It is quite different in activity to the cardiac glycoside containing remedies. They impact the contractile fibres, whilst Crataegus is involved in the availability and utilization of energy. This facilitates a gentle but long term, sustained effect on degenerative, age-related changes in the myocardium. It does not produce rapid results but they are persistent once achieved. Any degenerative condition of the cardio-vascular system will benefit from its use. Some specific examples are myocardial problems, coronary artery disease and its associated conditions. Angina pectoris and similar symptoms will be eased and prevented. Where no disease state exists but a gradual loss of function is happening because of old age, Crataegus is a specific. Because of its lack of toxicity, accumulation or habituation, it may be used long term, attaining the therapeutic goals safely, especially in the elderly. It speeds recovery from heart attacks and lowers essential hypertension. Used in conjunction with other hypotensives, Crataegus will help keep the heart healthy, preventing the development of coronary disease. It will guard against heart weakness following infectious disease such as pneumonia or diphtheria.
Respiratory System
A life-time of exposure to air pollution and cigarette smoke (whether their own or others) will damage even the strongest lungs. A range of remedies appropriate for respiratory problems in Elders, each having its distinct area of application. Please review these remedies and ensure their various actions are familiar to you :
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy Root)
Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss)
Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop)
Inula helenium (Elecampane)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Marrubium vulgare (Horehound)
Prunus serotina (Wild Cherry Bark)
Pulmonaria officinalis (Lungwort)
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot)
Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)
A number of stronger effectors may be found useful in more intransigent conditions, but these should be reserved for the cases where the gentler herbs have not produced the results desired. Thus:
Sanguinaria canadensis (Blood Root)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Grindelia camporum (Gumweed)
Treatments outlined in the chapter on respiratory problems are relevant here. Please refer to the following sections :
Nervous System
A range of remedies appropriate for neurological problems in Elders, each having its distinct area of application. Please review these remedies and ensure their various actions are familiar to you : Nervine Tonics
Avena sativa (Oats)
Hypericum perfoliatum (St. John's Wort)
Scutellaria spp. (Skullcap)
Verbena officinalis(Vervain)
Relaxant
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh)
Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop)
Lavandula spp. (Lavender)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
Melissa officinalis (Balm)
Tilia spp. (Linden)
Hypnotic
Eschscholzia californica (Californian Poppy)
Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower)
Valeriana officinalis(Valerian)
Antidepressant
Avena sativa (Oats)
Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort )
Hypericum perfoliatum (St. John's Wort)
Lavandula spp. (Lavender)
Verbena officinalis (Vervain )
Treatments outlined in the chapter on nervous system problems are relevant here. Please refer to the following sections :
Ginkgo and Alzheimer's Disease The herb industry and the supplement manufacturers are making some dramatic claims for Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) in the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is worth reviewing some of the research that has been done. What follows is taken papers in the book : Fünfgeld, E.W. (Ed.). Rökan, Ginkgo biloba. Recent Results in Pharmacology and Clinic. Springer-Verlag, Berlin 1988 Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder of the brain which, whilst once thought rare, is now considered the largest single cause of senile dementia. Senile dementia, a condition of irreversible mental deterioration, always involves memory loss and is almost always accompanied by numerous other difficulties in mental function. Current studies suggest that 1% of the population in developed countries with a large proportion of elderly people is affected. The brain develops `neuritic plaques', which consist of degenerating nerve terminals and other materials associated with the appearance of fibrous structures, called the neurofibrillary tangle, within nerve cells. One proposed cause of the growths has been the decline observed in the brain's production of acetyl-choline. Recent studies show that the diseased brain also metabolizes glucose at diminished levels and that abnormally high levels of aluminum and silicon occur. No allopathic cure exists for the disease. Attention is being given to Ginkgo leaf (Ginkgo biloba) in the treatment of such problems, with much of the clinical and pharmacological research coming from France. The herb has a classical reputation as an anti-microbial and anti-tubercular agent.1 However new research has shown a profound activity on brain function and cerebral circulation. Clinically it seems to be effective in patients with vascular disorders, in all types of dementia and even in patients suffering from cognitive disorders secondary to depression, because of its beneficial effects on mood. Of special concern are people who are just beginning to experience deterioration in their cognitive function.
| 
Tell A Friend
Printer friendly version 
Whilst working in conservation and lecturing in ecology and the eco-crisis for the University of Wales, David Hoffman became convinced that to heal the world, to embrace planetary wholeness and responsibility for it 
