SPECIAL
 

Oak Bark

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

Quercus robur
Part Used: Bark.

Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present. The 15-20%tannins produce the dominant pharmacological effects.

Actions: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic.

Indications: Oak Bark may be used wherever a strong astringent is indicated, for example in unresponsive diarrhoea or dysentery. However, with its high tannin content it might be too strong in some situations, causing constipation. As a gargle it can be used in tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. As an enema it is used for the treatment of hemorrhoids and as a douche for leucorrhoea. It is primary indication is acute diarrhea, taken infrequent small doses.

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

Oatstraw

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

Avena sativa
Gramineae
Habitat: Widely distributed as a cereal crop.
Collection: The fruit and straw are gathered at harvest time, in August. The stalks are cut and bound together. Leave them upright to dry and then thresh out the fruit. The straw is just the crushed dry stalks.
Part Used: Seeds and whole plant.

Constituents:

• Proteins; prolamines known as avenins
• C-glycosyl flavones
• Avenacosides, which are spirostanol glycosides
• Fixed oil, Vitamin E, starch

Actions: Nervine tonic, anti-depressant, nutritive, demulcent, vulnerary.

Indications: Oats is one of the best remedies for "feeding' the nervous system, especially when under stress. It is considered a specific incases of nervous debility and exhaustion when associated with depression. It may be used with most of the other nervines, both relaxant and stimulatory, to strengthen the whole of the nervous system. It is also used in general debility. The high levels of silicic acid in the straw will explain its use as a remedy for skin conditions, especially in external applications.

Ellingwood quoting from King's considered it specific for "spasmodic and nervous disorders, with exhaustion; the nervous debility of convalescence, cardiac weakness from nervous exhaustion. In general neurasthenia it promptly relieves the most unbearable occipital headache." In addition he recommends it for the following pathologies: nerve tremors, chorea, paralysis agitans, epilepsy, convalescence following prostrating disease, palpitations of the heart, nervous headaches, overworked conditions of brain workers(!), general prostration from anxiety and worry, nervous dyspepsia, sexual neurasthenia, nervous breakdown and exhaustion.

Combinations: For depression it may be used with Skullcap and Mugwort.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water ontol-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried straw and leave to infuse l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 3-5ml three times a day. Bath: a soothing bath for use in neuralgia and irritated skin conditions can be made: l pound of shredded straw is boiled in 2 quarts of water for half an hour. The liquid is strained and added to the bath, or the cooked rolled oats may be put into a muslin bag and used to bath with.

Oregon Mountain Grape

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

Berberis aquifolium
Berberidaceae
Names: Oregon Grape Root, Mountain Grape.
Habitat: Oregon, N. America, cultivatied as a garden plant elsewhere.
Collection: The underground parts are collected in the autumn,carefully cleaned, cut into slices and dried.
Part Used: Rhizome and root.

Constituents: Alkaloids of the isoquinoline type; berberine, berbamine, hydrastine, oxycanthine.

Actions: Alterative, cholagogue, laxative, anti-emetic, anti-catarrhal, tonic.

Indications: Oregon Grape is similar in action to both Golden Seal and Barberry. If finds its main use in the treatment of chronic and scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. As skin problems of the sort are due to systemic causes within the body, the tonic activity of Oregon Grape on the liver and gall-bladder may explain its potency. It can be used in stomach and gall-bladder conditions, especially where there is associated nausea and vomiting. As a laxative it may safely be used in chronic constipation.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "mildly stimulating tonic hepatic and alterative: influences alimentary mucous membrane, stimulates glandular elements and improves nutrition. Promotes the elimination of catabolic residues and stimulates recuperation" They give the following specific indications: catarrhal disorders of stomach, intestines and urinary organs. Hepatic torpor, bilious headache. Eczema, herpes, psoriasis, acne, facial blotches and pimples.

Ellingwood specific for "scaly, pustular and other skin disease due to the disordered conditions of the blood. It is the most reliable alterative when the influences of the dyscrasia is apparent in the skin. It is given freely during the treatment of skin diseases where an alterative is considered an essential part of the treatment." In addition he recommends itfor the following patholgies: pimples, roughness, eczema capitis, eczemagenitalis, puritis, scaly eczema, psoriasis, pityriasis, chronic dermatosis,glandular indurations, ulcerations, syphilis.

Combinations: For skin problems it will combine well with Burdock Root, Yellow Dock and Cleavers. For gall-bladder problems it may be used with Black Root and Fringe Tree Bark.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls of the root in a cup of water, bring to boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: l-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.