SPECIAL
 

Calendula
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Calendula officinalis
Compositae
Names: Marigold, Marybud, Gold-bloom, Caltha officinalis.
Habitat: A common garden plant.
Collection: Either the whole flower tops or just the petals are collected between June and September. They should be dried with great care to ensure there is no discoloration.
Part Used: Petals, flowerheads.

Constituents:

• Triterpenes, pentacyclic alcohols such as faradol, brein, arnidiol, erythrodiol, calenduladiol, heliantriol C and F, ursatriol, logispinogenine;

• the calendulosides A-D;

• [[alpha]] & [[beta]]-amyrin, taraxasterol, gamma-taraxasterol, and lupeolFlavonoids;

• isorhamnetin glycosides including narcissin & quercitin glycosidesincluding rutin;

• volatile oil;

• chlorogenic acid.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, lymphatic, astringent, vulnerary, emmenagogue, anti-microbial.

Indications: Calendula is one of the best herbs for treating local skin problems. It may be used safely wherever there is an inflammation on the skin, whether due to infection or physical damage. It may be used for any external bleeding or wound, bruising or strains. It will also be of benefit in slow-healing wounds and skin ulcers. It is ideal for first aid treatment of minor burns and scalds. Local treatments may be with a lotion, a poultice or compress, whichever is most appropriate. Internally it acts as a valuable herb for digestive inflammation and thus it may be used in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. As acholagogue it will aid in the relief of gall-bladder problems and also through this process help in many of the vague digestive complaints that are called indigestion. Calendula has marked anti-fungal activity and may be used both internally and externally to combat such infections. As anemmenagogue it has a reputation of helping delayed menstruation and painful periods. It is in general a normalizer of the menstrual process.

It is a remedy long used throughout Europe for wound healing and ulcer treatments. Part of its healing power appears to be based on the presence of terpenes. A triterpene glycoside called calendulozide B exerts a marked anti-ulcerous and sedative action. In a broad spectrum check of physiological impact it did not have any negative effect on the cardiovascular system, the tone of intestinal smooth muscles, kidney function or on the biligenic function of the liver. The researchers say the drug is devoid of locally irritating properties and an insignificant toxicity. If this is the case with an extracted constituent, much more can be claimed for the whole plant!

Ellingwood recommends it for the following patholgies: varicoseveins, chronic ulcers, capillary engorgement, hepatic& splenic congestion, recent wounds and open sores, severe burns.

Combinations: For digestive problems it may be used with Marshmallow Root and American Cranesbill. As an external soothing application it can beused with Slippery Elm and any other relevant remedy. A useful anti-septiclotion will be produced by combining it with Golden Seal and Myrrh.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonsful of the florets and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. External use as a lotion or ointment forcuts, bruises, diaper rash, sore nipples, burns and scalds.

Tincture, l-4 ml three times a day.

Cascara Sagrada
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Rhamnus purshiana
Rhamnaceae
Names: Sacred Bark, Chittem Bark, Cascara.
Habitat: Native to the Pacific Coast of North America.
Collection: The bark is stripped from the trunk of this tree in the spring and summer and left to age for a few years. Due to indiscriminate cutting by white settlers during the last century, the number of wild trees has been greatly reduced.

Part Used: Dried bark.

Constituents: Up to l05 anthraquinone glycosides, consisting of the cascarosides A, B, C and D, which account for about 70% of the total with other glycosides in minor concentrations, including barbaloin, frangulin, chrysaloin; glycosides based on emodin, aloe emodin, emodin oxanthrone, and chrysophanol, dianthrones including the heterodianthrones palmidin A, B and C and the freeaglycones.

Actions: Laxative, hepatic, bitter.

Indications: Cascara Sagrada may be used in chronic constipation as it encourages peristalsis and tones relaxed muscles of the digestive system.

Ellingwood considered it to be a bitter tonic specific for "chronic constipation." He recommends it in the following terms: "In prescribing Cascara for the cure of chronic constipation, large doses at the first are undesirable. If a single dose, so large as to produce a cathartic effect be administered, subsequent small doses will prove insufficient to restore tone and the constipation will remain unless the large dose is constantly repeated. If a dose of from two to ten drops in a proper vehicle be given, three, four or five times daily for many days, even if the constipation does not at first yield, the effects after a few days are usually salutary. There is a normal movement in the morning and the habit of regular evacuation can be soon fixed, as the agent is continued the dose may be slowly decreased until a single drop at each dose is given. Finally, a single small dose morning and night may be continued for a time and then stopped, the bowels continuing their normal action. If constipation pre-exists, it is well to give a simple laxative or to flush the bowels thoroughly with some other agent before beginning the use of this, to overcome the chronic condition. The results can be sooner obtained also by smaller doses. Large doses of the agent produce colic and are seldom needed. In the temporary constipation of pregnancy or in the convalescence of acute disease, doses of from 1/4 to 1/2 dram in a tonic mixture, preferably of malt extract, taken at the bed hour will be most satisfactory. Often a single dose followed by a glass of cold water on rising will have a salutary effect. This is true of constipation extending over a short period, not necessarily chronic. To produce an immediate effect as a physic, a dram of the fluid extract should be taken and it will probably induce some pain. The agent should not be used in this active form for its immediate effects during the pregnant term, as its irritating influence may be sufficient to produce miscarriage. It is a useful remedy in many cases of chronic indigestion and in chronic disease of the liver. It has been use in cirrhosis with the best of results. It is useful in jaundice with deficient excretion of bile and corrects catarrh of the bile duct. It is useful in diarrhoea, subacuteor chronic, depending on deficient liver action, and upon catarrhal and atonic conditions of the intestinal tract.

Combinations: Cascara Sagrada should be combined with carminatives to lessen any colic.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls of the bark in a cup of water, bring to the boil and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. This should be drunk at bedtime.

Tincture: take 0.5-1 ml of the tincture at bedtime.

Catmint
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Nepeta cataria
Labiatae
Names: Catnip, Catnep.
Habitat: A common European herb, cultivated in Britain and the USA.
Collection: The leaves and flowering tops are collected between June and September.
Part Used: Leaves and flowering tops.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, carvacrol, citronellal, nerol, geraniol, pulegone, thymol and nepetalic acid.
• Iridoids, including epideoxyloganic acid and 7- deoxyloganic acid.
• Tannins.

Actions: Carminative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, nervine, astringent.

Indications: Catnip is one of the traditional cold and flu remedies. It is a useful diaphoretic helpful in any feverish condition, especially acute bronchitis. As a carminative with anti-spasmodic properties, Catmint eases any stomach upsets, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic. It is a perfect remedy for the treatment of diarrhoea in children. Its sedative action on the nerves adds to its generally relaxing properties.

Combinations: May be used with Boneset, Elder, Yarrow or Cayenne in colds.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Cayenne
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Capsicum minimum
Solanaceae
Names: Capsicum, Chili or Chili Pepper, Hot Pepper, Tabasco Pepper.
Habitat: Tropical America and Africa and widely cultivated.
Collection: The fruit should be harvested when fully ripe and dried in the shade.
Part Used: The fruit.

Constituents:

• Capsaicin.
• Carotenoids; capsanthin, capsorubin, carotene.
• Steroidal saponins known as capsicidins, in seed and root.

Actions: Stimulant, carminative, anti-catarrhal, sialagogue, rubefacient, anti-microbial.

Indications: Cayenne is the most useful of the systemic stimulants. Its stimulates blood flow, strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves. A general tonic, it is also specific for both circulatory and digestive system. It may be used in flatulent dyspepsia and colic. If there is insufficient peripheral circulation, leading to cold hands and feet and possibly chilblains, Cayenne may be used, also for debility and for warding off colds. Externally it is used as a rubefacient in problems like lumbago and rheumatic pains. As an ointment it helps unbroken chilblains, as long as it is used in moderation! As a gargle in laryngitis it combines well with Myrrh. This combination is also a good antiseptic wash.

King's Dispensatory describes it thus: Capsicum is a pure, energetic, permanent stimulant, producing in large doses vomiting, purging, pains in the stomach and bowels, heat and inflammation of the stomach, giddiness, a species of intoxication and an enfeebled condition of the nervous power. The infusionis much used in colds, catarrh, hoarseness, etc. In atonic dyspepsia and catarrhal gastritis it stimulates the nerves of the stomach, promotes the secretion of the digestive juices, and assists peristaltic motion. As an internal remedy some have advanced the theory that it is destroyed during digestion. Perhaps, when ingested with food, this may be partially true, but, if so, how do we account for its remarkable activity in sustaining the nervous system when given in delirium tremens and the power it has in steadying the patient and promoting sound sleep? That its effects are partly due to its stimulating action upon the gastric membranes is unquestionable, but its entire effects can not be due to this cause alone. The same may be said of its action in congestive intermittent and remittent fevers. Some thought to attribute its action in congestive chill to its effect upon the solar plexus. It forms an excellent addition to quinine in intermittents, where there is a deficiency of gastric susceptibility and it has been asserted that but 1/2 the quinine will be needed when combined with Capsicum.

Capsicum meets the debility of young and old, but is particularly useful in the elderly, when the body-heat is low, vitality depressed and reaction sluggish. Tired, painful muscles, stiffened joints and relaxation of any part are common conditions in the elderly that are, in a measure, rectified by Capsicum. Homeopathists suggest its use in pneumonia when abscesses threaten. Flatulence in dyspeptic states may be dispelled by capsicum.

Externally, the infusion and tincture have been found valuable as astimulating gargle in the ulcerated throat of scarlatina; also as a counter-irritant, as an application to indolent ulcers, in chronic ophthalmia and in chronic or indolent ulceration of the cornea. If used early in tonsillitis, with relaxation, it may abort the trouble, but ifit does not, its use should be discontinued until the active inflammation has subsided. Hoarseness, from atony of the vocal cords, is relieved by it, and it is a remedy for relaxed uvula. It enters into various tinctures and linaments. The concentrated tincture of capsicum has been highly recommended in the treatment of chilblains and toothache. In the former, a piece of sponge of flannel must be saturated with it, and rubbed well over the seat of the chilblain, until a strong tingling and electrical feeling is produced. This application should be continued daily, until the disease is removed; relief will be experienced on the very first application and frequently there will be a total removal of the disease after the second or third application. This, however, will depend upon the severity of the case.

Powdered Capsicum, sprinkled inside the stockings, was a favorite prescription with Prof. Scudder for cold feet. This medicine possesses an extraordinary power in removing congestion by its action upon the nerves and circulation; if the skin is not broken.

Specific Indications and uses; - Marked depression and debility; atonic dyspepsia of drunkards; delirium tremens; colic, with abdominal distension; congestive chills; cold extremities, with blanched lips and small, weak pulse; congestion, with capillary atony; tongue dry and harsh, and buccal and salivary secretions scanty, in fevers; chronic haemorrhoids, from relaxation.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1/2-1 teaspoonful of Cayenne and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. A tablespoonful of this infusion should be mixed with hot water and drunk when needed.

Tincture: take 0.25-1 ml of the tincture three times a day or when needed.

Chamomile
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Matricaria recutita
Part used: Flowering tops

Constituents: There is a wealth of information about the whole range of components. However, this does not tell us much about the value and benefits of the herb as used in healing. The activity of the whole plant is always more than the sum of its parts, just as a person is more than the sum of their biochemistry. Herbal medicine treats the unique individual and not just the disease present. Herbs can be very powerful in addressing symptomology, but we limit their potential if we stay at this level. Knowing the chemistry of sesquiterpenes is not the same as knowing Chamomile!

The essential oil is a wonderful blend of many individual oils. In addition to a wonderful aroma, these oils all have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and anti-microbial activity in the body. When freshly distilled this oil is blue due to the presence of azulene. Some of the other components of the oil include a-bisabolol, chamazulene, farnesene and herniarin.

Following much pharmacological research, the a-bisabolol has been credited with the ulcer-protective properties of the herb and chamazulene as the main anti-inflammatory. It has been suggested that there is a stimulation of local prostaglandin synthesis, thus strengthening the protective mucosal barrier against ulceration. Azulene imparts the deep blue colour to the essential oil.

Major constituents of Matricaria recutita & their actions.

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Important flavonoids have been found that include quercimeritin, which is involved in the reduction of capillary fragility. Other relevant constituents are anthemic acid, anthemidine, tannin and matricarin.

Actions: Nervine, anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, bitter, vulnerary

Indications: A comprehensive list of Chamomiles' medical uses would be very long. Included would be insomnia, anxiety, menopausal depression, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, colic, aches and pains of flu, migraine, neuralgia, teething, vertigo, motion sickness, conjunctivitis, inflamed skin, urticaria etc. etc.. This may seem too good to be true, but it reflects the wide range of actions in the body.

It is probably the most widely used relaxing nervine herb in the western world. It relaxes and tones the nervous system, and is especially valuable where anxiety and tension produce digestive symptoms such as gas, colic pains or evenulcers. This ability to focus on physical symptoms as well as underlaying psychological tension is one of the great benefits of herbal remedies in stress and anxiety problems. Safe in all types of stress and anxiety related problems, it makes a wonderful late night tea to ensure restful sleep. It is helpful with anxious children or teething infants, where it is used as an addition to the bath.

As an anti-spasmodic herb, it works on the peripheral nerves and muscles, and so it indirectly relaxes the whole body. When the physical body is at ease, ease in the mind and heart follows. It can prevent or ease cramps in the muscles, such as leg or abdomen. As the essential oil added to a bath, itrelaxes the body after a hard day whilst easing the cares and weight of a troubled heart and mind.

Being rich in essential oil, it acts on the digestive system, promoting proper function. This usually involves soothing the walls of the intestines, easing griping pains and helping the removal of gas. It is an effective anti-inflammatory remedy internally for the digestive and respiratory system as well as externally on the skin. A cup of hot Chamomile tea is a simple, effective way of relieving indigestion, calming inflammations such as gastritis and helping prevent ulcer formation. Using the essential oil as a steam inhalation will allow the same oils to reach inflamed mucus membranes in the sinuses and lungs.

Chamomile is a mild anti-microbial, helping the body to destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms. Azulene, one of the components of the essential oil, is bacteriocidal to Staphylococcus and Streptoccusinfections. The oil from 0.10g of flowers is enough to destroy in 2 hours three times the amount of Staphylococcal toxins.

As an anti-catarrhal it helps the body remove excess mucus buildup in the sinusarea. It may be used in head colds and allergy reactions such as hayfever. Mucous is not a problem in itself. It is an essential body product, but when too much is produced it is usually in response to an infection, helping the body remove the problematic organism, or as a way of the body removing excess carbohydrate from the body.

A review of recent scientific literature shows how much interest this venerable folk remedy is still receiving. Most of the clinical, therapeutic research comes from Europe, reflecting the respect Chamomile receives in the medical community there. Anti-inflammatory effects have been the main focus of research, being the official criteria for its inclusion in the Pharmacopeia. These properties explain the herbs value in a wide range of digestive ifintestinal problems. Taken by mouth or used as an enema it is particularly helpful in colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. A fascinating recent German study demonstrated the efficacy of chamomile on the healing of wounds caused by tattooing. A common problem with tattoos is a 'weeping' wound where the skinhas been abraded. The healing and drying process was compared between patients that were treated with Chamomile & a similar group that were not. The decrease of the weeping wound area as well as the speed of drying was dramatically improved using Chamomile.

Clinical and laboratory research demonstrates statistically what the herbalist knows experientially, that it will reduce inflammation, colic pain and protect against ulcer formation in the whole of the digestive tract.

Dosage: The herb may be used in all the ways plants can be prepared as medicines. Used fresh or dried it should be infused to make the tea. The tincture is an excellent way of ensuring all the plants components are extracted and available for the body. In aromatherapy the essential oil of Chamomile is a valued preparation.

2 -3 teaspoonfuls infused for 10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Tincture:1-4ml three times a day.

Chickweed
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Stellaria media
Caryophyllaceae
Habitat: A common weed, it grows everywhere in moist places and frequently in gardens.
Collection: This common `weed' can be collected in spring, but may be found throughout the year.
Part Used: Dried aerial parts.

Constituents:

• Saponin glycosides

• Coumarins and hydroxycoumarins

• Flavonoids

• Carboxylic acids

• Triterpenoids

• Vitamin C, about l50-350mg per l00g.

Actions: Anti-rheumatic, vulnerary, emollient.

Indications: Chickweed is commonly used as an external remedy for cuts, wounds and especially for itching and irritation. If eczema or psoriasis causes this sort of irritation, Chickweed may be used with benefit. Internally it has a reputation as a remedy for rheumatism.

King's Dispensatory gives the following uses: "Chickweed appears to be a cooling demulcent. I have seen the fresh leaves bruised and applied as apoultice to indolent, intractable ulcers of the leg, of many years standing, with the most decided and immediately beneficial results; to be changed 2 or 3 times a day. In acute ophthalmia, the bruised leaves will likewise be found a valuable application. An ointment, made by bruising fresh leaves in fresh lard, may be used in many forms of cutaneous disease. A tincture of Stellariamedia has been extolled in some quarters as a remedy for rheumatic pains of a fugative and shifting character.

Combinations: Chickweed makes an excellent ointment when combined with Marshmallow.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of dried herb and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. This may be drunk three times a day. Fresh Chickweed may be made into a Green Drink by placing a handful of the fresh plant into the blender with pineapple juice, blend and strain. To ease itching, a strong infusion of the fresh plant makes a useful addition to the bath water

Cleavers
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Galium aparine
Rubiaceae
Names: Goosegrass, Clivers.
Collection: The plant should be gathered before flowering and dried in the shade.
Parts Used: Dried aerial parts and the fresh expressed juice.
Constituents: Glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid, citric acid.

Actions: Diuretic, alterative, anti-inflammatory, tonic, astringent.

Indications: It is a very valuable plant, being perhaps the best tonic to the lymphatic system available. As a lymphatic tonic with alterative and diuretic actions it may be used safely in a wide range of problems where the lymphatic system is involved. These include swollen glands (lymphadenitis) anywhere in the body, especially in tonsillitis and adenoid trouble. It is helpful in skin conditions, especially the dry kind such as psoriasis. It is helpful in the treatment of cystitis and other urinary conditions where there is pain and may be combined with urinary demulcents for this. There is a long tradition for the use of Cleavers in the treatment of ulcers and tumors. This may have its basis in the lymphatic drainage, which helps detoxify tissue. Cleavers also makes an excellent vegetable.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "soothing, relaxing & diffusive diuretic: increases aqueous excretion, corrects inability to pass normal catabolic wastes and relieves irritation. Preferred diuretic for exanthemas." The specific indications: dropsy, renalobstructions, bladder stone, gravel, calculi, scalding micturation, dysuria, irritable bladder, cystitis, enuresis in children, eczema, psoriasis. Ellingwood recommends it for the following patholgies: acute inflammation of the urinary tract, dysuria, nephritis, strangury, cystic & prostatic irritation in old men.

Combinations: For the lymphatic system combine with Poke, Echinacea or Calendula. For skin conditions combine with Yellow Dock and Burdock. For diuretic purposes it is often used with Buchu and/or Bearberry.

Preparation and Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2-3 teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Coltsfoot
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Tussilago farfara
Compositae
Names: Coughwort, Horsehoof, Foal's Foot.
Habitat: A common wild plant in Britain and Europe, growing in damp places.
Collection: The flowers should be gathered before they have fully bloomed (end of February to April) and dried carefully in the shade. The leavesare best collected between May and June. They should be chopped up before theyare dried and stored. The fresh leaves can be used until autumn.
Part Used: Dried flowers and leaves.

Constituents:

• Flavonoids; rutin, hyperoside and isoquercetin
• Mucilage, consisting of polysaccharides based on glucose, galactose, fructose, arabinose and xylose; and inulin
• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including senkirkine and tussilagine
• Tannin.

Actions: Expectorant, anti-tussive, anti-spasmodic, demulcent, anti-catarrhal, diuretic.

Indications: Coltsfoot combines a soothing expectorant effect with an anti-spasmodic action. There are useful levels of zinc in the leaves. This mineral has been shown to have marked anti-inflammatory effects. Coltsfoot may be used in chronic or acute bronchitis, irritating coughs, whooping coughs and asthma. Its soothing expectorant action gives Coltsfoot a role in most respiratory conditions, including the chronic states of emphysema. As a mild diuretic it has been used in cystitis. The fresh bruised leaves can be applied to boils, abscesses and suppurating ulcers.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "diffusive expectorant, sedative and demulcent: suitable for debilitated and chronic conditions, especially where there is a tubercular diathesis." They give the following specific indications: chronic pulmonary conditions, chronic emphysema and silicosis, pertussis, asthma.

King's says that "It relieves irritation of the mucous tissues. The decoction is usually administered in doses of from l to 3 or 4 fluid ounces and has been found useful in coughs, asthma, whooping cough , laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and other pulmonary affections; in gastric and intestinal catarrh; and said to be useful in scrofula. The powdered leaves form a good errhine for giddiness, headache, nasal obstructions. Used externally, in form of poultice, to scrofulous tumors."

Combinations: In the treatment of coughs it may be used with White Horehound, Mullein or Elecampane.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried flowers of leaves and let infuse for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day, as hot as possible. Tincture: take 2-4ml of the tincture three times a day.

Comfrey
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Symphytum officinale
Boraginaceae
Names: Knitbone
Habitat:
Collection: The roots should be unearthed in the spring or autumn when the allantoin levels are the highest. Split the roots down the middle and dry in moderate temperatures of about 40-60 degrees C.
Part Used: Root and rhizome, leaf.

Constituents:

• Allantoin

• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including echimidine, symphytine, lycopsamine, symlandine. The alkaloids are found in the fresh young leaves and in the root, but in two separate investigations were found to be absent in the dried herb.

• Phenolic acids; rosmarinic, chlorogenic, caffeic and lithospermic acids.

• Mucilage, about 29%, composed of a polysaccharide containing glucose &fructose.

• Miscellaneous; choline, asparagine, volatile oil, tannins, steroidalsaponins, triterpenes

Actions: Vulnerary, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, astringent, expectorant.

Indications: The impressive wound-healing properties of Comfrey are partially due to the presence of allantoin. This chemical stimulates cell proliferation and so augments wound-healing both inside and out. The addition of much demulcent mucilage makes Comfrey a powerful healing agent in gastric and duodenal ulcers, hiatus hernia and ulcerative colitis. Its astringency will help haemorrhages wherever they occur. It has been used with benefit in cases of bronchitis and irritable cough, where it will soothe and reduce irritation whilst helping expectoration. Comfrey may be used externally to speed wound-healing and guard against scar tissue developing incorrectly. Care should be taken with very deep wounds, however, as the external application of Comfrey can lead to tissue forming over the wound before it is healed deeper down, possibly leading to abscesses. It may be used for any external ulcers, for wounds and fractures as a compress or poultice. It is excellent in chronic varicose ulcers. It has a reputed anti-cancer action.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "soothing demulcent, gently stimulating to the mucous membranes, allays irritation and encourages cell growth. Increases expectoration and tones the bronchi, especially suitable for conditions involving capillary haemorrhage or excessive mucous." They give the following specific indications: coughs & colds, gastric & duodenal ulcers, gastro-intestinal inflammation, haemoptysis, haematemesis, pruritus ani, chronic suppurative ulcerations, bruised & damaged joints and muscles or pulled tendons, delayed union of fractures, traumatic injury to the eye.

Ellingwood recommends it for the following patholgies: bronchial irritation, pneumonia, inflammation of the stomach, and quotes `old European writers' as being useful in all hurts and bruises both internal and external.

Combinations: For gastric ulcers and inflammations it combines well with Marshmallow and Meadowsweet. For chest and bronchial troubles use it with Coltsfoot, White Horehound or Elecampane. For wound healing use with Calendula.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb in a cup of water, bring to the boil and let 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.

Cramp Bark
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

Viburnum opulus
Part Used: Dried bark.

Constituents:

• Hydroquinones; arbutin, methylarbutin and traces of free hydroquinone
• Coumarins, such as scopoletin and scopoline
• Tannins; mainly catechins.

Actions: Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, nervine, hypotensive, astringent, emmenagogue.

Indications: Cramp Bark shows by its name the richly deserved reputation it has as a relaxer of muscular tension and spasm. It has two main areas of use. Firstly in muscular cramps and secondly in ovarian and uterine muscle problems. Cramp Bark will relax the uterus and so relieve painful cramps associated with periods (dysmenorrhoea). In a similar way it may be used to protect from threatened miscarriage. Its astringent action gives it a role in the treatment of excessive blood loss in periods and especially bleeding associated with the menopause.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "relaxing and stimulating nervine, cerebrospinal vaso-stimulant. Restores sympathetic/parasympathetic balance - has a specific action to relieve voluntary and involuntary muscular spasms." They give the following specific indications: colicky pains and spasms of tubular organs: gastro-intestinal and genito-urinary use with with Dioscorea villosa. Atonic conditions of pelvic organs where menses is scanty or delayed.

Ellingwood considered it specific for "relieving irregular spasmodic pains of the womb & ovaries. It is antispasmodic in its action upon the entire pelvic viscera, influencing spasmodic contractions of the muscular structure of the bladder."

King's Dispensatory describes it as a "powerful antispasmodic", recommending it use in cramps, spasms, asthma, hysteria, cramps of the limbs, convulsions during pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, hysteria, dysmenorrhoea, spasmodic contraction of the bladder, spasmodic stricture. The authors give V. opulus the following specific indications: cramps; uterine pain, with spasmodic action; pain in thighs and back; bearing down, expulsive pains; neuralgic or spasmodic dysmenorrhoea. As an anti-abortive.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried bark into a cup of water and bring to the boil. Simmer gently for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk hot three times a day. Tincture: take 4-8 ml of the tincture three times a day.