Astringent and some

              other useful Herbs

             Extracts from my Book 'Healing With Herbs'

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Astringent herbs are very capable of producing a system’s organ contraction and they can also prevent the normal process of waste discharge or evacuation.

Astringent herbs can easily be recognized by the bitter taste that they are well known for, as well as the fact that they may cause periods of constipation. Astringent herbs are used very extensively on a commercial basis because

of their ability to interact with proteins.

Astringent herbs are known to frequently possess a very constipating effect; this is primarily due to the way astringent herbs interact with proteins. Our human systems are to a very large extent merely water and proteins, together with a few other bio-chemicals and molecules.

An astringent herb contains the property of tannins, a plant chemical alcohol that interacts with proteins. Tannins are substances that are also used and employed in the industry involved with the tanning of leather. Astringent herbs have analgesic and some antiseptic properties, and are often used in the production of styptic pencils.         

Asafoetida (devil’s dung)

Asafoetida’s gum resin is used to treat bloating, indigestion, wind and constipation. Asafoetida also helps to lower blood pressure and may be employed in the thinning of the blood, usually taken in tablet form. This herb has been used for thousands of years. The extracted gun resin is taken from the roots of the plant.

Asafoetida gets its name from the combination of two words from two languages: the Persian word aza, “resin,” and the Latin word foetivus, meaning “sticking.” It is used as an insect repellent when mixed with garlic.

It is also used as a protection medium by Wu Shih practitioners of days gone by, whenever there is a necessitated reason for its usage. However, as a descendant Wu Shih practitioner, one will still make use of it, if and when the need arises. Asafoetida was said to have been of use sometimes to ward off certain types of snakes. It was employed as a mixture with other herbal and was rubbed on the footwear of the individual as a serpent deterrent.

American ginseng

American ginseng is the root of which is regularly being used in a medical situation.

American Ginseng has been employed for gastrointestinal problems, stressful conditions and some minor infections. Use the shredded root and steep in boiling water for one minute, and drink only one half of a teacup, just once per day. Add honey to your own personal taste.

This plant grows wild in the very shady forests of central and northern American states. American ginseng can also be found growing in some areas of Canada. American ginseng and Asian ginseng contain ginenosides, but the ratio of ginenosides between the two types of ginseng is different. These have the ability to stimulate the immune system and offer resistance to stress and fatigue.

However, ginseng may cause instances of sleep problems such as insomnia and cases of agitation.

 My opinion is that the use of caffeine being consumed during a two-hour period after taking ginseng may cause and/or create the latter mentioned conditions. There is also a risk of cellular mutation and menstrual abnormalities that may occur if taken over an extended or protracted period. Ginseng may well activate some gastrointestinal problems as well. Individuals with high blood pressure problems should avoid the use of Ginseng.

Asian (Panax Ginseng)

Asian ginseng is said to have a calming effect on the user’s spirit; it was employed in making the whites of eyes brighter. Apparently has an ability to eliminate noxious elements. In olden time, it was taken to encourage mind enlightenment. It was a tonic that was drunk for conditions that required curbing random emotions. Asian ginseng has a reputation in the Orient as being able to enhance and increase wisdom during meditation.

It also has been linked to being a very good tincture for offering opposition to agitation. There have been some instances of health body weight reduction in the use of Asian ginseng. Again another use of this herb is in the maintaining of the consumer’s mental and physical levels, especially when used by those of elderly age. My opinion of the use of ginseng is that any positive results are probably due to a very complex interwoven interplay of constituents and the state of the health and belief of the consumer.

This plant is a member of the Araliaceae family of plants similar to the Siberian ginseng and to a greater extent to the American ginseng. There are 13 ginenosides in Asian ginseng. Other constituents include Panaxans, which helps to lower blood sugar. Asian (Panax Ginseng) is to be found growing on high places such as the slopes of mountains and has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. The roots of the plant are collected during the autumn months and may be employed in the mild cases of influenza and stress