Vimala, S., et al. Anti-tumour promoter activity in Malaysian ginger rhizobia used in traditional medicine. British Journal of Cancer, Vol. 80, No. 1/2, april 1999, pp. 110-16.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ginger, tumeric and other members of the Zingiberaceae family of rhizomes have a long history of use in Malaysian traditional medicine. Ginger, for example, is widely used in the treatment of stomach problems, nausea, vomiting, epilepsy, sore throat, cough, bruises, wounds, childbirth, sore eyes, liver complaints, rheumatism, asthma, and many other disorders. Researchers at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia now report that several members of the Zingiberaceae family effectively block the promotion of cancerous tumors. They tested 11 different species and found that seven of them had strong anti-tumor properties. Their test involved a short-term assay of the inhibitory effect of extracts of the rhizomes (roots) on human cancer cells. They found that turmeric (Curcuma domestica) extracts (turmeric root extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform or ethanol) completely inhibited further growth of the cancer cells. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) extracts, especially the chloroform extract, also inhibited further growth, but the concentration of extract was more critical than for the turmeric extracts. The researchers conclude that tumeric, ginger and other Zingiberaceae rhizomes may be useful in preventing the promotion of cancer and that populations with high risks of cancer should be encouraged to include them in their diet. Further work is now underway to isolate the active components in the plants.

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Aboriginal Multi-Purpose Healing Lotion & bush remedy.

This age-old healing lotion is a hydrasol. Now, a hydrasol is usually the byproduct of distilling leaf material to obtain an essential oil. We all know of essential oils, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus etc. The usual process of obtaining essential oils assumes the essential oil is the primary product, and the hydrasol, the water, and the nutrients from the leaves, are left behind after distilling, is considered a by-product.

But what if the hydrasol itself is the primary product, rather than the by-product of distilling leaf material? That is the case with this amazing Aboriginal Multi-Purpose Healing Lotion. In most eucalyptus oil distillation processes, eucalyptus globulis, grown in plantations is used. Not so with this product. Other selected eucalypt species are collected, and distilled to provide this amazing hydrasol. The eucalyptus oil is discarded, and the hydrasol is retained.

The Aboriginal Multi-Purpose Healing Lotion retains and enhances the properties of the original leaf. Eucalyptus leaves have antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antiviral properties. The leaves contain tannins (which are believed to help reduce inflammation), flavonoids (such as quercetin, which has antioxidant properties), and volatile oils.

Herbalist Patrick O’Brien is proud to have been chosen by Jolti (a small Aboriginal family company who make the lotion) to bottle and market this age-old healing lotion. At the request of Jolti, a charitable funding component has been built into the Healing Lotion to be donated to the Bulega Childrens Foundation of Bangalore. As well, another funding component has been added to donate to the Wildlife Protection Association of Australia Inc to further their wildlife education and information projects to schools….a total of 15% of the price of the Healing Lotion goes to charity!

Aboriginal Multi-Purpose Healing Lotion is used for skincare, rubbing the lotion on the hands, arms, face, or body refreshes and tones the skin, and helps provide skin clarity and color. The Lotion also helps keep biting insects at bay, relieves the pain of sunburn, soothes bites and scratches, and relieves itching. It also has pain relief properties for aching muscles or joints. We use it ourselves regularly, and find it wonderful. Patrick O’Brien, HH(Dip)MH Herbalist.

Articles have been used from the peoples below.Get into their link and view products

For more details and postage prices go to http://www.home-herb-garden.com/ and click on the healing lotion icon in the lefthand menu. for more information!

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Probably the best-researched alternative therapy is Ginkgo biloba extract. It has been the subject of several trials, including part of a double-blind trial with the drug pentoxifylline and 72 patients with sudden deafness. Ginkgo biloba extract proved to be more beneficial than pentoxifylline (Acta Otolaryngol, 2001; 121: 579-84). Another study of 106 patients with hearing loss found that high-dose Ginkgo could speed recovery after sudden SNHL ‘with a good chance that they will recover completely, even with little treatment’ (Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2001; 285: 213-9). Homoeopathy offers Pulsatilla as an aid against middle ear infection (J Am Inst Homeop, 1986; 79: 3-4); other remedies include Chenopodium for exposure to loud noise and Causticum for build-up of earwax. Aconite and Ferrum phos. may help in early-stage otitis media, and Salicylicum acidum, Chenopodium and Cinchona officinalis can help in the treatment of tinnitus (Alternative Medicine, Tiburon, California: Future Medicine Publishing, 1999).

Alpha-lipoic acid may also help protect against damage caused by loud noises. The agent reduces free radical formation and can lessen the nerve damage induced by antibiotics. Patients taking drugs that may cause hearing loss could reduce potential harm with 250 mg of alpha-lipoic acid twice a day. Osteopathy and chiropractic may be helpful in recurrent earache if it is caused by a mechanical problem at the top of the neck (Man Med, 1987; 25: 5-10). Another approach, sound therapy, is based on high-frequency soundwaves that stimulate the cilia – the hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear. It can also flip between channels, thereby forcing the ear muscles to tense and then relax, which may help restore muscle tone. Probably the best known of the sound therapies is based on the work and research of the French specialist Alfred Tomatis.

Herbal remedies that are also worth a try include a combination of goldenseal, mullein and hypericum in a glycerine base, which may reduce ear pain and help draw out excess fluid. Echinacea and goldenseal can also be used as antibacterials. For otitis media, some herbalists suggest Echinacea and cleavers tinctures. In traditional Chinese medicine, ear problems are associated with kidney functions, so acupuncture points related to the kidney are used, often in conjunction with herbals such as er long zuo gi wan. Ayurvedic medicine uses a combination of oils, massage, herbs and nutritional supplements. The most effective oil for treating ear infections is neem, which is both antibacterial and antifungal (Alternative Medicine, 1999).

Hearing loss that has a definite and identifiable cause can usually be treated. But nobody is sure what can be done to treat presbycusis, the type of hearing loss that seems to accompany old age. As with most conditions, prevention is better than cure. It’s almost certain that presbycusis is an environmental and life-style condition. A revised diet, which also includes plenty of the essential nutrients while excluding or reducing consumption of known allergens such as wheat and dairy, is important. And if you can combine this change with an avoidance of excessive noise, you should be well on the way to ensuring that you enjoy good hearing for the rest of your life. *

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Honeysuckle is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in known history. Sometimes referred to as woodbine, European honeysuckle was once used widely to treat urinary complaints, asthma, and during childbirth. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, honeysuckle has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The first known reference to the honeysuckle plant as a medicinal plant is in the Tan Ben Cao that was written in A.D. 659. In traditional Chinese medicine, honeysuckle is considered one of the most important herbs for releasing poisons from the body and clearing heat from the body. There are three main parts of the honeysuckle plant that are used medicinally: the flowers, the flower buds, and the stems. The flowers are traditionally used to make syrup that has been used as an expectorant for bad coughs, asthma, and as a diuretic. The syrup from honeysuckle flowers is still used to make medicinal syrup. The flowers of the honeysuckle plant should be harvested in the summer time.

The flower buds of the honeysuckle plant are also used to make herbal remedies. In traditional Chinese medicine, the flower buds are very important. They are called jin yin hua and are used widely to treat feverish conditions. They are especially used to treat conditions that are thought to be caused by the summer heat. They are also thought to clear toxins from the body, and the “fire poisons” that may linger in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, fire poisons are thought to be responsible for many conditions, including boils and dysentery. Honeysuckle flower buds are also thought to help alleviate the symptoms of some kinds of diarrhea. In traditional Chinese medicine, the honeysuckle flower buds are warmed and slightly stir-fried to treat diarrhea. Flower buds should also be harvested in the summer.

The stems of the honeysuckle plant are also used, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. These are alternately called jin yin teng and ren dong teng (stems and branches) and they are especially used in acupuncture medicine. They are thought to be able to remove heat from certain acupuncture meridians by stimulating the flow of energy, or qi. The stems and branches are also used in Chinese medicine to treat feverish colds and dysentery. They are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and are often combined with other herbs to create a cooling remedy.

There are several applications that are created by using the honeysuckle plant. The flowers can be infused to create a hot tea that can operate as an expectorant. Honeysuckle is often combined with other herbs, including cowslip and mulberry to create a healing tea that is used to treat coughs and mild symptoms of asthma. Again, honeysuckle flowers can be made into a syrup that can be used to treat coughs. The honeysuckle flower buds can be made into a decoction that is used to treat feverish colds and sore throats. Honeysuckle flower buds can be used to make a tincture that is used by herbalists to treat gastroenteritis and diarrhea.

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The plant Aloe (scientific name Aloe vera) is originally from tropical Africa, but it can now be found all over the world. It is a very common ingredient in many herbal remedies. It is believed that related species were traditionally used as an antidote to treat poison arrow wounds. We know that the Greeks and Romans traditionally used the Aloe vera plant, making a gel to treat battle wounds. Aloe vera was also commonly used during the Middle Ages, where it was a popular purgative. Aloe vera is also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. In India too the Aloe Vera plant is widely used as highly regarded cooling tonic in gel form. In the 16th century, Aloe Vera reached the West Indies, where it also began to be widely cultivated. The character of Aloe Vera has been described in many ways. Its leaves are often described as hot, bitter and moist. Its gel is described as salty, bitter, cool and moist. The actions of Aloe Vera are described as purgative and healing. Aloe Vera has been known to promote bile flow, heal wounds, stop bleeding, expel worms, reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It has also been known for its rejuvenating and anti-aging properties.

The most common way to prepare the Aloe Vera plant is as a gel. The gel is thick and mucilaginous, and many herbalists recommend that it be used as a first-aid cure for wounds, burns, and sunburn. Aloe Vera gel can also help heal extremely dry skin, and it can be used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm. Gel extracts of the Aloe Vera plant have been successfully used to treat mouth ulcers. Recent research has also shown that Aloe Vera gel may be helpful in treating breast and liver cancers, as well as HIV. In traditional Indian Ayruveda medicine, Aloe Vera gel is used as a tonic for excess pitta (fire element).

The leaves of Aloe Vera, although much less commonly used, can also be helpful for several conditions. The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant are believed to be a strong purgative. They can be prepared and used to treat chronic and stubborn constipation. It is also believed that the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant leaves can be used to stimulate bile flow and to aid digestions. They can also be used to treat poor appetite. One of the best things about the Aloe Vera plant is that they can be grown easily indoors as a houseplant in most temperate climates. There are several practical applications for the Aloe Vera plant. The Aloe Vera gel can be applied directly to burns, wounds, fungal infections, insect bites, and areas of dry skin. You can simply split the Aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel directly. You can also collect the gel from several split leaves of the Aloe Vera plant to make an ointment. The gel of Aloe Vera can also be inhaled as a steam inhalation to treat bronchial congestion. A tincture can also be made from its leaves and taken as an appetite stimulant.

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Appears to Keep Cancer in Check

in Majority of CLL Patients

Science (June 4, 2010) — An extract of green tea appears to have clinical activity with low toxicity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients who used it in a phase II clinical trial, say researchers at Mayo Clinic.

The findings were presented June 7 during the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). They are the latest in a series of Mayo studies to show promise for use of the chemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) — the major component of green tea — in reducing the number of leukemia cells in patients with CLL. Mayo first tested EGCG in a variety of laboratory assays about eight years ago, and it was found to reduce the survival of CLL leukemic cells. This laboratory finding was followed by a successful phase I clinical trial — the first time green tea extract had been studied in CLL patients.

“Although only a comparative phase III trial can determine whether EGCG can delay progression of CLL, the benefits we have seen in most CLL patients who use the chemical suggest that it has modest clinical activity and may be useful for stabilizing this form of leukemia, potentially slowing it down,” says Tait Shanafelt, M.D., a Mayo Clinic hematologist and lead author of the study.

“These studies advance the notion that a nutraceutical like EGCG can and should be studied as cancer preventives,” says Neil Kay, M.D., a hematology researcher whose laboratory first tested the green tea extract in leukemic blood cells from CLL patients. “Using nontoxic chemicals to push back cancer growth to delay the need for toxic therapies is a worthy goal in oncology research — particularly for forms of cancer initially managed by observation such as CLL.”

Drs. Shanafelt and Kay caution that EGCG is not a substitute for chemotherapy. All of the patients Mayo tested with EGCG were early stage, asymptomatic CLL patients who would not otherwise be treated until their disease progressed. The extract was supplied by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Polyphenon E International for these initial clinical trials.

CLL is a blood cancer that is a hybrid between leukemia and lymphoma. Progression of the disease is measured by the quantity of leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow as well as enlargement of lymph nodes due to infiltration by the leukemia cells. In the phase I study, published in May 2009 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers found that the blood lymphocyte (leukemia cell) count was reduced in one-third of participants, and that the majority of patients who entered the study with enlarged lymph nodes due to involvement by CLL saw a 50 percent or greater reduction in their lymph node size.

Using the highest dose tested in the phase I study, the researchers launched their phase II clinical trial in an additional 36 patients. The results presented at the ASCO meeting evaluate the effects in these 36 patients as well as the six patients from the phase I trial treated at the same dose (total 42 patients). Results from 41 patients who have completed the study show that 31 percent of patients had a 20 percent or greater sustained reduction in blood leukemia count, and 69 percent of patients with enlarged lymph nodes saw a reduction of node size of 50 percent or greater.

In all, 69 percent of CLL patients had a biological response to EGCG as evidenced by a 20 percent or greater sustained reduction in blood lymphocyte count and/or a 50 percent or greater reduction in lymph node size, the researchers say.

Because EGCG was being studied in patients who did not otherwise need treatment, the researchers took a rigorous approach toward studying side effects. Most clinical trials of therapeutic agents only report grade 3 and higher side effects, but the researchers looked at and reported grade 1 and grade 2 as well. While a number of patients had transient grade 1 or 2 side effects, only three of 42 experienced a grade 3 side effect during their six months of treatment.

“All in all, the treatment was well tolerated with very mild side effects in most patients,” Dr. Shanafelt says.

The researchers say that the prior publications on the effects of EGCG on CLL leukemia cells in the laboratory and the data from the published phase I study have been widely disseminated via the Internet by patient advocacy groups. Based on information from patients and colleagues throughout the country, the Mayo researchers have become aware that many CLL patients nationwide have started to use EGCG supplements, which are readily available over the counter.

“Without a phase III clinical trial, we cannot make a recommendation that EGCG be used by CLL patients, but those who want to take supplements should consult with their oncologists and need to receive appropriate monitoring using laboratory tests,” Dr. Kay says.

The study was funded by grants from the NCI, the Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center and from donors and patient advocacy foundations.

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Gumbi Gumbi: Rare member of family Pittosporaceae

Gumbi Gumbi is a medium to large tree, native to certain areas of Australia only, and very sparsely found. Because of its scarcity, but similarity in appearance to other species, it is often confused with trees more widely found.

Many people believe there to be as many as six varieties with only one having medicinal properties and another being toxic. Our investigations and experimentation with propagation suggests this is not the case at all. We believe there is only one true Gumbi Gumbi.

Currently Gumbi Gumbi is extremely rare, as only one tree is found growing naturally in an average of 400 sq/km (250 sq/miles) and it is not being farmed to any large extent. One significant reason for its rarity is that Gumbi Gumbi saplings and young trees are commonly ravaged by wildlife and roaming farm stock, such as Kangaroos and cattle, prior to reaching maturity. Animals instinctively know what is good for them, as did the early indigenous people. We modern people, on the other hand, are only now beginning to understand.

Gumbi Gumbi trees are by nature very slow growing and difficult to propagate. In order to ensure the required properties are inherent within trees grown in other than their naturally occurring environment; certain conditions have to be met. Mature trees develop a taproot to 60 feet in natural conditions. Many people have attempted to grow Gumbi Gumbi from seeds and saplings and failed to attain mature trees.

Scientific Analysis

Tests undertaken using Leaf and Leaf Extract from Gumbi Gumbi Natural plantation (Central Queensland, Australia)

Summary
Gumbi Gumbi contains significant amounts of elements known to aid in benefiting health.

Further testing has also shown Gumbi Gumbi to be very high in Saponins. This assists with the delivery of the inherent benefits of Gumbi Gumbi Leaf when used as a tea as per our brewing instructions.
TEST REPORT — Chemical Analysis
Gumbi Leaf: 5 July 2006

TEST REPORT — Chemical Analysis
Gumbi Tea: 21 September 2006

Note:
Concentrations in ppm are equivalent to mg/Kg or mg/L
N.D. = Not Detected

Constituent Summary of extracts of Pittosporum Angustifolium (gumbi gumbi)

Saponins:

The major constituent of gumbi gumbi extract was found to be saponin (a sulphonated di- or tri- terpene). Saponins are natural detergents found in plants (that is, they contain water soluble and fat soluble components and dissolve in water to form a stable soapy froth).

Saponins have commercial uses in a number of applications such as in beverages such as root beer and slurpies (to provide the foamy “head”). Saponins have also found application as emulsifiers for photographic film preparations and cosmetics (such as shampoos and lipsticks) and as industrial frothers for ore separation. Saponins also have anti bacterial and anti-fungal properties1. Saponins decrease blood lipids, lower blood glucose response, and as an antidote to acute lead poisoning2.

Extracts containing saponins currently have a wide application. For example, they are used in animal livestock production facilities for ammonia and odour control as well as in gut bacteria control. Certain saponins form strong insoluble complexes with cholesterol which has application in cholesterol lowering in humans. Bile acids metabolised by bacteria in the colon form secondary bile acids, some of which are known promoters of colon cancer. The feeding of saponins to laboratory mice has shown a reduction in the formation of preneoplastic colon lesions1. This has a potential in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer in humans. Saponins also have application as use for adjuvants in vaccines (adjuvants increase immune-stimulation, by using saponins their emulsifying properties can also be utilised).

Saponins are highly toxic to cold blooded animals and some have been identified in snake venom, starfish, and sea cucumber. Some are toxic to humans.

Tannins:

The term tannins is widely applied to large polyphenolic compounds that contains sufficient hydroxyl and/or carboxyl groups to form complexes with proteins and other large molecules. Tannins are classified into two groups — notable hydrolysable tannins, and condensed tannins. The term tannin refers to the use of tannins in tanning animals hides.

Tannins are almost ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. They are astringent and bitter in taste. Their astringency causes the dry and puckery feeling in the mouth following consumption of red wine, strong tea or un-ripened fruit.

They are also predominantly responsible for the colour of the above and hydrolysable tannins have long-term antioxidant properties (the reaction of hydrolysable tannins in red wine is attributable to the “maturing” of the wine). Tannins are found in fruits, berries, smoked foods, beer and wines (more tannin is found in red wines than in white), citrus juices, condiments (such a cloves, tarragon, vanilla and cinnamon), legumes, and chocolate3. Tannins have shown potential antiviral, antibacterial, and anti parasitic properties. They have also been studied for their effects on the treatment of cancers and their inhibitory effect on HIV.

Alkaloids:

Alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical compounds containing basic nitrogen functionality.

There are three main types of alkaloids — true alkaloids, proto alkaloids, and pseudo alkaloids. Both true alkaloids and proto alkaloids are derived from amino acids, while pseudo alkaloids are not derived from amino acids.

Alkaloids are alkaline and they are reactive compounds that have pharmacological effects at low doses and are used as medications and recreational drugs. Cocaine, caffeine, nicotine, and Quinine are all examples of alkaloids. Alkaloids form water soluble salts and may exist in the free-state, as salts, or as N-oxides — depending on pH or physiological conditions. These properties make them have enormous application as medications.

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Latin Name: Hoodia gordonii
Other Names: hoodia, xhooba, !khoba, Ghaap, hoodia cactus, South African desert cactus

Hoodia (pronounced HOO-dee-ah) is a cactus-like plant that grows primarily in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola.

In the last few years, hoodia has been heavily marketed for weight loss and has become immensely popular.

Although there has always been a demand for diet pills, after the ban on the herb ephedra, the market was particularly ripe for the next new diet pill.

Much of hoodia’s popularity stems from claims that the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert relied on hoodia for thousands of years to ward off hunger and thirst during long hunting trips. They were said to have cut off the stem and eat the bitter-tasting plant.

Hoodia gordonii grows in clumps of green upright stems. Although it is often called a cactus because it resembles one, hoodia is actually a succulent plant.

It takes about five years before hoodia gordonii’s pale purple flowers appear and the plant can be harvested.

There are over 13 types of hoodia. The only active ingredient identified so far is a steroidal glycoside that has been called “p57″. Currently, only hoodia gordonii is thought to contain p57.

What is the History of Hoodia Gordonii?

In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen noted that they used hoodia gordonii to suppress appetite. In 1963, scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa’s national laboratory, began studying hoodia. They claimed that lab animals lost weight after they were given hoodia gordonii.

The South African scientists, working with a British company named Phytopharm, isolated what they believed to be an active ingredient in hoodia gordonii, a steroidal glycoside, which they named p57. After obtaining a patent in 1995, they licensed p57 to Phytopharm. Phytopharm has spent more than $20 million on hoodia research.

Eventually pharmaceutical giant Pfizer learned about hoodia and expressed interest in developing a hoodia drug. In 1998, Phytopharm sub-licensed the rights to develop p57 to Pfizer for $21 million. Pfizer returned the rights to hoodia to Phytopharm, who is now working with Unilever.

Much of the hype about hoodia started after 60 Minutes correspondent Leslie Stahl and crew traveled to Africa to try hoodia. They hired a local Bushman to go with them into the desert and track down some hoodia. Stahl ate it, describing it as “cucumbery in texture, but not bad.” She reported that she lost the desire to eat or drink the entire day. She also said she didn’t experience any immediate side effects, such as indigestion or heart palpitations.

Where is Hoodia Gordonii Found?

Hoodia gordonii is sold in capsule, powder, liquid, or tea form in health food stores and on the Internet. Hoodia is also found in the popular diet pill Trimspa.

Despite its popularity, there are no published randomized controlled trials in humans to show hoodia is safe or effective in pill form.

One study published in the September 2004 issue of Brain Research found that injections of p57 into the appetite center of rat brains resulted in altered levels of ATP, an energy molecule that may affect hunger. The animals receiving the P57 injections also ate less than rats that received placebo injections. However, this was an animal study and injections in the brain are different from oral consumption, so it cannot be used to show that oral hoodia can suppress appetite in humans.

The manufacturer Phytopharm cites a clinical trial involving 18 human volunteers that found hoodia consumption reduced food intake by about 1000 calories per day compared to a placebo group. Although intriguing, the study wasn’t published or subjected to a peer-review process, so the quality of the study cannot be evaluated.

What are the Side Effects of Hoodia?

There are some potential side effects of hoodia that you should be aware of. What are Hoodia’s Side Effects and Safety Concerns?

How do I Know if it’s Pure Hoodia?

There are widespread reports of counterfeit hoodia products. Mike Adams of News Target, estimates that 80% of hoodia products are contaminated or counterfeit. It’s impossible to know if a hoodia product contains pure hoodia and the active ingredient, unless it has been tested by an independent laboratory.

After looking at hoodia buyer’s guides, hoodia ratings, and hoodia comparisons on the Internet, my advice is that you be very cautious. Most of these sites have been secretly created by companies selling hoodia. They explain why the hoodia in other products is inferior, even though there are no published reports showing that one is more effective. Q&A: How Do I Know if it’s Pure Hoodia or a Fake?

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha