Owl of Minerva Herbal Advisory
HERBS A - C
If you are making liquid herbal tinctures for your own use, the following information may be of use to you, in order to use them safely and effectively.
Created thousands of years ago by our herbal ancestors who originally crafted extracts by batching plant material with water; liquid herbal extracts have found an almost permanent place to call home within our cupboards. Among the advantages of herbal extracts are their ability to preserve the active constituents, ease of use and their long shelf life. From here we can effortlessly and conveniently add herbal extracts to our water, tea, juice, or they can be taken directly. This is a great way to administer the healing power of plants to our seemingly excited and aggravated lives.
Before you start taking tinctures, ensure that you avoid sugar alcohols (polyols) for the duration. These are synthetic versions of natural components of plants which could interfere with the medicinal value of the plant. Sugar alcohols are added to foods as a sweetner (especially in diet products and chewing gums), but the side effects can be harmful. They can be converted to fat in some people and may contribute to heart disease and obesity. They are often blamed for the obesity epidemic in the US. While many of the adverts say they occur naturally in nature, they are highly processed and should not be confused with those found in raw, living foods. Plus, the quantities found in natural foods are much smaller. Below are listed the most popular sugar alcohols used in our foods:
Xylitol: Referred to as wood sugar, the original ingredient is from birch bark. It does occur naturally in several fruits and vegetables, but synthetic versions can cause cancer of the bladder and adrenals. Its potential to keep teeth healthy often outweighs the cancer danger. It is a derivative of a common pentose, and made by a process called hydrogenation over a nickel catalyst (sponge nickel).
Sorbitol: Occurs naturally in seaweed and many fruits. The synthetic version is poorly absorbed and can cause bloating, cramps, diarrhea, gas. It is made by hydrogenation from glucose. Those with Crohn's Disease or Irritable Bowel Disease should steer clear.
Mannitol: Found naturally in seaweeds, and many fruit and vegetables. The synthetic version is made via a catalytic hydrogenation process from artificial sweetners. Poorly absorbed, it can cause kidney damage.
Malititol: Avoid as causes a laxative effect and is not part of a healthy diet.
Lactitol: Uses osmosis, it works by retaining water during the entire digestive process only to release its activity later in a dramatic episode of gastro-intestinal upset.
Isomalt: Causes diarrhea in some.
HSH (Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates): Mainly syrups (malititol and sorbitol syrups) made from corn, wheat or potatoe starch. Avoid in large doses as obesity could occur.
Ideally, being on a Stone Age diet is best when using herbal medicine.
Before you undertake any dietry changes, consult with relevant health professionals if you have an underlying health condition.
Agnus Castus (Vitex agnus-castus)
Also known as
- Chaste tree
- Monk’s pepper
- vitex
Introduction
Native to South Western Europe; naturalised in the South Eastern United States, grown commercially in Europe. Agnus Castus is used for premenstrual tension, heavy or frequent menstruation, spotting, impaired menstrual flow, swelling and tenderness of the breasts, infertility, menopausal symptoms, and other women’s conditions requiring hormone regulation.
History: The tradition of using Agnus Castus to treat problems associated with the menstrual cycle dates back over 3500 years. Derived from the berries of the chaste tree (Vitex Agnus Castus), this useful phytomedicine has been one of the major remedies for gynaecological problems in most cultures, and has been found in English gardens since the sixteenth century. Hippocrates, the Greek physician hailed as the father of modern medicine, wrote, "If blood flows from the womb, let the woman drink dark wine in which the leaves of the chaste tree have been steeped." Pliny wrote that the herb helped to "check violent sexual desire" and later writers noted that medieval monks chewed the berries at most meals to stop their sexual desires. ‘The Medical Formulary of AI-Samarqu.andi’, from about 1200 A.D., and ‘The Medical Formulary of AI-Kindi’, the agnus castus has been mentioned several times. This goes on to prove that the chaste tree (vitex) was known to man as early as the Middle Ages, and that the herb had been used to cure conditions such as madness, insanity, and epilepsy, probably because of its effect on hormones. Even today, the fruits of vitex are sold in Egyptian bazaars as a calming agent useful in stress and anxiety.
Constituents: Agnus Castus contains sesquiterpene lactones, such as euperfolin, euperfolitin, iridoids (eg agnuside and aucubin) and eufoliatin, as well as polysaccharides and flavonoids (orientin, casticin, isovitexin, kaempferol, and quercetagetin) and vitricine, an alkaloid.
Parts Used: Fruit (berries)
Dose: Take 3 teaspoons of the concentrated liquid chaste tree herbal extract mixed in a glass of water in the morning. Need to take longer-term eg 4-6 months for maximum effect. Larger bottles are available for this remedy (100ml) if requested.
Summary:
* Helps regulate the female hormones by balancing estrogen and progesterone
production throughout the menstrual cycle.
* It has been known to remedy menstrual issues like irregular periods, premenstrual
bloating and irritability and hormone-related depression.
* Chaste tree can improve fertility in cases where a lack of progesterone is the problem.
* The herb increases lactation and relieves menstruation related migraines and acne.
* Can combine with other herbs to improve efficacy (w/black cohosh it may be able to
more effectively reduce menstrual cramps.
Precautions:
*Avoid if pregnant (it will disrupt the hormones of pregnancy).
*Avoid if male unless guided by an expert.
*Agnus castus may react negatively with certain medical conditions like hormone
problems (e.g., hyperprolactinemia), psychiatric problems, Parkinson's Disease and
any allergies. Do not use if taking HRT or birth control pills. Consult your doctor before
you take agnus castus if taking prescribed medications.
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
Also known as
- Burr Marigold
- Church Steeples
- Cocklebur
- Harvest Lice
- Liverwort
- Philanthropos
- Rat's Tail
- Stickwort
- White Tansy
Introduction
The traditional use of the agrimony in herbal remedy has been as a healing aid for wounds-applications of this herb will staunch bleeding and will promote the formation of clots in the area of the wound, the herb has been used in this role for a very long time. The agrimony is slightly bitter tasting and acts as an astringent on wounds. The herbal remedy prepared from the agrimony is also used as an effective remedy for the treatment of diarrhea. A gentle tonic prepared from the herb also aids the digestion and is beneficial to the digestive system. Can be usedfor appendicitis.
Agrimony is also used in combination herbal formulas along with other herbs such as the corn-silk-such a combination herbal remedy helps in treating cystitis and problems related to urinary incontinence in an affected person. The combination remedy has also been successfully employed in the treatment of kidney stones, common disorders like sore throats and rheumatism, and even disorders like arthritis in many people.
History: The agrimony has a very long history as far as its use in herbal medicine is concerned, this is besides the folklores connected to its reputed remedial properties. It has indeed been seen as a panacea through the ages, and the English poet Michael Drayton once proclaimed it as an "all-heal" remedy-thus all these remarkable powers were attributed to this herb. In other cultures, notably the ancient Greeks, all eye ailments were commonly treated using herbal remedies prepared from the agrimony.
Other societies such as the Anglo-Saxons were also known to prepare an herbal solution from the leaves and seeds of the agrimony to be used in the healing of all kinds of physical wounds on the body. The herbal use of the agrimony continued all through the Middle Ages and is used even now, in the form of a herbal preparation known as the eau d' arquebusade, or the "musket-shot water." These days, herbal remedies made from the agrimony herb are suggested in the treatment of athlete's foot in all individuals affected by this disorder.
Constituents: Agrimony contains tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, including luteolin,
volatile oil, nicotinic acid, iron, vitamins B and K, salicic acid, and polysaccharides.
Parts used: Dried ariel parts
Dose: 1-2 ml three times a day
Summary: appendicitis, digestive tonic, cystitis, sore throats, arthritis, rheumatism, heals wounds, excessive phlegm (bronchitis).
Precautions:
* Photo dermatitis in some.
* Must not be consumed by those undergoing anticoagulant therapy or those under drug
treatment for any high or low blood pressure problems.
*Avoid id pregnantor nursing
Balm of Gilead (Populus balsamifera)
Also known as
- Balm of Gilead
- Balsam of Gilead
- Balsam Tree
Introduction
Herbalists recommend tincture of Balm of Gilead for sore throats, laryngitis and bronchitis. The major constituent of the resin is a group of aspirin-like compounds, or salicylates, that relieve pain and inflammation, while the oil content has an antiseptic and expectorant action. The herb was once taken as a quinine substitute.
History
The herb's popular name is derived from the Greek balsamon, meaning a fragrant oil, while Gilead refers to its ancient cultivation on Mount Gilead in Israel.
There are biblical references to the Balm of Gilead in Genesis and Jeremiah, and the Queen of Sheba is said to have presented a tree to Solomon as a gift. The buds used to be called Balm of Tacamahaca when imported into Europe. Documented reference to the plant goes back to 1577 when Native American Indians used it for swellings and toothache. Indians An old Native American Indian recipe for burns included boiling the buds with suet for 30 minutes. When cold, apply to burn and cover with a soft cloth. The pain ceases almost immediately.
Parts used: bud
Constituents: Oleo resin, salicin, chrysin, tetrochrysin, populin,
volatile oil.
Actions: Stimulating, expectorant, antiseptic, anti-irritant, vulnerary, pectoral.
Dose: 1-2 ml 3 times a day.
Combination potential: Coltsfoot, red sage, white horehoun.
Summary: Chest, throat, pain.
Precautions: Avoid if nursing.
BearBerry (Uva Ursi)
Also known as
- Arberry
- Bearberry
- Bear's-grape
- Crowberry
- Foxberry
- Hog Cranberry
- Kinnikinnick
- Mealberry
- Mountain Box
- Mountain Cranberry
- Red Bearberry
- Sagackhomi
- Sandberry
- Upland Cranberry
Introduction
BearBerry has a specific antiseptic and astringent effect upon membranes of the urinary system. Diseases affecting the kidneys and the urinary bladder are usually treated using the bearberry in the traditional folk medicine of many different European cultures. Uric acid can be reduced (see Gout). Cystitis can be treated well using this herb. The bactericidal effects possessed by the bearberry extracts have been experimentally verified under laboratory conditions. The researchers came to the conclusion that the bactericidal action of the herb is much more effective if the urine is alkaline - the advice for users based on these clinical results is that the bearberry plant must be used in conjunction with a mainly vegetable-based diet - this increases the total alkalinity of the urine and boosts the efficiency of the bearberry remedy.
History: Bearberry was first documented in The Physicians of Myddfai, a 13th century Welsh Herbal, it was also described by Clusius in 1601, and recommended for medicinal use in 1763 by Gerhard and others. Often called uva-ursi, from the Latin uva, "grape, berry of the vine", ursi, "bear", i.e. "bear's grape". It first appeared in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1788, though it probably was in use long before.
In Strathnairn, Scotland there is a hill, known as Brin Mains, but which is known in Scottish Gaelic as "Cnoc nan Cnàimhseag" which means "The hill of the Bearberries".
Marco Polo reported in 13th century that the Chinese were using it as a diuretic, to treat kidney and urinary problems. Bearberry leaves are used medicinally in Poland and other countries.
Native Americans used Bearberry tea to treat inflammation of the urinary tract, urethritis, kidney stones, and cystitis. The Cheyenne used the tea to treat back sprains. Some Native American tribes powdered the leaves and applied them to sores. Other tribes drank it to treat venereal diseases. The berries were also made into a tea that was used to ward off obesity. Early European settlers in the Americas used the leaves taken internally as an astringent to treat nephritis, kidney stones and other diseases of the urinary system.
Parts used: Leaves
Constituents: Glycosides, arbutin, ericolin, tannin, resin, falvonoids.
Actions: Diuretic, demulcent, anti-catarrhal, anti-lithic, anti-microbial, tonic.
Combination potential: couchgrass, yarrow.
Dose: 2-3 ml 3 times a day.
Summary: cystitis
Precautions: High doses may cause nausea.
BlackBerry Leaves (Robus frucicosus)
Also known as
- Bramble
Introduction
Blackberry bears dark green colored leaves; the leaves are grouped in clusters of three or five leaves each. Fine hairs can be seen over each leaf and the edges of the each leaf are serrated or toothed. In some parts of Britain, the blackberry is called ‘Scaldhead.’ This peculiar name could be an allusion to the remedial effects of the leaves which are applied externally to scalds as a topical poultice. A poultice made from the leaves are still said to be employed in parts of rural England to treat scalds and burns on the body. Herbalists often suggest blackberry leaf as a general herbal astringent. It is used for treating inflammation in the throat and the mouth and in the treatment of non-specific acute diarrhea. Herbal tea mixtures often contain the dried or fermented leaves of the blackberry.
History
Blackberries have been eaten in England since at least Neolithic times. The ancient Greeks were also familiar with blackberries and they considered it to be good for treating gout, the blackberry also features in the Bible and other ancient texts. Bramble leaves were used as an astringent and tonic; for dysentery, diarrhoea and haemorrhoids; as a poultice to treat burns, bleeding gums, swellings and ulcers; and as an infusion for stomach disorders. Culpeper recommended the leaves be used in a lotion for sores "in the secret parts". Crawling backwards, or being dragged through a bramble thicket was an ancient remedy for boils (clearly a case of the cure being worse, or almost as bad as, the affliction). Bleeding caused by the thorns could be stemmed byrubbing the freshly-crushed leaves on the scratches. The leaves are used for mucus discharges, fevers, colds and sore throats.The antipyretic leaves with astringent and hemostatic properties, contain tannins, making them a useful herb for these conditions.
Consitituents: Blackberry leaf contains about 10% hydrolysable tannins (gallotannins, dimeric ellagitannins), and flavonoids.
Dose: 1-2 ml 3 times a day, or 3-5 ml in a small glass of pure water to gargle once a day.
Summary: Sore throats, stomach upset, mouth wash
Blackcurrant Leaves (Ribes nigrum)
Introduction
The leaves are particularly cleansing and make an excellent gargle for bleeding gums as well as promoting good all-round oral hygiene. The leaves are diaphoretic and diuretic, and they aid in the elimination or reduction of bodily fluids, they are believed to lower vascular pressure. The leaf infusion is also believed to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and may help with stress-related aliments. Rat-paw edema studies in France have revealed anti-inflammatory activity in the leaves of Ribes nigrum.
History
In folk medicine, the leaves are used to treat rheumatism, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and respiratory conditions. Rat-paw edema studies in France have revealed anti-inflammatory activity in the leaves of Ribes nigrum.
Precautions: Blackcurrant leaves are contraindicated in cases of accumulation of fluid (edema) due to cardiac or renal insufficiency.
Consituents: flavonoids including derivatives of quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin and sakuranetin.
Dose: 1-2 ml 3 a day or 3 ml in a small glass of water as a mouth wash.
Summary: Mouth wash, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic.
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesticulosus)
Also known as
- Black Tany
- Bladder Fucus
- Bladderwrack
- Cutweed
- Hai-ts'ao
- Kelp
- Kelpware
- Rockweed
- Sea Oak
- Seaweed
- Seawrack
Introduction
It is called bladderwrack because of the bladder like pneumatic floats attached to the branches - it is found predominantly in the rocky beaches and areas which have some well defined low tide water marks on the shoreline. The main use of the kelp is based on its high content of the essential mineral iodine, as an herbal remedy the kelp is used in the form of an anti-goiter medication - the success rate of such treatments is very high. The main action of the remedy is in bringing about an increase in the thyroid glands production of hormones, the kelp does this by raising the metabolic rate and functioning of the gland, at the same time, impaired thyroids seem to respond best to the treatment and the kelp may not promote the same metabolic increases in healthy glands. In another role, various rheumatic conditions are also believed to be rectifiable by the use of the kelp based remedies. Weight loss: A comparative trail on weight loss demonstrated that patients on kelp tended to lose much more weight than those who did not, this trial was conducted in Italy in the year 1976, and it involved a comparison between a controlled group given no kelp and a test group given kelp as a food supplement.
History: In the 18th century, iodine was isolated from this plant. In the 1860's it was claimed that that bladderwrack, as a thyroid stimulant could counter obesity by increasing the metabolic rate.
Part used: whole plant
Consituents: algin, mannitol, carotene, zeaxanthin, iodine, bromine, polysaccharides (immune-stimulant), mucilage, volatile oil.
Actions: Anti-hypothyroid, anti-rheumatic, alterative, metabolic stimulant.
Dose: 1-3 ml x 2 day.
Summary: Immune and thyroid support. Anti-inflammatory.
Precautions: None expected as long as dose is followed.
Bog Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata)
Also known as
- Bean Trefoil
- Bitter Trefoil
- Bitterworm
- Bogbean
- Brook Bean
- Buckbean
- Marsh Trefoil
- Moonflower
- Water Shamrock
Introduction
Bogbean is thought to be an effective remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, especially when this condition is associated with weakness, weight loss, and lack of vitality. It is also useful for sluggish digestion.
History: Early European physicians used the leaves of bogbean as a cathartic and a remedy for constipation, fevers, rheumatism, scurvy, scabies, and dropsy (edema, or an abnormal accumulation of fluid). Bogbean also earned a reputation as a tonic and appetite stimulant.
Parts used: Leaves
Consituents: Bitter glycosides, alkaloids, saponin, flavonoids, essential oil, tonic.
Actions: Bitter, diuretic, cholagogue, ant-rheumatic, alterative, anti-inflammatory, hepatic, tonic.
Dose: 1-3 ml 3 times a day.
Combination potential: Bogbean is generally prescribed with other herbs such as celery seed and white willow. For the treatment of rheumatic conditions bogbean will combine well with black cohosh and celery seed.
Summary: Muscular pain, sluggish digestion.
Precautions: None expected
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Also known as
- Eupatorium perfoliatum
- por huesos, Agueweed
- Hempweed
- Indian Sage
- Thoroughwort
Introduction
Native to Eastern and Central North America, boneset is a perennial daisy, growing 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) tall with a long, hairy stem topped with white flower heads of 10 to 20 blossoms from June to September. Its common name derives from its historical use in treating a viral infection known as "break-bone fever." Break bone fever is now more commonly known as Dengue fever. American Indians introduced the use of boneset leaves and flowering tops to the early settlers for the treatment of colds, catarrh, influenza, rheumatism, and all kinds of fevers, including break bone (dengue), intermittent (malaria), and lake (typhoid).
History: English folklore notes that the leaves can be burned to get rid of wasps and flies. According to Pliny the Elder, the Latin name Eupatorium is derived from Eupater, a 1st century B.C.E. king of Pontus, who was famous for his herbal skills, and is reported to be the first one to use a plant of this genus for liver complaints.
Constituents: Boneset contains sesquiterpene lactones, such as euperfolin, euperfolitin, and eufoliatin, as well as gallic acid, polysaccharides, flavonoids and glucosoidal acid.
Parts Used: Areal parts
Dosage: 2-3 ml 3 times day. Boneset is most effective when taken on the first day of
symptoms.
Actions: Diaphoretic, aperient, tonic, ant-spasmodic, bitter, diuretic, emetic
Combination potential: yarrow,elderflower, cayenne or ginger
Summary: Boneset is an excellent remedy for colds and congestion. Boneset treats colds by raising body temperature to kill the colds virus, but it also treats fevers by inducing perspiration to lower body temperature. The polysaccharides in boneset activate T-cells to fight bacterial infections.
Precautions: Safety for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of 6, or persons with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
Also known as
- Bardana
- Beggar's Buttons
- Bur
- Burdock
- Burdock Burrs
- Burrs
- Burr Seed
- Cockle Buttons
- Grass Burdock
- Great Burdock
- Hardock
- Hareburr
- Hurrburr
- Lappa
- Lappa Minor
- Niu Bang
- Personata
- Thorny Burr
- Turkey Burrseed
Introduction
Ideal for skin conditions which involve dry skin eg psoriasis, eczema. and acne. Used also for rheumatic pain. Part of the action of the herb is through the bitter stimulation of of the digestive juices and especially of bile secretion. It has been used in cystitis. The antibiotic property of the burdock root has been identified and confirmed in many laboratory studies carried out on the burdock plant in Germany - 1967 and in Japan - 1986, these test have identified the polyacetylenes in the root as being the active antibiotic agents - fresh roots tend to display the strongest antibiotic effects over all In general it will aid the body to a state of health, removing such indicators of systemic imbalance such as dandruff and skin problems.
Part used: Root
Cosnstituents: Flavonoids, glycosides, bitter glycosides, antimicrobial, inulin
Actions: Alterative, diuretic, bitter, laxative, tonic, vulnerary
Combination potential: Yellow dock, red clover, cleavers
Dose: 1-3 ml 3 times a day
Precautions: Avoid during pregnancy as taking very large quantities of the burdock root can actively stimulate the uterus
Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)
Also known as
- Capsaicin
- Capsicum
- Cayenne
- Chili Pepper
- Ginnie pepper
Introduction
Cayenne is a useful systemic stimulant. It regulates blood flow, equalizing and strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves. It is a general tonic and is specific for the circulatory and digestive system. It may be used for colic. It is used for warding off colds and treating cold hands and feet (including Raynaud's Disease).
History: An Indian herb used from 1548 in the West. Cayenne was popular with the 19th-century Physiomedicalists who used it for chills, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and depression. Used also as a general tonic and for migraine and the pain in shingles.
Parts used: Fruit
Consituents: Capsaicin, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin C, essential oils.
Actions: Stimulant, carminative, tonic, sialagogue, rubefacient, anti-catarrhal, anti-emetic, anti-microbial, diaphoretic.
Combination potential: Myrrh (as a gargle for laryngitis).
Dose: Quarter to 1 ml 3 times a day.
Summary: Stimulates yang energies. Anti-bacterial, tonsillitis, laryngitis, circulatory stimulant.
Precautions: Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Follow dose strictly. Excessive consumption can lead to gastroenteritis and possle liver damage.
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Also known as
- Catchweed
- Goose Grass
Introduction
Cleavers is an annual plant found in moist or grassy places and along river banks and fences in Canada, the eastern half of the U.S., and the Pacific Coast. Used as a potent diuretic and lymphatic cleanser, effective in many cases involving swollen or enlarged lymph glands. Often described as a blood purifier, it is used for skin problems (eg psoriasis) and other conditions where the body fails to get rid itself of toxins. Used also for tonsillitis and in adenoid trouble and ulcers. Cleavers has cooling properties, reducing fevers and resolving eruptive infections such as measles and chickenpox. Cleavers cools heat and inflammation in the body, seen inconditions such as cystitis, arthritis, inflammatory skin problems and digestive problems. Its bitter properties stimulate liver function and enhance digestion and absorption.According to French research (1947), an extract of the plant appears tolower blood pressure.
History:
A popular herb in folk medicine throughout the centuries, cleavers has been used as an excellant cleansing tonic, a remedy widely used in central Europe and the Balkans.
Parts used: Ariel parts
Consituents: Coumarins, tannins, glycosides, citric acid.
Actions: Diuretic, lymphatic cleanser, mild astringent.
Combination potential: Dried pokeroot, lianqiao, echinacea, marigold, burdock, yellow dock.
Dose: 1-3 ml 3 times a day.