But what about today?

What does Science have to say?

Marshmallow is mainly made up of starches, pectin, sugars and mucilage. It is the mucilage that is that has the protective qualities of coating the throat and the stomach, as well as the intestinal and benefits the urinary tract. It is for this reason that it is commonly used for upper respiratory conditions such as colds, coughs and intestinal discomfort.

Please contact me through a comment (they are moderated, I won’t publish a personal one) if you would like me to email you a fact sheet about Marshmallow.

The medicinal properties of the herb..actually a South American tree..are found in the bark. As a “folk remedy”, it has been used for years for boils, colitis, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, wounds, cancer, ulcers and the list does do on. But is there any scientific basis for these claims?

The Science Behind the Herb:

I will share with you what studies have shown, for the sake of time, I have withheld references, but have them at my fingertips if you’d like to contact me by email or through posting a comment.

Analysis of the bark shows that it contains volatile oils, resins, anthraquinones and naphthoquinones. The most significant property is a naphthoquinone derivative known as lapachol. In 1968 lapachol was shown to have activity against the Walker 256 carsinosarcoma.

Other studies found that it also acted against other cancers, including Yoshida sarcoma and Murphy-Sturm lymphosarcoma. Effective levels given to humans lead to the discontinuance of human trials as side effects included moderate to severe nausea, vomiting, anemia and the tendency to bleed.

Being related to vitamin K, it can thin the blood. However, the head of the study claims that political and economic pressure lead to the discontinuance of studies more than side affects. Later studies in the 1970′s showed evidence that lapachol was active against lymphocytic leukemia.

My personal interest in the herb is more related to it’s antimicrobial activity, not taking it in the amounts needed for conditions like cancer. Some of the organisms shown to be affected by this activity include candida, staphylococcus, trichophyton, malaria, tuberculosis and dysentery. Lapochol and xyloidine, other actives from the pau d’arco, have shown significant anti-fungal activity. Studies have continued, and more positive findings have surely come in since the documentation I have been using for this post.

This is one of the very first herbs I started to use when I first discovered the health benefits of herbs.

Please contact me with a comment if you would like fact sheets about the following, I moderate posts and will not publish the post if you prefer.

Pau d’Arco Capsules

Paw d’Arco Extract

Taheebo (Pau d’Arco) Tea

This is what medicinal herbalists call a “mucilaginous” herb. That means that when water is added, the powder absorbs the water and swells, and becomes slippery or “slimy” to the touch, though not unpleasant. It is this property that makes it beneficial to those who take it for intestinal health.

The perennial weed grows low to the ground and produces small white flowers. Each seed from the plant is enclosed in a husk. Some of the varieties of Plantago used are Plantago indica, Plantago ovata, and Plantago psyllium. The plants are native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Western Africa.

Chinese medical literature from 220 BC mentions the use of psyllium for medicinal purposes.

Science Behind the Herb:

Many OTC products contain psyllium because of the ability of the herb to increase in volume in liquid, increase the volume of fiber in the colon, and thereby increase the peristalsis of the colon (the muscle activity of the colon that causes it to eliminate waste – many have sluggish colons and need this additional help). Studies show it decreases the incidence of colo-rectal cancer, which is true of any high fiber diet, and has the ability to lower cholesterol levels.

Contraindications:

If you are allergic to psyllium dust, you should avoid this herb. If you have strictures in the colon, you will want to avoid this herb in order to avoid blockage. Since it has strong absorbent properties, it may be better to take separately from vitamin supplements, or medications, as it will absorb the needed properties and they will pass through the colon unused. If you have IBS, it may be best to use psyllium that does not contain the husks, or slippery elm as an alternative.

Here are a few sources of Psyllium:

Bowel Detox
Dieter’s Cleanse
Fat Grabbers
LOCLO
Psyllium Seeds
Taio He Cleanse

Thanks for reading, and have a happy day!

History & Historical Use:

Red Raspberry grows here in the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia. Though the berry is delicious, it is the leaves that contain many of the health-giving benefits attributed to the herb.

The leaves were first mentioned in Chinese medical literature in 550 AD. Ten American Indian tribes used the herb to treat emesis and bowel complaints, like diarrhea. Other uses include gargle for inflammation in the mouth or the throat…for example a sore throat or a mouth with canker sores.

There are many benefits associated with Red Raspberry, including as an emmenagogue (promoting menstrual discharge), antiseptic, astringent (contracts tissues), stimulant, alterative (bringing gradual change for the better), and tonic which invigorates and restores.

The most well known use is for woman’s issues, and is found in products like Female Comfort. It is said to relieve painful, profuse menstruation and morning sickness. Sources state that it strengthens the uterus and helps to prevent miscarriage. It is said to help in the birthing process when taken at the onset of labor. It is also said to normalize women’s hormones, and tempters the effects of the hormones during menstruation, pregnancy & delivery.

The Science Behind the Herb:

The leaf contains tannins, flavonoids and some Vitamin C. The active or phytonutrient is fragarine. The plant is high in manganese.

Tannins – aid in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and give the astringent properties.

A study back in 1941 showed that red raspberry relaxed the smooth muscle if it is “toned”, but contracts it if relaxed, thus supporting the “folk” view that it tones the uterus. This study can be found in the book “Herbs of Choice” by Tyler, published in 1994. You should be able to search for this title at a favorite online bookstore of mine, BOOKSAMILLION.COM

Slippery Elm is the inner bark from an elm tree, that also goes by the name Moose Elm, Indian Elm and Red Elm. The tree is deciduous, and grows in various parts of the US and Canada.

This is among my favorite plant remedies. It is very soothing to an irritated intestinal tract, whether it be caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Colitis, diarrhea, constipation, or any condition similar, this is what I reach for. I use a tablespoon of a bulk powdered form, and shake it in a tumbler with water, and drink. It is good to drink right away, as this is a mucilaginous herb and will swell in the water….but it is this very property that soothes and coats the intestinal system. Sometimes I take it in capsule form with lots of water. I love the soothing benefits of this medicinal herb.

It is also a great balancer, helping whether you are dealing with constipation or diarrhea.
Many writings on the herb will tell you that it was eaten as a gruel by George Washington and his troops when they suffered through the bitter winter in Valley Forge. It is highly nutritious food source. It was also used as a survival food by American settlers.

Here are some sources for Slippery Elm:

Slippery Elm Capsules
Slippery Elm Bulk Powder
Stomach Comfort
Intestinal Soothe and Build
Everybody’s Fiber

Slippery Elm is also soothing to an irritated throat:
Zinc Lozenges

Thank you for reading, and happy gardening!