Tinctures for Talents

The following tinctures are available for CES currency (or rands) in Cape Town.

Arnica montana, Centella Asiatica, Echinacea Purpurea, Ginkgo Biloba, Panax Ginseng, Pelargonium Sidoides, Rosmarinus officinalis, Sceletium Tortuosum, Sutherlandia Frutescens, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum, Warburgia Salutaris.

Arnica montana
Arnika
Use for: Bruising, swelling, sprains, sore muscles, heart failure, coronary and artery health, as well as boosting the immune system and as a throat gargle.
A compress soaked in an arnica infusion may relieve the inflammation of phlebitis. A few drops of arnica tincture added to warm water in a foot bath will relieve fatigue and soothe sore feet. A hair rinse prepared with arnica extract has been used to treat alopecia neurotica, an anxiety condition leading to hair loss. Studies have determined that arnica has properties that act as an immunostimulant. The extract of arnica has been shown to stimulate the action of white blood cells in animal studies, increasing resistance to bacterial infections, such as salmonella.
USE EXTERNALLY: Arnica tincture should not be ingested without supervision of a qualified herbalist or physician.
http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-arnica.htm
http://www.herbcompanion.com/Health/Natural-healing-Arnica-montana-Natural-Magic.aspx
http://www.answers.com/topic/arnica

Centella Asiatica
Gotu Kola/ Indian Pennywort /Mandookaparni/ Brahmi
Has been used for: Wound healing, better circulation, memory enhancement, cancer, vitality, general tonic, respiratory ailments, detoxifying the body, treatment of skin disorders (such as psoriasis and eczema), revitalizing connective tissue, burn and scar treatment, clearing up skin infections, slimming and edema, arthritis, rheumatism, treatment of liver and kidneys, periodontal disease, strengthening of veins (varicose veins), blood purifier, high blood pressure, sedative, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, an aphrodisiac, immune booster, anabolic and adaptogen etc.
Can assist in overcoming the negative effects of fatigue and stress.
In traditional African health it has been used for the treatment of leprosy (the asiaticoside content dissolves the waxy coating of the leprosy bacteria - allowing the immune system to destroy the bacteria), bronchitis, asthma, syphilis and wound healing; in India it has for the last 3,000 years of Ayurvedic medicine been used for wound healing, a mild diuretic, increasing concentration, alertness, as well as anti-anxiety and anti-stress; in the Far East it is used for treatment of depression, longevity, (in China it is called the "Fountain of Youth")
Often used as an active ingredient in tonics, oral slimming formulas, body-beautiful preparations, body firming products, wound healing, anti-aging skin care products
Besides its use as a general memory aid, gotu kola has become popular in the Western world for its calming effects as well as for improving concentration.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centella_asiatica
http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-centella.htm
http://www.anyvitamins.com/centella-asiatica-info.htm
http://centella-asiatica.101herbs.com/

Echinacea Purpurea
Purple coneflower
Echinacea is popularly believed to be an immunostimulator, stimulating the body's non-specific immune system and warding off infections.
Echinacea contains active substances that enhance the activity of the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. For this reason, professional herbalists may recommend echinacea to treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast (candida) infections, ear infections (also known as otitis media), athlete's foot, sinusitis, hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis), as well as slow-healing wounds.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/echinacea-000239.htm

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo
Ginkgo has many alleged nootropic properties, and is mainly used as memory and concentration enhancer, and anti-vertigo agent.
It is used to promote mental alertness, improving memory and to treat asthma and also a role in male sexual functioning.
It is used internally to combat asthma, allergic inflammatory responses, senile dementia, to aid in mental alertness, improving memory, circulatory complaints and varicose veins.
The leaves are used to stabilize an irregular heartbeat and the seeds are useful for coughs with thick phlegm and urinary incontinence.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba#Medicinal_uses
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginkgo-biloba-000247.htm

Panax Ginseng
Ginseng
Used in connection with many conditions such as cancer, anxiety, colds, flu and for lowering blood levels of sugar and cholesterol, as in type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Most commonly known as an adaptogen, panax ginseng is currently being used in Asian countries to treat heart conditions and lungs, as well as for an overall health enhancer. Panax ginseng has been known to have a relaxing effect on the muscles in the lungs. The resulting airway relaxation may help to calm asthma symptoms and other airways constricting lung conditions. In some studies a combination of panax ginseng and gingko seemed to increase memory and thinking processes.
A crude fraction of American ginseng was found to inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells in culture. At high doses, this ginseng fraction was also able to kill cultured human breast cancer cells.
http://www.nutrasanus.com/panax-ginseng.html

Pelargonium Sidoides
Rooirabas
The traditional use of Pelargonium sidoides for coughs and chest troubles may be explained by the presence of essential oils. It has not yet been established which ingredients contribute to its antibacterial properties.
Extracts of Pelargonium sidoides have clear antibacterial characteristics against Streptococci, Staphylococci and Bacillus cereus.
Pelargonium sidoides is also rich in phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that enhance the body’s functioning and protects it against diseases. Treatment with Pelargonium sidoides rapidly improves the typical symptoms associated with infections such as cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue and weakness.
http://www.herbalafrica.co.za/HerbsPelargonium.htm

Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary
Rosemary in culinary or therapeutic doses is generally safe; however, precaution is necessary for those displaying allergic reaction or prone to epileptic seizures.
The herb in folk usage signifies friendship, remembrance and loyalty, but in cosmetic application has a variety of uses.
Internally it is used for depression, apathy, nervous exhaustion, and headaches as well as poor circulation and digestive problems caused by anxiety.
The therapeutic properties of rosemary include that of tonic, astringent, diaphoretic and stimulant as well as reducing skin fragility
Topical use includes a help for rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, muscular complaints, wounds, dandruff, hair loss and reducing skin fragility while boosting the skin in general, since it has a great ability to increase circulation and also contains antioxidants which have anti-ageing properties as they reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
Rosemary helps to relax muscles, including the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and uterus. Because of this property it can be used to soothe digestive upsets and relieve menstrual cramps. When used in large amounts it can have the opposite effect, causing irritation of the intestines and cramps. A tea made form the leaves is also taken as a tonic for calming nerves and used as an antiseptic.
Use an infusion as a rinse to lighten blond hair, and to condition and tone all hair. Try mixing an infusion half and half with shampoo to strengthen hair. An infusion can also be used as an invigorating toner and astringent. Rosemary added to a bath strengthens and refreshes, especially when used following an illness.
http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/herbs/rosemary.asp
http://www.ageless.co.za/rosemary4.htm
http://www.cellulite.co.za/rosemary-extract.htm

Sceletium Tortuosum
Kanna/ kougoed
Tablets and capsules of Sceletium are being used successfully by a number of psychiatrists, psychologists and doctors with excellent results for anxiety states and mild to moderate depression; and they can also be used by the lay public as supplements to elevate mood and for stress and tension.
In addition to Sceletium's common use for the stress and mental fatigue of modern industrial living, Sceletium has been used as a natural supplement that: uplifts the mood; decrease anxiety; stress and tension; gives you energy.
Sceletium elevates mood and decreases anxiety, stress and tension, and it has also been used as an appetite suppressant by shepherds walking long distances in arid areas. In intoxicating doses it can cause euphoria, initially with stimulation and later with sedation. Long-term use in the local context followed by abstinence has not been reported to result in a withdrawal state. The plant is not hallucinogenic, and no severe adverse effects have been documented.
Sceletium is also being used as a natural anti-depressant that is said to be safer than many pharmaceutical alternatives. Individuals suffering from depression and anxiety can benefit from Sceletium.
http://www.sceletium.com/sceletium-uses.asp
http://www.sceletium.org/


Sutherlandia Frutescens
Kankerbossie/ Cancerbush
The Sutherlandia plant grows native in South Africa. It has been used for hundreds of years by the native population and, later, by European settlers, who all attest to it's effectiveness. Now, scientific trials are proving that the complex chemical compounds in the plant indeed do have application in the treatment of many serious ailments.
The indigenous, folk, and contemporary uses of Sutherlandia include use as a tonic for: enhancing well-being; immune support; longevity; stress, depression and anxiety; wasting from cancer, TB, and AIDS; quality-of-life tonic for cancers, HIV/AIDS and TB; appetite stimulant in wasted patients, but not in healthy people. Also: influenza; Chronic Fatigues Syndrome, ME Syndrome and Yuppie Flu; viral hepatitis; asthma and bronchitis; type 2 diabetes; mild to moderate hypertension; rheumatoid arthritis; peptic ulcer, gastritis, and reflux oesophagitis; hot flashes and irritability in menopause.
For many hundreds of years, the Zulu warriors returning from battle used the plant to relax themselves. Grieving widows used it as an anti-depressant to help them through their loss. The old Zulu word of "insiswa" means "that which takes away the dark", referring to the ability of the plant to help with depression and sadness.
http://www.sutherlandia.org/
http://www.sutherlandia.com/sutherlandia_frame.htm


Trigonella Foenum-Graecum
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a bitter herb that increases milk-flow, stimulates the uterus, soothes irritated tissues, lowers fever, reduces blood sugar, improves digestion, promotes healing, and has laxative, expectorant, diuretic, anti-parasitic and anti-tumor effects. Fenugreek sprouts are also used to promote hair growth, especially in men.
Fenugreek is used internally for a variety of problems, such as to treat diabetes in adults (late-onset diabetes), poor digestion, gastric inflammation, digestive disorders and tuberculosis. It is also used for painful menstruation, labor pains and insufficient lactation. Men on the other hand benefit from it for loss of libido, painful testicles and premature ejaculation. It is often used for weight loss, anorexia and for poor appetite. In Chinese medicine it is used for kidney related pain - such as back ache, as well as premature ejaculation, loss of libido, painful testicles, hernia, painful menstruation and edema of the legs. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for rejuvenation and as an aphrodisiac, as well as for digestive and bronchial complaints, gout and arthritis.
Fenugreek seed has been used for stomach upset, swelling (inflammation) of the upper air passages or throat, appetite, for lowering blood sugar, and for softening the stool. It also has been used as a gargle to relieve sore throat, and as an external dressing for swelling (local inflammation).
http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-fenugreek.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/fenugreek_trigonella_foenum-graecum-oral/article.htm


Warburgia Salutaris
Pepperbark tree
In Southern Africa, the medicinal plant Warburgia salutaris is commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory and other diseases.
This species is highly regarded as an expectorant for the treatment of dry cough and as a remedy for colds, chest infections, sinusitis, malaria, venereal diseases, stomach ulcers, toothache and dermatological disorders.
As an expectorant or smoked, they are a widely used remedy for common colds. Dried and ground, they make a snuff used to clear the sinuses. Taken orally are believed to cure spots in the lungs. Both stems and root bark are a remedy for malaria. Powdered and mixed with water, they are believed to cure sores in the mouth.
http://het.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/27/11/827
http://www.sahealthinfo.org/traditionalmeds/monographs/warburgia.htm
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T8D-41C2RT3-P&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=32d0c7b5b94a055c34fbe3d07d4779e5
http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantwxyz/warburg.htm