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Herb Uses U-Z Herbs
herbal preparations as a stimulant to the central nervous system, a diuretic, and an anti rheumatic. It can be
drunk green, or lightly roasted in a frying pan for a more robust flavor. It is preferable to coffee for those with
gastritis or colitis and easier on the kidneys than Chinese tea. Take up to 3 times a day. Not for use by those
avoiding caffeine sources in managing fibrocystic breast disease or for other reasons.
Yerba Maté is the subject of a German Monograph which lists its uses for mental and physical fatigue,
and having "analeptic, diuretic, positively inotropic, positively chronotropic, glycogenolytic and lipolytic
effects." Yerba maté has been used medicinally as a diuretic, tonic, and a central nervous system stimulant.
Another traditional use has been as a depurative (to promote cleansing and excretion of waste). Herbalist,
Daniel Mowrey, states that yerba mate is a "whole body tonic," even in large amounts" and "promotes balances
in many body systems without overstimulating any system." Yerba mate's tonic effect on the body helps to
regulate sleep cycles and reduce fatigue. Mate is used to reduce appetite, invigorate the body, and affects the
muscles by reducing fatigue.
In Europe, Mate is used for weight loss, "as the ideal slimming remedy which facilitates losing weight in
a natural way and still the distressing feelings of hunger and thirst." Dr. James Balch, MD recommends Yerba
Maté for arthritis, headache, hemorrhoids, fluid retention, obesity, fatigue, stress, constipation, allergies and hay
fevers stating that it "cleanses the blood, tones the nervous system, retards aging, stimulates the mind, controls
the appetite, stimulates the production of cortisone, and is believed to enhance the healing powers of other
herbs."
Research on the active constituents of Yerba Maté were reported in the mid-1970s through mid-1980's
The primary active chemical constituency of yerba maté is made up of 0.3-2.0% caffeine, theobromine,
theophylline, saponins, and 10% chlorogenic acid. Sterols resembling ergosterol and cholesterol are also
present in yerba maté. In addition, Yerba Mate is a rich source of minerals and 15 amino acids are present in
the leaves. In a study by Swantson-Flatt with the closely related Ilex species guayusa, the maté extract
"retarded the development of hyperglycaemia" in streptozotocin diabetic mice and "reduced the hyperphagia,
polydipsia, body weight loss, and glycated haemoglobin." This study suggests the presence of potentially
useful antidiabetic agents in Mate. The antioxidant properties demonstrated clinically by Yerba Maté were
reported in two clinical studies demonstrating its high antioxidant values linked to rapid absorption of known
antioxidant phytochemicals found in Mate leaves. Of most recent clinical interest is a group of known and
novel saponins that researchers have isolated in Mate leaves. Saponins are a group of phytochemicals with
known pharmacological activities, including, as the latest research shows, stimulating the immune system.
Yerbe Santa (Eriodictyon californicum) Excellent decongestants, used for any lung or sinus condition that is
juicy, hypersecretory and gaggy. It decreases the secretions and lessens the underlying inflammation. With its
decongestant effects and its high level of flavonoids, Yerba Santa is very useful for chronic gastritis and chronic
urethral irritation (use a cold tea--take ½ cup up to 5 times a day). The flavonoids help to strengthen the fragile,
irritated membrane capillaries that are distended and leaky from the chronic irritation that underlies the
problem. Yerba Santa coats the mucous membranes and holds the aqueous component in contact with the
cells. It provides a unique method to reintroduce the mucoprotective effects of sustained moisturization.
It dilates the bronchial tubes which makes it excellent for asthma and hay fever. For mild bronchial spasms,
smoking the leaves along with the tea can improve the effects. Often combined with Yerba del Buey. E.
californica is more soluble in alcohol while the other varieties do better in water. Dosage: Dry herb tincture:
20-30 drops up to 5 times a day. Other uses include: catarrh of the bladder, hemorrhoids, and as a poultice for
bruises, sprains, wounds, and insect bites.
Yew (Taxus baccata (syn T. baccata var. aurea, T. baccata var. fastigiata, T. baccata var. fastigiata-aurea, T.
baccata var. washingtonii, T. canadensis var. washingtonii[, T. cuspidate, T. fastigiata) The yew tree is a
highly toxic plant that has occasionally been used medicinally, mainly in the treatment of chest complaints. Modern
research has shown that the plants contain the substance 'taxol' in their shoots. Taxol has shown exciting potential as
an anti-cancer drug, particularly in the treatment of ovarian cancers. Taxol inhibits cell division and has been
extensively researched for its potential as an anticancer drug. Unfortunately, the concentrations of taxol in this
species are too low to be of much value commercially, though it is being used for research purposes. It is most
commonly found in the Pacific yew. This remedy should be used with great caution and only under the supervision of
a qualified practitioner. See also the notes above on toxicity. The leaves have been used internally in the treatment of
asthma, bronchitis, hiccough, indigestion, rheumatism and epilepsy. Externally, the leaves have been used in a steam
bath as a treatment for rheumatism. Homeopathy: A homeopathic remedy is made from the young shoots and the
berries. It is used in the treatment of many diseases including cystitis, eruptions, headaches, heart and kidney
problems, rheumatism etc.
Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaries ) Yin chen hao is an effective remedy for liver problems, being specifically
helpful for treating hepatitis with jaundice. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that it is bitter and cooling, clearing
“damp heat” from the liver and gall ducts and relieving fevers. Yin chen hao is also anti-inflammatory and diuretic. It
was formerly used in a plaster for headaches. Research indicates that yin chen hao has a tonic and strengthening
effect on the liver and gallbladder and digestive system. It is an effective remedy for liver problems, being specifically
helpful in treating hepatitis with jaundice. An infusion of the young shoots is used internally in the treatment of
jaundice, hepatitis, gall bladder complaints and feverish illnesses. Externally it has been applied in the form of a plaster
for treating headaches.
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