INFECTION HERBS

Artemisia annua

Common name
Family name
Parts used
Constituents
Main actions
Posology
Eclectics

KEY NOTES

Baptista tinctoria
Cinchona spp.
Hypericum perforatum
Larrea tridentata
Ligusticum porteri
Lomatium dissectum
Melaleuca alternifolia
Olea europaeae
Tabebuia avellanedae

IMMUNE HERBS
Astragalus membranaceus
Borago officinalis
Codonopsis pilosula
Echinacea spp.
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Ganoderma lucidum
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Ligustrum lucidum
Panax ginseng
Panax notoginseng
Panax quinquefolius
Schisandra chinensis
Withania somnifera

HEPATICS
Berberis aquifolium
Berberis vulgaris
Chelidonium majus
Chionanthus virginicus
Cichorium intybus
Curcuma longa
Cynara scolymus
Hydrastis canadensis
Leptandra virginica
Peumus boldus
Silybum marianum
Taraxacum officinale

BITTERS
Artemisia absinthum
Artemisia vulgaris
Centaurium erythraea
Gentiana lutea
Strychnos nux vomica

GIT
Aloe spp.
Cassia senna
Menyanthes trifoliata
Podophyllum peltatum
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus purshiana
Rheum spp.
Ricinus communis
Rumes crispus

CARMINATIVES
Acorus calamus
Artemisia drancunculus
Carum carvi
Cinnamomum zeylandicum
Coriandrum sativum
Cuminum cyminum
Elettaria cardomomum
Filipendula ulmaria
Foeniculum vulgare
Matricaria recutita
Mentha piperita
Nepeta cataria
Piper nigrum
Rosmarinus officinalis
Trigonella foenum-graceum
Zingiber officinale

ASTRINGENTS
Ceanothus americanus
Geranium maculatum
Quercus spp.
DEMULCENTS
Althaea officinalis
Cannabis sativa
Cetraria islandica
Chondrus crispus
Linum usitatissimum
Ulmus spp.
Altheae officinalis

Common name Marshmallow, Sweet Weed, Althea

Family name Malvaceae
Parts used Root, leaves, flowers

Constituents Root: mucilage, pectin, asparagine, tannins; Leaf: mucilage, flavonoids, coumarin,
polyphenolic acids
Main actions Demulcent/ Emollient/ Vulnerary; Anti-inflammatory; diuretic, expectorant

Eclectics demulcent and diuretic in deseases of mucous membranes

KEY NOTES
Cetraria islandica

Common name Iceland Moss

Family name Parmeliaceae
Parts used Whole plant

Constituents Lichen acids; polysaccharides

Main actions Demulcent; Anti-inflammatory; Bitter tonic; Nutritive; anti-emetic, expectorant

Eclectics demulcent, tonic and nutrious

KEY NOTES
Linum usitatissimum

Common name Linseed, Flax

Family name Linaceae
Parts used Seeds, seed oil

Constituents Fixed oils including EFAs; mucilage; protein; cyanogenic glycocide; phytoestrogenic
lignan
Main actions Demulcent/ Emolient; Laxative; antitussive; anodyne; anti-inflammatory; anti-
proliferative, anti-thrombotic

Eclectics demulcent and emollent much employed

KEY NOTES Rich in iron

Anodyne: a substance that soothes or relieves pain.

Cannabis sativa

Common name Marijuana, Ganja, Pot, Grass, Weed, Indian hemp, Huo, Ma Ren
Family name Moraceae/ Cannabinaceae
Parts used Flowering tops of female plants, seeds

Constituents Cannabinoids; flavinoids; volatile oil; alkaloids

Main actions Analgesic/ sedative; Anti-emetic; Psychoactive (via cannabinoids); hypotensive

Eclectics Marked nervous depression

KEY NOTES CI: pregnancy; illegal to grow, posses or use!

Chondrus crispus

Common name Irish Moss, Carrageen

Family name Gigartinaceae
Parts used whole plant

Constituents Polysaccharides; proteins; amino acids; iodine; bromine; the extract is called carrageenan

Main actions Expectorant; Demulcent; emollient; anti-inflammatory; nutritive; antitussive

Eclectics a decoction with water is very nutritious and may be used as a demulcent

KEY NOTES
Ulmus species

Common name Slippery Elm

Family name Ulmaceae
Parts used Inner bark

Constituents Mucilage; tannins; starch

Main actions Demulcent/ Emollient; Nutritive; Astringent/ Anti-inflammatory; laxative

Eclectics

KEY NOTES
Ceanothus americanus

Common name New Jersey Tea, Jersey Tea, Red Root, Wild Snowball
Family name Rhamnaceae
Parts used Root, root bark, leaves

Constituents Tannins; alkaloids; resin

Main actions Astringent; Antispasmodic; Spleen tonic; expectorant; hypotensive; sedative;

Eclectics enlarged spleen; splenic congestion and splenitis, spleen pain (deep seated)

KEY NOTES
Geranium maculatum

Common name American Cranesbill, Wild Geranium

Family name Geraniaceae
Parts used Root, rhizome, aerial parts

Constituents Tannins

Main actions Astringent; Styptic; Anti-inflamatory; vulnerary; anti-hemoragic

Eclectics

KEY NOTES

Styptic: an astringent agent that stops or reduces exteral bleeding.

Vulnerary: a remedy that promotes wound healing, especially for skin lesions and stomach ulcers.
Filipendula ulmaria

Common name Meadowsweet, Queen of the Meadow, Bridewort

Family name Rosaceae
Parts used Aerial parts

Constituents Volatile oil; phenolic glycosides; tannins; flavonoids; vit C; coumarin

Main actions Antirheumatic/ Anti-inflammatory; Carminative; stomachic; antacid; antiemetic;

Astringent; diuretic; anticoagulant, antimicrobial

Eclectics N/A

KEY NOTES
Quercus species

Common name Oak Tree

Family name Fagaceae
Parts used Bark (from young twigs), galls

Constituents Tannins

Main actions Astringent; anti-inflammatory; antiseptic

Eclectics

KEY NOTES
Aloe Spp.
Aloe Spp.

Common name Aloes

Family name Liliaceae
Parts used Leaves: clear gel as skin remedy; bitter yellow juice (bitter aloes) from the base of the
leaves act on the digestive system
Constituents Anthraquinone glycosides: aloin, aloe-emodin; resins; tannins; polysaccharides; aloectin
B
Main actions Vulnerary, Emolient, Laxative, Bitter, chleretic, Stimulates immune system locally
(aloectin B)

Posology External: gel Internal

as bitter: 1-3ml tincture before meals Internal as laxative: 2-8ml tincture
Eclectics Atony of LI and Rectum, mucoid discharge, prolapsus ani, puritis ani

KEY NOTES Toxicity constituents: Anthroquinone glycosides

Cassia senna

Common name Senna, Alexandrian Senna

Family name Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Parts used Pods, leaves

Constituents Anthroquinone Glycosides, naphthalene glycosides, mucilage; flavinoids, volatile oil,

resin
Main actions Cathartic, Laxative (increases peristalsis by irritating intestinal lining, reducing fluid
absorption in LI), Stimulant

Posology 3-4 pods/cup infusion (steep in warm water 6-12hr), morn and evening 0.5-2ml extract,
bid
Eclectics Wind or bilious colics; a laxative for non-inflammatory conditions of GIT

KEY NOTES CI: Intestinal obstruction, GIT inflam., anal prolaps, hemorrhoids, pregnancy
Menyanthes trifoliata

Common name Bogbean, Buckbean, Marsh Trefoil

Family name Menyantheceae
Parts used Leaves

Constituents Iridoid glycosides; flavonol glycosides; coumarins; phenolic acids; sterols; triterpenoids;
tannins; pyrrolizidine alkaloids; Vit C
Main actions Bitter Tonic (Digestive Stimulent, appetite stimulant, increases strength and vitality),
Choleretic, Cholagogue, Antiheumatic, Anti- arthritic, Laxitive

Posology 1-4ml tincture, tid; 1-2tsp/cup infusion, tid

Eclectics Valuble tonic where digestion and blood making are impaired

KEY NOTES CI: Colitis, diarrhea, dysentery

Podophyllum peltatum

Common name American Mandrake, Mayapple, Devil's Apple, wild lemon, Duck's foot
Family name Berberidaceae
Parts used Rhizome

Constituents Lignans: podophyllotoxin; flavonoids; resin; gums

Main actions Purgative (no longer used, d/t cytotoxicity); Cytotoxic; Anti-tumour (podophyllotoxin);
bitter; Choleretic; Sialagogue

Posology

Eclectics Specifically indicated by fullness of tissues and particularly by fullness of superficial

veins; oppressed full pulse; dizziness
KEY NOTES CI: Gallstones, intestinal obstruction, GIT irritation, pregnancy
Rhamnus frangula/ Frangula alnus

Common name Alder Buckthorn; Frangula Bark; Alder Dogwood; Black Alser Dogwood
Family name Rhamnaceae
Parts used Bark from 3-4 yr old trees, stored for at least a yr.

Constituents Anthraquinones; anthrones; anthranols; alkaloid; tannins; flavonoids

Main actions Laxative, Cathartic (anthraquinones), stimulates bowel movement about 8-12 hrs after
consumption, Emetic (anthrones and anthranols in fresh bark), bitter

Eclectics Laxative and cathartic; a remidy for chronic constipation

KEY NOTES CI: intestinal obstruction or inflammation, preg. and lactation

Rhamnus purshiana/ Frangula purshiana

Common name Cascara Sagrada, Sacred Bark, Chillean Bark, cascara, California Buckthorn
Family name Rhamnaceae
Parts used Stem bark, at least 6mos. Old

Constituents Anthraquinone glycosides: cascarosides; glycosides based on emodin and aloe

emodin; dianthrones
Main actions Purgative, Laxative, stimulates peristalsis in LI (anthroquinones); Bitter stomach
(tonic), hepatic, appetite stimulant

Posology 0.25-2.5g, at bedtime; appetite stim: small doses

Eclectics constipation d/t neglect or to nervous and muscular atony of GIT

KEY NOTES CI: preg. Menstruation, intestinal inflam. and obstruction

Rheum spp.

Common name Rhubarb

Family name Polygonaceae
Parts used Rhizome of 6-10 yr old plants

Constituents Anthroquinones: rhein, aloe emodin, emodin; tannins; volatile oils; flavinoids;
phnolic acids; clacium oxalate
Main actions Laxative (anthroquinones); Astringent (tannins);stiptic; Bitter; Antibacterial

Posology

Eclectics gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting

KEY NOTES
Ricinus communis

Common name Castor Bean Plant, Castor Oil Plant, Wonder Tree, Palma Christi
Family name Euphorbiaceae
Parts used Seed oil. Seeds

Constituents Fixed oil; glycerides of ricinoleic acid; protein: ricin; alkaloid; ricinine; lectins

Main actions Laxative, Purgative, causes blowel movement 3-5hrs after ingestation

Posology

Eclectics only a mild cathartic, operating promptly, producing thin, feculent, but not watery
stools and causing little gripping or nausea (esp. for preg, kids, puerperal females
KEY NOTES
Rumex crispus

Common name Yellow Dock, Curly Dock, Narrow Dock, Sour Dock
Family name Polygonaceae
Parts used Root

Constituents Anthroquinones; tannins; oxalates; iron; volatile oil; beta carotene

Main actions Purifier; Alterative; Tonic; Mild Laxative; Hepatic; Cholagogue (All of the
bloded actions are attached to purifier)

Eclectics Bad blood with chronic skin disease; bubonic swellings; low deposits in glands and
cellular tissues; tendency to indolent ulcers; feeble recuperative power
KEY NOTES May have additive effects with iron supplementation (iron-rich)
CI: GIT irritation, Hx of Kidney disease (oxalates; speculative)
Acorus calamus

Common name Sweet Flag, Calamus, Sweet Sedge, Myrtle Flag, Vacha
Family name Araceae/ Acoraceae
Parts used Rhizome

Constituents Volatile oil: asarone, sequiterpenes; bitter principle: acorin, saponins; mucilage; tannins

Main actions Carminative (vol oil); Bitter tonic & stimulent (bitters); Antispasmodic to smooth
muscle (asarone); Diaphoretic; Demulcent; Anti-inflammatory; vermafuge;

Eclectics Carminative, slightly tonic, feebleness of the digestive organs

KEY NOTES CI: pregnancy

Carum carvi

Common name Caraway

Family name Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Parts used Seeds, essential oil

Constituents Folatile oil: carvone; flavonoids: quercetin derivatives; polysaccharide; protein; fixed oil;
calcium oxalate
Main actions Carminative; Antispasmodic; Expectorant; emmenagogue; Galactogogue; astringent;
antimicrobial; sweetens breath; antifungal

Eclectics Aromatic carminative and gentle stomachic, used in flatulent colic

KEY NOTES Caution: Allergic hypersensitivity

Coriandrum sativum

Common name Coriander (seed), Cilantro (herb)

Family name Apiaceae (umbelliferae)
Parts used Seeds, essential oil

Constituents Volatile oil; flavonoids; coumarins; phthalides; phenolic acids

Main actions Carminative; aphrodisiac; antirheumatic; antispasmodic

Eclectics stimulant and carminative

KEY NOTES Caution: Allergic hypersensitivity, hypoglycemic efects

DO NOT TAKE ESSENCIAL OILS INTERNALLY
Elettaria cardomomum

Common name Cardamon, Cardamom, Elachi

Family name Zingiberaceae
Parts used Seeds and fruits

Constituents Volatile oils; starch; gum; yelow colouring matter

Main actions Carminative; Stomachic; Stimulant (warming); antispasmodic; aromatic; enhances

trypsin activity

Eclectics seeds are very warm; chiefly employed as a carminative in flatulency, and to flavour
syrups and tinctures.
KEY NOTES
Foeniculum vulgare

Common name Fennel, Sewwt Fennel (var. dulce), Bitter Fennel (var. vulgare)
Family name Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Parts used Seeds (medicinal); herb & fresh bulb (culinary)

Constituents Volatile oil; flavonoids; coumarins; sterols; fixed oil; sugars

Main actions Carminative; Stomachic; Aromatic; anti-inflammatory; antispasmodic; expectorant;

high liver regeneration; hepatic; mild stimulant

Eclectics carminative, stimulant; good for babies flatulent colic

KEY NOTES CNS toxicity following tea consumption esp in nursing moms and their infants
Caution: Allergic hypersensitivity
Mentha piperita
Graphics 52

Common name Peppermint

Family name Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Parts used Aerial parts, distilled oil

Constituents Volatile oils; tannins; bitter principle; flavinoids; phenolic acids

Main actions Carminative; antispasmodic; antitussive; decongestant; analgesic; antiemetic; antseptic;

antimicrobial; sedative; nervine

Eclectics difficult digestion

KEY NOTES
Piper nigrum

Common name Black pepper (unripe fruit), White pepper (ripe fruit with pericarp removed), Maricha
Family name Piperaceae
Parts used Fruit

Constituents Volatile oil; alkaloids; protein

Main actions Stimulant/ Aromatic; stim to mucous membranes, taste, digestion and nervous system;
carminative; stomachic; raises body temp.; antisecticide; antibacterial; rube facient

Eclectics gastric atony; congestive chills

KEY NOTES

Rubefacient: generating a localized increase in blood flow when applied to the skin, helping healing,
cleansing, and nourishment. Often used to ease the pain and swelling of arthritic joints.
Trigonella foenum-graceum

Common name Fenugreek, Foenugreek

Family name Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Parts used Seeds, fresh leaves

Constituents Mucilage; alkaloids; volatileoil; sponins; flavonoids

Main actions Expectorant; Demulcent; Tonic/ Bitter/ Carminative; Galactogogue; Antidiabetic;

anti-inflammatory

Eclectics used on inflammed parts as an emolient

KEY NOTES

Galactogogue: increases secretion of milk

Artemisia drancunculus

Common name Tarragon, French Tarragon, Herbe au Dragon

Family name Asteraceae (Compositae)
Parts used Aerial, root

Constituents Tannins; coumarins; flavonoids; volatile oil: methyl chervicol; Vti a; potassium

Main actions Digestive Tonic; mild sedative; mild emmenagogue

Eclectics N/A

KEY NOTES Avoid in pregnancy

Cinnamomum zeylandicum

Common name Cinnamon, Dalcini, Ceylon Cinnamon

Family name Lauraceae
Parts used Inner peeled bark, oil from bark and leaves

Constituents Volatile oil: cinnamaldehyde, eugenol of oil bark; tannins; cinnzelanin; coumarin; resins;
mucilage; gum
Main actions Antiemetic; Antidiarrhoeal; carminative; astringent; aromatic; stimulent; spasmolitic;
stomachic; antifungal; antibacterial;anti-viral; antiseptic

Eclectics N/A

KEY NOTES Cautions: Urinary irritant; GIT irritant

Antiemetic: an agent that reduces the incidence andf severity of nsusea and vomiting.
Cuminum cyminum

Common name Cumin, Cummin

Family name Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Parts used Seeds

Constituents Volatile oil; flavonoids; octadecenoic acid; protein; amino acids

Main actions Antispasmodic; carminative; Stimulant; larvicidal; antibacterial; galactogogue; cancer-

protective

Eclectics stimulent and carminative

KEY NOTES Hypoglycemic effect

Filipendula ulmaria

Common name Meadowsweet, Queen of the Meadow, Bridewort

Family name Rosaceae
Parts used Aerial parts

Constituents Volatile oil; phenolic glycosides; tannins; flavonoids; vit C; coumarin

Main actions Antirheumatic/ Anti-inflammatory; Carminative; stomachic; antacid; antiemetic;

astringent; diuretic; anticoagulant, antimicrobial

Eclectics N/A

KEY NOTES
Matricaria recutita

Common name German Chamomile, Single Chamomile, Ground apple

Family name Asteraceae (Compositae)
Parts used Flowers

Constituents Volatile oil; sesquiterpene lactones; flavonoids; coumarins; phenolic acids; mucilage

Main actions Antispasmodic; mild sedative; nervine; carminative; stomachic; antiemetic; analgesic;
antiseptic; vulnarary;

Eclectics nervous irritability with fretfulness, muscular twitching

KEY NOTES
Nepeta cataria

Common name Catnip, Catmint, Catnep

Family name Lamiaceae (labiatae)
Parts used Aerial

Constituents Volatile oil; tannins; iridoids

Main actions Carminative; weak emmenagogue; antispasmodic; antidiarrheal; astringent; diphoretic;

nervine sedative; mild stimulant

Eclectics abdominal pain or colic; nervous agitation.

KEY NOTES CI: pregnancy

Rosmarinus officinalis

Common name Rosemary

Family name Lamiaceae (Labiatiae)
Parts used Leaves

Constituents Volatile oil; phenolic acids; diterpenes; triterpenes; monoterpenes

Main actions Stimulant (nervine and circulatory)/ Aromatic; carminative; antispasmodic; antiseptic;
rubefacient; parasiticide

Eclectics stimulant; antispasmotic

KEY NOTES
Zingiber officinale

Common name Ginger

Family name Zingiberaceae
Parts used Root/rhizome

Constituents Volatile oil; Oleoresins; starch; proteins; fats

Main actions Warning stimulent (tonic); anti-inflammatory; Antiemetic; Carminative;

Eclectics borborygmus; spasmodic gastirc and intestinal contractions

KEY NOTES