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JAFARYS HERBAL MEDICINE

PRACTICAL GUIDELINES
FOR THE SAFE USE OF HERBS

MORE...

HassanAmjadMD,FLS

H.A.JafaryMD,FACP

PREFACE
Wehaveattemptedtopresentabrief,clinicallyrelevantintroductorymonographonherbalmedicine.Therearealargenumberofencyclopedic
referenceworksavailable,howevertoanewcomer,thefieldofherbalmedicinecanbequiteconfusingandintimidating.Forexample:awellknown
herbalmedicinetextdescribesoverfiftymedicalconditionstreatedbyBloodroot(Sanquinariacanadensis),thesemedicinalapplicationsofBloodroot
mayhavebeenpracticedbyNativeAmericansabouttwohundredyearsago.Inapparentcontrast,theherbisnowlimitedtouseinthetoothpaste
industry,isconsideredtoxicanddeathsfromitsusehavebeenreported.Fortheaveragereader,itisdifficulttobridgethegapbetweentheoretical
herbalknowledgeandpracticaluse.
WehavetriedtopresentasynthesisofknowledgeofmedicinalherbsfromtheOrient,theFarEast,theAmazon,SouthAfrica,theNewWorldandthe
ancientworld.Intodaysworld,knowledgeofonesystemofmedicineisnotenough.Wehavetriedtoavoidanostalgic,mythicalmumbojumbocure
andhealeverythingunderthesunapproachtodescribingtheuseoftheseherbs.
Ithasbeenaratherdifficultandpainstakingjobbecause,despitegreatmedicaladvancesoftoday,thereisanastonishinglysignificantlackofinterest
inherbalmedicinefromthemedicalandpharmaceuticalindustries.Scientificinquiryintotheuseofherbsislimited.Limitationsofourcurrent
knowledgecompelustoseektheempiricalknowledgeofestablishedherbalists.Inthecurrentcontext,experienceandproperguidancearekeyto
thesafeandeffectiveuseofherbs.

HassanAmjadMD,FLS
H.A.JafaryMD,FACP
Beckley,WestVirginia
January2008

ListofContents
MethodologyofResearchinHerbalMedicine
AParadiseLost:TheHistoryofHerbalMedicine
TraditionalChineseMedicine(TCM)
YinYangConcept

AyurvedicMedicine
TriDoshaSystem
TheAyurvedicSystem
EygptianMedicine
GrecoRomanMedicine
UnaniMedicine:HippocraticGalenicArabic
UnaniSystem:TheoryofBodyHumorsandTemperament
JamuMedicine
Nutmeg
KampoMedicine
MedievalHerbalists
JourneyBackToEden

Introduction
OurPurposeForThisBook
PrinciplesofHerbology
OriginofComplementary/AlternativeMedicineCAM

TheResurgenceofHerbalMedicine
HerbalTreatmentsCommonlySought
PopularHerbalMedicinesinEurope
PopularHerbalMedicinesintheUnitedStates
WorldsMostImportantHerbs

CommonDisordersWhereHerbsCouldBeUseful
WhenToSeekMedicalorProfessionalHelp
SafetyofHerbalMedicine
ToxicSideEffectsofHerbs
Pt.1:PrecautionsintheUseofHerbs
Pt.2:HerbswithDetrimentalorToxicSideEffects
Pt.3:AdverseEffectsofHerbs
ToxicHerbs

MedicinalPlantDrugInteractions
HerbsWhichCanInterfereWithSurgery
AdverseCardiovascularEffects

HowToAvoidToxicityDueToHerbs
GuidelinesforBuyingHerbs
MedicinalHerbsACACIANILOTICAALLSPICE(JamaicaPepper)ALOEVERAASAFETIDABALMOFGILEADBANABABASIL
BEARBERRY/UVAURSIBISHOPSWEEDBLACKCOHOSH/BLACKSNAKEROOTBLACKSEEDBLADDERWRACKBLOODROOT
BUTCHERSBROOMBUTTERBURCALENDULACARDAMOMCASCARASAGRADA(HolyBark)CATNIPCAYENNEPEPPERCHAMOMILE

CHAPARRALCHASTETREECHILIPEPPERSCHOLESTINCOLTSFOOTCOMFREYCORNSILKCRANBERRYDATES(TreeofLife)
DEVILSCLAWEASTINDIANGINSENGECHINACEAEPHEDRAESSENTIALOILS(Aromatherapy)EUCALYPTUSFENUGREEKFEVERFEW
FRANKINCENSEFRANKLINIAGARLICGINGERGINKGOBILOBAGINSENGGOLDENSEALGOTUKOLA(Kutannal)GRAPEGREEN
TEAHAWTHORNEHENNAHIBISCUSHOODIAHOPSHOREHOUNDHORSETAILHYSSOPJAVATEAKAVAKAVAKHATLADYS
SLIPPERLEMONBALMLEMONGRASSLICORICEMANGOSTEENMARSHMALLOWMILKTHISTLEMINTSMISTLETOEMUCUNA
MYRRHNETTLEOLIVEOILPARSLEYPATCHOULILEAFPAWPAWPENNYROYALPEPPERBARKTREEPEPPERMINT
POMEGRANATEPRICKLEYPEAR(Cactus)PSYLLIUMPUMPKINSEEDSPYGEUMRHUBARBROSEMARYSASSAFRASSAW
PALMETTOSENNASELFHEALSHEPHERDSPURSESHITAKEMUSHROOMSIBERIANGINSENGSKULLCAPSLIPPERYELM
SPEARMINTST.JOHNSWORTSUTHERLANDIA(CancerBush)SWEETWORMWOODTANSYTEATREETONGKATALIUZARA
VALERIANWATERMELONWILDYAMWINTERGREENWITCHHAZELWORMSEEDWORMWOODYELLOWDOCKYOHIMBE
HerbsFromtheAmazonABUTAANGELSTRUMPETAVOCADOBOLDOBREADFRUITCACAOCAMUCAMUCATSCLAWCATAUBA
CHINESETHISTLEDAISYDRAGONSBLOODFRANGIPANIGRAVIOLAGUARANAGUAVAJATOBALANTANAMANACAMATICO
PATADEVACASENSITIVEPLANT/MIMOSASOULVINESTONEBREAKERSUMA
ChineseHerbsASTRAGALUSBAIZHUCHAIHU(ChineseThoroughwax)CHINESECUCUMBERCHINESEPEONYCHINESE
PRIVET(ChineseWaxTree)CHINESEQUININECHINESESALVIACOCKSCOMBDANGSHENDONGQUAI(DangGui)EMODINEVODIA
FRUCTUSFORSYTHIAGANODERMAGYNOSTEMMAHIBISCUSVITIFOLIUSHOUTTUYNIA(Pinyin)JAVABRUCEAJUJUBE(Chinese
Date)KUDZULINGZHILYCIUMFRUITMAGNOLIAMAHUANGNELUMBANUCIFERAORANGEDAYLILYPERILLAREHMANIA
SIBERIANGINSENGSILKTREETABASHEERTONGUEWEEDTREEOFHEAVENWHITEMULBERRY
EastIndianHerbsAMALTAS(IndianRaburnum)AMLA(Aonla)ASHOKAASHWAGANDHABACOPAMONNIERABAEL(Bilva)
BHRINGARAJBRAHMI(GotuKola)CHIRATACOTTONROOT(Kapas)CUBEBCUMIN(JeeraSafaid)DHAWAI(ShiranjiTree,FireFlame
Bush)DUDHI(AsthmaWeed)FORSKOHLIIGAOZABANGOKSHURAGREATERCARDAMOMGUDUCHI(Giloy)AmritGUGGAL
HARDH(Myrobalan)JATAMANSHI(IndianSpikenard)KALMEGH(EastIndianEchinacea)KATKIKHULANJAN(Javagalangal)KOKUMLONG
BLACKPEPPER(Pipali)MADHUNASHINI(Gurmar)LOTUSMALABARNUTMALABARTAMARINDNEEMPALASHAROSEPETAL(Gulcand)
SESAMESEEDSSOMA(Homa)SUGARCANETULSI(HolyBasil)TURMERIC(IndianSaffron)VIOLET(Banafshah)
ImportantCompoundHerbalRemedies
TheArtofApothecary:FormulatinganHerbalPrescription
HerbsForSpecificDisordersAbortifacientAnemiaAntiAging,RejuvenatingAntibacterialHerbsAntiInflammatoryHerbsAnxietyDisorders
AsthmaBenignProstateEnlargement(BPH)BladderCrampsorInflammationCancerContraceptionCystitisDementiaDepressionDiabetes
MellitusDiarrheaDiureticEczemaFeverHeartburnHerpesHypertensionIrritableBowelSyndromeImmuneEnhancementKidneyStones
LiverDiseaseMenopauseSymptomsMetabolicSyndromeXMuscleCrampsorSpasmsSleep,HerbsforInsomniaRheumatoidArthritis
UrinaryIncontinenceUrinaryTractInfectionWeightLoss,ObesityWoundCare
OverviewofHerbUse:

HistoryofMedicinalPlants
VisualOverviewIntroductiontoHerbalMedicine
CollectionandPreservation
PreparationofPlantsNotesFromPorcher
MethodsofPreparation
OintmentsLinimentsDecoctionsSyrupsInfusionsTincturesOtherFormsofHerbalMedicines
TheScienceofApothecary
DosologyStandardizationofHerbsExtractionandAnalysisofMedicinalHerbsApothecaryWeights,Pts1&2DoctrineofSignature
Phytochemistry
MedicinalPlantChemistryActivePlantCompoundsandTheirMedicinalEffects
Miscellaneous
BioactiveCompoundsSeedsofMedicinalValueMedicinalMushroomsMiscellaneousHerbsSnakeRootHoxseyTreatmentAddendum
BotanicalTerminology
HerbalMedicinalTerminology
References
Index
AbouttheAuthors

MethodologyofResearch
InHerbalMedicine
Wehavereviewedoverfivethousandmonographs,books,fulltextarticlesandabstractsforthepreparationofthisbook.Thefollowingcomputer
databaseswereused:Paperchase,EBSCO,WilsonWebMedlineresourceofNationalLibraryofMedicine.Thefollowinglibrarieswereextensively
usedforreferencemonographs:UniversityofVirginiaatBlacksburg,MarshallUniversitySchoolofMedicine,Charlestondivision,NewYorkBotanical
GardenLibrary,LibraryofCongress,Washington.Allwereextremelyhelpfulinobtainingreferencematerials.
Keywordsusedforthecomputerdatabaseswere:
PHYTOMEDICINE
HERBS
TRADITIONALMEDICINE
Specialeffortsweremadetostudyseveralpharmacopoeiasoftheearly19thand20thcenturies.TheseniorauthorhasaspecialinterestinMedieval
andEasternmedicine,aswellasFolkmedicine.
WehaveextensivelyinterviewedseveralherbalistsintheAppalachianregionforourprojectonfolkmedicine.ThemostimportantsourcehasbeenMr.
CatfishGray,afifthgenerationherbalistwithextensiveexperienceoffolkmedicineremedies.Hisknowledgeofearlysettlersmedicalpracticesand

CherokeeIndianMedicineisremarkable.(Ref:HerbalPracticeofCatfishGray,Amjad.)Catfishherbalpracticeinvolvesthousandsofpatientsover
manydecades.Wehadtheprivilegetoreviewthesecommunicationsbetweenanherbalistandthoseseekingherbaladvice.Thiswasanextremely
helpful,uniquesourceofinformatiomforherbaluse.
Wehaveusedthefollowingbotanicresources:USBotanicalGardenNationalArboretum,WashingtonAshevilleBotanicalGarden&Arboretum
BotanicalGardenofNorthCarolina,ChapelHillCherokeeBotanicalGardens,Cherokee,NCandthePharmacyMuseumoftheUniversityofWest
Virginia,Morgantown,WV.Theseniorauthoralsohasextensivefieldworkoverthelast30yearsforhispublicationsofWildFlowersofWestVirginia,
MedicinalPlantsofAppalachia,andFolkMedicineofAppalachia.
Itisimportanttocriticallyevaluatetheenormousherballiteratureanditsrelevancetopresentdayhealthcareneeds.Wehavedividedthereference
materialsintothreecategories:MedicalJournals,HerbalMaterialandBotanicalJournals,includingEthnobotanyandFolkMedicine.
Unfortunately,totheeditorsofseveralUSMedicalJournalswhichareheavilyfinancedbyexpensiveadvertisementsfromthepharmaceuticalindustry,
herbalmedicineisnothingbutasnakeoilpotionpromotedbyquacksandcharlatans.Ontheotherhand,EuropeanMedicalJournals,suchasLancet
andtheBritishMedicalJournal,haveamuchmorebalancedpointofviewregardingmedicinalherbs.
Itwastheauthorsintentiontokeepthisintroductorytextconciseandvoidoffancyterminology.Wehaveavoidedlistingherbsthatareuncommonor
antiquated.Wedohavecertainlimitationsduetotheelementaryintroductorynatureofthispublicationforthatreason.
Adetailedaccountofherbsinseveralmonographshasbeenpublishedbytheseniorauthor.ThisshortcommunicationhasPartB,whichisacolor
Atlasofmedicinalplants,andPartC,composedofArtoftheApothecary,amanualfortheuseofpracticingherbalists.Additionalvolumeswillbe
publishedperiodicallytoreflectthecurrentstatusofongoingherbalresearch.

AParadiseLost:
TheHistoryofHerbalMedicine
Herbshavebeenusedasmedicineforover5,000yearsinthetwoearliestcivilizationsoftheOldWorld,ChinaandIndia.Alongwiththemintheiruse
ofherbalmedicineweretheBabylonians,theEgyptians,theAssyrians,theSumerians,andtheGrecoRomans.Abriefsketchofdifferentsystemsof
Medicinearedescribedherein.
TraditionalChineseMedicine(TCM)

TraditionalChinesemedicineisnotempiricfolkmedicine,butbasedonsoundknowledge.TCMconsistsoffourdifferentdisciplines:
1.Herbalism
2.FoodCures
3.Acupuncture
4.ManipulativeTherapy
Theearliestaccountofchinesemedicine,datingbackto3500bc,isShenNungsMateriaMedica,whichdescribesover300herbsandtheirmedicinal
uses.Nungsampledhundredsofplantstoexaminetheireffectshissuccessisduetothoroughanddedicatedstudy,notanactofserendipityor
discoverybymerechance.
ChineseherbalmedicinedevelopedfurtherwiththebasicprinciplesofYin,YangandQi(orChi).
InTCM,thehumanbodyisseenasareflectionofthenaturalworldwiththebodyhavingchannelsofenergyandfluid(theenergycalledchi)similarto
theriversandstreamsofthemotherearth.Thekidneyisconsideredthemotherofallorganswhiletheliveristhefather,Anydisorderoftheseorgans
leadstoillnessanddiseases.
Acupunctureandherbalmedicinearegiventounblockthesechannelsofenergy(qi=chi)sothatenergycanflowerfreelyandbringabouthealth.
(Thesechannelscanbedescribedassimilartobloodvessels,lymphvesselsandnerves,whicharealloverthebody.)
ShenNung,theFatherofChineseMedicine,taughtthattherearefiveelementsinthehumanbody:water,earth,fire,woodandmetal.[1]
(file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)Ifthereisanimbalanceofthese,itresultsindisease.Sothenatural
approachtodiseaseis:ifthereisinflammation(fire),thetreatmentisherbswithwatercharacteristics,sincewatercanputoutthefire.
Later,HuangTi(TheYellowEmperor,26982598bc)wroteanimportantherbbook,NeiChingSuWen,aclassicmedicalbookofinternalmedicine.
Thisbookreportsthedialoguebetweenthemasterherbalistandhisstudent,ChiPo.Itthereforenotonlycoversmedicine,butalsoexemplifiesthe
Chinesewayoflife(Tao=theway),ethics,andotherelementsoftheculture.
ThethirdimportantchineseworkonmedicinalherbsisthatofLiShihChen(PenTsaoKangMu,1518bc)duringtheMingDynasty.Itspannedover52
volumesandwascompletedin1578.Itconsistsofacompilationof1,892herbsandotherprescriptionstotalingovereightthousandentries.
[1](file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)HedevelopshistheoryoftheFiveElementsinhisbookPenTsoas.

Theconceptofyinandyangplaysanimportantroleinchineseherbology.
Yinherbtonicsareusedtotreatthoseillnesseswhichsufferfromyindeficiency.Herbswitheitheryinoryangqualitiesareusedtokeepthebodyin
balance.

AyurvedicMedicine
AyurvedicistheancientEastIndiansystemofhealthcareandtakesaholisticviewofhealthanddisease.TheSanskritwordayurvedicoriginatedover
5,000yearsagoandmeansthescienceoflonglife.
ThepriniciplesofAyurvedaaretopromotegoodhealthandpreventdiseasebykeepingbalanceinthemind,bodyandspirit.Itincludesparticular
attentionto:
1.Diet
2.Lifestylechange
3.Herbalremedies

ThisholisticapproachisthecornerstoneofAyurvedicmedicine,andperhapsofallOrientalandEasternmedicine.Itplacesgreatemphasisonthe
preventionofdisease.
Note:TheoriginofAyurvedaislostinantiquity.Itsmaintextbooksappeared25004000yearsago.CharakaSamhita(900bc)isthefirstrecorded
medicaltextanddescribes341medicinalplants.Later,theSushrataSamhita(600bc)placedanemphasisonsurgeryandcontainedalmost400
medicinalplants.(Itincluded57drugsofanimaloriginand64minerals,amongothers.)Theninthe7thcenturyad,VagbhattaoftheIndusValley
(presentdayPakistan)describedtheuseofmedicinalplantsinhisworkAshtangaHridaya.Ayurvedicmedicineisverysimilartomoderndaymedicine,
herbsweredescribedaccordingtotheiraction,suchasantipyretic,emetic,diuretic,antitussine,febrifuge,analgesic(CharakaSamhita),andwere
dividedinto50categories.

TriDoshaSystem
Eachpersonhastypesofenergy(orbodyhumor)called:
Kaphabones,muscles
Pittadigestion,metabolism,fire&water
Vataimpulse,movement,circulation,heart,breathing
Everypersonisveryuniqueandhasonedominanttypeofenergy.Theenergiesagain,areacombinationofthefivebasicelements:
1.water
2.fire
3.earth
4.air
5.space
Ayurvedaalsoincludesyoga,meditationandcleansingtogetridofbodytoxins.

TheearlytextsofAyurvedaaretheCharakaSamhitaandtheSusrutaSamhita.TheearliesthistoricalevidenceinattributedtoHarappaand
Mohenjodaro(3000bc),twoancientcitiesoftheIndusValleyCivilisation(locatedinpresentdayPakistan,partofancientIndiabytheGreekhistorian
Herodotus).AncientwritingsoftheRigVedas(sacredreligiouswritingsoftheHindureligion)containreferencestotheuseofherbalcures(1200bc).

TheAyurvedicSystem
1.TasteAyurvedicmedicinemeritsspecialimportancetothetasteoffoodsandherbs,whichhavetheiruniqueeffects.
2.PanchaKarma(BodyCleanser)

FiveModalitiesofSelfCleansing
laxative
enema
nasalcleanser

sweatbath
3.MassageTherapy(Aromatherapy)
For:
rheumatism
sleepdisorder
stressrelief
improvedcirculation
migraines
TheuseofessentialoilsfrommedicinalplantsishighlydevelopedinAyurvedicandIndusValleymedicine.

EgyptianMedicine
TheearliestpracticeofEgyptianmedicinecanbetracedbacktoPapyrusEbers(1500bc)whichlistedalargenumberofdrugs,ormedications,suchas
Colchicum,Wormwood,Aloe,GarlicandAnise.EgyptianmedicinewasgreatlyinfluencedbyIndia,andinreturn,waslaterasourceofinspirationfor
Greekmedicine.ManyimportantmedicinalplantsusedinancientmedicineoriginatedinIndia.

GrecoRomanMedicine
ThewordEuropeisofrelativelyrecentorigin.Inancienttimes,itwasbasicallyarichmediterraneanculturewhichwasaprecursortopresentday
Westernherbalpractices.OneoftheearliestGreekwriters,TheophrastuswrotetheInquiryofPlants,whichmentions500drugs.Themostimportant
herbal,however,waswrittenbyDioscorides,asurgeonwithEmperorNerosarmy,whowroteDeMateriaMedica.Thisalsobecameabasisforthe
UnaniTibb(GrecoArabMedicine)alongwithcontributionsfromGalen.
Inthehistoryofwesternwriting,theinfluenceofIndiaonEarlyEgyptianmedicineistotallyignored.Theproofisverysimple,wheredidallthose
medicinesinthePapyrusEberscomefrom,mostofthemdidnotoriginatefromEgyptbutwereimportedfromtheIndusValley.
Pliny,aRomanhistorian(2379ad),wrotethemonumentalworkHistoriaNaturales,inwhichhegivesanaccountofherbsencounteredduringhis
extensivetravels.Thisworkbecameanimportantresourceforallsubsequentwritersofherbals.
ClaudiusGalen(130199ad)wasborninPergamon(presentdayTurkey).HisideaswereusedextensivelyandimproveduponbyArabmuslimswho
carriedthemtoSpain,wheretheywerereintroducedtoEurope.Thisformofmedicine,calledUnanimedicine(GreekArabmedicine),isstillpracticed
todayinthesubcontinentofIndiaandPakistan.

UnaniMedicine:
HippocraticGalenicArabic

TheGreekherbalistsDioscoridesandGalenwerehighlyesteemedintheIslamicworld.[2]
(file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)Theirworkswereimprovedbytheadditionofothermedicinalplantsand
herbalremedies,especiallytheMateriaMedicaofIbnBaitr,Rhazis,AvicennaandAlbucasis.TheCanonofMedicinebyAvicennawasutilizedby
medievalEuropeuntilthelate16thcentury.Theuseofplantswithsuntherapyforpsoriasisandcanesugarforthepreparationofsyrups
revolutionaizedthepracticeofherbalmedicine.RhaziandAvicennaperfectedtheartofdistillationofessentialoilsfromaromaticplantswhichleadtoa
continuallyexpandingpharmacopoiea.WhileDioscorideshad600plantsmentionedinitstexts,IbnBaitrhadacompendiumof1300medicinalplants.

WhatIsUnaniTibb?
TheoryofBodyHumorsandTemperament
TheUnaniTibbisasystemofhealthpracticesinIndiaandPakistan(includingBangladesh).ItisatruedescendantofGreekHippocraticmedicine,
andbasedonHippocratesandGalensteachingsthataperfectbalanceofelements,humorsandtemperamentskeepthebodyhealthy.Accordingto
thetheoryofbodyhumors,thingsinnatureconsistoffourbasicelements:water,earth,airandfire.Thesearetranslatedintofourtemperamentsof
humorsinthebody,inhealth,andindisease.Food,dietandmedicinealsoinheritthesefourintrinsicqualities,fourbodyhumors,correspondingwith
theabovementionedtemperaments
[2](file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)ThewordunaniisderivedfromIonian,anoldnameforGreece.

MedievalIslamicphysicianscloselyfollowedtheGalenicsystemofpathophysiologyofthediseaseprocess.Thetemperament,ormizaj,ofapersonis
expressedbythedominanceofaparticularbodyhumor.Galenicdisciplesbelievedthatthepropercombinationandbalanceofthesefourelements
leadtorestorationofhealth.
Sothetreatmentalsodependsonthetypeoffoodandinnerqualitiesoftheherbwhichwillbestsuiteachpatientstemperament(personality).For
example,apersonwithphlegmatictemperamentwillhavechronicbronchitisandexcessivemucusproductioncausingfrequentsinusinfection,sore
throat,etc.Aphlegmaticpersonshouldbegivenherbswhichcurethoseconditionsandshouldavoidfoodandherbswhichcauseexcessivemucus
discharge.
Thisactuallymakesmoresensethanthewesternformulaofonemedicineshouldworkforalldifferenttypesofpersonalitiesandpeopleoneshoe
sizedoesnotfitallfeet.Unanirespectsindividualcharacteristics.Thesebitsofinformationcanberedefinedbasedonmoderndayconcepts,suchas
inthefollowingexamples:
1. Sanguine(blood)willtendtowardcorpulmonale,sleepapnea,obesity,andcongestiveheartfailure.
2. Phlegmaticwouldtendtowardchronicbronchitis,bronchiectasis,andfrequentrespiratoryinfections.
3. Cholericpersonalitywillbesomeonewithhepatobiliarydisorderssuchasbilegastritisandpancreaticproblems.
4. Melancholicwilltendtowarddiseasesofbrainneurotransmitters,depression,anxiety,andneurosis.
Itisimportanttobearinmindthatbodyhumorsdonotequatewithbodyfluidstransliterally,suchassanguineorsimpleblood(drawnbyvenesection),
oryellowandblackbileasrestrictedtothefuildsinanormalgallbladdercontent.Urineisabodyfluidbutisnotconsideredtobeabodyhumor.These
designationsofhumorarequasimaterial.AnimportantfeatureofUnanimedicineisthestudyofpulse,alongwiththecharacteristicsofurine.
Healthisabalanceandharmonyofthesehumors.Ifthesehumorsareoutofbalanceordisturbed,wehavesicknessanddisease.Whenallfour
elementsareinorder,itproduceshealthandwellbeing.Whilemodernmedicinehastriedtobelittlethesebasicelementsofhealthanddisease,this
conceptortheory,basedonanatomicalandphysiologicalprinciplesknownatthetime,isaremarkableproductofintellectualachievement.
IfweconceptualizetheknowledgeofMedicinefromtheVictorianeratothemidtwentiethcentury,wecanredefinetheBodyHumorsasfollows:
1. Endocrinehumorswithitshormonalinfluences,secondaryandtertiaryintracellularmessengersareeffectiveatacellmembranelevel.
2. Inflammatoryandallergichumorswitheffectivecellsbeingdifferentlevelscytokines.
3. Autoimmunity,malignancyandotherralatedimmunologicaldisordersarepathologicalentitiescausedbythedisturbanceofpartiallyunderstood
immunemediatedeffectorhumors.
4. Degenerativeandatheroscleroticmechanismwithstillyetpoorlydefinedeffectorhumors.
Animbalanceofbodyhumorscanleadtodiseaseorsickness.Physiciansinantiquitywerenotsofarofffromthislastcenturysdevelopmentof
molecularbiologyandnanomolarchemistry.Evenourpresentdayconceptsofdiseaseswillappearquiteprimitiveinthenearfuture.Modernday
knowledgeofphysicalandbiomedicalsciencesdefinetheverybasicfundamentalforcesofnature.Infact,almostallaminoacidsutilizedinliving
systemsareofLtypes.Thecomplexmachineryofproteinsynthesisandstereoselectivityofenzymescouldhaveassuredthatsuchlefthandedness
wasperpetual,howeveraminoacidsgetstheirLorDconfigurationthroughmirrorarrangementsoftheatomscontainedinthebackbonestructure.It

hasbeenshownthatLorDconfigurationcorrelatewithleftorrightchirality.[3]
(file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)Asmallchangeinsomedrugsormolecules,suchasusingthemirror
image(forexample,Thalidomide)canhaveprofoundeffectsonhumanhealth.
Atomssuchascarbon,nitrogenandoxygenmakeupbiggerbiologicalmolecules,whichstillmeasurelessthan0.4nanometers.Chemicalandphysical
behaviorsofthesesmallmolecules,inturn,affectthebehaviorsoflargermacromolecules.Sosmallchangesatamolecularlevelcanbringawide
rangeofeffectsandphenomenon,includinghumandiseaseandhealth.ThustheScienceofLifemayhavetobedefinedbyourcurrentknowledgeof
quarksandsubatomicphysics.Perhaps,onemillenniumfromnow,inagenuinetributetoAristotle,thegreatestuniversalgeniuswhoeverlived,we
mayreturnbacktotheconceptofdiseaseHot,Cold,andHumidtheverybasicelementsoftheoriginofhumanlifeonearth.

TemperamentandtheModern
ConceptofPhysiology
Aphysiologicalconceptoftemperamentissimilartothemilieuinterieur,asdefinedbyClaudeBernard(noted19thcenturyFrenchphysiologist).[4]
(file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn2)In1857and1858,BernarddeliveredaseriesoflecturesontheLiquidsof
theOrganism,whichwasliterallyasoulandbodytranslationoftheveryconceptofbodyhumorsdiscussedpreviously.Intheselectures(exceptfor
thedescriptionsofbloodsupplytosecretoryorgansandofthelactogenichormonesinaviansandmammals)hediscussednonewexperimental
methods.
Bernarddescribedtheconceptofmilieutoexplaininternalenvironmentssuchasmaintainingthelifeororganismsagainstitsexternalenvironmentby
airpurificationandsupplyingnutritiontothevariousorgans.Hedefinedthetermmilieuinterieurbyexplainingthatthroughrespiratorymechanisms
bloodcomesintocontactwithairandprovideoxygentoallorgans.Bloodthenobtainsnourishmentfromthegastrointestinaltractproducing
combustionandmetabolism,withwasteexcretedintheformofgasthroughthelungsorurine.Thusbloodprovidesaconstantbodytemperature
relativetohumidityandavailabilityofoxygenofeachoftheorgans,thusprovidingeverylivingcellinanorganismwithaconstantbalanceinregardto
temperatureandnutrition.
Inbrief,inmoderndayterminologytemperamentcouldberedefinedasacompositescoreofmilieuinterieur,keepingthebodyinbalancesuchasa
constantbloodpHandhydrogenionconcentrationinconjunctionwiththecomplexinterplayofvariousbodyhumors.Anysignificantdisturbancesor
changesbringdisease,illnessordeath.

JamuMedicine
JamuistheancientIndonesianartofherbalhealing.Itisverydifferentfromtheconventionalwesternapproachtomedicine.Inwesternmedicine,for
example,medicinesareusedtokillaninfection,buttheartofJamuencouragesthebodysnaturaldefensestoproduceantibodies.Curecomesfrom
within.

[3](file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)Chiraldescribesanobjectthatisnonsuperimposableonitsmirror
image.
[4](file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref2)Milieuinterieurcanberoughlydefinedasaninternalbalance.

Sugarisanimportantpartoftherecipe.Threetypesofsugarareused:
1. Gulabatucanesugar
2. Gulajawacoconutsugar,fromsapofacoconuttree
3. Gulaavarpalmsugar,calledthequeenofsugar
madefromtheArentree(Arengapinnata)

Nutmeg(Myristicafragrans)
NutmegisusedasaspiceintheWest,butnutmegplaysanimportantmedicinalroleinJamumedicine.
Examplesofitsuseare:
Mace(coveringofseed)usedforheadaches
Bark&leavesaphrodisiac
diarrhea
laxative
gargle

KampoMedicine
ThisisthetraditionalJapaneseherbalmedicinewhichhasbeenpracticedsincetheyear1500.InKampo,thebodyandmindareconsidered
inseparableandherbalformulationsforthesamemedicaldiseasecanbeverydifferentfordifferentpatients(unlikewesternmedicine,oneshoesize
doesnotfitall.)
KampoisageneraltermusedfortheuniquesystemoftraditionalmedicinepracticedinJapan,whichwasitselfderivedfromthechinesemateria
medica.About170kindsofdrugsarelistedintheKampotraditionalmedicalsystem.
Kampohasbecomemorepopularforitseffectivenessinthetreatmentofcertaindiseases.Followingaresomeexamples:
Shosaikoto(XioaChaiHuTang)usedfor:

Commoncold
Pleurisy
Pneumonia
Liverdisease.
Shosaikotoconsistsofseveralherbs,ofwhichthetwoessentialonesareBlupleurumrootandScutellariaroot(BaicalSkullcap).Modernstudieshave
shownthatitiseffectiveincirrhosisandotherliverdiseases.Agenerallistofingredientsisasfollows:
Blupleurumroot
Pinelliaternata
Scutellariabaicalensis
Ginseng
Jujuberoot
Gingerroot
Daisaikoto(DaChaiHuTana)usedfor:
Gallbladderdisease,todecreasegallstoneformation.
Hepatitis
Hypertension
DiabetesMellitis
Insomnia
Nausea,vomiting
Itcontains:
Bupleurumroot
Peonyroot
Jujube
Citrus
Gingerroot
Rhubarb
Saibokuto(ChaiPuTana)usefulforbronchitis,asthma,cough,andasanantiinflammatory.Contains10herbalcrudecomponents:
Poriasclerotium
MagnoliaBark

Perilla

DrugInteraction
Kampomedicineisusuallyacombinationofseveralcrudedrugextracts,manyofwhichinterferewithwestern(allopathic)prescriptiondrugs.For
example,Angelicainterfereswithcoumadin,andlicoricewithprednisoneandstatins.

MedievalHerbalists
DuringtheRenaissance,severalherbalsbecameavailable.ThesewerebasedonearlyGreekandRomanmedicalworksandweredefinitely
influencedbyearlyArabianwriters.TwoimportantmedievalherbalistsareMesue,theyoungest,andSerpion.Theyhadagreatinfluenceonthe
Europeanherbalpracticesofthe16thand17thcenturies.Inthe16thcentury,BavarianLeonhardFuchs(15011566)wroteDeHistoriaStirpium,a
learnedscholarlyworkwithhighqualityengravingsofplants.LaterCarlLinnaeusleanedheavilyonFuchswritingsinhismonumentalclassificationof
theplantkingdom.
OurmoderneraofherbalsbeginswiththeGreatHerballbyGerard,howeveritisconsideredtobethewritingofRembertDodens,aFlemishphysician.
Dodensfirstbotanicalwork,Cruydeboeck(publishedinAntwerp,1554),containedalargenumberofwoodcutillustrationsborrowedfromFuchs.An
EnglishtranslationwasrenderedbyLyte.[5](file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)However,nearingthe
publishingdateofthebookLytepassedaway.ThepublishersrecruitedJohnGerard,ashipssurgeonandhorticulturistduringthereignofQueen
ElizabethI,tofinishLytestranslationofDodensandhepasseditoffashisownwork,withafewmodifications.Inbrief,GerardsHerballisreally
RembertDodensworkwithEnglishdressing.
OtherEnglishherbalistsincludeJohnParkinsonwhopublishedTheatrumBotanicum,whichisvirtuallyanencyclopedicdescriptionofover3,000
plants.NicholasCulpeperpublishedhisherbalinthe17thcentury,whichwassimilarlypopularduetoitsastrologicalremarks.

AJourneyBackToEden
IntheUnitedStates,SamuelThompson(b.1769)promotedherbtherapieswiththecombinationofNativeAmericanskills.Herbmedicinebecameless
importantafterthesecondworldwar,thoughnotuntilrecentyearshasitgainedmomentum,describedbythewordsofthefamousAppalachian
herbalistJethroKloss,aJourneyBackToEden.

Introduction
AccordingtoreportsbytheWorldHealthOrganization,anestimated80%oftheworldpopulationusestraditionalmedicine(herbal),whichincludes
thosewhouseitastheirprimaryformofhealthcare.
Theuseofherbalmedicinefromnaturalproductshasincreasedinrecentyears.Thereareperhaps3570,000speciesofplantswhicharebeing

usedaroundtheworldtodayformedicinalpreparations,buttherearelessthan5,000overthecounterpreparationsavailable.Lackofenthusiamand
interestfromthepharmaceuticalindustryoftheWeststemsfromnotbeingabletoobtainexclusivepatentsonplantproducts.Duetothissignificant
lackofinterest,onlyasmallnumberoftheseherbshavebeenstudiedwithmoderntechnicalandresearchtoolsinattemptstodeterminetheiractive
ingredients,levelsofefficacyandsafety.
IntheUnitedStates,almost30%ofthepopulationusesanalternatehealthcaresystem,whichincludesherbalmedicine.InEuropehowever,over60%
ofthepopuluationand75%inBritainfavorcomplementingtheirnationalhealthcaresystemwiththeuseofherbalmedicine.
Herbalremediesareeconomicallypricedbecausetheycannotbepatented.Therefore,westernbusinessesandpharmaceuticalcompanieshaveno
incentivetodevelopthemfurthertobeusedinconvenientforms.
Manyoftheoldremedieshavebecomemorevalidinlightofmodernscientificresearch,forexample,HorseRadish,whichcontainslargequantitiesof
vitaminCandiseffectiveingettingridofkidneystones.MarshMallowhelpsandhasasoothingeffectonupperrespiratorypassages.Frankincence
andMyrrh,whenboiledtogether,actlikecarbolicacid,whichmayexplaintheirvariousantisepticusesinancientmedicine.UseofFeverfews
effectivenessformigraineheadachescouldbeduetohowitincreaseslevelsofmelatonin.St.JohnsWortwasusedinmedievalEuropetotreat
peoplewhopresumablyhadthedevilintheirheads,thosewhosufferedfromparanoia,schizophreniaanddepression.Itworkedthenanditworks
now,withamodeofactionsimilartoProzac.InIndia,Reserpinewasusedforhypertensiveencephalopathiesandmaniacpsychosesforcenturies.It
isperhapsstillthesafestmedicineforthatpurposedespitealltheshenanigansofthemodernpharmaceuticalindustry.Thisremainstherecurrent
themeandstoryofmanyotherherbalremediesfoundthroughouttheworld.

OurPurposeForThisBook
1. Topresentabriefaccountofimportantmedicinalherbswhichhaveaknownsignificanthistoricalrecordregardingtheirsafeuseandknownside
effects.
2. Todescriberelevantclinicalusesofherbsandtheirindications,basedonthepresenceofbioactiveingredientsinmedicinalplants.Forexample,
ifamedicinalplantcontainshighlevelsoftannins,ithasanastringenteffect,andcanthereforebeusedtotreatdiarrhea,colitisandwounds.
3. Toestablishatleastminimumstandardsfortheuseofherbsinclinicalmedicine.Thesestandardsofcarewilladdressthefollowing:
1. Whataretheindicationsfortheuseofherbs
2. Modernandcurrentuse,basedonknowledgeofbioactivematerials
3. Limitsonthedurationoftherapyanddosage
4. Drugplantinteractions,herbsinterferingwithotherallopathicmedicinesandtheiruses.
4. Tointroducebrieflyseveraldifferentsystemsofnaturalmedicineandherbologyaspracticedaroundtheworld.
5. Toexplainhowtoselectherbsandpreparethemforeffectiveuse.
Toexplainelementarymethodsofmixingdifferentherbs,suchascombiningChinese,AyurvedicandGalenicideas.
[5](file:///I:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)LytestranslationinspiredShakespearesquotationsonplantlore.

ThefollowinglistincludestheessentialprinciplesofHerbalogy.
1. Themostimportantprincipleisknowledge.Solidbotanicknowledgeandidentificationinthefieldandhavingreliableresourcesare
important.
2. Properindications:Whatistheproperdiagnosis?selfdiagnosismayleadtoerrorinjudgmentandtakingmedicineswhicharenotindicated.
3. Properdosage,frequencyofdoseandlengthoftreatment.Thisisequallyimportantforthepurposeofavoidingtoxicsideeffects.
4. Knowledgeofsideeffectsandinteractionswithotherdrugs(bloodthinners,sedatives,sleepingpills,chemotherapy,andpracticallyany
otherprescribedtreatment.)
5. Herbsaremedicinalandcanbepowerfullyeffectiveinexperiencedhands(biologicalresponsemodifiers).
Thisintroductorymanualandelementarybookonherbscanbeagreathelpforthosewithbasicknowledgeandskillsinmedicine(ormedicallyrelated
professions).Forthegeneralreader,thiscanbeaninformativeguideusefulforstudyorreference.Fortheexperienceduser,itcanbeequally
rewardingasafriendlysourceofmedicaltherapy.

OriginofComplementary/
AlternativeMedicineCAM
InEurope,theThalidomidedisasterraisedquestionsaboutthedarksideofmodernmedicine.Thiswasthebeginningofalternativemedicienin
Europe.IntheUSA,theuseofestrogenandtheantiarthritispillsCelebrexandVioxxhavemadepublicawareofthesideeffects(adoubleedged
sword)ofmodernmedicineandhaveinstigatedapushtowardseekingalternativetherapies.

TheResurgenceof
HerbalMedicine
Often,aquestionisraisedastowhythereissucharecentupsurgeandinterestintheuseofherbs.Frankly,itisduetothefailureofmodern
allopathicmedicineintreatingmanyillnessessuchasarthritis,flu,viraldiseases,ParkinsonsDisease,andAlzheimersDisease,coupledwiththe
skyrocketingcostofhealthcare.Thereisanemergingawarenessofalternatehealthcare,includingherbalremedies.Thereisalsoincreasinginterest
inthecostbenefitratioanditssocialculturalimpactonPublicHealthPolicy.

HerbalTreatmentsCommonlySought
Basedoninterviewswithhundredsofpatientsandmanyherbalists,thefollowingisalistofailmentsandconditionsforwhichpeoplecommonlyseek

herbaltreatments.
1. Menopausalsymptoms
2. Arthritis
3. Obesity
4. Menstrualdisorders
5. Decreasedlibido
6. Diabetes/hypertension
7. Antiaging,tonic
8. Fibromyalgia&ChronicFatigueSyndrome
9. Cancer
10. AIDS

PopularHerbalMedicinesinEurope
ThefollowingisalistofpopularherbalremediesinEuropeandwhattheyareusedfor:
Garlicforhypertension
Gingkobilobafordementia,AlzheimersDisease
SawPalmettoasadiureticandforenlargedprostate
MilkThistleforliverdisease,hepatitis
Grapeseedsasantioxidant
Bilberry

PopularHerbalMedicines
IntheUnitedStates
ThefollowingisalistofherbsthatarecurrentlypopularintheUnitedStates:

WorldsMostImportantHerbs
Followingistheauthorslistoftheworldsmostimportantandmostusefulherbs.

CommonDisordersWhereHerbsCouldBeUseful
Herbaltreatmentshaverepeatedlyyieldedeffectiveresultsinthefollowingconditions:

WhenToSeekMedicalorProfessionalHelp
Withcertainsymptoms,itisadvisedtoseekhelpfromyourdoctororothermedicalhealthprofessional.Thesesymptomsinclude,butarenotlimitedto
thefollowing:

Selfdiagnosisandthenself
treatmentcanbedangerous.

SafetyofHerbalMedicine
Clinicaltrialsaredonetoconfirmthesafeuseofanynewdrugorherb.Manyherbalcompoundshavebeenusedforcenturiesinsomecountries,such
asintheIndiansubcontinentandChina.Currentuseofherbsintheseplacesistheresultoftheprocessofeliminationcombinedwithknowledge,
historyandusegainedfolkmedicineandothertraditionalmedicalsystems(Ayurvedic,Unani,TCMorTraditionalChineseMedicine,etc.)Ingeneral,
thefollowingstudiesandmethodologiesareused.

HerbSafetyArethereclinicalbiomarkersforefficacyandsafetyinthestudyofherbalmedicine?
Dosage
Empiricaldosing
TraditionalMedicalSystem
Gender,age,bodyhabitus
Wealth
Season
Otherfactors
Pharmacokinetics
Thisisthestudyofhowdrugs(orherbs)areabsorbed,howtheyarefurtherdistributedinthebloodstream,theroleoftheliverinmetabolismandthe
roleofthekidneysinexcretionoftheproducts.
ToxicChemicalsincludeMethyleugenol,Estragole,Aristolochia,andPAs.

ToxicSideEffectsofHerbs
Toxicornegativesideeffectsofherbscanbedividedintotwocategories:
EXTRINSICFACTORS
1. Misidentificationofplantinuse
2. Contamination
3. Incorrectpreparationorlabeling
INTRINSICFACTORS
TypeApredictabletoxicitywhichisdosedependent
TypeBunpredictable,idiosyncraticallergicreactionasanaphylactic
Thesubstitutionofherbsbymistakeisnotuncommon.ArecentcaseinpointisthedevelopmentofsevereacuterenalfailureintheuseofaBelgian
slimmingherbaltreatment(AristolochifarchiwassubstitutedforStephaniatetrandra,resultinginkidneydamagerequiringdialysis).
HerbToxicitycanbeduetoadulteration,toerrorinidentification,toalackofqualitycontrolduringcollectionofrawmaterials,ortoanerrorin
substitution.Themaincausesofherbtoxicitycanbesummedupasfollows:
1. Lackofqualitycontrolincollectionofrawmaterials.Themisidentificationofsimilarherbscancauseserioussideeffects.Forexample,for
oneslimmingagent,becauseofamanufacturingerror,StephaniatetrandrawasreplacedbyAristolochiafangchi,causingseriouskidneydisease.

2. Contentsofactivemedicinalcompoundsvaryinroot,leaves,andstalk,andduringcollectiontimes.Therecanbevariabilityinmedicinal
contentfrombatchtobatch.
3. Usingexcessiveamounts,morethannormallytolerated.
Continued.
1. Concurrentuseofprescriptiondrugswithinterferenceofbodyorgans.
2. Impropermixtureofherbalcompounds.
3.
1.
Pt.1:PrecautionsUsingHerbs

ABORTIFACIENT
HerbalteassuchasPennyRoyalandDevilsClaw,areknowntohavebeendrunksurreptitiouslyasabortifacients.SlipperyElmand
Gingerhavealsobeenusedforthispurposeinearlypregnancy,asisanyherblistedforitseffectsasanemenogogue.
ANTICHOLENERGICPOISONING
Thesideeffectsreportedincontaminatedginsengpreparationarerelatedtoseveralscopalaminecontainingplants.Manyanticholenergic
effects,suchasblurredvision,dilatedpupilsanddrymouth,areduetotheatropinelikedrugactivityintheherbs.Thisisespeciallyseen
inBurdockroottea.OtherherbswhichmayhavethisatropinelikeactivityareCatnip,Juniper,Lobelia,JimsonWeedandWormWeed.

CONTAMINATION
Herbscontaminatedwithleadcompounds,cadmium,mercury,arsenicandthallium,canleadtoserioussideeffects.Theseaweed
Kelp(commoninweightlossformulas)containsiodinewhichcanleadtohyperthyroidism.

CYANOGENTICGLYCOSIDES
Manyherbsandplantshaveaningredientcontainingacyanidelikesubstance.Examplesare:BitterAlmonds(8%),Apricotkernel,and
Chokeberry.

ELECTROLYTEIMBALANCE
Wheningested,Licoricerootcancausehypertensionandeffectssimilarthatofexcessivesteroids.PresentlyintheUnitedStates,licorice
candyisactuallymadefromasimilartastingplant,Anise,orwithartificialflavoring,sothesesideeffectsarenotseen.

EXCESSIVECNS(CentralNervousSystem)STIMULATION
IndianTobacco,abrainstimulant,cancauseCNSstimulationduetoitsnicotinelikeeffects.AnotherexampleisEphedra,whichcanhave
serioussideeffectsiftakeninexcess.ChineseandIndianherbalistsdonotuseitforweightlossorobesity.Misuseofherbsleadsto
unnecessaryrestrictionsaffectingtheirlegitimateuse.
1. HALLUCINOGENICAGENTS
Alargenumberofherbs,suchasNutmegforexample,cancausehallucinogeniceffects.

HERBALDIURETICS
Manyherbalpreparations,suchasthosecontainingJuniperberries,havediureticeffects.ShaveGrasshasthesideeffectofgastritis.Horsetail
preparationscontainthiaminasewhichcausesthiaminedeficiency.Herbaldiureticsarethemostcommonsecretingredientsusedasslimming
agents,especiallyatfancyhealthspas.

HERBALECSTASYANDULTIMATEXPHORIA
Theseherbalpreparationsareavailableoverthecounterforcosmicconsciousness,innervisionandimprovedsexualsensation.Ephedrineis
thekeyingredientinUltimateXphoria.Combinedwithcaffeine,itisusedforweightlossandasanenergybooster,withover200millionpills
sold.Theseherbalproductshavebeencommonlegaldrugsamongtruckdrivers,dieters,nightclubkidsandathletes.Excessiveusehasleadto
seizures,convulsionsandevendeath.OtherpopularcombinationsarealsoavailableasOTCcoldremedies,alongwithpseudoephedrineand
phenylpropanolamine.Illicituseofthesedrugsinsportstrainingformulasisduetotheirhypertensiveeffectsduringstressfulworkoutsand
physicalactivities,howeverthesedrugscanleadtoheartattackandstroke.Thisisafielddayforthosewhodonotwanttoseeherbalmedicine
available.

PHOTODERMATITIS
Photodermicallergicreactions(lightexposurecausingsunburnlikeeffectsontheskin)canoccurwithChamomile.Skinallergiesanddelayed
hypersensitivitycanbeduetoSt.JohnsWort,GoldensealorMarigold,thoughthisisrarewhenusedatlevelsofclinicaldosage.
Pt.2:HerbswithDetrimentalor
ToxicSideEffects
2. CASSAVA:UseofCassavacancausegoitercasesofataxicneuropathyhavebeenreported.
3. COMFREY:RootsandleavescontainPAs(Pyrrolizidinealkaloids)whichareknowntocauseliverdamage.ComfreyisbannedinCanadaand
restrictedinEurope.Ithasbeendroppedasaningredientinherbalteas.Unfortunately,itisstillbeingpromotedinmanynutritionalhealth
journals.ItisalsopossiblethatalowertoxicitylevelreportedinEuropeanstudiesisduetoaloweralkaloidcontentinsomeComfreyvarieties.
4. CHAPARRAL:Thisevergreendesertplantisusedasapanaceaforarthritis,cancerandantiagingintheAmericansouthwest.However,itcan

causesevereliverdamageandisnotrecommended.
5. COLTSFOOT(T.farfara):ColtsFoothasbeenapopularremedyforcoughandrespiratoryinfectionsinEurope,CanadaandtheUnited
Statessinceancienttimes.WhileitisnowbannedinCanadaduetopossiblecarcinogeniceffects,itisstillcommonlyusedinEurope.
6. GERMANDER:Thisisacommoningredientinherbalteasanddietpills.AFrenchmedicalstudyhasshownittocauselivertoxicity.Germander
shouldbeavoided.
7. LOBELIA(L.inflata):Oftenusedasatobaccosubstituteandfolkremedyforasthma,LobeliawasapprovedbytheFDAinthepastasa
smokingdeterrent,howeveritcandepressbreathingandcausepalpitations.Lobeliacanalsocauseseizures,convulsionsandseverevomiting.
8. MISTLETOE:Thiscontainsphytotoxinwhichhasasimilaritytothecardiotoxinofcobravenom,causingsevereskeletalmusclecontractions.
9. PENNYROYAL:ExtractofPennyroyalcancauseliverdamage,comaandconvulstions.NativeAmericanshaveuseditforcertainmenstrual
disorders.Alsousedtoinduceabortions,itoccasionallyhasseriousandevenlifethreateningsideeffects.
10. POKEWEED:Eatingberriescancausetoxicitywithseveregastrointestinalirritationandrespiratorydepression.Useof24driedberrieshas
beenprescribedbyAppalachianherbalists.
11. SASSAFRASTEA:Oncegreatlypopularasanherbalteaandtonicstimulant,itisstillwidelyusedinfolkmedicineasaremedyforrheumatism.
Itisknowntocontainsasafarole,aknowncarcinogenic.OilofSassafraswasusedinthepastasaflavoringagentinrootbeer,butwasbanned
bytheFDAin1970.Itisstillhowever,currentlyusedinherbalteasandisconstantlypromotedasatonicinherballiterature.
12. YOHIMBE(Pausinystaliajohimbe):Oftentakenformaleimpotence,Yohimbecancauseaseverehypertensivecrisisandanxietyreactions
alongwithbronchospasms.

Pt.3:AdverseEffectsofHerbs
Herbsinthefollowinglist,whilecommonlyused,alsoexemplifycertaintoxicities.
ToxicHerbs
DIGOXINLIKEDRUGScontainherbssuchas:
Oleander
Adonis
IndianHemp
LilyoftheValley
Hellebore
Theseproducetoxicitysimilartoanoverdoseofdigitalis(Foxglove).St.JohnsWortalsointeractswiththechemotherapydrug
Digoxin.
DONGQUAIAngelicasinensis.
Mayincreasemenstrualsymptoms
Mayinduceearlymenopause
Antiarrythmic(Quinidinelikeeffect)

Antithrombolic(containscoumarinsandferulicacid)
Mayinterferewithbloodthinners,suchascoumadin.
Antiasthmatic
Anagelsic
GARLICIncreasesbleedingtendency.
GINGERZingerberofficinalis.Noadverseeffectsordruginteractionsareknown.
GINKGOGinkgobiloba.

Improvesbloodflowertobraininstrokepatients.
Improvespainfreewalkinginpatientswithblockedlegarteries.
Antioxidant
Increasesbleedingtendencyduetoitseffectagainstplatelets.
GINSENGItisusedfor:
Anginapectoris
Congestiveheartfailure
Diabetes
Antioxidant
Doseis100400mgofextract,or12gramsofroot.PossibleinterferencewithcoumadinandDigoxin.
HAWTHORNECrataegussp.Itisusedfor:
Heartfailure
Tolowerlipidlevels
Asavasodilator
Noknowncardiacsideeffects.
HORSECHESTNUTAesculushippocastanum.Thisisusedinchronicvenousinsufficiencyandswellingoflegs.Theactivecompoundis
aescin.Doseis50mgextract,twicedaily.Sideeffectsincludedizziness,headacheandnausea.
KAVAKAVAPipermethysticum.

Anticoagulanteffect
Liverdamage
Pulmonaryhypertension
Hepatitis
Interactswithbenzodiazepine(tranquilizesandproducesexcessivesedation
LOMATIUM:Causesageneralizedrash.
MAHUANGEphedrasinica:Thisisanaturalsourceofephedrine.Increasesbloodpressure,thuscancausestrokeandheartattackincertain
individuals.Mostsideeffectsareduetouseincombinationwithcaffeineandguarana.Usedappropriately,itissafeandeffective.
13. MOTHERWORT:Leonuruscardiaca.UsedincombinationwithBugleweed(Lycopus)forthetreatmentofanoveractivethyroid,cancausean
increaseinmenstruation.
14. ST.JOHNSWORT:Notrecommendedduringpregnancyorbreastfeeding.Cancause:skinreaction,rashpruritus,photosensitivity,fatigue,
dizziness,neuropathy,anxieties,mania.St.JohnsWortinteractswithseveremedicine,includingthechemotherapydrugandheartmedication
Digoxin.UseofSt.JohnsWortshouldberestricted
YOHIMBEAdverseeffectsinclude:
Mania
Lupuslikesyndrome
Causeshypertension
Agranulocytosis(shutsdownwhitecellproduction)
Interfereswithantidepressants

MedicineMan

MedicinalPlantDrugInteractions

Manyherbshaveallergic,idiosyncraticoranticholenergiceffectswhichareenhancedwhenusedincombinationwithothermedications.Thefollowing
aresomeneweradditionstothiscomplexfieldofdruginteractions:
CASCARA,SENNAHEARTMEDICATIONS:ExcessiveuseofCascaraorSennacancauselaxativeinducedelectrolytedisturbance,creating
problemswithmanyheartmedications.
DANSHEN(Salivamiltiorrhiza)WARFARIN:TheChineseherbDanSheninteractswithWarfarin.
DIURETICHERBSLITHIUM:DiureticherbssuchasDandelion,Juniper,andBirchLeaf,interactwithlithium.
EPHEDRA:Whenoverused,Ephedrabaseddrugscanleadtohypertensiveepisodeswithothermedications.
GINGKOCOUMADIN:Gingkotendstoenhancetheanticoagulanteffectsofcoumadin,acommonlyusedbloodthinner.
KAVA(Pipermethysysticum)XANAX:Kavaisusedtorelieveanxiety,butitinteractswithXanax.
ST.JOHNSWORT:Cancausedruginteractionwithtyraminerichfoodssuchascheeseandredwine.
YOHIMBENASALDECONGESTANTS:YohimbecancrossreactwithOTCnasaldecongestants,andtherehavebeenreportsofseizuresand
deaths.
HerbsWhichCanInterfereWithSurgery
Thefollowingherbscaninteractduringsurgeryandcauseproblemsinpatientsundergoingsurgery.Theseherbsshouldbestopped57daysbefore
undergoingsurgicalprocedures.

AdverseCardiovascularEffects
DANGSHENSalviamiltiorrhiza.Usedforanginapectorisandacutemyocardialinfection.Inhibitsplateletaggregation.DangSheninterfereswith
Warfarinclearancesifusedincombinationwithbloodthinners,itincreasesbloodthinningcapacitytopotentiallyharmfullevels.

FEVERFEWTanacetumparthenium.Usedinmigraineprophylaxis,todecreaseserotonin.Doseis50100mgdriedleaves.Causesmouthulcers.
Increasesbleedingwhenusedwithantiplateletmedication(aspirin).

HowToAvoidToxicity
DueToHerbs
1.AvoidMixingPrescriptionDrugsWithHerbs
Rememberthatherbsaremedicinejustbecausetheyareavailablewithoutprescriptionandcanbepurchasedinanyquantitydoesnotmeanthey
areforunlimiteduseormixing.Ifthereisaproblem,forexamplemixingsedativeswithKavaKaveorValerian,theproblemisnottheherbitself.
2.AvoidHerbsWithPyrrolizidineCompounds
Certainherbshavecomponentsknownforcausingliverdamage(Pyrrolizidinecompounds).Theseherbsarenotrecommendedtostart,howeverlack
ofknowledgeamongusersandsomeherbalistscanleadtothisbeingaperennialsourceofherbaltoxicity.Someexamplesare:
Comfrey
ColtsFoot
Sassafras
Boragefamilyherbs
Chaparral
Germander
3.ProperAwarenessoftheBigPicture
Herbsaffectbloodpressure,kidneysandthebloodcoagulation.Aknowledgeableuseminimizesthesesideeffects.Forexample,beforeanysurgical
procedures,youneedtostopusingaspirinandbloodthinners(suchascoumadin)toavoidincreasedbleeding.Likewise,theuseofseveralherbs
mustalsostopbeforeundergoingsurgery.
4.ProperKnowledgeandApplication
Eachandeverystepisimportantintheeffectiveuseofherbs:
1. Properdiagnosisofmedicalconditions
2. Properselectionofherbs
3. Properpreparationofherbs
4. Properquantityofmedicinalherb
5. Properdurationofuse
Selfdiagnosingonesownillness,pickingoutherbalmedicineswithaminimalknowledgeofhowtheywork,andtakingasmuchasonewishes,is
simplyaskingformoresideeffects.Donotforgetthatherbsaremedicineandtheuseofherbsshouldbelearntthroughproperchannelsofinstruction,
withguidanceandsupervision,atleastinthebeginning.

GuidelinesforBuyingHerbs
ThecommerceofherbsintheUnitedStateslacksaqualitysetofstandards,yetwecanlookabroadforinformation.GermanysCommissionE,
equivalenttotheFDA,haspublishedmaterialsregardingthesafetyandeffectivenessofherbalmedicine.Thefollowingaresomecommon
suggestions:
1. Checktherecordeddoseoftheactiveingredientintheherbs.
2. Alwaysusestandardizedextractsofherbsfromreliablesources.
3. Manyherbs,especiallywhentheactiveingredientisavolativeoil,havealimitedshelflife.Refrigeration,forexampleofFeverfew,may
prolongtheshelflife.
4. TheGermanCommissionEspublishedrecommendationscanbeausefulguidewithcertainherbalproducts.
5. Herbssoldinbulktabletsandpowdersusuallylackthereliabilityofpotency.Freshextractisthemostusefulpreparation(Garlictablets,f
example,havelostsomeoftheireffect).
6. Avoidherbalteas,exceptPeppermint,ChamomileandLemonBalm.
Someherbshavepeculiararomas.Valeriansmellslikeoldsocksorleather.Echinaceacausesnumbnessofthetongueafterafewminutes.Many
herbsusedas1.avermifuge(antiparasitic)haveaturpentinelikearoma.2.StingingNettleiseffectiveasafreezedriedpreparationforthe
treatmentofhayfeverandallergiesandhasfewersideeffectsthantheprescriptiondrug,Seldane.
7.Certainmedicinalherbsusedinbittertonicsshouldnotbetakenduetothepresenceofthecompoundsafrole,aprovencarcinogenicandcauseof
liverdamageduetovenoocclusivedisease(VOD).SuchherbsincludeComfrey,SassafrasandBorage.
8.Somefolkremediespromotedasacureforhotflashesandothermenopausalsymptomsareadulteratedbysyntheticestrogens.
9.Garlicclovesshouldbeeatenfreshnotcooked,becausetheactiveingredientisbrokendowntoallicinwhichisdestroyedathightemperatures.An
alternativetoeatingfreshGarlicistheentericcapsulewhichcontainsrawpowder600mg.
10.Theconsumershouldrecognizethatthereismarkedvariabilityofnaturalplantproductsfrombatchtobatch.Forexample,theconcentrationof
theactiveingredientofGinseng,ginosenoside,rangedfrombetween2%and9%insixknownproductsinarecentsurvey.
Herbalmedicineismuchcheaperthanprescriptionmedicine,evenconsultationswithherbalistsrunfarcheaperthanavisittothedoctororspecialist.
AnexampleofthisistheprescriptiondrugProscar(forbenignprostateenlargement,BPH)whichcosts$3perpill,whereasSawPalmettoisavailable
foronlyafewpennies.Further,anticholesteroldrugsandbloodcheckupsformonitoringcholesterolmayexceed$100permonth,comparedto$1to
$2forthecostofrawgarlic.

MEDICINALHERBS

BotanicalName:Acacianilotica
ActiveConstituents:Barkproducesanediblegum.
Uses/Indications:AsmalltreeofNatalinsouthernAfrica.TheZuluandMasaitribeshaveuseditasacoughremedy.Usefultoincreasestamina,
fordepression,andforfungalinfections.Increasesprolactinlevels.Availableasagum.Doseispowderin8partswater.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ALLSPICE(JamaicaPepper)
BotanicalName:Pimentadioicia
ActiveConstituents:Eugenol,volatileoil
Uses/Indications:Ittasteslikeamixtureofotherwellknownspices,suchascinnamon,clovesandnutmeg.
Usedasalocalantisepticandanesthetic.Afolkremedyforforrheumatismandneuralgias.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ALOEVERA
BotanicalName:Aloevera
ActiveConstituents:(Freshanddehydratedjuice)Salicylates,bradykinin(painreliever)andmagnesiumlactate.
Uses/Indications:Usuallygrownasacommonhouseplant,Aloehassucculentfoliage.Plantformsaclusterofleaves,
growingapproximately1feet,withlonggreenandorangeflowers,andthickleaveswhichcontainviscid,stickyjuice.
Dehydratedjuicehasbeenusedasasafelaxative.Freshjuiceisusedtotreatburns,sunburns,abrasivecuts,insectbitesandmanyotherusesinskin
carecosmetics.Italsopromoteshealingofskinulcers.
Hasmildantifungalandantibacterialproperties.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ASAFETIDA
BotanicalName:Ferulaassafoetida
ActiveConstituents:Assafoetidaisaresinobtainedfromroots.
Uses/Indications:Smallherbaceousplant,foulsmelling.Usefulforpainfuljoints,indigestions,asacarminative,expectorantandforpsychiatric
problems.
ItisacommonbazaarplantintheIndiansubcontinentwhereitscommercialpreparation,Hing,comesfromF.alliacea.Usedinthecommercial

preparationofWorcestershiresauce.Infolkmedicine,usedtopreventthehabitofthumbsucking.Usedinrheumatismandindigestion.Oneofthe
mostancientmedicinalplantsusedintheOrient.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BALMOFGILEAD
BotanicalName:Populuscandicans
ActiveConstituents:(Leafbuds)
Uses/Indications:GileadisanancientterritoryofPalestineintheJordanRivervalley.BalmofGilead(Genesis33:25)usedinBiblicaltimeswas
obtainedfromanothertreecalledPistachialentis.Atpresent,thereareseveralotherspeciesthathavebeenrecognized.
TheoriginalBalmofGileadwasstickychewinggumandcamefromtheGreekislandofChios.Budsofthistreearecoveredinaresinousmaterialwith
abalsamicodor.Boilingbudsinoliveoilproducesanexcellentexpectorant.Atinctureofalcoholextract,todissolveresin,isusefulforcommoncolds
andviralinfections.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BANABA
BotanicalName:Lagerstroemiaspeciosa
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:ApopularmedicineinthePhilippinesforreducingbloodsugarlevels(diabetes).ItgrowsinIndiaandotherSouthAsian
countries.EffectoftheBanabasleafissimilartoinsulin.Helpsinweightloss.Doseis2040mgdaily.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BASIL(Tulsi)
BotanicalName:Ocimumbasilicum
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:CountryoforiginisIndia.Usedinculinarycookingandasaflavoringagent.Usedmedicinallyincoughremedies,earachesand
forringworm.Ocimumsanctum(HolyTulsi)isusedinreligiousritesinIndia.Usefulasanantimicrobial,forchestcolds,fevers,weightloss,arthritis,
andimmuneenhancement.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BEARBERRYUVAURSI
BotanicalName:Arctostaphylosuvaursi
ActiveConstituents:Leavescontainthephenoliccompound,arbutin,whichisconvertedtohydroquinoneinalkalineurine.(Asmalleverygreen

shrubwithedibleberries.)
Uses/Indications:Usedforbladderirritationandmildurinarytractinfections.Duetoastringenteffect,itwasusedtoreducebleedingduring
childbirth.Coldwaterextractofleavesispreferredpreparationduetodecreasedtannincontent.Itturnsurinegreen.NativeAmericanssmokedit
mixedwithtobacco,andcalleditkinikinik.
Otherherbscontainingarbutinare:
Heather(Unavulgaris)erical?
Pear(Pyruscommunis)leaf
BlackHaw(Viburnumprunifol)bark
Bilberry(Myrtelli)
Toxicity:Shouldnotbeusedlongerthan5to7days.Avoidduringpregnancy.Overdosecancauseseizure.

BISHOPSWEED
BotanicalName:Ammivisnaga
ActiveConstituents:(Ripefruit)
Uses/Indications:Annualherbaceousplantwithumbrellaliketinywhiteflowers.Usefulforasthma,asanantispasmodic,andforintestinalcolic.
HadbeenusedforAnginaPectoris,butnotcurrently.AlsocalledVisnagaorKhella.UsedintheformulaVitiligo.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BLACKCOHOSHBLACKSNAKEROOT
BotanicalName:Cimifugaracemosa
ActiveConstituents:Rootscontaindeoxyaceteine.
Uses/Indications:Acommondeepwoodplantreachingaheightof6ft.HasbeenusedbyNorthAmericanIndiansfordifferentfemaleailments.
Rootshavebeenusedforabittertonicandchorea.Possiblyusefulinabnormalnervousdisorders.Usefulforpostmenopausalsymptoms,including
hotflashes.Bringsbeneficialresults(activeconstituentisdeoxyaceteine)byblockingestrogenreceptors,thusloweringtheluteinizinghormone(LH),
whichiselevatedinmenopause.HerbalistJethroKlossfounditusefulinmanyspasmodicdisordersandtotreathighbloodpressure.Theauthorshave
useditasanexcellentantidepressant.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BLACKSEED
BotanicalName:NigellasativaL.Kalonji(BlackCaraway,BlackOnionSeed)
ActiveConstituents:(Seed,oil)Nigellone
Uses/Indications:Flowersaredelicate,blue,white.Fruitislargecapsule.Seedhasbeenusedasaspice.Oneofthemostneglectedherbal

medicinesinthewest,thoughusedforovertwothousandyearsinEgypt,andrecordedintheOldTestament.Usefulforfatigue,allergies,asthma,
bronchitis(duetoitsactivecompoundnigellone),headache,migraine,rheumatism,flu,diabetes,andhypertension.Usefulforitscarminative,
antiparasitic,andantimicrobial(forabscess)effects.Usefulasadigestiveaidandforimmuneenhancement.Oilisusedforeczema.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BLADDERWRACK
BotanicalName:Fucusvesiculosus(SeaWeed)
ActiveConstituents:Highlevelsofiodine.
Uses/Indications:Usedforobesity,toincreasemetabolismandinthyroiddeficiencysuchasingoiters.Ithasantiviraleffects.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BLOODROOT
BotanicalName:Sanguinariacanadensis
ActiveConstituents:Rootscontainseveralalkaloid,includingsanquinarine.
Uses/Indications:Currentuseismarkedlylimited.Hasbeenusedintoothpaste,coughremedies,forrheumatismandasanabortifacient.Primary
actionisasexpectorantandcathartic.Madeintoasalveforskinwartsandearlyskincanceritisaneffectivetherapy.
Toxicity:Usedasabortifacient.Internalusecancauseserioussideeffectsandevendeath.Notrecommendedforinternaluse.

BUTCHERSBROOM
BotanicalName:Ruscusaculeatus
ActiveConstituents:Ruscoside,ruscine
Uses/Indications:Anevergreenshrubwithleavesreducedtoscalesandwhiteflowers.Usefulasanantiinflammatory,excellentforinterstitial
cystitis,varicoseveins,andhasabeneficialeffectondiabetesaswell.Usefulforcirculatoryproblemssuchasretinopathyandvenousdisorders.Used
inskincosmetics.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BUTTERBUR
BotanicalName:Petasitesvulgaris
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:SimilartoColtsFoot,itgrowsnearmarshyplaces.Itisanalgesic.Ithelpsmusclespasmsandtorelievecramps.Usefulin
urinarytractcolic.UsedincombinationwithPygeum.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CALENDULA

BotanicalName:Calendulaofficinalis(Marigold)
ActiveConstituents:(Flowerheadsaremedicinal)
Uses/Indications:Ithasglandularleavesandyelloworangeflowers.Leavesandpetalsareedible.Usedforantiinflammatory,antispasmodicand
anticancereffects,andforwoundandskinailments.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CARDAMOM
BotanicalName:Elettariacardamom
ActiveConstituents:(Wholeseed)
Uses/Indications:Asmallaromaticherbusedasanexpectorant,unfamiliarinthewest.Usefulindetoxifyingtheeffectofcaffeine.Relievesnausea
andvomiting,improvesexpectorationofbronchialsecretions.Usefulasabittertonic,increasingpancreaticfunction,thusimprovingdiabeticsymptoms
andloweringbloodsugarlevels.EffectivetherapyforGERD(heartburns,intestinalcolic,spasmodicirritablebowelsyndrome).Effectiveformild
bronchialasthmaandchestcongestionwhenmadeintoteawithhoney.Dose:cupofteamadewith3seedpods,34timesaday.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CASCARASAGRADA(HolyBark)
BotanicalName:Rhamnuspurshianus
ActiveConstituents:Barkcontainsanthracenes.
Uses/Indications:AlsocalledCaliforniaBuckhorn.Asmalltreeonthepacificcoast.Traditionallyemployedasapreferredlaxativeremedyamong
NorthAmericanIndians.ParkeDavisCompanystartedusingitin1877.Barkscollectedneedagingfor1yearbeforeuse.
DerivedfromRhamnuspushianaaswellasseveralrelatedspeciesfromWashingtonstate.Ethnobotanist,EmaGunther,founditinusebyseveral
NativeAmericantribes,andlateradopteditherself.NamedHolyBark(Cascarasagrada)byaSpanishpriest.
Hasasmoothactionwithoutgripingofthebowel.Hasdualactionintheanthraquinone(emodin),whichisabsorbed,andtheglucosidecontent,which
isabsorbed,andactsdistallyinthebowel.
Toxicity:Prolongeduseisnotrecommended.Maximumdoseis3tabletsperweek.

CATNIP
BotanicalName:Nepetacataria
ActiveConstituents:(Wholeplant)
Uses/Indications:Asmall,perennialherb,mintlikebittertastewithcarminativeaction.Heartshaped,oblongleaves,flowersinspikes.Carminative
fortreatmentofflatulenceandstomachupset,antispasmodiccarminative.Catsareveryfondofitsaroma.Usefulinirondeficiency,anemia,menstrual
anduterinedisorders.Usefulformildanxiety.Usedforbabieswithcolic,teething.Usefulsedativeeffectincasesofhives.Doseis2leavesinacup
ofboilingwater.

Toxicity:Noneknown.

CAYENNEPEPPER
BotanicalName:Capsicumsp.
ActiveConstituents:Capsaicin.
Uses/Indications:Cayennedilatescapillariesandisantiinflammatory.Relievespainduetothepresenceofcapsaicin.Lowersbloodpressure,
lowerscholesterol.Hasabloodthinningeffect.Locallyappliedtomusclespasms,rheumatism,arthritis,andchilblains.Doseisteaspoonfultwice
daily.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHAMOMILE
BotanicalName:Matricariachamomilla
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:Usefulforhyperactivechildren,insomnia,indigestion,andtocalmdownnerves.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHAPARRAL
BotanicalName:Larreatridentata
ActiveConstituents:Antioxidant(NDGA)
Uses/Indications:HasbeenusedbyNativeAmericansforsnakebites,arthritis,tuberculosis,cancer,andasanherbalantibioticforintestinal
parasites.Hasbeenknownforlivertoxicity,causingjaundiceandkidneyfailure.Containsoneofthebestherbalantibioticsandantioxidants,NGGA.
Popularinthesouthwestforcanceranddiarrhea.
Toxicity:Cancausetoxicityinanimalgrazingduringshortageofforage.ItisNOTRECOMMENDEDatpresentbyauthorsduetoseveresideeffects.

CHASTETREE
BotanicalName:Vitexagnuscastus
ActiveConstituents:(Fruitisthechasteberry)Containsiridoids,flavones,andalsoterpeneswhichinhibitprolactinsecretionwhichisinturnusefulin
manywomensdiseases.
Uses/Indications:Asmallshrubwithlavenderflowers.UsefulforPMS(PremenstrualSyndrome)whereitdecreasesprolactinlevels,thushelping
regulatemenstrualcycles,decreasespainfulswellingofthebreast,andisusefulfordysmenorrhea.
Note:thistreeisasymbolofChastity,andistheoppositeofanaphrodisiac.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHILIPEPPERS
BotanicalName:Capsicumfrutenscens
ActiveConstituents:CapsaicinistheactiveconstituentofCayennePepper.
Uses/Indications:CapsaicininitiallystimulatesandthenblockspainfibersbydepletingthemoftheneurotransmittersubstanceP.Usefulforpost
herpeticneuralgia,arthritisandtrigeminalneuralgia.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHOLESTIN
BotanicalName:Monascuspurpureus
ActiveConstituents:Producedbyfermentationofredyeast,whichcontainsthenaturalactiveHMGCOAreductaseinhibitorthatlowerscholesterol.
Uses/Indications:CholestinlowerscholesterolbyblockingtheenzymeHMGCOAreductase.Doseis2capsulesof600mgdaily.Veryeffectivein
casehistoriesofloweringcholesterol.
Toxicity:Minimalsideeffects,heartburns,abdominaldiscomfort.

COLTSFOOT
BotanicalName:Tussilagofarfara
ActiveConstituents:(Flowersanddriedleaves)Leavescontainlargeamountsofmucilage,theactiveconstituentistussilagone.SeveralPA
compounds(pyrrolizidinealkaloids)havebeendetected.
Uses/Indications:Wellknownsinceancienttimesasaremedyforcoughs,colds,sorethroatandasthma.Hasbeenusedinmanycountriesasa
remedyforcoughsandcolds.InCanada,however,itiswithdrawnfromtheusefullistbecauseofitstoxicity.Tussilagoneisaterpenecompoundwhich
stimulatesrespiration.Toxicity:PAcompoundsareknowntocauseliverdamageandbecarcinogenic.Shorttermusemaybesafe,however,
extendeduseandfrequentusearenotrecommended.

COMFREY
BotanicalName:Symphytumofficinale
ActiveConstituents:Largesucculentleavesandrootscontainallantoin(0.6%),alongwithtannicacid.Differentspeciesvaryinalkaloidcontent,
indicatingalackoftoxininsomelocalities.ContainsPAs(pyrrolizidinealkaloids).LeavesusuallyhavealowerPAcontentthanroots.
Uses/Indications:Numeroususesinfolkmedicine,frommouthgarglestotreatmentsformenstrualdisordersandforrheumaticdisorders,tonamea
few.Usedforexternalwounds,tohealfractures,andincoughremedies.OneofthefewplantswhichproduceB12fromcobaltinthesoil.Actsasan
astringentduetohightannincontent.Recommendeduse:ONLYforexternalapplicationswithnobrokenskin.
Toxicity:PAscauseseriousliverdamage(VenoOcclusiveDisease,VOD)aswellascancer.ReadymadecapsuleshaveahighPAcontent.
Senecionineisatoxiccompoundwhichcausesliverdamage.TheauthorsdonotrecommendComfreyforinternaluse.Thisrecommendationis
basedonthepossibilityofseriousliverdamagewhichcanleadtodeathinsomecases.Itistruethatsomebenefitsmayoccurinshorttermuse,
however,liverdamageisunpredictable.

CORNSILK
BotanicalName:Zeamays
ActiveConstituents:(Thegoldentasselattheendofacorncob.)Containsmagnesium,potassiumandsilica.
Uses/Indications:Itissoothingforbladdersandusefulincasesofurinarytractinfectionwith(cystitis)inflammation.UsefulforCarpelTunnel
Syndrome,urinaryincontinence,andbedwetting.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CRANBERRY
BotanicalName:Vacciniummacrocarpon
ActiveConstituents:Cranberryjuicecontainsanthocyaminsandmalicacid.
Uses/Indications:Inhibitsadhesionofbacteriatourinaryepithelialcells.Worksbyacidifyingurine,possiblyduetohighhippuricacidcontent.In
somestudies,higherdosesof12oz.wereconsideredeffective.Usefulinkidneystonediseases.Canbepalliativeforseriousinflammatoryskin
disorders.Usefulasanantioxidant,forscurvyandurinarysymptoms.Cranberryjuice,oftencombinedwithvitaminC,isusefulforurinarytract
infections.Purecranberryjuicehasanantiadhesionpropertywhichhelpspreventbacteriafromgettingintotheurinarytractsystem.Cranberryjuice
cocktailisoftenmistakenlyusedmedicinally,butitisnoteffective.Taketwodosesdaily,foratotalof12to16ouncesperday,ofpurejuice(canbe
frozen).
Toxicity:Noneknown.

DATES(TreeofLife)
BotanicalName:Phoenixdactylifera
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit)Glucose,phosphates.
Uses/Indications:Therighteousshallflourishlikeapalmtree,(Psalm92:111)Thisisoneofthepalmspecies.Theworddatecomesfromthe
greekdaktylos,referringtoabunchofdatesresemblingafinger.Thesearetherichestsourceofinstantenergy,notonlyforglucosebutalso
phosphates.Itisoneofthemostunderappreciatedfruits(withnaturalinstantenergy).Theauthorsrecommendtheuseofdatesincasesofdebility,
chronicfatiguesyndromeandasaninstantsourceofenergy.DatesarestillcombinedwithseveralherbalcompoundsinEasternmedicine.Toxicity:
Noneknown.

DEVILSCLAW
BotanicalName:Harpagophytumprocumbens
ActiveConstituents:Rootismedicinalandcontainstheglycosideharpagoside.
Uses/Indications:ThisnativeofSouthAfricancaneasilygrowinsouthernAppalachia.Usefulforosteoarthritis,asanantiinflammatory,andfor
indigestion.Doseis12gramsfordigestivedisorders,48gramsofpowderforarthritis.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

EASTINDIANGINSENG
BotanicalName:Withaniasomnifera
ActiveConstituents:(Roots)
Uses/Indications:Wellknowninayurvedicmedicine.Rootsareusedforanxietydisordersandasanantiagingagent.Leaveshaveananti
inflammatoryeffect.Concoctionofleavesisalsousedforskindisorders.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ECHINACEA
BotanicalName:E.purpurea
ActiveConstituents:Echinocoside,caffeicacid.(FreshordriedrootsareusefulinE.pallidaandinE.angustifolia.Theupperpartofthewholeplant
isusefulinE.purpurea.Allspecieshavesimilarmedicinalcompounds,thoughinGermany,onlyE.purpureaisapprovedandisconsidered
moreeffectivethancommonUSspecies,suchasE.pallidaandE.angustifolia.)Uses/Indications:NamedfromtheGreekwordEchinofor
hedgehog,hasacentralconewiththepricklyappearanceofahedgehog.TenpercentofherbalproductssoldintheUnitedStatesarerelatedto
echinacea.Itsmodeofactionistoincreasephagocytosis.Itinhibitstheproductionofhyaluronidase,thuslimitingbacterialspread.Theactivityof
whitecells,otherthanimmunedefenseofthecell,istokillbacteriaandviruses.
Rootextractsarecommonlyusedasanimmunestimulantforthefollowing:chestcoldsandflusymptomsHerpescoldandcankersorespsoriasis
skindiseasethroatinfectionsandurinarytractinfections.Oftencombinedwithzinc,garlicandvitaminC.Echinaceazinctabletsareusedforviral
andbacterialrespiratoryinfections.Usedforlegwounds,ulcersandrheumatoidarthritis.
Dosage:(Tincturesarebetterabsorbedbutlessstandardized.)Tincture,60drops,threetimesperday.Capsules,2dailyfor10days.
NativetotheNorthAmerica,thisflowerwasusedbyNativeAmericanstotreatsnakebites,fortoothachesandtocoverwounds.Waspopularatthe
turnofthecenturyasaMeyerbloodpurifier.IthasbeenusedextensivelyinEuropeasanimmuneenhanceragainstviralandbacterialinfectionsof
theupperrespiratorytract.Itseemstolessentheseverityanddurationofsymptoms.ItsmechanismapparentlyactivatestheAlternateComplement
Pathway,thusenhancingthedestructionofmicrobes.
Ultimatelythereismorehypethanrealityandmanystudieshaveshownconflictingresults.Echinaceaismostusefulwhentakenregularly,itshortens
thelengthofflusymptoms.
Toxicity:NotrecommendedincasesofHIV/AIDS,MultipleSclerosisandTuberculosis.
EPHEDRA
BotanicalName:Ephedrasp.
ActiveConstituents:Alkaloids,ephedrine
Uses/Indications:EphedrahasbeenusedinChineseandIndianpharmacopoieasforcenturiesasatreatmentforasthmaandincoldandcough
remedies.IthasaknownCNSstimulatoryeffect.TheactiveconstituentephedrinewasisolatedbytheJapanesechemistNagaiin1887.Subsequent

workbyChenin1924showeditsbronchodilatoryeffect.IthassincebeeninuseinpopularAmericanOTCmedicinesforchestcoldandasthma
(Primatene,Sudafed).Syntheticallymadeephedrineiscalledpseudoephedrine.
IthasalsobeenusedinmanyOTCslimmingproductsandenergyboosters(suchasHerbalEcstasy).Also,ephedraextractswereusedasastarting
pointforillegalstreetdrugssuchasspeed.Highdosesincombinationwithcaffeineisbeingusedasspeed,withtheresultingsideeffectswhich
includesevereagitation,insomniaandheartattack.ManydeathshavebeenreportedtotheFDA,whichpromptedawarninglabelberequired.
Ephedraproductshavebecomeoverabilliondollarindustry.
Toxicity:Highdosesincombinationwithcaffeineisbeingusedasspeed,withtheresultingsideeffectswhichincludesevereagitation,insomniaand
heartattack.

ESSENTIALOILS(Aromatherapy)
Uses/Indications:EssentialoilastransdermalmedicationhasbeeninuseintheEasternMediterraneanareasinceancienttimes.In
India,acombinationoffragrance,vegetableoils,herbs,almondoil,andoilfromdifferentbrassicaplants,wasusedforscapl
massage.TheEnglishwordshampoooriginatedfromtheIndianwordchampi.Thescalpisaconvenientrouteforthetransdermal
applicationofherbalextractswhichtreattensionandarthritisandactasrelaxationtherapyandmoodelevators.Unfortunately,the
culturalperceptionintheWestofmassageholdsverydifferentandoftenunsavoryconnotations.Toxicity:Noneknown.
EUCALYPTUS
BotanicalName:Eucalyptusglobulus
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)Volatileoilisprimaryconstituent.
Uses/Indications:Therearemorethan300speciesofthisplant,agiftfromAustralianAborigines.Causesdilationofbronchi,actsasanantiseptic.
Usedinseveralskinconditionsandinbronchitis.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

FENUGREEK
BotanicalName:Trigonellafoenumgraecum
ActiveConstituents:(Seeds)Highironcontentinleaves.
Uses/Indications:Anannualherbwithmedicinalpropertiesaswellasculinarybenefits.Seedsarearomatic.Wasusedforchronicillness,suchas
anexpectorantforbronchitis,fever,sorethroat,neuralgiaandskinsores,andwasusedasanaphrodisiac.Itlowerscholesterolbydecreasing
absorptionandincreasingthebileacidlost.Consistencyoftheseedbecomesjellylikewithwater,anditisanexcellentlubricantofthebowels.Itis
effectiveasanadjuncttherapyfordiabetes,itactslikeinsulin.Dose:needs68capsules,about10gramsadaytobeeffective.
Usefulformenstrualdisorders,asanointmentforskininfections,asanaphrodisiac,andforbronchitisandcough.

Toxicity:Noneknown.

FEVERFEW
BotanicalName:Tanacetumparthenium
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:Acommongardenplant,pungentodor,yellowdiskflowers.AnativeofsouthernEurope,itwasusedbyanoldherbalisttotreat
feversandfebrifugia.Itsmainuseisasaprophylactictreatmentformigraineheadaches.Powderedleaftakenwithfoodcanservethesamepurpose
asfreshleaves,whichcanbeeatenmixedwithotherfoods.Alsousefulinsomecasesofrheumatoidarthritisbecauseofitseffectonprotaglandin.It
lowersfever,inflammationandmenstrualcramps.Usedexternallyforinsectbitesandbruises.Infusionofleavesisamilddisinfectantandinsect
repellant.TansywasdedicatedtotheVirginMary.Ancientshadawideuseforit.Doseis50mgto100mgofdriedleaves.Take3to5freshleaves
withasliceofbreadeverydaytotreatmigraines.
Toxicity:Notrecommendedduringpregnancy.Freshleavesmaycausedermatitis.Sideeffectsincludemouthulcersandanincreaseinbleeding
whentakenwithaspirin.

FRANKINCENSE
BotanicalName:Boswelliasacra
ActiveConstituents:Gumresin,terpenes.
Uses/Indications:Oneofhistorysmostancientfrangrances,usedasaburningincenseinEgyptiantemplesduringreligiousritesofthe
Mediterraneanculture.ItisafragrantgumresinobtainedfromtheBoswelliatree,anativetoSomaliaandtheArabianpeninsula.Itwasusedasan
incensetoremoveevilspirits.Incensewasbelievedtoconcentratethemindondevotionbyproducinganelevatedmentalstateandtohaveaneffect
throughthepsychicbody.
Itwasusedasanantiseptic,expectorant,decongestantandmouthwashfororalhygiene.Hasalsobeenusedextensivelyasanantiwrinkleagentin
theorientalcosmeticindustry.OneofthevarietiesofIndianFrankincense,Boswelliaserrata(calledShallaki,inAyurvedicmedicine),isconsideredsafe
andwelltoleratedforthetreatmentofinflammatorydiseases.B.serratahasproventoberemarkablyeffectiveinrheumatoidarthritis,intheprevention
ofosteoarthritis,andinulcerativecolitisandCrohnsDisease,bydecreasingtheoverproductionofleukotriene,andhasproventobeaseffectiveasthe
widelyprescribedSulfasalazine.B.serratacontainsboswellicacid(triterpene).Ithasanantiinflammatoryactioninrheumatoidarthritis.Doseis400
mg,threestimesaday.
ItsnamecomesfromtheFrenchCrusaderswhobroughtittoEurope(incenseofFranks),alsocalledolibanum(oilofLebanon).Hasbeenusedin
religiousritessincetheearliestbiblicaltimes.Itwasburntintoblackpwdercalledkohlandusedasacosmeticeyeshadeandeyeliner.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

FRANKLINIA

BotanicalName:Frankliniaalatamaha
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)Catechins,flavonoids.
Uses/Indications:Thisisararefloweringsmallshrubpresentlyonlyfoundinacultivatedstate.TheSeniorAuthordiscoveredithascatechins
similartothechineseteaplantCamelliasinensis.IntheSeniorAuthorsopinion,itisateaplantoftheNewWorldandhasthesamehealthbenefitsas
Cameliasinensisduetothepresenceofflavonoids,butwithoutthecaffeine.Itsflowershaveamildsedativeeffect.Teabrewedfromtheleavesis
refreshingandinvigorating.UsefulforChronicFatigueSyndrome,diabetes,andforpalliativecancercare.
Toxicity:Noneknown.Researchisongoing.

GARLIC
BotanicalName:Alliumsativum
ActiveConstituents:Whengarliciscrushed,theenzymeallinaseconvertsallinintoallicin.Later,itisconvertedintoseveralothercompoundsof
ajoene.Allicinsmodeofaction:theactiveconstituentallicinbindstosulphydylgroupswhichenhancesfibrinolysysandlowerscholesterol.Italso
inhibitsplateletaggregationitsantithromboticeffectisduetoajoene.
Uses/Indications:GarlicisderivedfromthebulbofAlliumsativumandhasbeenusedmedicinallysinceearlyEgyptiancivilization.Accordingtothe
GreekhistorianHerodotus,garlicwasfedtothebuildersoftheGreatPyramidsforenergyandstrength,perhapstokeeptheircoronaryarteriesopen
byloweringcholesterol.Bulgarianshaveassociatedlonglifewiththeuseofgarlic.Incidenceofstomachcancerisrareinthosewhoincludegarlicin
theirdiet.
Garlicandgarlicconstituentsplayasignificantroleinthereductionofdeathsbymalignantdisease.
AspirinandgarlicarePoorMansStatin(acholesterolloweringdrug).Garlicdecreases1525mgofcholesterol(10%15%,itisequallyeffective
comparedtovariousanticholesterolmedicines.Itdecreasesbadcholesterol(LDL)andincreasesgoodcholesterol(HDL).Afteronemonthoftherapy,
thereisa9%12%reductionincholesterollevelsevidentwhichpersistsatleast6months.Triglycerideswerealsoloweredcomparedtoplacebo.Itis
effectiveandbeneficialincasesofmildhypertension.
Garlichelpsininsectbitesandstingsduetoinhibitionofprostaglandiainducedpain.Studiesshowgarliciseffectiveindysentery(E.histolytica)and
hasanantifungaleffect,especiallyagainstCandidaalbicans.Rawgarlicissoakedincottenballsandappliedtoaffectedareaofcandida.
Medicinalbenefits:
1. Lowerslipids
2. Lowersbloodpressure
3. Antiplateletactivity,anticoagulant
4. Decreasesplaqueinarteries
Dose:takeonecloveoffreshgarlic(0.4%allicin2.8gm).Taking800mgofgarlicpowderlowercholesterol12%andtriglycerides17%.
Drygarliccontainsnoallicin,neitherdoestheoilbasedpowdertheentericformispreferrable.Addinggarlictoalowfatdietalsoaddsspice.

Toxicity:Thoughthereisnoclinicaldataavailable,adruginteractionwithanticoagulantsispossible.Adverseeffectsaredyspepsiaandmalodrous
breathwhichcanbeveryeffectivelycounterbalancedbychewingasmalltwigofparsleywhichhasahighchlorophyllcontent.Garliccanpasstobreast
milkandpossiblycausecolicinbabies.

GINGER
BotanicalName:Zingiberofficinale
ActiveConstituents:Essentialoil,gingerol
Uses/Indications:AnaromaticrootofaperennialherbwhichisanativeofIndia.Hasitsrootsinancienthistoryofeasterncivilization,wellknown
since200AD,auniversalmedicineinAyurvedicmedicine.Usedasacarminativeforindigestion,motionsickness,migraineheadaches,coughs,colds,
bronchitisandarthritis.Itinhibitsprotaglandinsandisusedforflavoringsoftdrinks,candies.Itinteractswithanticoagulantsandreducescholesterol.It
isaneffectivetherapyforsorethroat.
Toxicity:Interactswithanticoagulants,suchascoumadin.Onespecies,Z.zerumba,hascytotoxiceffectsandisusedincancertherapies.

GINKGOBILOBA
BotanicalName:Ginkgobiloba
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves,seeds)Ginkgolides.Modeofactionistoimprovethesensationofwellbeingbyneutralizingfreeradicalsand
improvingneuronalsignaltransmission.
Uses/Indications:Theactiveconstituentginkgolidesblocktheplateletactivatingfactor,PAF,whichexplainsitsantiallergicreaction.Itwas
introducedtoEuropeinthe18thcentury,whereithasbecomeverypopular.Itisoneoftheoldesttreesandconsideredtobealivingfossil,aterm
coinedbyDarwinforGinkgo.ChinahasrecognizedthemedicinalpurposesofGinkgoforcenturies.Itisoneofthetopfiveherbsusedaroundthe
word.UsefulforAlzheimersDiseaseandotherdementias,circulatorydisorders,hypertension,asthma,depression,maculardegeneration,andsexual
dysfunction.
Ginkgoincreasesbloodflowtothebrainandimporvesmemoryfunctionandcirculatoryproblems.Usefulfordepression,asthmaticallergicreactions,
RaynaudsDisease,urinaryincontinenceandinnerearproblems.
Toxicity:Itinteractswithbloodthinners.

GINSENG
BotanicalName:Panaxquinquefolius
ActiveConstituents:Ginosides,saponins.Recentresearchshows,Ginsengmayactthroughtheproductionofnitricoxide,whichmayexplainits
widespreadanddispersemodeofactioninmanybodyfunctions.
Uses/Indications:GinsengisthemostfamousTaoisttonicherb,andhasbeenknowninChinesecultureforthelast5,000years.Aslowgrowing
plant,itisnotfoundinstagnantwater.In1711,FatherJartoux,amissionaryinChina,describedginsengasapanacea(aremedyforallkindsof
illnesses).ThatknowledgewasimpartedtoanotherJesuitmissionary,FatherJosephLabitau,inCanada.Heinturndescribeditsmedicinalvalue

whichfosteredagrowingandgreatdemand.ItisnowaprofitableexportfromtheFarEast.Ginsengwasknowntoearly9thcenturyArabphysicians,
evenMarcoPolowroteaboutitinhistravelsthroughChina.
GinsengisoftenmisunderstoodinAmericananddismissedasmerelyaChineseaphrodisiac.MostpresentresearchistheoutcomeofRussian
scientistswho,in1950,foundGinsengtobearemarkableadaptogentostress.
InChinesecultures,itstherapeuticusesareforrejuvenationorresettingthebodyclock,anditisoftenprescribedforalargenumberofdisorders.
InAppalachia,ithasbeenusedtopromoteappetite.Ginsengteahasbeenusedasaremedyforchestcold.(J.Kloss)Accordingtotheherbalist
Catfish,Cherokeesandearlysettlersuseditasabittertonic,forstomachicandasasexpepperupper.
MostUSsourcesforginsengtabletsareoftheSiberianvariety.Koreanginsengrootsareeitherredorwhite.Whiteginsengisbleachedwithsulfur
dioxideandthendried.Redginsengistreatedwithhotsteampriortodrying,whichgivesititscolor.Ginsengisacceptedasanofficialdruginthe
followingcountries:Germany,Austria,Switzerland,Japan,Russian,China,andKorea.Therearethreetypesofpopulartypesofginsengavailable:
1.AmericanGinseng
2.KoreanGinseng
3.SiberianGinseng
Americanginsengisamildstimulantusefulforthereliefofstressandfatigue.Koreanginsengisusedforathleticenergyandenduranceandisnot
recommendedforpatientswithhighbloodpressure.Siberianginsengisthebestremedyforinsomniaandmentalstress.DuringtheVietnamWar,it
wasusedextensivelybytheVietnamesetotreatgunshotwounds.
Ourclinicusesginsengforthefollowing:
ChronicFatigueSyndrome
Aftermajorsurgery
Treatmentoffatigueincancerpatients
ToimprovestaminainChronicObstructedPulmonaryDisease(COPD).Itcanimproveperformanceatlowbloodoxygenlevels.
Ginsengleavesmadeintoateaisusefulasananalgesic,forbackache,rheumatism,andasanantimicrobialforurinarytractinfections.
Toxicity:Siberianginsengisnotrecommendedforpatientswithhighbloodpressure.

GOLDENSEAL
BotanicalName:Hydrastiscanadense
ActiveConstituents:(Roots)Berberinehasaknowneffectonmacrophages.Astringenteffectisduetotwoalkaloids,hydrazineandberberine.
Berberineisbittertastingandimpartsayellowcolor,andisfoundinotherplantssuchasGoldenThreadandOregonGrapeRoot.
Uses/Indications:CalledNaturesAntibiotic,ithasbeenoneofthemostpopularremedies,apanaceaformultipleailments.Itisusedforcolds,flu

symptoms,nasalcongestion,asalaxative,forhemorrhoids,gumdisease,cankersoresandstomachulcers.Ithasimmunestimulatingeffects.Has
oftenbeenusedincombinationwithechinaceaasanimmunestimulantandasastrongantiseptic,thoughresearchstudiesarelacking.Cherokee
Indiansusedtherootmixedwithbearfatasaninsectrepellent.
Tinctureoftheyellowrootproducesadeepstainandhasabitterburningtaste.Hydrastineandberberinehavebeenusedincommercialeyerinses.
Bothalkaloidshavestrongantisepticeffectsagainstlocalmucosalinfections,mouthsores,throatconditionsand,inpillform,fortravelersdiarrhea.
Useasamouthwashforcankersores,infusioninhotwaterisuseful.Fortravelersdiarrhea,1capsule3timesaday.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GOTUKOLA(Kutannal)
BotanicalName:Centellaasiatica
ActiveConstituents:Severalalkaloids,glucosidesandsaponins.
Uses/Indications:AnativeplantofsoutheastAsia,usedinvariousfoodsandsalads.UsedinAyurvedicmedicinefornumerousmedicalailments.It
enhancesbodyresponsetoemotionaldisordersandanxiety.Helpsimprovememory(abrainfood),arthritis,skindiseases,woundhealing,vascular
fragilityandliverdiseases.Consideredoneoftheelixirsoflife,afountainofyouth.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GRAPES
BotanicalName:Vitisvinifera(commonwinegrape)
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves,stem,fruit)
Uses/Indications:Astringent,diuretic.Seedsareusedfortheirpolyunsaturatedacids.Someofthebeneficialreportsregardingheartdiseaseare
proclaimedbythewineindustry,unfortunately,whilethemedicalprofessiontakesthebait,resultsareperhapsduemoretothegrapesthantothe
alcoholitself.
Redgrapescontainpolyphenolresveratolwhichactslikephytoestrogenandhasabeneficialeffectonheartdisease,menopause,AlzheimersDisease,
prostatecancer,anditlowersbadcholesterol.Resveratolisfoundingrapes,mulberries,etc.
Muscaclinegrapes(Vitisrotundifolia)havehighlevelsofanthocyaninswhichproduceredpurplegrapes,andhavestrongantioxidantandantitumor
effects.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GREENTEA
BotanicalName:Camelliasinensis

ActiveConstituents:Polyphenolsarechemicalsfoundingreentea.Theyhaveanantioxidanteffect,actingasascavengeroffreeradicals.(Note:
Polyphenolshaveoftenbeenmistakenfortannins,whiletanninsarehaveasimilarchemicalmakeup,theyarenotpresentintea.)Fluoride.
Uses/Indications:Twelvepercentofteausedintheworldisgreentea,itisasmallevergreenbushwithwhiteflowers.Greenteasarenot
fermentedlikeblacktea(Oolongteaispartiallyfermented).ItcontainsahighcontentofBvitamins.Onecupofgreenteacontains0.1mgoffluoride,
whichishigherthanfluorinatedwater.Theastringentflavorisduetothepolyphenolcontent(nottannins).Greenteaisusedincandybars,bodycare
productsandsunscreenlotions.

Greenteaisrichincatechin,EGCG(epigallocatechingallate)whichisastrongantioxidant,perhaps200timesstrongerthanvitaminE.Ithasa
protectiveeffectagainstrespiratoryinfectionsandfoodpoisoning.ItreducestotalLDLcholesterollevels.Itblockstheadhesionofbacteriatoteeth,

thuspreventingcavities.
GreenteahasbeenusedinEasterncultureforseveralthousandyears,thoughitsuseintheUnitedStatesislesscommon.Blackteaisfermented
duringitsprocessingandthemajorityoftheworldspopulationdrinksblackteabecauseofitsaromakeepinginmind,teaisthesecondmost
consumedbeverageintheworldafterwater.
AccordingtoaShanghaistudy,greenteadrinkershavereducedrisksforseveralcancers.Ithasabeneficialeffectonprostateinfectionsand
cardiovasculardiseases.Itreducesbloodpressure,releasestheriskofstrokeandheartattack,andhelpsskincancerwhenusedtopically.Thereisa
50%fewercasesofovariancancerinteadrinkers(takingatleast3cupsdaily)thanincoffeedrinkers.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

HAWTHORNE
BotanicalName:Crataegussp.
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves,flowers)
Uses/Indications:Smallshrubliketree,usedformildhypertension,angina.Doseis160to300mgdaily.Usesinclude:
1.CongestiveHeartFailure
2.Increaseheartcontractions
3.Antioxidant
4.Decreasebloodlipids
5.Increasebloodflow,maybeusefulforhighbloodpressure.Doseis900mgtwicedaily,foraminimumofsixweeks.
Toxicity:Noknownsideeffectsordruginteractions.

HENNA
BotanicalName:Lawsoniaalba
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:Powderedleavesusedashairdye,combinedwithIndigoyieldsablueblackcolor.Hasantiseptic,antibacterial,anticancer(in
skincancer)effects.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

HIBISCUS
BotanicalName:Hibiscussabdariffa
ActiveConstituents:(Flowers,leaves)
Uses/Indications:Commondecorative,glaborousshrub,flowersareastringent.Hypoglycemicforconstipation.Leavesandflowersareusefulfor

healingulcers,mildhypertension,andmenstrualdisorders.Juicesusedforinthecosmeticindustryforcoloringhairandinmascara.Redteaismade
fromthecuplikestructureformedbythesepals.Itlowersbodytemperatureandbloodpressure.Increasesproductionofurine,combinewithLemon
Balm,itisusefulinanxietyconditions.AnotherspeciesofHibiscus(H.rosasinensis)isusedaschemoprotectionincancertreatment.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

HOODIA
BotanicalName:Hoodiagordonii
ActiveConstituents:P57molecule(pregnaneglycoside,whichmimicsglucose),cardiacglycoside.
Uses/Indications:AcactuslikeplantnativetotheKalahariDesertinSouthAfrica.ItresemblescactusbutbelongstotheDogbanefamily
(Apocynaceae).Itisaleaflesssucculent,palepurpleflower,traditionallyusedasafoodsourceandforstamina.Oftenaningredientindietpills.The
fleshypartofthestemisusedasanappetitesuppressantalthoughresultsasaweightreducingpanaceaareoftenlessspectacularthanclaimed.
Recommendeddoseis12,000mgperday.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

HOPS
BotanicalName:Humuluslupulus
ActiveConstituents:(Femaleflowercluster,strobulus.)Theprincipalconstituentsarelupulone,rutin,andphenols.
Uses/Indications:Aperennial,twiningvinewithaperipheralroot.Effectiveasadietarysupplementforpostmenopausesymptoms.Usedasamild
sedative,forthetreatmentinsomniaandanxietydisorders,andasafebrifugeandvermifuge.
Asabittertonic,improvesandstimulatesappetite.Usedasabittertonicandmildsedativeinmanyfolkremedies(pertheherbalist,Catfish).Usedto
impartaromatobeer,alsopreventsbacterialgrowthinbeer.Doseisteaspoonfulofdriedleavesinacupofhotwater,asneeded.
Toxicity:Thoughquitesafewhenusedalone,incombinationwithothermedicinalsitcanhaveasedatingeffectandshouldnotbetakenwithother
prescriptiondrugs.Hopsleavescancauseskinallergiesinsomepersons(duetomyrecenecontent).

HOREHOUND
BotanicalName:Marrubiumvulgare.
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:Aperennialherb,nativeofEurope,naturalizedintheUnitedStates.Whitehoaryappearance,balsamicodor.Useasan
expectorant,diuretic,remedyforcoldandcoughveryusefulforchronicsorethroat.Boilheapingtablespoonofleavesinapintofwaterwithhoneyto
makeexpectorant.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

HORSETAIL

BotanicalName:Equisetumarvense
ActiveConstituents:Containshighlevelsofsilicin
Uses/Indications:Usefulforbrittlenails,rheumatism,andprostateandurinarysymptoms.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

HYSSOP
BotanicalName:Hyssopusofficinalis
ActiveConstituents:(Tops,leaves)ContainsthecompoundMAR10.
Uses/Indications:Perennialherb,bluishflower,12fthigh.Hot,spicytaste,slightlybitter,sulphurcontainingoil.Carminative,tonic,expectorant,
externalapplicationforbruises.Usedinvariouscoughremedies.ContainsthecompoundMAR10,whichmaybehelpfulinHIVinfections.Known
sinceearlybiblicaltimes,PurgemewithhyssopandIshallbeclean.(Psalm51:7)
Toxicity:Noneknown.

JAVATEA
BotanicalName:Orthosiphonaristatus
ActiveConstituents:(Driedleaves)
Uses/Indications:Aperennialherbwithunusualwhitelilacflowersinspikeswithverylongstamens.Usefulasadiuretic,forurinarytractinfections,
asanantimicrobial,tohelppasskidneystonesbydilatingureters.Doseis1teaspoonfulincupofhotwater,daily.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

KAVAKAVA
BotanicalName:Pipermethysticum
ActiveConstituents:(Roots,stem,leaves)
Uses/Indications:Kava,inTahiti,meanssaltyandsharp.AsmallnativeshrubfromtheSouthSeaIslands.Hasbeenusedforfood,asmedicine
andasasignofgoodwillinthePacificIslandsforcenturies.Itdoesnotcausephysicaladdiciton.
Usedasamildsedativetorelieveanxietyandtension,stomachic,aneffectivealternativetoantianxietyprescriptiondrugs.Prolongedusecancause
rash,usedinHawaiianmedicineforvariousailmentsandtocounteractfatigue.
Toxicity:Overindulgenceofkavamayimpairdrivingability.Whenusedatlowdoseswithoutahistoryofliverdiseaseoralcoholism,itissafe.Itwill
causeserioussideeffectssimilartotheprescriptiondrugbenzodiazepines.

KHAT
BotanicalName:Cathaedulis
ActiveConstituents:(Freshleaves)

Uses/Indications:Asmalltreeorbushwithreddishstemandthick,toothyleaves.OriginisEthiopia.Usedinfolkmedicinetotreatfeverand
diarrhea.Chewingleavescausesaeuphoricfeelingsimilartoephedra.
Toxicity:Itsuppressessexualdrive.Sideeffectsarehypertensionandaddiction.

LADYSSLIPPER
BotanicalName:Cypripediumpubescan
ActiveConstituents:(Roots)
Uses/Indications:Usedasamldsedative.Rootsareusedforneuralgia.OftenmixedwithPassionFlowerandHopsasaremedyforinsomnia.
CherokeeIndiansusedarootconcoctionfordispellingwormsinchildren.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

LEMONBALM
BotanicalName:Melissaofficinalis
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)Containsessentialoilsandterpenes.
Uses/Indications:Apleasantaromaticherbaceousplant,nativeoftheMediterranean,knownbytheancientGreekwriters.Excellentforasoothing
effectandreliefoftensionheadache.Alsousedforpalpitations,forexcitabilityinhyperthyroidism,asanantibacterial,anantiviral,aspasmolytic,as
insectrepellentandforinsectbitesandmenstrualirregularities.ALemonBalmcreamisusefulforherpesmouth(lip)soresandfeverblisters.A
generalsoothingtonic,helpsincramps,asanemotionalstabilizer,forinsomnia,andasamilddiaphoretic.
Inmedievaltimes,itwasusedforvariouspurposes,fromusefortoothachetouseasanamuletandasalovecharm.Currentlyusedtoflavorfoods.
WaslistedinUSP.Spasmolytic.Useateaspoonfulofdriedleavesinacupofhotwater.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

LEMONGRASS
BotanicalName:Cymbopogonschoenanthus
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:Usefulasamilddiuretic,ageneraltonic,andformilddepression.Usedasateaandinaromatherapy.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

LICORICE
BotanicalName:Glycyrrhizaglabra
ActiveConstituents:(Roots)Mainconstituentisglycyrrhizin,whichis14%oftherootcontent.Over200differentchemicalextracts,whichhave
varyingmodesofaction.
Uses/Indications:LicoriceroothasbeenusedinIndiaforstomachandrespiratoryailmentsforthousandsofyears.Rootextractsareknownto

inhibitthegrowthofseveralvirusesinculturesofbacteriaandcandida.Effectsoflicoricearesimilartocorticosteroid.
Itisusedwidelyasasweetenerandasanadditivetosweetener.Glykys,greekforsweet,andrhiza,root,givethegenusnameGlycyrrhizasweet
root.Mostsweetscausethirstwheningested,butwithlicorice,thirstisnotsignificant.Licoricehaslongbeenusedinfoodindustriesasaflavoring
agenttoincreasetheintensityofthesweetness,evenaddinglicoricetochocolate.Reduced10%,licoriceactsasasweetenerpotentiator.Usedto
flavormeats,coughdrops,laxatives,throatlozenges,mouthwashes,pipetobaccoandchewingtobacco,orsnuff.Itismorecommoninthelow
sodium,lowcalorie,lowsugarfoodsupplementsthatareusedcommercially.Artificialsweeteners,suchassaccharin,haveabittertaste,licoriceis
usedtomaskbitterandunpleasanttastes.Mostfoodlabelsdescribeitasanaturalflavoringsubstituteandtrytohideitstrueidentity.
LicoricecandycommerciallyavailabeintheUnitedStatesisactuallyflavoredwithartificiallicoriceoranise,andimportedfromTurkeyandSpain.
Licoriceis50150timessweeterthansugar.Asthemythgoes,ancientwarriorswentwithoutdrinkingoreatingfordayswhentheyweresuppliedwith
licoriceandcheese.ModernlicoricecandyhasitsorigininEgyptianandmedievalIslamicculture.Licoricecombinedwithhoneyhasbeenused
extensivelyduringtheIslamicholymonthofRamadan.InEurope,licoricewasusedintheEnglishPontefractcakesinduringthe18thcentury.
LicoricehasahistoryfromthedaysofPharoahandwasstoredwithotherpreciousjewelsinKingTutstomb.Itwasalsowelldescribedintheancient
civilizationsofChinaandIndia.The17thcenturyherbalist,Culpeper,describedaconcoctionoflicorice,figandMaidenHairfern,asaremedyfor
cough.
Usefulforthefollowing:
Addisonsdisease
Cough
Pepticulcer,gastriculcer
Healsoralulcers
Shingles
Eczemaexternaluse
Helpfultoquitsmoking
Atopicdermatitis
Cancerprevention
Protectionforliverdisease
Toxicity:Effectsoflicoricearesimilartocorticosteroid.Sideeffectsincludelossofpotassium,elevationofbloodpressure,fluidretention,andother
corticosteroidassociatedsymptoms.Licoricesmainconstituentglycyrrhizinalterscortisolmetabolismcausinghypokalemiaandwaterretention.

MANGOSTEEN
BotanicalName:Garciniamangostana
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:ThisnativetreeofThailandhasapurplefruitthesizeofanorange.Usefulasanantiinflammatory,forallergicskinreactions,and

asanantimicrobial.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MARSHMALLOW
BotanicalName:Althaeaofficinalis
ActiveConstituents:(Roots)
Uses/Indications:Asmall,herbaceousplantgrowinginbogsandmarshes.HasbeenpopularinmedicinaluseinEuropesincethetimeof
Charlemagne.Whileithasbeenusedforrespiratoryinflammatoryconditions,presentlythewordmarshmallowhasevolvedintonothingbutasoft,
puffedupsugarconcoction.
Inoldendays,extractfromtherootsoftheplantwascookedwithsugarandeggwhiteasamedicinalagentforsorethroatandupperrespiratory
disease.Atpresent,however,foodmanufacturingcompanieshavestoppedusingtherootextract.MarshMallowisofnomedicinalvalue.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MILKTHISTLE
BotanicalName:Silybummarinum(OurLadyThistle)
ActiveConstituents:(Seeds)Theactiveextractsilymarin(flavonoids)actsasanantioxidant.Itisbotanicallyrelatedtootherthistles,thoughonly
Silybummarinumcontainssilymarin.
Uses/Indications:Thistall,common,roadsidebushwithmilkysapisanativeoftheMediterraneancountries.MoststudiesonMilkThistlearefrom
Germany.Theseedextractcontainssilymarin,whichhelpsthelivertoregenerate,andhasevenbeenfoundtohelpinmushroompoisoningandliver
toxicity.Otherusesareforhepatitis,cirrhosis,chronicliverdisease,andforitsantioxidanteffectsinprotectingagainstoxygenradicalmediated
damage.
Silymariniswaterinsolubleandonlyeffectiveasaconcentratedextract.Recommendeddoseis420mgdailyfor68weeks.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MINTS
BotanicalName:Menthasp.
ActiveConstituents:Volatileoil.PeppermintandSpearmintarethemostcommonmintplants.
Uses/Indications:Menthacontainsatleast25specieswhichhaveapeculiararomaandtaste.Usedinantiseptic,analgesicdecongestants.Hasa
mildanestheticeffect,giveacoolingeffect.HasbeenusedsinceearlyEgyptianculture.
Menthol(peppermintoil)hasbeenusedasanantispasmodicinChinasincethe16thcentury.AmorerecenteditionoftheLancet(10/14/95)described
theuseofpeppermintoilforirritablebowelsyndromeandpainfulspasms.Itisalsocurrentlybeingusedduringcolonscopiesandbariumenemasto
reducespasms.Recommendeddose:12dropsinsugar.[6]

(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)Aleafofmintinmilkpreventsitfromcurdling.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MISTLETOE
BotanicalName:Viscumalbum
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves,berries)Americanspecies(Phoradendron)istoxic.Viscotoxin,lectins.
Uses/Indications:MistletoehasbeenknownasanimportantherbsincethetimesofPliny(aRomanHistorian)whomentioneditasanantidotefor
allpoisons.
Uses:
Relaxesthenervoussystem,inChorea,andepilepsy(followingsickness)
Eatingleavesdailyguardsagainststroke
Totreatfever.
MistletoehasbeenusedinEuropeforitsanticancerproperties.Itsupposedlymodulatestheimmunesystemandhasatoxiceffectoncancercells.
ThewordmistletoeisCeltic,meaningallheal.TheEnglishwordisderivedfrommisteltan,twig.
Althoughdecreasesthesideeffectsofchemotherapy,theUSDAhasnotapproveditsusedincanceroranyotherillness.Doseis2ouncesofplantin
pintofboiledwater.Use1tablespoon,twotothreetimesaday.
RudolphSteiner,anAustrianSwissphysician,firstproposeditsuseincancerin1920.HefoundedtheAnthroposophicalSocietyinGermany.There
areatleastadozenclinicsinEuropewhichbasetheirpracticeonhumanbeingsasaunityofbody,soulandspirit(similartoholisticmedicine).There
areseveralvarietiesofmistletoe,butonlythewhiteberriesofViscumalbumareusedincancertherapy.
Thethreetypesofmistletoearepine,spruce,anddeciduoustreemistletoe.Mistletoeisaparasiticevergreenthatlivesonhosttrees(Ash,Hawthorne,
etc.).Iscadorisusedasaninjectionforthetreatmentofcancer.Mistletocontainstwotypesoftumostatics(slowingthegrowthofcancer),viscotoxin
(moreinsummer)andlectins(moreinwinter).Thesebiochemicalhaveatoxiceffectoncancercells.Iscadorisgivenalongwithcancertherapy
(chemotherapyorradiationtherapy).Itisgiven3timesaweekafter14injections,thereisaweekspause.Thereareover100speciesofmistletoe
worldwide.Somearecurrentlyusedfordifferentdiseases.
Toxicity:TheAmericanspecies(Phoradendron)istoxic.TheUSDAhasnotapproveditsusedincanceroranyotherillness.TheFDAdoesnotallow
injectablemistletoe(Iscador)tobeimportedorusedintheUnitedStatesexceptforresearch.

MUCUNA
BotanicalName:Mucunapruriens(CowItch)
ActiveConstituents:(Wholeplantismedicinal)Seedscontain15%Ldopa.
Uses/Indications:Thisannualclimbingvinegrowing30feetinlengthisapopularmedicinalplantinIndia.Darkpurpleflowershaveblackseeds1
cmlong,andSshapedpodscoveredwithstinginghair.MucunaseedscontainLdopa,animportantingredientinmedicineusedtotreatParkinsons

Disease.CalledCowhageinIndia,KawachinHindi,andatmaguptainSanskrit(naikurna).TheancientIndiansystemofAyurvedicmedicine
prescribeditforthefollowinguses:
Diuretic
Intestinalworms
Stimulant
Aphrodisiac
Laxative
Diabetes
InSouthAmerica,usedasacoffeesubstitute,calledNescafe.IthasbeenusedasanantivenomforthecommonpoisonoussnakeEchiscarinatus,
whosebitecausesseverebleedingandhemorrhaging.Mucunainducescoagulation,thusstoppinghemorrhaging.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MYRRH
BotanicalName:Balsamadendronmyrrh
ActiveConstituents:(Resin)
Uses/Indications:ThissmallshrubisnativetocountriesaroundtheRedSeaandhasalonglegendaryhistory.Resin,thusobtained,hasgreat
commercialvalue.ItsincensewasusedasaholyoilandbyEgyptiansinembalming.Otheruses:
Antiseptic,asamouthwashandforulcers
Astringentforgumdisease
Chronicdiarrhea
Diseaseofprolongedcataracts
HasbeenusedasaplasterwithcamphorandhasbeenusedasincensecombinedwithBalmofGilead,FrankincenseandCinnamon.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

NETTLE
BotanicalName:Urticadioica(StingingNettle)
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)Formicacidandserotonincauseastingingsensationwhichislostwhencookedordried.
Uses/Indications:A35fttall,bushyplantwithtinypricklesonbranches.Hasbeenusedinfolkremediesasanastringentanddiureticandfor
variousconditionsandailmentssuchasaasthma,prostateconditions,andforrheumaticandmusculoskeletalcomplaints.Itisaneffectiveremedyfor
hayfever.
Toxicity:Causesastingingeffect,whichislostwhencookedordried.

OLIVEOIL

BotanicalName:Oleaeuropa
ActiveConstituents:Oilexpressedfromripefruit.
Uses/Indications:Theolivebranchisasymbolofpeace.OliveoilholdsanimportantplaceinMediterraneancivilization.AccordingtotheGreek
mythology,oliveoilwasagifttoAthensfromthegoddessAthena.Homercalleditliquidgold.Hippocratesdescribeditasofgreattherapeuticvalue.It
wasamajorsourceofcommercialpowerfortheGreeksinancienttimes.
OliveoilcontainsasignificantamountoffatintheMediterraneandiet,MUFA,amonosaturatedacid,lowersLDLandhelpsbenefitlevelsofHDL.Ithas
anticancerouspropertiesandthereisadecreasedriskofbreastcancerinSpain,GreeceandItaly.Oliveoilhasantioxidantproperties.
Oliveoilisusedinlinimentsandointments,andalsoinskinandhaircareproducts,suchascombinedwithrosemaryoilfordandruff.Itisantiseptic,
astingent,acholagogue(helpsinthesecretionofbile),afebrifuge(useconcoctionofleaves),andalaxative.Usedexternallyforburns,insectbites
andpruritus.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

PARSLEY
BotanicalName:Petroselinumcrispum,Petroseliniumsativum
ActiveConstituents:(Wholeplant)Containsflavonoids,essentialoils,myristicin,andeugenol.
Uses/Indications:Aromatic,diureticherb,usedforflavoringfood.Goodformenstrualcomplaintsandrheumatism.Highchlorophyllcontentisgood
fordragonbreath.Usefulasamildlaxative,antimicrobial,topreventgallstones,forchestcolds,andtotreatmildurinarytractinfections.
Toxicity:Donotuseifpregnant.

PATCHOULILEAF
BotanicalName:Pogostemonpatchouli
ActiveConstituents:Oilextractofleaves.Belongstomintfamily.
Uses/Indications:NativeofSylhet,Bangladesh.Oilextracthasbeenusedasanantisepticandforthepreventionofsyphilisforcenturies.Used
extensivelyinthecosmeticindustry.
Toxicity:Noneknown.
PAWPAW
BotanicalName:Asminiatriloba
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,fruit)
Uses/Indications:Barkismedicinal,fruitisanedibleberry.Barkisusefulforpossibleanticancereffects(researchisongoing),andasapesticide.
Toxicity:Researchisongoing.

PENNYROYAL
BotanicalName:Hedeomapulegioides
ActiveConstituents:Volatileessentialoilcontainspulegone.TwotypesareHedeomapulegioides,AmericanPennyroyal,andMenthapulegium,Old
WorldPennyroyal.
Uses/Indications:Asmallplantwithyellowrootsandblueflowers.NativeAmericansuseditforrheumatismandformuscles(rubbedontheskin).
Usesfornosebleeds.Hasbeenusedasaanemmenagogue,abortifacient,stimulantandcarminative.Usedasaninsectrepellantandisespecially
effectiveagainstchiggerbites.
Toxicity:Ingestioncancauseseriousliverdamage.

PEPPERBARKTREE
BotanicalName:Warburgiasalutaris(alsocalledMuranga)
ActiveConstituents:
Uses/Indications:ThisslenderevergreentreeeisanativeofSouthAfrica.Ithasgreenishwhiteflowers.Leavesandbarkhaveapepperytaste
leaveshaveabitterburningtaste.Usefulforchestcomplaints,asanexpectorant,forrheumatism,headache,toothache,andforitsantimalarialand
antimicrobialproperties.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

PEPPERMINT
BotanicalName:Menthapiperita
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves,flowers)
Uses/Indications:Aperennialherb,leavesonstalk,sessileincaseofspearmint,hasapeculiararoma.Usedsinceancienttimes.Widelyusedasa
carminativeandasatreatmentofflatulency.UsefulforIrritableBowelSyndrome,thecommoncold,indigestions,bloating,allergicskindisorders,
insectbites,musclespasms,andasalocalapplicationforHerpessores.Teamadefromdriedleaves(1tspdriedleavespercup)13timesaday.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

POMEGRANATE
BotanicalName:Punicagranatum
ActiveConstituents:(Fruitrind,barkroot)Tannins(30%ofthefruitrind)
Uses/Indications:Thissmalltreehasbeenusedforover4,000years,andisapopularfruitandmedicineintheEast.Hasbeenapopularremedy
forintestinalparasitesandtapewormssinceearlyEgyptianwritings.Useasanastringentfordiarrhea,excessiveperspirationandsorethroat.Has
antiviralactivity,especiallyinupperrespiratoryviruses.
Pomegranatejuiceisthemosteffectivetreatmentofdiarrheaandfoodpoisoning.Take2ounceseveryhourforatotalof812ounces.
AnticancerprophylaxisforBreastCancer

Antioxidant,antihypertension.
Extractcombinedwithothernaturalremediesisusefulforhotflashes.
Antiacne
Antimicrobial
Toxicity:Noneknown.

PRICKLEYPEAR(Cactus)
BotanicalName:Opuntiaspp.
ActiveConstituents:(Fleshypod,juice)
Uses/Indications:Thefleshypods,callednopales,aremedicinalandusefulfordiabeticsinloweringbloodsugar.Doseis1tablespoonthreetimes
aday.Usefulforloweringcholesterolandasalocaltreatmentofwounds,burnsandearache.Flowersmaybeusefulindiseasesofprostate
inflammation.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

PSYLLIUM
BotanicalName:Plantagopsyllium(anothercommonplantspeciesisOvataindica.
ActiveConstituents:(Seeds)
Uses/Indications:PsylliumhasbeenextensivelyusedinAyurvedicmedicine,whereitismixedwithbuttermilkfordiarrhea,whenmixedwithwam
wateritisusedforconstipation.Itisalsousedincolitis.Itisaveryhighsourceofdietaryfibers,reducesbloodcholesterolandglucose.Anexcellent
preventativemedicineforheartdisease.HasabeneficialeffectonraisingHDLcholesterol.
Toxicity:Onrareoccasions,causesallergicrhinitis.

PUMPKINSEEDS
BotanicalName:Curcurbitapepo
ActiveConstituents:(Seeds,oil)Richsourceofzinc.
Uses/Indications:Usefulforprostateenlargement,intestinalparasites(tapeworms),andasamilddiuretic.Oftencombinedwithotherherbssuch
asPygeumandSawPalmetto.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

PYGEUM
OtherNames:AfricanPlumIluoandUla(Cameroon)andUmdumezulu(SouthAfrica)
BotanicalName:Prunusafricana(Hookf.)Kalkman(AfricanPlum)
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,BarkExtract)Betasitoserol.

Uses/Indications:Barkextractsarethemaintherapyforbenignenlargementoftheprostate(BPH).ForBPHitisoftencombinedwithPumpkin
Seeds,SawPalmetto,andLycopene.TeamadefromthisAfricanevergreentreeisusedforenlargedprostate,urinaryincontinence,andurinarytract
infections.ItsmainuseisinEuropeforenlargedprostates,usedin100mgdosesin6weekcycles.Itisoftenmixedwithnettleleafextract.Its
medicalactivityisduetobetasitosterol,whichisalsopresentinSawPalmettoandCurcurbitapepo(Zucchini).
Toxicity:Noneknown.

RHUBARB
BotanicalName:Rheumpalmatum
ActiveConstituents:Rootsareusedasmedicine,leavesarepoisonous.(Ediblerhubarb,R.rhabbarum,isacultivatedspeciesanditsrootshaveno
medicinalvalue.)Containschrysophanol,emodin,rheinandtannins.Containsthesameanthraquinonesascascara.
Uses/Indications:RhubarbwasunknownintheWestuntilthe18thcenturywhenitquicklybecameoneofthemostwidelyusedchineseherbsin
Europe.Usedforconstipationandmenstrualdisorders.Rhubarbhasunusualmedicinalqualitiesandactsasbothacathartic(laxative)and
astringent(controlofdiarrhea).Haswellbalancedoppositeactions,andisconsideredoneofthesafestlaxativesforpediatricuse.Whenboiled,
rhubarbrootsareleftwithanastringenteffectandcanbeusedasagoodmedicinalremedyfordiarrhea(becauseofitstannincontent).Doseis12
gmofpowderedroot,usedasabloodcleanser.
Toxicity:Leavesarepoisonous.

ROSEMARY
BotanicalName:Rosemarinusofficinalis
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves,oil)Essentialoilcontainsborneal,camphor.
Uses/Indications:Thisaromaticherbisasymbolofloyalty,traditionallycarriedbymournersandbridesatweddings.Usedtotreatnervous
exhaustion,digestivedisorders.Excessiveusecancauseabortion.Crushedleaveswereusedtowrapmeats,actingasapreservative.Oilof
rosemaryisastrongantioxidant,preventingtheoxidationoffatandavoidingsubsequentdamagetotheorgan.Usefulforheadachesandstomache
pain.Propertiesinclude:analgesicactivity,musclestimulant,antibacterialantioxidantandincreasesbileflow.Inhibitstumorgrowth.Preventsfood
poisoning.
Toxicity:Excessiveusecancauseabortion.

SASSAFRAS
BotanicalName:Sassafrasalbidum
ActiveConstituents:Rootbark,whichcontainsthevolatileoil,safrole.
Uses/Indications:OneofthefirstbotanicalherbssentfromEuropetotheNewWorld.Hasbeenusedinthefoodindustrytothickensoups,aswell
asintheperfumeindustry.Inthepast,woodshavingswereusedtoflavorrootbeer.Usefulinmenstrualpainandrheumatism.InAppalachia,ithas
beenapopularteadrinkforalongtime.
Toxicity:Safroleiscarcinogenicandincreaseshepatictoxicity.

SAWPALMETTO
BotanicalName:Serenaorepens
ActiveConstituents:(Berries)Fattyacidsandsterols.
Uses/Indications:ThissmallpalmtreewithcreamywhiteflowersanddarkblueberriesisthemostcommonpalmintheUnitedStateswhereitis
commonlygrowninthesoutheast.MostresearchhasbeendoneinGermany.Berriesareusedasanexpectorantandtonic.
Itactsbyinhibitingandrogenmetabolism.Recommendeddoseis160mg,twicedaily,ofastandardizedextract.Currentlybeingusedtotreat
PolycysticOvarianDisease(POD)andhirsutisminwomen.Berryextractisknowntodecreasethesizeofenlargedprostatesinbenignprostatic
hypertrophy(BPH),giveamarkedimprovementinsymptoms.Itwaswidelyusedasanexpectorantandmilddiureticinthelate19thcenturyandfor
thetreatmentofmilkcystitis.Hasbeenusedinfolkmedicineforheadcoldsandasanaphrodisiac.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SENNA
BotanicalName:Cassiaangustifolia(IndianSenna)C.acutifolia(AlexandrianSenna)
ActiveConstituents:Anthraquinones
Uses/Indications:SennaisanArabicname.IthasbeenusedinUnanimedicinesincethemiddleages.ItwaspassedontoEuropeduringthe
crusades.Hasremainedpopularbecauseasalaxative,itisrelativelylessharshonbowels.Oneofthemosteffectivelaxativesknown,itproducesa
formalstool,andnotdiarrhea,asiscausedbyvariousprescriptiondrugsandmineralsodas.Oftenusedinslimmingconcoctions.Ifusedsensiblyand
nothabitually,itisoneofthesafestlaxatives.
Toxicity:Becauseofitssideeffects,useshouldbelimitedto12timesperweek,andnotdaily.

SELFHEAL
BotanicalName:Prunellavulgaris
ActiveConstituents:(Wholeplant)Containscamphorandbetulimicacid.
Uses/Indications:Whiteorlilacflowersusedinearlychinesemateriamedica.Edible,usedinsalads.Usedasanastringent,tolowerfever,asan
antiseptic,asamilddiureticandasanantispasmodic.AclassicIrishherb(calledHeartsEase),usesinclude:
Stopsbleeding(CarpentersHerb)
Respiratorycomplaints,chestcongestion
Eczema
Coldsores(possiblyaneffectiveremedyforherpexskinlesions.
Usedasahotwaterconcontion,externally.
Dose:useasatea,oneounceofdriedleavesandflowers,boiledinonepintofwater,take2tablespoonfuls,threetimesaday.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SHEPHERDSPURSE
BotanicalName:Capsellabursapastoris
ActiveConstituents:Hightannincontent.
Uses/Indications:Hasastrongastringentactionwhichhelpsstopbleeding.Usefulfordiarrheaandforcontrolofexcessivemenstrualperiods.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SHITAKEMUSHROOM
BotanicalName:Lentinusedodes
ActiveConstituents:Lentinan
Uses/Indications:StimulatestheproductionofnaturalkillerTcellsandlymphocytes,andisanticarcinogenic.Havebeenusedforcenturiesin
Japanforantiagingeffectsandtoenhancetheimmunesystem.Reducescholesterolandbloodpressure,isantioxidant.Mushroomsarealsogood
sourcesforzinc.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SIBERIANGINSENG
BotanicalName:Eleuthrococcussenticosus
ActiveConstituents:(Rootbark)
Uses/Indications:Haswoodyroots,muchlongerthanP.ginseng.RootbarkhasbeenusedinChinaforalongtime.Russianstudiesintheearly
1960sshowedittobeanadaptogen,andsomeoftheoutstandingperformancesoftheSovietathleteshavebeenattributedtothisdrug.Dose:1gm
powderedrootfor3months.Usedasasubstituteforginseng.Itisacommoningredientindietpills.
Toxicity:Itshouldbeavoidedinpatientswithhighbloodpressure.

SKULLCAP/(BaicalSkullcap)
BotanicalName:ScutellarialaterifoliaAmericanSkullcap
ActiveConstituents:(Root)Flavonoids.Wogoninandbaicalin,aflavone.
Uses/Indications:
AmericanSkullcap
ThisNativeAmericanherbisasmallherbaceousplantwithvioletbluelavenderflowers.Thecalyxatthebaseoftheflowerhasadistinctivehelmet
shape.Teainfusionisusefulasasedativeandforitsantispasmodiceffect.Usefulsedativeforsleepdisordersandnerveandanxietyconditions.

Usefulasanantiinflammatoryandtopromotemenses.Doseis2tablespoonfulsofteainfusion,onetotwotimesadayorasneeded.TheCherokee
tribeusedSkullcaptomaintainhealthymenstrualcycles.UsedinEuropetotreatepilepsy.
Note:thegenusScutellariahasover300speciesandderivesitsnamefromscutella(meaningalittledishorplatter)forthelidofthefruitingcalyx.
ChineseSkullcap(BaicalSkullcap)
ScutellariabaicalensisGeorgi(Chinese:HuangQin)
ThisnativeofChinaisoneofthemostcommonChinesemedicinalherbs.Thecalyxatthebaseoftheblueflowerhasadistinctivehelmetshape.Itis
asmallherbaceousplantofthemintfamilyandoneofthemostimportantchineseherbalplantsknownoverthelasttwothousandyears.Itcontains
thebioactiveingredientwogonininsmallamountsandbaicalin,aflavone.SeveraldifferentSkullcapspeciesareusedfortheirmedicinalpropertiesin
China,India,KoreaandJapan.ItispartofseveralformulasintheJapanesetraditionalmedicine,Kampo.
Usefulasanantiinflammatory,toimprovethesymptomsofhepatitis,forupperrespiratorytractinfections,asanantioxidant,asanantiallergic
bronchodilator.Usefulforfevers,chestcolds,hypertension,insomnia,dysentery,asanantipyretic,mildsedative,antiallergic,antispasmodic,
astringent,milddiuretic,fordiarrhea,hepatitisandtolowerbloodpressure.Rootisusedtotreatcolitis.UsedincombinationwithAcaciaCatechu
(Betelnut)itisaneffectivetherapyforarthritis.Doseis615grams.OftencombinedwithCoptisandPhellodendronforchestcolds.
Toxicity:Skullcapincreasesmenstrualflowsoitshouldnotbegiventowomeninpregnancy,itmayinducemiscarriage.

SLIPPERYELM
BotanicalName:Ulmusfulva
ActiveConstituents:(Rootbark)
Uses/Indications:Thistreereaches5060ftinheightandisgrownallovertheUnitedStates,especiallyinthenortheast.Flowersappearbefore
leavesfloweringinApril.Useforsorethroat,actsasastoolsoftener,increasesamountofmucusproduction,mayalsobeusefulinxerostomia.Has
beensurreptitiouslyusedinabortion.Barkshouldbecut15in.topreventuseasanabortiveagent.Usedasademulcentandemolient,andis
usefulingastritis.NativeAmericansusedbarktopreservefat.Wasagoodsourceoffoodduringhardtimes.Useofwarminfusionisgoodforthroat
irritation.ItisacommoningredientinOTCthroatlozenges.
Toxicity:Cancauseabortion.

SPEARMINT
BotanicalName:Menthaspicata
ActiveConstituents:Volatileoilinthefloweringtopsandleavescontainscarvone.M.spicata,leavesaresessile.Peppermint,M.piperita,leaves
arepedicle(stalk).
Uses/Indications:Hasastrongaromaticodor.CalledSpearmintbecauseofitspearshapedleaves.Usedasaflavoringagentintoothpaste,useful

inhiccups,usedincoughsyrupsandisacarminative.Mintsareusedinoralhygiene,coldremedies,toiletries,perfume,cigarettes,icecream,drinks,
andcremedementhe.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ST.JOHNSWORT
BotanicalName:Hypericumperforatum
ActiveConstituents:Hypericum(hasaweakMAOlikeaction)
Uses/Indications:ApopularmoodboosterinGermany,whereitisprescribed8timesmorethanProzac,ithasrecentlygrowninpopularityinthe
UnitedStates.Itisinexpensive,haslimitedsideeffects,andnoundesireableeffectonlibido.Namedafterthemedievaltraditionofgatheringherbson
St.JohnsDay(June24),itwasusedasamagicalshieldagainstevilspirits.Extractsofhypericumaremoreeffectivethanplacebosformoderateto
severedepressivedisorders.Itisindicatedformildtomoderatedepression.
Itinhibitsretroviruses,decreasinghealingtimeforburnandskintraumas.Accordingtothedoctrineofsignature,thefluorescentredpigmentexuded
bytheplantissimilartobloodandforthatreasonisusedasaremedyforwoundsandscratches.
Popularinmedievaltimestowardoffevilspiritsanddrivethedeviloutofpeople.Wasalsoadefenseagainstwitchcraft,whereitsusefulnesswas
obviouslynotedincasesofinsanityandhypochondriacs.
Toxicity:Theoretically,delayedphotosensitivitycanoccur,thoughattherecommendeddoseitisnotreported.Avoidexposuretobrightsunlight,
becauseitactslikeaweakMAOinhibitor.Avoidbeer,wineandcheese.St.JohnsWortsolutioncanstainclothesandskin.

SWEETWORMWOOD
BotanicalName:Artemisiaannua(Chinese:Qinghao)
ActiveConstituents:Artemisinin.
Uses/Indications:SweetWormwoodisanannualherb,4to6fttallwithfeatheryleaves.Wholeplantisveryfragrant.Usefulforitsantibioticand
antimalarialpropertiesandforfever.ArtemisininisapotentantimalarialcompoundandArtemisiniahasemergedasoneofthemostimportantanti
malarialmedicinesonthemarket.Possiblyhasananticancereffectandmaybeusefulinlupus.Tinctureofdryherbisused.Authorsarecurrently
studyingpossiblebenefitsinarthritisandlupuscases.
Note:SweetWormwoodhasadistinctmedicinalprofileandisnottobeconfusedwithWormwood.
Toxicity:Restrictedduringpregnancy.

SUTHERLANDIA(CancerBush)
BotanicalName:Sutherlandiafrutescens

ActiveConstituents:ContainstheneurotransmitterGABA
Uses/Indications:ThisperennialherbwithbrightredflowersisrestrictedtoSouthAfrica,andbelievedtobepartofthepeafamily.Usedasan
antiviralforfeverandtosoothwounds.Usefulforbackache.GABArelievesanxiety.Usefulindiabetes,isdocumentedintheuseofcancerandAIDS.
Itenhancestheimmunesystem,similartoAstragalus.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

TANSY
BotanicalName:Tanacetumvulgare
ActiveConstituents:(Entireplant,propertiesaresimilartoWormwood)
Uses/Indications:AcommoncottageplantoftheBritishIsles,itisamemberofthedaisyfamily,popularinEasternrituals,usedaftertheLentfast.
Usefulinmigraineheadachesandinsomnia.Teamadewithflowerswasusedtobringonmenstrualcycleand,perhaps,abortion.Usedforinsect
bites,asanantiinflammatorymedicine,andtotreatintestinalworms.Forgout,leafconcoctionismadeandtheaffectedjointisbathedinit.
OneoftheT.coccineum(Redpyrethrum),whosedriedflowerretainsitsinsecticidepropertiesindefinitely.
Toxicity:Caution,containsthetoxicvolatileoilthujone.Notrecommendedbytheauthors.

TEATREE
BotanicalName:Melaleucaalternifolia
ActiveConstituents:
Uses/Indications:ItisanativetreeofSouthWalesAustralia.Theessentialoilhasacamphorturpentinelikesmell.Usefulforantibacterialeffects,
asanantifungalagainstcandidainfections,foracne,insectbites,superficialskininfections,wounds,bedsores,MRSA(Staphyllococcus),fordiseases
ofthegumsandinfectionsofthegums.
Toxicity:Recommendedforexternaluseonly.

TONGKATALI(AlisWalkingStick)
BotanicalName:Eurycomalongifolia(Jack)(Indonesia:PasakBumi)
ActiveConstituents:(Rootbark)
Uses/Indications:ThistraditionalmedicinalshrubtreeisanativeofMalaya,Indonesia.Abitterplantwithcompoundleaves,itsfruitisasmallovoid
nut.IthasbeenatthecenterofJamuherbalremediesforhealthandbeauty.Jamuistheancientmethodofmedicinalpreparationsfrommixturesof
herbs.E.longifoliaislikeginsengandhasalonghistoryofuseasanaphrodisiac.Itincreasesserumtestosteronelevels.Itisalsousedtotreat
anxietyandtoreduceaggressivebehavior.
Rootbarkisusedforfever,indigestion,swelling,forhealingwoundsandulcersandasanaphrodisiac.Usefulforsorethroat,asanantimicrobial,asan

anantihistamine,antipyretic(antimalarial),tonictoincreasemusclemass,forhighbloodpressure,forbleedinggums,foranticancereffects,andto
relieveanxiety(actsasamildValium).Itisusedtotreaterectiledysfunctionandincreasemalehormones.Usefulforhypertension,fatigue,and
arthritis.Doseis100mgdailyoftheextract.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

UZARA
BotanicalName:Xysmalobiumundulatum(Ishongwe,inZulu)
ActiveConstituents:
Uses/Indications:Aperennialherb,about1meterhigh,growingonthesavannahgrasslandsofSouthernAfrica.Hasleatheryleaves,bittertasting
root.Usefulforantidiarrheaeffect,forheadaches,sinusitis,stomachcramps,andcough.
Toxicity:Shouldnotbegiventopatientswithheartconditionsduetointerferencewiththeirmedications.Hasaneffectsimilartodigitalis.

VALERIAN
BotanicalName:Valerianofficinalis
ActiveConstituents:(Root)
Uses/Indications:NativetoWesternAsiaandEurope,thislargeherbaceousplanthasanunpleasantaromaintheroot.Itsnameisderivedfrom
theLatinvalere,meaningtobewellorhealthy.Easilygrowningardens.Catsareattractedtotheseplants.
Sinceancienttimes,ithasbeenusedfornervoussystemdisorders.Therootextractisalsousedtoflavoricecream,softdrinksandatonetime,was
usedintheperfumeindusty.UsedsincethetimeofHippocrates(4thcenturybc),itregainedpopularityinthe10thcentury.
ValeriantincturewasusedforshellshockduringWorldWarI(posttraumaticstresssyndrome).Doseis20dropsoftincture,twotothreetimesaday.
Inthe19thcentury,usewaswidespreadforquiet,nervousfemales,torelievenervousnessandinsomnia.
IthasasedativeeffectsimilartotheprescriptiondrugAtivan,andisrelativelysafecomparedtothesideeffectsofcommonprescriptiontranquilizers.
Valerianrootssmelllikeoldsocksorleather.ThePiedPiperofHamelinwassaidtocarryit.Usedasatonicandbodycleanser,itisapoormans
remedyforchestcolds,colic,illtemper,andcutsandwounds.Doseisintheformoftea,2teaspoonfuls,twotothreetimesperday.
Toxicity:CautioninteractswithalcoholandOTCantihistamines.

WATERMELON
BotanicalName:Citrulluslanatus
ActiveConstituents:(Seeds,pulp)
Uses/Indications:Watermelonseedshavemedicinalpropertiessimilartopumpkinseeds,thoughthewatermelonseedshaveahardexternalcoat.
TheyarebarelymentionedinWesternliterature,andtheirvaluehasremainedundefined.
Intheauthorsexperience,watermelonjuicehasamilddiureticaction.Effectiveforhypertension,withouttheundesirablesideeffectsofother

diuretics.Doesnotcausethirst,asseeninotherdiuretics.Containspotassiumwhichisbeneficialforhypertensivepatients.Dose:4ouncesofjuice,
onetotwotimesaday,willtreatanyborderlinehypertension.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

WILDYAM
BotanicalName:Dioscoravillosa
ActiveConstituents:Fleshyrootscalledtuberscontainsdiosgenin,asteroidlikecompound.(Nottobeconfusedwiththeyamsweetpotato,
Ipomoeabatatas.)
Uses/Indications:Perennialclimber,commonindeepwoods.Usefulinspasmodicdisordersofbowelsanduterus.Hasbeenusedinthepastasa
principalstartermaterialforthemanufactureofcontraceptivepillsandotherhormones,suchasprogesterone.Itimprovesmenopausalsymptomsand
dysmenorrhea.Usedduringearlycolonialtimesforbiliary,colic,rheumatism,CrohnsDiseaseandformorningsicknessduringpregnancy.Usedasa
milddiaphoretic,antiinflammatoryandforosteoarthritis,pelvicpain,asthma,menstrualcrampsandmusclespasms.
WildYamitselfhasnoprovenhormonalactionandnohormonerelateddisordersareknowntobetreatablewiththisplantalone.Itsactive
compound,diosgenin,isconvertedinthelaboratorytomakeprogesterone.Itisnotconvertedinthehumanbody.Doseis2teaspoonsofdriedrootin
hotwater.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

WINTERGREEN
BotanicalName:Gautheriaprocumbens(TeaBerry)
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves,fruit)
Uses/Indications:Asmallherbaceiouscreepingplant,withbroadleaves,redberriesandsolitarywhiteflowers.Hasacharacteristic,aromatic
fragrance.Flowersgrowbelowtheleaves(comparedtoPipsissewa,whereflowersgrowseveralincheshigheronthestalkthantheleaves).
Oilofwintergreenhasbeenusedforexternalapplicationforbodyachesandpain.Asourceofmethylsalicylates,whichisthemainconstituentof
wintergreenoil.Amilddiuretic.Combinedwithbeeswaxandessentialoils,itisaneffectiveremedyforskininflammationfrompoisonivyorinsect
bites.Teamadefromleavesisgoodforbodyaches,flatulenceandcolic.Mixedwithmineraloralmondoil,itisaneffectivetreatmentoffibrositis,
myalgias,neuralgia,andsciatica.Leavescanbecollectedandteadriedtomakeaconcoction.
Toxicity:Oilofwintergreenistoxiciftakeninternally.

WITCHHAZEL
BotanicalName:Hamamelisvirginiana
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,leaves)Containsasmallquantitiesofsafrole.
Uses/Indications:Asmalltree,1015ft,floweringinthefall.Ithasbeenusedasaningredientinskinointments,asacosmeticbase(antiwrinkle),
ineyedrops,forsorethroat,andformuscularandbodyaches.

Leavesareusedforliquidextractsaswellastwigs.EarlycolonialsettlersandMohawkIndiansusedthisforbruisesandcuts,asamildastringentto
checkbleeding.ItisnowavailableinOTCfirstaidmedicines.
Toxicity:Onlyrecommendedforexternaluse.

WORMSEED
BotanicalName:Chenopodiumambrosioides(also,JesuitTea)
ActiveConstituents:(Seeds)Containstheessentialoilascaridol.
Uses/Indications:Aperennial,13fthighweed,usedtotreatintestinalworms.Themainuseisasanantihelmintic.Doseis48dropsofoilin
sugar.Rarelyusedtoday,duetoitstoxiceffectsandbecauseitcancauseabortion.
Toxicity:Hastoxiceffects,cancauseabortion.

WORMWOOD
BotanicalName:Artemisiaabsinthium(also,Absinthe)
ActiveConstituents:(Tops,leaves)Containsthujone
Uses/Indications:Aperennialplant,withastrongaromaticfragrance.Applyexternallyforsprains.Anthelmintictonicandbittertonicfordigestive
disorders.Usedinskindisorders,antimicrobial.
Note:WormwoodhasadistinctmedicinalprofileandisnottobeconfusedwithSweetWormwood.
Toxicity:Highlytoxicathighdoses.Cancauseseizures.Bannedasanadditivetoalcoholicdrinks.

YELLOWDOCK
BotanicalName:Rumexcrispus
ActiveConstituents:Containslaxativeanthraquinones,emodinandchrysophanol.Oxalates.
Uses/Indications:Smallleafyplantusedinherbalremediesandinsalads.Usedinfolkmedicineasabloodpurifier.Usedasalaxative,diuretic,
andforskindisorderssuchaspsoriasisandeczema.Forbodycleanser:decoctionmadeof1/3teaspoonin4ouncesofhotwater.

Therearelargequantitiesofoxalatesusedasapotherbthatareunpalatablefortodaysstomachs.
Toxicity:Excessiveusemaycauseurinarysymptoms,nausea,anddiarrhea,similartooxalatesinrhubarbandspinach.

YOHIMBE

BotanicalName:Pausinystaliajohimbe
ActiveConstituents:(Bark)Yohimbineactsasanalphadrenergicblocker.
Uses/Indications:AWestAfricantreebarkthatcontainstheactivecompoundyohimbine,whichimprovesimpotence,stimulatingbloodflow.
Effectiveinurinaryincontinance.Doseisteaspoonfulofcrushedbarkinacupofhotwater.Theeffectivedoseis10mg.
Toxicity:Sideeffectsfromhigherdosesincludehypertensivecrisis,palpitations,psychosisandseverepanicattacks.

HERBSFROMTHEAMAZON
ABUTA
BotanicalName:Abutagrandifolia(Mart.)Sandwith(alsocalledMoteloSanango)
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:Asmallbushabout4feethigh,hasadistinctive3veinedleaf.Fruitisaboutoneinchlongwithafleshycoating.Usedby
indigenoustribesinSouthAmericaasanaphrodisiac,andfortoothache,fever,andrheumatism.Oftenusedwithotherpotentarrowpoisonsfor
hunting.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ANGELSTRUMPET
BotanicalName:Brugmansiasuaveolens(H&B)Berchtold
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:Alargeshrub,withlongheartshapedleaves.Whiteandpinkflowersarelarge,funnelshaped.Usedasanarcotictorelieve
pain,tensionandanxiety.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

AVOCADO
BotanicalName:Perseaamericana(AlligatorPear)
ActiveConstituents:Minerals,vitamins
Uses/Indications:Amediumsizedtreewithdarkgreenpearshapedfruit.Usedasacontraceptive,forliverdiseaseandasanaphrodisiac.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BOLDO
BotanicalName:PeumusboldusMol.,alsocalledBoldeaboldus(Mol.)Looser.
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)Containsascaridol.
Uses/Indications:AnativetreeofChile.Leavesaresimilartobayleaves,camphorlikesmell.ThispopularSouthAmericanherbisusedasa

generaltonicandhasthefollowinguses:
Gallbladderandliverdisease
Digestivedisorders
Genitourinaryinfections
Urinarytractinfections
Gout
Diuretic
Sedative
Antiparasitic
Strongantioxidant
Protectsliver
Antiinflammatory(colitis)
Antidiabetic
Antiatherogenic
Antitumor
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BREADFRUIT
BotanicalName:Artocarpusaltilis(Park.)Fosb.
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:Large,distinct,fingerlikeleaves.Fruitroundwithspinyappearance.IndigenoustothePhilippinesandSoutheastAsia.Usedfor
rheumatism,gout,burns,diabetes,asthmaandbronchitis.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CACAO
BotanicalName:Theobromacacao(ChocolateTree)
ActiveConstituents:(Seeds,leaves)Catechinsandpolyphenols.
Uses/Indications:Asmallevergreentreefoundthroughoutthetropics,fromAmazonforeststothePhilippines.Leavesarelargeandleathery,fruit
isalarge,thickskinnedcapsulewithedibleseeds.Seedsareusedtomakechocolatepowderandcocoa.Theobromameansfoodofthegods.It
increasesserotonin,afeelgoodhormonetransmitterinthebrain,andisusefulindepression.Hasahighmagnesiumcontent.Usefulasan
antioxidantinthepreventionofheartdisease.Leavesareusedasadiureticandahearttonic.

Toxicity:Noneknown.

CAMUCAMU
BotanicalName:Myrciariadubia
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit)HighsourceofnaturalvitaminCandvariousaminoacids.
Uses/Indications:AlowgrowingbushfromPeruandtheAmazonforests.Medicinalfruitisthesizeofagrapewithpurpleskinandyellowpulp.
Usedforviralinfectionssuchasshingles,viralconditions,highbloodpressure,andcolds.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CATSCLAW
OtherNames:UnodeGato(Peru)
BotanicalName:UncariaguiamensisandUncariatomentosa(Willd.exRoem&Shult)DC
ActiveConstituents:(LeavesandStemBark)Containsseveralalkaloids(oxindole)andquinicacidesters.
Uses/Indications:NativetotheCentralandSouthAmericanrainforests.Aclimbing,woodyvinereaching100120ftinlength,withsimpleleaves.A
pairofcurvedspinesonbranchesgivesitscharacteristicname(una=claw,gato=cat).
Medicinalusewasoriginallypromotedin1920byaGermannaturalist.Teamadefromtheleaveshasthefollowinguses:
Cancer
Rheumatism
Antiinflammatory
Antiviral
Immunestimulant
Contraceptive
Asthma
Diarrhea
Woundcare
Arthritis(currentlyusedforarthritis,althoughtheauthorshavenotseensignificantresults)
AIDS
Menstrualdisorders
Improvesmemory
Improvesbloodconditions
Improvesrecoveryofwhitebloodcellsafterchemotherapy
Antiaging

ItinhibitstheNuclearFactorKappabeta(whichisinvolvedininflammationandcancer).ItdecreasesprostaglandinE2(decreasingsymptomsof
arthritis).RoleinCancer:enhancesimmuneresponseinseveralcancersincludingbreastcancer.Therearetwospecies.U.guiamensisisusedfor
healingwounds.
Toxicity:Asideeffectisdiarrhea.Nottobeusedinlupusormultiplesclerosis(MS)orduringpregnancy.

CATAUBA
BotanicalName:Erthroxylumcatauba
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,root)Severaldifferentspeciesarecalledcatauba.ThepreferredonesarebothfromBrazil,E.cataubaandTrichilia
catigua.
Uses/Indications:AsmallAmazontreewithyellowandorangeflowers.Usefulasanaphrodisiac,helpfulforinsomnia,anxietydisorders,dementia
andasageneraltonicwhichincreasescirculation.Useaninfusion,12cupsaday.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHINESETHISTLEDAISY
BotanicalName:Atractylodesalba
ActiveConstituents:Rootcontainsatractylon.
Uses/Indications:Usedtostimulateappetite,asadiuretic,forfever,chills,andformorningsickness.Doseis35grams.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

DRAGONSBLOOD
BotanicalName:Crotonlechleri(SangredeDrago)
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,resin)
Uses/Indications:SapfromthebarkofthisSouthAmericanplantactsasanaturalocclusivelayerofskinwithantimicrobialactivity.Usefulfor
woundcare,respiratoryviralinfections,andfortopicalusewithherpesandotherviralinfections.Relievesitching.Doseis1015dropsinternaluse.
Forexternaluse,applytwicedaily.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

FRANGIPANI
BotanicalName:Plumeriaalba
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,leaves,flowers)
Uses/Indications:Asmalltreewithleavesclusteredattopofbranches.Fragrantwhiteandyellowflowers.Usedforrheumatismandarthritis,
cancer,diarrhea.Itisantifungalandantibacterial.Formusclespasm,mixlatexsapincoconutoil.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GRAVIOLA
BotanicalName:Annonamuricata(BrazilianPawPawTree)
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,roots,leaves)
Uses/Indications:AnevergreentreefromtheAmazonforest.Usefulforupperrespiratoryinfections.Barkisusedtotreatdiabetes,asan
antispasmodicandasatonic.Possiblyhasananticancereffect.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GUARANA
BotanicalName:Paulliniacupana(Mart.)Dulce
ActiveConstituents:(Seeds)
Uses/Indications:ASouthAmericanwoodyvine.Seedsofthisplantcontaincaffeine,usedinsoftdrinks.Usedforheadache,fevers,fatigueandto
relievepain.Analgesic.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GUAVA
BotanicalName:Psidiumguajava
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit,leaves)FruitcontainshighlevelsofvitaminsCandA.
Uses/Indications:AsmallshruboriginallyfromBrazil,nowwidespreadintropicalclimates.Leavesarechewedformouthsores.Itisaneffective
treatmentofdysentery(diarrhea).Dose:infusionof13cupsfordiarrhea.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

JATOBA
BotanicalName:Hymenaeacourbaril
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,resin,leaves)
Uses/Indications:Usefulinbladderandprostateinflammation.Decongestant,upperrepiratoryinflammation.Antimicrobial.Dose:infusion,cup
onetothreetimesaday.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

LANTANA
BotanicalName:Lantanacamara
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:Asmall,weedybushwithabeautifulclusterofred,pink,yellowandorangeflowers.Crushedleavesgiveadistinctodor,andare

usedforallergicskinconditions,cough,bronchitisandrheumatism.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MANACA
BotanicalName:Brunfelsiauniflorus
ActiveConstituents:(Root)
Uses/Indications:Therootisusefulinrheumatismandarthritisandforantiinflammation.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MATICO
BotanicalName:BuddlejaglobosaHope
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:NativetoChile.Usefulfordigestion,foritsantidiarrheaeffect,asawoundhealerforopenandbleedingwounds,asamild
diuretic,hypnoticandanalgesic.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

PATADEVACA
BotanicalName:Bauhiniaforficata
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:Usedincasesofdiabestes,lowerscholesterol.Useinfusionof1cup,twotothreetimesaday,or2grams,twotothreetimesa
day.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SENSITIVEPLANT/MIMOSA
BotanicalName:Mimosapudica
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves)
Uses/Indications:Asmallherbaceousplant.Leavesquicklyfoldinresponsetotouchorweatherchanges.Teamadefromleavesactsasa
contraceptive.Leavesaresmokedtotreatmusclespasmandbackache.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SOULVINE
BotanicalName:Banisteriopsiscaapi(Spruce)Morton
ActiveConstituents:(Bark)
Uses/Indications:Ahallucinogenicdrink,ayahuasca,ismadefromthebark.Animportantceremonialdrinkusedbyshamans.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

STONEBREAKER
BotanicalName:Phyllanthusniruri(alsocalledChancaPiedra=stonebreaker)
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:Asmallherbaciousplantwithtinyleaves,wholeflowersandtinyfruit.Stimulatestheimmunesystem,increasesbileproduction,
andisusefulforkidneystonesanddiseasesofthegallbladderandforfever.Diuretic.Doseis12gramsdaily.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SUMA
BotanicalName:Pfaffiapaniculata
ActiveConstituents:(Root)
Uses/Indications:ThisnativevineoftheAmazonforestiscommonlyavailableasanextractinUSsupermarkets.AlsoknownasBrazilianGinseng,
andcalledParaTodo,meaninggoodforallthings.Driedrootismedicinal:
Antiviral
Antibacterial
Treatssymptomsofmenopause
Generaltonic
Woundhealing
Aphrodisiac
Enhancesenergyinconditionswithlowbloodpressureandfatigue.Whenusedwithotherherbs,ishelpfulinfibromyalgiaandchronicfatigue
syndrome,andrelievespainrelatedsymptoms.Dose:maximumdoseis5001000mg.Rootextractinwater:useteaspoonful,twotothreetimesa
day.
Toxicity:Usecautiouslyformenopausesymptomsandsexualdysfunction.

CHINESEHERBS
ASTRAGALUS
Chinese:HuangQi
BotanicalName:A.membranaceus(FischexLink)Bunge
Uses/Indications:Huangqimeansyellowleader.Itisasuperiortonic.ThispopularChineseherbstimulatestheimmunesystem.Authorshave
useditasadjuncttochemotherapyandforcancerandotherimmunedisorders.Improvesimmuneresponseincancerpatients.Improvesdiabetic
kidneydisease.Decreasescirrhosiscomplications.Otherusesinclude:
Improvesshortnessofbreathandpalpitations
Diureticeffect
CombinedwithCodonopsis(DangShen),isusefulforheartconditions
Portalhypertension
Recurrentupperrespiratoryviralinfections
Viralmyocarditis
AllergicRhinitis
ComparetoRitalin:acombinationofBarkalandSkullcap,Codonopsis,Bupleurum,Liqustrum.
Astragalusisalargegenusofplants,knownsinceancienttimes,thewordisderivedfromtheGreekwordforanklebone.Theseankleboneswere
usedasdice(rattlingseedpodswerelikethenoiseofrollingdice).Doseis1015gm.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BAIZHU
BotanicalName:AtractylodesmacrocephalaKoidz.
ActiveConstituents:(Root)
Uses/Indications:Aperennilaherbaceousplantwithlarge,purpleflowers.Thickroothaswartyappearance,isaromatic,andsweettopungent.
Usefulfornightsweats,diarrhea,urinarysymptomsandnausea.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHAIHU(ChineseThoroughwax)
BotanicalName:BupleurumchinenseDC
ActiveConstituents:(Root)
Uses/Indications:Aperennialherbwithyellowflowers.Usedforcommoncolds,fever,andirregularmenses.

Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHINESECUCUMBER
BotanicalName:Trichosantheskirilowii
ActiveConstituents:(Fruitpulp,skin,seeds,androots)
Uses/Indications:Belongstothecucumberfamily,avinewithsoftballsizefruit.Itiscurrentlybeingused(compoundQ)inthetreatmentofAIDS.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHINESEPEONY
Chinese:Baishao
BotanicalName:PaeonialactifloraPall.
ActiveConstituents:(Roots,flowers)
Uses/Indications:Aperennialherbaceousplantwiththickroots,withlarge,reddishwhiteflowers.Widelyknownasawomensherbinchinesefolk
medicine.UsefulinPMSandhasthefollowinguses:
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Diuretic
Increasesmenstrualflow
Nightsweats
Irregularmenses
Coughremedyismadefromtheflowers.
FourThingsSoupisawidelypopularwomenstonicinChinaforgynecologicalproblems(suchasirregularmenses,anemia,cramps,giddiness).Other
ingredientsinthisremedyinclude:
Peony
Angelicasinensis,orDongQuairoot
Rehmaniaglutinosa(Gaertn.)Steud,calledChineseFoxglove,isabloodtonicsimilartoOsha.
LigusticumwallichiiFranchat,orChuanXiong
Thisherbalmixtureisalsousedforitsanticancereffectsalongwithchemotherapy.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHINESEPRIVET(ChineseWaxTree)
BotanicalName:LigustrumlucidumAit.
Uses/Indications:Anevergreenshruborsmalltreewithwhiteflowersandblack,singleseededfruit.Usefulforvertigo,dizziness,premature
graying,andfatigue.
Toxicity:Noneknow

CHINESEQUININE
BotanicalName:Dichroafebrifuga
ActiveConstituents:(Stembark)
Uses/Indications:Anevergreenshrub,floweringinJuneandAugust,itisoneofthemajorChineseherbs.Usedasalaxative,forstomachcancer,
andforcoughandbronchitisinTibetanmedicine.Stembarkisaneffectivetreatmentformalariaandotherfebrileconditions.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHINESESALVIA
BotanicalName:SalviamiltiorrhizaBunge
ActiveConstituents:TanshinoneI,tanshinoneII,tanshinol
Uses/Indications:Memberofthemintfamily,usedtoincreasebloodflow.Usefulforanginapectoris,arthritis,andmenstrualcomplaints.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

COCKSCOMB
BotanicalName:CelosiacristataL.
ActiveConstituents:(Flowers)
Uses/Indications:Acultivatedplant,withredvelvetyflowersinflattenedspikes,likeacockscrest.Urinarytractinfections.forurinarytract
infectionsandtotreatbleeding,nosebleeds,coughingorvomitingwithblood,uterinebleeding,anddiarrhea.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

DANGSHEN
BotanicalName:Codonopsispilosula
ActiveConstituents:(Root)

Uses/Indications:ApopularChineseherbroot,usedasainexpensivesubstituteforginsengforitstonicproperties.Itisusedincombinationwith
Ginkgobiloba(BaiGuo)toenhancememoryanditmayplayalimitedroleinAlzheimersDisease.CombinedwithAstragalusandChineseLicorice(G.
uralensis)totreatasthma.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

DONGQUAI(DangGui)
BotanicalName:Angelicasinensis
ActiveConstituents:Betasitosterol,vitaminB12
Uses/Indications:Usefultoeasemenstrualpainandcramps,forinsomnia,andforbloodpressure.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

EMODIN
Description:EmodinisatypeofAnthraquinone(alargefamilyofmedicinalbioactivecompounds.)Emodinispressedfrommold,lichensandother
plants.
Uses/Indications:Hasaneffectontheproteintyrosinekinaseandonthecellcycle.Itblockstumorassociatedevents.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

EVODIAFRUCTUS
Chinese:FruitiscalledWuZhuyu
BotanicalName:E.rutaecarpaJuss.
Uses/Indications:Asmalltree(30fthigh)withsmallclustersofwhiteflowers.Fruitisadarkreddishcolor.Usefulincancer,andforitsantiobesity
andantiinflammatoryeffects.Oftenmixedwithgingerandcostusroot.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

FORSYTHIA
Chinese:Lianqiao
BotanicalName:Forsythiasuspensa
ActiveConstituents:(Fruitismedicinal,adrycapsulewithwingedseeds)
Uses/Indications:ThisfloweringplantisnativeoftheFarEastandbelongstotheolivefamily.Usefulasanantimicrobial,antiparastic,andanti
emetic,fornephritisandinflammationofthekidneys.

Toxicity:Noneknown.

GANODERMA
Chinese:LingZhi,Reishimushroom
BotanicalName:Ganodermalucidum
ActiveConstituents:(Fruitingbody)
Uses/Indications:RecordedintheearliestChinesetextonherbalmedicine.Valuableforitsuseinvirusinfectionsandallergies,asapossible
cancerdeterrent,foritsantisepticpropertiesandasanimmunestimulant.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GYNOSTEMMA
Chinese:Jiaogulan
BotanicalName:Gynostemmapentaphyllum
Uses/Indications:PartofTibetanmedicine.Hasaweakginsenglikeaction.Usefulforfatigue,helpswithstress.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

HIBISCUSVITIFOLIUS
BotanicalName:Hibiscusvitifolius
ActiveConstituents:BioflavonoidGossypin
Uses/Indications:BioflavonoidGossypininopiumlikealkaloidaffectingneurotransmitters.WorksboththroughGABAergicpathwayandis
cholinergic.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

HOUTTUYNIA(Pinyin)
BotanicalName:Houttuyniacordata
ActiveConstituents:Quercitrin,reynoutrin
Uses/Indications:Usefulasanantimicrobial,antiviral,andforpulmonaryinfections.OftencombinedwithPlatycondonrootandPhragmitisrootfor
lungabscess.ItissimilartoLizardsTailofNorthAmerica.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

JAVABRUCEA
Chinese:Yadanzi
BotanicalName:Bruceajavanica(L.)Merr.
ActiveConstituents:(Seed)
Uses/Indications:Asmallshrubbytree,withsmallpurpleflowersinclusters.Seedisovalshaped,blackbrownwithirregularmarkingwithsharptip.
FoundinChina,IndiaandIndonesia.Usefulfordiarrheaandforexternalapplicationonwarts.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

JUJUBE(ChineseDate,Unab)
Chinese:DaZao
BotanicalName:ZizyphusjujubaMill.
ActiveConstituents:Phosphorous,iron,vitaminC
Uses/Indications:Asmallcultivatedtree,flowersaregreenishyellow.Fruitisadark,reddishdrupewithasinglestone.Usedforgeneralfatigue,
diarrhea,insomnia,andnightsweats.Useasanexpectorantmixedwithhoneyforchestinfections.Usefulasamildlaxativeandforviralinfections,
especiallysorethroatsduetoviralinfection.ItistheUnabofUnanimedicine,itisffectivefordiarrhea.IthasbeenusedinOrientalmedicineasa
bloodcleanser.Doseis57fruits.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

KUDZU
BotanicalName:Puerarialobata(Willd.)Ohwi
ActiveConstituents:(Root)
Uses/Indications:Atwiningvineupto30fthigh,rootisalongcylinderupto8ftlong.Purpleandredflowers.Usedforcoldsandvirussymptoms,
gastroenteritis,andtopreventalcoholaddiction.Doseis1015grams.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

LINGZHI
BotanicalName:Ganodermalucidium
Uses/Indications:AnimportantChinesemedicinalmushroom.Itisantiulcer,antitumor,lowersbloodsugar,andlowerscholesterolandlipids.
Doseisvariableandempiric.
Toxicity:Seemstobesafewhenusedwithothertraditionalprescriptiondrugs.

LYCIUMFRUIT
Chinese:Gouqizi(Goji)
BotanicalName:RelatedspeciesLyciumchinense,L.barbarumarebothcalledGojiBerriesorChineseWolfberry.
ActiveConstituents:(Fruitandrootbark)Containsbetaine,aflavonoidlikealkaloidsimilartothatinMilkThistle.
Uses/Indications:Thisimportantchinesemedicinalplanthasredberrieswhicharedriedlikeraisins.Usefulforantiagingeffectsandtoincrease
malehormones(aphrodisiac).Fordiabetes,30gramsoffruitdailyisuseful.Enhancesimmuneresponseandimmuncefunction.Similarto
GanodermaandAstragalus.Improvescirculation,eyesightandsexualfunction.Veryhighantioxidantcontent.Protectstheliver.Usewith
Schizandraforliverdisease.Usefulforvertigoandcough.Doseis20berriesonceortwicedaily.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MAGNOLIA
Chinese:Houpo
BotanicalName:MagnoliaofficinalisRehd.etWils.
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,allspecieshavesimilaractions)
Uses/Indications:Alargedeciduoustreewithconicalfruit,andfragrant,creamywhiteflowers.Usefulforindigestion,diarrhea,cough,asan
expectorant,helpfulinquittingsmoking.Theauthorsarecurrentlystudyingtheroleofseedsandfruitconeincancer.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MAHUANG
BotanicalName:EphedrasinicaStapf(ChineseEphedra)
ActiveConstituents:(Stem)
Uses/Indications:Asmallundershrubusefulforcough,bronchialasthma,andcommoncold.
Usedincombinationwithlicoricetotreatasthma
Forfatigueanddisability
LowersbloodpressureinChronicFatigueSyndrome
Toxicity:Hasbeenabusedasaweightlossherbcausingseverecomplications.

NELUMBANUCIFERA

BotanicalName:Nelumbanucifera
ActiveConstituents:Betulinicacid.
Uses/Indications:Betulinicacidhasantiinflammatoryaction.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ORANGEDAYLILY
BotanicalName:HemerocallisfulvaL.
ActiveConstituents:(Rootstock)
Uses/Indications:Usedforurinarycomplaints,cystitis,anddifficultyinurinating.Doseis510gramsofroot.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

PERILLA
Chinese:Zisu
BotanicalName:Perillafrutescens(L.)Britton
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit,leaves,stem)
Uses/Indications:Anannualherb,withlongstalkleaves,small,violetflowersandtart,pungentfruit.Usefulforchestcolds,foodpoisoning,
vomiting,andcough.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

REHMANIA
Chinese:DiHuang(YellowEarth)
BotanicalName:Rehmaniaglutinosa(Gaertn.)
Uses/Indications:Acultivatedperennialherbwiththickorangerootsandreddishpurpletubularflowers.AnimportantChineseherbthatispartof
manyherbalformulas.Usefulforhighfever,bleeding,uterus,kidneys,lungs,weaknessandnightsweats.Doseis1020grams.Protectstheliver.
Usefulforlowbloodsugar,urinarysymptoms,andasanantifungal.Usedwithlicoricetotreatliverdisease(Hepatitis).Usefulfornightsweats.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SIBERIANGINSENG
BotanicalName:Eleutherococcussenticosis

Uses/Indications:Awoodyshrub.Tonic.Usedasasubstituteforginseng.Thisisthemostcommoningredientindiet,antistress,socalled
ginsengformulasonthemarket.
Toxicity:Unsafeduetothesideeffectofraisingbloodpressure.

SILKTREE
BotanicalName:AlbiziajulibrissiaDurazz
ActiveConstituents:(Flowers,bark)
Uses/Indications:Asmallcultivatedtreewithbeautifulpink,showyflowers.CompletelynaturalizedintheeasternUnitedStates.Usefulforanxiety
andinsomnia.Flowersareusefulforweakness,insomniaandamnesia.Doseis1015gramsofroot,or3gramsofflower.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

TABASHEER
BotanicalName:Commonspeciesare:Bambusaarundinacea,Gigantochloaapus.(VegetableOpal)
ActiveConstituents:Tabasheerisawhitetranslucentsilicacontainingsubstanceexudedfromthejointsofbamboostems.(Thedriedsapof
bamboo.)
Uses/Indications:Itrestorescalmandstimulatesbrainactivity.Itisaphrodisiac,usefulforasthmaandstrokerehabilitation,usedtotreatspasms,
insomniaandasanantidoteforcertainpoisons.Itisacommoningredient(asacoolingagent)inOrientalmedicine.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

TONGUEWEED
Chinese:BaiHuaSheSheCao
BotanicalName:Oldenlandiadiffusa(Hedyotisdiffusa)
Uses/Indications:Usedinstomach,colon,andlungcancer.Usefulasaweakantimicrobialtoactivateimmunesystem.Doseis1560mgdaily.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

TREEOFHEAVEN
Chinese:Chunpi
BotanicalName:Ailanthusaltissima(Mill)Swingle
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,Entireplant)
Uses/Indications:Thissmalldeciduoustree,cultivatedbutcompletelynaturalizedintheeasternUnitedStates,isoneofthefastestgrowingplantsin

NorthAmerica.Leaves,numerous,coarsetoothed.Small,greenishwhiteflowersinclusters.Usefulfordysenteryandforitsantiparasiticandanti
tumoreffects.Doseis410gramsofbark.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

WHITEMULBERRY
Chinese:Sangbaipi
BotanicalName:MorusalbaL.
ActiveConstituents:(Root,bark,leaves,fruit)
Uses/Indications:Acultivated,deciduoustreewithroughbarkandgreenishflowersinhangingcatkins.WidelydistributedthroughoutChina,the
IndiasubcontinentandSoutheastAsia.Rootsandbranchesareusefulforrheumaticarthritisandasananalgesic.Leavesareusefulforsoreeyesand
coughandflusymptoms.Fruitisusefulforweaknessandanemia.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

EASTINDIANHERBS
AMALTAS(Indianlaburnum)
BotanicalName:Cassiafistula
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit,bark,driedleaves,outercoatofpods)
Uses/Indications:Pulpfromthefruitisawellknownlaxativeandbodycleanser.AncientSanskrittextsrefertoitasRajatarn(RoyalTree)duetoits
beautifulclustersofyellowflowers.Fruitpulpislaxative.Seedsareemetic.Barkisusefulformenstrualdisorders.Acombinationofleavesandpulpis
usedasalaxative,andtakeninadoseof48grams.Usedexternallyforrheumatism,goutyarthritisandinflammationofthethroat.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

AMLA(Aonla)
BotanicalName:EmblicaofficinalisGaertn.
Uses/Indications:Adeciduoustreeinforestsandhills,oftencultivated.Usefulasaphrodisiac,astringent,anddiuretic.Usedforanemia,jaundice,
diabetes,andasthmaticbronchitis.ItispartoftheAyurvediccombinationformulaChyavanprash,arestoringtonic.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ASHOKA
BotanicalName:SaracaindicaL.
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,leaves,flowers)Containstannins(Catechols),glycosides.
Uses/Indications:Asmall,cultivatedgardentreewithbeautifulorangeandyellow,fragrantflowers.Podisflatandleathery.FromtheHimalayas
andtheBengalregion.Usedforfibroidtumors,dysentery,menorrhagia,bleedinghemorrhoids,colic,andasasedative.Leavesareusedasablood
purifierandanacnetreatment.Itstimulatestheuterus,contractionsaremorefrequentandprolongedwithoutproducingtoniccontractions.[2]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn2)Flowersareusedindysentery,forcolitisand
diabetes.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ASHWAGANDHA
BotanicalName:WithaniasomniferaDunal
ActiveConstituents:ContainsalkaloidsfromtheNightshadefamily,WithaferinandTropine.
Uses/Indications:AsmallshrubfromtheHimalayas.Usedasanaphrodisiac,diuretic,abortifacient,tonic,andforrheumatism.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BACOPAMONNIERA
BotanicalName:Bacopamonniera
ActiveConstituents:(Wholeplant)
Uses/Indications:Aperennialcreepingcplant,ithasthickleaveswithtwinwhiteflowers.Usedasadiuretic,foranxietyneurosis,asthma,andasan
antianxietyagent.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BAEL(Bilva)
BotanicalName:Aelemarmelos(L.)Corr.
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit,leaves,root)
Uses/Indications:AsmalltomediumsizedtreefromIndia.Usedasalaxative,forcolitis,dysentery,asanastringent,andtoprotectgastric
mucose.TherootispartoftheAyurvedicformulaDashmoola.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BHRINGARAJ
BotanicalName:Ecliptaalba(L.)Hassic
Uses/Indications:Asmallherbaceousplant,leavesusuallywithoutstalks,singlewhiteflowers.Itisantiinflammatory,bitter,astringentandanti
aging.Usedforuterinehemorraging,protectstheliver,increasesbileflow,goodforhair.
ApopularAyurvedicremedyforskindisordersincludesBhringarajmixedwithSesameoil,Triphala,Arka(Caltropisgigantea)andSariva.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

BRAHMI(GotuKola)
BotanicalName:Centellaasiatica
ActiveConstituents:Entireplantismedicinal,especiallytheleaveswhichcontainthealkaloidbrahmine.
Uses/Indications:AnimportantancientherbfromIndia,itisasmalcreepingherbaceousplant.Flowersareblueorwhitewithpurpleveins.It
improvesmenorrhagia,hasaneffectiveantianxietyaction,isadaptogenic,andhasaliverprotectingeffect.Arejuvenatingherbforthebrain.Itis
beingusedforAlzheimersDisease.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CHIRATA
BotanicalName:SwertiachirataBuchHam
ActiveConstituents:(Wholeplant)
Uses/Indications:AsmallherbaceousplantfoundinhigherelevationsintheHimalayasandKashmir.Usedasabittertonic,forfebrileconditions,
foranorexia,skindisorders,andforitsantiparasiticeffect.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

COTTONROOT(Kapas)
BotanicalName:GossypiumherbaceumL.
ActiveConstituents:Teamadefromrootismedicinal.
Uses/Indications:Usedforantifertilityandabortifacienteffects,asauterotonic,andforDysmenorrheaanddysentery.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CUBEB

BotanicalName:CubebaofficinalisMiq.(alsoknownasPipercubebaLinn.)
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit)
Uses/Indications:Usefulforgenitourinaryinfections,mouthulcers,asamilddiuretic,forkidneystones,asanantimicrobialforcystitisandurethritis.
Itisantiinflammatoryandusefulforinflammationofthethroat,hoarsenessofthevoice,andbronchitis.AncientSanskritliteraturecalleditKatuka
Kola,apungentpepper.ThewordCubebisderivedfromwritingsoftheGreekwriterAegineta.Doseis13grams.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

CUMIN(JeeraSafaid)
BotanicalName:CuminiumcyminumLinn.
ActiveConstituents:(Seeds)Thymol
Uses/Indications:ThismedicinalspiceoftheparsleyfamilywasknowntotheancientcivilizationsofEgypt,IndiaandChina.Cuminhasbeenused
forover5,000yearsasaspiceandmedicinalherb.ItistheKyminonintheancientGreektext.AblackvarietyiscalledCarumCarvi,orZiraSiyah.
Usedforchronicdiarrhea,gastrointestinaldisorders.UsefulinDiabetesMellitus(doseisteaspoon,twicedaily).Usefulasamilddiuretic,astringent,
tohelpdigestfood,decreasenausea,andforitsanthelmintic,antibacterialandantifungaleffects.Containsthymol,usefulforantimicrobialeffect,and
forchestcoldsandfever.Ifsmokedinapipe,relieveshiccups.Usedforafacialcomplexandforskineczema.Doseis12grams.
Toxicity:Safeinpregnancy.

DHAWAI(ShiranjiTree,FireFlameBush)
BotanicalName:Woodfordiafructicosa(L.)Kurz
ActiveConstituents:(Flowers,leaves)Flavonoids.
Uses/Indications:ItsantibacterialeffectissimilartoAmoxicillinandCiprofloxacin.Itisantifertility,antipepticu.cerandusefulforurinarytract
infections.UsedtogiveanaturalcolortoAyurvedicmedicine.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

DUDHI(AsthmaWeed)
BotanicalName:EuphorbiahirtaL.(also,Snakeweed)
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:Asmallannualherbaceousplant,itisatropicalwastelandweed.Usefulforantiasthmatic,diuretic,laxative,andexpectorant
effects.Usedinamoebicdysentery,skindiseases,andAthletesFoot.UsedincombinationwithGrindeliacamporumandLobeliainflata.Milkylatexis
appliedtowoundsandinflammation.
Toxicity:Noneknown.


FORSKOHLII
BotanicalName:Coleusforskohlii
ActiveConstituents:Forskolin(Rootstockismedicinal.Leavesuseful.)
Uses/Indications:AnimportantandwellknownherbintheIndianAyurvedicpharmacopoeia.Amemberofthemintfamily,1to2feethigh,leaves
aretearshaped,palepurpleflower.Itisapotentbronchodilator.Relaxessmoothmuscles.Doseis50mgto100mgonceaday.Hasaunique
actionandisusedinthefollowingconditions:
1.Glaucoma
2.Respiratoryproblems,bronchitis,asthma,allergies
3.Psoriasis,eczema
4.Mayhelpsomecasesofdepression
5.Weightloss,byincreasingfatmetabolism
6.Immuneenhancement
7.Colitis
8.Hypertension
9.Congestiveheartfailure
10.Anticancer
11.Lowersbloodpressure
UsefulinMetabolicXSyndromewhencombinedwithAmericanGinsengandGymnema.Preventscancerfromspreading.Decreasesthetendencyfor
bloodclottingbyitseffectonplatelets.Note:ThebioactiveforskolinincreasedCAMPproduction,whichinhibitsthereleaseofhistamine,thuslowering
bloodpressure.Doseis250mg,extract.
CyclicAMPisthecommonpathwayformanyhormonesandneurochemicalmessengersinthebody.Thusforskolinmarkedlyimprovesthefunctional
responseofmanyhormones.
CardiovascularEffects:Lowersbloodpressure,increasesbloodflowertobrain,increasescontractionofheartmuscle,thususefulinheartfailure.
Decreasesbloodclottingtendency,workingdirectlyonplatelets.UsewithHawthorneberriestotreathypertension(usuallycombinedwithGingerand
Turmeric).
BronchialAsthma:Relaxessmoothmuscleandpreventsbronchiospasms.
CongestiveHeartFailure:Usuallycombinedwith1)Astragalus,2)Cratalgus(Hawthorne),and3)AmericanGinseng.
Toxicity:Interfereswithbloodclotting,mayinterferewithbloodthinners,andmakebloodeventhinner.Avoidusewithanticoagulants.

GAOZABAN
BotanicalName:OnosmabracteatumWall
ActiveConstituents:(Flowers,leaves)
Uses/Indications:KnownsinceancienttimesinIndiaandPersia.Usefulasamilddiuretic,antipyretic,aphrodisiac,antiinflammatoryandasan
expectorant.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GOKSHURA
BotanicalName:TribulisterrestrisLin(DevilsThorn)
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit,root)
Uses/Indications:Usefulasanaphrodisiac,diuretic,antiinflammatoryfortheurinarytract(cystitis),analgesic,andasanantimicrobial.Often
mixedwithPunarnava(Boerhaaviadiffusa)forurinaryorkidneydiseasesandkidneystones.Doseis5grams.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GREATERCARDAMOM
BotanicalName:AmomumsubulatumRoxb.
ActiveConstituents:(Seedpods)
Uses/Indications:FoundinnorthernIndiaandinSriLanka.Usefulasanaromatic,andstimulant.Helpsindigestivedisorders,usedforliver
diseaseandgastritis.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GUDUCHI(Giloy)Amrit
BotanicalName:TinosporiacordifoliaMiers
ActiveConstituents:(Roots,stem)
Uses/Indications:Aclimbingshrub,stemissucculentwithfleshyaerialroots,heartshapedleaves,yellowgreenflowers,andredfruitisadrupe.
Usedasadiuretic,bittertonic,forimmunediseasessuchasAIDS,andforfevers.Adecoctionofleavesisusedforgout.Leavesboiledinmilkisused
asanointmentforskininfections.Leavesmixedandbeateninhoneyusedtotreatskinulcers.Powerfulemetic.Waterextractusedforvariousskin
disorders.Usedasanadjuvanttherapyforcancerpatients.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

GUGGAL
BotanicalName:Commiphoramukul,Commiphorawightii(Arn)Bhandari
ActiveConstituents:Treeyieldsaresincalledguggulipid.
Uses/Indications:Usedinsweetmeats[7](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn3)in
Rajastan,India.Usefulasananalgesicforgout,antispasmodic,expectorantinbronchitis,forantiaging,andasanaphrodisiac.Gumresinusedto
treatRheumatoidArthritis.Effectiveforelevatedcholesterol,increaseswhitebloodcells,helpshealbonefractures,andisusefulincancertreatment.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

HARDH(Myrobalan)
BotanicalName:TerminaliachebulaRetz(CalledHaritakiandIndianGallnut)
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit)
Uses/Indications:AsmalltreefromtheforestsofNorthernIndia.Usedfordigestivedisorders,asthma,sorethroat,hiccups,rejuvenation,asa
laxative,andforantiparasiticeffects.Asmalldoseisgoodfordiarrheaandconstipation.Usedasagargleforsorethroatsandisusefulinhealing
wound.ItisoneofthethreeherbsinthefamousAyurvedicherbformulaTriphala(ThreeFruits).
Toxicity:Noneknown.

JATAMANSHI(IndianSpikenard)
BotanicalName:NardostachysjatamansiDC
ActiveConstituents:(Rootstock)
Uses/Indications:FoundathigherelevationsintheHimalayas,SikkimandBhutan.Usefulasadiuretic,antispasmodic,digestiveaid,andsedative.
Usedinepilepsy,chorea,forpalpitations,kidneystones,andinsomnia.Ithasasedativeeffectbutincreasesmentalawareness(muchbetterthan
Valerian,whichcausesmentalconfusionattimes.)
Toxicity:Noneknown.

KALMEGH(EastIndianEchinacea)
BotanicalName:Andrographispaniculata
ActiveConstituents:Leavescontainalkaloids,themaincompoundisAndrographolide(aditerpenelactone)
Uses/Indications:Asmallherb,commoninIndia.Usedfordebility,malaria,anemia,andasatonic.Itisanimmunestimulant,antiparasitic,useful
forviralcoldsymptomsandhepatitis.CalledtheKingofBitters,itisusedinUnanimedicineforantiparasiticandantidysenteryactionsandforfevers.
Doseisaninfusionusinggramofdriedleaves.

Toxicity:Noneknown.

KATKI
BotanicalName:PicrohizakurroaRoyleexBenth
ActiveConstituents:(Rootstock)ContainstheglucosideKutkin.
Uses/Indications:AsmallherbinhigherelevationsoftheHimalayas,fromKashmirtoSikkim.Usedincasesofindigestionanddiseasesoftheliver
andspleen.Laxative.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

KHULANJAN(Javagalangal)
BotanicalName:AlpiniagalangaWilld.
ActiveConstituents:(Undergroundstemandfrailmedian)
Uses/Indications:FoundinSoutheastAsia,theislandsofJavaandSumatraandinsouthernIndia.ThenameAlpiniaisforthe17thcenturyItalian
botanistP.Alpino.ThewordgalangalisderivedfromtheArabickhulanjan(notealsotheSanskritkulanja)whichitselfisofChineseorigin.Usedasa
stimulant,toincreasebronchialsecretionandasanexpectorant,andasanantimicrobial.Doseisgram.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

KOKUM
BotanicalName:GarciniaindicaL.
ActiveConstituents:(Fruit)
Uses/Indications:FrequentinevergreenforestsintheWesternGhatsofIndia.FruitisusedinKokumSyrup.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

LONGBLACKPEPPER(Pipali)
BotanicalName:PiperlongumL.
ActiveConstituents:Containstheactivecompoundpiperinepippartin.
Uses/Indications:Anherbaceousclimberwithwoodyroots,growsinhothumidclimates.FromAssamandBengal.Usedinbronchitis,forcoughs,
coldsandasthma.Usefulforrheumatism,insomnia,epilepsy,asasedative,analgesic,andasanexpectorant.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MADHUNASHINI(Gurmar)
BotanicalName:GymnemasylvestreR.Br.
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves,roots)
Uses/Indications:Aperennialclimber,fromTamilNaduandUttarPradesh.Antidiabetic,astringent,usefulforliverdiseaseandasthma.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

LOTUS
BotanicalName:Nelumbonucifera
ActiveConstituents:Rootstockcontainbetulnicacid,atriterpene.
Uses/Indications:Strongantiinflammatoryactions,usefulinarthritis.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MALABARNUT
BotanicalName:AdhatodavasicaNees.
ActiveConstituents:(Wholeplant)
Uses/Indications:Freshjuicefromtheleavesismixedwithhoneyandlongpepper.Allpartsaremedicinal.Usedforcough,asanexpectorant,and
asanantispasmodicforbronchitis,COPD,andasthma.Doseisaninfusionto1ounceaday.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

MALABARTAMARIND
BotanicalName:Garciniacambogia
ActiveConstituents:ContainsHydroxycitricAcid(HCA)
Uses/Indications:Thissour,acidictastingfruitisfromMalabarinsouthernIndiaandisoftenusedinIndiancooking.Usefulinweightloss,for
migraines,insomnia,depression,andasanantiallergy.Itisanimportantmedicinalplantforweightlosstherapy.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

NEEM
BotanicalName:AzadirachtaindicaJuss.
ActiveConstituents:(Bark,leaves,seeds,rootwholeplant)

Uses/Indications:Anevergreentreewithsmallwhiteflowers.Helpsinhealing,isantimalarial,antiarthritis,andantidiabetic.Neemisanimportant
medicinaltreeoftheIndiancontinent,andrecordedinearlywritings(Sushruta,Ayurvedic).ItisoftencalledVillagePharmacyduetoismultiple
medicinalusesforallpartsofthebody.AccordingtoHakimM.Said,thistreewaspopularinearlyArabicwritingsandwascalledAzaddaracht(in
Hindi)foritsresemblancetothePersianlilacBakayanMeliaazedarach.Neemhasoftenbeencultivatedtokeepinsectsaway.Itisanexcellent
insectrepellentandtheentireplantismedicinal.Doseoffluidextractoftherootis1teaspoonfulthreetimesaday.Seedoiliseffectiveinsevere
skindisorders.Neemisantimicrobial,andusefulformouthulcers,toothache,gingivitisandforthetreatmentoflooseteeth.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

PALASHA
BotanicalName:Buteamonosperma(Lam)Taub
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:Asmalltomediumsizeddeciduoustree,withanunusuallycrookedtrunkwithroughbark.Brightorangeandredflowersare
raceme.Usefulforastringent,antiparasitic,antifungal,antidiarrhea,andantistresseffects.UsedwithAlbizzialebbeck,andHibiscusrosasinensisas
atreatmentforEpilepsy.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

ROSEPETAL(Gulcand)
BotanicalName:Rosasp.
ActiveConstituents:(Rosebudsandpetals)Tannins
Uses/Indications:ArichsourceofvitaminC,twentytimesmorethananorange.Hasanastingentactionduetotannins.Roseleavesmixedwith
honeyandsugar(gulcand)hasbeenusedasamildlaxativeinEasternpharmacopoeias.Avicennarecommendeditsuseinpulmonarydisorders.
Gulcand.Redandpinkrosepetalspreservedincanesugarareanimportantpartofseveraltraditionalsystemsofherbalmedicine.Itisespecially
commoninUnanimedicine.Usedfor:asthma,highbloodpressure,bronchitis,diarrhea,cough,fluidretenion,andinsomnia.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SESAMESEEDS
BotanicalName:Sesamumindicum
ActiveConstituents:
Uses/Indications:ThewordsesameisderivedfromtheArabicsimsim,andlaterfromtheancientEgyptiansemsent(listedinthePapyrusEbers).
ItscountryoforiginisIndia,whereithasbeenusedforover5,000years.Itismainlyusedforcookingasaspiceandasanoil.Usedasan
aphrodisiac.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SOMA(Homa)
BotanicalName:EphedragerardianaWall.
ActiveConstituents:.
Uses/Indications:ThisancientplantofIndiaisoftencalledSomaofVedas.In1887,Dr.N.NagaiofJapandiscoveredephedrine(fromasimilar
species,E.vulgaris).AccordingtoM.Said,theRussianscientistT.V.Biektne(1891)describedapopularRussianremedyforrespiratorydisorders
whichincludedSoma.Powderedleavesareusedtotreatasthmaandareusefulforrheumatism.ExcellentforChronicFatigueSyndromeandgeneral
debility.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

SUGARCANE
BotanicalName:Saccharumofficinarum
ActiveConstituents:(Stalk)
Uses/Indications:SugarcaneisagiantgrassgrowninIndiasinceancienttimes,usedforsyrupwhichmakesmanymedicinalherbsmore
palatable.SugarcaneremainedunknowninthetheWestforalongtime,exceptasmedicine.Thewordcandycomesfromqandimeaningcrystallized
sugar,andanIslandofCretewascalledCandiabecauseofearlysugarcanecultivation.ThewordRum(asugarspirit)isderivedfromrumbullion,
whererheumisLatinforstemandborillon,meansboiling.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

TULSI(HolyBasil)
BotanicalName:OcimumbasilicumLinn.,O.sanctum
ActiveConstituents:(Leaves,seedswholeplant)
Uses/Indications:ReveredinIndiaasasacredhealingherb,theentireplantisusefulandhasasweetfragrance.ImportantAyurvedicherbwiththe
followingproperties:antibacterial,antispasmodic,antioxidant,antiviral,antituberculosis,antiallergy.Itisimmuneenhancingandlowersbloodglucose
levels.Usefulasanexpectorant,diuretic,antimicrobial,andforurinarysymptoms.Doseis5grams.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

TURMERIC(INDIANSAFFRON)
BotanicalName:Curumalonga
ActiveConstituents:Curcumin,zingiberin,andsesquiterpineswhichgiveitsaroma.
Uses/Indications:HasanimportantpositioninthelifeofIndiansduetoitswiderangeofmedicinalproperties.Lowerscholesterol,usefulinarthritis,

antiseptic,antibacterialandantifungal.Protectstheliver.Usefulinsprainandinflammatoryjointconditions.Eyedropsusefulforconjunctivitis.Regular
useofturmerichasyieldedadecreaseinincidencesofcoloncancerandAlzheimersDisease.Effectiveinthetreatmentofcolonpolyps,colitis,andfor
thepreventionofAlzheimersDisease.Hasanticancereffectsforskin,prostate,breast,lungandcervicalcancers.Veryeffectiveremedyin
osteoarthritis.Fordegenerativearthritis,take600mgtwicedailyor1/8teaspoonofturmericspicewithfood.Doseis34gm,ora1/4teaspoondose
takenindividedportionsthroughouttheday.
TurmericneverbecamepopularinEurope(exceptSpain).Persianscalleditaformofsaffron(crocus),kourkoum,fromwhichcomesthespanish
curcuma.Thewordturmericisderivedfromthelatinwordterramerita,meaningdeservingearth.
Toxicity:Noneknown.

VIOLETS(Banafshah)
BotanicalName:ViolaodorataLinn
ActiveConstituents:(Flowers,roots,leaves)Containssmallquantitiesofsalicylates,aspirinlikecompounds.
Uses/Indications:Forcenturies,violetshavebeenusedinEasternmedicineforcenturiesforchestcongestion,sorethroat,sinusitis,andtoinduce
sweatingtobringdownfever.Mixedwithvinegar,alinimentcanbemadetotreatgoutandarthriticconditions.Violetinanalcoholicdecoctionisgood
forthecomplexioninafacialtreatment.Doseis23teaspoonfuls(incandiedsugar)aday.
Usefulasanexpectorant,antipyretic(fromsalica),diuretic,andantiinflammatoryforupperrespiratorytractinflammation.Leavesareusedfor
bronchitis,asthma,throatinflammationandasanantiseptic.Violetisalsousefulforeczemaandskincreams.Violetsalsoprobablyhaveanti
cancerproperties.Dose:Candiedviolet,23timesperday.
Toxicity:Noneknown.
[7](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)Seealso:BritishMedicalJournal,1:835,
1979.
[8](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref2)toniccontraction:asustainedmuscle
contraction,whichcanharmthebabyifoccuringduringlabor.
[9](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref3)Sweetmeat:candyorsweetpastries.

ImportantCompound

HerbalRemedies

TheArtofApothecary:
FormulatinganHerbalPrescription
Whilemanyherbaltreatmentsandformulasexist,manytimesformulasneedtobeadjustedorevencreatedfortheimmediatecircumstances.
Followingisanoutlineondevelopingandwritingherbalprescriptions.
Thefirstconsiderationiswhatformwilltheherbaltake?
Liquidextract
Powderextract(maybeputincapsules)
Ointment

Whenformulatingapowderextract,considertheherbsinthismanner:
1.ChiefHerbs
Firstdeterminethemainherbforitmedicalaction(antibiotic,antifungal,etc.)Useacombinationofonetothreechiefherbs.
2.Assistant/SupportiveHerbs
Addherbswhichhelpsecondaryandrelatedproblems.Forexample,forchestcold,sinusinfection,andcough,thickmucusisanissue,considerherbs
whichcantreatit.
3.ConductiveHerbs
Addingcertainingredientswillmaketheherbaleasiertoswallow,digestandbeoverallmoreeffective.Thelistbelowincludejustsomeexamples.The
artofherbalformulamakingdefinitelyneedsthesupervisionofamasterherbalist.
BlackPepperincreasesabsorptionofotherherbs
Dandelion,Parsleyincreaseexcretion
Kelpincreasesmetabolism
MarshMallowRootanequalizer
Licoriceasanaturalsweetener,doeswonderstohelpbitterherbsgodown
CandiedRosePetals,Violets,orSlipperyElmhasasmoothaction

Letsconsideraprescriptionforbronchitisorsinusitis:

Useanycombinationofoneortwoofthechiefherbs,dependingonwhetheryouareusingtheChineseorIndiansystemofherbalmedicine.
ShiQuanDaBuTang(SQT)
(TenSignificantTonicDecoction)

ItwasformulatedbytheancientChinesein1200ad(SongDynasty).Itcontainstenherbs:
1. Paeonialactiflora
2. Rehmaniaglutinosa
3. Ligusticumwalichii
4. Angelicasinensis
5. Glycrrhizauralensis
6. Astragalus
7. Cinamomumcassia
8. Atractylodesmacrocephala
9. Ginseng
10. Poriacocos
Usedforexhaustion,fatigue,weakness.Itisextensivelyusedbycancerpatientstodecreasethetoxiceffectsofchemotherapy.Itisthemostpotent
biologicalrepsonsemodifier(SQT).IttonesthebloodandstrengthensQi(vitalenergy)incancertreatment.
Triphala(ThreeFruits)
(3herbs,3thousandyears,3billionpeople)
TheAyurvedicsystemhasaveryimportantandperhapsoneofthebestknowncombinationformulas,calledTriphala.Itisacoloncleanserand
bloodpurifier,antioxidantandantistress.Itconsistssimplyofthreefruits:
1. HaradTerminaliachebula(TibetsKingofMedicine)
2. BiharaTerminaliabellirica
3. AmlaEmbilicaofficinalis(Rejuvenator)
ThesecorrespondtotheThreeBodyHumors(Tridosha)systemofIndianAyurvedicmedicine.Thesehumorsare:
1.Vatawind,nervoussystem
2.Pittafire,bile,metabolicfunction,digestivesystem
3.Kaphawater,mucous,anabolicfunction,bodydevelopment
Triphalaisusedandanantistressagent,topromotedigestion,forrenewalofwasteproductsandfat,asadetoxifier,asanaturalremedyfor
constipation,foritsanticancereffectsandasanantioxidant.Usefulforweightloss,tolowerbloodpressure,improveliverfunction,andtolower
cholesterol.
EssiacTea

EssiacTeaisthemostpopularherbalmixtureinNorthAmericaforthetreatmentofcancer.Itcontainsfoursimpleherbs:
1.BurdockRootArctiumlappa
2.SheepSorrelAcetosellavulgaris
3.SlipperyElmUlmafulva
4.RhubarbRheumpalmatum
In1922,ReneCaisse(pronouncedReenCase),asurgicalnurseinOntario,Canada,treatedapatientwhohadbreastcancerusinganherbalformula
giventoherbyaChippewaIndianwomanhealer.Itapparentlycuredthebreastcancerwithoutsurgery.ReneCaissethenpromotedtheformula
(Essiacisthereverseofhername).[1](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)
Caissepromotedherherbalcureasfollows:
FortheRegressionofTumors
ToProlongLife
ToRelievePain
Inthiswayshedidnotclaimshewascuringcancer.Inessence,itwasapalliativecureforcancerinpatientswhowerenotfargonewithcancerhaving
destroyedmanyoftheirorgans.Sheworkedforfreeandwasfinanciallysupportedbyfriends.InalettertoDr.Banting(thediscovererofinsulin),she
wrote,IneverhadahundreddollarsIcouldcallmyown.
TheResperinformulaissoldunderthenameEssiac.Itcontainsfourdriedherbswhichtheuserhastomakeintoatea.Itwasoriginallygivenasatea
andasaninjection.SheepSorrel(Acetosellavulgaris)maybetheactiveingredient.
Essiacisconsideredharmless.Inasmallnumberofcasesitslowsthecancer,thoughinamajorityofcasesitisnoteffective.Asapracticing
oncologist,theseniorauthoracceptsthismodalityasapalliativecaseforcancer,becausemanycancerchemotherapyagentsareselectedforeven
15%benefits.Itshouldbeanofficialpartofothersupportiveorpalliativetherapies.

Abortifacient
*AvoidUseofAnyofTheseDuringPregnancy:
TANSY
MENTHAPULGIUM
HEDERAHELIX

HerbsForSpecificDisorders

CYSTISUSSCOPARIUS
ARTEMISAVULGARIS

Anemia
URTICA
DANDELION
RUMEXACETOSA

AntiAging,Rejuvenating
POMEGRANATE
GINKGOBILOBA
TURMERICdementia
BILBERRYmaculardegeneration
GARLIC
GINSENG
SCHIZANDRABERRYimprovesliver
ECHINACEA

AntibacterialHerbs
GOLDENSEAL
THYME
LOMATIUM
ECHINACEA
BONESETantiviral
BLACKCUMIN
CINNAMONantiviral
GARLICstimulatesimmunesystem
BASIL
ASTRAGALUSincreasesinterferons
LICORICE
CLOVE
ALLSPICE
SAGE

ROSEMARY
PAUDARCO,LAPACHO
MYRRH(Commiphoramalmol)
TEATREEOILantistaphylococcus
OILOFOREGANO
ELDERBERRYFLOWERupperrespiratoryinfection
BEEPROPOLIS
MUSTARD
NEEMantifungal,antiviral
GRAPEFRUITSEEDOILantibacterial,forTravelersDiarrheaandflu
BLESSEDTHISTLE
TURMERIC
CATSCLAW(UnadeGato)
COPTIS
ANDROGRAPHIS
FORSYTHIA
GENTIAN
BOLDOUTI

AntibioticorAntimicrobialHerbs
HOUTTUYNINE
ILICISSINENS
ISATIDIS
LONICERA
OLDENLANKEN
PAEONIA
PHELLODENDRI
PORTULACEA
PULSATILLA
SARGENTIDOSALCANLIS
SCROPHULOREA
SCUTELLARE
SAPHOREAE
VIOLET

AntiInflammatoryHerbs
TURMERIC*
LICORICEROOT
CAPSAICIN
CLOVEEXTRACT
POMEGRANATE
TurmericTheactivecompoundiscurcumin,whichhastheremarkableantiinflammatoryeffect.ItdirectlyeffectsthecellproteincalledNuclearFactor
KappaBeta(NFKB).NFKBregulatesthegeneswhichbringaboutinflammatorychangesbyswitchingonandoffthegenesthatproduceinflammation.
TheKBFactorisanimportanttriggeractivatorfordegenerativedisorders,arthritis,andcancer.Thereareseveralhundredgeneswhichgenerate
inflammatoryresponsesinthebody.Blockingthereleaseofthis(NFKB)factorcanplayanimportantroleininflammatoryresponse.

AnxietyDisorders
KAVAKAVA
HOPS
RAUVOLFIA
CARDAMOM

Asthma
CARDAMOMboiledintea,withhoneyandlicoriceisaneffectivetherapyformildcases.
COLEUS
GRINDELIA(G.camporum)
COLTSFOOT(withreservation)
CATNIP
COMFREY(withreservation)
ELECAMPANE
GINKGOBILOBA
EPHEDRAMAHUANGwithLICORICEisaneffectivetherapy.
PLEURISYROOT(historical)
SUNDEW(historical)
VASAKA(Ayurvedic,adhatodazeylanica)

BenignProstateEnlargement(BPH)

Treatmentmustlastaminimumof90daystobeeffective.
SAWPALMETTO(Serenoarepens)300450mgdaily
POMEGRANATE
NETTLEROOT(Urticadioica)
PYGEUM(Prunusafricanum,AfricanTree)100200mgdaily
PUMPKINSEEDS(Curcurbitapepo)
AFRICANPOTATO(Hypoxisrooperi)
PLANTAGOSEED
REHMANIA
CHASTEBERRY(Vitexagnuscastus)lowersprolactinlevels

BladderCrampsorInflammation

Useacombinationof:
MarshMallowRoot
CrampBark
Goldenrod
FennelSeeds
TeamadewithLemonandBarleywater
Otherpossibleherbs(lesscommon)
Agrimony(Agrimoniassp.)
Birch(Betulasp.)
Cleavers(Galiumaparine)
CornSilk(Zeamays)
CouchGrass(Agropyonrepens,Elytrigarepens)
Goldenseal
Goldenrod
Horestail
Hydrangea(H.arborescens)
JavaTea(Orthosiphonstamineus)
JuniperBerries
Lovage(Levisticumofficinale)
Parsley
Pipsissewa

ShepherdsPurse
SweetBirch
Usnea(Usneabarbati)
OTCPhenazopyridine(AZO)Prodiumhasbeenusedtorelievebladderspasms,butithasnotantibacterialeffect
BakingSoda.tspin8ouncesofwatercanalkalinizeurineandhelpurinarytractinfectionswithherbaltreatmentssuchaswithBearberry.

Forburningsensation:
CrampBark
MarshMallowRoot
Goldenrod

Forbladderspasms
FennelSeeds
Hydrangea
MeadowSweet

Cancer
HerbsWhichProtectAgainstCancerGrowth:
AMERICANPAWPAW
BLACKSEED
BLUEBERRY
POMEGRANATE
GARLIC
TURMERIC
PROPOLIS
GREENTEA

HerbsUsedForCancer
SNAKENEEDLEGRASS(Oldenlandiadiffusa)
SWEETWORMWOOD(Artemisiaannua)
PAUDARCO
SAFFRON(Crocussativus)
LICORICE

SUTHERLANDIA
CAMPOTHECAACUMINATA
TAXUSBREVIFOLIA
MAYAPPLE(Podophyllumpeltatum)
CATHARANTHUSROSEUS(Vincarosea)
PAWPAW
CORDYCEPSSINENSIS
POMEGRANATE
ASTRAGALUS
BAICALSKULLCAP(Scutellariabaicalensis)
FEVERFEW
CATSCLAW
APRICOTSEED
EUROPEANMISTLETOE(Viscusalba)
GRAVIOLA(BrazilianPawPaw)
CALENDULA(Marigold)
TURMERIC
BLOODROOT(Externaluseforsomeearlycasesofskincancer.)

Contraception
MARRUBIUMVULGARE
URTICADIOICA
JUNIPERUSCOMMUNIS

Cystitis
Useacombinationof:
ChiefHerbs
CLEAVERS
UVAURSI
PARIA
AssistantHerbs
PARSLEYROOT

SupportiveHerbs
DANDELION
ConductiveHerbs
GINGERROOT

Dementia
Herbsworkbyincreasingbloodflowtothebrain,reducingcholesterolandstimulatingthebrain.
GINKGO(Ginkgobiloba)120240mgofextract
GOTUKOLA(Centellaasiatica)
HUPERZINE(Huperziaserrata)
LEMONBALM(Melissaofficinal)acetylcholineactivityinbrain
GINSENG
ROSEMARY(Rosmarinusofficinal)
SAGE(Salviaofficinalis)
PERIWINKLEextractwithvinpocetine
SHISUAN(Lycorusradiata)
MAELEAYACORDATA
HUANGLIAN(Coptischinensis)
YIYIGIU(Securinegasuffuiticosa)
BRAHMI
ASHWAGANDHA

Depression
ST.JOHNSWORT
GRIFFONIASIMPLICIFOLIA5HTP
VALERIAN
DAMIANAtumeradiffuser
GINSENG
BLACKCOHOSHbasedonourclinicresearch
SAFFRON
PASSIONFLOWERforanxiety,usuallycombinedwith
YELLOWLADYSSLIPPER
INDIANVALERIAN(Nordostachusjatsamanshi)

LEMONBALM

DiabetesMellitus
BILBERRRY(Vacciniummyrtillus)
GOATSRUE(Galegaofficinales)
OLIVELEAVES(Oleaeuropaea)
BITTERMELON(Momordicacharantia)
MULBERRYLEAVES(Morusnigra)
GYMNEMA
EUGENIAJAMBOFANA(Jamum)
COCCINIAINDICA
FENUGREEK(Trigonellafoenumgraecum)
CELERY(Apiumgraveolens)
NEEM
MUCUNAPRURIENS
CUMIN
CINNAMON
CARDAMOM
PTEROCARPUSMARSUPIUM
SALACIAOBLONGA
TINOSPORACORDIFOLIA
APOROSALINDEYANA
MYRTUSCOMMUNIS
TERMINALIAPALLEDE
GENTIANAOLIVIERI
POLYGONATISODORATI
BAUHINIAFORFICATA

Diarrhea
Themostimportantmedicinesare:
POMEGRANATEJUICE/TEAtaken2ouncesevery1to2hours.Userindextractortheskinboiledasatea.
DOUBLESTRENGTHBLACKTEAteamadefromPapyaleaves.
PERSIMMON
GUAVALEAVESexcellent

JAVAPlum(Jamoon)
NUTMEG(Myristicafragrans)inmilk
BLACKBERRYLEAVESintea
CROWSFOOT(Geranium)
SUMACtea
PSICIUMGUAJAVA
AYURVEDICHERBALS
ARJUNA(Terminaliaarjuna)teamadefrombark
BAEL(Aeglemarmelos)unripeorripefruit
BAHERA(Bellericmyrblan,Terminaliabelerica)
BISHOPSWEED(Trachyspermumammi)tinctureuse23drops
TREEOFHEAVEN(Ailanthusaltissima,ChineseSuma)userootandstembark
HIBISCUSSYRIACUS(ChunJinPi)usedriedbark
GREENTEAuseconcentratedextract
TRAVELERSDIARRHEA
POMEGRANATEJUICEtake2ounceseveryhourfor4doses
GOLDENSEAL
Diuretic
PARSLEYcontainsmyristicinandapiole,contains3timesmorevitaminCthanoranges
DANDELION200500mgdaily,goodforkidneystonesrootandleavesamorepotentdiuretic
GREENTEA
LINDEN

YARROW
STINGINGNETTLE
WATERMELONjuiceandseeds
CELERY
CLEAVERSdiuretic
BUCHUdiuretic

Eczema
HEALALL
CHICKWEED(Stellariamedea)
BIRCH(Betula)
FOXGLOVE
CELANDINE
PRIMROSEOIL

Fever
ACORUSCALAMUS
FILIPENDULAULMARA
SALIX

SENECIOVULGARIS
VERBENA

Heartburn
GINGER
PAPAYAJUICE
CHAMOMILETEA
CELERY
FENNELSEEDS
CARDAMOM

Herpes
LEMONBALM
LICORICE
PRICKLYPEARJUICE

Hypertension
GARLIC
COLEUSFORSKOLI(actsasacalciumchannelblocker)MINTFAMILY(Ayurvedicmedicinecontainsforskolinwhichrelaxessmoothmuscles.

ABANAacomplexayurvedicmedicineformulacontaining:
Withaniasomnifera
IndianValerian
Boerhaviadiffuser
Tinosporacordifolia
DANDELIONmilddiuretic
HAWTHORNEBERRIES(Crataegusoxyacantha)actasACEinhibitor
PASSIONFLOWER(Passifloraincarnata)
WATERMELONJUICE
PUMPKINSEEDS
FENNELSEEDS
YARROW
PARSLEY
HIBISCUS
SARSAPARILLA
NATURALDIURETICS
POMEGRANATEJUICE
GARLIC
PAPAYAFRUITespeciallypapayaleaves,whenboiled,haveanantihypertensioneffecthighpotassiumcontent
OLIVELEAVEScontainoleuropein,whichlowersbloodpressure

STEVIALEAVES

IrritableBowelSyndrome
FENNELSEEDSmosteffectivetreatment*aloneormixedwithcardamom
TURMERIC
PEPPERMINT
SLIPPERYELMBARKpowder
CHAMOMILE
MEADOWSWEET(Filipendulaulmaria)
ISPHAGHULA
PRIMROSE

ImmuneEnhancement
GANODERMA
ASTRALAGUS
LYCIUMFRUIT
SUTHERLANDIA

KidneyStones

Inconjunctionwithhighfluidintake,avoidsugar.Eatadietrichingreenfoliage,brownrice(moremagnesiumthancalcium),bananas,oats,andhigh
magnesium.Herbsinclude:
BEARBERRY
CLEAVERS
KHELLA(Ammivisnagi)antispasmodic,calciumchannelblocker
SEVENBARKS(Hyrangeaarborescens)
STONEROOT(Collinsoniacandidense)
GRAVELROOT(Eupatoriumpurpureum)
CRAMPBARK(Viburnumopulus)

LiverDisease
TURMERIC
DONGYAO(Swertiafranchetiana)
WUWEIZI(Schisandrachinensis)
ANDROGRAPHISPANNICULATA
HONEYSUCKLE(Lonicerajaponica)

MenopauseSymptoms
Thefollowingherbsarewellknown.Sometimesacombinationofthesewillwork,individualpersonsmayrespondbettertodifferentcombinations.Itis
alwaysbesttolearnsomebasicsintheuseofherbsfromanexperiencedherbalist.

POMEGRANATE
ANGELICA/DONGQUAI(Angelicasinensis)therearesomesideeffectsoverall,lesseffective
BLACKCOHOSH
improveshotflashes,nightsweats
antidepressant
safe
doesnotcontainestrogen,butactsthroughthecentralnervoussystem
CHASTEBERRY(Vitexagnuscastus)
DAMIANA
SARSAPARILLA
REDRASPBERRYLEAVESforuterinecramps
SUMA
CHICKPEAS
FENUGREEK
WILDYAMdoesnothaveestrogenicorprogesteronproperties
SOYBEANPRODUCTSex.tofu

MetabolicSyndromeX
Thefollowingherbsareforweightloss,controlofhypertension,andDiabetes:
COLEUS

FENUGREEK
GYMNEMA
AMERICANGINSENG

MuscleCrampsorSpasms
CELERYSEED
ROMANCHAMOMILE
ROSEMARY
GOLDENROD
SKULLCAPWILDYAM
SAWPALMETTO
YARROW

SleepHerbsforInsomnia
INDIANVALERIAN(Nardostachysjatamans)
TINOSPORACORDIFOLLIA
PASSIONFLOWERincombinationwithLemonBalm
YELLOWLADYSSLIPPER
VALERIANwithMelissaofficinalis

CARDAMOM
JUJUBE(DaTSao)
KAVAKAVA
SKULLCAP
LAVENDER
CHAMOMILE
HOPS
HOELEN
CATNIP
LEMONBALM
CLARY
SAGE
VIOLETS
BESTCHAIintheauthorsopinion,thebesttea(withboiledmilk)includesoneormoreofthefollowing:
IndianValerianCardamom
HopsJujube
CatnipSkullcap

RheumatoidArthritis

THUNDERGODVINE(TripterygiumwilfordiiHookf.)isavinelikeplantgrowinginSoutheastChina.Itsrootstockismedicinal,buttheflowersand
leavesaretoxic.Rootextractcontainsmorethan70bioactivecompounds.
HANGFANGCHI(StephaniatetrandraS.Moore)
GINKGOBILOBA(EGB)

TonicHerbs
CORDYCEPSSINENSIS(DongChongXiaCao)growninthelarvaeofcaterpillars.
GINSENG
ASHWAGANDA

UrinaryIncontinence
HORSETAIL
ASTRAGALUS
BUTTERBUR(Petasitesvularis)[aplantrelatedtoColtsFoot,growsinmarshyplacesformerlycalledplaguerootinGermanyduetoitsusein
medievaltimes]
SAWPALMETTO160mgtwicedaily
PYGEUM50100mgtwicedaily
CORNSILK
CRANBERRYJUICE
BEARBERRY,UVAURSI
COUCHGRASS(Agropyrarepens)


UrinaryTractInfection
GOLDENSEALROOT(Hydrastiscanadensis)1tspofdriedherbincupofhotwater,twotothreetimesaday,useintinctureorcapsule
BEARBERRYUVAURSI2tspofherbcupofhotwaterusewithtspbakingsodain6ouncesofwatertokeepurinealkaline
BUCHU(Barosmabetulina)diureticandantiseptic
CORNSILK(Zeamays)
HORSETAIL(Equisteumarvense)
LICHEN(Usnea)
CRANBERRY12ouncesofpurefrozenjuice,orfreshlypreparedjuicedailyor1ounceofberriesdaily.
WeightLossObesity
DANDELIONleavesarediuretic,rootislaxative
FENNELSEEDS
KELPincreasesmetabolism
NETTLE
GINSENG
HOODIAGARDONI
GYMNEMA
GARCINIACAMBOGIA
GUARGUM(usewithcaution)
KOLANUT
BANABALEAF
PSYLLIUMnatualfibrouslaxative
GUARANA

WoundCare

TEATREEOIL
ARNICAforbruises,sprainsandwounds
CALENDULA
NEEMLEAF
TURMERIC
LAVENDERTEA
NETTLETEA
SELFHEAL
BOSWELLIASERRATA
CATSCLAW
SPEEDWELL
YARROW
SLIPPERYELM
ST.JOHNSWORT
FEVERFEW
BLUEVERVAIN
CHAMOMILE
GOLDENSEAL
MULLEIN
[9](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)EssiacTeaismanufacturedbyResperin
Corp.inCanada.Anumberofvariationsareavailable,suchasonerecipebyFlorEssence,whichincludesRedClover,Kelp,BlessedThistle,and
Watercress.

HistoryofMedicinalPlants[10]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_

[10](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)ExtractedfromMedicalBotanyofthe
EasternUnitedStates.

MEDICALBOTANY
of
theEASTERNUNITEDSTATES

China.[11]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)
[11](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)Chinahashadanancientflorasincethe
endoftheMezozoiceraduringtheQuarternaryperiodandnotsubjecttocontinentalicesheets.Ithasarelicofancientflora.Outof7ancient
families,Chinahas6ofthem.Chinahasover30,000speciesofhigherplants,2,500speciesofferns,2,200bryophytesand250gemnosperm(outof
850worldwide.)

Naturalproductshavebeenamajorsourceofarchaebotanicalmedicinesincethedawnofhumancivilization.Archaebotanicalstudiesshowmedicinal
plantswereknowntoearlyhominoidspeciesabout60,000yearsago.ThecaprificationofthefigcanbetracedtoearlyPhoenicians,asnotedby
HerodotusandartificialfertilizationofpalmsareevidenceinearlystonerelieffromthetempleofAssurbanipalinancientEgypt.[12]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)
Whatis'Medicine'?
Thewordmedicineconveysadifferentconcepttodifferentpeople.Notalldiseasehasanobviouscause,manywereconsideredtheresultof
spiritsorofdeadorevilanimals.Medicinemenwereherbmen,preachers,conjurers,wisemenandcommunityleaders(SittingBullandGeronimo
weremedicinemen.)
ThereisnoliteraltranslationofthewordmedicineinmostNativeAmericancultures.Perhapsthebestis"mysteriousorinexplicable".For
example,whiskeywasreferredtoas"medicinewater"butitseffectswerenotfullyunderstood.Agunwasreferredtoas"medicineiron,ahorseas
"medicinedog.[13](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn2)
Whatisa'MedicinalPlant'?

Howtodefine'medicinalplant':
Aplantspecieswhichiscommonlyusedforthetreatmentorpreventionofillnessofdiseaseortosomehowmodulate,inabeneficialway,thefinal
outcome(assuchalternative).
Manyoftheusesofmedicinalplantsarethefruitandlaborofgenerationsofallmankindinfolkmedicinesanddifferentculturesacrosstheworld.Over
thousandsofyears,ancientcivilizationshaveskillfullyusedwildplantsandweededoutusefulonesfromthepoisonoustypes.Thebeneficial
knowledgeofmedicinalplantsisacollectiveintellectualheritagewhichbelongstotheentiretyofmankind.Wheremedicinalplantsbecomeso
establishedindailylife,soessentialaningredientofdailylife,nutritionandfood,theybecometheSpiceofLife.
Manymedicinalspicessuchascinnamon,cardamom,peppermint,turmericandfennelseedsmayhavetheiroriginsasculinaryspiceswhich
improvedthetaste,aroma,andotherqualitiesoffood.Later,theybecamesoingrainedindifferentcultureswithadualidentityoftheirculinaryand
medicinaluse,whichtrulymakesthemthespicesoflife.Thesemedicinalspiceshavehighantioxidantvalues,vitamins,andmedicinalpropertieswith
fewsideeffects.Fromanevolutionarymedicinepointofview,theyhavereachedtheirhighesthierarchy.
HowKnowledgeofMedicinalPlantsWasAcquired
NativeAmericanmedicinemenobservedanimalswhousedcertainplants,especiallyblackbearsdiggingrootsofplantstoeat.Wisemen
learnedfromwildanimals.
TheAsianIndianplantSnakeRoot(Rauvolfiaserpentina,familyApocynaceae)wasusedinIndiaasanantidoteforsnakebites,andalsototreat
anxietyandinsanity.AnancientIndianlegendaboutthemongoose[14]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn3)(Herpestesnyula)claimsthatwhenthe
mongooseisreadyforcombat,hefeedsontherootoftheSnakerootplantwhichprotectshimfromthesnake'svenom.ItwasthegreatDutchtropical
botanistRumphius(GeorgeEberhardRumpf,16281702,authorofHerbariumAmboinense)whopointedouttheabovelegendofthemongoose
feedingonSnakeRoottofightthecobra.
Wildanimalsareknowntouseplantsforthetreatmentoftheirillnesses[15]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn4).Anexampleofthisisthecapuchinmonkey
rubbingitsfurwithmillipedeswhichcontaintheinsecticidebenzoquinones.Domesticcatseathouseplantsandgrasstomakethemselvessickandget
ridofbodypoisons.Americanbuffalo(bison)willvisitsaltlickstoobtaincalcium,sodiumandotherminerals.Sodiumisavitalingredientintheantidote
fortoxicplantseatenbyanimals,acommonexampleistheuseofsalttodecreasesaponinsandotherbitterprinciplesfromonionstobittermelons.
[12](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)Usefulknowledgeofmedicinalplants
goesbacktotheearliestofrecordedhistory,totheShanidarCaveintheZagrosmountainsinKurdishIraq,whereRalphandSolecki(19511961)
excavatedNeanderthalburialsitesthatdateback60,000years.Theanalysisofsoilaroundthebonesshowedplantpollen,whichincludedyarrow,
groundsel,grape,hyacinth,thistle,ephedra,senecio,altheaandachillea,suggeststhatearlyNeanderthalmanusedtheseplants.(Solecki,1975.)
Howeverdoubtshavebeenraisedduetocoincidentalremainsofrodentsinlargecoloniesaroundtheseburials,thatthepollengrainsmayhavebeen
storedintheirburrowsbytheserodents.J.D.Somma."TheShanidarIV,flowerburial,"ArcheologyJournal,Cambridge,9:127129:1999.
[13](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref2)Hershman,M.J."AmericanIndian

medicine,"Roy.Soc.Med.78:432433,1985.
[14](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref3)Amongooseisasmall,agileweasellike
carnivorethatlivesonratsandsnakes.Itisrenownedforkillingthepoisonouscobraduetoitsquickmovementsandthick,protectivehair.Itwas
sacredinancientEgyptbecauseitkeptthealligatorpopulationundercontrolbydiggingupandeatingtheireggs.TheVictorianauthorRudyardKipling,
hadacharacterRickiTickwhowasalsoamongoose.Recentresearchshowsthatthemongoosedoesnothaveproteinreceptorsfortheneurotoxin
presentincobravenom,whichprotectsthemongoosefromacobrabite.
[15](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref4)Howevermanybiologistsdifferintheir
viewsandregardanimaxsavantsasmereromanticism(R.Saplosky).

Ratsoftenconsumeclayaftereatinghighlytoxicplants(claychelatespoison).Eatingclayiscommonamongcrowswhoeatanythingandarethus
continuouslyexposedtoplanttoxins.Eatingclayisalsocommonaspicainpregnantwomen,toprotectthedevelopingfetusfromdietarymutagens
andotherpoisons.[16](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)Chimpshavebeen
knowntoeatthepithofVermoniaamygdaliainresponsetoparasiticinfestation.Oftenthewholeleafisswallowed,someoftheparasites,suchas
Oesophagostomum,getcaughtbytrichomes.TheelephantsinwesternKenyaareknowntodigextinctvolcanoestogetsoftrocktoobtainmineral
salts.

PrimatologistsWranghanandNishidafoundchimpanzeesinTanzaniaeatingleavesfromtheshrubAspilia.[17]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn2)Thisplanthasnonutritionalvaluebutcontains
thiarubrineA,areddishoilwhichisapotenttoxinagainstnematodeswhichinfestthesechimpanzees.Theseplantleavesarechewedbylocaltribes
forthetreatmentofstomachache,indicatingthatanimalsareusersofmedicinalplants,thusanexampleofzoopharmacognosy.[18]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn3),[19]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn4)
TheBrazilianwoolyspidermonkeyuseslargeamountsofthelegumeEnterolibiumcontotisiliquum.Steroidstigmasterol(aprogesterone
precursor)helpsbringonmatingseason.(K.Strier)
WhatistheGoldenRatiobetweentheknownplantspeciesanditsmedicinalflora?Theratiois2035%ofanyregionalflorahasatleastsome
medicinalvalue.Itisestimatedthereareabout400,000speciesofhighervascularplants.(Govaerts2001[20]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn5),Thorne2002[21]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn6))AccordingtoDanielMoerman,thereare2,147
medicinalplantsusedbyNativeAmericans.ItisnotclearhowmanyarenaturalizedfromEurope.Becauseamongthe10mostcommonmedicinal
plantsusedbyNativeAmericantribesisAchilleamillefoliumwhichisanaturalizedEuropeanspecies.Inmyopinion,basedonsimilarmedicinalplant
dataaroundtheworld,potentiallythereareatleast4,000medicinalplantsthatexistintheUnitedStates,butweknowonlyafractionofthem.[22]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn7)
Accordingtoonereport,thereareatleast119chemicalsubstancesderivedfrom90plantspecieswhichareimportantdrugscurrentlyinuse.
[23](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn8)
Plantsproducebioactivematerialsasadefensemechanism,againstpredatoryanimals,fungusandothermicrobes.Plantsinthewildaremore
exposedtoenvironmentalhazardsandfungiandtheyproduceantimicrobestofightthem.Thesechemicalsvaryiftheplantisaliveordeadandvary
accordingtotheseasonandthesoil.Forexample,acultivatedroselosesitsimmunityandismorepronetodevelopfungalrotandmoldthanonein
thewild.
WelcomeBacktoEden
Traditionalmedicinalplantswillbecomeanintegralpartoffuturehealthcare.AccordingtotheestimatebytheWorldHealthOrganization
(WHO),80%oftheworld'sinhabitantsrelymainlyontraditionalmedicinefortheirhealthcare.[24]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn9)Twentyfivepercentofallprescriptionscontain
naturalproductsandmorethan250medicinalplantsareabotanicsourceofmanymedicinesandremediesavailableoverthecounter.
Thereisaresurgenceofinterestinphytomedicine,whichisduetothefailureofconventionalmedicinetotreatsimpleeverydayhealth
problems.Examplesaremenopausesymptoms.[25]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn10)Useofphytomedicineisduetoarelativelack
ofsideeffects,anholisticapproach,respectforindividualismandselfhelp.
Thenaturalproductsfrommedicinalplantshavebeenusedforhealth,nutritionandsurvivalofthehumanspecies.Theearliestrecordcanbe

seeninMesopotamia,approximately4,500yearsago.Theywerecommonlyusingmustard,myrrh,licorice,cinnamonandopiumfrompapaver
somniferum.Allofthesemedicinalplantshavevaliduse,eventoday.ThenextrecordisofPapyrusEber's(1500BC),whichcontainedmanyofthe
medicinalplantsmentionedearly,butalsootherssuchasPomegranate,IndianValerian,blackpepper,etc.
OriginofMedicalBotany
Theophrastus(300BC)describedabout500speciesofplants.Pliny(78AD)mentions1,000speciesandbythetimeofLinneaus,over
10,000.Atpresent250400,000ofhigherplantsangiosperms.[26]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn11)Itisestimatedthatabout3560,000medicinal
plantspecieshavebeenusedindifferentcultures.Forexample,inChina,5,000of35,000speciesgrowingthereareusedasdrugsinChinese
TraditionalMedicine.InIndia,7,000speciesareofmedicaluse.
[16](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)Pica,anevolutionaryadaptationAmjad,
2005.
[17](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref2)Page,J.E."ChemicalbasisofAspilia
leafswallowingbyChimpanzees,"J.Chem.Ecology,23:221126,1997.
[18](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref3)Zoopharmacognosy:Aspiliahasbeen
usedinthefolkmedicineoftheWaTongwetribesforthetreatmentofintestinalparasites.
[19](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref4)Huffman,M."Ethnobotanyand
ZoopharmacognosyofVermonia,amedicinalplantusedbyhumansandchimpanzees,"Proc.Int.CompositeeConf.,Kew,2:35160,1994.
[20](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref5)Govaerts,R."Howmanyspeciesof
seedplantsarethere,"Taxon,10851090,2001.
[21](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref6)Thorne,R.F."Howmanyspeciesof
seedplantsarethere?"Taxon,51:511512,2002.
[22](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref7)Natureisthemostimportantsourceof
uniquebioactivematerialfromplants.Inwarmerclimates,biologicalbioactivematerialsareproducedinlargerquantitiesassecondarymetabolitesand
asdefenseagainstpredatorsortoattractinsectpollinators.
[23](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref8)Farnsworth,N.R.andAkereleO.
"MedicinalPlantsintherapy,"Bull.WHO,63:965981,1985.
[24](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref9)Farnsworth,N.R.andO.Okerele.Bull.
WHO,1985:63:965.
[25](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref10)Useofsyntheticestrogenleadstoan
increaseincancerrateandbloodclots,arthritis,commoncold,evensorethroat,etc.
[26](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref11)AccordingtoDavidBramwell,421,968
species,andtoRafaelGovaerts,422,127species(WorldChecklistofSeedPlants,WorldResourcesInst.)

Manyplantshaveservedasmodelsforthenextgenerationofdrugs.Forexample,KhellinfromAmmivisnagaisusedinEgyptianfolkmedicienforthe
treatmentofasthma.Thisleadstoadevelopmentofchromolyn(whichstabilizesmembranestopreventthereleaseofsubstancescausing
bronchospasm.)Furtherstudiesleadtothedevelopmentofamiodarone,ausefulmedicineforthecontrolofheartrate.
ThecommonbloodpressuremedicineVerapamilwasobtainedfromthecommonstructuresharedbyPapaverine.Galegaofficinalishasbeen
usedinfolkmedicineforthetreatmentofdiabetesmellitus.Itsactivematerialgalegineprovidedthebasisforasynthesisofmetforminasantidiabetic
drug.
Medicinalplantsprovideanovelmechanismofactionsforbioactivematerialswhichremainamostimportantsourceofnewmedicinal
compounds.Examplesofmedicinalcompoundsarewellknown:
Foxglove(Digitalispurpurea)forheartfailure
IndianSnakeRoot(Rauvolfiaserpentina)andSalicylicacidforWillowbark.
Recentmedicinesderivedfromplantsare:
VincristinefromCatharanthusroseus(MadagascarPeriwinkle)
EtoposidefromthePodophyllumspecies(Mayapple),taxolfromTaxusbrevifolia.
Steroidalcompoundsfrom(Dioscoreaspp)andSisal(Agavespp)
ArtemisininfromArtemisiaannua(SweetWormwood)andForskolinfromColeusforskolii.
RoleofMedicinalPlantsFromAntiquitytoPresentTheknowledgeofbotanywasfundamentaltothedevelopmentandriseofancientagrarian
societiesaroundtheNile,IndusandYellowRivers.AncientculturesofChina,IndiaandEgypthadtheiroriginssuccessfulgrowingofcropsand
agriculture.Sowastheacquiringknowledgeofmedicinalplantforhealthandsickness.Eventhemummifiedhumanremainsshow,birchfungusbeing
usedasapossibletreatmentforintestinalparasites.StudyoftheTheIceMansmummifiedremainsfromtheAustrianAlpsgivesusabetterglimpseat
whatancientlifewaslikethousandsofyearsago.Oneofhisvaluablepossessionswasa"medicinekit,"twowalnutsizedlumpsofbirchfungus
(Pitoporusbetulinus)usedaslaxativeandantibiotic.
EarlyuseofmedicinalplantsrosewithreligiousceremoniesatancientTemplesinIndiaandEgypt.Itwasassociatedwiththeuseofmyrrhand
Frankincensewasvaluedasanantibioticandforgainingattention.Knowledgeofherbalmedicineremainscloselyassociatedwithrituals,andeven
duringmedievaltimescottagegardensassociatedwithchurcheswereasourceofmedicinalplants.Thewordofficeoriginatedasastorageroomfor
medicinalplants.Thewordwasthesourceofthebotanicnomenclatureofficinalis(whichindicatesthatthisplantwasspecificallygrownandstoredfor
medicinaluse.)
Botanyservesasauniversalsciencewhichwasknowninandsharedbytheearliestcivilizationsonearth.Similarly,eventhemostprimitive
aborigineshavetheirownmateriamedicaofindigenousplantsforsurvival.ThusBotanyisthescienceofLife(medicinalaspect)andExistence
(agriculturalaspect)becausetoliveyouhavetoexistfirst.

TheearliestaccountofbotanyinthewestgoestoAristotle,bornin384BC.AfterseveralyearsofstudyinAsiaMinorsettledthePeripatos(Peripatos
iscolonadewhereschoolexisted)orLyceum(PublicgroveofApollowhereperipatoswaslocated.)Onlyfragmentsofhisbotanicworksareknown
(Treatiseonplants,DePlantisI&II)eventheyaredisputed.
ThemostimportantinfluentialbotanicworkbelongstoTheophrastus(371286BC)astudentofPlatoandAristotlecalledthefatherofBotany.
HeembracedAristotle'sphilosophyinallareasofscienceandphilosophy.

MostimportantwereDeHistoriaPlantarum(Periphytonhistoria)GrowthofPlants(Periphytonaition.)Thefirstconsistsof10books,9have
comedowntous.Heseparatedmonocotyledonanddicotyledons(unbranchedstemandparallelleafvenation,)distinctionbetweenannualand
perennial,Petiolateandsessileleavesandthepositionofcorollawithovary.Woodyplantsaredistinguishedfromherbaceous,landplantsfrom
aquatics,andsourcesofturpentinefromplantswithleaveshavingneedles.
LaterPliny,bornAD23,diedineruptionofVesuviusAD79,inhisHistoriaNaturalis,outofthe37books,16dealwithplantsandtheirproducts
(thereareover1000plantsmentioned.)
AcontemporaryofPlinyisthefamousDioscoridesofAnazarbus,Cicilia(ModerndayTurkey.)Hismateriamedicahasreferenceto600plants.
HisimportantDeMateriaMedicaissurvivedbytheJulianaCodex,orAnicianCodex.NothingisknownabouthimexceptthathewasaGreeksurgeon
fortheRomanemperor.
TheDioscoridesherbalhadprofoundinfluencebuthisknowledgewasrelatedtoplantsendemicinWesternEurope.Almostallofthewritings
ofGalenofPergamos(bornAD130)wereinfluencedbyDioscorides.Later,PietroAndreaMattioli(physicianbotanist)in1544,published
commentariesonDioscorides,whichgreatlyinfluencedthebotanicknowledgeofthattime.Mattioli'sworkwascopiedbyTheodoreZwinger,(1658
1724)TheatrumBotanicum,aSwissbotanistphysician,whichwassourceofChristopherSauerII(17211784,herbalmedicine1777),The
CompendiousHerbalKurzgefasstesKrauterBuch.Itwaspublishedininstallmentsduringthemid18thcenturyintheUnitedStates.
Preservation&CollectionofMedicinalPlants[27](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)
PreparationofPlantsNaturalproductsvaryintheirconcentrationaccordingtotheirharvestseason,climate,soil,methodofdryingandvariance
withinthespecies.Propercollection,dryingandstorageareimportantandinfluencethemedicinalpropertiesofthefinalextract.Thefollowingsections
describetheseprocessesinmoredetail.
CollectionofMedicinalPlantsRoots:
Theseshouldbecollectedduringthefall,aftertheleaveshavefallen(contrastingly,barksshouldbecollectedintheearlyspring.)Ingeneral,roots
collectedlateintheseasonarebetter.
LeavesFlowers
Theseshouldbecollectedbeforematurationofthefruitanddevelopmentofthesee.Flowersarecollectedpreferablyatthetimeofpollination.
Seedsandfruit
Shouldbecollectedwhentheyareripeandmature.
Activemedicinalcompoundsareattheirmaximumduringearlyflowering,alkaloids,etc.diminishwithaging,theyhavehighercontentsofactive
principlesifflowersarestillclosed.
Bark
Asarule,collectthebarkwhenshrubsortreesare"insap",whichisverylatewinterorearlyspring.

Bulbs
Collectbulbsinthefallorwinterwhentheplantisdormant.
Herbs
Herbsshouldbecollectedwhentheflowersareinfullbloom,whichiswhentheyhavethelargesbulkandalsothelargestamountofmedicinal
principles.
DryingMethodsDrythevegetablematerialbyairdryingitoutofdirectsunlight.Trytospeedthedryingprocesstopreventmolds.Thiscan
bedonebyusingartificiallyheatedorcirculatedairand/ordehumidifiers.Cuttingthelargerootsinslabs,orcrosswise,helpsindrying.
Caution:excessiveheatwilldestroymedicinalcompounds.
Simple
Cutthelargeroots,ithelpsindrying.Someroots(burdockandpokeberryareusuallycutlengthwise)maybeslicedintoslabs,whileothers,suchas
elecampane,areslicedcrosswise.
Afterdrying,theyshouldbestoredinadryplacetopreventmold.
Microwave
Dehumidifiers
Airdryingundernormalcircumstanceswithanyavailableequipmentishelpfulinsmallquantities.
Dryingthewholeherbcanbedonehangingthemonlinesupsidedown.Dryingherbscanbedonewithspecialequipment,whosedesignsare
available(U.S.Dept.AgricultureFarmer'sBulletin1231).Dryingcanbedoneeitherwithnaturalairtemperatureandmovement,orartificiallyheated
withcirculatedair.

Storage
Afterdrying,theyshouldbestoredinadryplacetopreventmold.

NotesFromPorcherConfederateStatesofAmerica,SurgeonGeneral'sOffice:

GeneralDirectionsforCollectingandDrying

MedicinalsubstancesoftheVegetableKingdom.

DirectionsforCollecting
Allleaves,flowersandherbsshouldbepreferablygatheredinclear,dryweather,inthemorning,afterthedewisexhaled.
Therootsofmedicinalplants,althoughmoreadvantageouslygatheredatcertainperiods,tobehereafterspecified,donotlosetheirmedicinal
virtuesinconsequenceofbeingduginmidsummer.Itisprobablethatmostofthoseimportedarethuscollectedbysavagesorignorantpersons,when
theplantisinfullleaf,itbeingthenmoreeasilyrecognized.

Plants,AnnualShouldbegatheredatthetimewhentheirvegetationismostvigorous,whichisgenerallyfromthetimetheybegintofloweruntiltheir
leavesbegintochange.
Plants,BiennialShouldinmostinstancesbegatheredinthesecondseasonoftheirgrowth,andaboutthetimeofflowering.
RootsofAnnualsAretobegatheredjustbeforethetimeofflowering.
RootsofBiennialsAretobegatheredafterthevegetationofthefirstyearhasceased.
RootsofPerennialsAretogatheredinthespring,beforevegetationhascommenced.Rootsshouldbewashed,andthesmallerfibres,unlesstheyare
thepartemployed,shouldbethenseparatedfromthebodyoftheroot,which,whenofanyconsiderablesize,istobecutinslicesprevioustobeing
dried.
BulbsAretobegatheredafterthenewbulbisperfected,andbeforeithasbeguntovegetate,whichisatthetimetheleavesdecay.Thosewhichare
tobepreservedfreshshouldbeburiedindrysand.
BarksWhetheroftheroot,trunkorbranches,shouldbegatheredintheautumn,orearlyinthespring.Thedeadepidermisorouterbark,andthe
decayedpartsshouldberemoved.Ofsometrees(astheelm),theinnerbarkonlyispreserved.
LeavesAretobegatheredaftertheirfulldevelopment,beforethefadingoftheflowers.Theleavesofbiennialsdonotattaintheirperfectqualitiesuntil
thesecondyear.
FlowersShouldingeneralbegatheredatthetimeoftheirexpansion,beforeorimmediatelyaftertheyhavefullyopened:someastheRosaGallica
whileinbud.
AromaticHerbsAretogatheredwheninflower.

StalksandTwigsShouldbecollectedinautumn.
SeedsShouldbecollectedattheperiodoftheirfullmaturity.
DirectionsforDrying
Medicinalproductsofthevegetablekingdom(asplants,roots,etc.)shouldbedriedasrapidlyasisconsistentwiththeirperfectpreservation,
butnotsubjectedtoextremeheat.
Thosecollectedinthewarmmonthsandduringdryweathermay,exceptinafewinstances,bedriedbytheirspontaneousevaporation,ina
wellventilatedapartment:someasrootsandbarksmaybeexposedtothedirectraysofthesun.
Inspringandautumn,andindamp,foggyorrainyweather,adryinghouseshouldberesortedtothetemperaturetorangefrom70to100F.
Thereshouldbeanapertureabovefortheescapeofwarm,moistair.

FibrousRootsMaybedriedinthesun,orataheatoffrom65to80F.inthedryingroom.
FleshyRootsShouldbecutintransverseslices,notexceedinghalfaninchinlength,andduringthedryingprocessshouldbestirredseveraltimesto
preventtheirmoulding.
BulbsMusthavethecoarseoutermembranepeeledoff.Inotherrespectstheyaretobetreatedlikefleshyroots.
Barks,WoodsandTwigsReadilydry,inthinlayers,intheopenair.
LeavesAfterseparationfromthestalks,shouldbestrewedlooselyoverhurdleframes,andtheirpositionchangedtwiceaday,untiltheybecomedry.
Whenverysucculent,theyrequiremorecaretopreventtheirdiscoloration.Forthindryleaves,theheatneednotexceed70F.:forthesucculent,it
maygraduallyberaisedto100F.
AnnualPlantsandTopsIfnottoojuicy,thesemaybetiedlooselyinsmallbundles,andstrungonlinesstretchedacrossthedryingroom.
FlowersMustbedriedcarefullyandrapidly,soastopreservetheircolor.Theyshouldbespreadlooselyonthehurdles,andturnedseveraltimesby
stirring.Whenflowersorleavesowetheirvirtuestovolatileoils,greatercareisnecessary.
Acarefullypressedspecimenofthestem,leafandflowerofeachmedicinalsubstancecollected,whetheritbebark,rootorherb,shouldbeobtained
andforwardedwitheachcollection,forthepurposeofaidinginitsidentification.
Thetimewhencollected,andthemodeofdryingofeachcharacterofarticle,shouldalwaysbestated.

MethodsofPreparation[28](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn2)
Topreparebotanicextractsseveralmethodsareutilized.Here,briefdescriptionareprovidedonanintroductorylevel.[29]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn3)
OintmentsLiniments
Liniments
Thesepreparationsaredesignedonlyforexternaluse.Theyareusuallythickerthanwater,butalwaysliquidatbodytemperature.
Ointments(Unguents)
Thesearepreparationsmadewithfattysubstances,usuallylard(Indiansusedbeargrease.)
Useofointmentsandliniments,formedicinalherbsisasfollows:
1. Usebeeswax,meltitinadoubleboileroracan(orjar)inapanofwater.
2. Whenwaxismelted,addappropriatemixtureofherbandoil(useanyofthese:oliveoil,oralmondoil,grapeseed,orjojobaoil).Mixthe
medicinalherbextract,essentialoilorjustsimplyherbflowers,leaves,simmerboilinoilmedium.
3. Boraxaddedhelpsasemulsifier.
4. Toimproveshelflife,addGrapefruitSeedExtract,vitaminEorothersimilarpreservatives.
Decoctions
Thisinvolvesboilingforshortperiods,20minutesorverylowheat,resultinginmoreactiveprinciplesbeingextractedfromthemedicinalroots,etc.
Thisisthesimplestmethodofobtainingmedicinalcompounds.Atealikeliquidismade(properwordisTissane).
1. Ceramicorstainlesssteelcontainer,appropriateamountofherbpartisused(bark,leavesordriedflowers).Theexactamountvarieswiththe
medicinalplantused.Normally,onetotwoteaspoonfulsofmaceratedleaves,or1teaspoonfulofmaceratedbarkissufficienttoobtaina46oz.
cupofHerbaltea.
2. Watershouldbeboiledonlow,lowheatfor20minutes(averagetime).Somepotentingredientsrequireonly5minutesofheating(especially
driedfloweringparts).
3. Straintheliquidandsweetentoindividualtaste.
4. Decoctioncanbestoredinrefrigeratorupto72hoursandusedasdirected.

Syrups
Thisisasolutionofmedicinalsubstancesinglycerin,madebyrubbingthemtogetherinamortar.ThewordsyrupisderivedfromthePersian
sheeraab,meaningsweetwater.
1. Ceramicorstainlesscontainer,juiceordecoctionofmedicinalherbismixedwithcanesugar,1partjuiceto1partssugar.
2. Gentlyheattoasimmer.
3. Aftercooling,storeinappropriatecontainer,thiscanbestoredinthecupboardfor6monthsormore.
4. Veryusefulwithflowersandotherraremedicinalplants.
InfusionsInfusionsarepartialsolutionsofmedicinalherbsinwater.Theyaremadewithbothhotandcoldwater.Inhotinfusions,theactive
ingredientsarepreferred,however,iftheactiveprincipleisfriableorcouldbedamagedbyheating,hot(orevencoldwater)ispouredonthemedicinal
herbanditislefttosoakforsometime.
Whentheheatingisdonebetween60and90Fahrenheit,theprocessiscalledmaceration.Whenheatedbetween90and100,theprocess
iscalleddigestion.Otherspecialmethodsarepercolationanddialysis.
Medicinalinfusionsaremadehotorcold.Theuseofvinegar,appleciderorwhitewinevinegarisdesirable.Heatthewaterfor5minutes,just
toaboilandaddoneteaspoonfulofleaves(driedflowers)orbarktoonecupandwaittillitcoolsdown.Itcanbesweetenedtoindividualtaste.For
delicateflowersandessentialoil,coldwaterinfusionsmaybeused,especiallywhenleftovernight.
Tinctures
Tincturesarebiologicalresponsemodifiers.Theyaresolutionsofmedicinalsubstancesinalcoholordilutedalcohol.Theireffectscannotbe
measuredbythestandard,crudetechniquesgearedforpurecrystallinecompoundanalysiswhicharepresentlyavailableinthepharmaceutical
industry.Tincturescontaincomplexbiologicalmoleculeswiththeiruniquestructures,liquidsandbindingbyknownandunknownaccessorymolecules,
suchassaponin,whichfacilitatesinteractionwithproteinreceptors,biomembranesandionchannels.
[27](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)ExtractedfromMedicalBotanyofthe
EasternUnitedStates.
[28](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref2)ExtractedfromMedicalBotanyofthe
EasternUnitedStates.
[29](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref3)FormoredetailsseeBitters,Amjad,
2003.

Intheauthorsopinion,thetinctureofawholeherbalplantismuchmorepotentandhasmoreactiveingredientsthanapurifiedchemicalextract.

Tincturesinthepharmacologicalsenseofthetermaresolutionsofmedicinalsubstancesinalcohol,preparedbymaceration,digestionorpercolation.
ThewordtinctureisderivedfromtheLatinwordtincture,whichmeanstintedorcolored,referringtoherbalextractsmadewithalcohol.
Typically,atinctureismadewithdilutedalcohol(25%alcohol,50%proof)withmaceratedmedicinalrootsandbarkandkeptfor2weeks,withthe
mixturefrequentlyshaken.Insomecases,whitewinevinegarandglycerinareusedtopreparethetincture.
Alcoholhasbeenusedtoextractnonwatersolubleingredientsfrommedicinalplants.Alsovolatile(essentialoils)componentsarecaptured
usingalcoholwhichwouldevaporateifheated.Thesevolatilecompoundswouldalsonotbeavailableinasolidextractformofmedicine.
Tincturesalsoprolongtheshelflifeofaconcoctionwhich,inthecaseofinfusionsinwater,theconcoctionmayonlylastafewdays.Alcoholictinctures
usuallylast6monthsandcanlastupto5years.
Whenatincturecontainsvolatilecompounds,itiscalledspirits.Aftermixingitwithwater,tincturescontainbothwatersolubleandnonwater
solublecomponents.Normally,inthehumanbody,fatsoluble(ornonwatersoluble)compoundsarefacilitatedfortheirabsorptionthroughthe
intestinalmucosewiththepresenceofsaponins.
Alcohol
A95%alcoholcontentfunctionsasapreservative.Authoruses80proofherbvodkaforallitsmedicinalpurposes.Alcoholishydrophilic,itattracts
water.Grainspiritsaremadefromcorn,wheatrye,barley,andareusefulintincturing.Grapespiritisusedinperfumery.Remember,proofisalways
twicethealcoholpercentagenumber,forexample:95%alcoholmeans95%alcoholand5%water,190proof.
Insomeofherbalmedicine(Angelica),thebestextractionisbyalcohol.Volatile(essentialoils)componentsarecapturedwhichwouldotherwise
evaporatewhenheated.Thesevolatilecompoundswouldalsonotbeavailableinasolidextractformofmedicine.Correctchoiceofethanolvariesin
differentherbsandtheircontents.ASwissstudyused55%alcohol,usually4060alcohol(say,80100proofvodka)isbestformostpurposes.The
followingguidelinesareuseful:
ForWaterSolubleConstituents:mucilage,tannins,flavonoids,fewsaponin,25%,50proof.
ForEssentialOilalkaloidsandsaponin:45%60%,100120proof.
ForResinsandOleoresin:90%alcohol,180proof.
Theherbalmedicineshouldbeinadrystateandproperlybruise,slicedorpulverized.[30]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)Tincturesinthepharmacologicalsenseofthe
termaresolutionsofmedicinalsubstancesinalcohol,preparedbymaceration,digestionorpercolation.Theyshouldbekeptinwellclosedbottlesand
full,atlowtemperatures.[31](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn2)
Dose:Itshouldbetitratedwiththelowestdoseandbuiltup,ratherthanawineglassofthisandthat.Startwith510dropstotspful,24timesa
day.TheEdinburghCollegesuggestsingestionbecontinuedusuallyforsevendays.IntheUnitedStates,itisextendedtotwoweeks.
Formakingstrongtinctures(Icallthemextractsusing5060%herbpartsand4050%alcohol80100proof,even190proofcanbeusedand
diluted50%water,vodka80%doeswellformostcases.Intheauthorsopinion,thetinctureofawholeherbalplantismuchmorepotentandhas

moreactiveingredientsthanapurifiedchemicalextract.
Sometincturesdeterioratebeforethetimerequiredforthefermentationprocess.Examplesinclude:
SennaRhubarb
ColumboHenbane
DigitalisHops
AloeCinnamon
[30](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)TheUSPharmacopoeiadirectsthe
specificgravityofalcohol0.835(London)andEdinburgh(0.838)andDublin(0.84).
[31](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref2)Am.J.Pharmacy20:47.

AdvantagesofTinctures:
1. Containfullspectrumofbioactivematerialsfromthemedicinalplants.
2. Capturevolatileessentialoils.
3. Therearemanybioactivecompoundswhicharenotwatersoluble,tincturesmakethesebioavailable.
4. Prolongedshelflife:tinctureskeptproperlycanlastupto5yearsorso.
5. Dosagecanbefinetuned,bydilutionorvolume.
6. Applecidervinegarandglycerincanbeusedinsteadofalcohol,butthesetincturesareusuallyweaker.

Suggestion:
Roots,bark,etc.arekeptindilutedalcohol(25%alcohol,50%proof)for2weeks,undertheconditionsformaceration(6090degreesF).Themixture
isshakenfrequently.
JuiceTinctures
Tincturespreparedbyaddingalcoholtoexpressedjuicearewellknown,especiallywithnarcoticplants,suchasBelladonnaandHyoscyamus.Inthese
cases,theleavesshouldbetaken,ifitisabiennial,thoseexclusivelyofthesecondyearsgrowth,andcollectedwhentheplantisinfullflower.The
juiceiskeptforsedimentationfor1dayandthealcoholisadded1partto4partsjuice.Duringpreparation,thetinctureshouldbefrequentlyshaken.
Medicineisgiveninsmalldoses,theeffectofalcoholisminimal.
Followtheseguidelines:
Keepfor2weeks
Keepstirringorshakingbottle
After2weeks,filteralcoholcontent
Storeinacoolplace
Sealtincturebottlestightly
Labelproperlyandmarkanddate
Keepinsunlightwithspiritsorflowerextracts,otherwise,outofsunlight.

Originally,herbalcompoundsweremadewithalcohol,calledaquavitae(WaterofLife).Later,brandywasusedformakingherbalcompounds
(theDutchwordBrandy=burntwine).Alcoholdistilledfromfermentedgrainswascalledwhiskey(Gaelicwateroflife).Swissphysicianandchemist
Paracelsususedalcoholformakingherbalcompounds,thatisthestartofElixirs,someofwhichhavepersisteduptonow(Elixirparegoric).Some
personsmaybeallergictograinalcohol,alcoholfromgrapeswouldbeideal.
Formoredetailsonmakingtinctures,thereaderisreferredtothemonographBittersbytheSeniorAuthor.

OtherFormsMedicine[32]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)

Powders(Pulveres)Medicinalcompoundswhichdonothaveabitterordisagreeabletastearegivenaspowders(SlipperyElmBark).Theyare
pulverizedmechanicallyorwithamortarandpestle.Medicinalcompoundswhichcontainvolatileacidsshouldbeusedwhenfreshlymade.
Somepowderscanbeconvertedintopills(pilules)withtheadditionofsomedryinertpowdersuchasbreadcrumbsorpowderedediblegum
(suchasgumarabic,accacia,etc.)Heavypowderscanbemixedwithconfectionofrosepetals(traditionalclassicmethods)orraisins.
SteamDistillationUsedforessentialoils.
CreosoteCreosoteisasubstanceobtainedfromwoodtar,especiallyfrombeechwoodtar.Itisacolorlessoleoginousliquid,withaburningtasteand
apenetratingodorlikethatofsmokedmeat.Itissolubleinalcoholandvinegar.Ithasaremarkablepropertyofpreservingmeat,henceitsname
(creosoteisGreekfor"tosaveflesh").
Insmalldosesitisanastringentandastyptic,employedinbleedingfromstomachandlung.Whenappliedexternally,itishelpfulinthe
treatmentofnonhealingwoundsandulcers.
Doseis12dropsforinternaluse,and6dropsforexternaluse.
TrocheorLozengesThesearesmalldrysolidmasses,madeofpowderswithsugarandmucilage(gumtragacanth)whichtendstoholdtogetherin
themouth,allowingthesolidtodissolveslowly.
ConfectionsTheseareoftwokinds:oneisConserves,wherethemedicinalcompoundiscombinedwithrefinedsugar,andtheothertypeis
Electuary,whichisadrypowdermixedusuallywithhoney.
ChartaeThesemedicinalcompoundsaremadeforexternalapplication.Theyareamixtureofmedicinalsubstances,suchasmustardonpaper.
MixturesThisisthepreparationofaninsolublesubstanceinwater,traditionallycombinedwithgumArabic,sugaroreggyolk.Whenthemixturehas
anoilyappearance,itiscalledandemulsion.
MedicatedWaters(Hydrosols)Thesearewatersdistilledfrommedicinalplants,containingvolatileorothergaseoussubstances,forexample,rose
waterandlavenderwater.
SolutionsSolutionsareofnonvolatilesubstances,whicharecompletelysolubleinwaterbasedmedicines.

CeratesThesearemadeofoilmixedwithwax(beeswax,spermaceti,orresin)alongwithmedicinalsubstances.Theyhaveaharderconsistencythan
ointmentanddonotmeltwhenappliedtotheskin.
PlastersTheseareusuallypowderedmedicinalcompoundsmixedwitholiveoil,etc.andspreadonlinenormuslinforexternalapplicationonthe
skin.Amustardplasterisanexample.
Cataplasms(Poultices)Thesearesoft,moistsubstancesforexternaluse,usuallyforthetreatmentofboils,etc.
[32](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)Biddle,JohnB.MateriaMedica,Lindsay
andBlakistan,Philadelphia,1878.

TheScienceofApothecary[33]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)
LotionsPotionsAlchemyofHerbalism

[](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)ExtractedfromMedicalBotanyofthe
EasternUnitedStates.
Dosology
Posology:TheScienceofDose(dosologyfromtheGreekmeaninghowmuchofF.Posologie).
APhytotherapisthastodeterminetheamountandfrequencyofmedicinaldosages.
BritishPharmacopoeia(aswellPharmaceuticalcodex)givesadosagerangeinsteadofafixeddose.
1.Xplantroot14mlinatincture1/5tinctureonetothreetimesdaily.

2.Frequencyofdosage
3.Ageofpatient
4.Conditionofthepatient
Herbalproductsareusuallyslowlyabsorbedandmetabolizedandthushavelongerlastingeffects,thus[theymaybeneeded]onlyonceaday
comparedtotheactiveingredientinatablet.Sometincturesmayhavetobetaken23timesorevenmoreorlocalapplicationswhethersorethroator
skinconditionfrequentapplicationsareneeded.Bittersaregivento1hourbeforemealstostimulateappetiteoreffectpancreastohelppour
digestiveenzymes.Fennelseedsgiven1hbeforemealshelpsuppressappetiteandweightloss,butgivenaftermeals,theyhelpdigest,butnoeffect
onweightloss.Diureticgivenintheearlymorningismoreactive.Strongmedicinewithhighdosealkaloidsshouldbegivensmallestdoseandtitrated
upifneeded.
GalenicArt
Theartofcombiningsimpledrugsismuchmorecomplex,requiringthoroughknowledgeofmedicinalherb'stotalcontent.Highdosetanninscan
interferewithotheractivemedicinalcompounds.Expectorantscanbeachievedbyreflexactionofsaponinsonstomachbydirectactiononrespiratory
epithelialliningandstimulatingciliarytransportofmucus.Amountofactiveingredientinatinctureisdifficulttoascertainduetomanyvariables.

StandardizationofHerbs

Whenanherbalproductisstandardized,theactiveingredientischeckedbyHPLCtoassureeachbatchhasthesamestandardized
standardizationgivesomeconfidenceandguaranteedconstituents.Prosandconsdiscussed.[34]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn1)
Tinctures
Tincturesaremadetohavealongershelflifeofherbalconcoctionaswellasomeherbsareextractedinamediumofalcoholandwater.Authoruses
following:
Grounddriedleavesorrootsarecrushedandusedinaratioof1:4
Usingvodka,80%proof,containeriskeptinawarmplace.Shakeatleastonceaday.
Ifherbhasbeenmacerated,itisevennotnecessary.
Products(root,leaves,bark)
Keptforaminimumof10daysandtheresidueisseparatedfromtheliquidandstoredseparately,longerstayincreasestannincontent(whichif
intended.)
Glycerineandvinegarcanbesubstitutedinmostbutnotallcases.Glycerineextractsarebetterthanwaterbutlesseffectivethanalcohol.
Rosewaterorcardamomcanbeaddedtothealcoholtinctureifthereisaproblemwithstomachintolerance.

Alcohol
Ninetyfivepercentalcoholispreservative.Alcoholishydrophilic,itattractswater.Gramspiritsaremadefromcorn,wheatrye,barley,andareuseful
intincturing.Grapespiritisusedinperfumery.
Alcoholishydrophilicandcanbemadeupto96%or192,proofisalwaystwicethealcoholpercentagenumber.

95%alcoholis95%alcoholand5%water,190proof.
50%alcoholis50%alcoholand50%water,100proof.
Wineis1015%alcohol,2030proof.

HowMuchAlcoholToUseForExtraction
Alcoholhasbeenasuccessfulherbalpreparation.Insomeofherbalmedicine(Angelica),thebestextractionisbyalcohol.Correctchoiceofethanol
variesindifferentherbsandtheircontents.ASwissstudyused55%alcohol,usually4060alcoholisbest(so80100proofvodkawouldbebestfor
mostpurposes).
Thefollowingguidelinesareusedfordifferent:
ForWaterSolubleConstituents:mucilage,tannins,flavonoids,fewsaponin,25%,50proof.
ForEssentialOilalkaloidsandsaponin:45%60%,100120proof.
ForResinsandOleoresin:90%alcohol,180proof.

ExtractionandAnalysisofMedicinalHerbs
Naturalproductsvaryintheirconcentrationaccordingtotheirharvestseason,climate,soil,methodofdryingandvariancewithinthespecies.Proper
collection,dryingandstorageareimportantandinfluencethemedicinalpropertiesofthefinalextract.
TraditionalMethods
Infusion
Severaltraditionalmethodsareusedtoextractbioactiveproductsfromnaturalplantmatrices.
Soaking
Decoctioninwater.
Tincture
Inalcoholorglycerine,whichhaslongershelflife.
Steamdistillation
Foressentialoils.
Soxhlet
Apparatusisusedforliquidextractionofactivecompoundfromasolidsample.
SupercriticalFluidExtraction(SFE)
SFEhasbecomemorecommonpresently.(Wang,2003)[35]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn2)

TraditionalMethods
Steamdistillation
Percolation
Maceration
Soxhlettechnique
SFE,Carbondioxideiscommonlyused.Supercriticalfluids,becauseoflowcost,lowtoxicity,nonflammableandeasyremotability.
MassSpectroscopy
Mostsensitiveformolecularanalysis.
Boneset(Eupatoriumperfoliatum)
Anethanolextractoftheleavesshowsapotentcytotoxicitycomparabletochlorambinal.Theextractshowedweakantibacterialactivityagainstgrain
positiveorganisms.
Datura
Dryleavescontainhyoscyamine(70%)andscopolamine(20%).Theseactonmuscarinicacetylcholinereceptorsandactasparasympatholytics.
Theyincreasetheheartrate,relaxmuscles,dilatepupilsanddecreasesecretions.Scopolaminehasaneffectonthecentralnervoussystem,witha
hallucinogeniceffectlastingseveralhourstoaday.Itisusedtotreatmotionsickness,Parkinson'sandvisceralspasm.
Apothecary'sWeights:PartAAvoirdupois
Apothecary'sWeights:
pound(lb)=12ounces
oneounce=8drachms
onedrachm=3scruples
=20gr.
IntheUnitedStates,drachmandscruplesarenotusedandinsteadgrains.Thepoundisnotusedeither.Onedrachmisequivalentto60grains(3
scruplestooneounce8drachms,(480grains.))
AvoirdupoisWeight:
PoundOuncesDrachmTroygrain
1=16=256=7000
1=16=437.5
1=27.34
ImperialMeasures
1gallon=8pints
1pint=20fluidounces

1fluidounce=3fluiddrachms
1fluiddrachm=60minums
Apothecary(orWine)Measures
1gallon=8pints
1pint=16fluidounces
(fzz)1=8fluiddrachms
1fluiddrachm=60(mv)
(fz1)
ApothecaryMeasuresinAvoirdupoisWeight
1gallon=8.33pounds
1pint=1.04pounds
1fluidounce=1.04ounces
SignsandAbbreviations
RecipeRx
ouncezz
Drachmz
fluidouncefzz
fluiddrachmfz
scruplesJ
pintO
MinimumM
dropGtt
GranumGr
gallonCong.
Apothecary'sWeights:PartB
Physiciansandpharmacists,indispensingmedicinehaveusedoldapothecaryweightsandmeasureswhichwereinuseinEnglandpriorto1825.The
weightsareoriginallyderivedfromtheoldEnglishTroyWeight,thefluidmeasuresformtheoldwinegallon.[36]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn3)
ApproximateMeasures
Thoughspoonsvarygreatlyincapacityandfromtheirformareunfitforuseinthedosageofmedicine,however,commonlyprescribeddosagesof
liquidmedicineareasfollows.
ApothecarySystemMetric

1teaspoonful=1fluiddrachm=4ml
1dessertspoonful=2fluiddrachm=8ml
atablespoonful=fluidounce=15ml
Note:grammes(Gm)isabbreviatedandgrains(gr.)

TroyWeight
TroyWeightoriginatesbeforethetimeofWilliamtheConqueror,derivedfromthecityofTroyesinFrance,animportanttradingcityinmedievaltimes.
oneTroyounceis480grains
Avoidupoisounceis437.5grains
Agrainis64.7mg
MetricSystem
TheMetricSystemreplacedtheapothecarysystem.
grainsGrammes
Pound(12ounces)5760373.241
ounce(8dram)48031.103
Dram(3scruples)603.88
Scruple(20grains)201.295
Grains1.064
Gram15.6251
Ateacupis4ouncesoragill
Awineglass2fluidounces
Atablespoonfulfluidounce
Ateaspoonfulonefluiddrachm

DoctrineofSignature

ItwaspopularizedbythemedievalEuropeangeniusParacelsus.However,theseideasaremuchmoreancientthanheandarementionedinearliest
ChineseandIndianmedicaltexts.AncientIndianmedicinementookcluesfromnatureintheinterpretationofmedicinalpropertiesofplants,andnot
onlythat,buteveryaspectoftheirlifefromastrology,nature,andotherconceivableforcesofnature.However,intheEuropeantraditionherbalswere
oversimplified,iftheleaveslookedliketheliver,thenitwasusefulforliverdisease,yellowcoloringsweregoodforbilesecretion(Indiansusedturmeric
forthis,itistrue,)spiderwort(Tradescantia)wasconsideredacureforspiderbites,becauseduringwarmafternoons,theirflowersproducedasticky
fluidandthinstrandscouldbeseentrappingmidgetflies,etc.,thusinvokingmemoryofspiderwebsandpossiblecureforspiderbite.However,
spiderwort(Tradescantiavirginiana)whichisconsideredahistoriclinkbetweensedgesandlilies,hasalargechromosomeandifoftenusedforbotanic
cytologywork.Ithasbeenfoundthatthecoloroftheflowerpetalsisaverysensitiveindicatorofenvironmentalpollutants,itchanges(bluetopink.)
Thusitcorrelatesdirectlytothelevelofpollutantsintheenvironment.Otherenvironmentalmonitorsarelichens.Thepresenceoflichensassures
somepresenceoffreshair.

Phytochemistry[37]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn4)

MedicinalPlantChemistry
Acommonsenseapproachtodefinemedicinalqualitiescanbeconstructedeasilybysimplefieldobservations.Naturealwaysleavesclues,signatures
orfootprints.Itisuptoakeen,observanteyetounlockthesemysteriesofNatureandhowcommonplantshavemedicinaluses.Plantschemical
content,fragrance,color,taste,andshapeprovidecluestotheirpossiblemedicinaluses.Naturesmysteriesappearinmanyformsthatwillbefurther
exploredlaterinthisbook.Forexample,anymedicinalplantcontainingahighastringentcontent(duetohightannincontentandmarkedbyanoted
feelingofdrynessonthetongue)willbeusefulforthetreatmentofthefollowingdiseases:
diarrhea
sorethroat
openwounds,burns
inflammatoryconditionsofskinandmucousmembranes(ex.rootbarkoftrees,Blackberry)
Aromaticplantswiththefragranceofcamphorwillbeusefulforneuralgiaandmuscleaches.Plantswiththesmelloffreshcutgrass(RedClover,for
example)containcoumarinswhichwillactlikecoumadin,abloodthinner.Plantswiththefragranceofcinnamon(ToothacheTree)willhavean
analgesic,antibacterial,andantiviraleffect.
Anyplantwithabittertastewillincreasetheflowofsaliva,pancreaticfluidsandbileleadingtobetterdigestion.Thisincludesmostmedicinalplantswith
yellowpigmentsuchasGoldenseal,GoldThread,BarberryandTurmeric.
Plantleavesthatpossessamintyodorwhencrushedwillhaveacarminativeeffect(aidindigestion)andactonsmoothmusclesTheywillbeeffective
inconditionssuchasabdominalcolic,bronchitiswithasthma,andirritablebowelsyndrome,buttheymayincreasesymptomsofgastricreflux(GERD)
andheartburn.
Treesandshrubsproducingresinswithturpentineodorwillbeusefulasaskindisinfectant,withantibioticlikeeffectsforskinandmucousmembrane
infections(forexample,SweetGumresin,TeaTreeoilandBalsamFir).
Ifyouwonderhowsomebirdscaneatpoisonousberriesandgetawaywithit,itisbecausetheyalsoeatdirtorclaydirectlyorbyeatingearthworms
whicharefullofclay,therebycounteractingwiththepoisonousmaterial.Similarly,indigenoustribesacrosstheglobehavebeenlivingoncommon
senseandtasteofthetonguefortheirsurvival.Somehavepica[38]
(file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftn5)fordirtandclaywhichpreventsabsorptionof
poisonsfromstomach.Therefore,dirtymudcoveredfruitsandberrieshaveaprotectiveeffectwhichislackingincleanones!Womeninearly
pregnancydeveloppicaandeatunusualstuff(insomecountries,clayorlaundrydetergent).Becausepregnantwomeneatallkindsofdifferentfood,
someofwhichcouldbeharmfultothedevelopingfetus.Natureprotectsthedevelopingfetusbycausingnauseaandvomitingintheearlystagesof
pregnancydiscouragingpregnantwomenfromeatingharmfulsubstances.Somewomenwilldeveloppica,whichservesasanaturalprotection.
Thosewhodonotdeveloppicahaveseverenauseaandvomiting.

Plantswithpalmateshapedleavesingeneralwillhavealaxativeeffect(MayApple,CastorOil).Bellshapedflowersusuallyhaveaneffecton
theheart(Foxglove,LilyoftheValley).Plantsgrowinginextremesoilconditionsorunusualinappearance(BeechDrops,AmericanCancerRootand
certainmushrooms)mayhaveanticancerproperties.
PlantswithheartshapedleavessuchasMeehania,andovalleavessuchasSkullcap.Plantswhichattractbutterfliesexcessively(Milkweeds,
Thistles)mayhaveanarcoticsedativeeffect.Plantswhichdonotgetanydiseasesfrominsectsorparasitesproduceeffectiveinsecticideagents
(Neem,GingkoBalboa).
ActivePlantCompoundsAndTheirMedicinalEffects
[34](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref1)Burcia,Bob,AmericanHerbal
Association,QuarterlyNewsletter,97,vol.13,issu.1.
Hoffman,David,HerbalMedicineMaking,healingArtspress,1993,p.190.
[35](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref2)Wang,Xiaosuo."ExtractionandCGS
analysisofactiveprinciplesfromselectedChineseherbs,"Am.J.ChineseMed.,31:927944,2003.
[36](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref3)MiddleEnglishavoirdepoiscommodities
soldbyweight,fromoldFrenchaveirdepeis,"goodsofweight".Asystemofweightbasedonthe16ouncepound.Merchantsoftradesolditem,by
weight,piece1byvolume,etc.fromLatinaver(also"average")goodsandpeis(F)fromLatinpensum,fromwhichtheword"pount"isalsoderived.
Apothecarysystem/Troysystem.
[37](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref4)ExtractedfromCommonMedicinalPlants
ofAppalachiaandMedicalBotanyoftheEasternUnitedStates.
[38](file:///C:/Users/hamjad/Documents/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.docx#_ftnref5)Picaisanincreasedappetiteforirregular
fooditems,suchasclay.

PHENOLS
Phenoliccompoundsarealargevariedgroupofplantmetabolites.Theymakeupanimportantconstituentofmedicinalplants
followingareexamples:
Tannins
SimplePhenols(catechols,resorcinols,salium,arbutin.)
Coumarins
Anthraquinones
Naphthoquinones
Flavonoids
Anthracyanidins

Tannins(Bark,Leaves)
Onegoodsourceisblacktea.
Medicinal:
Astringentaction
Antiseptic
Driesupmucousmembrane
fordiarrhea,Antistyptic
colitis
mouthulcer,gingivitis
inflammatoryconditionwithexudates,hemorrhoids.
Theyareantidotesformetalandalkaloidpoisoning(useblacktea.)
externalapplicationaswounds,ulcerbleeding(willstopifappliedlocally.)
Coveredproteinsinmucousmembranes,formingcomplexchemicalcompoundchangingpermeability,effectingcollagentissue.They
inhibit5Lipoxygenasethusproducingantiinflammatoryresponse.
SimplePhenols
(catechols,resorcinols,salium,arbutin.)

Coumarins
Coumarinsbelongtoagroupofcarysonolsknownasbenzopyrones,whichconsistofabenzeneringjoinedtoapyrone.Theword
"comarus"isderivedfromcoumarou,thenativenameforTonkabean(DipteryxodorataWilld.)NativeofGuianaandBrazilwhichwas
isolatedin1820.Morethan1,000naturaldifferenttypesareknown.Coumarinitselfispresentinabout150speciesofplants.Itis
foundinnatureincombinationwithsugarssuchasglycosides.Duringdamagetoplanttissue,enzymeactivity,leadtolossofglucose,
whichgivesacharacteristicodoroffreshcuthayorlawn(sweetcloverandtonkabean.)Inammoniasolution,coumaringivesblue
greenorvioletfluorescence.
Coumarinsaredivided:
Simpleasmentionedearlier.
Furanocoumarins.Thesecontainfuranringattachedtocoumarin.TheyoccurinplantfamiliessuchasRutaceaeand
Unibellieare,forexample,someceleryfruitsandBergapteninBergamotine.Becauseofpresenceofthesecompoundresultsindrug
availabilityandvariationwhenconsumed,especiallywhentakinggrapefruitjuice,itinterfereswithbioavailabilityofothermedicines.[1]
(file:///F:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.doc#_ftn1)

Pyranocoumarin,contains6memberring.SeveralspeciesofplantsbelongingtoRutaceaeandApiaceae,usedformedicinal

purposes.Manyoftheseareusedingastrointestinaldisorders.
Coumarinshaveverydiverseactivities,suchasAnticoagulant,skinsensitizing,antimicrobial,antifungal,sedative,hypnoticand
estrogeniceffects.Theyalsohaveanalgesic,antiinflammatory,antitumoreffects.(Revised,Ojala,Tiina.BiologicalScreeningof
PlantCoumarins,Helsinki,2001.)
Theyactasphytoalexin(formedasresponsetoinjuryduringwiltingprocess)andinhibitgrowthoffunguspathogens.Oneof
majorantiinflammatoryactivities,theyareusedinrheumatism(celery)coughandcoldremedies,aswellaswithpsoriasisduetothe
presenceofpsoralenasaphotosensitizingagent.
AwordderivedfromSouthAmericanIndian,coumarouna,toaplantDipteryxdoratatheGuiana,Tonkabean.
sedative
spasmolytic
bactericide
decreaseedema
absorbsultravioletB,thusactsasasunblock

Anthraquinones

Naphthoquinones

Flavonoids
FlavonoidscomposethelargestgroupofnaturalphenolsinthePlantKingdom(over2000.)Theyfunctionasplantpigment,
beingthecolorofflowersandfruits.

Theword"flavonoid"isfromLatinflavus,meaningyellow.Theyconsistofasinglebenzeneringjoinedbyapyronestructure
(primarilypresentascglycosidesandrestfreestateasaglycone.)
Theyareclassifiedaccordingtooxygenatthecarbon3position:
1.Flavones
PresentinRutaceae,Legumeandunibelliferae.
2.Flavanols
3.Flavanones
4.Isoflavane
Flavonoidsdemonstratetheirmedicinalactioninanumberofherbalremedies.

MedicinaleffectsofFlavonoidsinclude:
antiinflammatory
antiallergicaffect
antithrombitic
vasoprotective(protectmucosa,also)
theyhavealsoantitumoreffects
diuretic(Butcher'sBroom)

antispasmodic

antifungalantibacterial
antioxidativeproperties,whichplayanimportantrolestabilityoffoodproductsanddefensemechanism

Ingeneral,thehealthbenefitsofflavonoidsareareducedriskofcoronaryarterydisease,andadecreasedincidenceoflungand
stomachcancer.Flavonoidsarephenoliccompoundscontaining2benzenerings(eachwith15carbonatoms)combinedbylinear
carbonatoms.

2BenzeneRing+3linearC
(C636C6)


Flavonoidsareflowerpigments.Theyaredistributedallover.Isoflavonoidsareleguminous.Theymainlyoccurinaerialplant
organsandarecommonincitrusfruits,andotherfamilies(suchasAsteraceae,Leguminoseae).Themainbiologicalfunctionof
flavonoidsistoattractinsectsforpollination!Anotherfunctionistoprotectfromviralfungalinfection.Flavonoidshaveantiedema,
diuretic,antiallergic,spasmolytic,antihemorrhagiceffects.

OTHER(NonPhenols)
Phytoestrogen
Gum
Saponin
Alkaloid
Iridoid
EssentialOil
Resin
Terpene
Phytoestrogens
Plantconstructedcompoundswhosemedicinalvirtuesresemblenaturalestrogenarecalledphytoestrogens.Theyinclude
isoflavonesandcoumestans.
Commonexamplesare:
redclover(Trifoliumpratense)

blackcohosh
Thestudyofphytoestrogenshasbecomeimportantduetosideeffectscausedbysyntheticestrogencompounds.

Gums
Gumsarenaturalplanthydrocolloidssaltsofpolysaccharides,amorouscompoundsproducesinhigherplantsasaprotective
mechanismagainstinjury.Gumsarecomplexcompounds,onhydrolysis,galactosemannose,xylose,glucoseareobserved.GUms
areusedasemulsifiers,stabilizersandthickeners.Gumsoflinearpolymersarelesssolublethanbranchedconstituents.These
solutionsarelessstableandeasilyprecipitate,increasingviscosity.

Saponins
Widespreadinplants,upto70%ofplantscontainsaponin.Theyarestoredasinactivecompoundsinvacuoles.Whenattachedby
microbes,theyareconvertedtoactivemetaboliteswhichslowmembraneeffects.CardiaglycosidesareonetypeofSaponinwhich
inhibitsodiumpotassiumionchannelsandproducesecondaryeffectssuchasmusclecontractionandimprovedperformanceofheart.
Saponinsarebittercompoundsandstimulatevarioussecretionsofendocrineglands,especiallyinthepancreas,andwhichhelp
indigestion(explanationforancientBitters)orimprovepancreaticinsulinproduction(tosomeextentifthereareviableBetacells)
improvediabeticcondition.ExamplesareCardamomandCinnamon.Theyalsoincreasesecretionofsalivaryglands,whichisdueto
anevolutionaryresponsetoanybittersubstance.
Saponinsalsomimicmanyendogenoushormonessuchascortisol,thusworkingontargetmolecules,producingsimilarcortisone
effectswithoutthesideeffectsofsyntheticcorticosteroid.Thesemayexplainmanyantiinflammatoryeffectsofherbalmedicines.A
primeexampleislicorice,whichcontainsglycyrrhicacidwhichactsasanaturalcotisone.Saponinsarehelpfulincasesofasthma,
arthritis,andhormoneproblems.Excessiveusecanproducesideeffectssuchaslossofpotassiumandthedevelopmentof
hyperaldostrism.Ashortcourseoflicoricewillnothaveadeletoryeffect.Licoriceisalsousedforgastritisandinflammationofthe
stomachithasbeenknowntotreatstomachulcersandsimilardigestivedisordersforcenturiesinIndia.Hypoglycemiceffectsalso
couldbeduetoliverenzymeglucosidases.
Saponinshaveanexpectoranteffectduetoanincreaseinbronchialsecretion,ofsalivaincreasesurfaceactivityandliquifactor
ofmucousduetoproteininteractionwithcomplexbiochemicals(Cardamomisusedasanexpectorantbytheauthor).Anantifungal

effectisduetoacomplexformationwithsterols.Leprosyandtuberculosiscanbetreatedwithcertainsaponins.Saponinsprotect
againstpredatorymicrobes,fungusandviralmollusks.Timber,forexample,isprotectedfromtermitesduetoitssaponincontent.
Saponinsarenaturallyoccurringinglycosidesinplants,butalsooccurinlowermarineanimalsandbacteria.Theyarenamed
becauseoftheirabilitytomakesoapy,foamylatherinwater.Theyhaveahighmolecularweightandhighpolarity.Therearelarge
variationsinthestructureofsaponinsduetothevariablenatureofthesapogeninnatureofsidechainsandtheirpositioninthecomplex
molecule.[2](file:///F:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.doc#_ftn2)

[1](file:///F:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.doc#_ftnref1)Componentofgrapefruitjuiceinactivatecytochromep450enzymes
resultinginanincreaseandbioabailabilityofvariousdrugsforhypertension,cancerandheartdisease.OneothercomponentofgrapefruiteffectPglycoprotein
pump,mediatedtransportationwhichisoppositeofit,thusdecreasingabsorptionofsomedrugs,makesgrapefruitunpredictable.
TreaseandEvan,W.C.Evan,Pharmacognosy,Saunding,2002.
Dicoumarilisfoundbyspoiledhaywithfermentationofcoumarin,whichactsasanticoagulent.

[2](file:///F:/Herbal%20Medicine%201.31.08,JAFARY%20HERBAL.doc#_ftnref2)Latinsapo,soap,soapwort,saponariaofficinalis .