SPECIAL
 

Parsley

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

Petroselinum crispum
Umbelliferae
Habitat: Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, cultivated worldwide.
Collection: The root is collected in the autumn from two year old plants. the leaves can be used any time during the growing season.
Part Used: The tap root, leaves and seeds.

Constituents: * Volatile oil, containing apiole, myristicin,[[beta]]-phellandrene,

p-mentha-l,3,8-triene, 4- isopropenyl-l-methylbenzene,2-(p-toluyl)propan-2-ol

* Coumarins

* Flavonoids

* Phthalides

* Vitamins.

Actions: Diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, carminative, anti-spasmodic, hypotensive.

Indications: The fresh herb, so widely used in cookery, is a rich source of vitamin C. Medicinally, Parsley has three main areas of usage.  Firstly, it is an effective diuretic, helping the body get rid of excess water and so may be used wherever such an effect is desired. Remember, however, that the cause of the problem must be sought and treated -don't just treat symptoms.  The second area of use is as an emmenagogue stimulating the menstrual process.  It is advisable not to use parsley in medicinal dosage during pregnancy as there may be excessive stimulation of the womb. The third use is as a carminative, easing flatulence and the colic pains that may accompany it.  CAUTION: Do not use during pregnancy in medicinal dosage.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water ontol-2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves or root and let infuse for 5-l0 minutes in a closed container. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Passion Flower

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

Passiflora incarnata
Part Used: Leaves and whole plant.

Constituents:

• Alkaloids; harmine, harman, harmol, harmaline, harmalol, and passaflorine.
• Flavonoids; apigenin and various glycosides, homoorientin, isovitexin, kaempferol, luteolin, orientin, quercitin, rutin, saponaretin, saponarin and vitexen.

Actions: Nervine, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, anodyne, hypotensive.

Indications: Passiflora has a depressant effect on C.N.S. activity and is hypotensive; they are used for their sedative and soothing properties, to lower blood pressure, prevent tachycardia and for insomnia. The alkaloids and flavonoids have both been reported to have sedative activity in animals. Many of the flavonoids, such as apigenin, are well-known for pharmacological activity, particularly anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory activities. It is the herb of choice for treating intransigent insomnia. It aids the transition into a restful sleep without any 'narcotic' hangover. It may be used wherever an anti-spasmodic is required, e.g. in Parkinson's disease, seizures and hysteria. It can be very effective in nerve pain such as neuralgia and the viral infection of nerves called shingles. It may be used in asthma where there is much spasmodic activity, especially when there is associated tension.

Ellingwood considered it specific for "wakefulness, disturbed sleep from mental worry, and exhaustion from cerebral fullness and from excitement, especially with feebleness. Anemic patients are relieved by it, also the wakefulness of infants and the aged. It is not usually efficient if the wakefulness is caused by pain, nor when the patient is in full strength. Nervous excitement, and irritation with muscular twitches, evidences of approaching convulsions in childhood, with marked cerebral fullness are indications, and it is given at any time preceding or during convulsive paroxysms if it can be swallowed. It is indicated in convulsions of any character." In addition he recommends it for the following conditions: convulsions of childhood, severe spasms, epilepsy, chorea, tetanus, hysteria, persistent hiccough, sleeplessness of tuberculosis.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried herb and let infuse for l5 minutes. Drink a cup in the evening for sleeplessness, and a cup twice a day for the easing of other conditions. Tincture: take l-4 ml of the tincture and use the same way as the infusion.

Pennyroyal

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

Mentha pulegium
Labiatae
Habitat:A common wild or garden plant, in America, Britain, France and Germany.
Collection: The stems should be gathered just before flowering in July.
Part Used: Aerial parts.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, consisting mainly of pulegone, isopulegone, menthol, isomenthone
• limonene, piperitone, neomenthol
• Miscellaneous; bitters and tannins.

Actions: Carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, emmenagogue.

Indications: With its richly aromatic volatile oil, Pennyroyal will ease flatulence and abdominal colic due to wind. It will relax spasmodic pain and ease anxiety. However, its main use is as an emmenagogue to stimulate the menstrual process and to strengthen uterine contractions. As it has been used in large doses as an abortifacient, it should be avoided during pregnancy. The oil should be avoided as it can act far too strongly.

CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water ontol-2 teaspoonfuls 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.

Peppermint

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

Mentha piperita
Part Used: Aerial parts.

Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present.  Pharmacologically important constituents include an essential oil containing menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate as the major components, flavonoids.

Actions: Carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-microbial, analgesic.

Indications: Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence and stimulates bile and digestive juice flow. It is used to relieve intestinal colic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions. The volatile oil acts as a mild anesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit. It helps to relieve the nausea & vomiting of pregnancy and travel sickness. Peppermint can play a role in the treatment of ulcerative conditions of the bowels. It is a traditional treatment of fevers, colds and influenza. As an inhalant it is used as temporary relief for nasal catarrh. Where headaches are associated with digestion, Peppermint may help. As a nervine it eases anxiety and tension. In painful periods, it relieves the pain and eases associated tension. Externally it is used to relieve itching and inflammations.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto a heaped teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. This may be drunk as often as desired. Tincture: l-2ml three times a day.

Plantain

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

Plantago major
Plantaginaceae
Names: Greater Plantain
Habitat: A common "weed" in Britain and many other parts of the world.
Collection: Gather during flowering throughout the summer. Dry as fastas possible as the leaves will discolour if dried improperly.
Part Used: Leaves or aerial parts

Constituents:

• Iridoids; aucubin, 3,4-dihydroaucubin,6'-O-[[beta]]-glucosylaucubin, catalpol
•  Flavonoids; apigenin, lutelin, scutellarin, baicalein, nepetin, hispidulin plantagoside
• Miscellaneous; tannin, oleanolic acid, plant acids such as chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, fumaric, hydroxycinnamic and benzoic acids and theiresters.

Actions: Vulnerary, expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, anti-microbial

Indications: Both the Greater Plantain and its close relative Ribwort Plantain have valuable healing properties. It acts as a gentle expectorant whilst also soothing inflamed and sore membranes, making it ideal for coughs and mild bronchitis. Its astringency aids in diarrhoea, haemorrhoids and also in cystitis where there is bleeding.

Ellingwood describes Plantain thus: "The remedy is of value in the internal treatment of all diseases of the blood. Scrofula, syphilis, specific or non-specific glandular disease and mercurial poisoning. It is used in ulcerations of the mucousmembrane, due to depraved conditions. It may be given in diarrhoea, dysentery, the diarrhoea of consumption, cholera infantum, and where there are longstanding hemorrhoids. It is also given in female disorders, attended with fluent discharges and in hematuria, also in dysuria and some forms of passive hemorrhage. It would thus seem to possess marked astringent properties, as well as those of an alterative character. "The older physicians ascribe an active influence to it, in the cure of the bites of venomous serpents, spiders and poisonous insects. A simple but important influence is that exercised in tooth-ache. The juice on apiece of cotton applied to a tooth cavity, or to the sensitive pulp, has immediately controlled intractable cases of toothache. It seems to exercise a sedative influence upon pain in the nerves of the face, and relieves many cases of earache and tic-douloureux. In the nocturnal incontinence of urine, in young children, accompanied with a large flow of colorless urine, this agent has produced curative results in many cases.

Plantago relieves inflammatory infection of the skin, especiallyif accompanied with burning pain or itching. Inflammation of the intestinal tract which involves the mucous membranes and is accompanied with colicky pains will be relieved by Plantago. Old Dr. Smith from southern Illinois applied Plantago in the form of a saturated tincture as a dressing for fresh cuts, wounds, or bruises. He could thus secure healing without the formation of pus. He made his tincture of the entire plant and roots, pounded up in alcohol. He applied one part usually to four of water.

Dr. Wallace dips a teaspoon in to hot water, drops into this five drops of the specific plantago and pours this into the ear for earache, filling the earafterwards with cotton. He claims immediate relief in aggravated cases.  Externally the bruised leaves have been applied in the form of a poultice, to chronic ulcers, and skin disorders, resulting from depraved blood. Thejuice may be combined in the form of an ointment. One physician told the writer that he saw an Indian woman pound up a large quantity of Plantain leaves, put them into a skillet, and pour on enough lard to cover. This was boiled for sometime, then strained. When cool, the product was a smooth, greenish coloredointment. With this a chronic and previously absolutely intractable skin disease, similar to a dry form of eczema, was rapidly and permanently cured. This ointment in appearance and action closely resembles the proprietary preparation, known as cuticura."

He recommends it for the following patholgies: scrophula, syphilis, glandular disease, mercurial poisoning, diarrhoea, dysentary, haemorrhoids, femaledisorders, haematuria, dysuria, haemorrhage, bites of venemous serpents, tooth-ache, ear-ache, tic-douloureux, nocturnal incontinance of urine, inflammatory infection of the skin, chronic ulcers, skin disorders.

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

Ointment: an ointment can be made that will aid the treatment of hemorrhoids and cuts.

Tincture: take 2-3ml of the tincture three times a day.

Pleurisy Root

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

Asclepias tuberosa
Asclepiadaceae
Names: Butterfly Weed.
Habitat: USA
Collection: The rhizome should be unearthed in March or April. Clean, split and dry.
Part Used: Rhizome.

Constituents:

• Cardenolides, including asclepiadin
• Flavonoids; rutin, kaempferol, quercitin and isorhamnetin
• Miscellaneous; friedalin, [[alpha]]-and [[beta]]-amyrin, lupeol, viburnitol, choline sugars.

Actions: Diaphoretic, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory.

Indications: Pleurisy Root is effective against respiratory infections where it reduces inflammations and assists expectoration. It can be used in the treatment of bronchitis and other chest condition. The addition of diaphoretic and anti-spasmodic powers will show why it is so highly valued in the treatment of pleurisy and pneumonia. It can be used in influenza.

Priest & Priest give the following specific indications: catarrhal complaints from cold and damp; hard dry cough. Bronchitis, pleurisy, peritonitis. Pneumonia, influenza, intercostal rheumatism and inter costal diseases.

To quote King's at length: "It was one of the most common medicines employed by the eclectic fathers. It was favorably written upon by most of the earlier writers on American medicinal plants. The drug has fallen into unmerited neglect, and could profitably be employed at the present day for purposes for which much more powerful and sometimes dangerous, drugs are used. It has an extensive range of usefulness, being possessed of diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, tonic, carminative, expectorant, and probablyanti-spasmodic properties. Asclepias is one of the best diaphoretics of the Eclectic materia medica. It is not stimulating, and may be used to promote diaphoresis, no matter how high the degree of fever. Pleurisy root has a deservedly good reputation in respiratory diseases. It acts upon the mucous membrane of the pulmonary tract, augmenting the secretions and favoring easy expectoration. Besides its action on the respiratory mucous surfaces its action upon the skin as a true diaphoretic, establishing the insensible perspiration when the skin is dry and harsh, and correcting that weakness of the skin which allows the sweat to pour out too freely, renders it of value in the sweating of phthisis. As its popular name indicates, pleurisy root is of much value in treating pleurisy. Not only is its action onserous membranes marked, but it is very effectual in inter costal neuralgia and rheumatism, as well as in pericardialpains. The chief action of Asclepias is to lessen arterial tension, and acute diseases are those in which it is of most value. With the indicated sedative it is one of the best known agents in the early stage of pneumonia, provided always the indications alluded to are present. Some cases will yield to Asclepias alone, but this is not generally the case, as the drug plays more the role of an assistant than a leading remedy. It is as afe drug, for while it may not act as efficiently when not indicated, it maybe said to never be contraindicated, so far as expecting any harm from its use is concerned. In pneumonia, as well as in bronchitis, it is best adapted to the acute stage, where the lesion seems to be extensive, taking in a large area of lung parenchyma and mucous tissues. It undoubtedly acts upon the general circulatory apparatus, lowering arterial tension. In the convalescing stage of pneumonia, and other respiratory lesions, when suppression of the expectoration and dyspnoea threaten, small doses at frequent intervals will correct the trouble. In catarrhal troubles specific Asclepias, well diluted, is useful as a local remedy when used early in the disease. It, as well as Euphrasia and Matricaria, is among our best drugs for snuffles, or acutenasal catarrh of infants. It is an excellent remedy for ordinary colds. It is, in fact one of our best drugs for catarrhal conditions, whether of the pulmonary or gastro-intestinal tract, especially when produced by recent colds. Stomach troubles, particularly those of children, are often markedly benefited by small doses. Diarrhoea and dysentery, when of catarrhal character and due to cold are benefited by alternating with other indicated remedies. As a remedy for gastric disorders it is well adapted to children and weak individuals. Headache from disordered digestion has been cured with it, and for flatulent colic in young children. Dioscorea may also be administered with it in cases of flatus in adults and children. Asclepias is a remedy for nervous irritability of children, especially when due to gastric disturbances. The dry forms of cutaneous affections are benefited by it especially where it is necessary to establish the true dermal secretions. It is not an active agent yet on the whole, though apparently a feeble remedy, when indicated, it accomplishes a purpose which no other remedy in the materia medicafulfils."

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l/2-l teaspoonful of the herb 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 aday.

Poke

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

Phytolacca americana
Phytolaccaceae
Names: Pokeweed.
Habitat: N. America
Collection: The root should be unearthed in the late autumn or spring.Clean it and split lengthwise before drying. Part Used: Root.

Constituents:

• Triterpenoid saponins; the phytolaccosides A, B, C, D& E. Based on the aglycones phytolaccagenin and phytolaccicacid
• Lectins; mixture known as 'pokeweed mitogen', consisting of a series of glycoproteins

Actions: Anti-rheumatic, stimulant, anti-catarrhal, purgative, emetic.

Indications: Poke Root has a wide range of used and is a valuable addition to many holistic treatments. It may be seen primarily as a remedy for use in infection of the upper respiratory tract, removing catarrh and aiding the cleansing of the lymphatic glands. It may be used for catarrh, tonsillitis, laryngitis, swollen glands, mumps. It will be found of value in lymphatic problems elsewhere in the body and especially for mastitis, where it can be used internally and as a poultice. Poke Root also has a use in rheumatism, especially where it is long standing. Care must be taken with this herb as in large dosage it is powerfully emetic and purgative. Externally as a lotion or ointment it may be used to rid the skin of scabies and other pests.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "stimulating and relaxing alterative: promotes the removal of catabolic wastes and the products of fatty degeneration. Specific for skeletal congestions, and for serous and glandular tissues." They give the following specific indications: Chronic rheumatism and arthritis, neuralgia and lumbago. Tonsillitis and parotitis, mastitis, ovaritis,orchitis. Enlarged thyroid and lymphatics.

Ellingwood considered its most direct actions in "inflammation ofglandular structures, especially of the lymphatic glands. Pains of a rheumatic character from deficient catabolism are relieved by it. It is directlyindicated in irritation, inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes inrheumatic subjects, sanious ulcers, scabies, tinea capitis, psoriasis and all skin diseases. It is especially valuable in the squamous variety of skindiseases" In addition he recommends it for the following patholgies: inflammations of the throat, forms of diphtheria, goitre, adenitis, mastitis, glandular and skin disorders, syphilitic disorders, varicoseulcers, psoriasis, dermal abscesses, fissures, boils, carbuncles. Membranous and spasmodic croup.

CAUTION: In large doses Poke Root is a powerful emetic and purgative.

Combinations: For lymphatic problems it may be used with Cleavers or Blue Flag.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: only small amounts of this herb should be used. Put l/4 teaspoonful of the root in a cup of water, bring to a boil and simmer gently for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l/4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Prickly Ash

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

Zanthoxylum americanum
Rutaceae
Habitat: Canada and the USA.
Collection: The berries are collected in late summer and the bark isstripped from the stems of this shrub in the spring.
Part Used: The bark and berries.

Constituents:

• Bark: * Alkaloids: [[gamma]]-fagarine, [[beta]]-fagarine(-skimmianine), magnoflorine, laurifoline, nitidine, chelerythrine,tambetarine and candicine
• Coumarins: xanthyletin, zanthoxyletin, alloxanthyletin
• Resin, tannin, volatile oil.

Actions: Stimulant (circulatory), tonic, alterative, carminative, diaphoretic, anti-rheumatic, hepatic.

Indications: Prickly Ash may be used in a way that is similar to Cayenne, although it is slower in action. It is used in many chronic problems such a rheumatism and skin diseases. Any sign of poor circulation calls for the use of this herb, such as chilblains, cramp in the leg, varicose veins and varicose ulcers. Externally it may be used as a stimulation liniment for rheumatism and fibrositis. Dueto its stimulating effect upon the lymphatic system, circulation and mucous membranes, it will have a role in the holistic treatment of many specific conditions.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is "positive diffusive stimulant -induces free arterial/capillary circulation, restores vascular tone. It is a general stimulant for relaxed and feeble conditions and atonic digestive states. An excellent tonic and alterative for convalescence and the elderly. "They give the following specific indications: chronic rheumatic conditions; neurasthenia and poor circulation; gastricdistension, eructations and flatulence; loss of sensitivityin injured nerves.

Ellingwood considered it specific for "lack of tone in the nervous system, a general torpidity with sluggish circulation. Also in enervation and relaxation of mucous membranes, with imperfect circulation, or hyper secretion. It is thus valuable in catarrhal conditions of any mucous surface, as it restores the tone and normal functional activity."

King's Dispensatory gives these specific indications: "(in the smaller doses) in hyper secretion from debility and relaxation of mucous tissues; atonicity of the nervous system (larger doses); in capillary engorgement in the exanthemata, sluggish circulation, tympanites in bowel complaints, intestinal and gastric torpor (with deficient secretion), dryness of the mucous membrane of mouth and fauces (with glazed, glossy surfaces), flatulent colic, asiaticcholera, uterine cramps, and neuralgia. For the painful bowel disorders, the preperations of the berries are to be preferred.

Combinations: May be used in many different situations.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water ontol-2 teaspoonfuls of the bark and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.