Blue Cohosh

Blue Cohosh is similar to Black Cohosh in use. It is used for premenstrual conditions where a heavy bearing down sensation is felt. It is indicated for a feeling of fullness in the abdomen and legs, cramping onset of ones menses, irregular menses or lack of menses. It is anti-spasmodic and helps to relieve cramps. It has symptomatically helped some where endometriosis causes much discomfort and pain. Blue Cohosh is a traditional herbal remedy, used by midwives, Native Americans and eclectic physicians of the early 20th century, for use only in the last 3 weeks of pregnancy to help ease a woman in to labor. Midwives still use it today, but only after a woman is term or after week 37. It may help to ease spastic cramping. STBAT Chamomile is traditionally used as a mild relaxing herb for mild insomnia, anxiousness and stomach upset from nervousness. It is a gentle sedative to the central nervous system and can calm one down. It is best when one wants a gentle relaxing herb to gently help them to sleep or to simply relax during the day. It will not make one sleepy like valerian can, nor will it reduce pain as well as skullcap. It is suitable for children, those who are very sensitive to sedatives and for the elderly. It is especially soothing in a warm cup of water at bedtime. Chamomile can be used for digestive upset from nervous eating or overeating. It can soothe upset tummies form overeating junk foods, such as at a state fair or Halloween. It has also been used for teething infants and children who need a little pain relieving action. Dilute amounts are added to water, milk or juice in amounts suitable to the weight of the child. Use 10-20 drops for a 30 pound child, 25-30 drops for a 60 pound child and an adult dose above these weights. Cayenne has been used throughout history as an important culinary spice and as a reliable remedy to treat stomach ailments, circulatory problems, and joint and muscle pain. Capsaicin is the active constituent in Cayenne that contributes to most of its spicy flavor and medicinal benefits. The fruit also contains vitamins A and C, and antioxidant carotenoids and flavonoids. Cayenne is a cardiovascular tonic that can strengthen the heart, arteries, capil- laries, and nerves by stimulating blood flow. It normalizes circulation and can be used to treat both high and low blood pressure, and is also indicated for insufficient peripheral circulation leading to cold hands and feet such as in Raynaud's. Research also reports it may help lower blood cholesterol levels, inhibit platelet aggregation (clotting), and decrease oxidative stress. As a digestive tonic, Cayenne provides relief for indigestion, colic, and flatulent dys- pepsia. It has antimicrobial properties that make it effective for fighting off intestinal pathogens and helping relieve diarrhea. tv as lis te as Applied topically, Cayenne can help those with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint and muscle pain, fibromyalgia, nerve pain (including neuralgia and shingles), and pain after surgery. It reduces the amount of substance P (SP), a neuropeptide involved in the transmission of pain information to the central nervous system. SP is released by nerves and inflammatory cells and functions by attaching to the neurokinin-1 receptor. It promotes inflammation and participates in inflammatory diseases. By decreasing SP, Cayenne inhibits the brain from receiving pain mes- sages and thus gives one a sense of relief. patients having the AIDS related complex. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1991 Apr 30;176(2):786-91. Langsjoen H, Langsjoen P, Willis R, Folkers K, Usefulness of coenzyme Q10 in clinical cardiology: a long-term study. Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:s165-175. Langsjoen P. Introduction to Coenzyme Q10. http://faculty.wahington.edu/ely/ coenzq10html. Littaru GP, Nakamura R, Ho L, Folkers K, Kuzell WC. Deficiency of coenzyme Q 10 in gingival tissue from patients with periodontal disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U SA. 1971 Oct:68(10):2332-5. Matthews R, Yang L, et al. Coenzyme Q10 administration increases brain mitochondrial concentrations and exerts neuroprotective effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1998 July 21; 95(15):8892-8897. Niklowitz P, Anka Sonnenschein, et al. Enrichment of coenzyme Q10 in plasma and blood cells: defense against oxidative damage. Int J Biol Sci. 2007; 3(4):257- 262. Singh RB, Niaz MA, Rastogi V, Rastogi SS. Coenzyme Q in cardiovascular disease. J Assoc Physicians India. 1998 Mar;46(3):299-306.