Healthy Herbs Healthy Herbs FACT VERSUS FICTION Myrna Chandler Goldstein and Mark A. Goldstein, MD Copyright 2012 by ABC-CLIO, LLC All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Goldstein, Myrna Chandler, 1948 – Healthy herbs : fact versus fiction / Myrna Chandler Goldstein and Mark A. Goldstein. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-313-39780-6 (hardcopy : alk. paper) — ISBN 978-0-313-39781-3 (ebook) 1. Herbs—Therapeutic use. 2. Alternative medicine. I. Goldstein, Mark A. (Mark Allan), 1947– II. Title. RM666.H33G64 2012 615.3'21—dc23 2011049149 ISBN: 978-0-313-39780-6 EISBN: 978-0-313-39781-3 16 15 14 13 12 1 2 3 4 5 This book is also available on the World Wide Web as an eBook. Visit www.abc-clio.com for details. Greenwood An Imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC ABC-CLIO, LLC 130 Cremona Drive, P.O. Box 1911 Santa Barbara, California 93116-1911 This book is printed on acid-free paper Manufactured in the United States of America This book discusses treatments (including types of medication and mental health therapies), diagnostic tests for various symptoms and mental health disorders, and organizations. The authors have made every effort to present accurate and up-to-date information. However, the information in this book is not intended to recommend or endorse particular treatments or organizations, or substitute for the care or medical advice of a qualified health professional, or used to alter any medical therapy without a medical doctor’s advice. Specific situations may require specific therapeutic approaches not included in this book. For those reasons, we recommend that readers follow the advice of qualified health care professionals directly involved in their care. Readers who suspect they may have specific medical problems should consult a physician about any suggestions made in this book. We dedicate this book with love to our grandchildren: Aidan Zev Payton Maeve Milo Adlai Erin Abigail Contents List of Entries, ix Introduction, xi Entries, 1 Glossary , 279 Index , 285 vii List of Entries Acai Ginseng Aloe Vera Gotu Kola Arnica Grape Seed Extract A shwagandha Hawthorn Astragalus Root Hibiscus Bacopa Horse Chestnut Boswellia Kudzu Cayenne Pepper Lavender Chamomile Lemon Balm Cinnamon L icorice Root Cloves Milk Thistle Coriander/Cilantro Noni Dandelion Olive Leaf Extract Elderberry Oregano Evening Primrose Peppermint and Peppermint Oil Oil Fennel Purple Coneflower Fenugreek Red Clover Feverfew Rhodiola Garlic Rosemary Ginger Saffron Ginkgo Sage ix