Herbs Demystified: A Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies Really Work
As researchers and consumers alike become more aware of the power of herbs, more information is readily available--and much of it is conflicting or even potentially dangerous. Yet most resources simply prescribe herbs, without explaining how the herb works. Finally,Herbs Demystifiedprovides scientifically up-to-date explanations for what herbs really do--in a clear, concise, user-friendly way.A lifelong fascination with herbs led biochemist Dr. Holly Phaneuf to research their properties and the cause-and-effect mechanisms of herbal molecules in the human body. Answering basic as well as complicated questions about herbal remedies,Herbs Demystifiedis practical, easy-to-read, and extraordinarily comprehensive, covering every relevant topic, including:* Echinacea's long-debated healing properties* Lemon balm and sage as treatments for Alzheimer's disease* Tea tree oil's effectiveness in getting rid of bacteria--and its cost to your cells* Soy versus black cohosh for the prevention of hot flashes* Licorice's ability to heal ulcers--and cause overdoses* Garlic's effectiveness in preventing blood clots* Wintergreen as nature's aspirin* Aloe vera’s two forms--and the drastically different effects of eachExploring more than fifty of the most popular herbs, from aloe to yohimbe, the oft-used ginseng to the less well-known turmeric,Herbs Demystifiedalso contains:* How scientists think herbs work* Lists of common ailments and recommended herbs* Little-known dangers and warning labels* History and folklore* Good effects...and not so good* Commonly reported use and dosageHerbs included: aloe, arnica, artichoke, astragalus, bilberry, black cohosh, borage, cascara, cat's claw, catnip, chamomile, chaste tree, cinnamon, cranberry, dandelion, echinacea, eleuthero, evening primrose, feverfew, flax, garlic, ginger, gingko, ginseng, gotu kola, grape, guarana, hawthorn, hoodia, horse chestnut, kava, lavender, lemon balm, licorice, marsh mallow, milk thistle, nettle, parsley, peppermint, red clover, red pepper, sage, saw palmetto, senna, soy, St. John's wort, tea, tea tree oil, turmeric, uva ursi, valerian, wild yam, wintergreen, witch hazel, yerba mate, yohimbe