Herb Plus By Douglas Laboratories Overview & Drug Interactions

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It plays a role in many important physiological processes, including the contraction and relaxation of muscles, the transmission of nerve impulses, and the regulation of blood pressure. Magnesium is found in a variety of foods, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, and grains, and it is also available as a dietary supplement. There are several different forms of magnesium that are available as supplements, all of which can be used to prevent deficiency. Additionally, magnesium is purported to have several different health benefits, such as improving sleep, reducing muscle cramps, reducing anxiety, and preventing or treating migraines. Although magnesium is essential for health, magnesium-containing foods and supplements can interact with some prescription medications if used at the same time.

Aloe vera is a plant species that is native to the Arabian Peninsula, but is widely cultivated in other hot, dry climates. It is known for its thick leaves, which contain multiple components, most notably 'aloe gel' and 'aloe latex'. The plant is used in a variety of health care products, including skin care products, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. In traditional medicine, aloe vera is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including skin conditions, wounds, and digestive problems. It is also used to improve hair and scalp health, and as a natural remedy for constipation.

Cascara sagrada is a tree native to the Pacific coast of North America. The name "cascara sagrada" means "sacred bark" in Spanish. The bark of Cascara sagrada is used in traditional medicine most commonly as a laxative as it contains anthraquinone glycosides, which stimulate the muscles in the walls of the intestines, increasing peristalsis and promoting bowel movements. It is also used as a treatment for hemorrhoids and is sometimes used as a natural remedy for liver and gallbladder problems.

Senna is a plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and it is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. Senna contains compounds called sennosides, which are found in the leaves, stem, and pods of the plant. These compounds stimulate the muscles in the walls of the intestine, causing the bowel to contract and move waste through the intestines. Senna is used as a natural laxative to help relieve constipation. It is often marketed as a 'natural vegetable laxative'. It is available in a number of forms, including tablets, capsules, and a liquid extract. Although it can cause dependence with long-term use (i.e., the body becomes dependent on it for regular bowel movements), when compared to other stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl, it is considered safer in that regard.

Licorice, also known as glycyrrhiza, is a plant native to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. The root of the plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is often consumed in the form of candy, tea, and supplements. Licorice has a number of purported health benefits, including the ability to soothe sore throats, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive problems. It may also have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Licorice naturally contains glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid, which can have toxic effects if consumed in large amounts. However, licorice can be processed to remove glycyrrhizin, resulting in DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Many dietary supplements that contain deglycyrrhizinated licorice are often simply named 'DGL'.

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia. It produces small, edible berries known for their sweet-tart flavor and deep purple color. They are often used in a variety of culinary applications and are a popular flavoring agent. Black currants are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and several other nutrients. They are also believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation. In addition to the whole fruit, black currant seeds are often utilized for dietary supplements and are sometimes marketed as 'black currant seed oil', which contain a high amount of GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid.

Anise, also known as Pimpinella anisum, is an herb native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. The seeds are known for their mildly sweet, licorice-like flavor. The main compound in anise responsible for the licorice-like taste and odor is anethole. Anise seeds are often used in baking and liquors. It is especially popular during the winter holiday season. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive problems, respiratory disorders, and insomnia. Anise is also used as a natural remedy for cough, sore throat, and other respiratory problems.

Basil is an herb that is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is commonly used in cooking to add flavor to a variety of dishes. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is known for its fragrant, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma. Basil also has a history of medicinal use and has been used for headache, stomach spasms, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, peptic ulcers, kidney conditions, the common cold, warts, and parasite infections. Studies of basil show it is a rich source of vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It is also used as an essential oil, which contains linalool, estragole (methyl chavicol), eugenol, methyl cinnamate, o-cymene, citral, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, cineole, menthol, rosmarinic acid, geraniol, and geranial.

Uva ursi, also known as bearberry, is a plant species belonging to the Ericacea family, and is native to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It is a low-growing shrub with small, white flowers and edible red berries. The leaves of the plant are often used in traditional medicine as they are thought to have various medicinal properties, such as astringent, diuretic, and antimicrobial effects. Medicinally, Uva ursi is most often used to treat urinary tract infections and other urinary problems, as well as skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. It is also sometimes used to promote weight loss and as a natural remedy for kidney stones. In dietary supplements, Uva ursi is often standardized with a specific amount of Arbutin (usually around 20%), a constituent of the plant.

Marjoram is an herb native to the Mediterranean region and is related to oregano. It is often utilized in several ways, including as food and in commercial products, such as soaps. Marjoram is a good source of antioxidants and is purported to have a variety of potential health benefits. It has been used in traditional medicine to several conditions, including respiratory problems, insomnia, and digestive disorders. It is also sometimes used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and stress relief.

Dandelion is a plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and is known for its distinctive, bright yellow flowers and puffy, white seed heads. Although considered a weed by many, it is considered valuable for a number of reasons as it can be used as food, in medicine, and to attract pollinators. Dandelion has a long history of use as a medicinal plant. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including liver and gallbladder problems, kidney disorders, skin conditions, and digestive issues. It is also purported to have a diuretic effect and dietary supplements containing dandelion often market it for being able to help reduce water retention.