Category: Uncategorized

Author: Lorena Tran

Different cultures recognize echinacea as a treatment for conditions that affect the lungs and breathing. Indian Ayurvedic medicine uses echinacea roots and extracts to treat respiratory viruses and boost the immune system. Similarly, traditional Chinese medicine uses echinacea to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections. Several Native American tribes also used Echinacea to lessen symptoms of the common cold and tonsillitis[1].

Most research on echinacea focuses on its abilities to treat the common cold. Many studies have found that extracts and infusions of echinacea root can decrease the length of the common cold and lessen the chances of infection with a cold[2]. Echinacea treatments may also prevent respiratory conditions caused by bacterial infections, as researchers discovered that extracts of echinacea stop the growth of bacteria causing strep throat and pneumonia[1].

Sources:

[1] Sharifi-Rad M, Mnayer D, Morais-Braga MFB, Carneiro JNP, Bezerra CF, Coutinho HDM, Salehi B, Martorell M, Del Mar Contreras M, Soltani-Nejad A, Uribe YAH, Yousaf Z, Iriti M,

Sharifi-Rad J. Echinacea plants as antioxidant and antibacterial agents: From traditional medicine to biotechnological applications. Phytotherapy Research. 2018 Sep;32(9):1653-1663.

[2] Shah SA, Sander S, White CM, Rinaldi M, Coleman CI. Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis. Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2007 Jul;7(7):473-80.

Author: Lorena Tran

Jewelweed has historically been used to soothe skin conditions. In Japanese traditional medicine, crushed jewelweed flowers are used to combat itching, while in traditional Chinese Medicine, jewelweed leaves are recommended as a treatment for pain and swelling. Native American tribes also use jewelweed as a medicine to treat skin rashes from poison ivy and stinging nettles, as well as insect bites[1].

Researchers have found that mash made from blended jewelweed reduces rashes from poison ivy just as effectively as dish soap, which is another common treatment[1]. Jewelweed is effective at treating poison ivy rashes because it contains saponins, or compounds that behave like soaps. These compounds alleviate rashes by breaking down the oil that poison ivy deposits on the skin[2]. So, in situations where soap is not on hand, jewelweed provides a quick remedy for poison ivy exposure. In addition, jewelweed usually grows near poison ivy plants, which makes it a convenient treatment. The plant also has anti-inflammatory properties, which explains its ability to treat poison ivy and suggests that it could treat other inflammatory conditions, such as rashes and infections[3].

Sources:

[1] Motz VA, Bowers CP, Mull Young L, Kinder DH. The effectiveness of jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, the related cultivar I. balsamina and the component, lawsone in preventing post poison ivy exposure contact dermatitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2012 Aug 30;143(1):314-8.

[2] Motz VA, Bowers CP, Kneubehl AR, Lendrum EC, Young LM, Kinder DH. Efficacy of the saponin component of Impatiens capensis Meerb.in preventing urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015 Mar 13;162:163-7.

[3] Grabowska K, Wróbel D, Żmudzki P, Podolak I. Anti-inflammatory activity of saponins from roots of Impatiens parviflora DC. Natural Product Research. 2020 Jun;34(11):1581-1585.

Author: Lorena Tran

Lavender’s ability to promote and enhance sleep has long been recognized by traditional medicine. In Europe, lavender-scented bath salts, teas, and laundry detergent are traditionally recommended for restless sleepers and those with difficulty falling asleep. In traditional Chinese medicine, lavender is said to relax the mind and relieve the body’s tension, which can aid stress and sleep problems[1].

In contemporary times, several studies have investigated lavender as a treatment for insomnia. Aromatherapy, or exposure to diffused lavender oil in the air, was found to increase blood melatonin levels in adults over the age of 60. Melatonin regulates a person’s sleep and wake cycle, so this increase in melatonin levels indicates that lavender facilitates falling asleep and reduces sleep disorders. This is especially significant for older people, as insomnia becomes more prevalent with aging[2]. Smelling lavender essential oil was also found to increase sleep quality in patients with diabetes. Improved sleep is especially important for diabetics – it can lead to reduced blood sugar, which lessens diabetes symptoms[3].

[1] Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Jäger W, Dietrich H, Plank C. Aromatherapy: evidence for sedative effects of the essential oil of lavender after inhalation. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung C Journal of Biosciences. 1991 Nov-Dec;46(11-12):1067-72.

[2] Velasco-Rodríguez R, Pérez-Hernández MG, Maturano-Melgoza JA, Hilerio-López ÁG, Monroy-Rojas A, Arana-Gómez B, Vásquez C. The effect of aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) on serum melatonin levels. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2019 Dec;47:102208.

[3] Nasiri Lari Z, Hajimonfarednejad M, Riasatian M, Abolhassanzadeh Z, Iraji A, Vojoud M, Heydari M, Shams M. Efficacy of inhaled Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential oil on sleep quality, quality of life and metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type II and insomnia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2020 Apr 6;251:112560.