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Johnny Jump-up
David
L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
Viola tricolor
Violaceae
Names: Wild
Pansy.
Habitat: A
common British wild and garden plant.
Part Used:
Herb.
Constituents:
-
Flavonoids, including violanthin, rutin,
violaquercitrin.
-
Methylsalicylate
-
Miscellaneous; mucilage gums, resin, saponin.
Actions:
Expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory.
Indications:
Traditionally used for bronchitis and rheumatism, Heartsease is especially
valued remedy for treating skin disease. Used both internally and topically
it is good for eczema, psoriasis and acne. It is also helpful in cases of
cradlecap in babies. The herb is employed in treating frequent and painful
urination in conditions such as cystitis. Both the salicylates and the rutin
contained in the plant are anti-inflammatory, a partial explanation of the
traditional use herbalist's found for Heartsease, treating and arthritis.
The saponins in the plant account for its expectorant action while its
mucilage content soothes the chest. Heartsease is used to treat a range of
respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and whooping cough. Due to the high
concentration of rutin in the flowers, this herb may be employed to prevent
bruising and broken capillaries, to check the build up of fluid in the
tissues and to reduce atherosclerosis and in so doing help reduce blood
pressure. Heartsease is mildly laxative.
Preparations & Dosage:
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried herb
and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a
day. Tincture: 1-2 ml of the tincture 3 times a day. |
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Juniper Berries
©
David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
Juniperus communis
Cupressaceae
Names:
Habitat: Widely
distributed throughout the world, particularly Europe.
Collection: The
ripe, unshriveled berries should be collected in the autumn and dried slowly
in the shade, to avoid losing the oil present.
Part Used:
Dried fruits.
Constituents:
-
Volatile oil, containing mainly myrcene, sabinene andx-pinene,
with 4-cineole, p-cymene, camphene, limonene, [[beta]]-pinene,
terpin-4--ol, y-terpinene, x-thujene.
-
Condensed tannins; (+)-afzelechin, (-)-epiafzelechin,
(+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (+)-gallocatechin and (+)-epigallocatechin
-
l, 4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-l-yl, methyl ketone
-
Diterpene acids; myreocommunic, communic,
sandaracopimaric, isopimaric, torulosic acids and other diterpenes such as
geijerone
-
Miscellaneous; sugars, resin, vitamin C.
Actions:
Diuretic, anti-microbial, carminative, anti-rheumatic.
Indications:
Juniper Berries make an excellent antiseptic in conditions such as cystitis.
The essential oil present is quite stimulating to the kidney nephrons and so
this herb should be avoided in kidney disease. The bitter action aids
digestion and eases flatulent colic. It is used in rheumatism and arthritis.
Externally, is eases pain in the joints or muscles.
CAUTION:
Due to its action on the kidneys, Juniper Berries should be avoided in any
kidney disease. It should also be avoided in pregnancy.
Preparations & Dosage:
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of lightly crushed
berries and leave to infuse for 20 minutes. A cup should be drunk night and
morning. Tincture: 0.5 - 1 ml three times a day. |
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