Pg.no. 81
Astragalus:
Scientific Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Common Names: Huang qi, yellow leader, milk vetch
Family: Fabaceae
Part Used: Roots, rhizomes
Habitat: Astragalus is native to Mongolia and China. Cultivated in the U.S. and Canada
Astragalus is one of the most popular herbs in the traditional Chinese medicine system. It has
been in use for over 2000 years. This herb is most often used as a diuretic and for lowering
high blood pressure. Many people use it to treat upper respiratory infections as well as the
common cold, as it seems to increase the production of white blood cells. Traditionally, this
astragalus has also been used to increase energy, strengthen the immune system, treat
excessive sweating, ulcers and diarrhea.
Bacopa:
Scientific Name: Bacopa Monnieri
Common Names: Brahmi, Thyme-leafed gratiola, Coastal Waterhyssop, Water hyssop
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Part Used: Whole plant.
Habitat: Bacopa is native to India
Bacopa has been used as an effective brain tonic in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for
thousands of years in India. It is beneficial to long and short term memory. The plant’s
saponins and bacosides have a positive effect on the brain’s neurotransmitters and can help
one to think faster. Bacopa is now being studied as a possible treatment for ADHD,
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Bacopa is often used to treat depression, anxiety
asthma, allergies and bronchitis. It also possess some anti-inflammatory properties.
Bearberry:
Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Common Names: Uva ursi, mountain box, bear’s grape, kinnikinnick