SPECIAL
 

Garlic

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

Allium sativum
Liliaceae
Habitat: Cultivated worldwide.
Collection: The bulb with its numerous cloves should be unearthed when the leaves begin to wither in September. They should be stored in a cool dry place.
Part Used: Bulb.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, consisting of sulphur-containing compounds, including allicin (=S-allyl-2-propenthiosulphinate), allyl-methyltrisulphide, diallyldisulphide, diallyltrisulphide, diallyltetrasulphide, allylpropyldisulphide, ajoene, 2-vinyl-4H-l, 3 dithiin, and alliin, which breaks down enzymatically to allicin; with citral, geraniol linalool and a- and b-phellandrene
• Miscellaneous; enzymes including allinase, B vitamins, minerals flavonoids.

Actions: Anti-microbial, diaphoretic, cholagogue, hypotensive, anti-spasmodic.

Indications: Garlic is among the few herbs that have a universal usage and recognition. Its daily usage aids and supports the body in ways that no other herb does. It is one of the most effective anti-microbial plants available, acting on bacteria, viruses and alimentary parasites. The volatile oil is an effective agent and as it is largely excreted via the lungs, it is used in infections of this system such as chronic bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, recurrent colds and influenza. It may be helpful in the treatment of whooping cough and as part of a broader approach to bronchitic asthma. In general it may be used as a preventative for most infectious conditions, digestive as well as respiratory. For the digestive tract it has been found that Garlic will support the development of the natural bacterial flora whilst killing pathogenic organisms. In addition to these amazing properties, Garlic have an international reputation for lowering both blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and generally improving the health of the cardio-vascular system. A recent study was conducted on two groups, one consisting of 20 healthy volunteers who were fed Garlic for 6 months and the other of 62 patients with coronary heart disease and raised serum cholesterol. Beneficially changes were found in all involved and reached a peak at the end of 8 months. The improvement in cholesterol levels persisted throughout the 2 months of clinical follow-up. The clinicians concluded that the essential oil of Garlic possessed a distinct hypolipidemic, or fat reducing, action in both healthy people and patients with coronary heart disease. Garlic should be thought of as a basic food that will augment the body's health and protect it in general. It has been used externally for the treatment of ringworm and threadworm.

Preparations & Dosage: A clove should be eaten three times a day. If the smell becomes a problem, use Garlic oil capsules, take three a day as a prophylactic or three times a day when an infection occurs.

Ginger

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

Zingiber officinale
Part Used: The rootstock.

Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present. Pharmacologically important constituents include:

• Volative oil, containing mainly zingiberene and bisabolene, "Pungent principles"; a mixture of phenolic compounds.

Actions: Stimulant, carminative, anti-spasmodic, rubefacient, diaphoretic, emmenagogue.

Indications: Ginger may be used as a stimulant of the peripheral circulation in cases of bad circulation, chilblains and cramps. In feverish conditions, Ginger acts as a useful diaphoretic, promoting perspiration. As a gargle it may be effective in the relief of sore throats. Externally it is the base of many fibrositis and muscle sprain treatments. Ginger has been used world-wide as an aromatic carminative and pungent appetite stimulant. In India, and in other countries with hot and humid climates, ginger is eaten daily and is a well-known remedy for digestion problems. Its wide-spread use is not only be due to flavor, but to the anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects, necessary for preservation of food, essential in such climates.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the fresh root and let it infuse for 5 minutes. Drink whenever needed. Decoction: if you are using the dried root in powdered or finely chopped form, make a decoction by putting l l/2 teaspoonfuls to a cup of water. Bring it to the boil and simmer for 5-l0 minutes. This can be drunk whenever needed. Tincture: the tincture comes in two forms, weak Tincture B.P. which should be taken in a dose of l.5-3 ml three times a day and the Strong Tincture B.P. which should be taken in a dose of 0.25-0.5 ml three times a day.

Ginseng

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

Panax spp.
Habitat: Panax Ginseng is native to China and cultivated extensively in China, Korea, Japan and Russia. Panax quinquefolia is native to North America.
Part Used: Root.

Constituents:

• Saponin glycosides. These are referred to as the ginsenosides by Japanese & panaxosides by Russian workers. At least l3 ginsenosides jave been isolated; these are designated ginsenosides Ra, Rb, Rg-l, Rg-2 etc.
• Glycans; the panaxans A-E, isolated only so far from P. ginseng.
• Volatile oil, containing b-elemene, a diene panaxynol, and two acetylenic compounds, panaxydol and panaxytriol, falcarinol and falcarintriol.

Actions: Adaptogen, Tonic, Stimulant, Hypoglycaemic.

Indications: Ginseng has an ancient history and as such has accumulated much folklore about its actions and uses. The genus name Panax derives from the latin panacea meaning `cure all'. Many of the claims that surround it are, unfortunately, exaggerated but it is clear that this is an important remedy. A powerful adaptogen, it has a wide range of possible therapeutic uses. For a more detailed discussion of adaptogens please refer to pages 3 - 113 to 3 - 118. The best therapeutic application is with weak or elderly people, where the adaptogenic and stimulating properties are can be profoundly useful. It should not be used indiscriminately as the stimulating properties can be contra-indicated in some pathologies, for example Chinese herbalism warns about Ginseng being used in acute inflammatory disease and bronchitis.

Ellingwood describes the eclectic use of Panax thus: "It is a mild sedative and tonic to the nerve centers, improving their tone, if persisted in, and increasing the capillary circulation of the brain. It is given in cerebral anaemia, and if combined with other tonics is capable of doing some good. It is also prescribed in the failure of digestion incident to nervous prostration and general nerve irritation."

Preparations & Dosage: The root is often chewed or a decoction may be made. Put l/2 teaspoonful of the powdered root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer gently for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Ginkgo Biloba

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

An abundance of research has been undertaken on this ancient plant, revealing a wide range of profound and important therapeutic effects. They can be grouped into cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic effects. Here we shall focus on the cardiovascular indications. Please refer to the sections on the nervous system and immune support for a review of the rest of Ginkgo's uses.

Laboratory research on Ginkgo's cardiovascular effects

• in one test, microscopic particles were injected into the carotid artery of rats, mimicing arterial blockage. Ginkgo protected the unfortunate animals from the destructive effects.
• increased levels of glucose and ATP were found, thus helping to maintain energy levels within individual cells.
• it reduced the tendency for thrombus formation in veins and arteries, suggesting a use in the prevention of coronary thrombosis and in recovery from strokes and heart attacks.
• following injections there may be a hypertensive response, damaging the blood-brain barrier. Initially only small molecules pass the barrier, but eventually larger substances cross over causing cerebral edema. Ginkgo used in the initial stages prevents the later stages developing. Stabilizing the membranes of the blood-brain barrier which are thought to involve a direct impact on ionic balance across the membranes and an indirect effect on intracellular respiration, lessening cerebral edema and restoring function.

Clinical research

• Patients with organic and neurological angiopathy were observed for physiological changes resulting from exercise, after using Ginkgo. Results indicate it would be useful in central and peripheral vascular disease, including diabetic angiopathy.
  • it lowered blood pressure and dilated peripheral blood vessels, in patients recovering from thrombosis.
  • microcirculation in the conjunctiva of patients with disturbances in cerebral blood supply consistently increased. Capillary and venous blood flow to the head increased because of decreased resistance to flow occurred. A toning action occurs as it eases venular spasms that often occur in elderly and arteriosclerotic patients. The herb can combat both vascular spasm and restore tone and circulation in areas subject to vasomotor paralysis.
  • it increases peripheral blood flow with no lessening of cerebral circulation. Chemical vaso-dilators accumulate in the expanded vessels rather than circulate to the veins that feed the central nervous system. Ginkgo, however, increasing blood flow to both the periphery and the brain.
  • in patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency improvement in all experimental measures, including the ability to walk without pain and blood flow to the legs.
  • in Parkinson's disease secondary to cerebral arteriosclerosis, the herb increased blood supply to the brain.
  • 65% successful treatment of focal or diffuse cerebral vascular disease.
  • 80% successful treatment of cerebral circulatory insufficiency, measured as improvement in mental functioning, EEG parameters, and cerebral angiogram.
  • 80% success rate in patients with chronic cerebral insufficiency measured by symptoms such as vertigo, headache.
  • 92% success rate in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency and all pathological findings disappeared after 18 days of treatment.
  • 80% success in treating headache and lesser per cent success in case of migraine.
  • 40% success in elderly patients with arterial insufficiency of lower limbs.
  • 72% success in the treatment of chronic vasculopathies.
  • successful treatment of chronic arterial obliteration.

Therapeutic Uses
Ginkgo has wide application for treating various forms of vascular and neurological disease. It has been recommended for:

• vertigo, headache, tinnitus, inner ear disturbances including partial deafness
• impairment of memory and ability to concentrate
• diminished intellectual capacity and alertness as a result of insufficient circulation
• anxiety, depression, neurological disorders : complications of stroke and skull injuries
• diminished sight and hearing ability due to vascular insufficiency
• intermittent claudication as a result of arterial obstruction
• a sensitivity to cold and pallor in the toes due to peripheral circulatory insufficiency
• Raynaud's disease: cerebral vascular and nutritional insufficiency
• hormonal and neural based disorders as well as angiopathic trophic disorders
• arterial circulatory disturbances due to aging, diabetes and nicotine abuse
• sclerosis of cerebral arteries with and without mental manifestations
• arteriosclerotic angiopathy of lower limbs
• diabetic tissue damage with danger of gangrene : chronic arterial obliteration
• circulatory disorders of the skin, as well as ulcerations caused by ischaemia.

Golden Seal

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

Hydrastis canadensis
Ranunculaceae
Names: Orange Root, Yellow Root.
Habitat: Native to North America, it was used extensively by Native Americans as an herbal medication and clothing dye. Its medicinal use centered around its ability to soothe the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary tracts in inflammatory conditions induced by allergy or infection. It is mostly cultivated.
Collection: Unearth root and rhizome from three-year-old plants in the autumn, after the ripening of the seeds. Clean carefully and dry slowly in the air.
Part Used: Root and rhizome.

Constituents:

• Isoquinoline alkaloids, mainly hydrastine, berberine, berberastine, canadine, candaline, and hydrastinine.
• Miscellaneous; fatty acids, resin, polyphenolic acids, meconin, chlorogenic acid, phytosterins and a small amount of volatile oil.

Actions: Bitter, hepatic, alterative, anti-catarrhal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, laxative, expectorant, emmenagogue, oxytocic.

Indications: One of our most useful remedies owing much of its value to the tonic effects it has on the mucous membranes of the body. This is why itis of such help in all digestive problems, from peptic ulcers to colitis. Its bitter stimulation helps in loss of appetite, and the alkaloids it contains stimulate bile production and secretion. All catarrhal conditions improve with Golden Seal, especially sinus ones. The anti-microbial properties appear to due to alkaloids present. As an example of research that has been done on plant constituents we shall consider berberine. Berberine, found in a number of other herbs as well, has antibiotic, immuno-stimulatory, antispasmodic, sedative, hypotensive, uterotonic, cholerectic, & carminative activity. Its demonstrable pharmacological activities strongly contribute to the therapeutic use of Hydrastis. Berberine has marked antimicrobial activity, and whilst not in the same league as antibiotics, ithas a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. In vitro antimicrobial effects have been demonstrated against bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, including:

Staphyloccus spp.
Streptoccus spp.
Chlamydia spp.
Corynebacterium diphtheria
Escherichia coli
Salmonella typhi
Vibrio cholerae
Diplococcus pneumonia
Pseudomonas spp.
Shigella dysenteriae
Entamoeba histolytica
Trichomonas vaginalis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Neisseria meningitidis
Treponema pallidum
Giardia lamblia
Leishmania donovani
Candida albicans.

Berberine's action against some of these pathogens is actually stronger than that of antibiotics commonly used, however, please remember that we are dealing with whole plants and not extracted constituents. Berberine'saction in inhibiting Candida, as well as other pathogenic bacteria, prevents the overgrowth of yeast that is a common side effect of antibiotic use. This fascinating alkaloid increases blood supply to the spleen. This improved blood supply may promote optimal activity of the spleen by increasing the release of compounds that potentiate immune response. It has also been shown to activate macrophages in a number of ways. Coupled with its ability to inhibit tumor formation in the laboratory, suggests that berberine possesses some antineoplastic activity.

Berberine has been shown in several clinical studies to stimulate the secretion of bile (i.e. it is a cholerectic) and bilirubin. One clinical trial that examined the effect of berberine on 225 patients with chronic cholecystitis. Oral doses of 5 to 20 mg three times a day before meals caused, over a period of 24-48 hours, disappearance of clinical symptoms, decrease inbilirubin level, and an increase in the bile volume of the gallbladder. Berberine corrects the elevated levels of tyramine found in patients with liver cirrhosis. It prevents the elevation of serum tyramine following oral tyrosineload, by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosine decarboxylase found in bacteria in the large intestine.

Traditionally Hydrastis canadensis has been used during labour to help contractions, but it is for just this reason that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Applied externally it can be helpful in eczema, ringworm, itching, earache and conjunctivitis.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "mild, positive, permanently stimulating vaso-tonic with especial influence upon the portal system, entirevenous system and right heart. Tropho-restorative to mucous membranes when irritated, inflamed or ulcerated" They give the following specific indications: catarrhal conditions of mucous membranes, especially gastric. Orifice soreness or discharge, conjunctivitis, keratitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, vaginitis, cervicitis. Ellingwood recommends it for the following patholgies: functional disorders of the stomach, catarrhal gastritis, atonic dydpepsia, chronic constipation, hepatic congestion, chronic alcoholism, hepatic congestion, general debility, protracted fevers, cerebral engorgements, prostrating nightsweats, menorrhagia or metrorrhagia due to uterine subinvolution, post-partum haemorrhage, tumors, catarrhal conditions, aphtous ulcers, indolent ulcers, nasalcatarrh, diphtheria, tonsilitis, inflammation of the eyes, leucorrhoea, anal fissure, eczema, gallstones, cholecyctitis, congestive jaundice, goitre, non-malignant mammary tumors.

Combinations: In stomach conditions it combines well with Meadowsweet and Chamomile. In uterine haemorrhage it is best combined with Beth Root.  Externally as a wash for irritation and itching it combines well with distilled Witch Hazel. As ear drops it may be combined with Mullein.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l/2-l teaspoonful of the powdered herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes, This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 1 ml of the tincturethree times a day.

Contra-Indications: Like all berberine containing plants and strong bitters, Hydrastis is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Golden Rod

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

Solidago virgaurea
Compositae
Habitat: A common garden and wild plant in Britain and Europe.
Collection: Gather stalks at the time of flowering, which is between July and October, preferably from plants not yet blooming. Dry in the shade or not above a temperature of 40 degrees C.
Part Used: Dried aerial parts.

Constituents:

• Saponins based on polygalic acid
• Clerodane diterpenes, including solid agolactones I-VII and elongatolides C& E
• Phenolic glucosides, including leicarposide
• Flavonoids such as rutin and quercitin
• Miscellaneous; acetylenes, cinnamates, hydroxy benzoates, polysaccharides, phenolic acids and tannins.

Actions: Anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, astringent, diaphoretic, carminative, diuretic.

Indications: Golden Rod is perhaps the first plant to think of for upper respiratory catarrh, whether acute or chronic, It may be used in combination with other herbs in the treatment of influenza. The carminative properties reveal a role in the treatment of flatulent dyspepsia. As an anti-inflammatory urinary antiseptic, Golden Rod may be used in cystitis, urethritis and the like. It can be used to promote the healing of wounds. As a gargle it can be used in laryngitis and pharyngitis.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "stimulating and slightly astringent tonic antiseptic to the mucous membranes. Specific for putrescent conditions. Suitable for bronchial disease in the elderly. Promotes renal excretion of fluid where micturation is scanty." They give the following specific indications: influenza, repeated colds, catarrhal bronchitis with purulent expectoration, putrescent tonsillitis, naso-pharyngeal catarrh with sneezing and excessive mucus. Acute orchronic nephritis with albuminuria/haematuria.

Combinations: For upper respiratory catarrh it may be used with Eyebright, Elder, Echinacea, Poke Root and Wild Indigo.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk 3 times a day. Tincture: take 2-4 ml three times a day.

Gravel Root

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

Eupatorium purpureum
Compositae
Names: Gravelweed, Joe-Pye Weed, Queen of the Meadow.
Do not confuse with Boneset: Eupatorium perfoliatum
Habitat: USA

Collection: The root and rhizome should be dug up in the autumn after the plant has stopped flowering. Wash thoroughly, slice and dry.

Part Used: Rhizome and root.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, of unknown composition
• Flavonoids, including euparin
• Resin

Actions: Diuretic, anti-lithic, anti-rheumatic.

Indications: Gravel Root is used primarily for kidney stones or gravel. In urinary infections such as cystitis and urethritis it may be used with benefit, whilst it can also play a useful role in a systemic treatment of rheumatism and gout. Ellingwood considered it to have the following symptomatology: "Irritation of the bladder in women from displacement and chronic inflammation of the uterus; and suppression of urine, partial or complete, during or after pregnancy." He recommends in following conditions: dropsy, strangury, gravel, haematuria, disease of the kidney and bladder from an excess of uric acid, chronic endometriosis, leucorrhoea, chronic uterine disease, threatened abortion, ovarian and uterine atony, dysmenorrhoea, dysuria, constant desire to urinate, intermittent fever, severe bone pains.

Combinations: For kidney stones or gravel it combines well with Stone Root, Parsley Piert, Pellitory of the Wall or Hydrangea.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l teaspoonful of the herb in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.