Tag: anti-inflammatory
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Myrrh Monograph
Sacred resin with powerful antimicrobial and astringent properties. Traditional medicine and spiritual use. Supports oral health, wound healing, and respiratory conditions. Often combined with frankincense. Bitter, warming resin. Ancient medicine meeting modern applications. Used as tincture or topical preparation. Requires quality sourcing.
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Frankincense Monograph
Sacred resin with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellic acids reduce inflammation, support joint health, and benefit respiratory conditions. Traditional incense for meditation and spiritual practice. Internal use supports inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Aromatic resin burned or taken as supplement. Ancient medicine meeting modern research.
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Liquorice Monograph
Powerful anti-inflammatory and demulcent supporting digestive and respiratory health. Soothes ulcers, reduces coughs, supports adrenal function. Sweet-tasting traditional medicine. CRITICAL: Causes high blood pressure, potassium depletion with prolonged use. Short-term only. Contraindicated in hypertension, heart/kidney disease, pregnancy. DGL safer for long-term digestive use.
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Juniper Monograph
Aromatic evergreen with diuretic and antimicrobial properties. Berries support urinary tract health. Traditional remedy for infections and inflammation. Essential oil used topically and in aromatherapy. Requires moderation—strong medicine. Contraindicated in pregnancy and kidney disease. Flavours gin. Powerful plant requiring respect and appropriate use.
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Cayenne Monograph
Powerful circulatory stimulant and topical pain reliever. Capsaicin depletes substance P for lasting pain relief in arthritis, neuropathy, chronic pain. Warms cold extremities, supports cardiovascular health, stimulates metabolism. Research-validated topical analgesic. Start with tiny amounts—intensely hot. Handle carefully to avoid eye contact.
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Rosemary Monograph
Aromatic Mediterranean herb supporting memory, circulation, and digestion. Antioxidant properties protect brain and cardiovascular system. Traditional remedy for mental clarity. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Easy to grow in NZ. Culinary herb delivering daily medicinal benefits. Essential addition to herbal medicine cabinet and kitchen.
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Catnip Monograph
Gentle nervine herb excellent for children and adults. Calms anxiety, supports sleep, and eases digestive upset. Traditionally used for fevers, colds, and restlessness. Mint family member making pleasant tea. Safe for children in appropriate doses. Easy to grow, cats love it, humans benefit medicinally.
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Black Cohosh Monograph
Black cohosh provides non-hormonal relief from menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, and mood symptoms through serotonergic modulation rather than estrogenic activity. Clinical research supports effectiveness for 40-60% of users with benefits appearing after 4-12 weeks. Critical liver toxicity warnings require caution, though absolute risk remains very low.
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Vitex (Chasteberry) Monograph
Vitex (chasteberry) is the premier herb for premenstrual syndrome, supporting hormonal balance through dopaminergic pathways that normalise prolactin levels and enhance progesterone production. Clinical trials demonstrate significant relief from PMS symptoms, breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and fertility support for luteal phase defects. Effects build gradually over 3-6 months.
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Asian Ginseng Monograph
Asian ginseng is the ultimate adaptogenic tonic, building vitality, stress resilience, and cognitive function through ginsenosides that modulate the HPA axis. Used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine for qi deficiency, chronic fatigue, immune support, and healthy ageing. Quality varies enormously; choose sustainably cultivated sources carefully.