdered bark with just enough water to make a paste and apply it to the wound and allow it to dry. It also makes an excellent poultice for severe rheumatic problems and for gout and other joint problems.

Internal Uses
It can be taken as a tea, in capsule form, and even as a food. It is said to have comparable nutrients as oatmeal. To eat as a food, mix powder with water or milk to the consistency of oatmeal and thin to taste. It can be seasoned with cinnamon or lemon, or whatever flavoring is preferred. To make a tea, add two teaspoons of the powder to a cup of boiling water and simmer for fifteen minutes. It makes a very soothing laxative and helps sooth a sore throat.

Slippery Elm is recognized as a wholesome and nutritious food that is safe enough for babies. There are no known cautions or contraindications. It is a very safe herbal remedy used for a variety of symptoms. It is said to be effective for bronchitis and pleurisy when used in combination with other herbs. It is also known to treat certain heart and gynecological problems. When a pinch of the powder is placed in the tooth where decay has started it is said to reduce pain and even delay more decaying. It is also one of the rare herbal remedies that has not been disputed in its value and effectiveness.

Other herbs that are beneficial with slippery elm include Sheep Sorrel, and Turkey Rhubarb for Essiac Tea.

Cissus quadrangularis (MUDU PAYALA NALLEDA)

 Asthisamharaka (Cissus quadrangularis)
The Sanskrit word asthisamharaka literally means that which saves the bones from their destruction. Precisely, it is also named as asthisandhani, which describes its peculiar quality of healing the bone fractures. Denoting the same property, is has few synonyms, like vafravati, asthisrnkhala, vajrangi, granthimala etc. The plant has been mentioned in all ancient scriptures of Ayurveda. It is used in folklore medicine to heal bone fractures, throughout India. The Sanskrit names, mentioned above, also hint at the same use by ancient physicians.

The plant grows throughout India, especially, in gotter regions and in Sri Lanka, The tendril climber has quadrangular stems with ridges. The stems are often leafless, when old. Few aerial roots arise from the joined nodes and grow towards the soil, The leaves are small, simple, heart – shaped and toothed. The flowers are small, greenish white, in short cymes. The fruits are globose or ovoid berries, red when ripe. The author of Nighantu Ratnakara mentions the there are two varieties of this climber, namely, of four – sided and three – sided stems. But only one variety of four – sided stem is reported; which at times may be seen shooting out branches having three sides. A two – sided horticultural variety is also grown in gardens.

The botanical name of asthisamharaka is Cissus quadrangularis and it belongs to family Vitaceae. From the plant stems, 3- ketosteroids have been isolated. The steroid contained in this plant has an anabolic property. Two new unsymmetric tetracyclic triterpenoiks onocer – 7- en- 3 along with sitosterol, delta amyrin and delta amyrone were isolated.

Properties
Asthisamharaka is sweet in taste sour in the post digestive effect and has hot potency. It alleviates vata and kapha dosas. It possessed dry , light and mild laxative attributes. It is an appetizer, digestant, an aphrodisiac and healer of bone fractures. Mainly it is used in the diseases like piles, fractures, asthma, cough and loss of appetite. (Kaiyadeva Nighantu)

Uses
The stem and leaves of asthisamharaka have great medicinal value. The plant is used both, internally as well as externally. As it is a healing gerb and styptic (rakta stambhana) one, it is used to promote the healing of bone fractures. For that purpose, externally, the crushed stems are used as a poultice over bone fractures, along with the juice of its roasted stems, orally, is given with ghee. In epistaxix, the stem juice is instilled nasally, to arrest the nose bleed. The powdered stem is missed with pulses and fried in sesame oil, as a remedy for several vata diseases.

Orally, the plant is recommended with vakeri (Caesalpinia digya) root powder, in veneral diseases. In loss of appetite and indigestion, the cooked leaved are advised or their burnt ash is used. In menorrhagia, the stem juice, combined with gopicandana, is prescribed with ghee and honey. The fresh juice of the plant is benevolent in asthma. As a blood purifier, it is said to be beneficial in blood disorders in scurvy also. Asthisamharaka is also used as a general tonic.

Classical Ayurvedic Preparations
Asthisamharaka juice
Asthisamharaka powder
Asthisamharaka decoction of dried stalks.


Using Cissus Quadrangularis for Bone HealthAn Ancient Herbal Remedy for Osteoporosis and Healing of Fractures

Cissus Quadrangularis Promotes Bone Health -Osteoporosis and other bone disorders affect millions of people. Cissus quadrangularis is an herbal remedy that speeds healing of fractures and promotes bone strength.

Cissus quadrangularis is a rambling shrub native to the hotter parts of India and Ceylon. It has been used in traditional herbal medicine since ancient times as a general tonic and analgesic, but its most highly valued property is as a bone healer. To treat fractures and associated swelling, a paste made from the stem of Cissus is applied directly over the injury.

Research on the Bone-Healing Properties of CissusCissus quadrangularis has been studied extensively to verify its bone-healing properties. Clinical trials and animal studies have shown that treatment with Cissus facilitates the remodeling process of the healing bone, speeding the restoration of bone tensile strength. In clinical trials, Cissus shortened fracture healing time between 33% and 55%. In a number of studies, the effect of Cissus was observed in bones that were weakened by cortisol. When Cissus extracts were given, cortisol-induced weakening was halted, and the healing process began.

Animal studies have allowed more insight into the process by which Cissus promotes bone healing. In one such study, a phytosterol fraction isolated from Cissus demonstrated significant bone-healing activity in experimental bone fractures of the right humerus of young rats. When this extract was injected daily for six weeks, increases in total body weight, and substantially improved bone healing rates were observed. Researchers concluded that Cissus acts by enhancing regeneration of connective tissue and mineralization.


Cissus quadrangularis

Cissus quadrangularis is an ancient medicinal plant native to the hotter parts of Ceylon and India. It was prescribed in the ancient Ayurvedic texts as a general tonic and analgesic, with specific bone fracture healing properties. Modern research has shed light on Cissus' ability to speed bone healing by showing it acts as a glucocorticoid antagonist (1,2). Since anabolic/androgenic compounds are well known to act as antagonists to the glucocorticoid receptor as well as promote bone growth and fracture healing, it has been postulated that Cissus possesses anabolic and/or androgenic properties (1,3). In addition to speeding the remodeling process of the healing bone, Cissus also leads to a much faster increase in bone tensile strength. In clinical trials Cissus has led to a fracture healing time on the order of 55 to 33 percent of that of controls. That cissus exerts antiglucocorticoid properties is suggested by a number of studies where bones were weakend by treatment with cortisol, and upon administration of Cissus extract the cortisol induced weakening was halted, and the healing process begun.

While the increased rate of bone healing may be of great significance to persons suffering from chronic diseases like osteoporosis (4), the antiglucocorticoid properties of Cissus are likely of much more interest to the average bodybuilder or athlete, since endogenous glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol, are not only catabolic to bone, but catabolize muscle tissue as well. Numerous studies over the years have suggested that glucorticoids, including the body's endogenous hormone cortisol activate pathways that degrade not only bone, but skeletal muscle tissue as well. A recently published report documented exactly how glucocorticoids (including cortisol) induce muscle breakdown: They activate the so-called ubiquitin-proteasome pathway of proteolysis (5). This pathway of tissue breakdown is important for removing damaged and non-functional proteins. However, when it is overactive during periods of elevated cortisol (e.g disease states, stress, and overtraining) excess amounts of normal tissue are broken down as well. By exerting an anabolic, antiglucorticoid effect cissus helps preserve muscle tissue during times of physical and emotional stress.

Although the bulk of the research on Cissus centers around bone healing, the possibility exists that Cissus may act to improve bone healing it may improve the healing rate of connective tissue in general, including tendons. If this is the case it would be of great benefit to bodybuilders and athletes.

Besides the above-mentioned properties of Cissus, the plant is also rich in the vitamins/antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene. As analyzed, Cissus quadrangularis contained ascorbic acid 479 mg, and carotene 267 units per 100g of freshly prepared paste in addition to calcium oxalate (6).

The typical recommended daily dosage of Cissus extract is between 100 and 500 mg, depending on the concentration of the extract and the severity of symptoms. For the powder of the dried plant, the Ayurvedic texts recommend a dosage of 3 to 6 grams to accelerate fracture healing. Safety studies in rats showed no toxic effects at dosages as high as 2000 mg/kg of body weight. So not only is Cissus efficacious, it is also quite safe, in either the dried powder form or the commercially available extract.

Cissus also possess analgesic properties on a mg per mg basis comparable to aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Cissus quadrangularis constitutes one of the ingredients of an Ayurvedic preparation, `Laksha Gogglu', which has been proved to be highly effective in relieving pain, reduction of swelling and promoting the process of healing of the simple fractures as well as in curing the allied disorders associated with fractures (7). The mechanism through which Cissus exerts its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties has not been well characterized. It may act centrally, but the anti-inflammatory features suggest that it acts by preventing the conversion of arachidonic acid to inflammatory prostaglandins.


1) Chopra SS, Patel MR, Awadhiya RP. Studies of Cissus quadrangularis in experimental fracture repair : a histopathological study Indian J Med Res. 1976 Sep;64(9):1365-8

2) Chopra SS, Patel MR, Gupta LP, Datta IC. Studies on Cissus quadrangularis in experimental fracture repair: effect on chemical parameters in blood Indian J Med Res. 1975 Jun;63(6):824-8.

3) PRASAD GC, UDUPA KN. EFFECT OF CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS ON THE HEALING OF CORTISONE TREATED FRACTURES. Indian J Med Res. 1963 Jul;51:667-76.

4) Shirwaikar A, Khan S, Malini S. Antiosteoporotic effect of ethanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. on ovariectomized rat. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Dec;89(2-3):245-50.

5) Combaret L, Taillandier D, Dardevet D, Bechet D, Ralliere C, Claustre A, Grizard J, Attaix D Glucocorticoids regulate mRNA levels for subunits of the 19 S regulatory complex of the 26 S proteasome in fast-twitch skeletal muscles. Biochem J. 2004 Feb 15;378(Pt 1):239-46.

6) Chidambara Murthy KN, Vanitha A, Mahadeva Swamy M, Ravishankar GA. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Cissus quadrangularis L. J Med Food. 2003 Summer;6(2):99-105.

7) Panda, J Res Ayurv Siddha, 1990, 11, 7