G Section

Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Garlic Mustard, Jack in the hedge, sauce alone, sallets (Alliaria officinalis, petiolata)
Geranium, Cranesbill, Alumroot (Geranium maculatum; G. dissectum (cut leaf)
Geranium, Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.)
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis L.)
Ginseng (red she) (Panax species)
Goa Powder, Andira araroba
Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Gota Kola, Centella asiatica
Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi
Grapes, grape wine, (Vitis spp.)
Guaiac, Guaiacum officinale
Guar Gum (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus (L.) Taub.)
Gumweed, Grindelia camporum
Guarana, Paullinia cupana; P. coco
Gum arabic, Acacia senegel

GARLIC

Allium sativum L.

Liliaceae

(Photo, more)

Notes: I like to roast this and eat in profusion, much to the chagrin of my wife and friends. It is integral to most world flavor principles. Garlic and other alliums (onions, chives, leeks) are used worldwide as food and medicine. A review of 20 epidemiological studies from 1966 through 1996 showed a strong correlation between allium consumption and reduced rates of cancer, especially cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. One study (Dorant et al 1996, Consumption of onions and reduced risk of stomach carcinoma, Gastorenterology, Vol 110, No. 1, 12-20) suggests that the risk of stomach cancer can be cut in half by consuming one half onion or more per day.

Uses:

Food: steam or roast cloves. Steam in Wok until soft, then use as a spread on toast with tomatoes (lycopene) and strong cheddar, Swiss, chevre cheese. Use garlic in salad dressings, pesto, stews, soups, fish, omelets, stir fries. See to discover other ways of preparing garlic.

DOSE: 3-10 CLOVES (see in physician's laptop reference section for more details).

Medicine: Anti-cancer. Anti-helicobactor pylori (stomach cancer agent and cause of ulcers). Antibiotic, provides protection from diarrhea, food poisoning, tuberculosis, flu viruses, bladder infections and yeast infections. Helps lower blood pressure, decreases serum cholesterol and helps prevent coronary blood clotting.

May provide cancer protection.   Intercepts activated carcinogens, stimulates biochemical pathways that detoxify foreign molecules. Can control blood sugar levels. (hypotensive, diabetes) Garlic may also repel infection spreading ticks. Possibly controls pancreatic function producing more insulin. Antibiotic effect may take up to ten cloves of garlic a day. Other sources suggest one clove garlic is effective against mild infections (Simon Mills).

-anti-microbial

-antiseptic

-antiviral

-anthelminthic

-for acute infections: colds, influenza, bronchitis, infections

-hypotensive

-lowers cholesterol

Commission E approved for arteriosclerosis, hypertension, lower cholesterol.

Systemically warming. Antihistamine effect (allergies). Anthelminthic (worms). Anti-platelet aggregating (anti-clotting). Aids destruction and removal of gut toxins. Enhances rhythm of gut peristalsis. Stimulates bile secretions. Detoxifies and cleanses gut.

NATURAL HEALTH: SYSTEMIC ANTIBIOTIC. SUPPORTS NATURAL DEFENSES SEAMLESSLY. Indicated for slow viruses. Warming expectorant (as is ginger, cinnamon, they are all good for illnesses associated with cold).

CHINESE: Hot in the second degree (used to raise body heat).

Acrid, tonifies liver, disperses excesses in lungs, wind and cold diseases. Mobilizes stagnant body reserves. Indicated in bronchial inflammations.

Study: It appears garlic helps to maintain the elasticity of the aorta.* In the study elderly adults were given 300 mg of garlic powder daily for two years. After the experimental period the test group showed that garlic slowed age-related increase in aortic stiffness. This improved elasticity may help control blood pressure and put less work on the heart to pump blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.

*-Breithaupt-Grogleer K, Ling M, Boudoulas H, Belz GG: Protective effect of chronic garlic intake on elastic properties of aorta in the elderly. Circulaiton 96:2649-2655, 1997.

Chemistry: alliin; allithiamine; allyl-disulfide; allyl-monosulfide; arginase; catalase; esterase; oxalate dehaydrogenase, oxalic acid; amino acids; chlorogenic-acid; P-coumaric-acid; cycloalliin; raffinose; cytidylic-acid; diallyl-sulfide; diketogluconic-acid; kaempferol; EFA; methyl alliin; phenol oxidase; propane-thiosulfinate; propyloalliin; saponins; beta-sitosterol, alpha-tocopheral; sinapic-acid; succinic-dehydrogenase; sulfur trioxide; umbelliferone; zinc.(2)

REFERENCES:

Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, L.D. Kapoor, CRC Press, 1990.

Phytochemical Constituents of GRAS Herbs and Other Economic Plants, James A. Duke; CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1992.

Meuninck et al.: Natural health with medicinal herbs and healing foods, one hour video, Media Methods 1992.

(Handbook of Proximate Analysis Tables of Higher Plants; Duke, Atchley, CRC Press; 1986.

Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, James A. Duke CRC Press, 1985.

Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses, Demi Brown; Dorling Kindersley Publishing, NY,NY. 1995.

Garlic Mustard, Jack in the hedge, sauce alone, sallets

Alliaria officinalis, petiolata

Cruciferae

Uses: (photo, more)

Food: This is a common plant growing along roadsides. You have seen it.

Strong, bitter...The small basal leaves of Spring and Fall are edible. As the plant grows in the spring the new leaves may be peeled off the plant and eaten in salads, saute, steamed. In the Spring, I harvest this plant with nettles, wild chives, pansies and burdock root and make a vegetarian broth. Simmer the plants in the water for ten to fifteen minutes, discard the plant material and use the broth as a soup base. Terminal flower buds may be pinched off and eaten before they open. Open flowers may be too pungent for your taste.

The tuberous root may be grated and used like horseradish...Better taste it first.

In Medieval times, garlic mustard was a common poverty green of peasants. They made a pungent odiferous sauce to cover the smell of the foul internal organs they ate--animal by-products not good enough for nobility but just fine for peasants. Seeds in late autumn should be tasted, if you like the taste, go for it.

External medicinal uses: Used for slow healing, stubborn sores, wounds. It is antiseptic, the juice from the leaves (usually obtained by crushing leaves and applying them as a compress or poultice) is used on ulcerated wounds, boils, arthritic joints, gout painful joints.

Internal medicinal uses: As a food or a tea....Warming herb. Expectorant. Anti-inflammatory. For bronchitis, asthma, eczema.

Interesting: smell of garlic emanating from plant form of mimicry as garlic order repels insects.

Chemistry: glycoside sinigrin, may repel insects, along with essential oils sinigrin accounts for the pungency of the plant. alliaroside; benzyl-glucosinolate; allyl-isothiocyanate; allyl sulfide; cardeonlides; carotenoids; erucic-acid; eiconsenoic acid and eicosadienic acid; EFA; isothiocyanates; myrosin; saponarin; squaline; stearic acid; palmitic acid... SEED: SINAPINE, SINAPIC ACID, (2)

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Insect repellent. May make good spray for apples in spring.

Geranium, Cranesbill, Alumroot

Geranium maculatum; G. dissectum (cut leaf)

Geraniaceae

Uses: (photo and more information)

Food:  I like to pluck the flowers off and munch them as I browse through my garden.  Delicate taste...Try them on salads.  Try to candy them.   For more on edible flower preparation techniques see the video:  Cooking with Edible Flowers...Order from www.herbvideos.com.

Medicine:  Bitter, styptic, antiseptic, astringent.  Traditional uses: Whole herb is used to stem bleeding and as an antiseptic.  Root (in decoction) and whole plant used to stem diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, colitis, excessive menstruation.  Claimed to promote healing: root tea 

Chemistry: Up to 28% tannins in root, calcium oxalate

Geranium, Herb Robert

 Geranium robertianum

Geraniaceae

Uses:  Popular garden herb.

Medicine:  Dried aerial parts or fresh aerial parts during flowering.   May be antiviral but more testing needed, preliminary tests were negative.  Antimicrobial to E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Staph. aureus, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes.  May be hypotensive, unproven.  According to PDR for Medicinal Herbs, 80% ethanol extraction  was inhibitory to  E. coli; P. aeruginost and S. aureus.

Chemistry:  Flavonoids: rutin, quercitin, tannins.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba L.

Ginkgoaceae

Links to other herbs for the mind: Kava, St. John's Wort,   Mints.

Notes: This is one supplement I take every day. It seems to help. I can still remember where I left my house when I go for a drive.  The product is extracted from the leaves of an Ancient tree of China, found growing throughout the world as an ornamental.

Extremely disease resistant.

Uses: (Photo, more)    More detail in the Physician's Laptop.

Food: Fruits (ginkgo nut) are eaten. Orange yellow membrane must be removed from nut (goes rancid quickly). Typically sold in oriental stores canned in water. May be roasted fresh. Simmered. Nut has a mild flavor, somewhat resinous. Put in stir fry with all seafood and meat. They are an excellent source of potassium and niacin. Relatively high in thiamin, vitamin C, copper, phosphorus, pantothenic acid, iron, vitamin A, riboflavin and magnesium.

Medicine: For more detail see in physician's laptop reference section.. Ginkgo may be useful in treating senile dementia including Alzheimer's disease.

JAMA LeBars et al. Vol 278; 1997 reported a six month delay in the progression of the disease from many patients using the Ginkgo extract. Test subjects took 120 mg of ginkgo per day in three doses of 40mg each. This was a standardized extract of 24 percent ginkgo flavonol glycosides and 6 percent terpene lactones.. Another double blind placebo controlled trial found that Ginkgo extract was approximately three times more effective than the placebo for treating Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia. Kanowski, et.al. Proof of efficacy of the Ginkgo biloba special extract Egb 761(Ginkgold, Ginkoba) in outpatients...Phytomedicine 1997; 4(1):3-13.

Standardized ginkgo extracts are also taken to improve circulation to distal areas including the brain. This may improve function and memory, cognitive and circulatory disorders of the brain. The bilobalides (flavonol glycosides) are antioxidants as well.

REFERENCES:

Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, James A. Duke CRC Press, 1985.

Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses, Demi Brown; Dorling Kindersley Publishing, NY,NY. 1995.

GINGER

Zingiber officinalis L.

Zingiberaceae

(Photo, more)

Also see in Physician's Laptop reference section for more details.

DEMONSTRATION: Lavender/Ginger ice cream. Ginger preserves (see Natural Health video and Cooking with Flowers and Culinary Herbs video).

Uses:

Food: Always add to stir fry, stews, add to salad dressings, protects all from infections. marinades, fruit dishes, preserves, pies, ice cream, Chinese cooking, fish, meat. Favorite dish carrot/citrus soup with ginger, see recipe section. GRAS

Medicine: Smooth muscle relaxant, aid to digestion. Anti-inflammatory, may provide cancer protection for stomach, increases mucous flow in stomach providing ulcer protection.

Japanese sushii and sashimi eaters have noticed that the raw fish dishes are always served with grated ginger. Be certain to eat the ginger with raw fish, protecting you from fish poisoning.

Asian studies suggest it may kill flu and cold viruses. Ayerveda researchers suggest ginger may prevent migraine headache.

Effective motion sickness prophylactic (nausea). Morning sickness. Used in Japan to fight fish poisoning, always eaten with sushii and sashimi (raw fish).

May reduce blood pressure and serum cholesterol. Anti platelet aggregating.

Relieves flatulence, vomiting, painful stomach. Eliminatory problems related to colds and flu.

Paste of root applied to head for headaches, rubefacient and circulatory stimulant. Paste on toothache. Said to be used on forehead to assist nearsightedness that is due to deficient contraction of iris. Mixed with potash or sodium carbonate in treating gout (according to Kapoor 1-2 grams ginger powder to .5gr sodium carbonate or potash) WARNING: do not attempt this treatment without professional medical diagnosis and supervision, as with all reported treatments in this database always seek professional medical help before self treatment.

Chemistry: Camphine, zingiberene, cineol, borneol, gingerin, gingerol (pungent chemistry) root bark contain alkaloid (you may want to peel ginger to avoid this alkaloid)(4) (3)

Ginseng (red she)  (See photo)

Panax species

Araliaceae

Personal Note: I do not use this herb. I am a hot, type-A person. If I were to use one ginseng over the other (American vs Chinese vs Korean vs Siberian) I'd choose American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium). See characteristics below for reason why. *

Alan Gaby MD, Bastyr University, has documented 30,000 plus science journal articles on the use of nutrients to treat disease. this practice among medical doctors is called orthomolecular medicine. Should be interested in finding an Orthomolecular Physician near you call The society of Orthomolecular Health-Medicine at 415 922-6462. One of the favorite herbs for building energy and stamina follows...

Uses:

Food: various teas, chewing gum, soft drinks, cordials, powdered and applied to food, etc.

Medicine: Root, tonic stimulant, aphrodisiac, enhances immune response, improves cerebral circulation and function, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, tonifies primordial energy tonic for spleen and lungs. European studies (over 300 papers) shows ginseng increases concentration, alertness, visual and motor coordination, as well as physical performance. Other studies suggest that ginseng may increase libido, improving male potency.

Used to treat stress, treat cold extremities, short term memory loss, impotence, diabetes, hypertension, adrenal deficiency considered closest thing to a cure-all found in Nature. Both elevates and lowers blood pressure depending on need.

*Type of Ginseng Characteristics and Use

Asian ginseng=Panax ginseng Warming and stimulating. Red Korean ginseng warms more than Asian white. Increases energy. Tonic. Taken to re- energize depleted body functions.

American ginseng=P. quinquefolium Cools, moistens, soothes. Perhaps better tonic than Asian, at least in the eyes of Orientals. Considered adaptogenic, soothing to nerves.

Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosas, 6not a true ginseng is treated elsewhere in this program.

Preparation: I use an old sausage grinder to grind hard dried roots into powder. Root is tough enough to ruin--break blades--of electronic pepper mill. Typical dose 5 to 10 grams in decoction, steam decocted for 30 minutes. Put 60 to 100 grams in 1 liter of spirits for 3 or 4 months, drink judiciously. See Angelica s. for Yin and Yang cordial.

Alternative Preparation: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of powder to cup of hot water twice a day. Follow this procedure for a month, then a 2 months off, then a month on again. - Nathaniel Mead, Natural Health Magazine, March April 98, p. 135.

Chemistry: gensenosides or saponins are stimulants and antioxidants that may stimulate immune system; lower cholesterol; antifungal and antimicrobial. Saponins from other plants have been shown to be antitumor, antimicrobial, antifungal...See HerbalGram No. 40 page 11-12, American Botanical Council publication.

CAUTION: Side effects that indicate stopping its use are: nervousness, insomnia, increased blood pressure. Avoid ginseng if you have fever, emphysema, hypertension, arrhythmias, upper respiratory infections and disorders including: asthma, bronchitis. Chinese practitioners caution not to use with colds, pneumonia and other lung infections.

Goa Powder

Andira araroba

Medicine:  This Brazilian tree provides a latex like exudant that is dried and used in emulsion to treat skin problems including Psoriasis.  Toxic and irritating herb.  Toxins may be absorbed through skin inducing toxic poisoning.

Chemistry:   Anthrone derivatives that may inhibit cell proliferation as in auto immune diseases like psoriasis,  skin irritant and toxin.

Golden Seal

Hydrastis canadensis L.

Ranunculaceae

For more detail see in Physician's Laptop reference section.

Notes: Not a particularly useful herb for me. There are safer more benign, yet efficacious herbs for the same ailments. I rely more on and .

Uses:

Food: not edible.

Medicine: Root dried and used as medicine. Bitter digestive tract stimulant. Traditionally for diarrhea. Topically for skin and eye infections. Ground to fine powder. Used most commonly for treating acute infections (colds, flu. Sore throat). I have used it as a gargle when I get the tickle of a sore throat. Phyllis Balch (Prescription for Nutritional Healing) used golden seal for a tooth infection. Has also been used for treating recurrent ear infections. I have made a golden seal cinnamon alcohol extraction for athletes foot. Also used for urinary tract infections. Because of its extremely bitterness like gentian it may be of use in stimulating appetite in anorexia . My dentist did his dissertation on the anti-microbial effects of berberine.

Chemistry: Antimicrobial berberine and hydrastine.

REFERENCES:

Hahn. Berberine. Antibiotics 1976; 3: 577-88.

Lininger, Wright, Austin, Brown, Gaby. THE NATURAL PHARMACY. Prima Health, 1998.

Meuninck et al. Natural health with medicinal herbs and healing foods, Media Methods, 800 487-0522 1992 one hour video.

Meuninck, Duke. Edible wild plants video. Media Methods. One hour video available from Media Methods.

Handbook of Proximate Analysis Tables of Higher Plants; Duke, Atchley, CRC Press; 1986.

Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, James A. Duke CRC Press, 1985.

Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses, Demi Brown; Dorling Kindersley Publishing, NY,NY. 1995.

Gotu Kola, Indian pennywort, 

Centella asiatica L.

Umbelliferae

Habitat:  Wet areas in India and other Asian countries.

Food:  Leaves are eaten in Southeastern Asian cuisine (salads).  I have eaten this in salads in Little Saigon, Los Angeles, California as a pick-me-up-salad.

Medicine:  Aerial parts of plant processed into drug.  Considered anti-inflammatory, wound healing (stimulates skin cell regeneration) , anti-ulcer, blood vessel strengthening, anti-tumor.  Experimentally used to treat chronic venous insufficiency.  May help alleviate edema due to venous hypertension in the legs.

In Ayurvedic medicine this drug is a alterative, stimulant, diuretic, tonic, detoxifying drink that improves immunity.  Used to treat psoriasis and eczema, epilepsy, insanity.  Said to improve memory and longevity.  Powder used externally or made into a tea.  Trials in India suggest the drug increases red blood cell counts, blood sugar, serum cholesterol, available protein and increased overall vital capacity.  Alcohol tincture is lethal to Entamoeba histolytica.

Used with retarded children in India to improve their performance, both physical and mental.

Chemistry:  Triterpene acids, asiaticoside, madegossoside.

Gotu Kola extracts and drinks are available at Chinese drug stores, supermarkets, health food stores.  Seek advice from your holistic health care practitioner to discover if this is a phytopharmaceutical useful for you.

Grape/Wine

Vitis spp.

Vitaceae

For more detail see in Physician's Laptop reference section.

USES: (Photo, more)

Notes: We grow three varieties. We pick and blend them skins and all to make a marmalade (without sugar). This is a freezer jam that is rich in bioflavonoids that protect your heart.

Food: Leaves are edible may be steamed and wrapped around rice dishes Greek style. Grapes should be eaten raw (grow your own) or lightly prepared cooked or fermented. Juice appears to be as effective as wine for prevention.

Medicine: Phenolic compounds in grapes especially dark skinned grapes may improve heart function, protect from heart disease, improve mental function and in near research protect against Alzheimer's disease. Traditionally, grapes were eaten, taken as juice or wine to treat menopause, hemorrhage, varicose veins (calendula cream also used to treat varicose veins and phlebitis), hypertension, lower cholesterol, skin rashes, dermatitis, menstruation. Good anti-inflammatory for inflamed gums, mouth sores, sore throat, eyesores. 

Ayurvedic uses of raisins: Note they contain malic, tartaric and racemic acids, tannins and may have small amounts of arsenic.. Raisins are eaten for chronic bronchitis, heart disease, gout. Use raisins with fevers when thirsty or with cough. Used with enlarged spleen or liver. Leaves used for diarrhea. Grape juice used (especially with children) to treat constipation (see Kapoor in resource file)(1)

Grape seed extract containing procyanidins are free radical scavengers and capillary protectants, improving blood flow. Indicated for vision problems. Stops the deterioration due to aging to eyes. Also used with heart patients to prevent artery damage due to protective activity of bioflavonoid fraction. Grape seed flavonoids inhibit angiotensin in vitro. Also inhibits (resveratrol) oxidation of low density lipo proteins (cholesterol). Anti-platelet aggregating effect of resveratrol.

Chemistry: Phenolic compounds in grapes include quercetin and resveratrol, ellagic acid.

PREPARATION: wine and grape juice, eating whole grapes. grape seeds have essential fatty acids which may be beneficial to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes.

REFERENCES:

Chang, et al.: inhibition of platelet aggregation and arachidonate metabolism in platelets by procyanidins, Prostaglandins Leukotrienes essential Fatty Acids 38 181-88 1989.

Frankel, et al.: Inhibition of oxidation of human low density lipoproteins by phenolic substances in red wine. Lancet 341, 454-457, 1993.

Handbook of Proximate Analysis Tables of Higher Plants; Duke, Atchley, CRC Press; 1986.

Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, James A. Duke CRC Press, 1985.

Murray, Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements Prima 1996.

Murray, Healing Power of Herbs, Prima 1995187-191 (25 references).

Guaiac, Lignum vitae

Guaiacum officinale

Zygophyllaceae

Medicine:  Heartwood resin is the medicine from this semitropical evergreen tree of the Americas.  Used as therapy for rheumatism.  

Traditionally the drug is imparted to water by decoction from chopped heartwood.

Native Americans used an extract from the evergreen to treat syphilis.

Chemistry:  Saponins, sesquiterpene alcohols, resin: guaiacin and alpha guaiaconic acid.   Also, tetrofuroguaiacine A and tetrofuroguaicacine B.

Guarana

Paullinia cupana

Sapindaceae

Evergreen climbing vine, tropical (Brazil), large, leaves distinctly palmate venation.

Medicine: Seeds are crushed and roasted and pressed into sticks, dried.  Dried bars are grated into juice or water to make stimulating drink.  Odor similar to chocolate, also bitter like chocolate, used as a stimulant (purine alkaloids) diuretic, anti-platelet aggregating.  Treatment for headache.  Chronic use of this drug or any caffeine content drink, such as coffee, may relieve and cause headaches.  Headaches are a caffeine withdrawal symptom.

Ten grams of the herb may yield 400 mg of caffeine.  Caffeine increases gastric secretions and increases gut motility (laxative effect).

Native American Uses:  Paullinia yoco seed are used by people of the Colombian and Ecuadorian jungle as a stimulating drink.

Chemistry:  Caffeine, theobromine, theophyllene 

May be taken in candy or capsules as well as liquid forms.  Available at health food stores.

To be avoided during pregnancy.

Guar Gum

Cyamopsis tetragonolobus (L.) Taub.

Leguminosae

Notes:  A nitrogenous fixing plant found throughout tropical Asia called the Indian cluster bean.  Forty percent of the bean's endosperm may be ground and made into high fiber guar gum.  the plant is now grown commercially in the United States.

Food:  Used as a thickening agent for foods, sauces, pharmaceuticals.  Also, used in various industries: oil drilling, the making of paper and textile manufacturing.

Medicine: Heart Disease: May lower serum cholesterol levels up to 15%.   And low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) by 25%.   High density lipoprotein levels appear to be unaffected.  Guar reduces cholesterol absorption by locking up bile in the digestive tract.  The liver then takes two molecules of cholesterol to make more bile.  Thus guar is a cholesterol bile sequestering agent.  Doses of guar in studies ranged from 12 to 15 grams per day.  Guar gum has been added to the cholesterol lowering drug Lovastatin (Mevacor), raising the effectiveness of Lovastatin by 15%.

Blood Pressure:  Guar gum lowered blood pressure in overweight men by 9%.

Diabetes:  Guar is hypoglycemic, perhaps due to its binding ability in the gut.  Guar reduces the amount of glucose and subsequently the secretion of insulin post-prandial (after a meal).  Best results are obtained when the guar is administered with food.  A diabetic is best advised to limit protein and fat in the meal to get the greatest effect of guar gum on blood sugar and insulin levels.

Dieting:  Guar gum may improve intestinal motility and bulks the stool.  The gum in the presence of food provides a full feeling, it is bulking.  Intestinal transit time of the chyme is slowed.  this feeling of fullness may prevent overeating (appetite suppression).

Chemistry:  Endosperm is about 40% guar that forms a gel when mixed with water.  the viscous gel is a polysaccharide galactomannan.  Food grade guar gum is 80% guaran.  The galactomannan guaran is made up of D galactose and D-mannose units with a heavy molecular weight of 220,000. 

Side effects:  Diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort.  Fully 50% of those using guar are flatulent.  This effect is lowered over time.  Low doses of 3 grams to not more than 15 grams per day, a gradual increase of dose, lessens the gastrointestinal effects.   Doses of 30 grams or more will block the absorption of minerals and effect the absorption of some drugs like: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), digoxin, Bezafibrate,  Glucotrol, DiaBeta, Micronase.

Gum Arabic, Acacia, Gum Acacia

Acacia senegel

Mimosaceae

Small tree or shrub to 20 feet tall.  Habitat southern Sahara.

Medicine:  Latex is collected from cuttings in the bark of the tree.  Liquid dries, hardens.  It is prepared in an emulsion taken internally to treat diarrhea, dysentery.  Has absorption impeding effect.  Stimulant.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Used to treat diarrhea in domestic animals.

Gumweed

Grindelia camporum

Asteraceae

Description: All species are similar, G. camporum is described here: The plant is erect with several yellow to yellow-orange flowers. Flowerheads are dandelion-like (composite) with shorter rays. Flower bracts are viscous and sticky, hence the name, gumweed. It is a biennial or perennial that may grow to three and a half feet, but typically smaller. Light green leaves are alternate, ovate to oblong, serrated or smooth margins, with a clasping the stem, and often resin dotted.

Location: Southwestern to United States to California, up the Sonoran desert to British Columbia and other dry areas of the West. Grindelia integrifolia is a Northwest coastal plant of salt marshes, open coastlines and the like. Grindelia nana is found in the Idaho.

Food: Not edible.

Traditional Uses: Used to treat upper respiratory infections. Large doses may be poisonous, and at least a gastric irritant. Native Americans used the plant in decoction to treat poison ivy and poison oak, to treat wounds, boils and unspecified dermatitis. Sticky leaves and flowers were applied to sores.

Modern Uses: Commission E approved for treating bronchitis and cough. The resinous drug has shown in vitro studies to be antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory. Dried aerial parts are used in tea or tincture. Eighty percent alcohol 1-5 concentration, dried herb to alcohol. Three to five drops per dose.

Chemistry: Saponins, tannins, grindelic acid, volatile oils to include:camphene, camphor, myrcene, alpha and beta pinene, borneol.