|
| |
 |
| |
|
Damiana
©
David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
Turnera diffusa
Turneraceae
Names:
Turnera aphrodisiaca
Habitat:
Southern USA, Mexico and parts of sub-tropical America and Africa.
Collection: The
leaves and stems are gathered at the time off lowering.
Part Used:
Dried leaves and stems.
Constituents:
-
Volatile oil, containing thymol, x-copaene,
[[beta]]- cadinene and calamene, l, 8-cineole, x- and [[beta]]-pinenes
and calamenene
-
Flavonoids such as 5-hydroxy-7, 3,
4-trimethoxyflavone
-
The hydroquinone arbutin
-
Miscellaneous; a cyanogenetic glycoside, a
bitter substance of undetermined structure called damianin, resin, tannin.
Actions:
Nerve tonic, anti--depressant, urinary antiseptic, laxative.
Indications:
Damiana is an excellent strengthening remedy for the nervous system. It has
an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac. Whilst this mayor may not be true,
it has a definite tonic action on the central nervous and the hormonal
system. As a useful anti-depressant, Damiana is considered to be aspecific
in cases of anxiety and depression where there is a sexual factor. It may be
used to strengthen the male sexual system.
Ellingwood
describes this herb thus: (please note that the language is that of
Ellingwood, reflecting the time it was written) "A mild nerve tonic claimed
to be valuable in the treatment of sexual impotence. Some of our physicians
praise it highly for its influence in sexual neurasthenia, and it is said to
correct frigidity in the female. It had long enjoyed a local reputation as a
stimulant tonic of the sexual apparatus among the natives of Mexico, before
it attracted the attention of the profession. Besides its peculiar action on
the sexual appetite and function, it is a general tonic, some what cathartic
and is slightly cholagogue. The midwives and women of loose morals of
western Mexico also attribute emmenagogue properties to it.
"Dr. Reid uses Damiana in all conditions where a general tonic is needed,
especially if there be enfeeblement of the central nervous system. He
esteems it most highly, prescribing it constantly for this purpose. It is
valuable in renal and cystic catarrh and in general irritation of the
urinary passages, through its influence in soothing irritation of mucous
membranes. This latter property renders it valuable in the treatment of
respiratory disorders, especially those accompanied with profuse secretion.
"In terms of the action of this remedy in its influence upon the
reproductive organs, Dr. Reid mentions dysmenorrhea, headache, at the
menstrual epoch, bad complexion, rough or discolored patches on the skin
with acne, especially of asevere type, depending upon uterine irritation.
Eruption resembling eczema, from insufficient menstruation. Dr. Watkins
gives as its further indications, delayed or suppressed menstruation in
young girls, irregularity at the beginning of menstruation, amenorrhoea in
very young girls. It will certainly allay sensitiveness of the sympathetic
nervous system to irritations caused by disorders of the womb and ovaries.
The remedy must be given in full doses, to accomplish these results. From 5
to 10 grains of the extract is necessary 3 or 4 times a day, and persisted
in."
Ellingwood
gives these specific indications: sexual impotence, sexual
neurasthenia, frigidity, renal catarrh, respiratory
disorders, dysmenorrhoea, headache at the menstrual epoch, bad
complexion, delayed or suppressed menstruation, amenorrhoea.
Combinations:
As a nerve tonic it is often used with Oats. Depending on the situation it
combines well with Kola or Skullcap.
Preparations & Dosage:
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried leaves
and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day. |
|
|
Dandelion
©
David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
Taraxacum officinale
Compositae
Habitat: Widely
distributed throughout most of the world as a "troublesome weed."
Collection: The
roots are best collected between June and August when they are at their
bitterest. Split longitudinally before drying. The leaves may be collected
at any time.
Part Used: Root
or leaf
Constituents:
-
Sesquiterpene lactones; taraxacoside (an
acylated [[gamma]]-butyrolactone glycoside) & at least 4 others of the
eudesmanolide, germacranolide & tetragydroridentin types
-
Triterpenes; taraxol, taraxerol, [[psi]]-tarazasterol,
[[beta]]-amyrin, stigmasterol, [[beta]]-sitosterol
-
Phenolic acids; caffeic and [[rho]]-hydroxyphenylacetic
acids
-
Polysaccharides; glucans and mannans and inulin
-
Carotenoids such as lutein and violaxanthin
Actions:
Diuretic, hepatic, cholagogue, anti-rheumatic, laxative, tonic, bitter.
Indications:
Dandelion leaf is a very powerful diuretic, its action comparable to that of
the drug 'Frusemide'. The usual effect of a drug stimulating the kidney
function is a loss of vital potassium from the body, which aggravates any
cardio-vascular problem present. With Dandelion, however, we have one of the
best natural sources of potassium. It thus makes an ideally balanced
diuretic that may be used safely wherever such an action is needed,
including in cases of water retention due to heart problems. As
ahepatic & cholagogue Dandelion root may be used in inflammation and
congestion of liver and gall-bladder. It is specific in
cases of congestive jaundice. As part of a wider treatment for
muscular rheumatism it can be most effective. This herb is a most
valuable general tonic and perhaps the best widely applicable diuretic and
liver tonic. Ellingwood recommends the root for the following
patholgies: chronic jaundice, auto-intoxication, rheumatism,
blood disorders, chronic skin eruptions, chronic gastritis,
aphthous ulcers.
Combinations:
For liver and gall-bladder problems it may be used with Barberry or Balmony.
For water retention it may be used with Couchgrass or Yarrow.
Preparations & Dosage:
Decoction: put 2-3 teaspoonfuls of the root into one cup of water, bring to
boil and gently simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a
day. The leaves may be eaten raw in salads. Tincture: take 5-l0 ml of the
tincture three times a day. |
|
|
Devil's Claw
©
David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
Harpagophytum procumbens
Pedaliaceae
Habitat:
Indigenous to Southern and Eastern Africa.
Collection:
This plant grows in Africa in very arid conditions. The roots are collected
at the end of the rainy season.
Part Used:
Rhizome.
Constituents:
-
Iridoid glycosides, including harpagide,
harpagoside and procumbide
-
Flavonoids, mainly kaempferol and luteolin
glycosides
-
Phenolic acids; chlorogenic and cinnamic acid
-
A quinone, harpagoquinone
-
Miscellaneous; triterpenes, oleanolic & ursolic
acid derivatives, esters, sugars.
Actions:
Anti-inflammatory, anodyne, hepatic.
Indications:
This valuable plant has been found effective in the treatment of some cases
of arthritis. This action appears to be due to the presence of a
glycoside called harpagoside that reduces inflammation in the joints.
Unfortunately Devil's Claw is not always effective, but it is well worth
considering in cases of arthritis where there is inflammation and pain. This
plant also aids in liver and gall-bladder complaints.
Combinations:
With Celery Seed, Bogbean or Meadowsweet in the treatment of arthritis.
Preparations & Dosage:
Decoction: put l/2 - l teaspoonful of the rhizome into a cup of water, bring
it to the boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three
times a day. It should be continued for at least one month. Tincture: take
l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day. |
|
| |
|
