Shannon’s Herbs Assignment: Week 6 Body Systems

Part 1

Read: 47 – 61

Part 2

Watch:

Herbs for the Digestive System

Part 3

Answer:

1. Choose one of the systems listed. Within that system, choose at least 4 herbs. Look up these herbs online using research skills you have gained in other courses. Create a chart or write in paragraph form the following:

The Immune System

Info Garlic Astragalus Nettles Cat’s Claw

How is it best used Garlic is best used Astragalus is best Due to its Cat’s claw is a in this system? raw (it is the most used as a tincture, anti-infammatory powerful immune potent form) in the capsule and properties and rich booster. It immune system to tablets, decoction, stores of vitamins enhances immune trigger the or whole dried and minerals, function by activation of white slices of root (can nettles support increasing blood cells (all be added to and strengthen the infection-fghting kinds) to fght off soups). It immune system in white blood cell disease. strengthens the powerful ways. count and Additionally, garlic immune system, Antioxidants found enabling the helps to modulate reduces cold and in nettle tea immune system to the immune fu symptoms, and deactivate free respond more system in other helps the body radicals (that cause effectively and ways (sulfuric adapt to the infammation and effciently to compounds, pressures it is chronic disease), invaders. vitamins, minerals, facing. and vitamin c, Furthermore, it allicin, etc.) to help favonoids, and alleviates pain and reduce the risk of carotenoids all infammation, contracting viral, boost the immune fghts cancer, and bacterial, acute, or system by helping promotes DNA chronic disease. it handle oxidative repair. stress. Nettles may also reduce the occurrence and severity of seasonal allergies. Use as dried leaves, freeze-dried leaves, extract, capsules, tablets, and as root tincture. Topical ointments and creams that contain stinging nettle are also available. Stinging nettle root appears to have different pharmacological effects than the leaves.

What does it do in “Garlic enhances As an immune When the leaves In addition to this system? the functioning of tonic and and stems of exhibiting the immune adaptogen, stinging nettle are powerful system by astragalus builds digested, either in antioxidant and stimulating certain the immune the form of a tea, anti-infammatory cell types, such as system when it is tincture, capsule, effects, cat’s claw macrophages, in a fatigued state. or culinary green, naturally boosts lymphocytes, Additionally, it the chemical the immune natural killer (NK) also encourages constituents system, cells, dendritic an increase in interfere with the strengthening its cells, and immune cell body’s production defenses against eosinophils, (T-cells, natural of prostaglandins, the multitude of through the killer cells, resulting in an pathogens activation of macrophages, anti-infammatory encountered each mechanisms immunoglobulin) response. Nettles day in the air, including activity, also interfere with water, and modulation of production, and pain signals in the environment. Cat's cytokine secretion, function. body, clean out the claw immunoglobulin Astragalus appears intestinal tract, supplementation production, to help trigger and boost the signifcantly phagocytosis, and immune cells from immune system, elevates white macrophage a resting state into providing relief blood cell count, activation. Garlic’s heightened and healing for suggesting an ability to modulate activity. The issues of the improved ability to the immune number of digestive system. fght off infectious system macrophages invaders. Cat’s contributes to the (cells of the claw may also help treatment and immune system boost the effcacy prevention of that ingest foreign of vaccines. pathologies such antigens to as obesity, protect against metabolic infection) has been syndrome, shown to increase cardiovascular after disorders, gastric administering a ulcer, and even decoction of cancer.” astragalus. The natural killer cells of the immune system also have a markedly enhanced ability to fght intruders (fve- to sixfold). Taking astragalus long-term can help prevent colds, and taking it for up to six weeks may relieve seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing.

Contra- Do not consume Do not consume Stinging nettle Cat’s claw is indications garlic under the astragalus if you contains vitamin K generally well certain conditions: have autoimmune and so could tolerated and -Bleeding or conditions such interfere with the considered clotting disorders as lupus, multiple anticoagulant non-toxic. -Before or after sclerosis, and drug, warfarin According to surgery (10 days rheumatoid (Coumadin). reports, its only before) arthritis. Stinging nettle can potential side -Diabetes Consuming more lower blood effect is diarrhea. -Medications such than 28 grams a pressure, which However, since as those for day may limit the means it could cat’s claw may clotting, heart activity of the heighten the effect stimulate the conditions, or immune system. It of blood pressure immune system, it birth control is not known medications. should be avoided -When already whether it is safe Stinging nettle can by those taking other to consume during act as a diuretic undergoing organ anticoagulant pregnancy and and may increase transplants, skin herbs breastfeeding. the effects of grafts, and -Hyperthyroidism- drugs that increase immunosuppressiv Over- urination e therapy. it consumption (diuretics). Because should not be used (more than 4 of its diuretic on a long-term cloves daily) effects, stinging basis in people nettle may also with autoimmune affect the way the disorders (such as body eliminates lupus or multiple lithium. It also can sclerosis) until increase the further studies are effects of drugs for available. Pregnant diabetes, possibly or breastfeeding leading to low women and blood sugar children under the (hypoglycemia).Wh age of three ile generally should avoid using regarded as safe, cat’s claw. It stinging nettle can should not be used cause side effects in conjunction including mild with blood stomach upset, pressure lowering fuid retention, drugs. sweating, diarrhea, and hives or an allergic rash (mainly from topical use). Touching the nettle plant can lead to an allergic rash. Never apply stinging nettle to an open wound. Pregnant women should avoid stinging nettle because its hormonal effects could lead to miscarriage. Because stinging nettle may affect blood sugar, it could interfere with the management of diabetes. If you have diabetes, keep close track of your blood sugar when using stinging nettle. Stinging nettle can also have a diuretic effect, thereby increasing urinary frequency. Use caution if you have low blood pressure.

Dosage Dosages generally The recommended Take 1-3 cups of The dosage of cat’s recommended in dose for a tea daily as an claw varies the literature for standardized immune tonic and depending on the adults are 4 g (one extract is 250 – nourisher as well strength of that to two cloves) of 500 mg, three to as a general-body particular batch, raw garlic per day, four times a day multivitamin. but an average one 300-mg dried (standardized to Tincture: 15-20 daily dose is garlic powder 0.4% drops (0.25-0.3 ml) 20–350 mg of tablet 4-hydroxy-3-meth in a small amount dried stem bark (standardized to oxy isofavone of water and take 2 for extracts or 1.3 percent alliin or 7-sug). When times daily of the 300–500 mg for 0.6 percent allicin making tea, boil herb, or 30 drops capsules, taken in yield) two to three three to six grams (0.5 ml) 2-3 times 2–3 separate doses times per day, or of dried root per daily of the root. throughout the 7.2 g of aged garlic 12 ounces of water Tincture: Take 2-4 day. extract per day. three times a day. fuid ounces as You can get a needed. tincture of Encapsulated form: astragalus in 30 Take 2 capsules of percent ethanol. 600 mg 2-3 times The recommended daily of the herb, dose is 20 to 60 or a total of 320 to drops three times 1,200 mg daily of a day. the root. To help prevent seasonal allergies or hay fever, two 300 mg nettle leaf capsules or tablets, or a 2-4 ml tincture, three times per day can be taken during allergy season. For acute attacks, the freeze-dried encapsulated herb can be taken two capsules every fve minutes until symptoms have diminished. For hives, 1-2 capsules can be taken every 2-4 hours as needed.

Frequency of use Can be used daily Can be taken daily Can be taken daily Can be taken daily, to boost immunity as an immune as a nutritive and but if beginning to tonic. immune tonic. develop an illness, take at frst sign.

Interesting Fact Eating garlic with Astragalus is Stinging nettle has Cat’s claw inhibits greens (such as recommended for been used to make the activation of spinach or parsley) postpartum fever textiles like cloth nuclear helps to negate and blood and paper since factor-kappa beta, the garlic odor. defciency. early times. With an infammatory It has a deeper fbers similar to “switch” that is immune system hemp and fax, it’s associated with support than a great alternative, cancer and other echinacea. sustainable fber. deadly diseases. Because the fber When adults is hollow, it supplemented provides natural with cat’s claw for insulation. The two months German army used before receiving a nettle for their pneumonia uniforms in World vaccination, their War I and used its antibody titers (an leaves to dye indication of uniforms in World immunity to War II. pneumonia) remained at higher levels fve months longer than in the control subjects.

Sources

Arreola, R., Quintero-Fabián, S., López-Roa, R. I., Flores-Gutiérrez, E. O., Reyes-Grajeda, J. P., Carrera-Quintanar, L., & Ortuño-Sahagún, D. (2015). Immunomodulation and anti-infammatory effects of garlic compounds. Journal of immunology research, 2015, 401630. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/401630

Carballido, E., & Editorial. (2021). Garlic contraindications. Botanical online. https://www.botanical-online.com/en/medicinal-plants/garlic-contraindications.

Willard, T. C., PhD. (2015, April 24). Astragalus: The Immune Warrior. Alive. https://www.alive.com/health/astragalus-the-immune-warrior/

Dr. Weil - Integrative Medicine, Healthy Lifestyles & Happiness. (2020, October 5). Astragalus. DrWeil.Com. https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/astragalus/

Nettle Tea Health Benefts, Uses And Its Side Effects. (2020, September 12). Lybrate. https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefts-of-nettle-tea-and-its-side-effects

Dr. Weil - Integrative Medicine, Healthy Lifestyles & Happiness. (2020b, October 5). Stinging Nettle. DrWeil.Com. https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/stinging-nettle/

Cat’s Claw. (2021). Life Extension. https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2007/3/nu_catsclaw 2. There are a few different recipes for using these herbs, especially when it comes to teas or smoothies. Create your own recipe for a mom that could be a client of yours. It should not be something you fnd online or already use but should be of your own creation. What would the recipe be? What is it for? Be specifc in outlining what the recipe calls for and why as well as how to put it together. Bonus points if you actually make this and include a photo or video of you trying it.

My recipe is for a nutritive tea that moms can drink during pregnancy to boost their immune systems, restore their vitamin and mineral stores, give them strength, and prepare their bodies for delivering their babies.

Nutritive Pregnancy Tea

Ingredients:

100g nettles (is an extremely rich source of nutrients such as vitamin K and signifcantly reduces infammation, supports the immune and digestive systems, helps to build the blood)

100g red raspberry leaf (is a nutritive and a rich source of antioxidants, helps to tone the uterus and prepare it for labor (may shorten labor), may help prevent morning sickness and miscarriages, supports a woman’s entire reproductive system)

100g vitex leaf (strengthen the pituitary gland which governs production of all female reproductive hormones to ensure that they stay in proper balance, i.e. maintain the ratio of hormones needed by a woman's body for whatever stage it is in. After pregnancy, vitex leaf supports breast milk production.).

100g yellow dock (considered a bitter, it supports liver detoxifcation, hormone balance, acts as a prebiotic and encourages a diverse microbiome, and provides a rich source of blood-building iron which does not constipate)

50g oatstraw (a nutritive rich in blood building nutrients, minerals and vitamins including chromium-important for healthy blood sugar control-, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and Bs. Oatstraw has a natural calming and nourishing effect on the nervous system)

50g alfalfa (a nutritive which provides biofavonoids, potassium, much needed magnesium, calcium, iron and beta carotene)

Directions:

-Loosely grind all the herbs together and place the mixture into a glass jar -Use 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of herbs per cup of boiling water and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

-This tea may be drunk at any desired temperature up to 3 times a day.

3. Choose an herb you could make into a tincture. Give a detailed explanation step by step of how to use this particular herb of your choice to make a tincture. Ensure you include how to decant and use. Bonus points if you actually make the tincture. It must be made for this assignment and not one you previously had.

Lavender Tincture

1. Remove the fresh or dried herbs off of the stalks. If using freshly dug roots, wash and scrub them of dirt. 2. Chop fresh herbs and grind dried herbs to increase the surface area for the maceration. Place herbs into a clean, dry jar with a wide mouth. 3. Pour high proof alcohol (80% or more-vodka or brandy) over the herbs until the alcohol level is an inch above the top of the herbs. Dry herbs may absorb the liquid, so check and add alcohol as needed. 4. Cover tightly with a lid and place the jar in a dark cupboard and allow to soak or macerate for 4-6 weeks. 5. During this time period, give the jar a shake every 2-3 days. Keep an eye on the alcohol level to ensure all your herbs are still covered. 6. Once macerating is complete, layer cheesecloth a few times over top of a clean bowl and secure with a rubber band if possible. 7. Strain the mixture through the cheesecloth and with clean hands, gather the cloth up and squeeze strongly so every bit of possible liquid is drained from the herbs. 8. Allow material to settle overnight and strain again, or decant, through a smaller flter such as flter paper or a thin wire screen. 9. Use a funnel to transfer into labeled, amber bottles and store out of the light. 10. Internal use: take 2-4 mL lavender tincture three times a day.

4. What is “Four Thieves Vinegar”? Explain what it is and does as well as its name.

Four Thieves Vinegar, also called Marseilles Vinegar, is a herbal tonic made from a concoction of apple cider vinegar (the base) and a number of herbs known for their antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. It has been believed for many years that this combination of herbs and vinegar protects one from illness and disease, including the plague. According to medieval legend, “four thieves were said to rob the homes of those suffering from illness and those who had died from the 17th-century plague, the Black Death. It is said that on moonless nights in Marseilles, France, the thieves would anoint their bodies in vinegar that had been infused with “protective” herbs now known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. This herbal vinegar was thought to give the thieves an advantage against contracting the illness. Fleas were thought to be one especially sneaky carrier of the plague. In addition to its antimicrobial potential, the thieves’ aromatic cloak may have also acted as a natural fea repellant! At frst, the four thieves’ behavior wasn’t of much consequence, as folks assumed the plague would eventually take hold of them. However, the thieves’ resistance was strong, and their thievery continued. When they were fnally apprehended, judges offered a less agonizing form of execution if they would be helpful by sharing their immunity secret. An alternative to this tale is that the four thieves had been caught for their acts of robbery and were then sentenced to bury the dead after the plague hit. In order to try and stave off catching the disease, they created this potent herbal vinegar in which they rubbed behind their ears, on their temples, and in their hands. Though it is likely some of the herbs have changed and been adapted in the recipe through the years, modern herbalists typically use a combination of sage (Salvia offcinalis) leaf, rosemary (Rosmarinus offcinalis) leaf, lavender (Lavandula offcinalis) bud, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) leaf, garlic (Allium sativum) bulb, juniper (Juniperus communis) berry, and black pepper (Piper nigrum) seed when making Four Thieves vinegar preparations.”

5. Examine the way “Papaya” is discussed on pages 57 and 58. Using this as a guide, do the same for an herb of your choice that is not already discussed at length in the text.

Andrographis

Parts Used:

● Leaves ● Roots

Systems Supported:

● Hepatic ● Cardiovascular ● Immune ● Integumentary

Functions:

● Treats infections ● Has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, choleretic, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and adaptogenic properties ● Effective against Ascaris lumbricoides, the most common intestinal parasite worldwide, and can also kill the parasite Dipetalonema reconditum, which infects dogs and is transmitted by mosquitoes ● Improves liver function and protects against liver toxins, such as acetaminophen ● Contain compounds that act as strong antioxidants ● Has antibacterial action against a number of Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, and has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus bioflm formation. ● May inhibit HIV infections ● Has similar fever and throat pain-relieving effects as acetaminophen when consumed daily for seven days ● Helps alleviate the symptoms of the common cold, including fatigue, sleeplessness, sore throat, nasal secretions, headache, earache, throat mucus, and cough frequency and intensity, and causes a reduction in upper respiratory tract infections and sinusitis ● May have anticancer and antidiabetic effects ● Can be taken as a bitter (tincture) 5 to 15 minutes before each meal to increase digestive abilities. The dose is 2 to 5 drops. The more consistently it is taken, the better digestive health one will have ● For the common cold, take a 300-milligram tablet, four times daily, for the frst few days of symptoms. ● For fever reduction and relief from infammatory issues or pain, taking a higher dose of three to six grams daily is typically recommended. ● Another common dose for ulcerative colitis and issues related to infammation is 1,200–1,800 milligrams of andrographis extract per day for eight weeks. ● Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, conditions of low blood pressure and bleeding disorders, and for those taking blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, or ibuprofen)