ALOE VERA

Aloe veras use can be traced back 6.000 years to early Egyptian civilization,
where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of
immor-tality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs
Common Names aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephants gall.
Latin Names: Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis.
What It Is Used For
Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin con-
ditions, and orally as a laxative. Today, in addition to traditional uses, people
take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma,
epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis,
burns, and sunburns.
Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions
and sunblocks.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural
food flavoring.
How It Is Used
Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment.
The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a
juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.
What the Science Says
Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various
components of aloe (aloin. aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time
regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) lax-atives. In 2002, the
FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the US
market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did
not provide the necessary safety data.
Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions.
One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical
wounds. Aloe gel does not prevent burns from radiation therapy
There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe vera for any of its
other uses
Side Effects and Cautions
Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
⁃ Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of
aloe vera.
⁃ Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease
the absorption of many drugs.
People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be
cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest
aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
BILBERY
Bilberry is a relative of the blueberry, and its fruit is commonly used to make
pies and jams. Bilberry grows in North America, Europe, and northern Asia.
Common Names: European blueberry, whortleberry, huckleberry.
Latin Names: Vaccinium myrtillus.
What It Is Used For
Bilberry has been used for nearly 1,000 years in traditional European
medicine.
Historically; bilberry fruit was used to treat diarrhea, scurvy, and other
conditions.
Today, the fruit is used to treat diarrhea, menstrual cramps, eye problems,
varicose veins, venous insufficiency (poor blood flow to the heart), and other
circulatory problems.
Bilberry leaf is used for entirely different conditions, including diabetes.
How It Is Used
The fruit of the bilberry plant can be eaten or made into extracts. Similarly,
the leaves of the bilberry plant can be made into extracts or used to make
teas.
What the Science Says
Some claim that bilberry fruit improves night vision, but clinical studies have
not shown this to be true.
There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of bilberry fruit or
leaf for any other health conditions.
NCCAM has not yet funded any research on bilberry.
Side Effects and Cautions
Bilberry fruit is considered safe. However, high doses of bilberry leaf or leaf
extract are considered unsale; animal studies have shown high doses to be
toxic.
ASIAN GINSENG
Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various
systems of medicine for many centuries. Asian ginseng is one of several
types of true ginseng (another is American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius). An
herb called Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not
a true ginseng.
Common Names: Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng,
Astatic ginseng.
Latin Name: Panax ginseng-
What It Is Used For
Treatment claims for Asian ginseng are numerous and include the use of the
herb to support overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and
modern uses of ginseng include:
⁃ Improving the health of people recovering from illness;
 ⁃ Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both
mental and physical perform-ance;
⁃ Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to
menopause;
⁃ Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure.
HERRAT
How It Is Used
The root of Asian ginseng contains active chemical components called
ginsenosides (or panaxosides) that are thought to be responsible for the
herb's medicinal properties. The root is dried and used to make tablets or
capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for
external use.
What the Science Says
Some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other
studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function.
To date, research results on Asian ginseng are not conclusive enough to
prove health claims associated with the herb. Only a handful of large clinical
trials on Asian ginseng have been conducted Most studies have been small
or have had flaws in design and reporting. Some claims for health benefits
have been based only on studies conducted in animals.
NCCAM is supporting research studies to better understand the use of Asian
ginseng. NCCAM is studying how Asian ginseng interacts with other herbs
and drugs and exploring its potential to treat chronic lung infection, impaired
glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer's disease.
Side Effects and Cautions
When taken by mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources
suggest that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns about the
development of side effects.
The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal
problems.
Ginseng can cause allergic reactions.
There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and
high blood pressure associated with ginseng products, but these products
components were not analyzed, so eflects may have been due to another
herb or drug in the product.
Ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar, this effect may be seen more in
people with dia-
betes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian
ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking
other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenu-greek, that are also thought to
lower blood sugar.
(www.necam.nih.gov/)

Warning!
Itis important to inform your health care providers about any products
containing vitamins, minerals, herts ar other botanicals, amino acids,
enzymes, and/ar ather ingredients intended to supplement the diet. This
helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
The US Food and Drug Administration has special labelling requirements for
dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.
Ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar, this effect may be seen more in
people with dia-
betes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian
ginseng, especially

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