Herbs and Supplements Starting With The Letter
~ F ~
F, Vitamin
See Essential Fatty Acids
False Unicorn
Helonias dioica
False unicorn has been used to improve fertility, help prevent miscarriage and to ease the nausea of morning sickness during pregnancy. It is especially recommended where there is a "heavy dragging feeling" in the lower abdomen. As a balancing, regulating herb, it can ease menstrual cramps and bleeding as well as improve delayed or absent menstruation. It is also used by men for impotence and prostate problems. False unicorn supplies rare trace minerals including sulfur, copper, cadmium and cobalt. An unexpected benefit is false unicorn's ability to treat worms and other parasites. Especially large doses can induce nausea and vomiting, so use with caution during pregnancy.
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel has aromatic oils that are similar to peppermint and catnip. Fennel seeds are a general tonic that acts to stimulate the production of digestive juices. The result is better and quicker digestion of food with less intestinal gas and flatulence. Fennel also calms muscle spasms, including coughing and bronchitis. Fennel may have an estrogenic action that promotes menstruation, so it should not be used during pregnancy. Afterwards, it increases mother's milk. It may carry over into the milk to help reduce colic in the baby.
Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Fenugreek has been used historically as an expectorant, mucilaginous, and restorative. Fenugreek is one of the oldest medicinal plants, dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates. Fenugreek soothes inflamed tissues and improves mucus and lymph system flow. It can be taken for bronchitis or fevers and gargled to help relieve a sore throat. According to some research, it may be good for reducing serum cholesterol.
Feverfew
Chrysanthemum partheniium
Studies demonstrate that the regular use of feverfew can reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches in most sufferers, especially when applying warmth to the head. Feverfew may also relieve painfully active inflammatory arthritis. It inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells and may help allergies. The studies also revealed the potential to reduce high blood pressure.
Flax Seed
Linum usitatissimum
Flax is used as an aid to achieving cardiovascular health, to help in menopause, and as a mild laxative. Research reveals that lignan in flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting diseases including a possible role in cancer prevention, especially in breast cancer. It is thought that lignan metabolites can bind to estrogen receptors, hence inhibiting the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer. Other benefits show that flax seed may also help lower blood triglycerides and blood pressure. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky, therefore reducing the chance of a heart attack.
Flax Seed Oil
Flax seed oil is the richest known source of alpha-linolenic acid. Fatty acids are required for many body functions including regulating temperature, building nerve sheaths, and producing energy. Essential fatty acids are used to build prostaglandins, which are required for many other critical bio-chemical processes.
Folic Acid – Vitamin B9
Folic acid is essential to human health. It is required for the duplication of DNA during the process of building new tissue. Having a baby is an obvious case of "building new tissue." Because deficiencies of folic acid frequently cause growth defects, especially of the brain and spinal cord, all women in their childbearing years should take 400 mcg of folic acid daily. This amount should be doubled to 800 mcg during pregnancy.
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This information is provided for educational purposes only.
The descriptions of nurtritional supplements are based on the historical usage of the various ingredients. They are not intended to promote any direct or implied health claims, and actual results of usage can vary.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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