SPECIAL
 

Lemon Balm

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

Melissa officinalis
Part Used : Dried aerial parts, or fresh in season.

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

·         Volatile oil consisting mainly of citral and a whole range of terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenolics. triterpenic acids.

Actions : Carminative, nervine, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressive, diaphoretic, anti-microbial, hepatic.

Indications : Balm is an excellent carminative herb that relieves spasms in the digestive tract and is used in flatulent dyspepsia.Because of its mild anti-depressive properties, it is primarily indicated where there is dyspepsia associated with anxiety or depression, as the gently sedative oils relieve tension and stress reactions, thus acting to lighten depression. The volatile oil appears to act on the interface between the digestive tract and nervous system. It has been described by some herbalist's as being trophorestorative to the nervous system, similar in some ways to Oats. It may be used in migraine that is associated with tension, neuralgia, anxiety induced palpitations, insomnia. Balm has a tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system causing mild vaso-dilation of the peripheral vessels, thus acting to lower blood pressure. It can be used in feverish conditions such asinfluenza. Hot water extracts have anti-viral properties, possibly due in part to rosmarinic acid and other polyphenolics. A lotion based extract maybe used for skin lesions of Herpes simplex, the anti-viral activity having been confirmed both laboratory and clinical trial. Its hormone regulating effects are well documented in the laboratory. Freeze-dried aqueous extracts inhibit many of the effects of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on the thyroid gland by interfering with the binding of TSH to plasma membranes and by inhibiting the enzyme iodothyronine de-iodinase in vitro. It also inhibits the receptor binding and biological activity of immunoglobulins in the blood of patients with Graves disease, a condition which results in hyperthyroidism.

Preparations & Dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb or 4-6 fresh leaves and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes, well covered until drunk. A cup of this tea should be taken in the morning and the evening, or when needed. Tincture: take 2-6 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Lady's Mantle

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

Alchemilla vulgaris
Part Used: The leaves and flowering shoots.

Constituents:

• Tannins, consisting mainly of glycosides of ellagic acid.
• Salicylic acid, a trace.

Actions: Astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, vulnerary.

Indications: This and other species of Alchemilla have been widely used in folk medicine throughout Europe. Lady's Mantle will help reduce pains associated with periods as well as ameliorating excessive bleeding. It also has a role to play in easing the changes of the menopause. As an emmenagogue it stimulates the proper menstrual flow if there is any resistance. However, in the often apparently paradoxical way of herbal remedies, Lady's Mantle is a useful uterine astringent, used in both menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. Its astringency provides a role in the treatment of diarrhea and as a mouthwash for sores and ulcers and as a gargle for laryngitis.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. To help diarrhea and as a mouthwash or lotion, a stronger dosage is made by boiling the herb for a few minutes to extract all the tannin. Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Lavender

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

Lavandula officinalis
Part Used: Flowers.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, containing linalyl acetate, with linalool, lavandulyl acetate, borneol, camphor, limonene, cadinene, caryophyllene, 4-butanolide, 5-pentyl-5-pentanolide.
• Coumarins; Umbelliferone, herniarin, coumarin, dihydrocoumarin.
• Miscellaneous: triterpenes e.g. ursolic acid, flavonoids e.g. luteolin.

Actions: Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressant, rubefacient, emmenagogue, hypotensive.

Indications: This beautiful herb has many uses, culinary, cosmetic and medicinal. It is an effective herb for headaches, especially when they are related to stress. Lavender can be quite effective in the clearing of depression, especially if used in conjunction with other remedies. As a gentle strengthening tonic of the nervous system it may be used in states of nervous debility and exhaustion. It can be used to soothe and promote natural sleep. Externally the oil may be used as a stimulating liniment to help ease the aches and pains of rheumatism.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: to take internally, pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. This can be drunk three times a day. External use: the oil should not be taken internally but can be inhaled, rubbed on the skin or used in baths.

Liquorice

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

Glycyrrhiza glabra
Leguminosae
Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia, cultivated worldwide.
Collection: The roots are unearthed in the late autumn. Clean thoroughly and dry.
Part Used: Dried root.

Constituents:

• Triterpenes of the oleanane type, mainly glycyrrhizin (=glycyrrhizic or glycyrrhizinic acid), and its agylcone glycyrrhetinic acid (=glycyrrhitic acid), liquiritic acid, glycyrrhetol, glabrolide, isoglabrolide, licoric acid, & phytosterols.
• Flavonoids and isoflavonoids; liquiritigenin, liquiritin, rhamnoliquiritin, neoliquiritin, licoflavonol, licoisoflavones A and B, licoisoflavanone, formononetin, glabrol, glabrone, glyzarin, kumatakenin and others.
• Coumarins; liqcoumarin, umbelliferone, herniarin glycyrin.
• Chalcones; liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, neosoliquiritin, rhamnoisoliquiritin, licuraside, licochalcones A and B, echinatin and others.
• Polysaccharides, mainly glucans.
• Volatile oil, containing fenchone, linalool, furfuryl alcohol, benzaldehyde.
• Miscellaneous; starch, sugars, amino acid etc.

Actions: Expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-spasmodic, mild laxative.

Indications: Liquorice is a traditional herbal remedy with an ancient history and world wide usage. Modern research has shown it to have effects upon, amongst other organs, the endocrine system and liver. The triterpenes ofGlycyrrhiza are metabolized in the body to molecules that have a similar structure to the adrenal cortex hormones. This is possibly the basis of the herbs anti-inflammatory action. As an anti-hepatotoxic it can be effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, for which it is been widely used in Japan. Much of the liver orientated research has focused upon the triterpene glycyrrhizin. This inhibits hepatocyte injury caused by carbon tetrachloride, benzene hexachloride and PCB. Antibody production is enhanced by glycyrrhizin, possibly through the production of interleukin. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses, inactivating Herpessimplex virus particles irreversibly. It has a wide range of ises in bronchial problems such as catarrh, bronchitis and coughs in general. Liquorice is used in allopathic medicine as a treatment for peptic ulceration, a similar use to its herbal use in gastritis and ulcers. It can be used in the relief of abdominal colic.

Kings Dispensatory describes it thus: "Liquorice root is emollient, demulcent and nutritive. It acts upon mucous surfaces, lessening irritation and is consequently useful in coughs, catarrhs, irritation of the urinary organs and pain of the intestines in diarrhea. It is commonly administered in decoction, sometimes alone, at other times with the addition of other agents and which is the preferable mode of using it. As a general rule, the acrid bark should be removed previous to forming a decoction. When boiled for some time the water becomes impregnated with its acrid resin; hence, in preparing a decoction for the purpose of sweetening diet drinks or covering the taste of nauseous drugs, it should not be boiled over 5 minutes. The efficiency of the root in old bronchial affections may be due to this acrid resin. The powdered root is also employed to give the proper solidity to pills and to prevent their adhesion; the extract for imparting the proper viscidity to them. The extract, in the form of lozenge, held in the mouth until it has dissolved, is a very popular and efficient remedy in coughs and pectoral affections. An excellent troche or lozenge, very useful in ordinary cough, may be made by combining together 6 parts of refined Liquorice, 2 parts of benzoic acid, 4 parts of pulverized alum, and 1/2 a part of pulverized opium. Dissolve the Liquorice in water and evaporate to the proper consistence, then add the powders with a few drops of oil of Anise and divide it into 3 or 6-grain lozenges. The bitterness of quinine, quassia, aloes and the acrid taste of senega, guaiacum, mezereon and ammonium chloride are masked by Liquorice."

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put 1/2 - l teaspoonful of the root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l-3ml of the tincture three times a day.

Caution: There is a small possibility of effecting electrolyte balance with extended use of large doses of liquorice. It has an ACTH like effect causing retention of sodium thus raising BP. The whole herb has constituents that counter this but it is best to avoid Liquorice if the patient has hypertension, kidney disease or during pregnancy.

 Linden

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

Tilia europea
Tiliaceae
Names: Lime Blossoms, Linden flowers, Tilia.
Habitat: Europe, including Britain.
Collection: The flowers should be gathered immediately after flowering in the midsummer. They should be collected on a dry day and dried carefully in the shade.
Part Used: Dried flowers.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, up to about 0.l%, containing farnesol
• Flavonoids; hesperidin, quercitin, astralagin, tiliroside and others
• Miscellaneous; mucilage (in the bract), phenolic acids, tannins.

Actions: Nervine, anti-spasmodic, hypotensive, diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, astringent.

Indications: Linden is well known as a relaxing remedy for use in nervous tension. It has a reputation as a prophylactic against the development of arteriosclerosis and hypertension. It is considered to be a specific in the treatment of raised blood pressure associated with arteriosclerosis and nervous tension. Its relaxing action combined with a general effect upon the circulatory system give Linden a role in the treatment of some forms of migraine. The diaphoresis combined with the relaxation explain its value in feverish colds and flu.

King's Dispensatory recommends "Tilia europea for the relief of many nervous and catarrhal disorders. The infusion is preferred and may be given to allay irritation and restlessness, and to promote rest and sleep. The hot infusion is employed to check diarrhoea from cold, and in the various forms of colds and catarrhal conditions, while, either hot or cold, it may be used in restlessness, nervous headaches, painful and difficult digestion, and mild hysteria.

Combinations: In raised blood pressure it may be used with Hawthorn and European Mistletoe, with Hops in nervous tension and with Elder Flower in the common cold.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the blossoms and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. For a diaphoretic effect in fever, use 2-3 teaspoonfuls. Tincture: take l-2ml of the tincture three times a day.

Lobelia

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

Lobelia inflata
Campanulaceae
Common name: Pukeweed, Indian tobacco.
Habitat: Eastern USA, cultivated elsewhere.
Part used: Aerial parts.

Collection: The entire plant above ground should be collected at the end of the flowering time, between August and September. The seed pods should be collected as well.

Constituents:

• Piperidine alkaloids, mainly lobeline, with lobelanidine, lobelanine, and minor amounts of norlobelanine(=isolobelanine), lelobanidine, lovinine, isolobinine, lobinanidine andothers
• Chelidonic acid

Actions: Anti-asthmatic, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, emetic, nervine.

Indications: Lobelia is one of the most useful systemic relaxants available to us. It has a general depressant action on the central and autonomic nervous system and on neuro-muscular action. It may be used in many conditions in combination with other herbs to further their effectiveness if relaxation is needed. Its primary specific use is in bronchitic asthma and bronchitis. An analysis of the action of the alkaloids present reveal apparently paradoxical effects. Lobeline is a powerful respiratory stimulant, whilst isolobelanine is an emetic and respiratory relaxant, which will stimulate catarrhal secretion and expectoration whilst relaxing the muscles of the respiratory system. The overall action is a truly holistic combination of stimulation and relaxation!

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "general systemic relaxant with diffusive stimulation - best where arterial action is strong. Equalizes circulation and relieves vascular tension. Vaso-motor stimulant -increases the activity of vegetative processes. Influences glandular system and respiratory tubuli. Contra-indicated in nervous prostration, shock and paralysis. Of brief continuance in asthenic conditions." They give the following specific indications: Dislocations, trauma and hernias. Spasmodic and membranous coup, pertussis, bronchial asthma, bronchitis and pleurisy. Hepatitis, jaundice, nausea and hepatic congestion. High blood pressure, intestinal obstruction and neurasthenia.

Ellingwood considered it specific for "irritable, spasmodic and oppressed breathing, and in respiratory from exalted nerve force and nerve irritation. It is contra-indicated in general relaxation and in dyspnoea from enlarged or fatty heart, or from hydropericardium, or enfeebled heart, with valvular incompetence. It is specific in threatened spasm with exalted nerve action - a high degree of nerve tension with great restlessness and excitability, flushed face and contracted pupils. It is a prompt emetic in full doses." The high regard that the eclectics held Lobelia in is reflected by his recommendation for the following pathologies: spasmodic asthma, whooping cough, spasmodic croup, membranous croup, infantile convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paroxysms, hysterical convulsions, rigid os uteri, diptheria, tonsillitis, pneumonia.

For a more detailed discussion of this important plant please refer to pg. 235- pg. 242 of Ellingwood's American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, and pg. 1199 - 1205 of King's American Dispensatory.

Combinations: It will combine well with Cayenne, Grindelia, Pill-bearing Spurge, Sundew and Ephedra in the treatment of asthma.

Preparation and dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l/4 to l/2 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.

Lungwort

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

Pulmonaria officinalis
Boraginaceae
Habitat: Shady places throughout Europe including Britain, cultivated in gardens.
Part used: Leaves.
Collection: The leaves should be gathered during and after flowering, between March and September.

Constituents:

• Allantoin
• Flavonoids; quercitin and kaempferol
• Miscellaneous; tannins, mucilage, vitamin C, saponins, (unspecified). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, common in other plants of the Boraginaceae, have been shown to be absent from all samples of Pulmonaria officinalis tested.

Actions: Demulcent, expectorant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary.

Indications: Lungwort has two broad areas of use. The one that provides its name is its use in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis, especially where associated with upper respiratory catarrh. The other broad area is that related to its astringency. This explains its use in the treating of diarrhea, especially in children, and in easing hemorrhoids. As with all plants these two broad areas must be seen as part of the whole activity of the herb, acting as a unity. Externally this plant may be used to heal cuts and wounds.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "demulcent pectoral tonic for general pulmonary conditions where a gentle tonic is required." They give the following specific indications: coughs, colds, influenza. Bronchial and catarrhal states. Inflammation of throat or lungs.

Combinations: For lung conditions, this herb may be used with White Horehound, Coltsfoot or Lobelia.

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