SPECIAL
 

False Unicorn Root

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

Chamaelirium luteum
Liliaceae
Names: Starwort, Helonias Root.
Habitat: USA
Collection: The underground parts are unearthed in the autumn.
Part Used: Dried rhizome and root.
Constituents: Saponins; the glycosides chamaelirin and helonin, based on diosgenin.
Actions: Uterine tonic, diuretic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue.

Indications: This herb, which comes to us via the North American Indians, is one of the best tonics and strengtheners of the reproductive system that we have. Though primarily used for the female system, it can be equally beneficial for men. It is known to contain precursors of the estrogens. However, it acts in an amphoteric way to normalize function. The body may use this herb to balance and tone and thus it will aid in apparently opposite situations. Whilst being of help in all uterine problems, it is specifically useful in delayed or absent menstruation. Where ovarian pain occurs, False Unicorn Root may be safely used. It is also indicated to prevent threatened miscarriage and ease vomiting associated with pregnancy. However, large doses will cause nausea and vomiting.

King's Dispensatory: "Chamaelirium is tonic, diuretic, and vermifuge; in large doses, emetic, and, when fresh, sialagogue. In doses of 10 or 15 grains of the powdered root, repeated 3 or 4 times a day, it has been found very beneficial in dyspepsia, loss of appetite, and for the removal of worms. It is more especially applicable in indigestion, dyspepia, and mal-assimilation, where the trouble is reflex from, or associated with wrongs of the female reproductive apparatus. It is said to render the urine alkaline. It is reputed beneficial in colic, and is valuable in atony of the generative organs. I have found this plant to possess a decidedly beneficial influence in cases of sexual lassitude in both sexes, and of nocturnal emissions, the result of excesses, especially in those instances where there are symptoms of gastric derangement with impaired memory, mental apathy, or indifference, and an enfeebled condition of the general system, with weakness or dull pain in the renal, or lumbo-sacral region. In diseases of the reproductive organs of females, and especially of the uterus, it is one of our most valuable agents, acting as a uterine tonic, and gradually removing abnormal conditions, while at the same time it imparts tone and vigor to the reproductive organs. Hence, it is much used in leucorrhoea, amenorrhoea, dysmennorhoea, and to remove the tendency to repeated and successive miscarriages. A particular phase removed by it is the irritability and despondency that often attends uterine troubles. In painful menstruation it has been found especially adapted to those cases in which there is pelvic fullness, a sensation as if the womb and rectum were distended with blood, and the aching, bearing down organs feel as if they would fall out of the body. Its action here is very decided when the smaller doses are employed. It is considered useful by some for the relief of the vomiting of pregnancy. Chamaelirium is a decided tonic to the urinary tract and has exerted some benefit in diabetes insipidus. "

Cook describes it thus, "The root of helonias is a strong bitter, and one of the most distinctly stimulating of all tonics. It acts very generally upon the system, including in its range the salivary glands, respiratory organs stomach, gall-ducts, uterus, and ovaries. It stimulates the salivary flow, excites the fauces and respiratory passages, and promotes expectoration, for which purposes it is useful in greatly depressed and atonic conditions of the lungs, but should never be used in sensitive conditions. But its most prominent and valuable action is upon the uterine organs; where its carcely has an equal in atonic forms of prolapsus, leucorrhea, passive hemorrhage and menorrhagia, and similar enfeebled conditions. Though in no sense an astringent, its tonic influence is peculiarly efficacious in arresting too excessive menstruation and lochia, when associated with laxity and depression; and it rarely fails to arrest a threatened abortion arising from the same conditions. In these connections, it is one of the most reliable tonics in the Materia Medica."

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls of the root in a cup of water, bring to boiling and simmer gently for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. For threatened miscarriage it may be drunk copiously. Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Fennel

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

Foeniculum vulgare
Part Used: The seeds.
Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present. Pharmacologically important constituents include volatile oil, major components of which are anethole and fenchone, flavonoids, oumarins.
Actions: Carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, galactogogue, hepatic.

Indications: Fennel is an excellent stomach and intestinal remedy which relieves flatulence and colic whilst also stimulating the digestion and appetite. It is similar to Aniseed in its calming effect on bronchitis and coughs. It may be used to flavor cough remedies. Fennel will increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Externally the oil eases muscular and rheumatic pains. The infusion may be used as an eye wash or compress to treat conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).

Preparations & Dosage: Pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of slightly crushed seeds and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. To ease flatulence, take a cup half an hour before meals. Tincture: Take 1-2ml of the tincture 3 times a day.

Fenugreek

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

Trigonella foenum-graecum
Papilionaceae
Names: Foenugreek
Habitat: North Africa, India, cultivated worldwide.
Part Used: Seeds.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, containing3-hydroxy-4, 5-dimethyl-2-furanone, dihydrobenzofuran, dihydroactinidiolide, muurolene, elemene, selinene
• Alkaloids, including trigonelline, gentianine and carpaine
• Saponins, based mainly on the sapogenins diosgenin and its isomer yamogenin, gitogenin and tigogenin
• Flavonoids, including vitexin and its glycosides and esters, isovitexin, orientin, vicenins l and 2, quercetin and luteolin
• Mucilage; mostly a galactomannan

Actions: Expectorant, demulcent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, tonic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, hypotensive.

Indications: Fenugreek is a herb that has an ancient history. It was rarely used in Britain during the hay day of herbal medicine due to difficulties in obtaining the spice. Since becoming easily available it has often been overlooked because herbal tradition rarely mentioned it. For a comprehensive discussion of Fenugreek you must refer to an herbal or materia medica of Ayurvedic medicine. Its limited use in Britain demonstrates its value as a vulnerary, healing and reducing inflammation in conditions such as wounds, boils, sores, fistulas and tumors. It can be taken to help bronchitis and gargled to ease sore throats. Its bitterness explains its role in soothing disturbed digestion. It is a strong stimulator of milk production in mothers, for which it is perfectly safe, and has a reputation of stimulating development of the breasts.

Preparations & Dosage: Poultice; for external use, the seeds should be pulverized to make a poultice. Decoction: to increase milk production, gently simmer l l/2 teaspoonfuls of the seeds in a cup of water for l0 minutes. Drink a cup three times a day. To make a more pleasant drink, add l teaspoonful of Aniseed to this mixture.

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

Feverfew

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

Tanacetum parthenium
Part Used: Leaves.
Constituents:

• Volatile oil, containing pinene and several pinene derivatives, bornylacetate and angelate, costic acid, b-farnesine and spiroketalenol ethers
• Sesquiterpene lactones; the major one being parthenolide, with santamarine (=balchanin) and a number of others including esters of parthenolide, reynosin, artemorin and its epoxide, 3b-hydroxyparthenolide, 3b-hydroxycostunolide, 8-hydroxyestafiatin, traces of canin and artecanin, partholide and chrysantholide.
• Acetylene derivatives.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, bitter, emmenagogue.

Indications: Feverfew has regained its deserved reputation as a primary remedy in the treatment of migraine headaches, especially those that are relieved by applying warmth to the head. It may also help arthritis when it is in the painfully active inflammatory stage. Dizziness and tinnitus may be eased, especially if it is used in conjunction with other remedies. Painful periods and sluggish menstrual flow will be relieved by Feverfew. It is the only herb used in European phytotherapy known to be specific for the treatment of migraine. It is also the best example of a remedy well known to medical herbalists that has recently been accepted and used by allopathic medicine. It has been used throughout recorded medical history as a bitter tonic and remedy for severe headaches. Through wide media coverage in recent years, the herb has gained a well deserved reputation as a "cure" for migraine. Clinicians at the London Migraine Clinic observed that patients were reporting marked improvements when they took the herb. Thankfully, these doctors had the enquiring and open minds of the true scientist and so started their own investigations into the claims for Feverfew. Long term users often report beneficial side effects such as relief from depression, nausea and arthritic pain due to inflammation. Part of the herb's action appears to be via an inhibition of secretion of the granular contents from platelets and neutrophils in the blood. This may be relevant to the therapeutic value of Feverfew in migraine and other conditions such as osteo-arthritis.

Pharmacologists say that it is very likely that the sesquiterpenelactones inhibit prostaglandins and histamine released during the inflammatory process, so preventing spasms of the blood vessels in the head that trigger migraine attacks. As with all such impressive research findings, do not lose sight of the importance of whole plant activity rather than simply identifying 'active' ingredients.

CAUTION: Feverfew should not be used during pregnancy because of the stimulant action on the womb. The fresh leaves may cause mouth ulcers in sensitive people.

Preparations & Dosage: It is best to use the equivalent of one fresh leaf l-3 times a day. Preferably use fresh, but tincture or tablets are adequate. In this case, freeze dried leaf preparations will be best, 50-100 mg. a day.

Fringetree Bark

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

Chionanthus virginicus
Part Used: The root bark.
Constituents: Phyllyrin, a lignin glycoside, Chionanthin.
Actions: Hepatic, cholagogue, alterative, diuretic, tonic, antemetic, laxative.

Indications: This valuable herb may be safely used in all liver problems, especially when they have developed into jaundice. It is a specific for the treatment of gall-bladder inflammation and a valuable part of treating gall-stones. It is a remedy that will aid the liver in general and as such it is often used as part of a wider treatment for the whole body. Through its action of releasing bile it acts as a gentle and effective laxative.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "relaxing and stimulating hepatic and alterative: stimulates the discharge of bile, promotes digestion of fats. Corrects excessive discharge of mucus into the gastro-intestinal tract" They give the following specific indications: Duodenal catarrh, hepatic torpor, catarrhal jaundice, gallstones. Alimentary glycosuria. Pancreatic disease & glandular disorders. Chronic disease of liver/spleen.

Ellingwood considered it specific for "the liver. It is a remedy for hepatic engorgement; jaundice more or less pronounced; pain over the region of the gall-bladder; pain in the epigastrium; pain radiating from the navel over the abdomen; soreness in the region of the liver, extending to the umbilicus; enlargement of the of the liver, determined by percussion; nausea; occasional vomiting; constipation with dry faeces, temperature slightly above normal; skin usually yellow." In addition he recommends it for the following patholgies: acute congestion of the liver, catarrh of the common bile duct, acute jaundice, bilious headaches, jaundice of childhood, malarial conditions, sugar in the urine, diabetes mellitus, typhoid fever.

Combinations: For the treatment of liver and gall-bladder conditions it may be used with Barberry, Wahoo or Wild Yam.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the bark and leave to 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.