Herbalplants: 2011

Minggu, 12 Juni 2011

LILY OF THE VALLEY HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Convallaria majalis

Alternate Names: May Lily, Our Lady's Tears, Jacobs Ladder

Family: LILIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion, Root.

Properties: Antispasmodic, Cardiotonic, Diuretic, Emetic, Laxative, Purgative.

Internal Uses: Apoplexy, Coma, Epilepsy, Memory Loss, Mitral Insufficiency, Paralysis, Pulmonary Edema, Shock, Spasms, Speech Loss, Vertigo

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Lily of the Valley increases the muscular action of the heart, yet slows the heart rate. It has an action similar to that of Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), but is considered less cumulative and safer. It is a restorative to the brain and nerves.

Topical Applications: Flower water is used as a skin astringent, called aqua aurea, and is known for its lightening qualities. Essential oil is used in perfume, but it is very costly and synthetics are often substituted.

Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Neutral, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Convallatoxin, convallatoxol, convallarin, convallamarin, convalluside, convallatoxloside, saponins, essential oil, citric and malic acid, flavonoids.

Contraindications: Potentially toxic. Use only with guidance from a competent health professional. Do not use for longer than ten days at a time. Excess will cause gastrointestinal irritation. Use about one third the amount that would be used of other herbs.

Comments: The genus name, Convallaria means 'of the valleys' in Latin. Majalis, the species name, refers to the month of May, the time when this plant flowers.

Legend says that Lily of the Valley was given by Apollo to Aesculapius, God of Healing, as a gift. An old folk tale about Lily of the Valley is that if one rubs the oil from the plant on the forehead it will impart common sense. This beautiful and hardy flower is often used in bridal bouquets.

MAIDENHAIR FERN HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Adiantum capillus-veneris

Alternate Names: Lady Fern, Venus Hair, Five Finger Fern, Rock Fern, Culantillo

Family: ADIANTACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves, root.

Properties: Antiparasitic, Astringent, Demulcent, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Hemostatic, Refrigerant, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Alcoholism, Amenorrhea, Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Congestion, Cough, Emphysema, Fever, Jaundice, Kidney Weakness, Laryngitis, Sore Throat, Worms

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup.

Maidenhair Fern has been used to aid detoxification for alcoholics. It stimulates the function of the mucus membranes and can help those who have lingering coughs and are always clearing their throats.

Topical Uses: Dandruff, Insect Stings, Snakebites

Topical Applications: Wash for bee stings, centipede and snake bites. Hair rinse to give body to hair and to treat dandruff. The stems of the plant are used to make baskets.

Culinary uses: Young shoots are edible in the spring when they are still tightly coiled.

Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Filicine, filicinal, fernene, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, gallic acid, bitter principle (capillarine), terpenoids (adiantone), flavonoids (rutin, quercitin), mucilage, tannin.

Contraindications: Ferns that are uncoiled are somewhat toxic when eaten.

Comments: The genus name, Adiantum is from the Greek Adiantos, meaning 'unwetted' as the leaves of this plant repel water even though the herb grows in a wet environment. Ancient Mayans used it to decorate their altars for ceremonies.

The common name Maidenhair Fern also includes the species Adiantum pedatum, which is often used interchangeably with Adiantum capillus-veneris.

MEADOWSWEET HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Filipendula ulmaria

Alternate Names: Queen Of The Meadow, Bridewort, Pride Of The Meadow, Spireae

Family: ROSACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Analgesic, Antacid, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Urinary Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Sedative, Stomach Tonic.

Internal Uses: Arteriosclerosis, Arthritis, Cellulitis, Cervicitis, Colds, Cystitis, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Edema, Epilepsy, Fever, Flu, Gastritis, Gout, Headache, Heartburn, Hyperacidity, Insomnia, Nausea, Pain, Prostatitis, Pulmonary Edema, Rheumatism, Ulcers, Urinary Infections, Vaginitis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It is a mild antispasmodic and sedative. Meadowsweet is a forerunner of aspirin as salicylic acid was first synthesized from Meadowsweet in 1835. It is gentler on the stomach than aspirin because Meadowsweet naturally contains buffering agents. Meadowseet clears heat and reduces inflammation. It soothes mucus membranes in the digestive tract and reduces acidity.

Topical Uses: Conjunctivitis, Eye Soreness, Rheumatism

Topical Applications: Eyewash for conjunctivitis and sore eyes. Compress for rheumatic joints. Oil from buds used in perfume. Flowers are soaked in rainwater as a complexion water. The flowers are used as paint brushes. Potpourri.

Culinary uses: Flowers impart an almond fragrance to jam, stewed fruit and wine. Leaves are added to soups. The Shakers used this herb in beer brewing as it enabled them to use less sugar.

Energetics: Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (salicyladehyde, methylsalicylate, hyperoside), salicylic acid, spireine, gaultherine, spiraeoside, flavonoids (rutin, spiraeoside), vanillin, glycoside, mucilage, tannin, coumarins, vitamin C.

Contraindications: Avoid if sensitive to salicylates, such as those in aspirin.

Comments: The name Meadowsweet is from an earlier name 'meadwort' as Meadowsweet has long been used to flavor mead. Meadowsweet was a sacred herb amongst the Druids. In 1597, John Gerard said of Meadowsweet in his Herball, 'the smell therof makes the heart merry and joyful and delighteth the senses'. It was used as a strewing herb during the reign of Elizabeth I.

QUEEN'S DELIGHT HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Stillingia sylvatica

Alternate Names: Stillingia, Yaw Root, Silver Leaf, Cockup Hat, Marcory

Family: EUPHORBIACEAE

Parts Used: Root, fresh root.

Properties: Alterative, Cathartic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emetic, Expectorant, Laxative, Sialagogue, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Acne, Boils, Bronchitis, Constipation, Cough, Dermatitis, Eczema, Enlarged Lymph, Hemorrhoids, Laryngitis, Leukorrhea, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Scrofula, Syphilis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It helps both a chronic cough and smoker's cough.

Topical Uses: Eczema, Hemorrhoids, Psoriasis

Topical Applications: Lotion for eczema, psoriasis and hemorrhoids.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil, diterpene esters (prostatin, gnidilatin), alkaloid (stillingine), cyanogenic glycosides, calcium oxalate, tannin, resin (sylvacrol).

Contraindications: Large doses are emetic and purgative. Avoid during pregnancy, and avoid using fresh root.

Comments: The genus is named after Dr. Benjamin Stillingfleet. The leaves have spots on them reminiscent of the lesions of syphilis, and this may have inspired people to use this herb to treat syphilis. It was also used to help people detoxify after being treated with mercury for syphilis.

SHEPHERD'S PURSE HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Capsella bursa-pastoris

Alternate Names: Saint James' Wort, Mother's Hearts, Life Preserving Plant, Lady's Purse, Pepper And Salt, Rattle Pouch, Pickpocket, Cocowort, Bursa

Family: BRASSICACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Hemostatic, Hypotensive, Styptic, Urinary Antiseptic, Vasoconstrictor.

Internal Uses: Bloody Urine, Cystitis, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Dysmenorrhea, Hemorrhage, Injury, Internal Bleeding, Kidney Stones, Labor, Malaria, Nosebleeds, Postpartum Hemorrhage, Ulcers, Urethritis, Uterine Hemorrhage, Varicose Veins

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Make tincture from the fresh plant. The reason for the plant's styptic ability is not fully understood, but Shepherd's Purse constricts blood vessels and thus is considered an important herb for both internal and external bleeding. It has long been used by midwives to aid uterine contraction during birthing and to prevent postpartum hemorrhaging, because it improves oxytocin's ability to aid birthing after cervical dilation has occurred. It also helps the kidneys eliminate uric acid. Eating the seeds is believed to improve vision.

Topical Uses: Bleeding, Fever, Nosebleeds, Oily Skin, Pyorrhea, Wounds

Topical Applications: Poultice applied to wrists to lower fever, also to treat bleeding wounds. Cotton soaked in tea or fresh juice is placed in nostril to stop a nosebleed. Mouthwash for pyorrhea. Bath herb for post natal care. Facial steam for oily skin. Footbath for sore feet.

Culinary uses: Can be added to salads or cooked as a potherb in moderate quantities.

Energetics: Pungent, Sweet, Cool, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Saponins, mustard oil, bursinic acid, flavonoid (diosmin, luteolin, quercitin), sitosterol, choline, acetylcholine, beta carotene, vitamins B, C, K, tyramine, histamine.

Contraindications: Use in moderate doses, as large ones may be toxic. Avoid during pregnancy, except during labor. Do not use with overt kidney disease. It does not have a long shelf life, so use within one year.

Comments: The genus name, Capsella, is Latin for 'purse' or 'pocket' in reference to the shape of the flat seed pouches of the plant. During World War I, Shepherd's Purse was used to staunch the bleeding of soldier's wounds. Sprinkling the seeds on water where mosquitoes breed produces a mucilage that will kill larvae and reduce mosquito populations. One pound of seed can destroy 10 million larvae.

The common name Shepherd's Purse includes the species Capsella rubella, which is used interchangeably with Capsella bursa-pastoris.

TIENCHI GINSENG HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Panax pseudoginseng

Alternate Names: Tien Qi, San Qi, Som Chuk (Chinese)

Family: ARALIACEAE

Parts Used: Root.

Properties: Adrenal Tonic, Anticoagulant, Blood Tonic, Cardiotonic, Circulatory Stimulant, Emmenagogue, Energy Tonic, Hemostatic, Hypotensive, Yin Tonic.

Internal Uses: Angina, Anxiety, Arteriosclerosis, Bloody Stool, Bloody Vomit, Fatigue, Hemorrhage, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Injury, Nosebleeds, Stress, Tachycardia, Trauma, Urinary Bleeding

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Tienchi Ginseng is a premier herb to use for a wide range of injuries and traumas. It improves energy circulation, reduces pain and swelling and dissolves blood clots. It is used internally and topically. Tienchi Ginseng increases circulation to the coronary artery and in China it is often given to heart patients instead of nitroglycerin.

Topical Uses: Injury, Sprains, Trauma, Wounds

Topical Applications: Liniment or poultice for wounds (including gunshot wounds), injuries, sprains and trauma.

Culinary uses: Cooked into soups for its tonic properties.

Energetics: Bitter, Neutral.

Chemical Constituents: Arasaponin A and B, flavonoids (dencichine).

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy and in cases of blood deficiency. If blood remains in the urine, stool or vomit after using this herb, seek medical attention.

Comments: It is also known is China as the Miracle Root for the preservation of health. In the Chinese Compedium of Materia Medica written in 1578, Tienchi Ginseng was regarded as more valuable than gold.

The common name Tienci Ginseng includes the species Panax notoginseng, which is used interchangeably with Panax pseudoginseng.

Venus fly trap herb plant

Latin Name: Dionaea muscipula

Family: DROSERACEAE

Properties: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral, Immune Stimulant.

Internal Uses: AIDS, Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, Epstein-barr Virus, Herpes, HIV, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis, Tumors, Ulcers

Internal Applications: Tincture.

It appears to activate killer T cell activity, reduce the rate of tumor tissue growth and shrink existing tumors. In Germany it is sometimes given by injection.

Topical Uses: Bronchial Cancer, Lung Cancer

Topical Applications: Used in a nebulizer for bronchial and lung cancer.

Chemical Constituents: Naphthaquinone (plumbagin, ellagic acid), proteolytic enzymes.

Contraindications: Fresh plant juice can cause blistering, and residues will even penetrate plastic bags.

Comments: Many people are familiar with this carnivorous plant. Venus Fly trap does not have a long history of traditional use; however modern research has been conducted in Germany by Dr. Hemmett Keller.

This herb has been listed by United Plant Savers as an 'at risk' plant, so please avoid buying products harvested from the wild. Only use the cultivated herb.

Zeodary herb plants

atin Name: Curcuma zedoaria

Family: ZINGIBERACEAE

Parts Used: Rhizome.

Properties: Antitumor, Aromatic, Bitter Tonic, Stimulant.

Internal Uses: Bloating, Cancer, Colds, Flatulence, Indigestion

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It is used in bitter digestive tonics. Zeodary is being investigated for its potential to treat cervical cancer and as well as its abilitity to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In India, it is given to babies and invalids, mixed with Cinnamon, Pepper and honey, for the treatment of colds.

Culinary uses: Used like Ginger, but it is more bitter. Cooked with chicken, fish and lamb.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil, sesquiterpenes (curcumenone, curcumanolide A and B).

Comments: Native to India, the species Curcuma zedoaria was formely named Curcuma xanthorrhiza.

Wild Lettuce Herb Plant

Latin Name: Lactuca virosa

Alternate Names: Prickly Lettuce, Lettuce Opium, Poor Man's Opium, Bitter Lettuce

Family: ASTERACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves, latex.

Properties: Analgesic, Anodyne, Antitussive, Diuretic, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Hypnotic, Hypoglycemic, Sedative.

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Bronchitis, Cough, Hyperactivity, Insomnia, Pain, Restlessness, Whooping Cough

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Smoke.

Wild Lettuce is believed to inhibit the spinal cord's referral of pain.

Topical Uses: Acne, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak

Topical Applications: Wash or lotion for acne. Used in bath products, lotions and soap. Latex can be applied to calm the itch of poison ivy. The dried herb is used in smoking mixtures.

Culinary uses: Young leaves, under 10 inches tall, can be cooked in two changes of water as a potherb.

Energetics: Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Lactucin, lactucarium, sesquiterpene alkaloids (lactucine, lactucopicrin, lactucic acid), sugar, caoutchouc, flavonoids (quercitin), coumarins, phenethylamine.

Contraindications: The latex from the plant can be irritating if it comes in contact with the eyes. Moderate doses can cause drowsiness, so be careful if driving or operating machinery.

Comments: This plant is the wild ancestor of some of our cultivated lettuces. The entire plant contains a milky white latex that when dried resembles opium. Indeed, it was once used as an adulterant to opium.

The common name Wild Lettuce includes the species Lactuca serriola and Lactuca canadensis. They share the same medicinal qualities of Lactuca virosa, although Lactuca virosa is a more potent herb.