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Aniseed
David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
Pimpinella anisum
Umbelliferae
Names
: Anise
Habitat :
Originally from Egypt and Asia Minor but now widely cultivated in warmer
climates.
Collection :
The ripe dry fruits should be gathered between July and September.
Part Used :
Dried fruit.
Constituents
:
-
Volatile oil, l-4%, consisting of
largelytrans-anethole (70-90%), with estragole (methylchavicol), anisic
acid, [[beta]]-caryophylline, anisaldehyde, linalool, anise
ketone(methoxyphenylacetone); the polymers of anethole, dianethole and
photoanethole; an Egyptian variety carvene, carvone, and alpha-zingiberene.
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Coumarins, such as bergapten, umbelliferone,
scopoletin
-
Flavonoid glycosides including rutin, isovitexin,
quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin glycosides
-
Phenylpropanoids, including
l-propenyl-2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-benzene-2- (2- methyl-butyrate)!
-
Misc. lipids, fatty acids, sterols, proteins and
carbohydrates.
Actions :
Expectorant, anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-microbial, aromatic,
galactogogue.
Indications
: The volatile oil in Aniseed provides the basis for its internal use to
ease griping, intestinal colic andflatulence. It also
has an expectorant and anti-spasmodic action and maybe used in bronchitis,
in tracheitis where there is persistentirritable coughing, and
in whooping cough. Externally, the oil maybe used in an ointment base
for the treatment of scabies. The oil by itself will help in the
control of lice. Aniseed has been demonstrated to increase
mucociliary transport and so supporting its use as an expectorant. It has
mild estrogenic effects, thought to be due to the presence of dianethole and
photoanethole, which explains the use of this plant in folk medicine to
increase milk secretion, facilitate birth and increase libido.
Felter & LLoyd
considered it a "stimulant and carminative; used in cases of < b>flatulence,
flatulent colic of infants, and to remove nausea. Sometimes
added to other medicines to improve their flavor, correct griping and other
disagreeable effects.."
Combinations
: For flatulent colic mix Aniseed with equal amounts of Fennel and Caraway.
For bronchitis it combines well with Coltsfoot , Horehound and Lobelia
Preparations &
Dosage :
Infusion: the seeds should be gently crushed just before use to release the
volatile oils. Pour one cup of boiling water over l-2 teaspoonfuls of the
seeds and let it stand covered for 5 to l0 minutes. Take one cup three times
daily. To treat flatulence, the tea should be drunk slowly before meals.
Oil: one drop of the oil may be taken internally by mixing it into half a
teaspoonful of honey. |
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Arnica
David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
Arnica montana
Compositae
Names :
Leopard's Bane, European Arnica
Habitat :
Native to Europe, Siberia and North West N. America.
Collection :
The flowers are collected between June and August.
Part Used :
Flower heads.
Constituents
:
-
Sesquiterpene lactones, including the
pseudoguanolidesarnifolin, the arnicolides, helenalin, and the recently
isolated 6-0isobutyryl-tetrahydrohelenalin and 2
[[beta]]-ethoxy-6-0-isobutyryl-2, 3-dihydrohelenalin.
-
Flavonoids such as eupafolin, patuletin, spinacetin
and the less commonaciniatin, and methylated flavonoids including
betuletol and hispidulin.
-
Volatile oil, containing thymol and various ethers of
thymol.
-
Mucilage and polysaccharides.
-
Misc. substances such as resins, bitters (arnicin),
tannins, carotenesetc.
Actions
: Anti-inflammatory, vulnerary.
Indications
: Whilst this herb should not be taken internally as it is potentially
toxic, it provides us with one of the best remedies for external local
healing and may be considered a specific when it comes to the treatment of
bruises and sprains. The homeopathic preparation is entirely
safe to take internally, especially when taken according to homeopathic
directions. The herb itself, used externally, will help in the relief of
rheumatic pain, the pain and inflammation of phlebitis and
similar conditions. It may in fact be used wherever there is pain or
inflammation on the skin, as long as the skin is not broken. Arnica has been
shown to be an immuno-stimulant, as both the sesquiterpene lactone helenalin
and the polysaccharide fraction stimulate phagocytosis. Sesquiterpene
lactones are known to have anti-inflammatory activity and their biological
effects appear to be mediated through immunological processes. As helenalin
is one of the most active, this might help account for the use of Arnica for
pain and inflammation.
Ellingwood
considered it specific for "bruised, sore, lacerated and contused muscular
structures." In addition he recommends it for the following pathologies:
muscular soreness, pain, soreness of the breasts, severe injury, old sores,
abscesses.
Combinations
: For a lotion it may be combined with distilled Witch Hazel.
Preparations & Dosage
: You can prepare your own tincture of this herb as follows: pour 1/2 liter
(one pint) of 70% alcohol over 50 grams (two ounces) of freshly picked
flowers. Seal it tightly in a clear glass container and let it stand for at
least a week in the sun or in a warm place. Filter it and it is ready for
use. To store it, put the tincture in a sealed container and keep it out of
direct sunlight. |
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Astragalus
David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
Astragalus membranaceus
Leguminosae
Names:
Milk-vetch root, huang qi
Part Used:
Root.
Constituents:
Glycosides, Polysaccharides, choline, betaine, rumatakenin, [[beta]]-sitosterol
Actions:
Immunomodulator
Indications: Used since ancient times in Traditional Chinese
Medicine, it has become an important remedy in the west since its effects
upon the immune system came to light. As the power of immunological research
is focused on medicinal herbs a whole new array of effects are being
discovered. The polysaccharides in Astragalus have been shown to
intensify phagocytosis of reticulo-endothelial systems, stimulate
pituitary-adrenal cortical activity and restore depleted red blood cell
formation in bone marrow. Astragalus is also one of the herbs known
to stimulate the bodies natural production of interferon. The therapeutic
potential offered is very exciting. The conclusion being drawn by most
western herbalist's is that Astragalus is an ideal remedy for anyone
who might be immuno-compromised in any way. This can range from someone who
easily `catches' colds to someone with cancer.
Preparations & Dosage:
Decoction: put l teaspoonful of the root into a cup of water, bring to boil
and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day. |
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