Arctium Lappa in herbal medicine

Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years. The Latin name comes from the Greek “arktos,” or bear, suggesting rough-coated fruits, and “lappa,” which means to seize.

Stout, downy, striated, branched stems (to 1 m) bear alternate, entire leaves which are large (to 50 cm long) and wide with a heart-shaped base and white down underneath. The petioles (leaf-stalks) are solid. The spherical, purple flowerheads are stalked and surrounded by dense clusters of scale-like hooked bracts.

Burdock is traditionally used to treat diseases such as sore throat and infections such as rashes, boils and various skin problems. It was also well known to Native Americans where it was used to relieve dry, scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Burdock is specifically cited by Mills & Bone (Principles and practice of phytotherapy 2000) as one of five herbs which research has shown to produce, when given internally as infusions, a moderate solvent action on stones formed from urates. An alkalinizing effect on the urine or a possible urinary antiseptic action is proposed as the underlying cause of this benefit.

In the root, the active ingredients have been found to “detoxify” blood and promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improving the skin quality/texture and curing skin diseases. Antioxidants and anti-diabetic compounds have also been found in the root.

Burdock root is high in calcium, potassium, copper, manganese, sulphur and zinc, as well as amino acids, essential fatty acids, biotin, and Vitamins B1, B6, B12, E and C.

In the seeds, some active compounds possess anti-inflammatory effects, and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as the pancreatic carcinoma. In China, seeds are used for common colds and cough.

In the leaf extract, the active compounds isolated can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the oral cavity.
Arctium Lappa in herbal medicine

Garcinia atroviridis (asam gelugor)

Garcinia atroviridis also known as asam gelugor is common in the Malay Peninsula. Its fruit are cultivated throughout Southeast Asia, for spices. The tree grows to a height of 15 meter.

The leaves are decussate and glossy, long (25 x 6.5 cm) and show about 18 pairs of secondary nerves. The flowers are dark red and the fruit are pumpkin like berries that are edible and sour.

A decoction of leaves and roots is used to mitigate earaches; the sap of the leaves is used as postpartum remedy.

The fruit is sliced, dried and then stewed and used in curries and soups. Also possess medicinal properties. The fruit of G. atroviridis has been reported to be effective in weight management on a short-term basis as the fruits contain fruiting acids such as hydroxycitric acid that promotes fat burning and spares carbohydrate utilization at rest or during exercise, help to promote weight loss by lowering lipogeneis and increasing glycogen development, thus increasing appetite.

Diet rich in antioxidants provides protection against lipid peroxidation and free radical generation and also inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. The dried fruits are also used as fixatives for dyes.
Garcinia atroviridis (asam gelugor)

The health benefits of burdock

Burdock botanically name, Arctium lappa Linn, belongs to the Asteraceae herbs, with English alias being the great burdock, and is a kind of health food of high nutritional value. The root has a sweet, earthy flavor and crunchy texture.

The health benefits of the burdock root make it venerable nature food. It has large concentration of vitamin and mineral, especially iron, and is actually higher in mineral than beets, carrots, potatoes or turnips.

It has more protein, calcium, and phosphorus than carrots and is an excellent source of potassium. Burdock also is an excellent source so inulin, polyphenols, chlorogneic acid, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acid.

Burdock root has great antibiotic qualities. It destroys bacteria; acids in blood circulation; strengthens the liver and soothes the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to eliminate heavy metals from the body.

It also helps to maintain diabetes and hypoglycemia. Burdock functions as a diaphoretic, creating sweat, which is beneficial in neutralizing and eliminating toxins.
The health benefits of burdock

Liquorice in Chinese medicine

The name scientific name for liquorice is Glycyrrhiza glabra or Glycyrrhiza uralensis while common name known as Gan cao, sweet root or glycyrrhiza.

The root has a sweet constituent. The name liquorice is derived from a Greek name meaning ‘sweet root’. Liquorice root is one of the oldest and most frequently used medicinal herbs in the history of Chines medicine.

Liquorice is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions and ailments. It is felt to benefit Qi , reduce "Fire Poison" (sore throat, skin eruptions), and diminish "Heat."

Specific conditions treated by Chinese herbalists include gastric and duodenal ulcers, abdominal pain, pharyngitis, malaria, tuberculosis, abscesses and sores.

It also increases secretions, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, used to treat respiratory catarrh, chronic gastritis, and to harmonize the flavors.

Long term use in high dose may lead to liquorice intoxication: its mineral corticoid effects cause sodium and water retention, decrease potassium, hypertension, edema, heart complaints, in some cases myoglobinuria.

In 2008, The European Commission suggested that intake of glycyrrhiza acid should be restricted to below 100 mg/day to avoid a rise in blood pressure, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, and lowering of testosterone levels in men.
Liquorice in Chinese medicine