Disclaimer: The content of the Materia Medica Botanica is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided is solely for reference to greater knowledge and understanding of the botanical medicines. Traditional knowledge has been passed down and it’s important to acknowledge that this medicine knowledge has come from indigenous people all over the earth, alongside meticulous care to preserve knowledge amongst a few institutions. I update my knowledge of the botanical medicines regularly and one day I will most likely also print this to hard copy, when I feel it’s “done”.

The Materia Medica Botanica is sorted by botanical name. For instance, if you want to search about the plant “Yarrow” you must find (google) it’s botanical name first then look it up by alphabetical order of the botanical name.

Please book an appointment if you would like to explore the healing abilities of the Materia Medica Botanica further.

The following material is written by Dr. Ashley Romanchuk, ND and is subject to Copyright ©. All Rights to this Information are owned under Ashley Romanchuk Professional Corporation, Copyright © 2020, 2021, 2022 in effect.

Achillea millefoium

Yarrow

Asteraceae

Aerial parts

Harvest: Alberta, British Columbia

Constituents: 0.3-1.4% Volatile Oils: ⍺ & β-pinene, borneo, bornyl acetate, camphor, ⍺-caryophyllene, 1,8, cineole, thujone

Sesquiterpene Lactones: achillicin, achillin, achillilfolin, millifin, millifolide

3-4% Tannins

Flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin, isorhamnetin, rutin

Alkaloids: betonicine, stachydrine, achiceine, moschatine, trigonelline

Phenolic Acids: caffeic, salicylic

Coumarins, Resins, Selenium, β-carotene, Vitamin C

Actions: Diaphoretic, Antimicrobial, Bitter, Digestive Stimulant, Hepatic, Hypotensive, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Spasmolytic, Syptic, Diuretic (weak)

Indications:

Create or Break a Fever: There are a few medicines that will bring out a fever when the body needs to sweat or can break a fever. This is one of the most important medicines to know, especially for breaking fevers that are going to high. This becomes a very important medicines for Infant Medicine as it is mild, slow and stimulating to febrile reactions, alternatively, helps quickly and efficiently bring down a fever that has gone too high. The stalk is the part of the medicine that does this and should be chewed or put into a morter and pestle and pounded to a pulp then made into a tea. The stalk is best used fresh however if the fever occurs during the winter seasons, it can be used dried.

Feminine Medicine: regulates blood flow and menses, clears pelvic congestion and aides with moving the energy that causes cysts, fibroids, prolapse. "“The Indispensable Blood Remedy”

-Master of the Blood- : effectively treats disease by decongesting blood associated with inflammation, stagnation, or has been congealed. Tone the veins, stimulant the capillaries and arteries, and move the blood to or from the surface. The great ‘normalizer’ of the blood.

Yarrow is one of the best Styptic medicines to relieve menorrhagia

Astringent Action: epistaxis, intestinal hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, dysentery or diarrhea

Bitter action stimulates digestion by pathway of Vagus Nerve (CN10) and increases the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter digestive stimulants become a very important medicine in anorexia, hypochlorhydria, dyspepsia, maldigestion, biliary insufficiency &/or dyskinesia and constipation

Yarrow can be used together with Chamomile to aide digestion by improving assimilation, relieving gas, and calming the system

Urinary Tract Antiseptic: fresh plant for Infection & Cystitis

Thrombotic Conditions: Hypertension : dilates peripheral blood vessels

Wound Healing and Circulation Problems (especially venous circulation): External application by Poultice or Salve: cuts, rashes, bruises, sore muscles, varicosities. Pound flower and stalk into a pulp and apply topically to brushes, cuts, sprains, swellings, varicosities and even diabetic ulcers.

Peripheral Vasodilator which allows it to help bring down blood pressure and therefore is very useful in mild hypertension

Mild Pain Relief: salicylic acid content

Useful in the acute stages of cold, influenza, respiratory catarrhs

-Priest and Priest

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Astringing, Pungent -Warm- Affinity to: SP, LU, KD Meridians

Category: Move Qi and Blood: angina, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal cramping, headaches, vertigo, palpitations, varicose veins, hemorrhoids

Reduces inflammation and Resolves Dampness: bladder infections, urinary stones, frequent urination, spermatorrhea, leucorrhea

Heals wounds, Stops Bleeding

Tonifies Qi and Releases to the Exterior: measles, chickenpox, flu, colds, fevers.

Indications: Heat in Blood: “almost always indicated when see an elongated, pointed, red tongue” -Matthew Wood , also indicated with blue under the tongue indicating venous stagnation

As a Bitter, Yarrow increases secretions to the digestive tract and therefore can decongest internal organs by moving blood, allowing for better assimilation of nutrients and improved digestion.

Edema: in addition to normalizing blood, Yarrow is a diaphoretic to the skin and a diuretic to the kidneys and therefore eliminates excess water.

Hot/Warm Yarrow Tea tends to open the skin pores

Cold Yarrow Tea tends to stimulate the stomach, digestion and kidneys

Esoteric Medicine:

Yarrow clears the aura, purifies the protective energies of the body and is specifically used for Spiritual Protection. Indicated especially for the extra sensitive energies that can particularly sense, and be affected by, other people’s energy. Helpful to build, clarify, or solidify boundaries (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). Sensitive, delicate people that care about others.

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae-family allergies. Minimal use is recommended in Pregnancy and Lactation. Caution of use in hyperchlorhydria and particularly with duodenal ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux. There is no known reports of toxicity or drug interactions although by increasing gut motility, Achillea millefolium could theoretically decrease the absorption of some drugs. Potential side effects of nausea but this is very rare and this medicine is considered a very safe medicine.

Articles and References:

https://www.matthewwoodherbs.com/Yarrow.html

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/yarrow/

https://www.theforagerspath.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Yarrow-Achillea-Monograph.pdffbclid=IwAR13dKontp5yd3sJugJjPr_BIBxn5KDDWDjHeFRGBmZhoWupzTahS1gsOpk

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 523.

American Botanical Council: Yarrow Monograph.

Hedley, Christopher. "Yarrow: A Monograph." The European Journal of Herbal Medicine.

Moore, Michael. “Yarrow.” Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West, Museum of New Mexico

Press, 2003, pp. 269–270.

Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal. North Atlantic Books, 2009

Acorus americanus

Rat Root

Ariaceae

Rhizome

Harvest: Northern Alberta, Saskatchewan. A traditional plant taught by the native indigenous people of the plains of Canada. “Rat Root” is given as the english name by the Cree people. This plant has been taught to me by a Cree Elder and Medicine Man.

This is a very vulnerable plant so not much will be shared about it except the knowledge that it exists, what it was traditionally used for and that it can be attained through good relations with Indigenous Medicine People.

The Alberta Oil Sands have nearly created extinction for this medicine.

Constituents: Mucilage

Sesquiterpenes

Volatile Oils: azulene, camphor, cineole, eugenol, pinene

Actions: Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Anti-fungal, Immune Stimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Anodyne, Carminative, Mild Sedative, Spasmolytic, Diuretic

Uses: A major medicine of the Plains People. largely considered a cure-all

Onset of Illness: Chew a little piece

• Infections of all kinds: including parasites, URTI, UTI

Feminine Medicine: Abortifactant, Menstrual pains

Masculine Medicine: Prostate issues

Aches and Pains in Body; Rheumatism, Polymyalgia, Sprains, Broken Bones, Cystitis, Toothaches

Indigestion

Mild Sedative: Nervousness, Anxiety, Nervous Tension, Disturbed Sleep, Insomnia

Liver Problems: especially Diabetes and Blood Sugar Imbalances

Safety Considerations: DNU in high dose. DNU long term.

DNU in Pregnancy: ABORTIFACTANT

Articles and References:

Applied Conservation Ecology Lab. Rat Root: Plants of the Alberta Oil Sands Area. Accessed: May 31, 2020. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=d4304b1418ac421aab40b1a0a4ce0120

Allium sativum

Garlic

Liliaceae

Bulb

Harvest: Alberta, British Columbia

Constituents:

Organosulfur compounds termed “ Glucosinolates”: allicin, allicin, ajoene. Alliin converts to allicin by the enzyme allianase which is activated by oxygen and therefore for Garlic to be of medicinal value, it must be chopped into small pieces and then it must sit out to be exposed to oxygen for 3-5 minutes to be activated into its potent medicinal form

B vitamins, Minerals, Flavonoids

Actions: Antimicrobial, Hypotensive, Hypocholesteremic, Hypolipidemic, Anti-atherosclerotic, Anti-platelet, Cholagogue, Spasmolytic, Diaphoretic, Antioxidant, Antihelminth

Indications:

Antimicrobial to Gastrointestinal Tract: strong action against bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite -especially Candida albicans and Heliobacter pylori

Infections: Respiratory, GI, Urinary tract

Cardiovascular Health: reduces serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising HDL levels. Inhibitrs platelet activating factor (PAF) and therefore thins the blood to minimize thromboembolic issues. Antioxidant capacity binds free radicals and minimizes the peroxidation of fats, thereby minimizing atherosclerotic damage of the lining of the blood vessels. Helpful in minimizing risk of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension, heart attack and stroke. Especially indicated for Hypertension.

• 9 clinical trials conducted on garlic has been to evaluate its ability to regulate serum lipid levels, i.e., total cholesterol (TC), and in particular, LDL cholesterol, with 7 reporting a significant decrease (mean decrease of 16%) (Koch and Lawson, 1996)..this is only with 1/2 clove a day which is hardly therapeutic levels of allium sativum

• the mean decrease in serum cholesterol levels was 10.6%

• an average decrease of 13.4% in serum triglyceride levels

Many more evidence-based studies cited by The American Botanical Council: http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Garlic.html?ts=1585533811&signature=e183af543091c693eef3a25f9cedcdaa

• Atherosclerosis

• High lipids and triglycerides

• Hypercoagulative States: Antiplatelet activity

• Diabetes Mellitus

  Allium sativum can inhibit the breakdown of insulin and thereby used as an adjunct to medication as it can potentiate insulin

• Intermittent Claudication

• Ischemic Stroke Prevention

• Angina Pectoris

Topical Application: useful for fungal or bacterial infections of the skin, especially dermatophytosis, onchomycosis, and tinea sp. problems

Allium sativum can also be warmed into olive oil and dropped into the ear for Otitis Media or put onto a tampon and inserted into the vagina for bacterial vaginosis or candida overgrowth within the vaginal flora

The Chinese Perspective:

Acrid -Warm- Affinity to: ST, LI, SP, LU Meridians

Category: Antihelminth

Kills Parasites, Prevents Influenza

Disperses abscesses and reduces swellings

Warms the Stomach and Strengthens the Spleen

Promotes the movement of Qi and Reduces Stagnation

Resolves toxicity

Contraindications: ANY Yin deficiency with heat signs, LV or KD Fire, Qi or Blood xu, Wind disorders, bleeding

Drug Interactions:

• This herb should be used with caution when used in conjunction with antidiabetics such as: insulin, tolbutamide (Orinase), glipizide (Glucotrol), and glyburide (DiaBeta/Micronase) as there may be a synergistic effect leading to hypoglycemia.

• Fresh Da Suan, reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of vancomycin for vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Safety Considerations:

• large amounts of garlic should be avoided during pregnancy due to a possible increased risk of bleeding or stimulation of uterine contractions

• Infant colic has been associated with maternal garlic consumption

• Theoretically, may increase the risk of bleeding, Use caution with any bleeding disorder or with concomitant medication for a bleeding disorder include Aspirin, anticoagulants: Warfarin (Coumadin), Heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as Clopidogrel (Plavix), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)

• Blood pressure: Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure or already have very low blood pressure

• Allergy: anaphylaxis reactions have occurred in some people -this very rare

• Insulin: may potentiate insulin so must find new balance of insulin requirements when adding Allium sativum

Articles and References:

https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/DaSuan.html

https://naturalpractitionermag.com/monograph-garlic/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 526.

Garlic: The Science and Therapeutic Application of Allium sativum and Related Species. H. Koch et al.1996. Williams & wilkins Pub. Co.

Ackermann, R. T., Mulrow, C. D., Ramirez, G., Gardner, C. D., Morbidoni, L., and Lawrence, V. A. Garlic shows promise for improving some cardiovascular risk factors. Arch.Intern.Med. 3-26-2001;161(6):813-824

Aloe vera

Aloe

Leaf

Harvest:

Constituents: gel has polysaccharides while latex has anthraquinone glycosides

Actions: Gel: Demulcent, Anti-inflammatory, Emollient, Immunomodulating

Latex: Cathartic Laxative

Uses:

Topical Use of the Gel is recommended for so, so many skin problems:

• Dry Skin

• Burns: including frostbite

• Wounds

• Acne

• Ulcers

  There is no antibiotic or anti fungal potential in this medicine so for infected wounds or severe acne, it is recommended to use the gel mixed with other botanical medicines that have antimicrobial/fungal activity. This goes the same for severe burns.

Internal Consumption of Gel:

• Gastritis

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Ulcers: Peptic and Duodenal

• Interstitial or Infectious Cystitis

• Urinary Tract Infections

Internal Consumption of Latex: The latex directly stimulates the bowels to increase peristalsis and becomes a strong cathartic laxative. There is often acute intestinal cramping and pain that occurs, which can be subsided by combining the use of carminative medicines.

Safety Considerations: Internal use of gel and definitely the latex can lead to cramping and diarrhea. Internal use of gel or latex can lead to stimulation of uterine contractions and a loss of pregnancy. Gel and latex are therefore contraindicated to use aloe internally in pregnancy. Use of the latex internally is also contraindicated in lactation.

With severely deep wounds or burns, there is a potential that using aloe could delay the healing of the wound and medicinal advice should also be sought in these instances.

The latex used internally can give a harmless reddish discolouration of the urine and feces that will pass as the medicine moves from the system. Due to the dramatic decrease in transit time upon internal use of the latex there is a decrease in drug absorption, while the cathartic laxative action of the latex can also cause electrolyte imbalances and therefore internal use of the latex must be monitored by a medical professional especially for anyone utilizing a pharmaceutical. The pharmaceuticals to be extra on alert for are those on cardiac glycosides, anti-arrhythmics, diuretics, lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, medications for blood clotting. Caution is warranted in anyone with severe heart or kidney disease. Potassium deficiency is especially prominent after use of this cathartic laxative. Coconut water, Birch Water and good sea salts is recommended.

The latex is a very strong cathartic laxative so this laxative is recommended as one of the last resorts to mobilizing the lower intestines. Extreme caution is warranted in the elderly and this medicine should only be used internally under the safe watch of a medical professional such as your local Naturopathic Physician.

DNU latex internally with intestinal obstruction, spastic constipation, acute intestinal inflammation, irritable bowel disease, abdominal pain of unknown origin, pregnancy, lactation, children < 12 years old.

Risk of dependency can also occur with the use of the latex medicine internally:

DNU latex internally for > 10 days

Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow

Malvaceae

Root, Leaf

Harvest: Alberta, British Columbia.

Root Constituents: 18-35% Mucilage in form of Polysaccharides

35% Pectin

1-2% Asparagine

Tannins

Leaf Constituents: Flavonoids: kaempferol, quercetin, diosmetin glucosides

Coumarins: scopoletin

Polyphenolic acids: syringic, caffeic, salicylic, vanillin, ⍴-coumaric

Actions: Demulcent, Emollient, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Diuretic

Uses:

Soothing demulcent for inflammed and irritated mucous or epithelial membranes , especially useful for chronic inflammatory conditions

ROOT: Inflammatory disorders of the.digestive tract: Sore throats, IBS, IBD: Chron’s, Celiac, Ulcerative Colitis, Ulcers in general, hemorrhoids

LEAF: Inflammatory disorders of the.urinary &/or respiratory tract: cystitis, urethritis. bronchitis, irritating coughs

Ointment: abscesses, boils, ulcers, cuts/wounds, burns

Mild-Moderate Pain Relief: salicylic acid content

-a powerful medicine for the digestive and respiratory systems-

Leaky Gut Syndrome: this powerful medicine is used to heal the gut lining and therefore has viable use when see autoimmune conditions as well as often micro-tears in the gut lining lead to the inflammatory cascade that results in activation of the immune system.

The Chinese Perspective:

Salty, Sweet -Cold- Affinity to: BL, HT, LI, LU Meridians

Category: Herbs that Cool the Blood

Facilitates Urination and Stops Cough: Cold/Flu that is inflammatory/infectious in origin with internal heat that gives edema, cough, bronchitis

Can help restore harmony between Yin and Yang

Salty taste drains the body by clearing accumulations such as phlegm or lymphatic congestions and can soften hard lumps, cysts

Sweet taste slows down acute reactions (i.e. fever) and detoxifies the body. Sweet additionally tonifies by replenishing Qi and Blood.

Safety Considerations: Mucilage may delay absorption of other drugs taken at the same time

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 526-527

https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/marshmallow-root

Anethum graveolens

Dill

Apiaceae

Seed

Harvest: British Columbia

Dill Constituents: Volatile Oil: carvone, dihydrocarvone, limonene, ⍺ & β-phellandrene, eugenol, anethole, myristicin, carveole, 𝑥-pinene

Flavonoids: kaempferol

Coumarins: scopoletin, esculenti, bergapten, umbelliferone

Xanthone derivatives: dillanoside

Triterpenes, Phenolic acids

Nutritionally very high in Calcium

Actions:  Carminative, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Galactagogue

Indications: Colic, Flatulence, Low Breast Milk, Bad Breath

Soothes Digestive Issues in Adults: Poor appetite, stomach ache, bloating, gas, constipation, colds, flu, coughs, menstrual cramping, pain in the abdomen, anxiety

Mother/Infant Medicine: Bring about break milk in tired mothers and is especially good to give to a mother with a colicky baby, can give directly to the baby in warm milk as it also calms the nerves and promotes sleep

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Pungent -Warm- Affinity to: ST, SP, KD Meridians

Tonifies Yang, Circulates Qi, Disperses Cold

Supports ST, SP Qi and LI

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 527-528

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/dill/

Angelica archangelica

Angelica, Dong Quai, The Root of the Holy Ghost

Apiaceae

Root, Leaf, Seed

British Columbia, Late Fall

Another common name for this medicine is ‘Wild Celery’

Angelica was so widely known as a digestive tonic that is it one of the main parts of the very famous digestive liqueurs: Benedictine and Chartreuse

Constituents: 0.3-1% Volatile Oil (highest in seed): ⍺ & β-phellandrene, ⍺-pinene, ⍺-thujene, limonene, β-caryophyllene, linalool, borneo, acetaldehyde, macrocyclic lactones, phthalate

Furanocoumarin glycosides: angelicin, umbelliferone, psoralen, bergapten, imperatoren

Difuranocoumarin glycosides: 1′-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(2S, 3R)-3-hydroxymarmesin, and 2′-β-d-glucopyranosyloxymarmesin, apterin and 1′-O-β-d-glycopyranosyl-(S)-marmesin (marmesinin)

Plant acids, Flavoniods, Sterols

Actions: Uterine tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Carminative, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Astringent, Stimulating Expectorant (yet smooth muscle relaxant), Anti-tumor, Diaphoretic, Spasmolytic, Bitter Aromatic, Antimicrobial

Uses:

Feminine Medicine: Hypo or Hyper Estrogenic States: PMS, Menorrhagia, Cysts, Fibroids

Leaf as compress for inflammation of the chest: colds, influenza, pneumonia

Essential Oil (seed): colic, flatulence, appetite stimulant

Safety Considerations: Apiaceae family allergies. Furanocoumarin can cause photosensitivity and should avoid sun as much as possible when utilizing Angelica therapeutically.

Breast Cancer: more studies need to be done however it is found that constituents in the root and leaf are cytotoxic to cancerous cells and the ancients of India, China and the Nordic Countries knew to use this medicine for advanced diseases.

Respiratory illness: especially with mucous (catarrh) and a cold or flu that gives ‘chills’. Angelica also helps bring the body into a sweat to remove microbes that are causing illness. Angelica and Ginger together are very warming for cold constitutions.

• Bronchitis

• Irritating Coughs

• Catarrh

• Asthma

• Whooping Cough

Digestive Remedy: Angelic is a warming bitter that helps calm any dyspepsia while also minimizing any inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract. This remedy is especially for people who have a deep cold within their constitution, which can give the symptoms of lack of appetite (Anorexia nervosa), malabsorption, severe fatigue, and, or constipation. The flavour of Angelica is similar to licorice and is a wonderful taste. Licorice Root, Angelica Root and Ginger Root are very powerful together as a digestive remedy for just about any issue occuring with digestion.

“Angelica root is a warming digestive bitter that can be [drank in a tea or taken in tincture form] before meals to stimulate the production of digestive acids, and therefore [create] more efficient digestion. The difference between using Angelica or Dandelion root before a meal is that Dandelion is cooling and beneficial to the liver and lymph while Angelica is warming and antibacterial in the digestive tract” -Robin Rose Bennet

As many know, the digestive system correlates with Serotonin Production and therefore getting the digestive system working properly is also an effective way to treat Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia. These medicines together are especially powerful for weak, yin, cold constitutions that have digestive issues, specifically with no interest in food and because of that, can be suffering from a deep depression. There is an energy of Angelica that is quite specific to the female constitution however this can be used with men too, although not as often. The bitter action also supports this by activating the Vagal Nerve (CN.10) and switching the system to the Parasympathetic Nervous System. If this medicine is used enough, the bitter taste can help strengthen and support parasympathetic dominance.

Infant Colic: Angelica with Licorice root can be made into tasty lollipops for colicky babies

Pain: Aside from being a smooth muscle relaxant, Angelica is found to increase circulation which makes it very useful for so many issues including Dysmenorrhea, Angina, and Pain/Spasm anywhere throughout the Digestive Tract.

Rheumatic Diseases: especially useful when joints are more painful due to cold weather or lack of movement, Angelica helps mobilize the joints and release their pain. Angelica is especially useful in bone broth soups as a remedy to rheumatism.

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Pungent -Warm- Affinity to: HT, LV, SP Meridians

Category: Herbs that tonify Blood

-especially in regulating the menses

-useful for Blood Deficiency: harmonizes the blood and disperses cold, stops pain d/t blood stasis

Lubricates the Intestines: relieves constipation

Angelica is known as ‘Chandaamshuka’ in the old Ayurvedic Texts, the medicine texts from India, which translates to the ‘Holy Ghost’ or as ‘Angel’ because this medicine was known to be so useful in pronounced diseases, specifically the root. This medicine grew in the mountains between the elevations of 3200 and 4200m, and was especially prominent around the Himalayas and Kashmir

Angelica is and was one of the most respected medicines in the Nordic Countries, which exported it to other parts of Europe as it became known as a powerful medicine.

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: Angelica was used in the feast for Archangel Michael and is how this medicine got her name. This medicine was known by various cultures around the world to be an ‘angel’ and a medicine that is a saviour, with pure qualities. This medicine is generally thought to be protective, especially against evil spirits, such as an angel and therefore can be carried or hung around the home for that reason.

Safety Considerations: Angelica is an extremely safe medicine to use, including in elderly age, pregnancy, while breast feeding and amongst children.

Contraindicated in yin deficiency with heat signs and damp-obstructions of the middle/lower jiao. DNU if wind cold is not cleared first. DNU if have diarrhea.

Drug Interactions:

• Concurrent use with warfarin (Coumadin) may potentiate the effects of warfarin. This may occur with other anticoagulant drugs including heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox) or antiplatelet drugs including aspirin, dipyridamole (Persantine) and clopidogrel (Plavix).

Articles and References::

https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/DangGui.html

https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/dong-quai

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 527.

Apium graveolens

Celery

Apiaceae

Stalk, Leaf, Seed

Harvest: British Columbia

Constituents: 2-3% Volatile Oil: 60% limonene, 10-15% selenine,  ⍺ & β -eudesmol, santalol

Phthalides: 3-𝑛-butylphthalid, ligustilide, aedanolide, sedanenolide

Furanocoumarins: apigravin, bergapten, celerin, isoimperatorin, isopimpinellin, umbelliferone, 8-hydroxy-5-methoxypsoralin

Flavonoids: aping, apigenin, isoquercitrin

Phenolic Acids, Acetylenics

Sodium, Potassium, Silicon, Vitamin C

Actions: Hypotensive, Anti-rheumatic/gout, Carminative, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Nervine, Diuretic, Urinary Antiseptic, Sedative

 Indications: Rheumatism (esp. RA), Arthritis, Gout, UTI

Hypertension: Juicing Celery stalk has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg. Celery contains a highly absorbable source of sodium which may be the reason that it is so healing. It also is high in vitamin C and several other active compounds that promote health, especially its phthalides constituents, which help lower blood pressure and  cholesterol, and coumarins, that are useful in cancer. The phthalide constituents relax the tissues of the artery walls to increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure while diuretic action drains the body of excess edema allowing for less work for the heart. A combination of Celery, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and other potent Salts in the diet (and other supportive botanical medicines for the heart) combine to a powerful natural way to support a healthy blood pressure. Alternatively, there is mounting evidence that juicing celery can help stabilize low blood pressure as well.

Bone and Joint Health:  the silicon content celery can help to renew bones, joints and arteries and therefore makes it a great additive to bone broth soups

Cancer Prevention: coumarins, present in Celery, help prevent free radicals from damaging cells, thereby decreasing the mutations that create the potential for cells to become cancerous whereas the constituent termed ‘acetylenics’ are compounds that has been shown in research to stop the growth of cancer cells. Phenolic acids block the cancer promoting actions of prostaglandins.

The Chinese Perspective:

Pungent, Bitter, Sweet -Cool- Affinity to: KD, ST, SP, LV Meridians

Tonifies the SP & ST Qi: aids digestion, flatulance, loss-of-appetite, energizes

Cools the Liver/Relieves Damp: agitation, anger, headaches, dysmenorrhea, menopausal disorders, gout, rheumatisms, heavy joints/limbs, rumination, boredom

-especially useful to clear mucous from the lungs-

Purifies the Blood & Promotes Sweating: colds, flus, fevers.

Promotes Urination: cleanses the kidney and bladder

Relieves heat in the body.

Stops Bleeding: heavy menses, wounds, ulcers.

Energetic Medicine: Energizing: can be a mild aphrodisiac. Good to build the constitution. Detoxifier/Depurative.

WARNING:

Celery is consistently top on the list of vegetables that are most likely to be contaminated with pesticides so it’s best if you can find an organic source of this vegetable for both food source and medicinal source.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 527-528

Effects of Giving Celery Juice (Apium graveolens) in Blood Pressure Clients

Arctium lappa

Burdock

Asteraceae

Root/Rhizome, Leaf, Seed

Harvest: Alberta, British Columbia

A plant medicine that is native to China and has been naturalized throughout parts of North America.

Constituents:

Lignans: arctigenin, arctic, matairesinol, trachelogenin, and sesquilignan AL-D and AL-F, lappaol A, B, C, D, E, F, H, and fatty oils

35-50% Inulin

Mucilage, Pectin, Sugars

Organic acids, Fatty acids, Phenolic acids: arachic, steraic, palmitic, and linoleic acids

Actions: Alterative, Bitter, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective, Antibiotic, Antifungal

Uses:

Clear the Blood: Acne, Rheumatism, Gout

Detoxification: all parts of this plant move waste products from the body. The leaf and root can be eaten as a dietary medicinal food for longevity. Both promote a healthy bacterial flora, healthy digestion and help keep moisture in the skin. The seed is the strongest part of this medicine and really helps move different pathogens out of the body, most notable is phlegm and any stagnated ‘heat’.

Stimulate Digestion

Dysbiosis, Candida albicans Overgrowth, Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): inulin is a prebiotic and only has a few sources. Inulin supports the growth of the healthy microbial flora of the body while other constituents present in Burdock attack the pathogenic microbes that have entered the system. This is especially important after antibiotic use and is especially important to use inulin-containing foods alongside fermented foods and human-grade probiotics.

The root of Burdock is the portion that contains inulin, which is a prebiotic and very required to replenish the healthy microbial flora of the body. Inulin only has a few natural sources and therefore these plants that contain inulin are very valuable

Skin Healing: Burdock seed can be made into a powder and applied externally to any form of wound or burn which will quickly advance its healing. This powder can be applied to wounds that have become infected or any skin that has incurred a fungal infection as well.

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Acrid, (slightly) Sweet -Cold- Affinity to: LU, ST Meridians

Category: Herbs that Release the Exterior (wind-heat diaphoretic)

Traditionally Burdock seed is used for inducing a sweat to relieve exterior syndromes and primarily functions to dispel wind and heat from the body

Burdock root is with edible and medicinal properties but it is mostly eaten as a root vegetable, the medicinal value of Burdock root is seen at the level of ‘diet therapy’ and is not as extensive as the medicinal value of the seed.

Release the Exterior:  including acne, wind-heat cold, cough with excessive phlegm, measles, rubella, sore throat, mumps, erysipelas, boils. Burdock seed is/was traditionally one of the first medicines to go to for measles and rubella

Disperses wind-heat and benefits the throat

Relieves toxicity and rashes while moistening the intestines

Traditional Formulations from China:

• Yi Qiao San from Wen Bing Tiao Bian, “Detailed Analysis of Warm Diseases”

  Burdock seed is combined with Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle flower), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Jie Geng (Balloon Flower Root) to treat wind-heat cold, the beginning of febrile disease, fever, sore throat

  1. Niu Bang Zi Tang from Wai Ke Zheng Zong, “Orthodox Exogenous Illnesses”

     Burdock seed is formulated with Honeysuckle, Forsythia, Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Kirilowii) to cure swelling and painful mastitis

• Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin from Dong Yuan Shi Xiao Fang, “Dongyuan’s Trial Effective Recipes”

  Burdock seed is formulated with Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis), Huang Lian (Coptis), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root) to heal acute suppurative parotitis due to scourge toxin, mumps, pharyngitis, and other conditions caused by heat toxin invasion

• Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin from Yi Zong Jin Jian, “Golden Mirror of Orthodox Medicine”

  Burdock seed is formulated with Pu Gong Yi (Dandelion), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Morifolium), Zi Hua Di Ding (Herba Violae), and Zhi Bei Tian Kui Zi (semiaquilegia root) to cure furunculosis

• Zhu Ye Liu Bang Tang from Xian Xing Zhai Yi Xue Guang Bi Ji, “Wide-ranging Notes from the First-awakened Studio”

  Burdock seed is formulated with Bo He (Mint), Cheng Liu (Tamarix Chinensis), Zhu Ye (Folium Bambusae) to heal skin rash failing to appear

Safety Consideration: Asteraceae family allergies. Caution with Qi deficiency or if diarrhea present, or if patient is of general weakness. Careful if cold EPI.

Drug Interactions:

• Use with caution with antidiabetics such as insulin, sulfonylureas, tolbutamide (Orinase), glipizide (Glucotrol and glyburide (DiaBeta Micronase) as the synergistic effect may lead to hypoglycemia.

• This herb has marked hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen.

Articles and References:

https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/NiuBangZi.html

http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/burdock/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 529.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry, Kinnikinnik

Ericaceae

Leaf, Berry

Harvest: British Columbia

This plant is a native medicine to North America and is a very sacred plant to the Indigenous people. This is a medicine that would be mixed with tobacco, Red Willow bark and other medicines to be then smoked in ceremony. The traditional name is ‘Kinnikinnik’ which means ‘that which is mixed’. Only modern herbalists call it ‘Uva Ursi’.

Constituents: Hydroquinones: arbutin, metylarbutin

Iridoids: monotropein

Flavonoids: quercitrin, isoquercitrin, myriacacitrin

Tannins

Volatile oil

Acids: ursolic, malic, gallic

Actions: Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Antifungal, Astringent, Diuretic, Tonic

Uses: Specificity to Urinary Tract: UTIs, Cystitis, KD stones

Pain due to Inflammation:

Kinnikinnik is VERY astringent in its action which makes it very useful for any form of swelling or inflammation in the body, especially accompanied with pain, and particularly if it is due to body fluids accumulating

The Chinese Perspective:

Acrid, Bitter (slightly) Sweet -Cold- Affinity to: KD, UB, LU Meridians

Clears Heat and Toxins

Articles and References:

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/bearberry-uva-ursi/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 529.

Arnica montana

Arnica

Asteraceae

Flower

Harvest: high Alpine of British Columbia

Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones:arnifolin, arnicolides, helenalin

Flavonoids: eupafolin, patuletin, spinacetin

Volatile Oil: thymol

Phenolic acids, Coumarins, Resins, Bitters: arnica, Tannin, Carotenes

Actions: Anti-inflammatory

The constituent helenalin is a major active ingredient in anti-inflammatory preparations used to treat bruises.

Uses: Poultice/Salve: Sore Muscles or Joints, Rheumatism, Phlebitis

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Bitter, Neutral Affinity to: SP, KD Meridians

Tonifies and Moves Qi: bruises, inflammation, arthritis, sprains, muscle aches

Tonifies Yin and Yang

EXTERNAL USE ONLY

DO NOT USE OVER BROKEN SKIN

DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 530.

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/arnica/

Artemisia absinthum

Wormwood

Asteraceae

Leaf

Harvest: British Columbia

Constituents: Volatile Oil: 35% ⍺ & β-thujone

Sesquiterpene lactones: absinthin, artemetin, matricin, isoabsinthin, artemolin

Acetylenes, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids

Lignans: diayangambin, epiyangambin

Actions: Antihelminth, Antimicrobial, Antidepressant, EXTREMELY BITTER, Carminative

Mugwort: Bitter tonic & stimulant, Nervine, Emmenagogue, Dream-aide

Uses:

Indigestion: so bitter it stimulates the entire digestive tract and strengthens Vagal dominance

Depression

The Chinese Perspective:

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergies

Overdose possible d/t amount of Thujone -only use under medical guidance

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose: vomit, severe diarrhea, urine retention, stupor, convulsions

DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 530-31.

Artemisia vulgaris

Mugwort

Asteraceae

Leaf

Constituents: Volatile Oil: linalool, 1,8-cineole, β-thujone, borneol, ⍺ & β-pinene

Flavonoids, Coumarins, Triterpenes

Sesquiterpene lactones: vulgarin

Mugwort: Bitter tonic & stimulant, Nervine, Emmenagogue, Dream-aide

Uses: 

Indigestion: so bitter it stimulates the entire digestive tract and strengthens Vagal dominance

Depression and Anxiety spectrum people with digestive problems and sleep problems

Mugwort can be used to promote normalization of menstruation

Esoteric Medicine: Mugwort creates powerful Dreams

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Mugwort, or Ai Ye, is one of the most important botanical medicines in TCM as it is the medicine used in Moxabustion. Moxa wool is made from Ai Ye and is burned and placed on top of acupuncture points to bring healing in especially deficient conditions. Moxabustion reinvigorates the blood and stimulates the flow of Qi, the vital energy of the body.

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Acrid -Warm- Affinity to: SP, LV, KD (LU) Meridians

Category: Hemostatic

Warms the Channels and the Womb, Calms Fetus

Stops Bleeding

Disperses Cold, Alleviates Pain

Eliminates Dampness, Resolves Phlegm and stops cough and asthma

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergies. Caution with Blood Heat &/or Yin Deficiency. May cause mild redness/itch where applied topically. Taken internally, may increase appetite.

Overdose possible d/t amount of Thujone -only use under medical guidance

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose: vomit, severe diarrhea, urine retention, stupor, convulsions

DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION

Articles and References:

https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/AiYe.html

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 531.

Asarum canadense

Snakeroot, Wild Ginger

Aristolochiaceae

Root/Rhizome

Harvest: British Columbia and throughout Canada: Early Spring time harvest. Wild Ginger is found by the blooming of the flower alongside the shaded forest bed floor, near streams where it is moist and cool. It grows in colonies that have a pair of heart shaped leaves that resemble spinach and a single central purple-brown flower that has three triangular petals, somehow resembling a trumpet with elongated tips. Āsa comes from Latin and means ‘alter’ or ‘sanctuary’ and this plant is very much found in the energetical sanctuary of the forest.

This plant is not related to Zingiber officinale however the roots of this plant were used by early settlers as a ginger substitute [1]

Constituents: Volatile Oil: methyl eugenol, geraniol, linalool, limonene

Actions: Antimicrobial, Carminative, Diaphoretic and Febrifuge, Immune Stimulant, Nervine

Nervous Tension/Anxiety: helps to settle the heart and nerves by relaxing the vessels while stimulating circulation

Palpitations - Tachycardia: a mild sedative for rapid and irregular heart beats

Feminine Medicine: feminine cramps and uterine pain, swollen breasts - this medicine was traditionally used with “Dutchman’s Pipe” (Aristolochia macrophylla)

WILD GINGER HAS THE ABILITY TO MAKE OR BREAK A FEVER AND IS GOOD USED IN THE ONSET OF COLD/FLU OR ALSO TO BREAK A FEVER

Articles and References:

The Cherokee Herbal: Native Medicine from the Four Directions. J.T Garrett. 2003. Bear and Co. pp.103.

1. Missouri Botanical Garden. Asarum canadense. Cited May 30,2020. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b460

Astragalus membranaceous

Astragalus, Huáng Qí

Fabaceae

Root

Native to China

Constituents: Triterpenoid saponin glycosides: astragalosides I-VII

Flavonoid glycosides, aglycones, high molecular weight polysaccharides

Actions: Immunomodulator, Adaptogen

Uses: Deep Immune Tonic: low immune function, infection, low WBC count, Anemia, Leukopenia

Use in severely low adrenal function where immune system is weak and person is constantly sick or with a constant low-grade fever

Stimulates interferon production for people that can’t form a proper fever due to low immune function

Stimulates bone marrow to produce RBC & WBC by increasing stem cells

Not an antiviral in a traditional way but helps support the immune system to produce needed immune force against viral infections (especially a full fever)

Strenthens a weak immune system: increases macrophage activity and activates T-cells

Protects the liver, a safe adjunct to chemotherapy

Safety Considerations: Potentiates IL-2 and acyclovir, increases T-cell activity so may worsen auto-immune conditions

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet -Warm- Affinity to: LU, SP Meridians

Category: Herbs that Tonify Qi (and Blood)

Qi Deficiency: Tonifies Qi and Blood

Nourishing

Yang Tonic: SP & LV qi xu: strengthens the SP and raises the Yang Qi of the SP & ST: boosts the relationship with upward moving energy. Use especially with:

• Spleen Qi Deficiency with anorexia, fatigue and diarrhea 

  Central Qi Sinking (prolapse) 

  Lung and Spleen Qi Deficiency

  Qi Failing to contain Blood 

  Qi and Blood Deficiency

  Fever from Qi Deficiency

Tonifies Wei Qi, stabilizes the Exterior and tonifies the Lungs: expels toxins and promotes blood circulation. Treats deficiency of lungs and digestive system. Use especially with:

• Wei Qi Deficiency with spontaneous sweating (fortifies the exterior and stops sweating)

  Lung Qi Deficiency with frequent colds or shortness of breath

  Excessive sweating associated with Qi, Yang or Yin Deficiency: Stops Perspiration

  Dampness in the head

Promotes urination, drains edema -can be used as a stand-alone herb for this

Expels Toxins: use with ulcerations/sores, especially that contain pus

Generates Body Fluid: Use in Diabetes Insipidus especially.

Relieves Numbness/Pain: by generating Qi and Blood

Articles and References::

https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/HuangQi.html

https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/milkvetch-root

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 532.

Avena sativa

Oatstraw

Poaceae

Aerial Part

Constituents: avenins, 𝑐-glycosyl flavones, polyphenols, mono & oligosaccharides

Triterponoid saponins: avenacosides

60% Starch, Vitamin E, B, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Calcium, Silica

Actions: Trophorestorative of the Nervous System, Antidepressant, Demulcent

Uses: extreme exhaustion with the bewildered look (deer in headlights eyes), use especially when over-worked or dealing with a form of post-traumatic stress and consistent stress disorder and this exhaustion additionally leads to depressive tendencies

Avena allows both the nervous system and the adrenal tissue to feel nourished and come into adaptation. This is one of the most nutritive and supportive ways to bring a person dealing with fatigue, anxiety and stress into balance and is a safe place to start with any constitution.

The Chinese Perspective:

Neutral, Sweet, Moist -Warm- Affinity to: SP, KD, Chong, Ren Meridians

Warming and Moistening

Nourish Qi, Increase Blood, Essence, and Qi

Restore Heart. Circulate Qi, Lift Spirit

Relax Nerves, Free Spasms, Relieve Pain and Induce Rest.

Promote Bone Growth,

Benefit Skin: both chronic conditions and relieve frostbite

Safety Considerations: Avoid use in those with known gluten sensitivity/allergy.

Articles and References:

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/oats/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 532.

Azadirachta indica

Neem

Meliaceae

Oil of Fruit & Seed

Harvest: India

Constituents: azadirachtin, gedunin, nimbolinin, nimbin, nimbidin, nimbanene, nimbidol, nimbolide, sodium nimbinate, gedunin, salannin

ß-sitosterol

Flavonoids: quercetin, ascorbic acid

Actions: Antihelminth, Anti-fungal, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Sedative, Contraceptive, Anti-diabetic, Pesticide

Uses: Skin Disease: especially rash

Diabetes:  

Neem oil is also used for healthy hair, to improve liver function, detoxify the blood, and balance blood sugar levels.

Antioxidant:  

Azadirachtin and nimbolide showed concentration-dependent antiradical scavenging activity and reductive potential in the following order: nimbolide > azadirachtin > ascorbate [1]

Natural Pesticide: Neem seeds can be ground down then soaked 24+ hours in water and sprayed on house plants, garden plants and vegetable gardens to prevent the plants from destruction by pests. Done once a week, this effectively gets rid of aphids, insects and all kinds of mites and even animals that want to eat the plants and vegetables. Neem does not directly kill insects on the crops, it acts by being an anti-feedant, repellent, and egg-laying deterrent and thus protect the crop from damage. Neem also suppresses the hatching of pest insects from their eggs. 

Toothbrush: Neem twigs are called ‘Datun’ and are first chewed and then begin to split to make a toothbrush. This practice has been in use in India, Africa, and the Middle East for centuries. I had one of these given to me a few years ago and they are actually wonderfully efficient, natural and completely eco-friendly!

Soap: 80% of India’s Neem Oil is going to soap manufacturers because it is so antimicrobial, anti fungal and is also very good for the health and moisture of the skin

Safety Considerations:

Articles and References:

1.M.Hossain et al. Identification and characterization of chemical compounds in different crude extracts from leaves of Omani neem. Journal of Taibah University for Science. 2013;7(4):181–188. 

Baptisia tinctoria

Wild Indigo

Fabaceae

Root

British Columbia, late Fall Harvest

Constituents: Isoflavones: genistein, biochanin A

Flavonoids, Coumarins, Polysaccharides, Bitter: baptisin

Alkaloids: cystisine

Actions: Anticatarrh, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Immunostimulating, Febrifuge (Anti-pyretic)

Uses: URTI infections: tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, catarrhal infections of the nose and sinuses especially with Lymphandenitis

Breaks a fever when it gets too high: had traditionally been used with Typhoid and Scarlet Fever

Sepsis:an active and efficient hepatic, stimulating the liver and causing increased biliary secretion. It is especially effective treating sepsis, accompanied by dark or purplish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes

Isoflavones (genistein) are estrogenic in the body

Indigo is not the remedy for acute disease characterized by great activity. It is better for cases showing marked capillary feebleness, with tendency to ulceration—a condition of atony

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter,(mild) Acrid, (mild) Astringent -Very Cold- Affinity to: HT, LU, ST Meridians

Clears Heat/Relieves Toxicity: warm febrile diseases, epidemic febrile outbreak (especially if lung related) malaria, scarlet fever

Clears Deficient Heat in Shao Yang stage: laryngitis

Cools Blood/Reduces Blotches: skin disorders due to heat often with fever and changes in consciousness.

Native American Medicine:

Used for emetic action and creating laxative teas to purge sickness.

Safety Considerations: TOXIC HERB: DNU longterm

DNU in Pregnancy or Lactation

SSX of Toxicity:  nausea, anorexia, hypersalivation, tachypnea, tachycardia, respiratory paralysis.

Articles and References:

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/indigo-baptisia/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 533.

Berberis vulgaris

Barberry

Berberidaceae

Bark of Stem/Root

Constituents: Isoquinoline alkaloids: berberine, berbamine

Chelidonic acid, Resins, Tannins

Actions: Cholagogue, Hepatic, Bitter, Mild Laxative, STRONG ANTIMICROBIAL: (antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral), Anti-rheumatic

Uses: DETOXIFICATION!!

Liver Tonic: Correcting liver function and promoting bile flow, helps cleanse the digestive system and therefore the blood. Use especially with Jaundice and Constipation

Gallbladder Health: Cholelithiasis, Cholecystitis: especially with jaundice due to congestion of the liver

Splenomegaly: this botanical medicine has the interesting ability to reduce the size of an enlarged spleen while promoting the flow of bile to aid digestion along the important health of the liver, gallbladder and spleen

Candida albicans overgrowth in the GI tract, SIBO

Barberry inhibits Phase I & induce Phase II liver detoxification pathways. Berberine inhibits Cytochrome P450 Phase I liver enzymes. [1] This is desirable in excess persistent organic pollutant bioaccumulation (toxicity) as toxins induce or speed up Phase I liver detox pathways leading to Phase II detox pathways being overburdened. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloid in Berberine, specifically increases endogenous antioxidants, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) & superoxide dismutase (SOD), both copper-zinc SOD (CuZn-SOD) & manganese SOD (Mn-SOD) to assist glutathione conjugation. [2]

Berberine has shown anti-tumour activity in human ovarian and breast cancer cells [3-5]

The Chinese Perspective:

Affinity to: LV, SP, ST, LI Meridians

Clears Liver Heat while smoothing Liver Qi

Tonifies Spleen Qi,

Clears Toxins and removes Stagnation: moves the bowels

Promotes urination

Safety Considerations: Caution in Pregnancy, Lactation, Neonate and G6PD deficiency [6]

Articles and References:

https://www.carahealth.com/herbal-monographs/barberry-berberis-vulgaris

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 533.

1.Guo Y, Chen Y, Tan ZR, Klaassen CD, Zhou HH. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2012;68(2):213-7.

2. Lao-ong T, Chatuphonprasert W, Nemoto N, Jarukamjorn K. Alteration of hepatic glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by berberine. Pharmaceutical biology. 2012;50(8):1007-12.

3. Jin P, Zhang C, Li N. Berberine exhibits antitumor effects in human ovarian cancer cells. Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry. 2015;15(4):511-6.
. Almeer RS, Aref AM, Hussein RA, Othman MS, Abdel Moneim AE. Antitumor Potential of Berberine and Cinnamic Acid against Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma in Mice. Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry. 2018.
5. Pierpaoli E, Arcamone AG, Buzzetti F, Lombardi P, Salvatore C, Provinciali M. Antitumor effect of novel berberine derivatives in breast cancer cells. BioFactors (Oxford, England). 2013;39(6):672-9.

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5478780/

Betula alba

Birch

Betulaceae

Young leaf, twig, Inner Bark

Harvest: Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia early Spring *NEVER TAKE BARK OFF A LIVE TREE: you will kill the tree. Always harvest inner bark from a dead tree. DO NOT HARVEST MEDICINES IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TAUGHT OR GIVEN RIGHTS.

Constituents: Flavonoids: hyperoside, luteolin, quercetin glycosides (flavone glycosides)

Triterpene flavones, Saponins, Betulinic Acid

Volatile Oils: methyl-salicylate

Outer bark of birch contained pentacyclic triterpenes, mainly betulin (up to 34%), as well as betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, lupeol and erythrodiol [1-6]. The leaves contained 1-3% flavones glycosides, basically hyperoside and other quercetin glycosides together with glycoside of kaempferol and myricetin and other phenolic compounds, 3,4- dihydroxy propiophenone 3-glucoside, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. Leaves also contained triterpene alcohol and malonyl esters of the dimarene type, saponins and polymeric proanthocyanidins (39mg/g). Bud contained 4-6% essential oil. The dry distillation of the bud yield about 6% phenol, cresol, quaiacole, xylenol and coesole. High potassium and sodium contents were determined in dry roots and in a 1% decoction. The root also contained essential oil (0.04-0.05%), vitamins (up to 2- 8% ascorbic acid), coumarins (0.44%), saponins (up to 3.2%), tannins (5-9%), and sterol [3,5,15-17]. The leaves of six differently aged birch trees (Betula alba) contained Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, P and Zn. The variations in the levels of Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, P and Zn between leaves of different trees were less than 30%, with the exception of phosphorus (38%) [7]

Leaf & Twig Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Tonic, Diuretic, Analgesic, Febrifuge, Disinfectant

Inner Bark Actions: Analgesic, Sunsreen

Uses: Affinity for the Urinary Tract: Cystitis, UTI, edema

Gout, Rheumatism, Arthritic Pains: leaf and twig have a cleansing and diuretic action that excretes waste and uric acid. The flavonoids in the young leaf specifically give the diuretic action on the body

Inner Bark applied as a poultice helps for external muscle/joint pains (fresh & wet)

White powder of inner bark contains zinc and is a nutural sunscreen

Betulinic acid is being studied as a possible anticancer treatment: betulinic acid may slow the growth of several types of tumor cells:

A remarkable antiproliferative effect was recorded for betulinic acid in tumor cell cultures including neuroblastoma, rabdomyosarcoma-medulloblastoma, glioma, thyroid, breast, lung and colon carcinoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma, as well as in primary cultures isolated from ovarian carcinoma, cervical carcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme. Furthermore, betulinic acid decreased cancer cell motility and induced apoptotic cell death. It also decreases bcl2 and cyclin D1 genes expression, and increased bax gene expression [8].

Betulin enriched birch extracts produced an in-vitro antiproliferative effect on four malignant human cell lines: A431 (skin epidermoid carcinoma), A2780 (ovarian carcinoma), HeLa (cervix adenocarcinoma) and MCF7 (breast adenocarcinoma), by means of MTT assay. All of the bark extracts exerted a pronounced antiproliferative effect against all the tested human cancer cell lines [9].

Betulinic acid was tested for its cytotoxicity towards highly liver metastatic murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells. It showed cytotoxic effects[10].

Betulinic acid inhibited the growth of three kinds of human cell lines: WI-38 fibroblast cells, VA-13 malignant tumor cells, and HepG2 human liver tumor cells [11]. Betulinic acid also showed an inhibitory activity on the growth of K562 tumor cell line and also induced 35% apoptosis at a concentration of 25 μg/ml [12].

Birch smoke is an excellent disinfectant and has been used to purify the air and prevent the spread of illness

The Chinese Perspective:

(slightly) Pungent, (mild) Bitter -Cooling- Affinity to: LU Meridian

Clears Heat/Relieves Inflammation: Atopic dermatitis, sores, inflammatory skin disorders

Esoteric Medicine: the silvery white bark is recognized as a youthful Goddess of love and light. In Siberia the tree is regarded as the sacred world-tree that is the bridge between this world and the spirit realm. As one of the first trees to turn green in spring, the birch is understandably associated with life, fertility and magic. Farmers have used her progress as an indicator for when to start sowing wheat crops.

Articles and References:

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/birch/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 534.

1.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297715435_The_medical_importance_of_Betula_alba_-_An_overview

2.Vinod M, Singh M, Pradhan M, KrIyer S and Tripathi DK. Phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Betula alba Linn. A review. International Journal of PharmTech Research, 4(2), 2012, 643-647.

3.Jäger S, Laszczyk MN and Scheffler A. A preliminary pharmacokinetic study of betulin, the main pentacyclic triterpene from extract of outer bark of birch (Betulae alba cortex). Molecules, 13, 2008, 3224-3235.

4.Ekman R. The suberin monomers and triterpenoids from the outer bark of Betula verruosa ehrh. Holzforschung, 37, 1983, 205-211.

5.Laszczyk M,Jäger S, Simon-Haarhaus B, Scheffler A and Schempp CM. Physical, chemical and pharmacological characterization of a new oleogel-forming triterpene extract from the outer bark of birch (Betulae cortex). Planta Med, 72, 2006, 1389-1395.

6.Krasutsky PA. Birch bark research and development. Natural Product Reports, 23(6), 2006, 919-942.

7. Markert B and Steinbeck R. Some aspects of element distribution in Betula alba, a contribution to representative sampling of terrestrial plants for multi-element analysis. Fresenius' Zeitschrift für analytische Chemie, 331(6), 1988, 616-619.

8. Rzeski W, Stepulak A, Szymański M, Sifringer M, Kaczor J, Wejksza K, Zdzisińska B and Kandefer-Szerszeń M. Betulinic acid decreases expression of bcl-2 and cyclin D1, inhibits proliferation, migration and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 374(1), 2006, 11-20.

9. Dehelean CA,Soica C,Ledeti I, Aluas M,Zupko I,Galuscan A,Cinta-Pinzaru S and Munteanu M. Study of the betulin enriched birch bark extracts effects on human carcinoma cells and ear inflammation. Chemistry Central Journal, 6(137), 2012, 1-9.

10.Tezuka P, Stampoulis A, Banskota S, AwalevKQ, Saiki TI and Kadota S. Constituents of the Vietnamese medicinal plant Orthosiphon stamineus. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 48 (11), 2000, 1711-1714.

11. Fu L, Zhang S, Li N, Wang J, Zhao M, Sakai J, Hasegawa T, Mitsui T, Kataoka T, Oka S, Kiuchi M, Hirose K and Ando M. Three new triterpenes from Nerium oleander and biological activity of the isolated compounds. Journal of Natural Products 2005; 68(2) : 198-206.

12. Liu H, Wang S, Cai B and YaoX. Anticancer activity of compounds isolated from Engelhardtia serrata Stem Bark. Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, 42(7), 2004, 475-477.

Borago officinalis

Evening Primrose

Onagraceae

Roots, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds

Harvest: This plant is a distant cousin to “Fireweed” and is Native to Central and Eastern North America. It can be found around Alberta and as it’s name suggests, the yellow flowers of this plant open in the evening and stay closed during the day. The flowering parts and seeds can be ethically and sustainably harvested in the early-mid Summer while the root medicine is dug out in the Autumn. This is a very important flower for the bees as it is creates a lot of pollen.

Constituents:

Actions: Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Sedative, Hormone-balancing

Uses:

Feminine Medicine: Borago officinalis helps regulate prostaglandin production alongside regulating the liver and therefore this has long been a medicine to go to for Menopause as this helps ease symptoms while supporting the change of the estrogens in the body. In regulating the prostaglandin production, this medicine can be a botanical to turn to for HPA-Gonadal Dysfunction in women ranging from PMS symptoms to Infertility. The essential oil made from the seeds and flowers are the predominant medicine of this plant to use for female hormonal imbalance.

The Chinese Perspective:

Safety Considerations:

Articles and References":

Calendula officinalis

Calendula

Asteraceae

Flower

Constituents: Triterpenes: calendulosides A-D

Flavonoids: narcissi, rutin, polysaccharides, lycopene

Carotenoids: carotene, calendulin, lycopin

Triterpenoid Saponins:Oleanolic acid glycosides, Steroids, Resin, Tocopherols

Volatile Oil, Chlorogenic acid

Trace Minerals: potassium chloride, sulphate, calcium sulphate.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Lympathic, Vulnerary, Cholagogue, Antispasmodic, Emmenagogue, Astringent, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic

Uses: DETOXIFICATION

Promotes Healthy Skin: Acne: moves lymphatic system and brings impurities to the surface

Topical salve for Inflamed Skin: bleeding, wounds, burns, bruising, strains, chicken pox

Internally for inflamed GI tract especially due to internal ulcerations or gastritis, post-chemo/radiation

Especially useful for vague “indigestion” with stagnation of gallbladder and lymph and possibly dysbiosis or candida overgrowth

Eases painful menses and brings about a late menses, helps to normalize the menstrual cycle

The Chinese Perspective:

Neutral, Bitter, Pungent, Sweet -Drying, Cooling- Affinity to: SP, LV, HT Meridians

Category: Moves Blood

Moves Blood, Tonifies Blood, Relieves Blood Stagnation: increases blood flow to skin healing wounds, varicose veins, and rashes, hemorrhoids, swollen glands, menorrhagia, congestive dysmenorrhea, warts, acne, menopause disorders, estrogen deficiency, jaundice, fibroids, delayed menses, infections with aches and fever

Reduces Inflammation

Clears Toxins, Tonifies the Liver, Expels Wind Heat: measles, scarlet fever, and smallpox, tidal fevers in the Shao Yang and Shao Yin stages, infections, hepatitis, toothache, earache, eczema, cysts (especially on female reproductive organs), vaginitis, jock itch

Tonifies Yin, Calms the Heart: insomnia, anxiety, night sweats

Promotes Sweating

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergies

Articles and References:

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/pot-marigold/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 535.

Camellia sinensis

Green Tea

Theaceae

Leaves

Harvest: China and Southeast Asia

Constituents: 5-10% Polypenols

Catechins: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), gallic acid, epicatechin (EC), epicatechin-3-gallate(ECG), epigallocatechin(EGC)

Purine Alkaloids: Xanthines: 2.5-4.5% caffeine -double the amount of caffeine of coffee beans, methylxanthines, 0.1% theobromine, 0.02% theophylline

Actions: Relaxing Stimulant, Huge Antioxidant Capacity, Anticarcinogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Chelates Heavy Metals, Thermogenic, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Bronchodilates, Immunosupportive, Antihistamine

Uses: Anti-aging; huge huge huge antioxidant power of this medicine!

Healing the Gastrointestinal Tract; heals the mucous membrane and therefore ulcers, prevents dysbiosis and keeps candida from overgrowing, minimizing inflammation anywhere in the body but especially in the GI tract

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Skin Health

Asthma, Allergies or Bronchial issues: prevents histamine release, prevents secondary bacterial infections that easily grow on mucous in the lungs and most importantly, bronchodilates the lungs to allow for maximum oxygen exchange, which is obviously a problem in lung diseases

Obesity, Weight Control

Any inflammation anywhere in the body

Cancer prevention: induces apoptosis in neoplastic cells

Sleepiness

Autoimmunity or Immune-depletion: Green Tea helps keep the immune system strong and it does so in multiple ways. Firstly, we always go to its antioxidant capacity, because it is so strong, which essentially takes stress off of every aspect of the body. In doing this, there is less inflammation and less immune activation. Also, the capacity that Green Tea has to stability the bacterial flora of the digestive system should not be undermined. It keeps candida from taking over parts of the digestive system and this commonly occurs due to a North America diet and also is very common in autoimmune conditions and especially in anything that causes immune depletion -examples being steroid use, cancer, HIV or Lyme disease and simple adrenal exhaustion or too much consistent stress in life. The growth of pathogenic bacteria anywhere in the body is minimized with regular consumption of Green Tea.

*Can be used to balance adrenal exhaustion and/or hormonal imbalances in the body

With respect to the immune system and HIV+ it must firstly be understood that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is so deadly because it attacks the immune system, the defence system of the body, allowing for an individual infected with the virus to easily get very sick especially due to opportunistic infections and/or cancer. Camellia sinensis contains potent polyphenolic catechins with a galloyl group that are are strong inhibitors of the enzyme that replicates the HIV virus: HIV Reverse Transcriptase[2]. The specific catechins of Camellia inhibit the HIV virus by binding to the template primer of the enzyme thereby inhibiting its activity and minimizing viral replication which is the exact pharmacological mechanism behind antiretroviral medications such as Lyrica and Coversyl. Camellia sinensis works safely and synergistically antiretroviral medications to minimize viral replication. The second most potent way Green Tea supports the immune system is through antimicrobial properties which help protect against opportunistic infections such as the herpes viridae, influenza, c. neoformans, l. monocyteogenes, k. pneumoniae which are all especially risky pathogens in immunodeficient states. The third mechanism of immune support by Camellia is the anti-oxidant properties to support cellular life and tissue well-being by binding the free radical bi-products of metabolism in the tissues so that the inflammatory processes that degrade cells is minimized, The destruction particularly to the vasculature, is very notably minimized by the inhibition of the lipo-oxygenase pathways. Over the long run this can help prevent cancer such as those specific to HIV (Kaposi Sarcoma and Lymphomas), along with cardiovascular disease risk by minimizing atherosclerotic plaques and leaky blood vessels. The EGCG constituent of Camellia sinensis also induces apoptosis in neoplastic cells and thus Green Tea is a very strong prophylactic to cancer. Additionally, and of particular note to the HIV+ individual, Camellia effectively prevents Candida albicans growth which is a huge concern as it rapidly becomes systemic and creates dampness, drooping and dysfunction of all portions of the internal system when the body’s defenses lower. Another specific side effect of medicated HIV+ patients is constipation which can be aided by Camellia sinensis. The peristalsis that occurs throughout the gastrointestinal tract is increased by Green Tea, which then creates better absorption and regulates the bowels to prevent constipation.  

A special note on important constituents in Green Tea:

Epigallocatechingallate: This constituent found in green tea has become famous for its antioxidant potential as it provides one of the strongest sources of antioxidant potentials to the body. EGCG, for short, also inhibits the breakdown of catechol-O-methyltransferase, the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine allowing for a sustained stimulation in energy however without the side effect of the ‘coffee shakes.’EGCG and other gallic acids, which are all polyphenols, create the thermogenic reactions in the body which allow for adipose tissue to be mobilized and the basal metabolic rate to increase creating a healthier lipid profile. EGCG has been hugely studied as the chemical property that gives much of the thermogenic capacity to Camellia sinensis as this is the polyphenol that inhibits the breakdown of catechol-O-methyltransferase which is the enzyme that degrades norepinephrine[1]. Therefore, the body is able to sustain a stimulated sympathetic response for a longer period of time while at the same time increasing the metabolic drive.  The thermogenic properties of this herb provide stimulation allowing for increased energy and better use of energy and an increase of the whole metabolic rate, thus more adipose tissue is utilized as fuel. Furthermore gallic acid also bronchodilates and thus aides oxygenation of tissue promoting better health which is also of benefit in exercise regimes to minimize muscle fatigue.

Xanthines: Xanthines are part of the purine alkaloid family of constituents and thus contain a biochemical structure of a heterocyclic ring with nitrogen involved and formed from methylated purines[1]. The particular xanthine in Camellia sinensis is methylated and is most commonly known as Caffeine to which it is present at anywhere between 2.5-4.5% concentration. Methylxanthines provide stimulation to the central nervous system largely affecting the sympathetic response and thus can be classified as sympathomimetic which is beneficial to use to optimize an exercise regime as stimulating the nervous system creates the flight for an extra strong workout. Caffeine is considered a trimethylxanthine which is structurally similar to adenosine and thus fits into adenosine receptors thus it regenerates energy in the body. Caffeine is both water and lipid soluble and is rapidly and completely absorbed within the hour of ingestion and therefore can actually be life threatening if too much were too be consumed. Once absorbed, caffeine distributes throughout the entire body and also holds huge antioxidant capacity, alongside the polphyenols. Caffeine crosses readily across all cellular membranes including the placenta and the brain. Caffeine increases glucose and lipid metabolism which then releases more growth hormone and activates calcium channels. This allows for energy to become more available of the muscles, increasing cellular proliferation and regeneration for extra fresh ATP (energy). Green Tea also increases coronary blood flow along with strength of contraction of cardiomyocytes so do not forget that the heart is a muscle too and the action of Camellia on the heart is of additional benefit to intrinsic or extrinsic heart defects where the heart must work extra hard. Caffeine thereby allows more ATP to be produced provide more fuel for the heart while supporting its strength and slowing the response between the ventricles allowing for proper filling of the Left Ventricle before contraction into the rest of the body. Be careful of tachycardia with respect to the sympathetic response of Camellia sinensis on the heart or an increase in an already high blood pressure and truly monitor this with recognition that this could take up to a year to see both results and affects. Again, stated clearly: pay close attention to monitor the heart and blood pressure over the following months.

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Sweet -Cooling- Affinity to:

Category: Herbs that

Clears the mind while increasing alertness and boosting concentration

Improve mood

Clear heat and phlegm while promoting body fluid production

Promote digestion and urination: clear toxic heat from the body, move stagnation, regulate waterways

Relax the liver: aides stress, aides movement in times when a person feels ‘frustrated’ or stagnated

Safety Considerations: Caution in Pregnancy or Lactation d/t caffeine content-very minimal use. Monitor the heart and the blood pressure in patients with intrinsic or extrinsic heart deficiencies.

Articles and References:

1. Green tea extract thermogenesis-induced weight loss by epigallocatechin gallate inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase. Q. Shixian et al. 2006. The Journal of Medicinal Food. Winter;9(4):451-8.

2. Inhibitory Effects of Polyphenolic Catechins from Chinese Green Tea on HIV Reverse Transcriptase Activity. Chang et al. 1994. The Journal of Biomedical Science. 1: 163-166.

Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Medical Herbalism.D. Hoffman. Rochester, VT. Healing Arts Press, 2003. 

Lecture on Alkaloids by Chanchal Cabrera. Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. Sept. 25, 2013.

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd’s Purse

Brassicaceae

Aerial Part

Shepherd’s purse leaves can be confused with dandelion leaves. The rosettes of dandelion face toward the center of the plant and shepherd’s purse leaf rosettes face outward. Dandelion leaves will also drip a milky white sap when ripped apart, shepherd’s purse leaves will not do this. UNLESS TAUGHT PROPERLY, DO NOT HARVEST MEDICINES YOURSELF. There is even a ‘false dandelion’ that looks almost identical to dandelion and it is not the medicine.

Constituents: Flavonoids: luteolin-7-rutinoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside

Plant acids: fumaric, bursic, oxalic

Actions: Astringent, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory

Uses: Feminine Medicine: menorrhagia -stops heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids, endometriosis, postpartum, birth-control devices such as IUDs, post hysterectomy surgeries and even peri-menopausal bleeding.

Post-Partum: The herb has a long history of being used to help the womb return to normal size after childbirth.

Bleeding: epistaxis, hemorrhage, hematuria, dysentery

Dries up mucal membranes

External uses: bruises, sore muscles and joints

The Chinese Perspective:

(Slightly) Bitter, Astringing -Cooling, Dry- Affinity to: LV, KD, LI Meridians

Category: Clears Heat, Stops Bleeding

Clears Liver Heat: red sore and itchy eyes, headache, blurred vision, floaters

Cools Blood/Stops Bleeding: hemorrhaging any where in the body internally or externally, blood in the stools or urine, high or low blood pressure, excessive bleeding after birth.

Clears Heat in the Blood/Removes Damp Heat: dysentery, fibroids, constipation, menorrhagia, ulcers

Promotes Urination

Promotes Tissue Repair: wounds, sores.

Safety Considerations: Avoid use in people prone to KD or GB stones. DNU with Deficient-Cold conditions. Shepherd’s purse can affect the central nervous system. If combined with anesthesia or other medications before or after surgery, it may slow down the central nervous systems too much.  It is recommended that the herb not be used for at least 2 week prior to surgery.

Toxic Herb:

overdose of shepherd’s purse extract might cause paralysis, difficult breathing and in very rare cases death. Caution with anyone with preexisting heart condition.

 DNU in Pregnancy

Articles and References:

https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/YuXingCao.html

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/shepherds-purse/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 535.

Capsicum annuum

Cayenne

Solanaceae

Fruit

Constituents: 1.5% Capsaicinoids: capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin

Carotenoids: capsanthin, capsorubin, carotene

Steroidal saponins: capsicidins

Actions: Systemic Circulatory Stimulant, Rubefacient, Antimicrobial, Anticatarrhal, Analgesic, Siaglogogue, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

Uses: DETOXIFICATION, ANTI-INFLAMMATION, DIGESTIVE STIMULANT

Stimulate Blood Flow: cold extremities, Raynaud’s, slow digestion, dyspepsia

Ulcers: an excellent remedy for stomach ulcers (counter-intuitive to its energy)

Valuable for debility conditions: warms the interior-good to use in geriatrics where vitality is low and system is sluggish supports and stimulates digestion

Cardiotonic: heart, blood vessels, capillaries Considered a lifesaver in the event of a heart attack: a very strong and hot cup of Cayenne tea will help calm the heart and move the blood.

Gargle: laryngitis, tonsillitis, microbial conditions of the throat

Antiseptic Wash

External salve: cold feet, poor circulation especially d/t Diabetes, neuralgia pains

Capsaicin blocks the transmission of pain and itch by blocking substance P in type C nerve fibres

Used in conjunction with other medicines, Cayenne will improve the efficacy of those medicines

The Chinese Perspective:

Spicy, Pungent -Hot- Affinity to: HT, SP, ST Meridians

Promotes Yang Qi

Tonifies Spleen/Stomach: Aids poor digestion, warms the body, diarrhea, vomiting. Promotes Circulation of Qi and Blood: moves blood and qi, opening channels and clearing obstructions

-Blood Cleanser-

Dissipates Cold Stagnation: Frostbite, pain due to cold, arthritis, Raynaud’s, cold limbs with poor circulation

Mayan and Aztec Medicine:

This is a very sacred medicine and considered a tonic for the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, spleen and stomach. It is also said to increase fertility and delay senility. In particular, it is considered good at treating heart and circulatory problems

Esoteric Medicine: grown in the garden to deter unwanted spirits and scattered around your house it will break bad spells. It is added to love potions to insure passion and make encounters “spicy.”

Safety Considerations: Night-shade allergies. DNU for Yin deficient disharmonies.

Articles and References:

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/cayenne/

https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/nutritional-therapy/the-healing-properties-of-cayenne-pepper/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 536.

Carum carvi

Caraway

Apiaceae

Seed

Constituents: Volatile Oil: 40-60% carvone, limonene, arvene

Flavonoides: quercetin

Tannins, Coumarins, Resins

Plant Acids: oleic, petroselinic

Actions: Carminative, Antispasmodic, Antimicrobial, Emmenagogue, Galactagogue, Expectorant

Uses: Flatulent Dyspepsia, Intestinal Colic

Appetite Stimulant

Feminine Medicine: Menstrual Pains, Increase Breast Milk

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Pungent -Warm- Affinity to: ST, UB, KD Meridians

Category: Circulates Qi

Disperses: Cold, Wind and Phlegm: use especially to treat wind-cold

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 537.

http://chinesenutrition.org/view_image.asp?pid=579

Cimifuga racemosa

Black Cohosh

Ranunculaceae

Dried root/rhizome

British Columbia *MUST USE DRY ROOT! Most effective medicine comes from recently dried roots. This medicine was taught to settlers by the Indigenous of North America. Traditional uses were as a tonic to support women’s reproductive health: gynecological disorders, musculoskeletal pain, fever, coughs, pneumonia, and sluggish labor. The Algonquin, Iroquois, and Cherokee used the plant to support the immune system, improve energy, and treat bronchial disorders.

Constituents: Triterpene glycosides: action, cimicifugoside, cimifugine, racemoside, cimiracemosides

Plant Acids: isoferulic, salicylic acid

Volatile Oil, Tannins

Actions: Emmenagogue, Spasmolytic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-rheumatic, Analgesic, Alterative, Nervine, Hypotensive , Uterine Tonic, Parturifacient

Uses: Pain

-Special affinity to the Female Reproductive System-

Feminine Medicine: Normalizes the menses, brings delayed menses, aides with cramping and PMS ssx, menopause issues: hot flashes, anxiety, temperamental, headaches, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, depression. Effectively tonifies the uterus postpartum and helps bring contractions at time to give birth by producing and stimulating the natural intermittent uterine contractions. Cimifuga racemosa can help diagnose true labour contractions from false contractions as Black Cohosh given at this time will nullify false contractions and increase the strength of true contractions. This medicine also helps support a calm and strong birth by calming the nervous system.

Female Depression due to hormonal changes around menses, postpartum and in menopause.

A medicine that is very useful to help promote hormonal balance in women preparing to become pregnant, so effective that it has been termed useful for Female Infertility.

A very active and powerful remedy with a great number of indications for females. There is an undoubted influence over the nervous system. Small doses improve appetite and digestion while larger doses improve gastric secretions. The heart beat shows to be slowed and its power increased while also relieving arterial tension. In dysmennorrhoea, it is surpassed by no other drug, being of greatest utility in irritative and congestive conditions of the uterus, characterized by tensive, dragging pains[1]

Partus Praeparator: Cimifuga racemosa and Rubus ideas (and some others, dependent are your specific constitution) are the medicines to use to prepare the body to be pregnant. Given for minimum of 8 weeks before pregnancy, the uterus becomes strong and supple. Cimifuga racemosa is then discontinued once pregnant and only used under supervision if there is a risk of miscarriage. DO NOT USE THESE MEDICINES ON YOUR OWN TERMS. USE THEM ONLY UNDER NATUROPATHIC MEDICAL SUPERVISION.

**In Risk of Miscarriage: Can strengthen the Uterus by mildly stimulating contractions and thereby strengthening the holding capacity. Use with Rubus ideas ONLY under medical supervision. Too much Cimifuga racemosa and the fetus is expelled.

Muscle, Joint, Nerve Pains: Tortis colli, OA, RA, sciatica, TOS, rheumatic joints, tinnitus, earaches

Relaxing Nervine

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Spicy -Cold- Affinity to: LU, SP, ST, LI Meridians

Uses:

• Disperses Wind-Heat: headache, sore throat and used in the early stages of measles.

• Clears Heat and Toxins: including toothache, gingivitis, ulcerated lips or gums, and canker sores.

• Raises the Yang Qi: Middle Jiao Qi deficiency manifesting as fatigue, shortness of breath, and prolapse, diarrhea d/t SP Qi xu, brain fog

• Tonifies the KD: stimulates uterus in the late stages of pregnancy to aid childbirth

The Chinese name, Sheng Má, translates to “Ascending Hemp”, referring to the leaves that look similar to hemp leaves, and the herbs ability to treat Yang-ascending conditions. The herb is considered one of the top herbs in the Shen Nong Herbal Classic and is mentioned in Li Dong Yuan’s famous work on the Spleen and Stomach: he combines astragalus and cohosh (Cimicifuga foetida) in almost half of all his prescriptions.

Safety Considerations: DNU in Pregnancy unless under supervision due to risk of miscarriage or in preparation for end of term birthing. DNU in ssx of fire blazing. DNU in Ying Yin xu. Contraindicated in full erupted measles. Side effects are generally minimal at correct dose, the worst is some nausea.

MUST USE DRY ROOT ONLY

Part of the Buttercup Family and therefore dosage is important. Toxic overdose is possible with this medicine and signs and symptoms of this are sedation, blurred vision, bradycardia and hypotension, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomit.

It is recommended to use this medicine under appropriate supervision ONLY

Articles and References:

1.MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 540.

https://www.sacredlotus.com/go/chinese-herbs/substance/sheng-ma-black-cohosh-rhizome-bugbane-rhizome

Cinchona officinalis

Peruvian Bark, Jesuit’s Bark, The Miraculous Fever-Tree

Rubiaceae

Bark

Harvest: Andes, Peru

Cinchona revolutionized the art of medicine as profoundly as gunpowder had the art of war

- Bernardino Ramazzini, Physician to the Duke of Modena, Opera omnia, medica, et physica, 1716

Constituents: Alkaloids: Quinidine, Quinine

Triterpene glycosides, Tannins, Resins

Actions: Antiviral, Antimalarial, Anatiparasitic, Hepatic, Gastrointestinal Tonic, Febrifuge, Anticonvulsant

Uses:

Bitter Action: prepares the body for digestion by stimulating the vagal nerve which relaxes the body and allows gastric secretions to be released. In doing this, helps calm anxiety and sets the body into Parasympathetic Nervous System. In increasing digestive secretions, quinine, as many bitters helps stimulate appetite and is helpful in Hypothyroidism and Anorexia

Malaria: This has been the first-line treatment for Malaria since the discovery of it in Peru in 1630. It took until 1823 to discover the constituent of the plant that was responsible for this action: quinine. Cinchona bark is still the main medicine used for Malaria in many African countries. At this present day: Malaria (Plasmodium sp.) is one of the leading causes of death in the globe, killing one person every 30 seconds, Put into perspective: Malaria kills nearly half a million people every year. Malaria is considered a parasite that is passed in Anopheles Mosquitos. This is a common disease in Africa were most infection is due to Plasmodium falciparum and Africa accounts for 93% of the global Malaria cases. The other main countries where Malaria can be contracted are: India, Central America, South-East Asia, the Wester Pacific, along the Mediterranean and a region in the United States along the valley of the Mississippi River, which is typically Plasmodium vivax. The most at risk groups is pregnant women and children with nearly 70% of deaths being children under 5 years old and nearly a million children, per year, born with severely low birth weight.

The Pharmaceutical Industry officially chemically copied the synthesis of the important constituent Quinone in 1944 and have since marketed many different Anti-Malarial Drugs however many places can not afford these drugs and they still use the bitter red back of the Cinchona tree, which contains this very important constituent

Myotonic Disorders, Seizure Disorders and Restless Leg Syndrome:

Safety Considerations:

Articles and Resources:

Gordan. E. The Chloroquine Chronicles: A History of the Drug that Conquered the World. 2020. Health & Medicine. PRI: The World. Produced by BBC,

2018 & 2019 World Malaria Report. World Health Organization:

https://www.who.int/malaria/media/world-malaria-report-2018/en/

https://www.who.int/malaria/publications/world-malaria-report-2019/World-Malaria-Report-2019-briefing-kit-eng.pdf?ua=1

Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange), Citrus aurantium dulci (Bitter Orange), Citrus reticulata (Mandarin Orange)

Orange Peel

Rutaceae

Rind/Peel, Fruit

Citrus fruit is native to China and has become cultivated and normalized in many areas around the world. The rind of the orange carries more phyto-nutrients, enzymes and flavonoids than the fruit! There are three main sections of the peel: the flavedo, albedo, and oil sacs

Constituents: Volatile Oil: pinene, 𝘥-limonene, linalool, nerol, geraniol, linyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, decanal, octanal, myrcene

Bitter substances, Furanocoumarins, Methyl anthranilate

Flavonoids: polymethoxylated flavones, O-glycosylated flavones, C-glycosylated flavones, O-glycosylated flavonols, O-glycosylated flavanones, anthocyanins, α and β-Carotenes, hydroxycinnamic acids and phenolic acids

Flavonoids glycosides: hesperidine, naringin, aurantiamarin

Alkaloids: synephrine, 𝑁-methyltyramine

Acrid resins, Gum, Tannins, Vitamin A, B and C (Ascorbic Acid), Quercetin

Actions: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Carminative and Digestive Stimulant/Tonic, Cholagogue, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, (weak) Antiparasitic, Anti-allergy, Hypocholesterolemic, Relaxant, Insecticidal

Uses: Dyspepsia, Immunity, Skin Health, Cardiovascular Disease, Inflammation/Pain

Huge Antioxidant Capacity: Beneficial for any inflammation in the body, any pain, stress, wounds

Citrus sinensis efficiently prevents oxidative stress in human adipocytes with no cytotoxic effects[8]

Cardiovascular health issues including and specific to Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus and Atherosclerosis it is recommended to use both the fruit and the peel/rind:

In a study on rats, the juice of Citrus sinensis was administered for 15 days at a dose of 5 g/kg in a volume of 0.5 mL/100 g body weight for 15 days and the following was found:

• decreased plasma levels of cholesterol by31%

• decreased plasma levels of LDL by 44%

• decreased plasma levels of triglycerides by 33%

  [5]

  The Fruit of Citrus sinensis has insoluble fiber which was found in a laboratory study to lowethe concentrations of:

• serum triglycerides by 15.6%–17.8%

• serum total cholesterol by 15.7%–17.0%

  with the understood mechanism of action being that insoluble fiber enhances the excretion of cholesterol by123%–126% and the excretion of bile acids by129%–133%, through the feces [6]

  Another 8 week study on obese mice showed the extract of the rind of Citrus sinensis significantly reduced Body Mass Index (BMI) and significantly regulated glucose metabolic disorders: there was a significan reduction in body weight, blood glucose levels, serum total cholesterol and serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) relative to a comparison group. The mechanisms of action on blood glucose and lipid levels were studied via a liver tissue assay and gene expression was also assayed. qPCR testing found that there was a down-regulation of the expression of of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and its target genes along with decreased expression levels of liver X receptor (LXR) α and β, which are both involved in lipid and glucose metabolism and it is believed form this study that the  inhibition of PPARγ and LXRs gene expressions is the mechanism of action of the significant regulation of BMI and glucose blood levels. [7]

Digestion: especially useful for dysbiosis, ulceration, any inflammation along the digestive tract and any dyspepsia. Citrus fruit contains important insoluble fibres that help the body excrete its unusable metabolites and therefore is also highly advantageous for Constipation. The peel and rind help move the whole digestive system and it’s best to look under the Chinese perspective to understand how this momentum works energetically.

D-limonene neutralizes gastric acid and supports normal peristalsis, making it useful for relief of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Immunity: Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) has been long known as a requirement to keep the immune system healthy, alongside the other flavonoids and quercetin present, there is a use for this medicine in general immunity protection, the minimization of inflammation and oxidation which keeps the immune system from being activated which can range from the minimal cold and influenza to full blown auto-immunity. Allergies are also to be considered as a use, especially with the quercetin levels.

Skin Health: Wounds, Burns, Cuts, Acne

UV protection and the effects of the sun (sun spots) on the skin

A laboratory studied the standardized extract of red orange peel specifically and data showed protective effects against ultraviolet B light, which induces damage in human keratinocytes. The mechanism of action is believed to be due to the block of cellular oxidative stress-related events such as inflammation and apoptosis due to the high flavonoid components. Topically applied, melanin pigmentation spots decreased from 27% to 7% [9]

Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial:

Laboratory studies show antimicrobial activity against:[1]

• Escherichia coli

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa 

• Staphylococcus aureus

• L. monocytogenes 

• B. cereus

• Propionibacterium acnes

C. sinensis oil has strong antibacterial activities on L. monocytogenes, E. coli, S. enteritidis, P. mirabilis and B. cereus [2]

Antifungal: There is an increase in the global surgence of fungal infections and Orange peel has been shown in the labpratory to be an effective anti-fungal agent.

Laboratory studies show anti-fungal activity against:[1]

• Candida albicans

• Pennicillium digitatum 

• Cladosporium cucumerinum

• Aspergillus niger 

• F. proliferatum

  C. sinensis obtained by hydrodistillation caused 100% inhibition of the mycelial growth of: [3]

  • Aspergillus fumigatus

  • A. terreus

  • Alternaria alternate

  • Fusarium oxysporum

  • Helminthosporium oryzae

  • Trichoderma viride 

Studies are also showing the flavonoid components of citrus juice have Antiproliferative action, specifically useful against Prostate Cancer, Breast and Lung cancer and Leukemia with cytostatic capacity similar to methotrexate [4] This was the original basis behind Gerson’s Therapy for Cancer.

Insecticidal: Volatile Oils can be used in a spray with other essential oil extracts (Lemongrass, Lemon, Geranium, Cironella into Chrysanthemum Flower Tea and a little bit of vodka) and this is a natural moquito spray or can also be sprayed on plants to get rid of aphids and so forth. These essential oils can also be made into candles and burnt to keep mosquitos away

The Chinese Perspective:

Pungent, Bitter -Warm- Affinity to: SP, ST, LU Meridians

Immature Orange Peel has more Affinity to: GB, LV, ST Meridians

Category: Herbs that Move Qi

Supports/Regulates the Middle Jiao

Fortify the SP and eliminate damp: circulates the SP & ST Qi while strengthening the SP -very useful for N/V, bloating, fullness, belching

Strengthen digestion, move stagnation of food: sweet taste moves stagnation of food

Transforms Phlegm:  damp coughs with heavy chested feeling, congestion, copius viscous phelgm, loss of appetite, fatigue, loose stools, heavy menses, heavy feeling in the uterus (typically fibroids in western medicine) Cysts and stagnated lymphatics

Th medicinal use of the rind of orange actually mostly comes out of the Song Dynasty of China and different orange peels were used, which provide different medicines. There is mandarine (more sour) and sweet oranges, bitter oranges and red oranges.

Immature Rind:

• Green Rind (Qing Pi):

  • Spreads Liver Qi: pain in the chest, breast, or hypchondriac regions.  

  • Dissipates Clumps: food stagnation with epigastric pain or distension.  

  • Dries Dampness: malarial disorders, especially useful for breast abscesses

  • Raises Blood Pressure

• Immature Rind (Zhi shi): past green not yet totally ripe:

  • Reduces Accumulation: abodominal pain, distention, gas

  • Directs Qi Downward/Unblocks the Bowels: vomit or constipation

  • Moves Qi stagnation caused by accumulation

  • Expels Distention: fullness in the chest. Used with Qi-tonifying herbs for rectal prolapse, uterine  prolapse

  • Raises Blood Pressure

For hundreds of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have used mature mandarin orange peel, known as chen pi or ju pi to improve digestion, relieve abdominal distension, intestinal gas and bloating, and resolve phlegm. This peel acts primarily on the digestive and respiratory systems and is especially useful in conditions involving a sense of distension and fullness in the chest and upper middle abdomen combined with loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, or coughs with copious phlegm.

Immature mandarin orange peel, known as qing pi in Chinese medicine, acts primarily on the liver and stomach to promote digestion, relieve food retention and abdominal distension, and promote good liver function and is especially indicated when there is a sense of distension and discomfort under the rib cage rather than the central abdomen. 

The rind of the immature bitter orange (zhi shi) relieves gas, bloating and constipation. It also dissolves phlegm and is more of a strong medicine than its mature rind.

Essential Oils/ Aromatherapy: A calming and relaxing, slightly sedative effect on the body with anxiolytic effects. Very high frequency and useful for tiredness, anxiousness, depression and sleep abnormalities. Can help bring a state of sleep. Citrus is some of the highest frequency in essential oils so it is calming yet also very uplifting.

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: A symbol of innocence and fertility, orange is uplifting energetically and brings a sense of happiness, clarity and purity. Oranges are said to bring good luck and are a gift to alters all over the world. Oranges are a symbol of love, marriage, joy and happiness and in Chinese the word for ‘orange’ is very similar as the word for ‘luck’ and for ‘wealth’. A bowl of oranges in the home is believed to bring good fortune.

Safety Considerations: DNU in Pregnancy or Lactation due to Volatile Oil content. Caution of use in females with menstrual issues. DNU with signs of heat: red tongue or red face or dry cough d/t yin xu.

Articles and References:

1.J. Hernandez et al. Chemistry and Pharmacology of Citrus sinensis. J. Molecules. 2016 Feb; 21(2): 247.

2.R.Irkin et al. Growth inhibition of pathogenic bacteria and some yeasts by selected essential oils and survival of L. monocytogenes and C. albicans in apple-carrot juice. Foodborne Pathog. Dis. 2009;6:387–394.

3.P. Singh et al. Chemical profile, antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic and antioxidant activity of Citrus maxima Burm. and Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck essential oils and their cyclic monoterpene, dl-limonene. Food Chem. Toxicol. 2010;48:1734–1740.

4. L. Camarda et al. Antiproliferative activity of Citrus juices and HPLC evaluation of their flavonoid composition. Fitoterapia. 2007;78:426–429.

5.A.Trovato et al.Effects of fruit juices of Citrus sinensis L. and Citrus limon L. on experimental hypercholesterolemia in the rat. Phytomedicine. 1996;2:221–227.

6.S.C. Wu et al. Improvement of the hypocholesterolemic activities of two common fruit fibers by micronization processing. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2009;57:5610–5614.

7.Y. Lu et al.Citrange Fruit Extracts Alleviate Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorder in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6 Mouse. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013;14:23736–23750.

8.D. Ramful et al.Citrus Fruit Extracts Reduce Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)- and H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Adipocytes. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2010;58:11119–11129.

9.C. Puglia et al. Protective effect of red orange extract supplementation against UV-induced skin damages: Photoaging and solar lentigines. J. Cosmet. Dermatol. 2014;13:151–157.

Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide. L. Braun, M. Cohen. 2015. Churchill Livingstone Australia. pp.718-21.

Commiphora molmol

Myrrh

Burseraceae

Resin

Constituents: 1.5-17% Volatile Oil, 60% Gum, 40% Resin

Actions: Antimicrobial, Anticatarrhal, Anti-pyretic, Expectorant, Carminative, Astringent, Vulnerary

Uses: Burn as incense to clear pathogens out of air, helps clear the lungs and prevent respiratory infection

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 541.

Convallaria majalis

Lily of the Valley

Liliaceae

Bulb, Leaf, Flower

Native throughout Asia and naturalized throughout parts of North America. Full bloom occurs in early Spring/ June around the time of May flower and Lilac, which also makes it the time to harvest this plant for medicine. The scent of the flowers of this plant make it infamous for the perfume industry

Constituents: 38+ different forms of cardio active glycosides: convallatoxin, convallatoxol, convallamarin, convallarin, and convallaric acid

Steroidal Saponins: convallamaroside

Flavonoids

Asparagin

Actions: Cardioactive-Tonic and Stimulant, Anti-arrhythmic, Diuretic, Hypertensive, Antispasmodic

Uses:

Lily of the Valley is an effective way to treat cardiac rate and rhythm, while supporting perfusion and helping rid the body of edema

Although Convallaria is mostly indicated for hypotensive conditions, due to weak circulation, it has also traditionally been included in formulas for hypertension due to its regulating effects on the cardiovascular system. Remember: hypotension is often balanced by the heart being tachycardic to maintain output. It is very important to regularly monitor the blood pressure while using this medicine.

Lily of the Valley and Foxglove both contain cardioactive glycosides which make them both more dangerous botanical medicines to use. Both of these medicines have toxic side effects and a potential of cardioactive collapse and death. On the level of toxicity, Lily of the Valley is safer to use than Digitalis (Foxglove), even though the cardio active glycosides of Lily of the Valley (Convallamarin & Convallarin) have stronger cardiac effects than Digitalis’ Digitoxin. There is a shorter half life with the cardioactive glycosides in Lily of the Valley, in comparison with Foxglove, and this is what seems to make all the difference in the toxic metabolic buildup and danger rating of these botanical medicines.

Lily of the Valley is safer to use than Digitalis (Foxglove) and more effective than Crataegus (Hawthorne) however it is very important to note that the cardioactive glycosides in this medicine are toxic at a level and this medicine must be used with care. In the elderly, I would be using Lily of the Valley instead of Foxglove and I typically start with using Crataegus mixed with perhaps some medicines aimed at the liver and with some diuretic actions, then I add Lily of the Valley slowly. This is all, obviously, dependent on the individual. At a certain age it is very obviously due to a heart condition and Lily of the Valley is indicated. As with all people that I have observed, the medicine will actually come to them so going to their home and seeing what medicine is growing around their home is highly recommended.

Congestive heart failure

• ESPECIALLY PRESENTING WITH EDEMA •

Lily of the Valley  exerts a positive inotropic and negative chronotropic action on the heart and therefore supports the functioning of the heart, helping ease the heart from arrhythmia and over exertion and allowing it to function better. This medicine is especially indicated for tachycardia however it can be used in bradycardia as well.

Also indicated in use for the conditions of:

• Mitral Valve Prolapse

• Mitral Stenosis

• Atrial Fibrillation

• Mitral Regurgitation

• Cor Pulmonale

• Hypotension due to a weak cardiovascular system

Convallaria is emphasized for use for:

Poor tone in the peripheral vasculature (cold feet, blue toes, poor wound healing) and poor circulation to the heart itself

which may occur with long-term smokers or with long-term alcohol consumption, or also in poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

It iss also considered specific for:

• Heart palpitations

• Irregular heart action (rhythm or rate)

• Valve problems

DOSE DEPENDANT:

At lower doses, Convallaria bulbs have been used as a cardiotonic to regulate blood pressure and manage the symptoms of heart failure, improving ejection fraction and cardiac output and reducing pulmonary pressure without causing deleterious increases in heart rate or decreases in blood pressure. Upper portion of the flowering plant, with specifics to the flowers is what stimulates the cardiovascular system the most to move edema, balance blood pressure and maximize cadiac output with the best efficiency of the heart.

Progesterone occurs in the leaves and underground
bulbs of C. majalis[1]

Pharmacology:

• Asparagin gives the diuretic action to and help drain fluids from edematous tissue which is typically lower legs, belly or lungs but can also be seen in hands and the face.

• The Flavonoids vasodilate the coronary vessels yet have a hypertensive effect systemically.

• Convallamarin & Convallarin have stronger cardiac effects than Digitalis’ Digitoxin, but with a shorter half-life, and aglycones have a slower absorption rate and do not have the same metabolic toxic buildup as Digitalis’ cardio active glycosides.

Pharmacy:

Tincture: (1:5, 40%), 0.5-1.0 ml TID (8-15 drops)

Infusion: 1 tsp/cup. Dried leaves: 60-200mg TID

Short term use best (4-6 weeks) then pulse-dose: Two weeks off, 4-6 weeks of use, repeat.

Safety Considerations: All cardiac glycosides are toxic at a certain level in the system and therefore should only ever be taken under the watchful eye of a medical professional. Lily of the Valley is better tolerated than Digitalis species (Foxglove) according to medical literature and has similar affects as Digitalis species in the body however without the toxic metabolic buildup. Laboratory testing has been developed to test blood levels of digoxin, convallatoxin, and other cardiac glycosides, and is highly recommended to monitor, alongside monitoring blood pressure, electrolytes, signs of hydration and edema levels. Overdose signs and symptoms are lethargy or restlessness, bradycardia, nausea, vomit, diarrhea, changes in breath rate, hypertension.

Toxicity levels can increase to full cardiac collapse and death so stop use immediately at the first signs of toxicity and consult your medical practitioner.

Monitor electrolyte levels and make sure there is good (and extra hydration) with good salt intake while using this medicine.

Drug Interactions:

DNU with anthroquinone glycosides (Laxatives).

Anthraquinones deplete potassium levels which potentiate the cardioactive effect of cardioactive glycosides, which may result in severe cardiac arrhythmias leading to cardiovascular collapse.

Articles and References:

1.Kopp B. et. al.Determination of progesterone in vegetative organs and cell organelles of Convallaria majalis L. by radioimmunoassay. Z Naturforsch C. 1980;35(1–2):41–4.

Cornus stolonifera

Red Willow

Bark

Constituents: Salicylic acid

Actions: Analgesic

Uses: Pain

Articles and References:

Crataegus oxycantha

Hawthorne

Rosaceae

Berry, Flower, Leaf

Constituents: 1.7% Flavonoids: vitexin, quercetin, hyperoside, rutin, epicatechin, catechin and proanthocyanadins

1-2.4% Oligomeric procyanidins

0.6% Triterpene acids: ursolic, oleanolic, crataegolic

Phenolic acids: caffeic, chlorogenic, phenolcarboxylic acids

Vitamin C

Actions: Cardiotonic, Hypotensive, Diuretic, Astringent

Uses: Cardiovascular Health: improves coronary circulation by dilating the coronary arteries and relieving any cardia hypoxemia. Reduces angina. Directly affects the health of the cardiac cells by enhancing both nutrition and activity. Angina, Hypertension, Arrhythmias

Positively inotropic: increases the contractile force of the cardiac muscles however it functions totally different than other cardiac glycosides (which directly have impact on the fibres). Crataegus acts by assisting with, and facilitating, the utilization of available energy seeming mostly to be by increasing nutrition and oxygen availability to the cardiac muscles

Crataegus oxycantha, in a formulation with other botanical medicines, can help reverse degenerative and age-related conditions of the heart and coronary vasculature while additionally minimizing the risk of developing coronary diseases including angina pectoris, hypertension, mild congestive hearth failure and recovery from (and prevention of) myocardial infarction. It is especially beneficial in the elderly as it is an extremely safe medicine with no known toxicity, accumulations or habituation and it is additionally safe for long term use in anyone, especially the elderly. [1]

The Chinese Perspective:

Sour, Sweet, Bitter -Warm- Affinity to: PC, ST, HT, LV Meridians

Category: Relief of Food Stagnation

Improves Digestion, Invigorates the Blood, Moves Stasis: HTN, Heart Disease, fatigue, shortness of breath, palpations, heavy feeling in chest, degenerative heart conditions of all sorts

Tonifies Yin/Clears Heat/Calms Shen: night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, feverishness, menopausal syndromes

Promote Urination

Transforms Blood Stasis: softens nodules, stabbing cardiac pain, thrombosis, tachycardia, gallstones, urinary stones, angina, postpartum abdominal pain and clumps, hernia disorders

Energetic Medicine: Helpful to mend a broken heart from lost love. Helps one feel supported in moving their energetic heart barriers to allow for greater vulnerability and true heart-felt connection with others.

Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions: Hawthorne enhances the activity of cardio active drugs: Digitalis species, Convallaria majalis, Digitoxin, Digoxin however because of its effect of dilating the coronary arteries, while supporting a healthy rhythm and force of contraction there is potential concomitant use of Hawthorne could reduce the toxicity of the cardiac glycosides by reducing the dosage needed to achieve desired effect.

Additionally, Hawthorne could theoretically interact with caffeine, theophylline, adenosine, sodium nitrate and epinephrine. Caution is advised.

DNU with ST or SP Deficiencies

Articles and References:

1.MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 542.

https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/hawthorn-berry

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/hawthorn/

Curcuma longa

Turmeric

Zingiberaceae

Root

Native to India and naturalized throughout topical South Asia. Turmeric root is one of the original clothing dyes.

Constituents: Curcuminoids: Curcumin

Volatile oils: Zingiberene, Tumerone

Resins

Flavonoids

Vitamins and Minerals: 26% of our daily intake of Manganese, 16% of our daily intake of Iron, Ascorbic acid, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Magnesium, Copper

Fibre

Actions: VERY STRONG Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant, Antimicrobial, Hypolipidemic, Anti-platelet, Carminative, Alterative, Choleretic, Hepatoprotective

Uses:

Inflammation:

Inflammation is a defense response of our body to microbes, allergens and/or injury to the tissue. Uncontrolled inflammatory responses is the original cause of the pathophysiology that leads to many health disorders including allergies, cardiovascular dysfunctions, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Inflammation typically creates the signs and symptoms of: heat, redness, swelling and pain.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis/Gout

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Gastric Ulcer

Liver Health: This medicine protects the liver from environmental toxins, while promoting the free flow of bile through the Gallbladder.

Anti-Platelet:

Turmeric can inhibit platelet aggregation, while reducing whole blood and plasma viscosity

Thyroid Health: Trace copper is required for a functioning thyroid, as well as healthy liver, which is where thyroid hormone is changed into its activated form. Another good way to get enough copper for a highly efficient thyroid gland is by soaking water in a copper vessel and drinking one glass in the morning on an empty stomach in a cyclic pattern: drinking the copper water for about one or two weeks and then two to three weeks without it. The ancient cultures knew how important this was and therefore there was copper vessels to hold drinking water (there were also silver and gold vessels for the needed trace amounts of silver and gold that our body requires, but is rarely talked about in medicine)

Disease Prevention: predominantly heart disease prevention, this medicine is incredible at keeping inflammation down in the body, while at the same time binding the free radicals that damage tissues. Oxidative stress and Inflammation are the typical common pathways that lead the body into disease. The process of this is called “pathophysiology” in medicine. Alongside the prevention of these mechanisms of disease, Turmeric is an incredible medicine to protect the liver, and thus the mechanism of it being"hepatoprotective”. By protecting the liver, Turmeric helps the liver rejuvenate while supporting the detoxification pathways of the body.The liver’s health means the health of the blood and the cells in the body and it is very important to keep the liver healthy to prevent disease. These days, even the healthiest person can have liver damage due to the environmental and chemical toxins in our daily life, such as pollution, pesticides, chemical cleaning products and so forth so drinking tea that protects the liver is a very good way to keep as healthy as possible.

Iron Deficiency: This is not a medicine to use on it’s own for iron deficiency but it is a botanical medicine that can be used in conjunction with other foods, herbs and supplements to help build the blood. It is suggested to build the blood, alongside turmeric tea, with dates and gogi berries, black strap molasses, spirulina, salmon and red meats (bison, beef, lamb), properly made bone broth soup and then lots of fruits with high vitamin C content for absorption

Diabetes: Minimizing inflammation, binding free radicals to prevent oxidation and supporting liver health, regeneration and detoxification pathways are huge mechanisms that turmeric can be used in conjunction with other medicines and methods to help prevent Type 2 Diabetes and also help reverse metabolic disorders.

Pain: often it is inflammation in the body that creates the pain response so this is a botanical medicine that can be used for pain by bringing down the inflammatory response. It does not directly act on pain with analgesic properties like the botanical medicines that contain the salicylates however there is nothing stopping one from combing this medicine with something like Willow Bark to really help move pain out of the body. This is useful for arthritis pain, back pain, menstrual cramping, muscle tension, aches and pains, and fibromyalgia. There are some studies stating that Turmeric may optimize the body’s opiod response and therefore there is a potential that it can work more directly on pain, via the opiod pathways, however much more research must go into this.

Brain Health: Inflammation and oxidation in the body very much affects the brain and can lead to a wide arrange of signs and symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety or depression, poor ability to sleep, inability to feel rested after sleep, foggy thinking, poor memory and so much more. Long term affects of an inflammed brain and a toxic system (liver health and therefore the health of the blood) can lead to real degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinson’s disease and more. Consistent use of turmeric tea helps treat and prevent these disorders. Another big brain health issue is the effects of post-concussion which can lead to inflammation in the brain for several years. Turmeric is such a safe medicine that it is a good go to for any of these issues stated here, especially in combination with essential-fatty acids and other anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant foods, supplements, and botanical medicines. Remember to always support the mitochondria when working with brain health as the brain uses so much energy (ATP). B-vitamins and trace nutrients (CoQ-10) are essential to the energy production cycle.

Turmeric tea is also very safe to give the elderly/geriatric population and is great for boosting their memory and attention span, while keeping them out of pain and also keeping them out of depressed states, which is a common issue with the elderly. Regular intake of turmeric tea with Ginkgo biloba is wonderful for the brain health of the elderly person.

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Pungent -Warm- Affinity to: SP, LV Meridians

Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Turmeric has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to benefit the Stomach and the Spleen

Moves Blood and Qi Stagnation (unblocks stasis): pain, frustration/anger, a general sense of stagnation in life, nearly any issue of the liver, cardiovascular conditions. Very specific indications of use include blood stasis caused by the qi stagnation resulting in: hypochondriac pain, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis, wind-damp arthralgia, and bruises.

Female issues: clots, menstrual cramps, fibroids

Because turmeric specifically stimulates blood flow, this is a very important medicine for women whom seem to be late with their menses or cannot fully expel their menses.

Clear Heat, Cool Blood: including the treatment of damp heat in the body: jaundice, GB stagnation and issues, including poor ability to digest fats and gallstones

Expels Wind and Removes Pain: achy pains that wander i.e. fibromyalgia that is especially cold in nature from yang deficient conditions, primarily of the middle jiao.

Digestive Disorders: predominantly due to deficient qi in the spleen, stomach or liver leading to improper accumulation of nutritive qi and general qi deficiency in the body.

Bleeding Disorders: internal or external

Mental Disorders: d/t disturbances of the Heart and Shen: mania, anxiety, seizures, derangement, epilepsy

Medicine making: This is a very important medicine to make properly as much of the medicine is in the essential oil. To make this medicine properly, it takes several hours so making a huge pot that can be drunk throughout several days, about five days is optimal. A tea is made from decoction so enough root medicine is places into cold water (preferably healthy spring water) into a pot and then brought to a boil with the lid on. This medicine easily burns so you want to bring it to a very gentle rolling boil and DO NOT REMOVE THE LID to check for this as you will loose the main medicine in the steam. You will have to listen for this or get a glass lid. Let it sit at a rolling boil for a few minutes and then bring it down to a gentle simmer, where it can sit at a very gentle simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Then turn it off and let it sit to cool for several hours. Never at this time do you take the lid off. The essential oils will be in the steam, which rise up to the lid and will drip back down into the tea. This is the first important part of this medicine.

The next important part is drinking this tea while also consuming a good fat such as coconut oil, olive oil, avocado or even butter. The oil helps the body absorb the important medicine in this tea. Adding black pepper to the tea or diet, while consuming this tea, also helps absorb the medicinal components of this tea.

Safety Considerations: Turmeric is a very safe medicine with no known side effects or toxic side effects from long term use. DNU in Pregnancy and minimal use in lactation. DNU with Blood Deficiency.

Articles and References:

Daucus carota

Wild Carrot

Apiaceae

Flower, Seed, Root

Harvest: British Columbia. Look similar to Yarrow in a way however the flowers are bigger and it is marked by its white lacy umbel, often bearing a single red or purple-black flower in the center. Aerial parts are collected in flower or seed forms and used dried. CAUTION: Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) and Water Hemlock (Cicuta spp.) are two poisonous carrot family plants that resemble Daucus carota. Flower head is sustainably and ethically harvested in July/August and root is harvested in late fall by first year plants only. Seeds for contraceptive use are also harvested in the fall. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO NOT HARVEST AND TAKE MEDICINES ON YOUR OWN.

Constituents: Flavonoids: daucine (an alkaloid)

Volatile Oil, Tannins

Plant acids: petroselinic

Actions: Diuretic, Antilithic, Carminative, Antispasmodic, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Oral Contraceptive

Uses: UTI: volatile oil in seeds is a urinary antiseptic and can be used in cystitis and prostatis alongside a treatment for KD stones, gout and rheumatism

Feminine Medicine: a useful reproductive tonic, balancing the menstrual cycle and enhancing fertility additionally, wild carrot seeds are used as an oral contraceptive throughout the world, for at least the past few thousand years

Digestive disturbances: chew seeds to aide digestion and relieve flatulence and colic

Urinary Tract, Kidney and Water Retention: As an excellent diuretic, antilithic and antiseptic, wild carrot is widely used as a urinary system tonic, for stones in the bladder and kidneys, urinary tract infections, water retention, gout and rheumatism. Wild Carrot stimulates the kidneys, stimulates urine, and removes mineral deposits from the tissues, thus removing excessive mineralization

Use a strong decoction of the seed and root for LBP with low urine output [1]

Use the seeds for gout, hyperuricemia and uric acid elevation in the blood [2]

Seed – primary: uterine tonic, contraceptive, fertility enhancer, urinary antiseptic, diuretic

Root – demulcent, aperient, vulnerary

Leaves – antilithic, antirheumatic, carminative, diuretic, anti- inammatory, diaphoretic

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Acrid, Neutral -Warm- Affinity to: ST, SP, LU Meridians

Antihelminth(seed) Moves Food Stagnation (root)

Esoteric Medicine: A medicine for shape-shifting and for learning the art of shape-shifting. It opens the third eye and crown chakras, and increases awareness of energy and oneness/unity with the universe. Allows one to flow with change, supports creativity, and helps focus intention while developing playfulness and exuberance; it .

Eclectic Remedies:

Dr. John Christopher

Dropsy: 1 1⁄4 oz Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) 1 1⁄2 oz Haircap moss (Polytrichum juniperum), 1 oz crushed watermelon seeds (Citrullus lanatus; C. vulgaris). Simmer in 3 pints of water for 20 minutes, strain. Take 2 tbsp every 2 hours.

Cystitis: 1⁄2 oz each wild carrot (Daucus carota), uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), juniper berries (Juniperus communis), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), licorice root or juice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), buchu (Agathosma betuline; A. Crenulata; Diosma ericoides), 1 tsp. cayenne (Capsicum frutescensl C. minumum). Simmer slowly the rstve herbs for 20 minutes in 1 quart of water. Strain hot over the cayenne and buchu. Take 2 uid ounces 4- 6 x/day.

Inammation of the kidneys: 1⁄2 oz each wild carrot, pellitory of the wall (Parietaria officinalis), uva ursi, dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale), marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), white poplar bark (Populus tremuloides), 1 tsp cayenne. Simmer slowly the rst six herbs in 1 quart of water down to 1 pint, strain over the cayenne. Take 3 tbsp every hour until patient is eased, then every 2 hours.

Hoffman

UTIs: combine with bearberry (uva ursi) and yarrow.

Safety Considerations: DNU in Pregnancy

Articles and Resources:

https://www.wildcurrentherbalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Daucus-carota-Monograph-FINAL-SMALL.pdf

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 542.

http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/wild.html

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

Scrophulariaceae

Leaves, Flowers

Harvest: Mid-late June along the West Coast, particularly around Vancouver and Squamish.

This medicine made one of the most important pharmaceutical heart medications, the refined commercial drug 'Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Constituents: Cardioactive Glycosides: Digitoxin, Digitalein, Digoxin, Gitoxin, Digitoxigenin

Purpurea glycosides A & B

Actions:  Cardio-stimulant

Uses: Congestive Heart Failure, Arrhythmia



Pharmacological mechanism: Postive Ionotropic effect of the ventricle causing an increase rate of rise of the heart’s intraventricular pressure during isovolumic systole, at a constant heart rate and aortic pressure that can be demonstrated in both healthy cardiac systems and failing cardiac systems[1]. Cardiac glycosides create more stroke volume at a given filling pressure, which is examined by an upward and leftward shift of the Frank-Starling curve. Additionally, this effect shows to be sustained without evidence of desensitization to the cardiac glycosides. It is generally believed that the cardiac glycosides increase intracellular calcium activity into heart cells while simultaneously inhibiting the sodium pump, effectively causing the increase of strength of contractility of the heart causing a positive effect on the rhythm of the heart.

Safety Considerations: This is an extremely dangerous botanical medicine with a very narrow therapeutic window and extreme toxic effects including the side effect of cardiovascular collapse and death. Additionally, the metabolic clearance of this medication is dependent on the individual and should only be used under medical supervision.

Articles and References:

1. Hauptman et al. Digitalis: Aha Journal of Circulation. 03,09,1999. Vol.99, Issue 9.Pp.1265–1270.
   

Dioscorea viollosa

Wild Yam

Dioscoreaceae

Root

Constituents: Steroidal Saponins: diosgenin, dioscin, dioscorin

Carotenoids

Actions: Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-rheumatic, Hepatic, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic

Uses; Feminine Medicine: soothing and nutritive, nourishing

The Chinese Perspective:

Supports the root, or kidneys in TCM, which gives vitality

Nourishes the lungs and spleen especially in cases of loss of fluids as in excessive urination, abnormal discharge, abnormal sweating, diarrhea, and weak digestio

Use in Diabetes Insipidus or ‘wasting and thirsting disorder’

Esoteric Medicine: yam and other root vegetables help ‘ground’ anxiety and flighty persons, especially females that are hormonal

Articles and Resources:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 543.

Echinacea

Black Root, Echinacea

Asteraceae

Root

Echinacea is another important medicine that was introduced to settlers by the Indigenous people. This medicine was taught to me by a Cree elder, a traditional medicine man and they call it “Black Root”. It is sacred medicine that is not meant to be picked and harvested by just anybody. Harvest is in the Prairies and should only be done with permission from the Indigenous people, or by exchange with an Indigenous medicine person. When I first tried this medicine (the proper way) it was like gunpowder in my mouth and I had my first medicine dream that night. I knew what medicine I needed to go to, to aide my digestive system. This powerful medicine is used also as an analgesic by the Indigenous, alongside using it for respiratory, digestive and urinary issues and infections. It is very anti-inflammatory and is also a strong anti-oxidant.

Constituents: 0.6-2.1% Caffeic esters: echinacoside

Alkylamides: unsaturated isobutylene amides

Polysaccarides: echinacin B

Polyacetylenes, Volatile Oil

Phenolic acids: caffeic, cichoric, rosmarinic acid

Actions: Antimicrobial, Immunomodulator, Anti-inflammatory, Anticatarrhal, Vulnerary, Alterative

Uses: One of the first remedies to go to to rid the body of a microbial, viral or fungal infection and can also be used for septicaemia - any infection anywhere in the body. Good to combine with Yarrow and/or Barberry for extra effect.

-DO NOT USE AS A DAILY IMMUNE SUPPORT-

URTI: especially powerful for laryngitis, tonsillitis, common colds and flus, catarrh of nose, lungs, sinuses

Topical: septic sores, carbuncles

Antiviral: activity shown against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus:

The caffeic acid derivative echinacoside is the most active constituent of the plant and 6 mg of Echinacea is shown to be equivalent to 1 unit of penicillin. [1]

UTI: including Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis infections

Studies suggest Echinacea appears to prevent infection and repair tissues damaged by infection by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme hyaluronidase, which is a primary defence mechanism in connective tissue. The basement membrane of connective tissue is composed of hyaluronic acid which acts as a barrier against pathogenic organisms. When pathogens enter, the enzyme is activated which essentially damages the ground substance of the connective tissue, The connective tissue, which is like a protective fence for the cell, then becomes leaky and more pathogens can enter the cell by penetrating through the membrane, this results in an inflammatory infection. Echinacea inhibits the action of hyaluronidase by seemingly bonding with it, which keeps pathogens from entering. Additionally, the polysaccharide echinacin B activates the macrophages of the body which form a barrier around the pathogens and gives the immunostimulating ability. [1]

NB: Echinacea is a powerful medicine if taken just before the onset of an infection as it helps ‘build the fence’ of the cellular membrane so that microbes can not penetrate however once the microbes have penetrated, Echinacea may no longer be the medicine to go to and this is where someone with botanical medicine knowledge is the best person to decide and prescribe for this. Echinacea, taken too late, can inhibit the immune reaction that is necessary once a pathogen has entered the cell. This is especially pertinent in viral infections as the main mode of action our immune system has is to build a high fever which means an inflammatory immune reaction must go through to get the temperature of the body so high. This is called ‘innate immunity’ and is very important for some infections. At this point, we want to support the heat of the fever and not be giving anti-inflammatory medicines. This is crucial information and exactly why people should not be allowed to go to health food stores and take medicines on their own. Medicine is medicine, it has an affect and should be used under the responsible and watchful eye of someone that is appropriately trained. -Dr.AK

The Chinese Perspective:

Pungent, Salty -Cold, Dry- Affinity to: LU, SP Meridians

Moves and Tonifies Blood: Stuffy nose, sinus infections with drippy congestion, headache, fever, colds, flu, coughs, malaria, typhoid, cholera, tuberculosis, asthma

Supports Wei Qi, Releases to the Exterior: enlivens lymph-promoting detoxification; builds immunity

Kidney Tonic:  vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections

Reduces Inflammation, Relieves Pain

Clears Toxins, Promotes Tissue Growth, Clear Wind Heat

Resolves Tumors

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergies. Theoretically: may intervene with immunosuppressant drugs.

Links to ‘Evidence Based Medicine’ studies:

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/841315/

http://www.annfammed.org/content/9/4/312.short

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711304701993

https://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/746567/echinacea-treating-common-cold-randomized-trial

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711314002219

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711313004340

Articles and Resources:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 544-5.

Eleutherococcus senticosus

Siberian Ginseng

Araliaceae

Root

Harvest: Siberean Ginseng is by far one of the eldest medicines in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has historically been the most expensive medicine on the market and entire wars have been fought over it. Text books from over 2000 years ago write about this medicine and it had such a price on the market that finding one root was enough to sustain an entire family for a year. It is truly a powerful medicine for a reason. It is almost extinct and therefore most of the medicine on the market is actually American Ginseng (Panax ginseng), which is more common but not as powerful. It takes a minimum of seven years before the root is ready to use as a medicine and is extremely difficult to grow. I have studied this medicine in depthly and read most of the literature available about it. It’s truly a powerful medicine that is very safe to use and can add years to someone’s life. It is also safe to use with the elderly.

Constituents: Eleutherosides A-E

Glycosides: aglycones, sterols, lignan’s, phenolics, polysaccharides

Actions: Adaptogen, Hepatoprotective, Heart Tonic

Uses: Stress, Longevity, Vitality Tonic

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia

Adrenal Deficiency: Eleuthero is known to stimulate the adrenals and sex hormone production (used well it Licorice Root)

Heart Health: angina, hypertension, hypotension, mild arrythymias

Exhaustion, Anxiety, Mild Depression: all due to chronic stress

Recovery from illness:acute or chronic, trauma or surgery or any other stressful life event

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Sweet -Warm- Affinity to: SP, KD, HT Meridians

Category: Herbs that Tonify Qi (Very Strongly)

Forifies/Invigorate Qi: tonifies the Lungs and Spleen: assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst, LOA, dyspnea, wheezing -strengthens the SP

Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen: depression, anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, weak pulse , high or low BP, IHD

Builds Blood: anxiety, sleep issues

Nourish the Kidney: impotence, male sexual disorders, spermatorrhea, aches and pains of the loins, weak knees due to Kidney Deficiency

Builds Immunity/Aids Detoxification: improves resistance due to white blood cell loss in cancer patients caused by side effects of chemotherapy or other harsh drugs

Expels Wind Damp/Reduces Swelling: inflammation, arthritis, joint pain, numbness of limbs, colds, bronchitis, respiratory infection

Safety Considerations: May interfere with cardiac drugs and hypoglycaemic agents.

Articles and Resources:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 545.

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/eleuthero/

Ephedra sinica

Ephedra, Má huáng

Ephedraceae

Stem

Harvest: A traditional medicine that has been used in Chinese literature for over 5000 years and is also mentioned in the Vedic texts of India, which is the most ancient literature known. Ephedra is included as one of the three hundred and sixty botanical medicines included in the first text of Traditional Chinese Medicine, written more than 2000 years ago. It does grow naturally around British Columbia and further down south and can be harvested in late Spring. This is not a medicine for health promotion.

Constituents: 2% Alkaloids: L-ephedrine, D-ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, 𝑛-metylephedrine, benzylmethylamine

Flavonoid glycosides, Glycans, Proanthocyanidins

Actions: Adrenergic Bronchodilator, Hypertensive, Circulatory Stimulant, Anti-asthmatic, Anti-histamine, Thermogenic

Pathophysiology: Opens the bronchial tree by stimulating the adrenals to release epinephrine and norepinephrine and thereby stimulating the autonomic nervous system

Uses: Asthma, Emphysema,Bronchitis mucous in the lungs causing wheezing, allergies, Hypotension, circulatory insufficiency -especially worsened by cold and damp weather

IN CURRENT MEDICAL PRACTICE IN CANADA, EPHEDRINE IS APPROVED FOR THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

• Acute or Chronic Bronchitis

• Asthma: cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing (Ephedra increases the flow of air through the bronchial tubes by dilating them)

• Allergies

• Motion Sickness

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Pungent -Warm- Affinity to: LU, BL Meridians

Category: Herbs that Release the Exterior

Releases the Exterior and Disperses Wind-Cold: Cold EPIs, Wind-Cold excess patterns with fever, chills, headache, lack of sweating, and a tight, floating pulse. Opens the pores and induces sweating.

Promotes the circulation of Lung Qi: asthma, bronchitis, allergies, congestion, stops wheezing, eczema

Promotes Urination: edema d/t acute nephritis: promotes urination

Side Effects: ANS stimulation: anxiety, nervousness, agitation, palpitations, insomnia, increased blood pressure

Safety Considerations: DNU with hypertension or unstable cardiac conditions. DNU in Pregnancy or Lactation. DNU with cardiac glycosides, MAOI’s (including Hypericum perforatum), oxytocin, Dexamethasone, ergotamine-containing products or secale alkaloid derivatives. CAUTION with thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus. DNU with heat conditions already present, especially yin deficient heat.

Alkaloid content makes this a dangerous medicine and should never be used without being monitored by a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine or Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Caution: of use with those suffering from diabetes, heart conditions, anorexia, bulimia, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, kidney stones, anxiety, urinary retention and pheochromocytoma (an adrenalin producing tumor)

SHORT TERM USE ONLY. DO NOT EXCEED DOSE OF >30g

Articles and Resources:

https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/dnd-mdn/documents/health/nutrition/supplement-fact-sheet-ephedrine.pdf

https://cewm.med.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/1999HuiKEphedraSinicaTCM.pdf

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-dangers-of-the-herb-ephedra

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/07/07/ma-huang-herb-misused-and-abused

https://www.christopherhobbs.com/library/articles-on-herbs-and-health/ma-huang-appropriate-vs-high-risk-uses/

https://www.sacredlotus.com/go/chinese-herbs/substance/ma-huang-ephedra-stem

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 546.

Equisetum arvense

Horsetail

Equisetaceae

Dried Stem

Harvest: This medicine is harvested in EARLY spring as it becomes toxic if harvested too late. Again this medicine was taught to me from a traditional medicine man, whom is also a Cree Elder. He runs his traditional sweat house, which has been handed down to him from his grandfathers with this medicine. It calls in strong water spirits and you can feel the energy when harvesting this medicine, it is one of the more intimidating medicines and yet it is safe to use if harvested properly. Do not harvest this without being taught properly, and without saying a special prayer to the medicine. These are traditional medicines and there are traditional ways that should be respected.

Constituents: Alkaloids: nicotine, palustrine, palustrinine

Flavonoids: isoquercitrin, equicetrin

Sterols: cholesterol, isofucosterol, campesterol

Saponins: equisitonin

Plant acids: Silicic, Aconitic

Dimethylsulphone, Thiaminase, Silica

Actions: Diuretic, Vulnerary, Astringent

Uses: Incontinence and Childhood bedwetting, BPH, hemorrhoids, Rheumatism, UTI

The best medicine to provide Silica to the body

Chew to strengthen the teeth

Osteopososis: strengthens the bones (use with bone broth soup)

Skin Health: promotes healthy collagen growth and gives the body the needed micronutrients required for tissue health (rose hips, nettles, alfalfa)

The Chinese Perspective:

Affinity to: LI, LU, BL, KD Meridians

Clears Heat & Damp-Heat:  blurred vision, red eyes, conjunctivitis, sore throat, colds, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections, skin rashes, burns, KD stones

Reduces Inflammation, Stops Bleeding: menorrhagia, bleeding

Bone Strengthening: use in elderly, use in menopausal woman

Articles and Resources:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 546.

Eschscholzia californica

California Poppy

Papveraceae

Dried Flower, Seed, Leaf, Root

This in another traditional medicine taught from the Indigenous People, which is found in California. Traditionally, this medicine is used for pain and to improve sleep. The roots were chewed dental pain and ground for topical use: painful muscles, wounds, traumatic injuries. The leaves, buds, and seeds were prepared as teas to consume orally for internal pain and/or insomnia. The plant was considered safe for children and sometimes used for bedwetting and anxiety.

Constituents: Isoquinoline Alkaloids: berberine, sanguinarine

Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids: pavinane, protopine, benzylisoquinoline/benzophenanthridine, aporphine, protoberberine, noscapine, apomorphine, reticuline, and tubocurarine

Flavone Glycosides

Actions: Nervine, Antispasmodic, Antispasmodic, Anodyne, Sedative

Uses: Pain Management: a natural nonaddictive opiate that is nowhere as powerful or addictive as the pharmacological opiates/narcotics (opium is extracted from a specific type of poppy) but still effectively helps with pain and calming the system, especially in aiding sleep so the body can restore and heal

Sanguinarine has been shown to inhibit lipoxygenase, which may contribute anodyne and anti-inflammatory mechanisms [1], and to inhibit glycine transport and thus promote analgesia [2]

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in Eschscholzia have shown to have neurotransmitter and psychotropic effects, including anodyne properties [3] including inhibition of acetylcholinesterase [4] and the ability to bind serotonin 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(7) receptors at blood volumes of 100 µg/mL, possibly contribute to anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects [5]

Eschscholzia also inhibits the degradation of catecholamines, thereby maintaining high catecholamine levels while inhibiting adrenaline [6]

Muscle Relaxant: Pain related to the spine, hips, broken bones and sore joints and muscles.

Insomnia: higher dosage before sleep promotes deep rejuvenating sleep

Anxiety-Depression Spectrum: lower doses during day are calming and promote vital energy

Adrenal Deficiency: especially if sleep is disturbed d/t late night cortisol surges

Child-hood bedwetting

Mild Brain Trauma: Post-Concussion Syndrome: helps repair and regenerate the CNS by calming and allowing for deep REM sleep, where the repair happens (best used with other strong medicines)

Addiction: Opiate/Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms - a strong nerve tonic and support to help addicts withdraw or reduce the dose of opioid pharmaceuticals or heroin, helps with the painful withdrawal symptoms from long term alcohol abuse

Safety Considerations: DNU in Pregnancy/Lactation. Any pavarine alkaloid–containing plants may cause drug tests to be positive for opiates.

Articles and Resources:

1. Pharmazie. 2014;69(8):637–40. Lipoxygenase activity and sanguinarine production in cell suspension cultures of California poppy (Eschscholtzia californica CHAM.). Kollárová R, Oblozinský M, Kováciková V, et al.

2.Neurochem Int. 2011;58(6):641–7. Differential effect of the benzophenanthridine alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine on glycine transporters. Jursky F, Baliova M.

3.Planta. 2014;240(1):19–32. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis in opium poppy. Beaudoin GA, Facchini PJ.

4. Nat Prod Commun. 2010;5(7):1035–8. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory compounds from Eschscholzia californica (Papaveraceae). Cahlíková L, Macáková K, Kunes J.

5. J Nat Prod. 2006;69(3):432–5. Alkaloids from Eschscholzia californica and their capacity to inhibit binding of [3H]8-Hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin to 5-HT1A receptors in Vitro. Gafner S, Dietz BM, McPhail KL, et al.

6. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica). Botanical Medicine Monographs. Association for Advancement of Restorative Medicine. Online Article: https://restorativemedicine.org/library/monographs/california-poppy/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 547.

Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus

Myrtaceae

Leaf

Native to Australia, the Indigenous would use the leaves for fever and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, and for digestive issues. This medicine is also traditionally used for, and beneficial of, urinary tract infections, wounds and fungal infections.

Constituents: 0.5-3.5% Volatile Oil: 70-90% 1,8-cineole aka eucalyptol, ⍺-pinene, ⍴-pinene, ẟ-limonene, ⍺-phellandrene

Polyphenolic acids: caffeic, ferulic, gallic, protocatechuic

Flavonoids: eucalyptin, hyperosides, rutin

Actions: Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Febrifuge

Uses: Decongestant and Expectorant: Catarrh of the Lung: Asthma, Infection, Bronchitis, Laryngitis,Emphysema -especially with lots of mucous and secretions

-traditionally inhaled by dropping essential oil into warm water and breathing the mist, or oil/leaves are used as a poultice. Leaf can be smoked for lung catarrh . Can also take internally in a tea or tincture.

-eucalyptus honey is made as bees like the eucalyptus flowers and this is a strong antimicrobial

Anti-inflammatory: eucalyptol has been reported to inhibit the synthesis and production of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), leukotriene B4, and thromboxane B2 in human blood monocytes[3,4]

Allergies: inhibits histamine release and cytokine production[1,2]

Fever: Typhoid and other high fevers, helps break fever, take as tea

Infections: septicaemia, fetid wounds, URTI’s, UTI’s: including gonorrhoea

Neuralgia, Rheumatism: oil applied topically

Gastrointestinal Upset: dyspepsia

The Chinese Perspective:

Pungent, (Slightly) Bitter -Cool, Dry- Affinity to: LU, BL Meridians

Category:

Promotes Sweating, Releases to the Exterior, Relieves Wind Heat: common cold and flu: sore throat, aches, pains, sinusitis, headaches, acute rheumatism

Primary Essential Oils for Wind Invasion:

Eucalyptus globulus, Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha piperita

Expels Damp-Phlegm, Drains Dampness: bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis

Clears Toxins: lung infections, urogenital infections, skin eruptions. Reduces Inflammation: relieve nerve pain, neuralgia, wounds, burns

Expels Parasites: roundworm, pinworm, lice, and is an insect repellant.

Safety Considerations: Be careful of topically applying essential oils that are not diluted as can cause severe burns to the skin

-DO NOT TAKE ESSENTIAL OIL INTERNALLY-

An amazing article on the power of essential oils:

https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=33029

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 548.

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/eucalyptus/

1. Juergens UR, Stober M, Vetter H. Inhibition of cytokine production and arachidonic acid metabolism by eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) in human blood monocytes in vitro. Eur J Med Res. 1998;3:508–510.

2. Serafino et. al. Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response.BMC Immunol. 2008; 9: 17

3.Juergens UR, Stober M, Schmidt-Schilling L, Kleuver T, Vetter H. Antiinflammatory effects of eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) in bronchial asthma: inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood monocytes ex vivo. Eur J Med Res. 1998;3:407–412. 

4.Juergens UR, Dethlefsen U, Steinkamp G, Gillissen A, Repges R, Vetter H. Anti-inflammatory activity of 1.8-cineol (eucalyptol) in bronchial asthma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Respir Med. 2003;97:250–256. doi: 10.1053/rmed.2003.1432.

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Boneset, Guan Ye Zelan

Asteraceae

Dried Aerial Parts

*Never use fresh herb

This is another medicine native to North America and taught to the settlers by the Indigenous. This medicine is used for fevers and treating muscle and bone pain. This medicine was traditionally used for fever before aspirin was created (which is from Salix alba).

Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones: eupafolin, euperfolitin, eufoliatin, eufoliatorin, euperfolide, eucannabinolide, helenalin

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids 

Immunostimulatory polysaccharides: 4-0-methylglucuroxylans

Sterols, Volatile Oil

Flavonoids: quercetin, kaempferol, hyperoside, astragalin, rutin, eupatorin

Diterpenes: dendroidinic acid, hebenolides

Actions: Diaphoretic, Bitter, Laxative, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Astringent, Emetic

Uses: Fever: One of the best remedies for Influenza as is helps the body sweat and get rid of pathogens and inflammatory cytokines that leave the achy feeling

Was traditionally used in Typhoid Fever, Dengue Fever and is now used with Malaria

Studies indicate that the herb treats viral and bacterial infections because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties and by stimulating white blood cells to kill disease-causing organisms[1]

————

“In every epidemic of influenza it has been used with great advantage. During the severe pandemic of 1918-19 it was one of the safest and most successful remedies employed and contributed much to the successful management of the disease under Eclectic treatment”

-Richard Whalen, Medical Herbalist

New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists, American Herbalist's Guild

————

European studies show that Boneset helps treat infections by stimulating white blood cells to destroy disease-causing micro-organisms more effectively, and especially showed to increase the rate of phagocytosis [3]

Cattarh of Upper Respiratory Tract: URTI, asthma, allergy -especially with mucous congestion -use in smaller doses as a tonic

Bone Pain, Rheumatic Pain, Neuralgic Pains: Boneset’s property of relieving deep-seated pain was recognized vastly by settlers

Vomit: at large doses it becomes an emetic and laxative, while promoting profuse diaphoresis - this is effective for supporting the body in purging microbes and should be used in debility where vomit presents -this medicine can be used strongly and in succinct dosages for a short period of time

Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Bitter, Astringent -Cold- Affinity to: LU, LV Meridians

Releases to the Exterior, Expels Wind Heat: thirst, deep muscle pain as if in bones, backache, cough, measles, asthma with hot conditions, intermittent fever, rheumatic fever, acute or chronic jaundice, congestion, fever, constipation

Clears Damp-Heat, Relieves Fever:bloating, indigestion and chronic sinus congestion with yellow mucous

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergies. Never use fresh herb: contains a toxic chemical, tremerol, that is eliminated by drying

Articles and References:

1.https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/boneset/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 549.

3.Habtemariam, S. and Macpherson, A. M. Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of ethanol extract from leaves of a herbal drug, boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum). Phytother Res  2000;14(7):575-577

Eupatorium purpureum

Gravel Root

Asteraceae

Rhizome, Root

Another plant that is native to North America and was taught by the Indigenous people.

Constitutents:Volatile Oil, Pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Flavonoids: euparin

Resin: eupurpurin

Actions: Antilithic, Diuretic, Antirheumatic, Anti-inflammatory

Uses:

Calculi: Renal, Urinary, GB -especially with hematuria d/t gravel

UTI: cystitis, urethritis

Used for irritation of the urinary bladder from chronic inflammation and suppression of urine, partial or complete -Ellingwood

Kidney Dysfunction: use for edema and/or urinary retention from dysfunctional kidneys

Rheumatism, Gout: especially with excess uric acid

Feminine Medicine: Gravel root has an affinity to the lower organs and to drain damp-heat so it is especially useful for females that feel very heavy during their menses, for fibroids, endometriosis, uterine issues that are the cause of stagnant damp-heat

Energetics: Cold, Dry

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergy. DNU longterm d/t accumulative toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Caution in liver disease.

DNU in Pregnancy or Lactation

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 550.

Euphrasia officinalis

Eyebright

Scrophulariaceae

Dried Aerial Parts

Constituents: 0.5% Iridoid glycosides: aucubin

12% Condensed and Hydrolyzable tannins: gallic acid

Phenolic acid: caffeic, ferulic

Volatile Oil, Flavonoids

Actions: Anticatarrhal, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent

Uses: Infection affecting Mucal Membranes: creating congestion, rhinitis, sinusitis, acute coryza, lacrimation

Eye disorders: lacrimation, stingy, purulence, chronic inflammation, light sensitivity, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, hay fever and allergies -eye wash, compress over eyes or eye drops

Eyebright is a strong astringent and good at drying mucous and nasal or lung congestion. Topically, this same property makes eyebright useful for healing skin wounds, acne, or inflammation of the skin[1]

The Chinese Perspective:

(Slightly) Astringing, Bitter -Cold, Dry- Affinity to: LU, LV Meridians

Clears Heat, Resolves Toxins

Restores the Eyes

Articles and References:

1.https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/eyebright/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 550.

Filipendula ulmaria

Meadowsweet

Rosaceae

Aerial Parts

Harvest: British Columba early Spring

Constituents: Volatile Oil: 70% salicylaldehyde, ethylsalicylate, methylsalicylate

Phenolic glycosides: spiraein, monotropin, gaultherin

Flavonoids: flavonoid, flavones, flavanone, chalcone derivatives

Polyphenols, Hydrolyzable tannins,Phenylcarboxylic acids, Coumarins, Vitamin C, Quercetin

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Carminative, Anti-oxidant, Antacid, Astringent, Antiemetic, Antirheumatic, Anodyne, Febrifuge, Anti-coagulant

Uses: Digestion: one of the best digestive remedies as it protects and soothes mucous membranes while reducing excess acidity and easing nausea -very gentle on the stomach while also providing pain relief. A good medicine used to heal the gut lining and therefore optimal with ‘leaky gut’- especially if the GI system is hyperactive (often the ssx of anxiety is pronounced in these people)

It is very good for treating weak or injured connective tissue, messy wounds, skin, and phlegmy inflammations[1]

Hyperacidity: GERD, heartburn, hyperacidity, peptic ulceration.. use especially for Ulcers

Inflammation and Pain anywhere in the body, especially joints and muscle pain but definitely anywhere in the digestive tract. Chewing the fresh peeled root can cure a headache.

Laboratory studies show Meadowsweet has a strong and active chemistry that acts on pathways of inflammation and suggests the reason it has developed a reputation for the treatment of inflammatory diseases[2]

————

Meadowsweet was used in an ointment for 48 women with cervical dysplasia. A complete remission was recorded in 25 cases and a positive response in 32 women in all. No recurrence was observed in 10 of the women after 12 months[4]

Fever: salicylate content -use with fever in anyone but especially children and especially children with diarrhea, stomach disorders and headache dt pathogen

Anticoagulant: Diabetes Melitius, Inflammation in the body (measured by ESR, CRP, Homocysteine), Arrythymias, MI-risk, CVD

An anticoagulant activity for extracts of Meadowsweet flowers has been demonstrated, which is thought to be due to a heparin-like substance in the plant [3]

The Chinese Perspective:

Aromatic, Sweet, Bitter -Cool- Affinity to: ST, BL Meridians

Clears Damp- Heat, Reduces Inflammation: swollen gums, ulcers, bloating, bladder infections with painful urination, gastritis, muscle pain, headache, arthritis, fever

Regulates Water Metabolism: Promotes Urination: Bladder infections, edema, high blood pressure.

———

Ceremonial Medicine: Has been used all over the world as a plant offering during ceremonies or at sacred sites including weddings and burials. The scent of this plant is one of the most beautiful smells, as outstanding as lilac, and even more sweet. ———

Esoteric Medicine: Meadowsweet is a plant that symbolizes purity, grace and refinement. It has been used in spells and potions to attract love and create happiness. Burning the dried herb in your home will cleanse the air of negative energies and lift the spirit while hanging it provides a beautiful aroma all year.

Safety Considerations: Theoretical: salicylate sensitivity, possible bleeding. Possible drug interactions with pharmaceutical anticoagulants.

Articles and References:

1.https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/meadowsweet/

2.Halkes SBA, Beukelman CJ, Kroes BH et al. Phytother Res 1998; 11:518-520

3.Kudryashov BA, Lyapina LA, Konfsshevskaya VM et al. Vestn Moskovskogo Universiteta Seriya Xvi Biologiya 1994;(3):15-17

4.Peresun'ko AP, Bespalov VG, Limarenko AI et al. Vopr Onkol 1993;39(7-12):291-295

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 550.

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel

Apiaceae

Seed, Bulb, Stalk

Constituents: 8% Volatile Oil: 60-80% anethole, 10-30% fenchone, ⍺-pinene, camphene, dipentene, ⍺-phallandrene

Flavonoids: rutin, quercetin, kaemferol glycosides

Coumarins: bergaptin, imperatorin, xanthotoxin, marmesin, 7-hydroxycoumarin

Vitamin C, Potassium

Actions: Carminative, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Galactagogue, Hepatic

Uses:

Stomach Remedy: dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, stimulates digestion and appetite

Lung Conditions: Cough: brochitis, dry coughs -very calming to irritated bronchials, also very useful for mucous and phlegm especially if cold constitution

Mother/Infant Medicine: Milk Production: nursing mothers -infant colic

Rheumatic and Muscular Pains: topical applications, warm compresses

The Chinese Perspective:

-Warm- Affinity to: LV, KD, BL, SP Meridians

Warm Interiors and Expel Phlegm

Spreads Liver Qi, Warms Kidneys

Expels Cold, and Alleviates Pain: warms and encourages movement in liver channel or lower burner as in cold hernial disorders, or any kind of pain in lower burner due to cold

Regulates Qi, Harmonizes the Stomach: stomach cold syndromes with abdominal pain, indigestion, reduced appetite and vomiting

Tonify Spleen Qi: headache, poor appetite, malaise, fetid orange urine (due to uric acid or stones), gout, urinary tract infection (UTI)

Tonify Lung Qi: cough with thin white phlegm, asthma where breathing in is difficult.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 551.

Fucus vesiculosus

Kelp, Kun Bu, Kombu

Fucaceae

Whole Plant

Constituents: Phenolic compounds: phloroglucinol, fucols, fucoidan

Mucopolysaccharides: algin

Diglyceride esters: sulphuryl, sulphonyl, phosphonyl-glycolsyl

Trace minerals: Iodine, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium and 70 other important trace minerals required for proper function of the endocrine, neural and immunological functions of the body

Actions: Thyroid regulation, Antirheumatic, Diuretic, Potent Antioxidant

Uses: Thyroid Dysfunction: iodine content helps regulate thyroid, especially useful for hypothyroid states and fatigue, weight gain due to under activity

Rheumatism: including RA

Inflammation: antioxidant capacity binds reactive oxygen species that damage endothelial cell lining and creates inflammation all over the body

-Iodine content helps protect against radiation-

The Chinese Perspective:

Salty, Neutral -Cold- Affinity to: KD, LV, ST Meridians

Strengthen Spleen & Stomach Qi

Dissolves Phlegm: nodules, goiter, and feeling of heaviness/obstruction in the chest. Supports female conditions: regulates menses, eases menopause, helps lactation, prevents anemia

The Chinese often combine it with Hai Zao (Sargassie) to treat goiter and scrofula[1]

Promotes Urination and Reduces Swelling: leg edema and restless leg syndrome

Strengthen Joints

Safety Considerations: Prolonged ingestion may reduce iron absorption due to the binding capability of fucoidan to heavy metals

Articles and References:

1.https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/kelp/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 551.

Galega officinalis

Goat’s Rue

Fabaceae

Dried Aerial Part

Constituents: Amines: galegine, 4-hydroygalegine, peganin

Flavonoids, Saponins

Actions: Hypoglycaemic, Galactagogue, Diuretic, Diaphoretic

Uses: Hyperglycaemia: pre diabetic uses or alongside insulin use, with Naturopathic Medical supervision

Breast Milk: stimulates both the production and flow of milk and has shown to increase milk output by up to 50%

Safety Considerations: caution with anti-diabetic pharmaceutical medications

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 552.

Galium aparine

Cleavers

Rubiaceae

Aerial Parts

Constituents: Plant acids: caffeic, ⍴-coumaric, gallic, ⍴-hydroxybenzoic, salicylic, citric, gallotannic acid

Coumarins, Tannins, Flavonoids

Iridoids: asperuloside, rubichloric acid, cumin

Actions: Lymphatic Tonic, Depurative Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Alterative, Astringent

Uses: Lymphatic System: one of the best medicines to tonify the lymphatics, the combination of alterative, diuretic and anti-inflammatory action supports a thorough cleanse of the system -very useful for tonsillitis and any adenoid troubles, and lymphadenitis anywhere in the body -seemingly acts to increase urinary waste products which allows for detoxification

Cleavers are a valuable diuretic. The herb has also been used in both kidney and liver Spring tonics as a general blood cleanser and even as a cleansing tonic especially for nodal congestion of the lymphatics.

Skin Health: as typical, cleansing the lymphatics cleanses the skin, helpful for eczema, psoriasis, acne

Urinary Bladder and Kidney Disorders: Cleanses the Kidneys, useful for edema d/t KD dysfunction, UB stones and calculi, scalding micturition, dysuria, irritable bladder, cystitis

Cleavers is often combined with goldenrod and nettles to help tonify and strengthen weak kidneys[1]

Liver Disorders: hepatitis, liver toxicity, general blood cleanser

Feminine Disorders: fibroids, cysts, PCOS, hormonal disorders -all with a theme of stagnated damp-heat in the lower jiao

The constituent, asperuloside, is a substance that is converted into prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and blood vessels[1]

A great detoxifying medicine for chronic smokers as the chemicals of cigarettes tend to sit in the lower jiao and produce disorders of the sexual organs, kidneys and urinary bladder

TheChinese Perspective:

Astringent, Bitter, (Slightly) Sweet -Cooling- Affinity to: KD, LV, BL Meridians

Clears Damp Heat: psoriasis, eczema, swollen glands, fever, measles, scarlet fever, hepatitis 

Moves Qi Stagnation: anxiety, moodiness, arthritis

Disperses Toxins, Reduces Swelling: softens stones, tumors, edemas, bites, joint pain, sore throat, ear ache, swollen lymph nodes, kidney and bladder stones or gravel, wounds.

Esoteric Medicine: Cleavers were traditionally used in love potions

Cleavers are most potent fresh or in tincture

Articles and References:

1.https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/cleavers/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 551.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo

Ginkgoaceae

Leaf

Ginkgo is deemed to be the oldest tree in the world, surviving the ice age and dating back to over 165 million years ago in China.

Constituents: Diterpene lactones: ginkgolides A, B, C, J

Sesquiterpene lactones: bilobalide

Flavone glycosides: ginkgetin, quercetin, kaemferol

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, Cerebroprotective, Vasodilator, Bitter, Uterine stimulant

Uses: Brain Health: depression and slowed brain function d/t cerebral blood insufficiency seen especially in the Geriatric population however this is also a strong medicine to support health after a Mild-traumatic Brain Injury and definitely for Post-Concussion Syndrome

Common signs and symptoms that indicate Ginkgo would be beneficial is difficulties with concentration or memory, absentmindedness, confusion, tiredness, lack of energy, problems sleeping, depression, anxiety, decrease physical performance, eye-sight problems, tinnitus, headaches, vertigo, dementia

Ginkgo’s primary action is Cerebroprotective, which seems to be due to the ginkgolide and bilobalide constituents. Blood supply to the brain and peripheral body is increased with use of this botanical medicine, which allows for a greater capacity of energy production and together, a function to protect and enhance brain function. Ginkgo's ability to improve blood supply is due to its vasodilation properties as well as its ability to reduce total blood viscosity by antagonizing platelet activating factor (PAF). Additionally Ginkgo shows to protect the brain from ischemia which seems most likely due to increasing the carrying capacity of oxygenated blood to the cells and the brain. The free radical scavenging ability of the antioxidants available in Ginkgo biloba further support brain health by minimizing oxidation and inflammation of the tissues.

Cardiovascular Health: As this medicine works to bring oxygenated blood to the brain and antagonize the inflammatory cascade of Platelet Activating Factor, it has the same protective abilities for the rest of the vasculature of the body and thus can also be useful in peripheral occlusion diseases, diabetic neuropathies and Raynaud’s disease/phenomena.

Safety Considerations: Ginkgo may potentiate the effects of the pharmaceutical Papaverine. Raw Ginkgo fruit is toxic and not used as medicine.

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Sweet -Neutral- Affinity to: HT, LU Meridians

Category: Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing

In TCM, Phlegm is a condition of Stagnation of Fluids which often starts in the Spleen and goes to the Lungs where it accumulates, thickens and becomes pathological Phlegm. Phlegm, being a form of Stagnation. Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing treat branch symptoms of this Stagnation and tend to have antitussive, expectorant, diuretic or laxative properties.

Based on TCM’s Theory of Five Elements, bitter tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing heat, drying dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. Sweet tends to slow down acute reactions, detoxify the body, and also have a tonic effect as they replenish Qi and Blood.

Evidence Based Medicine Studies:

The leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba L. has been used for years to treat age-related memory-deficit problems, including Alzheimer's and dementia. Experimental and clinical studies have revealed its beneficial effects on a wide range of pathological conditions including hepatoprotective, photoprotective effects, DNA repair mechanism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [1]

Ginkgo biloba leaf showed good efficacy in promoting memory function in mild cognitive impairment patients [2]

Clinical studies have shown that ginkgo extracts exhibit therapeutic activity in a variety of disorders including Alzheimer's disease, failing memory, age-related dementias, poor cerebral and ocular blood flow, congestive symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and the prevention of altitude sickness.[3]

Articles and References:

1.Mohanta T, et al. Phytochemical and medicinal importance of Ginkgo biloba L. 2014.Nat Prod Res., 28(10):746-52. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2013.879303. Epub 2014 Feb 5.

2.Zhao M, et al. Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract in improving episodic memory of patients with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.2012. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. , 10(6):628-34.

3. McKenna D, et al. Efficacy, safety, and use of ginkgo biloba in clinical and preclinical applications.2001. Altern Ther Health Med. , 7(5):70-86, 88-90.

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 554.

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/ginkgo.htm

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice

Fabaceae

Root

Harvest: Tropical regions of British Columbia

This medicine was taught to me by a traditional Nisga’a medicine person. It is used for a wide variety of implications and the raw root can simply be chewed for instant energy. This medicine, as all medicines that have been taught to me by the indigenous are not meant to be harvested by just anyone. You must have permission. Taking medicine without a prayer and proper rights to harvest can create a medicine that has no power or, if you upset the spirits, it can create bad implications.

Constituents: Oleanane triterpenes: glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, glucuronic acid, phytosterols

Flavonoids: isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, liquiritin, neoliquirtin, isoliquiritin 

Flavanones, Isoflavonoids, Chalcones

Polysaccharides: glucans

Volatile Oil: fenchone, linalool, furfuryl alcohol, benzaldehyde

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Demulcent, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Antihepatotoxic, Antiviral, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial

Uses:

Andrenal Insufficiency: The triterpenes of Glycyrrhiza are metabolized in the body to biochemically similar stucture to the hormones of the adrenal cortex and therefore bind into the hormone receptors and give the adrenals a rest. Additionally, this molecular mimicry of cortisol gives similar anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

Alongside being structurally similar to adrenal hormones, Licorice root is well-documented as having inhibitory effect on the metabolic pathway that breaks down cortisol in liver cells.

Liver Support: hepatitis, cirrhosis

Antiviral: Glycyrrhiza inhibits the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses and has been shown to irreversible inactivate the herpes simplex virus [1]

Recent studies suggest that glycyrrhizin may inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) by targeting the release step in which hepatitis C viral particles infect cells[4]

In addition to the antiviral effects documented on hepatitis C, treatment with Glycyrrhiza glare has also been successfully with the following viruses: herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), hepatitis A virus (HAV); hepatitis B virus (HBV); human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), coronavirus; Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and influenza virus[5]

Antibacterial: studies have found that Glycyrrhiza glabra can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, Streptococcus sanguis and Enterococcus faecalis [7]

Antifungal: including yeast and filamentous fungi, especially strong to Candida albicans, Aspergillis spp.

Bronchial Health: catarrh, -itises, inflamed throat or bronchials, irritated cough, any mucous, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema

Flavonoids extracted from licorice root quenched pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting the recruitment of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, and by suppressing the mRNA expression of TNF-α [6]

Liquorice acts upon mucous membrane to lessen irritation

Gastrointestinal Health: especially GERD, ulcers and peptic ulcers, deglycyrrhizinated licorice root used to heal gut lining and ‘leaky gut syndrome’, colic, IBS

Infant Colic: DGL liquorice is a very old and very helpful remedy to sooth infant and small children that have stomach upset

UTI: especially with pyuria -demulcent action soothes all irritated membranes

Anti-inflammatory: Glycyrrhiza is one of top medicines to go to to bring down inflammation in the body (and inflammation generally means pain). The flavonoid compounds of Glycyrrhiza are well-documented for their beneficial effects on health. This medicine has been used for over 2000 years in China and not only is it attributed to being a strong anti-inflammatory, it is also a strong antioxidant, and studies are showing anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties as well.[3]

Mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effect appear to result from inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production and inhibition of phospholipase A2 (PLA2).

——————

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Neutral Affinity to: SP, ST, HT, LU Meridians

Category: Herbs that Replenish Vital Qi

Liquorice root is often used in conditions like spleen and stomach deficiencies, general weakness, palpitations, breath shortness, productive coughs, spasms in gastric and abdominal regions and limbs, sores, abscess and poisoning. Modern uses licorice root to treat Addison's disease, peptic ulcer, viral hepatitis, thrombocytopenic, purpura, diabetes insipidus, eczema, herpetic keratitis, scleritis and acute iridocyclitis.

Supports ST & SP Function: Spleen and stomach deficiencies lead to a low level of vital qi in the body resulting in symptoms of fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, loose bowels. Traditionally, liquorice root is combined with pilose asiabell root, largehead atractylodes rhizome and poria for relief. Persistent spleen weakness may result in prolapse which is basically that there is insufficient qi to hold the internal organs in their proper places. This level of deficiency can be treated by licorice root combined with astragalus root, bupleurum root and bugbane rhizome.

Liquorice root is used in muscular spasms and is traditionally combined with white peony root, angelica root and suberect spatholobus stem to relieve muscular spasms which are due to blood deficiency; cassia twig. To relieve abdominal colic that due to excess cold in the spleen and stomach, liquorice is combined with peony root and fresh ginger .

Clears Heat, Eliminates Toxins, Expels Phlegm: Liquorice root can promote the healing of pustulent infections or inflammatory conditions. Traditionally, licorice is combined with honeysuckle flower, weeping forsythia capsule and dandelion for internal and external treatments.

Slows Acute Reactions: this includes microbial, and especially viral infections

Controls Cough: Liquorice root is used in a variety of Upper Respiratory Tract conditions including sore throats and specifically with different coughs:

• Wind-Cold Cough: Licorice with ephedra and bitter apricot kernel

• Phlegm-Damp Cough: Licorice with gypsum, pinellia tuber and poria

• Phlegm-Heat Cough: Licorice with snake gourd and unibract fritillary bulb

• Yin-deficient Cough: Licorice with fourleaf ladybell root and dwarf lily-turf tuber

• Heat Cough (with panting): Licorice with gypsum, ephedra and bitter apricot kernel

• Cold Cough (with panting): dried ginger, Manchurian wild ginger and schisandra

Support the Heart:

Processed (deglycyrrhinated aka ‘DGL’) licorice root is an important ingredient for abnormal heart beat and palpitations which is the Chinese perspective regards as signs of inadequate blood and heart qi. The herb is usually prescribed with ginseng, rehmannia root, cassia twin and donkey-hide gelatin to replenish heart blood.

Hysteria: In the Chinese perpective, the extreme emotional disorder of hysteria is due to heart weakness and, or liver stagnation and liquorice root is used with shrivelled wheat and Chinese date as the base ingredients to a formula, which is then built with other ingredients for the individual constitution.

Poisoning: Liquorice root can be used to detoxify. For mild poisoning and there is no available antidote, physicians may try to alleviate it by a concentrated solution of liquorice root. The herb can be used alone, or boiled with mung bean, black soybean or honey

Licorice is found in nearly half of all traditional formulations and is combined with other botanical medicines to enhance their effectiveness and generally raise Qi, reduce toxicity, and improve flavour:

Modulates Harsh properties of other Medicines:

Traditionally, Licorice root is often used to modulate harsh or toxic properties in remedy formulations. An example is purgative remedies, where liquorice is added so as to reduce the adverse effects of rhubarb and sodium sulfate, which can give abdominal pain. Licorice root helps harmonize different ingredients in a remedy while also creating a sweeter taste to make the decoction more palatable.[2]

Administration and Dosing: For decoction: 2-6g each time, dosage should be low when using for modulation. As a main ingredient, the herb should be used in high dose such as around 10g each time, and at 30-60g for detoxification. Processed liquorice root is recommended for invigoration or replenishment; raw form is recommended for cleansing and detoxification.

Safety Considerations:

Glycyrrhiza glabra should only be used under the prescription and supervision of a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine or a Naturopathic Physician

Glycyrrhiza glabra increases blood pressure, which is monitored by the prescribing Physician

Chronic (over)use may cause hypokalemia, hypertension, weakness of muscles and limbs, dizziness, edema, headache, spastic numbness. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid have antidiuretic, mineralocorticoid-type actions however these constituents are not present when the medicine has be ‘deglycyrrhizinated’ (DGL) and therefore is not a problem in DGL licorice, which is often sold to the market however this is also the very potent medicine and therefore, again, this is another medicine that should only be used under the supervision of a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine or a Naturopathic Physician.

The Chinese say: Liquorice root is contraindicated for individuals with nausea, chest stuffiness, abdominal distention and general swelling.

When raw liquorice root is used improperly and for a long time, there will be side effects like puffiness and hypertension.

Complete Contraindications: There is a complete contraindications of concomitant use with the following pharmacetical agents: thiazide and loop diuretics, spironolactone, cardiac glycosides, amiloride.

Caution: with concomitant use of pharmaceutical hypotensive, corticosteroids, other diuretics not mentioned above, monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Caution of use in people who are hypertensive. DNU if highly hypertensive. Caution with people with kidney deficiency as real risk of edema.

Articles and References:

1. Pompei R. et al. Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits virus growth and inactivates virus particles. 1979. Nature Journal.281(5733):689-90

2.Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Dec 12;150(3):781-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.055. Epub 2013 Nov 5.

3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465813/

4.Matsumoto, et al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3715454/

5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3715454/

6. Xie et al., 2009 –https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19071231

7. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine: https://docksci.com/antibacterial-activity-of-glycyrrhiza-glabra-against-oral-pathogens-an-in-vitro-5ac92976d64ab29f06f3199c.html

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 555.

http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/herbal/gancao.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24201019

Hamamelis virginicus

Witch Hazel

Hamamelidaceae

Twig, Leaf

Witch Hazel is native to North America. The indigenous traditionally used this medicine for  swellings, inflammations and tumors

Constituents: Tannins: hamemeltannins

Flavonoids: quercetin, kaempferol, astragalin, myricitrin

Volatile Oil, Saponins, Resin

Actions: Astringent, Anti-inflammatory

Uses: Rejuvinated Skin: The compounds in Witch Hazel help skin cells draw more closely together, shrinking pores and constricting capillaries at the skin’s surface

Bleeding: internal or external, especially useful for hemorrhoids

Topically: Sore muscles, Bruises, swellings, seeping wounds, venous stasis and varicosities

Dysentery and Diarrhea

Bowel or Uterine prolapse

The Chinese Perspective:

Pungent, Astringent -Cool, Dry- Affinity to: SP, LU, LI Meridians

Stops Bleeding, Dries Damp: Stops Discharges: leucorrhea, nasal discharges, diarrhea.

Nourishes and Moves Blood: hemorrhoids, varicose veins, menorrhagia, nose bleeds, acne, bleeding from the uterus, stomach or mouth

Reduces Inflammation, Relieves Pain: psoriasis, skin injuries, aching muscles, burns

Safety Considerations: Caution warranted with internal use as the high tannin content can cause upset stomach and can be harmful if excessively dosed. DNU internally for long.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 556.

Harpagophytum procumbens

Devil’s Claw

Pedaliaceae

Rhizome

Harvest: Mid-South of United States

Constituents: Iridoid glycosides: harpagide, harpagoside, procumbide

Flavonoids: kaemferol, lueolin, glycosides

Phenolic acids: chlorogenic, cinnamic, oleanolic, ursolic

Quinone: harpagoquinone

Triterpenes, Esters, Sugars

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Anodyne/Analgesic, Anti-rheumatic, Antioxidant, Hepatic, Anti-arryhythmic 

Uses: Arthritis: especially due to a life style where blood is not healthy and has been stagnated for a long time

Inflammatory Disorders: Gout, Osteoarthritis, Back Pain

A 2-month study in 42 individuals with chronic osteoarthritis found that supplementing daily with devil’s claw in combination with turmeric and bromelain, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects as well, reduced pain by an average 46%[1]

Recent studies are proposing that devil’s claw eases gout symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory effects and by directly reducing uric acid levels.[2]

-Pain Relief-

Devil’s claw medicinal constituent ‘harpagoside’ shows effects similar to NSAIDS in pain relief, particularly for lower back pain and without side effects[3]

Metabolic Disorders: Heart, Liver, Gallbladder Health:

Aside from reducing inflammation and major anti-oxidant activity, devil’s claw acts on the liver in a protective fashion and studies are showing it may also suppress the appetite by interacting with the hunger hormone ghrelin which thereby leads to use in metabolic disorders where obesity is a detriment to health[4]

Articles and References:

1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24473984

2.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315989025

3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23194854

4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4113378/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 557.

Hericium erinaceus

Lion’s mane

Fruiting body

Harvest: Spring time on the west coast of Canada, particularly on the island

Constituents: Hericenones A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H

Cyathin diterpenoids: Erinacines A-K and P-S

Actions: Neuroregenerative, Neuroprotective, Neurotropic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Uses:

nervous system Disorders

Depression

Anxiety

Memory impairment

Vision impairment

Sensory impairments

Adrenal Fatigue/Insufficiency

Fibromyalgia

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Brain trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s

Nerve damage

Neuralgia and Neuropathic pain syndromes, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Cerebral Vascular Accident PREVENTION, and Recovery, including Ischemic Stroke

The Hericenones of Lions mane have A strong stimulatory effect on the biosynthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF)

LEADING TO BOTH AN EARLIER TIMING OF MYELINATION , AND A GREATER RATE OF MYELINATION

Both hericenones and erinacines are low molecular weight compounds that are small enough to cross the blood–brain barrier.[1] Hericenone D is almost as high as epinephrine in its degree of bioactivity in the body and bioassay shows the synthesis of NGF in the presence of erinacine to be even higher than in the presence of the hericenones, alone[2]

Results of study show Erinacines decrease amyloid-ß plaque deposition[3] and therefore are useful for the prevention, and treatment, of Alzheimer’s disease.

Lion’s mane is an effective support in treating neuropathic pain

[4,5,6]

NEUROPROTECTION

Studies evaluating the neurotoxic model of Parkinson’s Disease showed that treatment with Lion’s mane for 25 days significantly improved the oxidative stress and dopaminergic lesions in both the substantia nigra and the stratum basalis.[7] while another study conducted by the same researchers showed neurite growth was also improved[8]

A study done on mice with transient focal cerebral ischemia pretreated with Lion’s mane discovered that five days of pretreatment decreased infarction by 22% at 50 mg/kg of Lion’s mane and by 44% at 300 mg/kg.[9] Lion’s mane is therefore dose-dependent in its efficacy. It is also believed that Lion’s mane may be so anti-inflammatory due to a mediation of the inflammatory cytokine response the body can have however more studies must be conducted.

Articles and References:

1.B.J Ma et. al.Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceum.2010.Mycology;1(2):92–8

2.Lion’s mane: Hericium erinaceus. Monograph. Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine: https://restorativemedicine.org/library/monographs/lions-mane/

3.Cheng et al.High molecular weight of polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus against amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity. 2016.BMC Complement Altern Med.16:170

4.Apfel et al.Neurotrophic factors in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.1996.Ciba Found Symp.196:98–108.

5.Liu et al. Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes), modulates purinoceptor-coupled calcium signaling and murine nociceptive behavior. 2017.Int J Med Mushrooms.19:499–507. 

6.Yi et al. Protective effect of ethanol extracts of Hericium erinaceus on alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathic pain in rats. 2015.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015:595480. 

7.Mori et al.Effects of Hericium erinaceus on amyloid beta(25–35) peptide-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. 2011.Biomed Res.32:67–72.

8.Mori et al. Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. 2008.Biol Pharm Bull. 31:1727–32. 

9.Allen et. al. Oxidative stress and its role in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke. 2009.Int J Stroke. 4:461–70.

Humulus lupulus

Hops

Cannabaceaea

Dried Flower

Harvest: British Columbia

Hops are a distant relative to Stinging Nettle and Cannabis ♡ The Indigenous people of North America used hops to sleep, improve digestion and sooth toothaches.

NB: Hops tend to be unstable when exposed to light or air and lose their potency after a few months’ storage.

Constituents: Volatile Oil: humulene, β-caryophyllene, myrcene, farnesene

Flavonoids: kaempferol and quercetin glycosides

3-12% oleoresin: humulone, lupulene

Tannins, Lipids

Chalcone: Xanthohumol

Actions: Estrogenic, Sedative, Hypnotic, Antispasmodic, Antimicrobial, Astringent

Uses: Sleep (also: Valerian, Lavender, Chamomile)

Severe Anxiety including PTSD

Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia: use with an anodyne and this medicine calms the nervous system

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Astringent, Pungent -Cold- Affinity to: HT, LV, ST Meridians

Clears Heat, Calms Shen: insomnia, anxiety, palpations, unrest, ringing in the ears fever in the Shao Yang Stage.

Regulates Liver Qi: nervous tension, spasmodic asthma, scanty urine, pain, hot flashes, poor appetite, fatigue

Promotes urination, Softens Stones:  urinary tract infections, KD, BL, GB stones

Reduces Inflammation, Clears Toxins: boils, herpes, eczema, ringworm, scurvy, acne

Energetic Medicine: Hops suppress the libido.

Safety Considerations: People with depression should avoid this as it is sedating and can accentuate an emotionally ‘down’ state. Do not operate heavy equipment while using this medicine. DNU with alcohol or other pharmaceutical sedatives.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 557.

Hydrangea arborescens

Hydrangea

Hydrangeaceae

Dried Rhizome/Root

Harvest: British Columbia

Hydrangea arborescens is used to treat urinary tract disorders, kidney toxicity and bladder infections and stones. The name “hydrangea” derives from the Greek, meaning water vase. This medicine has been used all over the world by different groups. The roots are externally pale grey, tough and splinter when fractured revealing a white inner core. When fresh the roots and rhizomes are succulent, full of water and can be easily cut. When dry, they are very tough and resistant, so harvest when fresh!

Constituents: Flavonoids: quercetin , rutin

Coumarin: hydrangin

Cyanogenic glycosides: halofugione

Saponins, Volatile Oil: Kaempferol

Minerals: Calcium, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorous, Silicon, Sodium

Actions: Antilithic, Diuretic, Strong Antioxidant

Uses: In North America, the Indigenous used hydrangea roots and rhizomes to detox the kidney and bladder helping to support kidney, bladder, gall bladder, pancreas, prostate and urethra functioning. The plant has the ability to help prevent kidney and bladder stones from forming and are considered especially useful for helping to ease stones or gravel through the system if they have already formed.

Lithasis: KD, BL, GB Stones, acute nephritis, cystitis -use especially with frequent urination with heat, during and sharp acute pains in the urethra

Also useful for any aching low back pain that is possible gravel in the kidneys and any urinary irritation. The plant is believed to increase the body’s use of calcium and therefore lowers the risk of kidney stones.

I am convinced after a lifetime of experience [with the botanical medicines] that Hydrangea is a sedative to pain and distress in the kidneys and urinary bladder more than any other remedy-Ellingwood

-Hydrangea root normalizes the water-salt metabolism in the body-

Huge Antioxidant Potential: studies are just starting to recognize the Hydrangea root may hold more antioxidant potential that Milk Thistle and Turmeric, and this is the potential why it’s so effective in clearing stones from the UB, GB, KD’s. Due to the antioxidant capacity of this medicine, Hydrangea arborescens is being studied for its ability to help treat autoimmune disorders:

Its constituent ‘halofugione’ exhibits a rare ability to interfere with autoimmune pathologies however it is not by simultaneously suppressing the immune system in the way that other autoimmune interfering compounds typically do.

Masculine Medicine: an enlarged or inflamed prostate

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Pungent Affinity to: KD, BL, LU Meridians

Kidney Tonic: Reduces Inflammation, Clears Heat, Expels Phelgm: urinary tract infections, kidney stones or gravel, gout, edema, prostate disorders, PMS.

Stimulates the Uterus: promotes childbirth

In China, two species of hydrangea are used as medicines: Xiu Qiu (Hydrangea arborescens) and Chang Shan (Dichroa febrifuga).

Similar to the West, Xiu Qiu is also used in China to treat Kidney, Prostate and Bladder disorders,

Chang Shan (Dichroa febrifuga) is famous for treating malaria:This herb is considered one of the main antimalarial herbs available and acts by moving phlegm in the body. The medicinal constituent ‘febrifugine’ found is considered 100 times more powerful than quinine . An old Chinese saying says: “No phelgm, no malaria.”

Esoteric Medicine: English folklore from the 1700’s tells that this plant is unlucky for girls looking for a husband, so if you grow them near your house you are cursing the females in the house.

In Asia, pink hydrangeas mean, “you are the beat of my heart’ and are given as symbols of love

Safety Considerations: The roots and rhizomes are safe however the flowers are mildly toxic and the leaves are toxic. Smoking this plant’s leaves can cause illness and death due to the cyanide.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 558.

Hydrastis canadensis

Goldenseal

Ranunculaceae

Rhizome/Root

Harvest: Eastern Canada

Goldenseal is native to North America and was taught to the settlers by the Indigenous whom used it for cancer like illnesses, internal inflammatory conditions, canker sores and stomach issues. As typical of colonizers, settlers then grossly over harvested this medicine for the marketplace and have since caused it to be almost extinct. Due to the near-extinction of this medicine, it is in a very rare and severe situation that this medicine is warranted.

Constituents: 2.5-6.0% Isoquinoline alkaloids: 1.5-4.0% hydrastine, 0.5-6.0% berberine, canadine, hydrastinine

Fatty acids, Resins, Phytosterins

Phenlypropanoids: meconin, chlorogenic acid

Actions: Strong Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Anticatarrhal, Immunostimulant, Bitter, Hepatic, Alterative, Strong Anti-inflammatory, Laxative, Emmenagogue, Tonic to mucal membranes, Uterotonic, Sedative, Hypotensive

Use: Dysbiosis and Digestive disorders: SIBO, Candida overgrowth, Leaky gut, H. Pylori infections, ulcers, colitis, IBS

Use for any functional disorder of the stomach or digestion, including loss of appetite, dyspepsia, constipation, hepatic congestion, jaundice

The berberine in goldenseal helps fight infections, lower blood pressure and possibly lower blood sugars.

Catarrh anywhere in the body, especially sinus disorders but fibroids and endometriosis is also considered catarrh

As Echinacea is another traditional and powerful remedy native to North America, Goldenseal and Echinacea were powerful medicines used together, with the third very powerful medicine of North America being Labrador Tea

Goldenseal’s best qualities are its ability to astringe, restore, stimulate and decongest.

Bleeding: Its astringing qualities help with excessive blood flow during menses and in cases of internal bleeding.

Cholecystitis and Cholecystolithiasis: GB stagnation: bitter action stimulates bile

Fungal Infections: including Tinea’s and Candida albicans

UTI: Goldenseal helps prevent E coli from binding to the urinary tract wall

The isoquinoline alkaloids give the immunostimulant, antispasmodic, uterotonic, cholerectic and carminative properties, alongside the breadth of spectrum as an antibiotic.

Traditionally used in labour to help strengthen and promote contractions

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Astringing -Cooling- Affinity to: LU, SP, LV Meridians

Moves Blood, Dries Damp: hemorrhoids, skin rashes, copious menstration, lung congestion, colds, pneumonia, sinus infections, cystitis

Clears Heat, Reduces Inflammation: eye, skin and lung infections, ringworm, amoebic dysentery, sore throat, laryngitis, open sores, ulcers, acne

Stimulates the Uterus: promotes labor, fibroid growths (especially hard and painful), swollen breasts, uterine ulcers

Moves Stagnation: gall stones, constipation

Balances the Liver and Stomach: painful digestion, bloating, vomiting sour liquid, stress, diarrhea, poor appetite

Safety Considerations: DNU with Cardiac Glycosides. DNU in Pregnancy or Lactation.

DNU for prolonged periods of time

Articles and References:

https://www.christopherhobbs.com/library/articles-on-herbs-and-health/echinacea-and-goldenseal-the-dynamic-duo/

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 558.

Hypericum perforatum

St. John’s Wort

Clusiaceae

Aerial Parts

Harvest: British Columbia. The flowers bloom midsummer and when crushed turn blood red, the color associated with wounds, menses, fertility and childbirth. It was felt that the plant was most potent during this period. 

Constituents: Volatile Oil: caryophyllene, methyl-2-octane, 𝑛-nonane, 𝑛-octanal, 𝑛-decanal, ⍺-pinene, β-pinene

Napthodianthones: hypericin, pseudohypericin, isophypericin, and protohypericin

Phloroglucinols: hyperforin

Catechins, Proanthocyanidins

Phenolic compounds: caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeoylquinic acids

Glycosides and Flavonoids: hyperoside, rutin, kaempferol, carotenes, phenylpropanes, flavonol glycosides, avicularin, quercetin, isoquercetin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin

Biflavones: biapi-genin

Plant acids: nicotinic, myristic, palmitic, and stearic

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial, Astringent, Vulnerary, Sedating Nervine, Antidepressant, Anodyne/Analgesic, Antiviral, Antioxidant, Neuroprotectant

Uses: Anxiety/Depression Spectrum: especially with problems sleeping and lots of inner tension

For patients with mild-to-moderate depression, St John's wort has comparable efficacy and safety when compared to SSRIs[1]

A meta-analysis of clinical trials found that that St. John's wort extracts are more effective than a placebo in treating depression and similar to pharmaceuticals used to treat depression but with fewer side-effects[2]

Hypericin has been shown to have a strong affinity for sigma receptors, which regulate dopamine levels. It also acts as a receptor antagonist at adenosine, benzodiazepine, GABA-A, GABA-B, and inositol triphosphate receptors, which regulate action potentials caused by neurotransmitters[3]

Due to it’s extensive studies, Hypericum perforatum is one of the main alternative ‘herbal remedies’ to pharmaceutical therapy for depression

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

St. John’s Wort is one of the most highly studied Botanical Medicines and has loads of evidence based research behind it. Hypericin is considered a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and therefore inhibits the breakdown of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. However, alone, Hypericin was shown to have extremely weak MAO-A and MAO-B inhibition capacity. Furthermore, studies have started to show the importance of the medicinal constituent hyperforin. It is old knowledge in Botanical Medicine that it is not one particular constituent that acts on the body, however it is all the constituents, in their perfection within the plant that cause the actions within the body and it is only Western ideology that tries to break apart a whole system to find a specific constituent. Earth’s medicine, as the same of anything else found in nature, simply does not function this way.

Neuralgic Pains: Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatism, Spinal Injury

Macerating the flowers in oil yields a red sedative, analgesic rub that alleviates neuralgia.

Infuse in Oil and activate medicinal components with sunlight -Chanchal Cabrera

Topical Application: Sore muscles, Brusing, Varicosities, Hemorrhoids, Burns

Detoxification:

St. John’s Wort has been used since Biblical times to promote elimination of catabolic waste products of the body. It’s only Western ideology and society that have changed this medicine to being primarily used as an antidepressant, which many of the eclectic herbalists believe has been way too exaggerated and not the truth of the real potential of this plant.

Antibacterial Properties:

Studies have found this medicine to have a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against gram-positive [4] and to a lesser extent, gram-negative bacteria [7]

Studies have found Hypericum perforatum to be especially active against:

• Staphylococcus aureus -including resistant strains such as MRSA

• Staphylococcus epidermidis

• Helicobacter pylori

• Enterococcus faecalis

• Bacillus subtilis

• Sarcina lutea

• Bacillus cereus, especially strains DSM 4313 and DSM 4384

• Escherichia coli

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Chronobacter sakazakii

  Antibacterial effect of Hypericum perforatum are augmented by activation of the medicine by Sunlight

  Specific Microbial Infections that can be targeted by the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of Hypericum perforatum:

• Urinary Tract Infections

• Gastrointestinal Infections

  
  
  

Antiviral Properties: Strong antiviral action shown in studies to cytomegalovirus

Hypericin appears to have two modes of antiviral activity: one directed at the virions, possibly on membrane components and the other directed at virus-infected cells.[5]

Antiviral effect was augmented by activation of the medicine by Sunlight

Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Properties:

• Alzheimer’s

• Dementia

• Cognitive Disorders

• Depression/Anxiety

• Neurotoxicity

• Heavy Metal Toxicity

• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

• Concussion Syndrome

• Cerebral Hypoxia

• Cerebral Hypoglycaemia

The antioxidant capacity of Hypericum perforatum is due to the plant acids, phenolic acids and flavonoids

Hypericum perforatum studies have found that it is the flavonoid and phenolic acid constituents that give the free radical-scavenging properties. Lipid peroxidation “was significantly reduced in the presence of [this medicine, and it was]the fraction containing flavonoid aglycones [that] was found to be responsible for a major part of the protection against lipid peroxidation”[6]

In a major study in 2016 that looked directly at the neuroprotective capacity of Hypericum perforatum, it was demonstrated to show protective properties against toxic insults and stated the real potential for this medicine to become an effective neuroprotective therapeutic agent with further advances in studies[8]

Studies of treatment with hyperoside, show a reverse in amyloid-β-induced mitochondrial disfunction, including mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, ROS production, and mitochondrial release of cytochrome c. Caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities were also significantly inhibited  [8] It was concluded that hyperoside can protect amyloid-β(25-35)-induced injury in primary cultured cortical neurons via PI3K/Akt/Bad/BclXL-regulated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway [9] In the same biological model, the neuroprotective activity of hyperoside was investigated, by using an in vitro ischemic model of oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion and it was concluded that pretreatment with hyperoside was able to significantly protect cultured cortical neurons from injury.

Hyperoside is known for its ROS scavenging activity[10] as multiple hydroxyl groups confer these compounds with substantial antioxidant properties. [11] Alongside the constituent flavonoids of quercetin and rutin, which have high bioavailability in the digestive tract, Hypericum perforatum is neuroprotective against several types of cerebral stress including, but not limited to, amyloid-plaques, hypoxia, excessive glutamate levels, and oxidative stress[8]

Chelation Properties: Hypericum perforatum has been shown in studies to chelate heavy metals, specifically binding to iron.

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Acrid, Astringent, Neutral Affinity to: LV Meridian

Clears Heat, Eliminates Toxins, Reduces Swellings: carbuncles, snake and bug bites, sores, urinary tract infections, red eyes, tonsillitis

Stops Bleeding: hemoptysis, hermatemsis, and bleeding due to trauma

Dispels Wind Damp: relieves muscle aches and pains

Calms Shen, Smooths Qi: regulates Liver Qi to treat depression

Esoteric Medicine: St John’s Wort’s common name comes from the flower being harvested on St John’s Day, June 24th. where it would be used to ward off evil by hanging the plants over religious icons on St John’s day. This medicine gives energetic protection.

Safety Considerations: The use of St. John’s Wort for the treatment of depression should be under regard of a Naturopathic Physician only. This is a very important medicine as it has major altering effects on the hepatic cytochrome p450 detoxification pathway and therefore should only be used under prescription and a watchful and knowledgeable eye. This medicine changes the way the liver detoxifies the blood and therefore has many drug interactions and contraindications to use. St John’s Wort is very safe for people that are not using pharmaceutical agents however, for those that use pharmaceuticals, the pharmaceutical substances that are highly altered in their metabolism by use of St. Johns Wort are: antihistamines, oral contraceptives, antiretroviral medications, antiepileptic medications, calcium-channel blockers, cyclosporine, macrolide antibiotics, several antifungals, many chemotherapeutic drugs, and more. St. John’s Wort effect on the cytochrome p450 pathway either support the affects of these substances, or negates them and this must thoroughly be researched and addressed by the prescribing physician. What is most optimal is that St. John’s Wort can be used with some pharmaceuticals to maximize the effect of the pharmaceutical and thereby lower its required dosage however only the communication of the Naturopathic Physician and Allopathic Physician (and potentially the Pharmacist) create the security of this.

A photosensitive rash can occur with concomitant use of this medicine and sunbathing however typical dosages of this medicine do not reach the levels of this effect. It is, nonetheless, recommended to minimize sun exposure while using this medicine.

Articles and References:

1.Ng QX et al. Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. PubMed. 2017 Mar 1;210:211-221: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28064110

2.Review: St. John’s wort superior to placebo and similar to antidepressants for major depression but with fewer side effects. Linde K, Berner M, Kriston L. St John’s wort for major depression. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev.2008;4:CD000448.

3.Chavez M. L, Chavez P. I. Saint John's wort. Hosp Pharm. 1997;32(12):1621–32.

4.Reichling et al. A Current Review of the Antimicrobial Activity of Hypericum perforatum L.Pharmacopsychiatry 2001; 34(Suppl1): 116-118

5. J.B Hudson et al. Antiviral activities of hypericin. Elsevier. Vol,15. Issue 2. February 1991, Pages 101-112

6. Silva B. et al. Phytochemical and antioxidant characterization of Hypericum perforatum alcoholic extracts. Elsevier. Vol.90. Issues.1-2.March–April 2005, Pages 157-167.

7. Del Monte, D. et al. Phenolic content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Hypericum perfoliatum L. Elsevier. Vol.74. November 2015. Pages 342-347

8. Oliviera. A. et al. Neuroprotective Activity of Hypericum perforatum and Its Major Components. Front Plant Sci. 2016; 7: 1004.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4939296/

9.Zheng W., Wang S. Y. (2001). Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in selected herbs. J. Agric. Food Chem. 49 5165–5170.

10. Liu Z., Tao X., Zhang C., Lu Y., Wei D. (2005). Protective effects of hyperoside (quercetin-3-o-galactoside) to PC12 cells against cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Biomed. Pharmacother. 

11.Heim K. E., Tagliaferro A. R., Bobilya D. J. (2002). Flavonoid antioxidants: chemistry, metabolism and structure-activity relationships. J. Nutr. Biochem. 13 572–584.

Wurglics M., Schubert-Zsilavecz M. (2006). Hypericum perforatum: a ‘modern’ herbal antidepressant: pharmacokinetics of active ingredients. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 45 449–468. 

https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-2001-15514

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 559.

Hyssopus officinalis

Hyssop

Lamiaceae

Dried Aerial Part

Harvest: British Columbia -looks very similar to Lavendula and it is not native to North America: hyssop was brought to North America with early European settlers. Hyssop is an oil-rich plant which is native to the Middle East and Mediterranean and is an extremely esteemed medicinal plant held in reverence by the Egyptians and described within the Biblical texts.

Hyssop has been used for thousands of years by many cultures as a purifier and cleanser. It is a blood-nourishing and immune-enhancing herb.

Constituents: Terpenoids: β-pinene, isopinocamphone and pinocamphone

Diterpenes: marrubiin

Triterpenoid saponins: oleanolic and ursolic acids

Volatile Oil: camphor, pinocaphone, thujone, spathulenol

Flavonoids: diosmin, hesperidin, apigenin, germacrene, luteolin, quercetin

Glucosides: hysopin

Proanthocyanidine

Phenolic acids: caffeic, gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic,ferulic, protocatechuic and chlorogenic acid

5-8% Tannins, Resin, chlorophyll, l-ascorbic acid, carotenoids

Actions: Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, Anti-microbial Expectorant, Nervine, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Anticonvulsant, Antihemolytic, Antifungal

Lung Health: any catarrh or spasmodic coughs -especially with onset of common cold, influenza, pneumonia as diaphoretic action can help support sweating out the pathogen. Anti-inflammatory and Expectorant actions are useful for asthma, bronchitis and allergies

Hyssop into a hot bath is calming and supports the body in sweating out a pathogenic illness

Hyssop’s volatile oils help to loosen phlegm while the diterpene constituent, marrubium, acts as powerful expectorant and yet it possesses soothing action while it expectorates mucous and suppresses a cough

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies show a decrease of the eosinophil ratio and the levels of serum immunoglobulins IgG and IgE in bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) in asthmatic mice with simultaneous inhibition of the inflammatory cytokines interferon(IFN)-𝜸, interleukins (IL)-4,6,17 [1]

Digestive Health: stimulates digestion and cleanses the system of microbes and parasites. Hyssop is very useful for:

• Dyspepsia

• Ulcers, including, and especially, with the original insult being of H.pylori infection

• Candida albicans overgrowth

• Inflammatory disorders such as IBS

Antifungal Activity: most pronounced through the essential oil extract of Hyssop

Convulsions, Epilepsy, Petit Mal Seizures: studies show constituents bind to GABA-A receptor antagonists, more studies need to be done on this to provide more ‘evidence based medicine’ however the medicinal knowledge of using Hyssop for convulsions and even Petit Mal Seizures has been carried on through the centuries

The Chinese Perspective:

(Slightly) Bitter & Pungent, Neutral -Warming, Dry- Affinity to: LU, SP, LI Meridians

Tonifies the Lungs, Expels Phlegm

Releases to the Exterior, Prevents Infection

Tonifies Qi

Expels Parasites

Esoteric/Energetic Medicine: Hyssop was hung in homes to protect against the evil eye and witches and put with the dead to protect them in the afterlife. Hyssop is a traditional symbol of cleanliness and sacrifice

Biblical Lore: The Bible tells of Hyssop as a herb used for purification, while texts tell that the early Egyptians also used it for religious purification. Psalm 51:7 praises this effect of the herb: Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean.The Hebrew name for hyssop means holy herb.

Safety Considerations:

DNU essential oil of Hyssop internally

Articles and References:

1.Ma X, et al. Effectof Hyssopus of cinalis L. on inhibiting airway in ammation and immune regulation in a chronic asthmatic mouse model. Exp Ther Med, 2014b;8:1371-1374.

Mohd et al.Phytochemistry and pharmacological pro le of traditionally usedmedicinal plant Hyssop (Hyssopus of cinalis L.)Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science Vol. 8(07), pp 132-140, July, 2018. https://www.japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/2687_pdf.pdf

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 559.

Inula helenium

Elecampane

Asteraceae

Rhizome

Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones: helenalin, isoalantolactone, alantolactone

Polysaccharides: up to 44% inulin, quercetin, rutin, mucilage

Volatile Oils: thymol, camphor, alantol

Sterols, Resin

Actions: Stimulating Expectorant, Antimicrobial, Antitussive, Diaphoretic, Hepatic

Uses: Irritable Bronchial Coughs: especially with copious catarrh and any deep seated mucous that is not easily coughed up and therefore that has the additional risk of superimposed bacterial infections:

• Bronchitis

• Bronchial Asthma

• Emphysema

• Lung Catarrh: common cold, allergies

• Tuberculous, Pneumoconiosis, Silicosis

• Pertussis

  Elecampane simultaneously soothes irritation in the lungs while promoting expectoration, and additionally calms cough

  A gently stimulating lung tonic for chronic lung catarrh that is warming, strengthening and cleansing to the pulmonary mucal membranes-Priest and Priest

  Elecampane clears mucus from the lungs, bronchial tubes, sinuses, liver, and digestive tract. It therefore treats the full range of phlegm disorders in the respiratory and digestive systems, including the liver

  A Lung Tonic medicine: the longer you use this medicine, the better it works, as it works slowly and steadily

-Elecampane blends well with Mullein and Licrorice root-

The Chinese Perspective: Traditional Chinese Medicine uses root and flower

Root: Bitter, Acrid -Warm- Affinity to: LU, LV, SP, ST Meridians

Leaf:Bitter, Acrid, (Slightly) Salty -Warm- Affinity to: LV, LU, ST, SP Meridians

Oriental medicine views Elecampane a “Qi tonic.” This medicine tonifies the lungs, digestion, heart, liver and kidneys.

Root:

Builds Qi, Restores the Lungs: autoimmune diseases, exhaustion, daytime sweating, weakness, palpitations, chronic cough, bronchial asthma, coughing up copious white or clear sputum

Dissolves Phlegm from the Lungs and Stomach: cough with sputum, bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, rattling in the chest

Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and Moves Qi: distension, bloating, full feeling and pain in the chest or abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Stimulates the Liver and Uterus: menstrual cramping, constipation, jaundice

Dredges the Kidneys, Releases Toxins: irritability, painful scanty urination, headache, edema. Used to treat cholera, malaria, and dysentary.

Flower:

Redirects Qi Downward, Expels Phlegm: wheezing, congestive fluid disorders with copious sputum

Stops Vomiting, Calms Rebellious Qi: nausea, vomiting due to cold deficiency in the stomach or spleen

Elecampane into a formula is good for when cleansing action is needed, especially the removal and dissolution of phlegm from the body

The herb is used to enhance psychic abilities and was used in ancient times as part of a blend to protect against witches.

Esoteric/Energetic Medicine: enhances psychic abilities and has energetic protective properties

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergies. High doses can cause vomiting and nausea. DNU during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 560.

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/elecampane/

Juniperus communis

Juniper

Cupressaceae

Berry

Harvest: Alberta, eastern British Columbia

A plant that is native to North America and is a sacred medicine that was used for protection from spirits.  The seed of the juniper berries were made into beads for jewellery and decoration.

Constituents: 0.2-3.42% Volatile Oil: myrcene, sabinene, ⍺-pinene, β-pinene, 4-cineole, camphene, limonene, terpinene, thujone

Condensed tannins, Diterpenes, Resin,  l-ascorbic acid, Lignans

Flavonoids: amentoflavone, quercetin, isoquercitrin, apigenin

Actions: Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Antioxidant, Anti-rheumatic, Carminative

Uses: Urinary Tract Antiseptic: UTI, Cystitis -volatile oil is stimulating to the kidney nephrons

Digestive Tonic:  dyspepsia, IBS, dysbiosis, constipation, flatulence

Rheumatic Complaints: OA, RA, DJD -pain in joints especially

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Pungent -Warming- Affinity to: HT, SP, LU Meridians

Category:

 Juniper berries have been used for centuries as a stimulant for the kidneys and bladder to flush out impurities and toxins

It has also been used as a general antibiotic herb to heal infections, as well as a digestive tonic for the stomach, intestines, and spleen

Warms the Middle Jiao: promotes digestion

Expels Phelgm & Warms Lungs

Cleanses the Kidney and Liver

Esoteric/Energetic Medicine: branches and berries are used for ritual cleansing, purifying and protection, Juniper boughs were hung around the home for protection, bushes were planted at door entrances as protection from evil spirits and the smoke of the bough, burnt as a smudge, is considered to cleanse negative energies

The Essential Oil of Juniper is calming and stress relieving without being sedating

Safety Considers: DNU for longterm: prolonged or overuse can cause kidney damage. DNU if have kidney disease. DNU in pregnancy or lactation.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 561.

Lactuca canadensis

Wild Lettuce

Asteraceae

Dried Leaf

Harvest: this plant is found all over the USA and all over the southern half of Canada, in every province. It looks a little bit like Dandelion, as is of the same family. There is a latex in Wild Lettuce, as in many Asteraceae plants, however this one is specific to Wild Lettuce that was at one time sold similar to the latex of Opium Poppy and was called “Lettuce Opium” or “Lactucarium”. It was one of the top pharmacopoeia agents of its day.

Constituents; Sesquiterpene Lactones: 50–60% lactucerin, actucin, lactucopicrin, hyoscyamine

Flavonoids: quercetin

Coumarin: cichoriin, aesculin

𝑁-methyl-β-phenethylamine

Actions: Nervine, Anodyne/Analgesica, Hypnotic, Antispasmodic, Anaphrodesic, Diuretic, Laxative, Anticonvulsant, Sedative

Uses: Insomnia, Anxiety, Restlessness

Pain: any kind especially neuralgia, rheumatic, Fibromyalgia, back pain

Antispasmodic: muscle tension, irritable cough, intestinal, uterus, kidney colic, dysmenorrhea

Edema

Lactucarium gives the diuretic, laxative and sedative actions, which relieve dyspnoea, gastrointestinal inflammation and uterine contractions. Additionally, his medicine has anticonvulsant and hypnotic effects. Traces of hyoscyamine have been found in its chemical composition which is most likely responsible for the sedative effects[1]

Safety Considerations: Potential allergic reactions amongst some people whom are allergic to all Asteraceae-family plants. Sesquiterpene Lactones give the potential for toxicity at too high a dose or if used for long term. Do not use operate heavy equipment with concomitant use. Use only under the guidance of a Naturopathic Physician.

Immediately stop use at the first signs and symptoms of toxicity:  headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea/vomit, a decreased level of consciousness, agitation, dry mucosa, mydriatic (pinpoint) pupils, urinary retention and hypoactive bowel sounds. 

Articles and References:

http://7song.com/wild-lettuce-preparing-a-concentrated-tincture/

1. Zargari A. Medicinal plants. Tehran University Publications 1978; 3: 223–8

Besharat et al. Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) toxicity. BMJ Case Rep. 2009; 2009: bcr06.2008.0134.

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 561.

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender

Lamiaceae

Flower

Harvest: British Columbia, Alberta. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean however it easily grows here and when planted in a garden in the Spring, its flowers are ready to be harvested by the fall.

Constituents: Volatile Oil: linalyl acetate, linalol, lavendulyl acetate, borneol, limonene, caryophyllene

Coumarins: umbelliferone, herniarin, coumarin

Triterpenes: ursolic acid

Flavonoids: luteolin

Actions: Relaxing Nervine, Antidepressant, Carminative, Antispasmodic, Hypotensive, Emmenagogue, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Expectorant

Uses: This is one of the most uplifting and energetic shifting plants, in relaxing and calming the nervous system, it simultaneously lifts the emotional body to create a settled happiness. It is amazing to use before sleep: in a tea or by spraying lavender oil onto the pillow. Internally, as a tea, Lavender strengthens the nervous system and is useful for rehabilitation for fatigue, sickness, depression and even trauma (including PTSD)

Lavendula has been used for centuries to calm the spirit

Lavender is essentially a draining herb that is best applied in chronic excess hot conditions that require the dispersing of energy and there is a need for the energy to also relax.

Feminine Medicine:

• promotes menstration

• aids childbirth: calming

• expels after birth

• infertility

• fibroids, cysts

• stagnation

Lavender Oil is an amazingly healing oil and ointment

Headache: especially congestive or stress related, Migraines

Painful Joints and Muscles: topically to sore muscles, or rheumatic joints

Skin Disorders: acne vulgaris, eczema, psoriasis -Lavender can even calm burns

Infections: Digestive or Respiratory. Lavendula pairs well with Chamomile and Mullein for just about any issue of the lungs or digestive tract.

“Lavender is good for strengthening the stomach, frees the liver and spleen from obstruction and provokes a women’s menses” -Culpeper

Lavender flowers can be eaten in salads and made with salad dressings

The Chinese Perspective:

Pungent, (Slightly) Bitter -Cool, Drying- Affinity to: HT, PC, LU, KD Meridians

Category: Herbs that Circulate Qi

Lavender is used to treat infertility, infection, anxiety and fever in TCM

Clears Heat, Expels Toxicity: palpation’s, anger, acne, wounds, lice, scabies, intestinal worms, scalds, sore throat, cough

Expels Wind, Relieves Itching: cold and flu caused by wind heat, fever, eczema, rashes (including nettle rash), bites and headaches

Reduces Inflammation: eye infections, ulcers, gangrene

Circulates Qi: asthma, bronchitis, depression, flatulence, low back pain

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: The name “lavender” derives from the Latin word “lavare” meaning “to wash.” Lavender has been used to purify the body and spirit. A small satchel of dried flowers can be thrown into the drier to give clothes and sheets a fresh clean smell. Lavender was thrown upon the floors of churches and homes in Europe on festive days. Lavender can be burned as a smudge to purify the energy of a space and keep away evil spirits. Lavender hung in the home protects the home from spirits as well as fleas and insects. It was very traditional to place bundles of Lavender into the hands of a birthing woman to calm her, and give her strength and courage

Safety Considerations:

DNU essential oil of Lavender internally

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 561.

Lentinula edodes

Shiitake mushroom

Fruiting Body

Harvest: This special mushroom comes from China and Japan and has since become very popular in Korea and is now cultivated worldwide as many people have learned of the importance of the medicine in this mushroom.

Constituents: This mushroom is rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and is a very important mushroom to consume if one is vegetarian. This mushroom has a similar amino acid/protein profile to read meat and contains at least 8 essential amino acids that are required nutrients through food, including leucine and lysine. There are several important B-vitamins in this mushroom and especially is a strong and natural form of vitamin B2 and vitamin B12, which typically is low in vegetarians and vegans, This is only one portion behind it’s infamous healing capacity. Shiitake also contains the essential fatty acid linoleum acid and therefore is highly anti-inflammatory. Shiitake is also a natural form of Vitamin D which is very fascinating as it is one of the only natural sources I know of the important Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D, which are very important for proper immune functioning.

Mucopolysaccharide: lentinen, eritaden, β-1,3-linked gluten mucopolysaccharide, β-glucans

Purine Alkaloid: Eritadenine

Actions: Adaptogen, Deep Immune Activator and Immunomodulator, Anti-Tumor, Anti-Viral, Anti-Fungal, Hepatoprotective, Hypotensive, Anti-inflammatory

Uses:

Immune System Health: especially strong as a protectant against virus invasion possibly due to the glucans present in this medicinal mushroom that help build the cell wall membranes. Viruses typically enter cells through ligand-gated channels and glucans help make these extra tight

The Vitamin D present in these mushrooms also have a very fascinating immune function that is not totally understood

• Viral Infection

• Autoimmunity

• Bacterial Infection

• Fungal Infection

The mucopolysaccharide lentinen activates the Complement Immune Pathway which has several different actions all at once:

• stimulates and activates macrophages while promoting the recognition of infection and supporting the transmission of information to T-helper cells which increases the rate of phagocytosis

• stimulates interferon production

• stimulates, increases and reinforces interleukin-1 production which then activates the T-helper cells

• promotes the mitosis and proliferation of B-lymphocytes

• increases production of antibodies while supporting the identification of ‘self’ versus ‘other’

• directly inhibits tumor growth by these various mechanisms

Gastrointestinal Health: efficiency in treating Candida albicans without damaging the healthy gut flora and has a special capacity to strengthen the gut microflora simultaneously

Cancer: Both animal and human studies have been conducted in Japan with regards to the medicinal effects of this mushroom and it is found that the mucopolysaccharide, lentinen slows the growth of Cancer as defined by the mechanisms previously stated.

Shiitake is used in both Cancer and Japan to treat Cancer. In Japan, Shiitake has been approved since 1985 by the FDA as one of the three mushroom-based anti-cancer therapeutic agents.

AIDS

Cardiovascular Disease: including Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia

Diabetes Mellitus:

Eritadenin, a purine alkaloid present in Shiitake is very similar in biochemical structure to nucleotides which is believed to be the way this mushroom can lower cholesterol levels.

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Neutral -Drying- Affinity to: SP, ST, LV, LU Meridians

Category: Tonifies Qi and Blood

Resolves Phlegm and Dries Dampness

Nourishes the Blood: nutritional deficiency, poor circulation, hemorrhoids, longevity, anaemia, arthritis, osteoporosis, lowers cholesterol, chronic fatigue, weight loss, builds strength, heart disease

Tonifies Wei Qi: colds, flu, viral infections

Safety Considerations: Shiitake should not be taken in high dosages during the onset of an acute illness, especially if accompanied by a high fever.

Articles and Resources:

https://metaboliccode.cld.bz/Herb-Monographs/436

Leonurus cardiaca

Motherwort

Lamiaceae

Aerial Parts

Constituents: Iridoids: leonuride

Diterpenes: leocardin

Flavonoids: apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin

Plant acids: caffeic acid

0.35% Alkaloids: tachydrine, betonicine, turicin, leonurine

2-8% Tannins

0.05% Volatile Oil

Actions: Cardiotonic, Nervine, Hypotensive, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Hepatic, Emmenagogue

Uses:

Palpitations: especially Tachycardia, especially with agitation or anxiety and especially in connection with the change of hormones due to menopause. Beneficial for any circulatory disorder especially the feeling of heavy limbs (suggestive of lympatic stagnation and poor venous circulation). Especially useful for cardiac weakness due to deficiency of some sort (ex. Hypothyroidism) or post infection or post trauma. Also ideal for the cardiac condition (which is tachycardia) due to Hyperthyroidism. Especially also useful in Hypertension as this Mother Herb brings down the blood pressure, while calming the nerves and supporting the heart and cardiovascular system. Do not underestimate the antioxidant capacity of this medicine.

Leonurius cardiaca, The Mother of the Heart, is a tonic that strengthens the heart without straining it and can be used safely for all cardiac conditions -ranging from anxiety into the more severe pathological dis-eases.

Recent studies have shown that several active components of Leonurus cardiac exert beneficial effects in coronary artery disease and cerebral ischaemia[1] and cardiac ischemia including myocardial infarction[2]

Motherwort contains heart-healthy flavonoids and glycosides, which have high antioxidant capacity and are very anti-inflammatory in their actions. This medicine helps improve circulation and regulate the heartbeat, especially with those whom are anxious or tense. As a heart tonic it is used to treat palpitations, mild heart irregularity, hypertension, and to strengthen the heart and capillaries.

Feminine Medicine: Pains of menstruation or uterine conditions such as fibroids or cysts. Stimulates delayed menstruation and especially indicated when anxiety or tension is present. Useful for congestive amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea

The Chinese Perspective:

Very Bitter, Pungent -Cool- Affinity to: HT, LV, BL Meridians

Category: Herbs that Invigorate Blood

In China, Motherwort is considered an optimal medicine for strengthening the heart and promoting longevity. It is recognized for its ability to move and cleanse the blood, which includes the ability to reduce masses in the blood that can cause clots that result in heart attacks or strokes. It is used for treating a wide range of female disorders caused by blood disorders.

Moves and regulates Blood: reduces masses caused by blood stasis: tumors, cysts, fibroids

Breaks Stasis: regulates the menses: irregular timing, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, clots in the menses, DVT and thromboembolism - use to minimize the risk of stroke or myocardial infarction

Moves Fluids: increases the flow of urine and reduces stagnation of water: edema, oliguria, acute nephritis

Motherwort is the plant best known for treating female disorders. The translation of its name from Chinese: 益母草 , Yì Mǔ Cǎo, means:

‘benefits the mother herb’

• Abnormal uterine bleeding: Motherwort with Angelica (dong quad) and Lotus roots 

• Irregular menstruation with pain: Motherwort herbs with Angelica (dong quad) and Red Sage roots 

• Dysmenorrhea or Amenorrhea: Motherwort herbs with Peach kernels, Angelica, Safflowers and Red Peony root 

• Menorrhagia or Haematuria: Motherwort herbs Rose flowers (and if excessive, with lotus receptacles)

Bitter ingredients tend to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing heat, drying dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements

Pungent ingredients tend to promote the circulations of Qi and body fluids

Esoteric/Energetic Medicine: This is a medicine that is useful for treating the emotional body in times of grief or sorrow. The common name of Motherwort is ‘Lion’s heart’ and it lends strength to those who are experiencing intense vulnerability and stress related symptoms. There is a long history of Leonurus cardiaca as a guard against dark spells or repelling negative energies and bad luck. In occult lore, she is said to have powers that work through energies to help heal and exorcise evil energies or entities and is valued as a highly protective herb, to the extent of being associated with immortality and spiritual healing.

Safety Considerations: DNU with Blood Xu or Yin Xu. Extreme caution in pregnancy. This medicine stimulates the uterus and promotes contractions.

Articles and References:

1.Liu XH, et al.. Active chemical compounds of traditional Chinese medicine Herba Leonuri: implications for cardiovascular diseases. 2012. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. , 39(3):274-82.

2.Liu XH, et al. More than a "mother-benefiting" herb: cardioprotective effect of Herba leonuri. 2007. Sheng Li Xue Bao. , 59(5):578-84.

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 561.

Leptandra virginica

Black Root

Scrophulariaceae

Rhizome/Root

Constitutents: Volatile Oil: cinnamic, methoxycinnamic, dimethoxycinnamic acids

Saponins

Mannitol, Dextrose

Tannins: leptandrin

Actions: Hepatic, Cholagogue, Laxative, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Emetic. Abortifactant

Uses: Liver Dysfunction and Congestion: moves bile from the liver

Cholecystitis

Jaundice not due to anemia

Chronic constipation

Poor digestion of fats

Safety Considerations: DNU in Pregnancy or Lactation.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 562.

Lobelia inflata

Lobelia

Campanulaceae

Aerial Parts

Constituents: 0.48% Piperidine alkaloids: lobeline, lobelanidine, lobelanine, lobellicyonycin

Plant acids: chelidonic acids

Saponins, Resins, Gums, Chlorophyll, Potassium

A traditional medicine of the indigenous which was traditionally smoked to treat the lungs and gained the name “Indian Tobacco”.  The Iroquois used the root to treat leg sores, venereal diseases (often combined with cherry bark) and ulcers.Respiatory paralysis and death can occur with improper use of this medicine. 

Actions: Antiasthmatic, Emetic, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant

Uses: Asthma: moderate to severe, the indigenous would use it if an asthma attack came on

• traditional primary uses were for bronchial asthma and bronchitis

• calms the lungs and dilates the bronchials while helping to expectorate mucous

This medicine is used very rarely and only under specific conditions

Traditionally used for oppressed breathing where the lungs are not functioning properly:

• spasmodic asthma

• spasmodic coughs

• pneumonia

• epilepsy and infantile convulsions

• tetanus

At a single high dose, this medicine is a prompt and volatile emetic

As a purgative it helps induce vomiting and thereby eliminates harmful toxins from the body

Edema: this medicine promotes urination and therefore is good to drain the body of excess water

Lobeline, the alkaloid responsible for this medicine’s actions affects the peripheral and central nervous system. At low dosages, Lobelia causes CNS stimulation and then plateaus and can cause full respiratory depression and arrest. Lobeline is very similar to nicotine in chemical structure and can fit into the nicotonic receptors

This plant depresses the nervous system and is toxic at a certain dose, is additive in the system and therefore toxic after too many days of consecutive use and can be deadly

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Neutral, (Slightly) Bitter -Cooling- Affinity to: HT, LU, SI Meridians

 Traditional Chinese Medicine considers Lobelia one “50 Fundamental Herbs”: This is the medicine to go to for poisonous snake bites, scorpion bites or bites from centipedes or wasps. End-stage schistosomiasis (infection due to parasites from worms) and end-stage cirrhosis of the liver is also successfully treated with Lobelia.  It balances circulation of Qi and Blood it is good for treating acute heart failure and for treating either high or low blood pressure.

Regulates Waterways: Drains Dampness, Promotes Urination: edema, end stage liver cirrhosis, ascites

Cools Blood, Reduces Toxicity: Poisonous bites and for Fire Toxin patterns such as tonsillitis

Opens the Chest, Dissolves Phlegm: palpations, tight chest, acute heart failure, high or low blood pressure

Stimulates Uterus: very good for difficult or painful labor (especially cervical or vaginal rigidity).

Safety Considerations: If used improperly this plant is TOXIC and may cause DEATH. Use only under the supervision of a Naturopathic Physician or traditional healer that has been trained. STOP use at the first signs and symptoms of toxicity. DNU with cardiovascular issues. DNU in pregnancy or lactation. DNU with infants or young children. DNU for edema due to deficiency.

Signs and symptoms of Toxicity: nausea and vomit, dizzy, coughing, tremors/convulsions, diarrhea, profuse diaphoresis, hypotension, tachycardia, hypothermia, coma

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 563.

Mahonia/Berberis aquifolium

Oregon Grape

Berberidaceae

Rhizome/Root

Harvest: British Columbia. This is another medicine native to the mountains of British Columbia and down south through the Rocky Mountain corridor. This medicine has been also taught by the Indigenous to treat loss of appetite and debility, tuberculosis, rheumatism and jaundice. They also used the root to make a yellow dye for baskets and clothing and the berries were also used to make jelly.

Constituents: Isoquinoline alkaloids: berberine, berbamine, hydrastine, oxycanthine

Actions: Cholagogue, Alterative, Laxative, Anticatarrhal, Antiemetic, Liver Tonic, Anti-inflammatory

STRONG: Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antibacterial

Uses:

Infection: anywhere in the body and has been shown to treat antibiotic resistant infections

• lung and sinus infections

• blood infections

• UTIs

• STIs especially Syphilis

Liver Tonic: cleanses the blood, detoxifies the body

• hepatitis

• fatty liver dysfunction

• blood sugar imbalances

  The other common name for this plant is “Jaundice Berry” indicating it’s importance in treating the blood, the liver and the gallbladder.

Digestive disorders: ssx of nausea/vomit, dyspepsia, constipation, slowed digestion, malabsorption , loss of appetite

Skin Conditions: acne, psoriasis, eczema, rashes and any other scaly or pustular skin disorder including pruritis, tinea disorders

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Sour, Astringing -Cool, Drying- Affinity to: LV, ST, SI, LI Meridians

Clears Heat, Drains Damp: stomach cramping, heartburn, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, bloody stools, abdominal pain, fever, restlessness, dry mouth, bleeding gums

Externally use treats Skin Disorders: psoriasis, skin infections, acne, douche for vaginal conditions with malodorous excretions and itching

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 564

He JM et al. The medicinal uses of the genus Mahonia in traditional Chinese medicine: An ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and pharmacological review.2015. J Ethnopharmacol. 175:668-83.

Matricaria recutita

Chamomile

Asteraceae

Flower

Constituents: Sesquiterpenes: chamazulene, ⍺-bisabolol, bisabolol oxide

Sesquiterpene lactones: matricin, matricarin

6-8% Flavonoid glycosides: apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, isorhamnetin

Actions: Relaxing Nervine, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Vulnerary, Anti-catarrhal

Uses: Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, Loss of Appetite, Dyspepsia, Ulcers, Diarrhea or Constipation, Colic, Cold/Flu, Headaches/Migraines, Vertigo, Inflamed skin or mucal membranes, Psychological tension, IBS

Insomnia

Childhood remedy: Anxious, Teething, Colic, Diarrhea, Griping pains, Growth pains

Promotes proper function of the digestive system and facilitates the elimination of gas

Inflamed lungs or sinuses, eliminates excess mucous

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergies (which are very rare)

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 565

Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea Tree

Myrtaceae

Essential Oil

Constituents: Volatile oil consists of terpenes and sesquiterpenes

Actions: Antimicrobial: Antibacterial, Antifungal

Uses: UTI

External infections of the skin

-External Use Only-

Safety Considerations: DNU internally.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 566.

Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm

Lamiaceae

Aerial Parts

Harvest: British Columbia however this plant is native to the Mediterranean. Lemon balm tea is so popular in France that it is simply called “Thé de France”. Melissa is Greek for ‘honey bee’ and is named this because honey bees love this plant which is all the more reason to let the medicines in the yard grow and not ‘cut the grass’ regularly and definitely do not spray pesticides!

Constituents: 0.1-0.2% Volatile Oil: neural and germinal, caryophyllene oxide, linolool, eugenol, citronella, geranial, neral, terpenes

Flavonoids: luteolin-7-glucoside, rhamnazin, quercetin, luteolin

Polyphenolics: protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, tannins

Triterpene acids: ursolic and pomolic

Actions: Carminative, Nervine, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Hypothyroid agent, Hepatic, Diaphoretic

Uses:

Digestive Health: releases spasms in the digestive tract and is good for times of bloating, colic or flatulent dyspepsia. Lemon Balm is especially indicated when there is anxiety or depression that coincides with digestive imbalances

• Balances blood sugars and taken regularly, can help to reduce insulin resistance

 Lemon Balm “contains the virtues of a dozen other plants” 

-St Hildegard of Bingen, 1098 C.E.

Gently Sedating: helps bring a state of rest to anxious and irritable individuals and is especially useful to ease insomniac tendencies. Many of the eclectic herbalists say this plant is a trophorestorative to the nervous system and is very useful in combination with Avena sativa. Palpatations and/or heightened blood pressure related to anxiety are also indicative. Lemon Balm seems to have a tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system and causes mild vasodilation of peripheral vessels and thereby lowers blood pressure.

A pouch of dried lemon balm placed beneath your pillow promotes sleep.

Hyperthyroid: inhibits TSH in an overactive thyroid and laboratory studies show Lemon Balm interfered with the binding of TSH to plasma membranes and inhibited the enzyme iodothyronine deoiodinase. Furthermore, there is a possibility that this is especially useful in autoimmune thyroid disorder as it seems to inhibit the receptor-binding and other biological activity of immunoglobulins in the blood of individual’s with Grave’s Disease.

Herpes Simplex Virus: Lemon Balm shows an affinity to the herpes virile

A double-blind German trail used a topical cream of lemon balm extract to treat Herpes simplex labialis (cold sores) and found the ointment shortened the healing process while also easing the itching and swelling symptoms associated with the virus

Insect Bites: topical poltice

Emotional Health:

Culpepper (16530 would make a sweet tasting medicinal paste of Lemon Balm and honey that could, “expel those melancholy vapours from the spirits and blood which are in the heart and arteries.”

Healthy Skin: Lemon Balm is used extensively in the cosmetics industry as it reduces fine lines and this is most likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities

Brain Health including improved memory: Studies out of China have tested eugenol, the constituent in Lemon Balm that creates a powerful antioxidant effect and confirmed improved memory-related functions and heightened protection of brain cells, protecting areas of the brain from damage due to hypoxia.

Northumbria University suggests that lemon balm increases the activity of acetylcholene, a chemical messenger linked to memory function that is reduced in Alzheimer’s disease.

The Chinese Perspective:

(Slightly) Bitter, Sour -Cool,Dry- Affinity to: ST, HT Meridians

Calms Shen, Moves Qi, Restores Jing

Sedates Spasms, Harmonizes Labor

Stops Bleeding

Releases to the Exterior, Restrains Infection, Clears Parasites

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: Broken Heart Syndrome: Lemon Balm is useful for times of crisis and a feeling of a ‘broken heart. Lemon balm lifts the spirit and is said to enhance the memory and boost alertness. Lemon balm is also used to call create a stronger connection with the spirit world and other-world entities, while also promoting clairvoyance. Lemon Balm as an herb for spells to attract romantic love.

Essential Oil: The essential oil of Lemon Balm is uplifting, and yet soothing and calming to the nervous system. It especially helps alleviate the pain of a sad heart. Be ware of forgeries of Lemon Balm in the essential oil business as Lemon Grass is often used instead of Lemon Balm and this would give different energetic properties.

Safety Considerations: DNU long term or regularly in someone with an underactive thyroid gland.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 567.

Mentha piperita

Peppermint

Lamiaceae

Aerial Parts, Essential Oil

Harvest: British Columbia, Alberta. Not a native plant. Must plant to harvest, but then it grows easily and quickly will take over a garden so watch out! Plant in a garden bed on its own.

Constituents: Phenolic acids: caffeic, chlorogenic, rosmarinic

1.5% Volatile Oil: menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, pulegone

Flavonoids: glycosides: apigenin, diosmetin, luteolin

Tannins

Actions: Nervine, Carminative, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antimicrobial, Antiemetic, Analgestic, Diaphoretic

Calming Properties: use for a head ache or indigestion, nervousness, agitation, colic and especially for dyspepsia with flatulence

Dyspepsia: stimulates the flow of bile and digestive juices, especially indicated when there is liver stagnancy which shows up as the person being irritable, angry, frustrated, and their life feels stagnated. Jaundice may also be present, along with sore joints and/or stiff tendons and ligaments and joints

Nausea/Vomit: the smell of the essential oil will easily sooth, can be used in pregnancy

Mentha piperita is considered one of the finest liver remedies available and is excellent at calming upset stomach, and nausea. 

Headaches: can rub a little bit (one drop) of essential oil on the temples and into the hairline, can also inhale the essential oil to help a headache

Mild antimicrobial: Studies have shown that mint can inhibit bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus albus and streptococcus, and viruses such as herpes simplex[1]

Nasal/Sinus Catarrh: inhale the volatile oil, called Essential Oil Inhalations -the microbial components come through the oils carried in the air.

Essential Oil: The German Commission E has approved the internal use of the essential oil of Mentha piperita. This includes the conditions of: flatulence, gastrointestinal and gallbladder disorders, catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract

External use for myalgia and neuralgia.

The Chinese Perspective:

Pungent, (Slightly)Sweet  -Cooling- Affinity to: LU, LV Meridians

Expel Wind Heat: can fight off excessive heat and toxic qi-blocking wind, clears the head (hot headaches or sinus catarrh with heat) and eyes, clear up rashes. Used especially for mind fog

Move LV Qi Stagnation

Emotional Stabilization: peppermint is an important ingredient in Xiao Yao San or Xiao Yao Wan, traditional Chinese formulas for emotional stabilization

-Caution with Internal Use of Essential Oil-

Safety Considerations: DNU essential oil internally in pregnancy or lactation.

Articles and References:

1.https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/mint.php

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 568.

Mitchella repens

Partridgeberry

Rubiaceae

Berry, Leaves, Stem

Harvest: British Columbia. A native plant that was taught to westerners by the indigenous of North America and this was specifically taught to me from a Diné man from Northern Alberta. Simply called by the natives as ‘cranberries’ the berries were considered a food. Caution: do not mix this up with KinnickKinnick as they look very similar. This plant likes to grow on rocks, low to the ground, in areas protected and nourished by moss. The settlers first called this “Squaw vine” as they saw women using it and the indigenous were referred to in this derogatory way. I have adopted the native language for this, which is simple ‘wild cranberries’

Constituents: Alkaloids, Saponins, Glycosides, Tannins, Mucilages

Actions: Uterine Tonic, Parturient, Emmenagogue, Astringent, Diuretic

Uses:

Feminine Medicine: will bring a late menses, helps alleviate the pain of dysmenorrhea and helps regulate the menstrual cycle

One of the best medicines to prepare the uterus and female body for childbirth: start taking 6-8 weeks before labour is expected and keep using after birth to tonify the female genitals and tighten up the uterus and vagina

Useful in times of threatened abortion or premature labour as it helps remove the excess water from the body that allows the uterus to sink and the baby to be ‘lost’

Can also make a salve out of the berries and put it on the nipple after breastfeeding

Wild yam, Viburnum prunifolia, Wild Cranberry and Raspberry leaf together is an amazing tonic for women of child bearing years.

Edema: kidney, liver or urinary disorders causing an accumulation of fluid in the body

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 569.

Nepeta cataria

Catnip

Lamiaceae

Leaf, Flower

Harvest: British Columbia. Not a native plant, this plant is in the mint family so it can be planted like peppermint and then harvested. Like peppermint, it will take over a garden so plant it in its own garden bed.

Constituents: Volatile Oil: carvacrol, citronellal, nerol, geraniol, pulegone, thymol, nepetalic acid

Iridoids: epideoxyloganic acid, 7-deoxyloganic acid

Tannins, Vitamins E & C

Actions: Sedating Nervine, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Astringent, Diaphoretic

Uses:

Childhood Remedy: A traditional cold and flu remedy especially for febrile conditions and especially in young children

Especially effective in cases with congestion and restlessness or delirium and especially with childhood coughs or bedwetting

Essential Oil: Can be used as an insect and mosquito repellent

The Chinese Perspective:

(Slightly) Pungent, Bitter -Cool, Dry- Affinity to: ST, LU Meridians

Release to the Exterior, Clear Wind Heat: colds, flu with headache, chills and fever, sore throat, congestion, wheezing, restlessness

Relieve Stagnant Qi: emotional, mental or nervous tension, gas, cramping

Reduce Inflammation/Benefit Skin: dermatitis

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: Psychological unrest, especially of feeling depressed or specifically '“barren” . In early colonial times, it was suggested that ingesting catnip would somehow make even the kindest person mean.

-DO NOT USE ESSENTIAL OIL INTERNALLY-

Safety Considerations: DNU essential oil internally.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 569.

Borago officinalis

Evening Primrose

Onagraceae

Roots, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds

Harvest: This plant is a distant cousin to “Fireweed” and is Native to Central and Eastern North America. It can be found around Alberta and as it’s name suggests, the yellow flowers of this plant open in the evening and stay closed during the day. The flowering parts and seeds can be ethically and sustainably harvested in the early-mid Summer while the root medicine is dug out in the Autumn. This is a very important flower for the bees as it is creates a lot of pollen.

Constituents:

Actions: Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Sedative, Hormone-balancing

Uses:

Feminine Medicine: Borago officinalis helps regulate prostaglandin production alongside regulating the liver and therefore this has long been a medicine to go to for Menopause as this helps ease symptoms while supporting the change of the estrogens in the body. In regulating the prostaglandin production, this medicine can be a botanical to turn to for HPA-Gonadal Dysfunction in women ranging from PMS symptoms to Infertility. The essential oil made from the seeds and flowers are the predominant medicine of this plant to use for female hormonal imbalance.

The Chinese Perspective:

Safety Considerations:

Articles and References":

Oplopanax horridus

Devil’s Club

Araliaceae

Inner Bark

“Oplo” means armoured and “Panax” means heal-all so this is a very strong, powerful and plant that gives the body protection, especially when its become weak. This plant is of the same family genus as the Ginsengs, which alone should go to show its healing ability and restorative ability. This plant is a Shamanic Plant, with its wood used as rattles and protectionary wands. It was put above doorways by the people of the Northwest of Turtle Island (Canada) to keep away bad spirits, negativity and give spiritual protection. This is known as "“Bear Medicine” to many of the indigenous people as it is a good medicine for healers to use and wear, especially as amulets for spiritual and energetic protection, it’s bark would be made into beads, amulets, wind chimes, walking sticks and shaman rattles and sticks. Bears also feast on its red berries in the summer. The red berries would also be crushed and mixed with bear grease and charcoal to make war paint before the warriors would go to war. This plant is found near water, in valleys and is meant for dark turbulent energy. This is particularly useful for cancers, toxicity, addiction and when an individual needs some strong detoxification.

This medicine is meant for people that are very sick and very weak. It is an extremely powerful medicine that needs to be protected as it is very sensitive to the environment it grows in and therefore it is not widely distributed and grows slowly. Listed below is actions Devil’s Club can treat but it is not the medicine to go to just for these actions alone. It is the medicine to go to if the person is very sick such as Cancer, toxicity or Blood Sugar imbalances leading to a real risk of Diabetes Mellitus type 2 , or already has DM2 and other signs and symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome. For example: if someone just has a lung illness and thick mucous - there are plenty of other medicines to go to. IF someone is very weak and has a plethora of things going on, including mucous and achy joints, lack of energy, a dark aura, cold stagnation and obvious lymphatic congestion -then this is a medicine to go to. I hope this makes sense as it is very important!

The Araliaceae genus contains some of the strongest medicines:

• Devil’s Club

• The Ginsengs

• Eleuthrococcus

• Sarsaparilla

• The Smilax species

Constituents: Sesquiterpenes , Saponins, Lignans

Essential oil: 50% Nerolidol, 35% 2-methyl-6-p-methylbenzene-2-heptene, Torreyol, Dodinene, Bulnesol, Dodecenol, Cadenene, Cedrol, 8% Phytol -with 45 peaks in the chromatogram

Glycosides: Araliasides, Panaxosides

Polyynes: falcarinol, oplopandiol, acetateoplopandiol, falcarindiol, oplopantriol A & B

Actions: Adaptogen, Normalizes Blood Sugar, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Antifungal, Alterative, Expectorant

Uses:

DETOXIFICATION: Especially when the person has gotten very sick and legitimately has a dark aura around their body

• Cancer

• Toxic habits, including thoughts and emotions

• Addiction- especially alcohol, smoking, hard drug use

• Emotionally toxic people

• Spiritual toxicity: literally -these people feel dark and potentially have an entity attached to them

• Any degree of unhealthy Liver function -this is a VERY strong medicine

• Tonify the Pancreas

This medicine has a special affinity to the liver, gallbladder and pancreas and gets the energetic energy of these organs unblocked and moving

This medicine moves the Lymphatic System and is especially useful to clear congestion. Its use is for people with lots of mucous and lots of sinus or respiratory congestion. It is also useful for people that have achy pains such as joints and muscles and that appear to be very “stuck” in life -in a darker, colder and negative way. These people often feel frustrated, agitated and angry.

DIABETES MELLITUS. INSULIN RESISTANCE, METABOLIC ISSUES:

This is one of the strongest medicines to go to for DM2, Obesity and any kind of Metabolic Issues. An general outline of treating metabolic issues is:

1. Diet

2. Daily Exercise

3. Sleep

4. Antioxidants

5. Stress reduction

6. Teas

This is the medicine to use to regulate Blood Sugar

This medicine is especially powerful in combination with the licorice root of the west coast forests

Strong Antimicrobial:
The Polylyne constituents are attributed to the herb’s antimycobacterial properties making this a medicine that can be used for:

• Common Colds

• Influenza spp.

• Pneumonia

• Tuberculosis: Strong inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

• Generalized Infections: effective inhibition against[2]:

  • Mycobacterium: M. tuberculosis and M.avium

  • Gram-positive bacteria: S. aureus and B. subtilis

  • Gram-negative bacteria: E. coli DC2 and P. aeruginosa Z61

  • Yeast: Candida albicans

  FalcArinol proved in labarotory studies to be the most effective constituent of the polyynes against infection.

Digestive Problems:

Helps increase the appetite and maintain blood sugar while eating and between eating. This medicine is especially useful for ulcers as it has a way of protecting and building the stomach lining.

Female Medicine:

Predominantly useful for:

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

• Cysts

• Fibroids

• Endometriosis

Problems with the menses, especially thick clotting of the menstrual blood, with stringy blood and mucous

Cramping during menstruation or between menstruation is an indication for this medicine

Hormonal issues of mood-swings and acne are indications to use this medicine.

Use at the end of the menses to expel all parts of the last menstrual blood

Use after childbirth to expel afterbirth and help bring first menses

Respiratory Illness:

Especially with mucous that is present - this medicine will powerfully expectorate thick mucous stuck in the lungs while killing off pathogenic flora, which is especially important to protect against secondary bacterial infections

Devil’s Club extract has been studied and shown to be effective in treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is particularly the polyynes Oplopandiol and Falcarindiol that are found to be the main effective antimycobacterial constituents[1]

Arthritis and Sore Muscles:

Make a topical salve for achy joints and muscles, especially Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout

Can pour into a bath if very sick and then massage the spirit of the disease from the body, especially with end-stage Cancer. This is especially important also for people that have become so weak that they literally have no spiritual protection.

Lice:

The berries can be made into a hair wash for lice

Activated Charcoal:

The rest of the bark, after the inner medicine is harvested, can be dried and then burned into activated charcoal for further detoxification. Activated charcoal not only binds toxins to excrete, it can also bind important cations in the body so be especially wary of iron deficiency with some patients, especially women, after about a week of using activated charcoal internally. I recommend a week on and then a week off for the majority of people and if it is a female with a heavy menses, a week or using activated charcoal and then two weeks off and never use it during or just after the menses.

Energetics of this Medicine:

Bitter, Sweet, (slightly) Acrid -Warm-

This medicine is especially useful in Cold Stagnation and general debility/weakness

Tea: Decoction with lid on, let cool and let the oils drip back into the tea. 1-3 cups a day is powerful and strong. Monitor.

Water: Let bark sit overnight in drinking water and sip throughout the day for blood sugar regulation

Tincture: 1:4 in 60% - 1-2 ml TID for strong blood sugar regulation, 1 dropper full TID for amphoteric BS regulation and other energetic cleansing uses

Safety Considerations: DO NOT EAT THE RED BERRIES: These are poisonous to humans. DNU in Pregnancy and Lactation. DNU in the early or aggressive stages of Autoimmunity. Carefully monitor Blood Sugars and Insulin levels with metabolically unstable patients. Do not harvest this medicine on your own, simple as that. See a practitioner that has studied under the Indigenous to provide this medicine.

Articles and References:

1.Calway et al. Chemical and pharmacological studies of Oplopanax horridus, a North American botanical. Journal of Natural Medicine. 2012, April. 66(2): 249-256.

2.Kobaisy et al.Antimycobacterial polyynes of Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus), a North American native medicinal plant. J Nat Prod. 1997;60:1210–1213.

Panax Ginseng

Korean Ginseng

Araliaceae

Root

Panax is derived from the Latin genus Panacea which means ‘cure all’. The North American ginseng is called Panax quinquefolius. Because Siberean Ginseng is almost extinct, this is the most common type of ginseng on the market and is actually a huge market for Korea. It’s very difficult to grow.

Constituents: Triterpene glycosides: 13 different ginsenosides/panaxosides

Glycans: panaxans A-E

Volatile Oil:

Actions: Adaptogen, Qi Tonic, Stimulant, Hypoglycemic agent

Uses: Stress: also any type of stress can indicate this medicine however for those whom have studied the energetics of herbs, not every person is suitable for the use of this medicine. It is safe to use in the weak and the elderly however and it does have stimulating properties and therefore is best used in the morning and early afternoon only. Caution: too much use can cause the nervous system to agitate and the person to exhaust.

The ginsengs improves physical and mental performance and increases the body's ability to respond and adapt to stress

Preliminary studies show ginseng is effective in improving cognitive function and is potentially of effective use in Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. There is also studies showing it’s viability of use in Lung Diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia and more research is required.

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Bitter -Warm- Affinity to:

Category: Herbs that Tonify Qi

 It is a tonic used to increase strength, increase blood volume, promote life:

The ability for ginseng to boost vital qi should not be undermined: once qi is exhausted death occurs and this medicine can bring someone back from the brink of death. Do not forget this medicine as a strong support in emergency situations where life is at risk, especially in shock or coma, bleeding or where there is the inability for the body to be supplied with enough oxygen (severely hypoxic conditions). This medicine is especially strong for someone with hypotension due to depletion of the body,

It is used alone or in prescriptions for: general weakness, deficient qi patterns, anemia, lack of appetite, shortness of breath with spontaneous perspiration, nervous agitation, forgetfulness, thirst, and impotence

The ancient Chinese says this medicine ‘quiets the spirit, curbs the emotions, enlightens the mind and gives wisdom’

-Professor Shiu-Ying Hu, Shennong Bencaojing Classic of Herbal Medicine, 1st Century AD

Safety Considerations: in specific individuals, this medicine can create nervousness and stress and at too high of a dose, or too many consecutive days of use, the same symptoms can occur. There is also a possibility of changing blood pressure in some individuals. There has been reports of a rare rash in some individuals and some allergic reactions, with possible full anaphylaxis. It is unclear if this was due to direct connection to this plant medicine however safety is warranted. The effects of the reactions are totally feasible that it was due to poor testing and qualifying of a herbal product said to contain ginseng but did not actually contain ginseng, which is the responsibly of the FDA:

In 2015, the New York Attorney General's office tested herbal products from four major retailers: GNC, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens. Ginseng supplements from each of these retailers was included in the testing. It was found that 79% of the herbal products tested did not contain any of the plants listed on the ingredient labels and many contained unlisted contaminants from other plants. [1]

Articles and References:

1.Kiefer, D. Controversial Removal of Dietary Supplements from Retailers’ Shelves. 2015. Integrative Medicine Alert. Atlanta. Vol.18,5.

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 569.

Passiflora incarnata

Passionflower

Passifloraceae

Flower, Aerial Parts

Harvest: South-East Coast of North America. This is a traditional plant to North America that was taught to the settlers by the Indigenous. The fruit of this plant was eaten as a food and the rest of the aerial parts were used as a sedative to treat a variety ailments including wounds, earache, and liver problems. This plant tonifies the blood

Constituents: Alkaloids: harmine, harman, harmol, harmaline, harmalol, passaflorine

Flavonoids: apigenin, homoorientin, isovitexin, kaempferol, luteolin, oreintin, quercetin, rutin, saponaretin, saponarin, vitexin

Actions: Sedating Nervine, Hypnotic, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Anodyne, Hypotensive

Uses:

Sedation: used in pain, insomnia, severe trauma (PTSD) or stress, severe anxiety

 Constituents in this plant appear to boost the level of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain

Opiate or Alcohol Withdrawal: this medicine is especially useful for withdrawal from addiction

The Chinese Perspective:

(Slightly) Bitter -Cool, Dry- Affinity to: HT, LV, LU Meridians

Category: Anchors Yang: this is a downward moving and cooling herb used for Yang She conditions: helping to pull upward rising Yang back down out of the head as well as relieve excess Fire and Heat symptoms associated with Liver Yang Rising or Liver Yang Flaring

Dispels Wind: trembling, spasms, rumination, excessive thinking

Clears Heat

Calms Shen: anxiety, PTSD, mania, agitated depression, palpitations, high BP, tachycardia,

Relieves Cough

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: Passionflower can be carried as a charm or made into a potion to attract friendship and bring peace. Placed in a house, this plant is said to reduce discord and bring a sense of harmony.

Safety Considerations: DNU in someone that is already hypotensive. Caution of use in omeone suffering from depression as it may worsen. Potentiates the effects of sedative drugs and narcotics, Theoretically, contraindicated with concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 570.

Petroselinum crispum

Parsley

Apiaceae

Root, Leaf, Seed

Harvest: British Columbia, Alberta. Native to the Mediterranean region however there is also a type native to Western North America called ‘Achu-mooda’ by the traditional people however settlers refer to it as ‘Indian Parsley’ which can be found by it’s bright yellow colours and typical parsley leaves.

Constituents: Volatile Oil: apiole, myristicin, β-phellandrene, limonene, eugenol, ⍺-thujene

Flavonoids: apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, luteolin

Coumarins, Phthalides, Vitamin C

Actions: Anti-oxidant, Carminative, Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Emmenagogue, Diuretic, Hypotensive
Uses:

Collagen Integrity: Parsley leaves are a great source of Vitamin C whereas the seed becomes a very strong antioxidant making this an important medicine in anti-aging and is useful in cardiovascular conditions and diabetes

Myristicin activates glutathione-S-transferase which then acts as the body’s strongest Anti-oxidant to keep the tissues from being damaged by free radicals

Edema: diuretic action drains the body of excess fluid

Emmenagogue: stimulates the uterus even though it is an antispasmodic in other ways

The Chinese Perspective:

Pungent, Bitter, Salty -(Slightly) Warm- Affinity to: ST, UB, KD Meridians

Category: Herbs that Tonify Blood

Regulates flow of Qi

Regulates Waterways: promotes urination, dries mucous membranes -useful for damp stones in GB, UB, KD

Promotes Digestion: removes food stagnation

Promotes the elimination of toxins

Safety Considerations: DNU seed or root in Pregnancy or Lactation.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 571.

Phyllanthus niruri

Chanca Piedra

Euphorbiacceae

Whole Plant

A powerful medicine native to the Amazon Rainforest of Peru. This medicine is extremely safe to utilize and can be used as a tonic medicine for general health, especially with adding a squeeze of fresh lemon. Chanca piedra is Spanish and translates to “stone breaker,” named for its effective use to generations of Amazonian indigenous peoples in eliminating gallstones and kidney stones.

Constituents: Polyphenols, biologically active lignans, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, ellagitannins, and phenylpropanoids found in the leaf, stem, and root of the plant. alkaloids, astragalin, brevifolin, carboxylic acids, corilagin, cymene, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, gallocatechins, geraniin, hypophyllanthin, lintetralins, lupeols, methyl salicylate, niranthin, nirtetralin, niruretin, nirurin, nirurine, niruriside, norsecurinines, phyllanthin, phyllanthine, phyllanthenol, phyllochrysine, phyltetralin, repandusinic acids, quercetin, quercetol, quercitrin, rutin, saponins, triacontanal, and tricontanol.

Actions: Antilithic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Strong Antiviral, Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, Strong Hepatic, Immuno-modulator, Antispasmodic, Anodyne, Hypotensive, Diuretic, Hypoglycaemic, Anticancer (antimutagenic), Relaxant

Uses: Kidney Stones, Gallstones, Gout, Hypertension, Liver Tonic, Infection, Pain, Virus

Antilithic:

In vitro clinical studies of extract of chanca piedra exhibit the ability to block the formation of calcium oxalate crystals as well as excrete existing stone formations. Results of both human and rat-studies done by the Paulista School of Medicine in Sao Paulo, Brazil, indicate that chanca piedra strongly inhibited the growth and number of stones formed over the control group. Additionally, the antispasmodic and smooth muscle relaxant effect of this botanical medicine has led researchers to surmise that it works by also relaxing the smooth muscle within the urinary or biliary tract, which facilitates the expulsion of kidney, bladder, or gallbladder calculi. Dr. Wolfram Wiemann of Nuremburg, Germany conducted research by treating 100+ patients with kidney stones (1990) with chanca piedra obtained in Peru and found it to be 94% successful in eliminating stones within a week or two.

Hypertension:

Hypertension is the second main traditional use of this plant, besides calculi, and hypotensive effects have been attributed to the specific phytochemical in chanca piedra called geraniin, which is believed to cause the diuretic effect and subsequently drop systolic blood pressure. The smooth muscle relaxant effects of this medicine would also cause this relax in blood pressure.

Antiviral:

This plant has traditionally been used for Tuberculosis.

Clinical studies show antiviral actions to Hepatitis B & C, HIV with current testing being done on Covid-19. Researchers have confirmed the presence of at least eight natural plant chemicals with antiviral actions in the plant along with reported evidence of several different mechanisms of actions by which this plant kills viruses.

One significant mechanism of anti-viral action is by chanca piedra inhibiting the enzymes transcriptase and protease, which viruses require to divide and multiply, while also providing a direct toxic effect to some viruses, as well as some bacteria

Hepatitis B infection (HBV) is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide and thus HBV vaccines have become of great importance. Dr. Blumberg won the 1963 Nobel Prize for discovering the HBV antigen and the connection of HBV to liver cancer. In 1988, Blumberg publicly reported that chanca piedra could clear up the chronic carrier state of Hepatitis B after research on humans was carried out in India in collaboration with an Indian research group. It was found that Phyllanthus amarus cleared the HBV surface antigen from 22 of 37 chronic HBV patients in only 30 days, and they continued to test negative for 9+ months. The effects of chance piedra are reportedly comparable in efficacy to interferon.

Immune Modulator:

Some virus (especially Covid-19) cause an inflammatory immune system reaction that sends pro-inflammatory cytokines throughout the body which cause tissue damage and cell death, termed a cytokine storm, Novel research is showing that chanca piedra has the potential ability to prevent or interrupt this cytokine storm by immunomodulatory actions. Research is also revealing that chance piedra can significantly increase the production and activation of specific immune cells responsible for killing foreign invaders (viruses and bacteria), while lowering the production of immune cells and cytokines that cause inflammation.

Hepatic:

Both human and animal studies indicate that chanca piedra can protect the liver, even during hepatitis infection.

Phytolacca americana

Poke

Phytolaccaceae

Dried Root, Berry

Harvest: British Columbia. A plant native to North America with another name called ‘Cancer root’ indicating the properties of this very important medicine. This medicine is yet another medicine taught by the Indigenous to the settlers.

Constituents: Triterpenoid saponins: phytolaccosides A-E, aglycones, phytolaccagenin, phytolaccic acid

Alkaloids: Phytolaccin

Lectins, Glycoproteins

Actions: Antirheumatic, Anticatarrhal, Purgative, Stimulant, Lympathic Tonic, Emetic, Anti-Cancer

Uses: Cancer: especially useful for lymphatic congestion that has lead to cancer including the lymphatic cancers of Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas . Also breast cancers, some lung cancers and colon cancer. Potential results may come of Poke used with other herbs that purify the blood (Hypericum perforated), support the liver and give antioxidant properties, along with high dosages of vitamin C and a very restricted diet, nearing the level of fasting and then alongside the use of infrared saunas, lots of sleep and hydrotherapy.

Lymphatic Catarrh: this medicine is one of the strongest medicines to clear out the lymphatic system. Calendula is great for mild conditions of lymphatic catarrh and Poke is required for those whom have lived too long ignoring their condition.

Promotes the removal of catabolic waste products and the products of fatty degeneration, specific for serous and glandular tissues -Priest and Priest

Rheumatism: helps move the congestion and allows for the liver to not be backed up. Often sore joints is basically from inflammatory mediators in the blood or the inability for the liver to properly filter the blood. For one with an eye to see, they will know whom has issues due to lymphatic congestion: often the body looks inflammed and puffy, especially the fingers.

Safety Considerations: This is a toxic herb that should be pulse dosed: Two weeks of use, two weeks of clearing.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 572.

Pimpinella anisum

Anise

Apiaceae

Seed

Constituents: 1-4% Volatile Oil: 70-90% trans-anethole, dianethole, photoanethole

Coumarins: bergapten, umbelliferone, scopoletin

Flavonoids: rutin, isovitexin, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin glycosides

Phenylpropanoids

Actions: Carminative, Antispasmodic, Anti-Inflammatory, Expectorant, Anti-microbial, Galactagogue

Uses:

Digestive Health: used especially for colic, flatulence, dyspepsia and any basic ‘indigestion’ or pain of the digestive system, including the colon

Lung Health: especially with mucous (lung,sinus catarrh) as this will help cough it up, and if there is irritation causes coughing, the antispasmodic action of this herb calms any spasms in the body, especially in the lungs or digestive tract but also would be useful to cystitis.

Externally, this can be applied for lice or scabies

Feminine Medicine: this medicine has mild estrogenic effects that can help balances the female hormones. It will also cause engorged breasts to drop their milk while increasing milk flow

Estrogenic effects are due to dianethole, photoanethole

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 572.

Piper methysticum

Kava Kava

Piperaceae

Rhizome

Constituents: 3.5-15% Kavalactones: methysticin, dihydromethysticin, kavain, dihydrokavain

Chalcones: flavokavains: A-C

Actions: Relaxing Nervine & Hypnotic, Antispasmodic, Antifungal, local anesthetic

Uses: Anxiety: one of the strongest medicines to go to for anxiety, especially on the more severe scale where it’s truly impeding life. Kava does not damped alertness at normal therapeutic dosages. Kava does not impair reaction time and is actually shown to improve concentration of the mind in day-time use dosages. Anxiety is a symptom often present with the symptom of Depression and Kava is a good medicine to treat both of these symptoms. Kava is best for treating the anxious-side of the scale but a proper person that is knowledgable in the medicines can formulate some other botanicals into the mixture to help support the depressive side and then this becomes a strong medicine for Emotional Health.

Kavalactones have been shown to have similar affects as benzodiazepines in action on anxiety and sleep and do not have the side effects not the potential of addiction

Insomnia: This is especially good for people with more severe insomnia, where other medicines are not strong enough. This medicine, at the dosage of going to sleep, can put someone into a deep sleep in a few minutes from the dosage time. It also brings a vivid dream realm.

Pain: especially of mucous membranes and therefore IBS is a condition that this medicine is very useful to.

Kavain demonstrates significant analgesic effects via non-opiate pathways[1]

Articles and References:

1. Jamieson D. et al. The antinocioceptive actions of kava components in mice. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 1990;17:495-507.

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 573.

Plantago major

Great Plantain

Plantaginaceae

Root, Leaf, Aerial Parts, Seeds

Harvest: British Columbia

This medicine is not native to North America and it was brought by the settlers. The Natives referred to it as “White Man’s Foot” indicating the way the settlers left their marks on the land. There is a plant that is native to this land that is similar to this type of Plantain however and it guides many medicine ceremonies (and has very similar properties). Nonetheless, this form of ‘plantain’ is a very strong and important medicine. This was first introduced to my by an Indigenous person and I was taught that if I were to be stung by a bee or a wasp, that I should chew the leaves, as my spit would activate the medicine and then spit it out and pack it on the sting or burn. Years later, I stepped on a wasp and holy shit! Did it hurt. I had not been stung since I was a child and I realized why I screamed so much when I had been stung! It friggin HURTS and burns and the pain doesn’t just go away!!! I remembered the knowledge and tried and it was the most amazing moment to actually have the pain immediately be taken away! This is powerful medicine and it grows readily around. Most people can find it out of their front door. Over all these years, I have actually found that the medicine you need will come to you so I have learned to look outside of people’s homes and know a lot about them! Oh opium poppies… that person must be in pain. Ohhh all the red clover, that woman needs some hormonal support. Ah, thistles, that man’s liver is not very happy.. ohh lots of dandelion, their blood needs a good cleanse…It is so very true, the medicine comes to you. Lung people: i.e. smokers, people that are commonly sick in the lungs somehow… this medicine will come to you. This is a powerful lung medicine.

The young leaves of this plant are bitter however they can be eaten in a sad as dandelion leaves can also. This is a good way to keep the kidneys and bladder healthy and also provides a lot of trace minerals and metals which are required for the biological pathways and cycles in the body.The high nutritional and mineral content of the leaves make it an excellent tea for replenishing the lost nutrients due to an episode of vomit, blood loss, diarrhea or dysentery.

The seeds are collected in the summer and fall when they are ripe and have significant diuretic and antimicrobial properties. Harvest must be sustainable as the seed is the seed!

Constituents: Iridoids: aucubin, catalpol

Phenylethanoid glycosides, Alkaloids, Coumarins

Flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin, scutellarin, baicalein, nepetin, hispidulin, plantagoside, luteolin-7-O-β-glucoside

Tannins, Iridoid glycosides

Plant acids: ursolic, oleanolic, linoleic, α-linolenic, caffeic, benzene propanoic, fumaric, syringic, vanillic, ferulic, 𝚙-coumaric acids

Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Vitamins A, C, K

Actions: Demulcent, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Diuretic, Astringent, Vulnerary, Hemostatic, Anti-Pyretic/Fibrefuge , Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycemic agent, Hypotensive, Anti-oxidant

“Lesan-ol-haml” or “Barhang” is Plantago major in Persian and this medicine has been prescribed in various forms: roasted seeds, decoction, syrup, liniment, gargle, rectal enema, vaginal suppository, eye and nasal drop for each illness. This medicine has existed for at least 4000 years and Traditional Persian Medical scholars noted its use in medical books since 10–18th century AD with  traditional properties including wound healing, antipyretic, antitussive, anti-infective, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, laxative, astringent and hemostatic.  Modern pharmacological studies have proven some of the traditional applications of Plantago major however, as of most of the botanical medicines, more studies must be conducted and there is trouble behind this as these medicines grow wild and free and studies cost quite a lot of time and money. This is typically why the botanical medicines do not have the studies the pharmaceuticals do -you can not patent them and make money from them! They are God’s medicine, Creator’s medicine. He gave us wonderful food and wonderful medicine, clean water and fresh air and beautiful land. What more do humans really need?

Any dis-ease of the Lungs: This is strong lung medicine and it is a gentle expectorant, allowing the mucous to cough up. It will sooth irritated mucous membranes, sore throats and spasming lungs with its demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties and it will make sure any microbes are gone and there is not a secondary bacterial infection that happens in the breading grounds of mucous. This can be taken as a tea, or smoked, for the lungs

This medicine, combined with some other special medicines can be a very strong medicine for Asthma and Common Allergies as the leaf inhibits mast-cell degranulation [5]

Plant acids in Plantago major have shown inhibitory effects on COX-2 catalyzed prostaglandin production while the flavonoids, primarily luteolin, has the ability to suppress leukocyte migration and inhibit mast cell degranulation which together is a helpful strategy in minimizing the symptoms in asthma and common allergy  [9]

The Astringency action is very useful for running noses that come with the common colds and flus and/or diarrhea that can also be a part of the picture.

This can be created as a salve for external haemorrhoids and taken internal for the internal hemorrhoids or ulcers or any inflammation of the digestive tract

Blood Diseases: the famous eclectic Ellingwood describes this medicine as of being very important to any disease of the blood including sepsis and poisoning. Atherosclerosis, Angina, Deep Vein Thrombosis and Peyronie’s Disease due to the ability of this plant to release nitrous oxide and dilate the blood vessels, which is also a part of the way it is a hemostatic

Hemostatic: regular consumption of the leaf and root balances blood sugars and balances blood pressure. The mucilage of the plant seems to balance the blood pressure and the abundance of trace metals, minerals and salts helps to balance the blood sugar. Also, do not forget the powerful anti-inflammatory affects. The ancients from all over the world knew of the effect this plant has on blood. It would be so very interesting to see more evidence based studies coming out of this as it is a powerful blood medicine.

The diuretic properties of course have an affect on blood and blood pressure however studies show that Plantago major inhibits activity of angiotensin converting enzyme [7] and therefore affects the RAAS -system of the body which has one of its biggest affects being systemic hypertension. On this note, this medicine does work on the Kidneys:

Another study of Plantago major showed that it is more efficient than allopurinol and potassium citrate in inhibiting the size of the calcium oxalate crystal in-vitro and it can be consumed to improve urolithiasis[8]

With Blood health always comes the conversation of the Liver and this medicine shows to be Hepatoprotective:

Separate studies focused on the hepatoprotective actions of Plantain: Plantago major seed, exhibits the hepatoprotective activity by which the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed reduction [3,4]

The Metabolic Disorders:

• Diabetes Mellitus

• Hypercholesterolemia

• Hypertension

• Atherosclerosis

• Hyperglycemia
  

  The seeds are particularly the part of the plant that helps to balance the blood sugar however it is useful to be used together with the leaf as the leaf actually helps balance the lecithin/cholesterol ratio as well as the mucilage and flavonoids that work on the blood and the liver. More studies need to focus on this plants ability to be used in metabolic disorders however some of the following studies have found:

• Plantagoside and its aglycone in Plantago major seeds inhibit protein cross-linking glycation and have potential beneficial applications in the prevention of diabetic complications [10}

Skin Health: This is a powerful salve to make the skin soft and supple and especially for use over inflammation, rashes, burns, bites, wounds and scars

 The constituent acubin, is recognized as a powerful anti-toxin and the constituent, allantoin is known for promoting wound healing, speeding up cell regeneration and having skin-softening effects.

Systemic Immunological Effects:

The leaves increase nitric oxide (NO) in the blood, which creates this to be of strong medicinal value in the diseases of the vasculature that particular lead to angina and other cardiovascular disease. The leaves also increase the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and stimulate lymphocyte proliferation so that macrophages are activated.[1]

 Plantago major shows immunomodulatory activity, increasing lymphocyte proliferation and secretion of interferon-γ at low concentrations (< 50 μg/ml), but at high concentrations, it can inhibit this property (< 50 μg/ml). The hot water extracts of Plantago major can help to improve leukemia, carcinoma and viral infections[2]

Digestive Health: The anti-inflammatory and demulcent effect of this medicine does a wander for any ulcers anywhere in the digestive system. It is useful for those suffering from IBS and may even be useful to Ulcerative Colitis and Chron’s Disease -diseases where the lining of the lower digestive tract is in such dysfunction. The seeds of the plant have a higher gastro-protective effect in comparison to the leaves but both leaf and seed are required to decrease acidity and leaf is required to heal ulcerations, and both the Chinese and the Persians believe this occurs when the seeds are salted.

Plantago major seeds are recommended for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [6]

Those with Hyperacidity which often shows up as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) would benefit from this medicine as it helps balance acidity in the stomach, while coating the lining of the digestive tract to help the mucosa heal.

The Persian Perspective:

Cold, Dry

The earliest known account of Plantain is in the Materia Medica or “Hashayesh” in Arabic, which was written by Pedanius Dioscorides (40–90 AD), a Greek botanist. Termed Adasiyyat in the Middle East, Traditional Persian Medical texts describe its uses of:

Neurological: used to cure epilepsy and also helps to improve nervous pains such as earache by using drops or massage of mucilage, or nasal inhalation

Ophthalmic: effective in the treatment of many eye diseases including conjunctivitis, light blindness, red eyes and eyes sores. Leaf juice has been used as drops independently or with other herbs, in addition to the oral form

Ears, Eyes, Nose, Mouth, Throat: toothache, earache, halitosis, oral lesions, mouth sores, epistaxis, hemoptysis, loose teeth, gingivitis and tonsillitis -may drink the tea, gargle a decoction, drop leaf juice in the ears or warm the leaves and apply as a compress to the ears

Lungs:  treat hemoptysis, asthma, tuberculosis, lung and plural lesions and it was used as decoction(root and leaf) and also with burning the leaf as incense

Gastrointestinal: effective in upper and lower gastrointestinal inflammation, bleeding, or ulceration and also with: hematemesis, dysentery, hemorrhoids, stomachache/dyspepsia and diarrhea or constipation. Can bake the leaves with salt and this helps tonify

Liver and Spleen Tonic: extract of leaves seed and root has been extensively used as a liver tonic and advised in obstructive diseases of liver and spleen

Urogenital Health: diuretic effect make this very useful for urinary retention, hematuria, and bladder or kidney pain. Also useful for fibroids, cysts and menorrhagia

Dermatological Health: can make a salve or a plaster of this medicine to apply topically to various skin conditions including: ulcers and other deep wounds, purulent wounds, chronic and progressive wounds, malignant wounds, burns including from fire, erysipelas, blisters, pruritus, irritating urticaria, common rashes and fistulas. This plant is especially effective in topical application to acute stings, burns, bites and urticaria as it immediately alleviates the pain, burn or itch.

The Chinese Perspective:

(Slightly) Bitter & Salty, Acrid -Cold, Dry- Affinity to: BL, KD, LU, LV Meridians

Drains Damp, Promotes Urination,Regulates Water, Clears Heat: edema, lin syndromes due to Damp Heat in the Lower Jiao, diarrhea, dysentery, difficulty or urgency with urination, dribbling

Stops Diarrhea: the seeds move water from the bladder promoting urination and solidifying the stools

Clears the Eyes: eye problems due to Liver Heat or Liver Yang rising, dry eyes, cataracts, red painful swollen eyes, sensitivity to light, floaters

Clears Lung Heat, Dissolves Phelgm, Stops Cough: expels thick, copious, yellow sputum, phlegm in the lungs, stops cough.

The Chinese use the seeds and make a decoction with 4-9g of seed into gauze or cheesecloth to steep. Seeds can also be fried in salt which increases their tonifying effects on the Liver and Kidneys. The seeds are known to have a significant diuretic effect and inhibit a variety of bacteria and Staphylococcus. Extract of the seeds is strong medicine for preventing kidney stones.

Safety Considerations: Caution with use in LU Yin xu

Articles and References:

1.Gomez-Flores R, et al. Immunoenhancing properties of Plantago major leaf extract. Phytother Res. 2000;14:617–22

2.Chiang LC, Chiang W, Chang MY, Lin CC. In vitro cytotoxic, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of Plantago major and Plantago asiatica. Am J Chin Med. 2003;31:225–34.

3.Turel I, et al. Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of Plantago major L. Indian J Pharmacol. 2009;41:120–4.

4.Atta AH. et al. Potential protective effect of some plant extracts against carbon tetrachloride–induced hepatotoxicity. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2006;3:1–9.

5.Ikawati Z, et al. Screening of several Indonesian medicinal plants for their inhibitory effect on histamine release from RBL-2H3 cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001;75:249–56.

6.Younges N. Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review. 2018.Electronic Physician Journal. 10(2): 6390–6399.

7.Nhiem NX, et al. Inhibitory activity of Plantago major L. on angiotensin I-converting enzyme. Arch Pharm Res. 2011;34:419–23.

8.Aziz SA, et al. In vitro effects of plantago major extract on urolithiasis. Malays J Med Sci. 2005;12:22–6.

9.Yazdian MA, et al. A Hypothesis on the Possible Potential of Plantago Major in the Treatment of Urticaria. Hong Kong Med J. 2014;3:123–6.

10.Matsuura N, et al. Potent protein glycation inhibition of plantagoside in Plantago major seeds. Biomed Res Int. 2014;208-539.

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 574.

Populus candicans

Balm of Gilead

Salicaceae

Unopened buds

This medicine was taught by the Indigenous people of North America and is another natural form of aspirin, buds are collected from Cottonwood and Poplar trees. It was a way of relieving pain before aspirin was created. The unopened buds are most often made into a salve and thus the common name being “Balm of Gilead”. The buds can be used internally in a tea as well. The Balm of Gilead mentioned in the Bible is a different plant medicine: Comminphora meccanensis however it is essentially the same tree. The Balm of Gilead is one of the most sacred medicines from the ancient Middle East.

Natural preservative for ointments: the buds boiled in water so that the resin separates, then the resin is dissolved into alcohol and added to ointments for self life.

Can be burned for Natural Incense and added to natural beeswax candles for a beautiful aroma

Constituents: Phenolic glycosides: salicin, poplin, chrysin

Volatile oil: ⍺-caryophyllene, cineole, arcurcumene, bisabolene, farnesene

Alkanes, Resins, Phenolic acids, Tannins

Actions: Stimulating Expectorant, Antimicrobial, Vulnerary, Astringent, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory

Uses:

Traditional use of this medicine is topically as a balm or through the inhalation of its smoke as incense.

Skin Health: Wounds/Cuts/Burns: soothes, disinfects and helps heal. Useful also for the conditions of Eczema and Psoriasis and windburn, sunburn, frostbite

Respiratory System: useful for mucous conditions as well as the common cold/flu that gives sore throats, laryngitis and cough

Traditional Native American Medicine indicates poplar buds with laryngitis that is accompanied by loss of voice

Any Pain or Inflammation in the body: Topically applied to sore muscles and joints, especially due to Degenerative Joint Disease or various forms of Arthritis including RA. Internally, taken for pain in the body including Menstrual Pains and Headaches and Toothaches

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: These buds were traditionally burned as sacred incense as an offering to God, allowing to connect more deeply to the divine and to aide in one’s spiritual evolution. Smoke of Balm of Gilead strengthens the channel to the Spiritual World. A gift of these buds was a show of reverence and the smoke is said to be very healing (most likely due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory components). It is said that the burning of Balm of Gilead accompanied with prayer will heal the soul and the smoke will carry the prayers to heaven.

Balm of Gilead is also useful energetically for ‘broken hearts’ and the resin is also said to bring peace to the home and can end any marital problem such as arguments or issues around sexuality

In traditional Native American lore, this plant was respected very similarly: Poplar and Cottonwood trees are believed to be messengers of the spirits that convey guidance and wisdom from the Spirit World through the rustling of their leaves.

Energetically these buds are sweet, uplifting and carry a sense of comfort and very much are of the heart-centre.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 574.

Populus tremuloides

Aspen

Salicaceae

Inner Bark

Harvest: Eastern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan

This medicine was taught to settlers by the Indigenous of North America, predominantly Canada.

Constituents: Phenolic glycosides: salicin, populin

Tannins

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Anodyne, Antiseptic, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Astringent

Uses:

Pain and Inflammation: especially Arthritic and Rheumatoid pains

Digestive Imbalance and Pain: especially indicated for colic or spasm in the GI tract. Helps stimulate digestion with its bitter taste activating the Vagal nerve and helps release bile from the gallbladder to digest fats as well. Safe and suitable for use in the elderly.

Menstrual Pain

Cystitis

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 574.

Prunis japonica

Japanese Cherry Blossom

Rosaceae

Cherry Pit

Harvest: Western coast of British Columbia

This tree is not native to North America however has largely been placed in and around Vancouver.

The Chinese Perspective :

(Slightly) Sweet, Pungent -Cool,Dry- Affinity to: LI, SI, SP Meridians

Moistens the intestines and unblocks bowel: laxative effect

Promotes Urnination, Reduces Edema

Prunus japonica pits are ground in a mortar and pestle before using as medicine

Prunella lanceolata/vulgaris

Self Heal, Heal All

Labiatae

Flower, Leaves

Harvest: Late Spring (June), around British Columbia. This plant is Native to the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Canada, Europe, and China, with preference of temperate regions and tropical-mountains.

Constituents: Triterpenoids and their saponins

Phenolic acids, sterols and associated glycosides

Flavonoids and various polysaccharides with a high mucilage content: rutin, cyanidin, delphinidin

Organic acids: betulinic, oleanolic, 6.1% rosemarinic acid, ursolic -acids

Essential Oils: camphor,

Volatile oil

Tannins

Actions: Antiviral, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Immunoregulator, Anti-estrogenic, Antioxidant, Hypotensive, Hypoglycemic, Hemostatis, Demulcent, Astringent, Vulnerary, Diuretic

Uses:

This is a medicine to use to stop uncontrolled bleeding either internally or externally

Medicines to go to for Internal or External Bleeding:

Prunella lanceolata/vulgaris, Achillea millefolium

Allergies

This medicine contains the most amount of Rosmarinic acid in its flowering tops of any of the plants

Inflammation in the Body

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout: applied topically and taken internally, it is believed that the Rosmarinic acid acts as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in the body while the ursolic acid acts as a diuretic, specifically supporting kidney function to help move urea from the body and joints

Internally for Diarrhea or Bleeding

Fever and Sore Throat

Antiviral against Herpes simplex and HIV

In vitro experiments show the ability for Prunella vulgaris to inhibit viral replication by seemingly blocking cell to cell transmission of the HIV virus along with interfering with the viruses ability to bind to T-immune cells.

IBS, Hemorrhoids, Ulcers: Very useful for treating internal “wounds”

Hypertension: use high dose (30g/d)

Thyroid Nodules/Goitre: Very high dose (60g/d)

Immunoregulatory Medicine: Especially for Cancer

Feminine Medicine: Prunella is strongly antiestrogenic in the body and therefore is useful for estrogen dominance conditions. The antiestrogenic activity on endometrial function has been studied both in-vivo and in-vitro and shows significant anti-estrogenic activity both in the laboratory and out of it[2]

Used together with other Feminine Medicines this medicine can help restore proper hormonal function and may deter growth of abnormal cells that result from estrogen dominance and can lead to estrogen-driven cancers.

This is a medicine that gives support to Hypothalmic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis Dysfunction by acting mostly on the Liver to remove toxic heat from the body and help nourish the blood. This is especially useful for women with premenstrual cramps, anger/frustration, cysts or fibroids (including on the breast), hyper or hypo activity of the thyroid, dark menstrual blood with other signs of heat, such as a dark tongue, and an important medicine to consider for endometriosis. This medicine, along with other feminine medicines and blood-nourishing foods may help bring a female out of a status of infertility, dependent on how long and severe her hormonal imbalance has been.

The Feminine Medicines:

Prunella lanceolata/vulgaris ⚘ Heal-all

Achillea millefolium ⚘ Yarrow

Trifolium pratensis ⚘ Red Clover

Borago officinalis ⚘ Evening Primrose

Vitex agnus-castus ⚘ Chaste Tree Berry

Dioscorea villosa ⚘ Wild Yam

Actaea racemosa ⚘ Black Cohosh

Glycyrrhiza glabra ⚘ Licorice

As a topical salve: VERY healing (aka "vulnerary”) to cuts, wounds, bites, bruises, burns including sun burn, sore muscles and joints, acne, rashes and more. It is especially indicated when the skin is red, hot and obviously inflamed.

A Medicinal Food: Add fresh flowers and leaves to a salad

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Pungent -Cold- Affinity to: GB & LV Meridians

In Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, Bitter taste creates a cleansing action in the body by clearing heat, drying dampness and promoting excretion via promoting elimination of the urine and bowels. Pungent (Spicy) taste promotes the circulation of Qi and body fluids, and this is the reason people can sweat when they eat spicy food!

Category: Herbs that Clear Heat and Purge Fire, &/or, Clear Summer Heat

A Medicine to Purge Fire and Regulate Qi[1]:

A tea of Prunella and Crataegus clears liver heat and reduces food stagnancy, which is useful in reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The Signs and Symptoms of a depressed liver with constrained fire include: irritability with a tendency to have anger outbursts, insomnia, rashes and inflammation, ocular inflammation 

Clears Heat that specifically affect the eyes: Uveitis, Opthalmalgia, poor eyesight, especially with dizziness, burning red eyes

Calms Liver Fire and Ascendant Yang: Headaches, Hypertension, Anger/Rage

Reduces Nodules: Goitre, Fibroids, Lymphatic Nodules, Mastitis , Thyroid Nodules, Goitre

Prunella reduces nodules caused by Liver Qi Stagnation leading to an accumulation of Phlegm and heat

The Shennong Bencao Jing describes Prunella as: breaking concretions and dispersing bound qi of the neck

Clears Internal Heat in the body that causes Inflammation, or is caused by Infectious Conditions (bacteria, virus…)

Rashes due to Liver Heat

This medicine has been used for thousands of years in traditional chinese medicine as an antipyretic, and perhaps even more importantly, an anecdotal medicine

Prunella clears heat and disperses qi without an ‘upbearing’ quality, which therefore makes this a safe medicine for Liver Fire Blazing and Summer Heat conditions. Prunella actually has a way that it slightly nourishes liver blood and can relieve dryness in the body due to liver heat without causing the chaos of letting the heat all rise. Because Prunella has the pungency to its taste, it can disperse the heat, which is different from many of the other “Bitter-Cold Herbs” that only have a descending action.

This medicine is similar in action to Bupleurum, anything important Chinese Medicine to go to to clear Heat/Summer Heat in the body however Blupleurum disperses the qi upwards and therefore must always be combined with adequate dosages of blood-nourishing botanical medicines such as Peony.

Other medicines to Clear Liver Heat:

• Bupleurum

• Gardenia

• Gentiana
  

Safety Considerations: This plant is incredibly safe to use as a food and as a medicine. This medicine has a gentle action on the body and is very safe to use in high dosages. TCM Theory states this medicine is contraindicated in people with a weak Stomach or Spleen associated with Coldness. DNU in Yin xu Heat conditions.

As with all plant medicines, please do not take it upon yourself to harvest as there is energetic and spiritual protocols to harvesting medicines. If you do take it upon yourself to not respect these rules and harvest it yourself, please make sure you learn the appropriate ways of plant identification and harvest. Tobacco exchange is always a very important step.

Tea: Infusion

Dosage: up to 30 g of dried flowering heads per day.

Articles and References:

The Standing People; Wild Medicinal Plants of British Columbia.K. Keane, 2015. Save Our Species Publishing. Pp 86-87.

Bai et al.Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the genus Prunella. 2016. Journal of Food Chemistry. Pp 204.

1. Prunella: Purging Fire, Regulating Qi. S. Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon. http://www.itmonline.org/articles/prunella/prunella.htm

2. N. Collins et. al. Characterization of Antiestrogenic Activity of the Chinese Herb, Prunella vulgaris, Using In Vitro and In Vivo (Mouse Xenograft) Models. Biology of Reproduction. 2009 Feb; 80(2): 375–383.

Prunis serotina

Wild Cherry, Choke Cherry

Rosaceae

Dried bark, Fruit

Harvest: British Columbia

This tree is native to North America and was a medicine taught by the Indigenous.

Constituents: Inner bark and Seed: Cyanogenic glycoside: prunasin, hydrogen cyanide

Benzaldehyde, Scopoletin, Tannins

Plant acids: 𝘱-coumaric acid, eudesmic acid

Fruit: Flavonoids: anthrocyanin, quercetin, ascorbic acid, β-carotene

Actions: Antitussive, Relaxing Expectorant, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory

Uses: Irritating Coughs!

• whooping cough

• pleurisy

• pneumonia

  The bark also has just enough hydrogen cyanide to stop coughs with out being poisonous but use with caution in large doses or using seeds which are higher in concentration.

Anxiety: useful for a cold with an irritating cough that also has anxiety due to a lack of oxygen from respiratory illness. Wild Cherry bark calms the entire nervous system while calming the cough reflex

Sleep:

Digestion: Fruit is very good to move the digestive system

Inflammation/Pain: Compounds in cherry juice significantly reduce the chemicals that can cause inflammation. Sour/tart cherries also contain 19 times the amount of beta-carotene as is found in blueberries!

Female Medicine: it is believed that the fruit looks like a uterus and thus by The Doctrine of Signatures, the fruit has been believed for centuries to keep the female reproductive organs strong and healthy and is especially useful throughout pregnancy. Females should not use the seed or bark as medicine in pregnancy or lactation however.

The Chinese Perspective:

Astringent, Bitter -Warm- Affinity to: HT & LU Meridians

 Circulates Qi and Tonifies the Upper Jiao

Calms Shen

Restores the Heart, Lungs and Intestines: asthma, palpitation, chest oppression, exhaustion, loss of appetite, night sweats of lung yin xu type

Dries Phelgm, Reduces Inflammation: nasal discharge (especially damp cold)

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: The Cherry Tree has historically been associated with virginity as the red colored fruit and its enclosed seed is very feminine and beautiful, and a symbol of the uterus.

Safety Considerations: Not recommended for infants or very young children. DNU in pregnancy or lactation. DNU with severe liver or kidney disease.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 575.

Quercus alba

Oak

Fagaceae

Bark

This tree is not native to North America however occasionally you can find some Oak trees around British Columbia and Alberta

Constituents: 15-20% Tannins: phlobatannin, ellagitannins, gallic acid

Actions: Strong Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic

Use internally to dry: runny nose, diarrhea, dysentery

Apply topically to pull: impurities from skin, infection from a wound, slivers, stingers

Take in frequent small doses internally for a very short period of time only

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: Oak trees are known for their strength and are associated with the God of Thunder

Safety Considerations: DNU for constipation

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 577.

Rheum palmatum

Chinese Rhubarb

Polygonaceae

Rhizome

Do not confuse with garden rhubarb

Constituents: Anthraquinone glycosides: Chrysophaein, Emodin-6-monoglucoside, Aloe-emodin-8-monoglucoside, Physcion monoglucoside, Rhein-8-monoglucoside

Anthraquinones: chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, sennosides A-E

Dianthrone glycosides, Chrysophanol diglucoside, Stilbene derivatives

Tannins, Volatile Oils, Rutin, Fatty acids, Calcium oxalate, glucose, fructose and starch

Actions: Bitter, Laxative, Astringent, Antiseptic, Chologogue, Anti-inflammatory

Uses: Purgative for Constipation and after purging the colon, it astringes the entire gut and therefore is very useful for DETOXIFICATION

This is a medicine that can be used for BOTH diarrhea and constipation :

DOSE DEPENDENT:

• at small dose this medicine is a tonic to the entire alimentary canal, including mucal membranes, the liver and gallbladder, specifically the ducts and is especially astringing in nature due to the amount of tannins it contains. Use low dose of this medicine for diarrhea, dysentery and even functional dyspepsia

• a large dose is cathartic

Digestive Imbalances especially due to a Liver/Gallbladder issue -especially when notice signs of heat and stagnation in the body

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter -Cold- Affinity to: SP, ST, LI, LV, PC Meridians

Category: Purgative Herbs that Drain Downward

Purge Heat and Bowels: detoxifies and cools the blood: constipation due to excess heat, indigestion with abdominal pain, dysentery, diarrhea, damp-heat jaundice, spitting blood and nose bleeding due to blood heat, hot eyes, sore throat, abdominal pain due to appendicitis, carbuncle and boils

Expels Blood Stasis: Restoring menstrual flow, amenorrhea caused by blood stasis, traumatic injury, hemorrhoids

Rhubarb root in wine clears blood heat/toxicity in the upper jiao and is indicated with red eyes, sore throat, and gingivitis

Cooked rhubarb is a weak purgative and is used for skin (external) diseases showing heat/toxicity

Charred rhubarb cools blood heat, removes blood stasis and stops bleeding and is indicated for hemorrhagic fever accompanied with stasis

Dosage is from 3 to 30 grams

Decoct to have Purgative Effects

Safety Considerations: may increase both the effectiveness and the toxic effects of cardiac glycosides. May also interact with anti-arrhythmic drugs. As it can drastically reduce the transit time, this medicine may reduce the absorption time normally allocated to orally administered drugs. Caution with diuretics. steroids or licorice root.

Urine may be bright yellow to almost red in hue with use of Rheum palmatum.

Overdose can cause poisoning, especially when it is decocted later. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal cramps, jaundice.

Too high of a dose can be violently cathartic and damage Vital Qi

Caution of use in Liver or Kidney Disease.

DNU in Pregnancy or Lactation

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 577.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola, Arctic Root, Golden Root

Crassulaceae

Root

Rhodiola means ‘rose-like’ in Latin and this medicines flower looks nothing like the rose however its roots give off an aroma similar to rose.

Harvest: Found throughout the Boreal Forests of the world including Canada, China, Siberia and typically like mountainous regions. British Columbia and Alberta is where I have found and learned with this medicine. Harvest is in the autumn after the plants has flowered.

Constituents: Phenylpropanoids: Rosavin, Rosin, Rosarin

Flavonoids, Mono & Tri-terpenoids

Phenolic acids and derivatives: Rhodioloside, Salenosides

Actions: Adaptogen, Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Cardio-protective, Whole Body Tonic and Restorative

Uses: Adaptogen: helps the body respond to, and maintain homeostasis, in times of stress. Helps keeps the body’s immune system functioning well for longer periods of time, as well as keep the body from dropping into states of fatigue and depression and thereby enhancing Physical Endurance

Remember: The Adrenals LOVE Vitamin C

Rhodiola Rosea and Rosehips

Seasonal Affective Disorder: it is recommended that anyone in Canada take support for SAD as we liver ten months of the year with not enough sunlight. This includes supplemental adaptogens, Vitamin C and D.

Adrenal Fatigue/Exhaustion

Thyroid Deficiency

Female Hormonal Imbalances

Mood Imbalances

Cognitive Function: alongside enhancing mood and energy levels, this medicine helps support cognitive function: learning, memory and concentration and is very useful to use after mild brain trauma especially in Post-Concussion Syndrome

Anxiety/Depression Spectrum: especially with heart palpitations or affects on the heart in which ever way, including heartache

Dose is everything in medicine

RHODIOLA ROSEA IS ESPECIALLY A DOSE-SENSITIVE MEDICINE: LOW DOSE IS STIMULATING WHILE HIGH DOSE IS SEDATING

Rhodiola rosea at small doses stimulates the Central Nervous System and potentiates Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Serotonin. At higher doses, there are affects on acetylcholine and nicotinic receptors. Rhodiola has a special way of increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to the neurotransmitters Serotonin and Dopamine and therefore becomes very useful for even the ‘darker’ forms of depression which can include suicidal ideation, the feeling of a ‘dark cloud’, total lack of motivation, the wish to sleep all the time, the inability to make or maintain relationships and all forms of addiction including alcohol and gambling. Larger doses sedate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and are especially useful for anxiety, nervous tension and sleep disturbances. Higher dose of Rhodiola can be given before bed.

Safety Considerations: No side effects and no known drug interactions, allergic reactions or toxicity levels.

Medicine: Decoction or Tincture

Dried root: 1g TID

Articles and References:

THE BOREAL HERBAL: Wild Food and Medicine Plants of the North. Beverley Gray. 2011. Aroma Borealis Press. Pp 137-40.

Rhododendron spp.

Labrador Tea

Ericaceae

Leaves

Harvest: Early Spring, just after snow melt, when there is lots of orange on the underside of the leaves.

This plant is a Native plant to North America and was amongst one of the first plants of trade. The Indigenous people all over North America used this medicine, and traded it amongst themselves long before the settlers came. This is an important medicine as it is a very strong medicine. The Haida people call this tea: xàaydaa tiiga which means “Haida Tea” however it is found all over Canada and each people have their own special name for this medicine. I was personally taught this medicine from a traditional Nisga’a medicine man whom taught me how to harvest and prepare it properly. Many texts say that this is a common beverage and that is false. This is a medicine tea only, and it is a strong medicine.

Constituents: Essential oil: linalool, pinene

Plant Acids: Tannic, Valeric, Ascorbic, Cholorgenic

Polyphenols: procyanidin B2 and procyanidin A1 

Arbutin, Resin

Sesquiterpenes: ledol, palustrol

Flavonoids: quercetin-3-galactoside, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, quercetin

Actions: Strong Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Diaphoretic, Astringent, Strong Anti-inflammatory, Strong Anti-oxidant, Relaxant

Uses:

Pulmonary Infections: Colds and Flu, Tuberculousis, Pneumonia, Asthma -especially indicated if a fever is present

A steam inhalation of Labrador Tea clears up sinuses

Allergies: This plant is full of quercetin and ascorbic acid, which are the two constituents to look for when treating allergies, especially seasonal allergies.

Gastrointestinal Health: useful for any form of dyspepsia or indigestion and any reason leading to diarrhea or constipation

Kidney Infection: this is a strong purgative on the system and kicks out pretty much any infection from the body, while lowering inflammation

Liver Health: this tea keeps the liver healthy and helps prevent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is believed that it cleanses the blood and regenerates the liver cells. There is very little text book information on Labrador tea and even less studies however there is a study that has been done on mice where the insulin-sensitive tissues (liver, skeletal muscles and adipose tissue) were tested in response to Labrador tea. It was found that Labrador tea significantly reduced blood glucose levels and plasma insulin levels while reducing the response to oral glucose tolerance testing and that insulin sensitivity improved in both the liver and skeletal muscle. Labrador tea stimulated the insulin-dependent Akt pathway by 55% and increased the expression of GLUT4 receptors by 53% in skeletal muscle , while also simulating the insulin-dependent Akt pathways in the liver, alongside the insulin-dependent AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. Hepatic steatosis was reduced by a 42% reduction in hepatic triglyceride levels[1]

Labrador tea improves systemic glucose and lipid levels

Strong Antioxidant: This plant also contains catechins and epicatechins, which are the medicinal constituents present in Camellia sinensis, Green Tea that make Green Tea so famous

Topically: pain, bleeding. The leaves can be chewed and then packed on to a wound if one is out in the bush and cuts themselves. The leaves will stop the bleeding.

A strong brew of this tea can be pour over a head infested with Lice and the same goes for a pet with fleas or mites.

Clothing can be soaked in this tea then dried and stored and moths will not chew it. Leaves can also be left in the closet to repel moths.

Home Cleansing Product: a potent batch of this, mixed with baby spruce needles makes a strong and potent house cleaning agent

Bug Repellant: A strong dose of labrador tea with citronella and cedar oil added into it makes for a natural and very safe bug repellent, especially against mosquitos!

Safety Considerations: Too much of this medicine can harm to the kidneys, that was taught to me. There is very little text-book knowledge on this plant but it is a very, very powerful medicine. Too much of this medicine can cause nausea/vomit, dizzy/drowsy, cramps and even convulsions.

Medicine making: This tea must be decocted with the lid on and it is not ready until the leaves sink to the bottom of the pot. It is best to use a pot with a glass lid so that you can watch for this and this typically takes about 20 minutes of boiling for it to happen. It is not the same as the general “rule of thumb” decoction. Leave the lid on so that the essential oils drop back into the tea and let it cool enough so that removal of the lid does not loose the essential oils in the steam (unless you are doing a steam inhalation of course). IF you are very sick, a cup of this medicine 3 times a day for about three days is what you will need but you do not want to push it farther than this. This is also dependent on body weight and hydration as there is a toxic level of this medicine. For using this medicine for digestive complaints or diabetes, 1 cup can be drank daily for a decent long time. It is best to see a practitioner whom is trained with this medicine, such as a traditional medicine person that has had the indigenous knowledge passed on to them, or someone who has trained under an indigenous medicine person.

Articles and References:

1.M. Ouchfoun et. al. Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) attenuates insulin resistance in a diet-induced obesity mouse model. 2016. European Journal of Nutrition. 55, Pp 941–954.

Rosa acicularis

Rose, Rose Hips

Rosaceae

Flower, Leaves, Fruit

Harvest: British Columbia, Alberta and throughout Canada: Rose flowers are harvested in May. Fruit (“Rose Hips”) must not be harvested until after the first frost in the Fall. Typical harvest time is mid-October. I was taught this medicine from an Indigenous Grandmother of the Wet’suwet’en people. This is one of the most important medicines as it was made into jams and dried for teas, which provided Vitamin C throughout the winter, preventing scurvy. Rose Hips are chalk full in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Eating the Rose Hip before the first frost will make you very, very, very sick. The Alberta Rose is this plant.

Constituents: Volatile oil, Ascorbic Acid, Flavonoids, Tannins

Actions: Flower: Emollient, Astringent

Leaf: Astringent, Diuretic

Fruit: Anti-scorbutic, Antispasmodic, Powerful Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Safety Considerations: Never consume or pick the fruit until the fall, after the first frost. There is a chemical change that happens in this plant after it freezes to make it ingestible. Doing otherwise will make you very, very sick with extreme vomit.

Articles and References:

THE BOREAL HERBAL: Wild Food and Medicine Plants of the North. Beverley Gray. 2011. Aroma Borealis Press. Pp 137-40.

Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary

Lamiaceae

Leaf, Twig

Harvest: West Coast of British Columbia

This plant is not native to North America however its name means “sea dew” meaning it loves to grow around the ocean. Its origins come from the Mediterranean. This plant easily grows around the West Coast and can be planted in gardens than harvested in the fall.

Constituents: Volatile oil: borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole, limonene, linalool, ⍺-pinene, ⍺-terpinol

Flavonoids: apigenin, diosmetin, diosmmn, luteolin

Phenolic acids: rosmarinic acid, rosmaricine

Diterpenes: carnosol, carnosolic acid, rosmariquinone

Triterpenes: ursolic acid, oleanolic acid

Vitamins A, B1, B6

Trace minerals: calcium, copper, iron, manganese, and magnesium

Actions: Carminative, Antispasmodic, Antidepressant/Thymoleptic, Rubefaciant, Antimicrobial, Emmenagogue, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective

The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP) describes Rosemary's actions as carminative, spasmolytic, thymoleptic (mood-modifying) sedative, diuretic, antimicrobial. Topically: rubefacient, mild analgesic & parasiticide.  Indicated use: dyspepsia associated with psychogenic tension, headaches either migrainous or hypertensive and topically for myalgia, sciatica, intercostal neuralgia and specifically indicated for depressive states with general debility and indications of cardiovascular weakness. The BHP suggests a dose of 2-4 gms or by infusion and recommends a tincture dose of 2-4mls up to 3 times a day.

Uses:

Circulatory Stimulant: moves the blood through the vessels including the cerebral vessels which helps to boost:

• Memory and Cognition

• Depression

A suitable tonic for the elderly

-Priest and Priest

“Rosemary can be used for treatment of general and post-infectious debility in older patients” -Rudolph Weiss

“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance, pray you love, remember.”

-Hamlet, Shakespeare

Antioxidant:

Rosemary has an exceedingly high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ‘ORAC value’ of 11,070. ORAC value is a scientific measurement that measures the antioxidant capacity of a particular food

Antioxidants are especially useful in any form of Inflammation in the body, especially in connection to Cardiovascular Disease such as:

• Hypertension

• Diabetes Mellitus

• Obesity

• Hyperglycaemia

• Atherosclerosis

• Deep Vein Thrombosis

• Raynaud’s Disease

• Angina

• Headaches

  
  
  
  

  Traditional Medicine from Europe used Rosemary to strengthen blood vessels and clear congestion of the heart, liver and gallbladder which thereby effectively created better moods in the patients

  
  
  
  

Digestive System: tonifies the digestive tract while calming the system

• atonic conditions of the digestive system

• flatulent dyspepsia

• dysbiosis

• mucous in stool

• pain or inflammation

Emmenagogue: helps to stimulate blood flow for women during their menses time and becomes useful to use in the days coming up to the menses then stopping during the menses to let a full cleanse go through, then using rosemary in tea and food just as the menses is finishing to make sure all of the last month is efficiently excreted

Hepatoprotective: this action is multifold. By being a circulatory stimulant, Rosemary can help just about any dis-ease in the body as the blood contains the oxygen and nutrition to heal so simply from its ability to move blood, Rosemary heals. However, add to it the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity and there becomes a even higher capacity to heal. Additionally, Rosemary seems to have a specific affinity to the liver and can help lower liver enzymes and protect against liver disease.

Topical Application: muscle pains, sciatica, neuralgia, cold extremities

Hair Growth: The ability for Rosemary to enhance circulation also leads to the enhancement of microcapillary perfusion and therefore hair growth. Studies have showed that topical application to the scalp promotes hair growth and requiring about 6 months minimum of use to see results [1]. Do not make your own shampoo as too much can literally burn the scalp and make someone go bald- I have legitimately seen this happen.

Bronchial Spasms: Asthma, allergy, cough… rosemary calms the nervous responses to muscles and can calm spasms in the body

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Pungent -Warm- Affinity to: LU, SP, HT, LV, KD Meridians

Category: Herbs that Tonify Yang

Disperses Cold

Relieves Dampness

Removes Phlegm

Disperses Wind

Essential Oil: Effective for depressive symptoms, to boost mood (thymoleptic). Also boosts memory and allows the person to feel more awake

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: Folklore says that tapping someone with a twig of Rosemary will end in marriage and that Rosemary under the pillow will repel bad dreams.

Safety Considerations: DNU essential oil in pregnancy and do not take excessive amounts of essential oil internally. One drop of essential oil is equivalent to a large amount of plant product and therefore 1-2 gtts is a lot of plant matter. There is theoretically the ability to overdose with this plant due to the constituent of camphor and the highest risk would be through internal use of the essential oil. Overdose symptoms can include nausea and vomit, loss of consciousness, spasms pulmonary edema, convulsions,

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 578.

http://chinesenutrition.org/view_image.asp?pid=613

1.Y.Panahi et al. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed.  2015 Jan-Feb;13(1):15-21.

Rubus idaeus

Red Raspberry

Rosaceae

Leaf, Fruit

Harvest: British Columbia

Raspberry leaves must be completely dry before using or they can upset your stomach.

Constituents: Flavonoids: kaempferol, quercetin

Tannins, Fruit sugars, Pectin, Volatile oil

Plant acids: citric, malic, ellagic acids

Good source of minerals and ascorbic acid

Actions: Astringent, Uterine Tonic, Parturient, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Uses: Feminine Medicine: Red Raspberry leaf strengthens and tonifies the uterus to hold a baby. It removes excess water and dampness while knitting together the tissue to make a strong basket for carry

This medicine is also useful in cases of Fibroids, Menorrhagia, Leukorrhea and Diarrhea

Cultures all over knew that a women that drinks raspberry leaf tea throughout pregnancy has a more stable and safe pregnancy with a shorter, stronger and easier labour and delivery.

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Sour -Warm- Affinity to: LV, KD Meridians

Category: Herbs that Tonify Yin

Tonifies the Kidney

Supports Jing & Essence: impotence, bed wetting, frequent urination, premature ejaculation, incontinence, infertility due to cold, nocturnal emissions, premature greying of hair, thin leuchorrhea

Builds Kidney and Liver Qi: improves eyesight, clears blurred vision, low back pain

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: Raspberry is a symbol of fertility in many cultures and have been used all over the world for feminine medicine .

Safety Considerations: Safe to use in Pregnancy and provides a good source of trace minerals.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 578.

Rubus villosus

Blackberry

Rosaceae

Fruit, Bark of Root/Rhizome, Leaf

Harvest: British Columbia

Constituents: 20% Tannins: gallic acid

Flavonoids: kaempferol, quercetin, anthrocyanins

Fruit sugars, Pectin, Ascorbic acid

Saponins: villosin

Actions: Astringent, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Uses: Anything that is required to dry: Diarrhea, Bleeding, Dysentery, Leukorrhea

The root is the particularly astringent part of this plant and the leaf helps with this action.

The fruit has very a high antioxidant capacity and is useful for any inflammation or pain in the body. It’s highly nutritive and full of flavonoids for health. Highly recommended in any cardiovascular disease process.

The leaves of blackberry have the highest antioxidant capacity of the whole fruit

The Chinese Perspective:

Sweet, Sour -Warm- Affinity to: LU, KD, UB Meridians

Chinese Medicine states to eat black foods to strengthen the Kidneys

Clears Heat: fevers, sore throat, mouth sores, inflamed gums, toothache, laryngitis, urinary tract infections

Reduces Inflammation

Dries Damp, Expels Phlegm: loosens and expels sticky phlegm from the lungs and throat, leucorrhea

Promotes Tissue Repair

Stops Bleeding: diarrhea, blood in the urine or stools, hemorrhoids

Softens Stones: UB/GB stones

Promotes Urination

Energetic/Esoteric Medicine: Used in spells for protection and to remove ghosts and vampire-energies. It is possible that it was blackberry that made the thorns of Christ and that is why the berry turns red to black. It is said this is a plant that is connected with the Devil and therefore bridges the realms between Christ and the Devil. In this bridge, this planet energetically wards off evil

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 578.

Rumex crispus

Yellow Dock

Polygonaceae

Root

Harvest: Alberta and Western British Columbia

Yellow dock is native to North America and was used by tribes all over internally to purify the blood. This medicine is considered one of the safest laxative herbs available, which is stronger than Dandelion or Burdock however less strong than Senna or Cascara.

Constituents: 3-4% Anthraquinones and Anthraquinone Glycosides: nepodin, physcion, emodin

Tannins, Oxalates, Inulin, Ascorbic Acid, β-carotene

Minerals: Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium

Actions: Laxative, Hepatic, Cholagogue, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

Uses: DETOXIFICATION and Healthy Digestion:

A great medicine to get the bowels moving and added with some other medicinal herbs, becomes a great way to detoxify the body, especially as Spring. The anthraquinones are cathartic on the bowel however this one is a mild action. The tannins then dry up and tonify the tissues.

Rumex crispus supports stage-two Liver Detoxification and helps create a healthy gut microbiome while stimulating digestive enzymes. This medicine is gentle and cleansing yet powerfully moves toxins from the body and brings a state of health.

Cleanses the Blood: Jaundice, Hepatitis -any biliary or hepatic congestion

Yellow together with Dandelion Root, Burdock Root and Milk Thistle help cleanse the blood. Adding Red Clover and Calendula help move the lymphatics, which is always important to do in detoxification.

Hormonal Health: the health of the hormones is directly tied to the heath of the liver and the blood and therefore this herb can, with the addition of other hepatic and other detoxifying herbs, and medicines that support the adrenals, help move out toxic estrogens and create hormone balance

Depression: The gastrointestinal tract makes 90% of the body’s serotonin and therefore treating depression by treating the gut is a very important way to go. This medicine is a good medicine to go to for this result.

Anemia: Yellow Dock with Dandelion, Nettles and Blackstrap Molasses is a powerful way to build blood, add dates, apricots, goji berries and lots of spinach and spirulina and you can even help vegans and vegetarians tonify and build their blood

Skin Health: psoriasis, acne, eczema, pustular skin eruptions, urticaria, dermatitis

Rectal Health: Polyps, Hemorrhoids, Constipation

Fat Intolerance: Rumex crispus promotes the flow of bile

The Chinese Perspective:

Affinity to: LV, ST, SP, LI Meridians

Tonifies the Liver and the Stomach

Clears Liver Heat and Damp Heat, Moves Stagnant Qi: constipation, menstrual cramps, skin eruptions/boils, headaches, joint pain

Builds Blood: anemia, lethargy

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 578.

Salix alba

White Willow

Salicaceae

Bark

Harvest: Alberta, Saskatchewan

A native plant to North America, mostly the prairies of Canada. This is the natural form and original source of Aspirin.

Constituents: Phenolic glycosides: salicin, salicylic acid

Tannins, catechin, flavonoids, 𝘱-coumaric acid

Actions: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory

Uses: Pain: especially due to rheumatism or gout

Safety Considerations: very safe and does not create the irreversible inhibition of platelet aggregation as its synthetic copy does.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 579.

Salvia officinalis

Sage

Lamiaceae

Leaf

Constituents: Volatile Oil: α & β-thujone, cineole, borneol, camphor

Diterpene bitters: picrosalvin, carnosolic acid

Flavonoids: salvigenin, genkwanin, 6-methoxygenkwanin, hispidulin, luteolin-A

Phenolic acids: rosmarinic, caffeic, labiatic, salviatannin

Actions: Carminative, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Astringent

Uses: Any Inflammation of the Mucous Membranes in the Body-especially digestive or lung

Digestive Issues: including dyspepsia, poor appetite, bloating, flatulence, dysbiosis

Mouthwash: gingivitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, tooth infection, aphthous ulcers

Decreases sweating

May decrease milk production in women overproducing milk

Safety Considerations: TOXIC at too high of a dose, due to the constituent thujone which can cause symptoms such as tachycardia, hot flashes, convulsions, dizziness. DNU in pregnancy and if only under the careful eye during lactation.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 580.

Sambucus nigra

Black Elder

Caprifoliaceae

Flower, Berry, Leaf

Constituents:

Flower: Triperpenes: ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, α & β-amyrin, sterols

Fixed oils: free fatty acids: linoleum, linolenic, palmitic acids

Phenolic acids: chlorogenic acid

Pectins, sugars

Leaf: Triterpenes: similar to flower

Cyanogenetic glycosides: sambunigrin

Flavonoids: kaempferol, quercetin, quercetin glycosides (hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin)

Fatty acids, Alkanes, tannins

Berry: Flavonoids: Anthroquinone glycosides

Actions:

Flower: Diaphoretic, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-catarrhal, Antiviral

Leaf: Purgative, Expectorant, Diuretic, Diaphoretic

Berry: Diaphoretic, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Laxative, Anti-catarrhal, Anti-rheumatic, Antiviral

Uses:

Flower: Colds and Flu, Viral Infections -any catarrh of upper respiratory tract and sinuses

Leaf: Topical Use: for bruises, sprains, wounds, tumors

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 580.

Sanguinaria canadensis

Bloodroot

Papaveraceae

Root

Constituents: 3-7% isoquinoline alkaloids: sanguinarine

Actions: Stimulating Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Cathartic, Emetic, Cardioactive, Nervine

Uses: Respiratory Disease: with catarrh and mucous to be excreted:

• Asthma

• Croup

• Bronchitis

• COPD

• Emphysema

Circulatory Stimulant: use in cases of deficient peripheral circulation and especially when there is poor wound healing in peripheral zones of the body

Oral Rinse: significantly reduces plaque and improves gingival health

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 580.

Scrophularia nodosa

Figwort

Scrophulariaceae

Aerial Parts

Harvest: North America

A native medicine to Canada

Constituents: Iridoids: aucubin, harpagide, acetyl harpagide, 6-α-rhamnopyranosylcatapol

Flavonoids: diosmin, iosmetin, acacetin rhamnoside, hesperidin

Phenolic acids: ferulic, isoferulic, 𝗉-coumaric, caffeic, vanillic, chlorogenic acids

Actions: Alterative, Mild Laxative, Diuretic, Cardiac Stimulant

Uses: Skin Problems: eczema, rashes, psoriasis

DETOXIFICATION: cleanses the blood and has an affinity to the lower abdomen and pelvis so really helps move toxins out of the colon and pelvic organs. Helpful in detoxifying from years of smoking as the chemicals in cigarettes love to settle into the pelvis.

Hemorrhoids

Safety Considerations: Avoid use in unstable cardiovascular conditions or tachycardia

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 582.

Scutellaria laterfloria

Skullcap

Lamiacea

Aerial Parts

Constituents: Flavonoids: baicalein, baicalin, scutellarein, wogonin

Iridoids: catapol

Volatile Oil, Tannins

Actions: Nervine + Tonic, Antispasmodic, Hypotensive

Uses: Nervousness, Tension, Stress: an amazing medicine to soothe the nervous system

Anxiety, Exhaustion, Nervous agitation, Depression

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Post-Concussion Syndrome

Relaxing nerving that restores the nervous system and helps bring cerebral blood flow and therefore very useful for the cerebrospinal nervous system

-Priest and Priest

Muscles Spasms, Tics and Petite Mal Seizures

Premenstrual Tension

Sleep: especially if insomnia or restless sleep is due to the nervous system

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 582.

Senna alexandrina

Senna

Fabaceae

Dried Fruit Pod, Leaf

Constituents: Anthraquinone glycosides: Fruit: Sennosides A& B, Leaf: Sennosides A-D

Naphthalene glycosides: tinnevellin glycoside, 6-hydroxymusizin glycoside

Mucilage, Flavonoids, Volatile Oil, Resins

Actions: Cathartic

Uses: Constipation: the most powerful cathartic to stimulate and move the intestines. Stimulates the enteric nervous system to create strong and efficient peristalsis.

Safety Considerations: Can be extremely painful, it is recommended starting with the milder medicines for Constipation than moving to this one if it is needed, it is also recommended starting with a low dose and working up. Because there is a decrease in bowel time, the use of this medicine is only meant to be for short term and can reduce absorption of an oral drug or supplements. Overuse can lead to deficiency in electrolytes and toxicity if cardiac glycosides are used concomitantly. Any anthraquinone- containing cathartic can lead to dependency and awareness to this is important. DNU > 10 days.

Contraindications: Intestinal Obstruction, or Intestinal Inflammatory Diseases.

DNU in Pregnancy or Lactation

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 582.

Serenoa repens

Saw Palmetto

Arecaceae

Fruit: Berry

Constituents: 25% Fatty Acids: caprice, lauric, palmitic

Sterols, Polysaccharides

Actions: Diuretic, Urinary Antiseptic, Endocrine Agent

Actions:

UTI: especially in men but also in women

Male Medicine: Enlarged Prostate, BPH

Testosterone is changed into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate, which its accumulation can lead to multiplication and enlargement of prostate cells, resulting in prostate enlargement and can continue into the most prevalent form of cancer in men which is Prostate Cancer. Saw Palmetto blocks the activity of 5-⍺-reductase which inhibits DHT and furthermore, blocks DHT from binding to its cellular receptor sites, with great affinity.

This medicine is a lipophilic medicine and is best taken with a fat to increase absorption, a small amount of coconut oil is all that is needed.

This medicine also balances hormones in females and is useful for adrenal fatigue leading to low testosterone and shrunken breast tissue. Women do need a certain amount of testosterone!

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 583.

Silybum marianum

Milk Thistle

Asteraceae

Seed

Constituents: 1.5-3% Flavolignans: silymarin (silybin, silydinanin, silychristin)

Flavones

Fixed Oil: 30% oleic acid, 6% palmitic acid

Sterols: cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol

Actions: Hepatic + Antihepatotoxic, Galactagogue, Demulcent, Cholagogue

Uses:

Liver Tonic: not only does Milk Thistle protect the liver from damage (and therefore is useful in Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy) but it also helps the liver cells regenerate so it’s extra useful.

• Hepatitis

• Cirrhosis

• Alcoholism

• Acetaminophen or ASA

• Pharmaceuticals

• Antibiotics

• Illicit substance abuse

• DETOXIFICATION

Milk Thistle also effectively increases the secretion of flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder and therefore is useful in fat absorption problems and intolerances. This is also a very supportive medicine for anyone whom has had their gallbladder removed.

Hormone Balancing: as the liver recycles the hormones, a stagnant liver can lead to hormonal problems so this medicine is very useful to think of when Thyroid or Adrenal problems are present and especially when there are any Hormonal Issues in both men or women which is typically seen with uterine or prostate issues.

Acne and Unhealthy Skin: clear the liver, clear the skin

Thyroid Health: the liver needs to be strong for thyroid hormone to be activated and often thyroid problems are actually liver problems!

Menopause: Menopausal symptoms often come from a toxic liver

Breast Feeding: Milk Thistle helps promote milk secretion and is very safe to use in lactation

Silybum marianum has no known side effects nor any drug or supplement interaction and therefore makes it a very safe medicine to use ESPECIALLY for protecting the liver from the use of the Western Pharmacopoeia

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 584.

Smilax spp.

Sarsaparilla

Liliaceae

Root, Rhizome

This plant is in the same family as Ginseng and therefore is actually a very powerful plant. It is Native to Mexico

Constituents: Saponins: aglycones sarsapogenin, smilagenin

β-sitosterol, sigmasterol

Actions: Alterative, Antirheumatic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic

Uses: Metabolic Tonic: Helps remove toxins from the body and therefore “Alterative” action

Rheumatisms and Gout

Skin Conditions: Acne, Psoriasis -especially with irritation

Syphilis

Hormone Balancing

Powerful combination with Licorice Root and Ginseng

Safety Considerations: May increase the absorption of digitalis glycosides

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 584.

Solidago canadensis

Goldenrod

Asteraceae

Dried Aerial Parts

Constituents: Polygalic acid saponins

Clerodane diterpenes: solidagolatcones Ⅰ-Ⅶ, elongatolides C & E

Phenolic glycosides, Flavonoids: rutin, quercetin

Acetylenes, Polysaccharids, Tannins

Actions: Anticatarrhal, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Carminative

Uses: ALLERGIES!! This is the plant to go to for allergies! Especially with upper respiratory catarrh and watery eyes and a runny nose

Upper Respiratory Infections; including due to influenza

Dyspepsia

UTI: helps bring down inflammation and must be combined with stronger antimicrobials to kill off infection

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergies

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 585.

Symphytum officinale

Comfrey

Boraginaceae

Root, Rhizome, Leaf

Constituents: Allantoine

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: echimidine, symphytine, lycopsamine, symlandine

**symlandine seems to be removed in the drying process

Phenolic acids: rosmarinic, chlorogenic, caffeic, lithospermic

29% mucilage, Choline, Asparagine, Volatile oil, Tannins

Steroidal saponins and Triterpenes

Actions: Vulnerary, Demulcent, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Expectorant

Uses: WOUND HEALING: this medicine is one of the top to apply externally to help heal wounds. The wound-healing capabilities of this medicine are due to the presence of allantoin which stimulates cell proliferation and the leaf can be macerated and then applied to external wounds. This medicine also helps foster healthy scar formation. Very deep wounds must be carefully taken into account as Comfrey can cause them to heal too quickly. Traditionally: a wound was packed with macerated Comfrey root and leaf and then the person was sent into the sweat house so that the sweat also pushed out anything that could lead to abscess.

This medicine can be used internally and externally however due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are powerful however can be toxic, internal consumption of this medicine should be under the careful observation of a talented healer or Naturopathic Physician.

Ulcers: this is a powerful medicine to use in internal ulcerations and one of the first medicines to go to when Ulcerative Colitis flares up. Root and leaf should be used in a tea, alongside lots of vitamin C and other mucilage medicines such as Althea officinalis

• Gastric Ulcers

• Duodenal Ulcers

• Hiatal Hernia

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Hemorrhoids

Safety Considerations: TOXIC HERB: The Pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in this medicine is what makes this medicine a very strong medicine however it also makes this medicine hepatotoxic and possibly carcinogenic. This is not a medicine to go harvest and utilize on your own and should only be used under prescription. SHORT TERM USE ONLY. VERY CAREFUL USE WITH INTERNAL USE.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 586.

Symplocarpus foetidus

Skunk Cabbage

Araceae

Root, Rhizome

Constituents: Volatile Oil, 5-hydroxytryptamine, Resins

Actions: Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Antidepressant, Uterine Preparator

Uses: Spasmadic Cough with Catarrh

Depression

Sleep troubles

Pregnancy Preparation

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 587.

Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion

Asteraceae

Root, Leaf

Harvest: All over the world. Harvest from home garden throughout Spring however if you are harvesting for medicine it is unethical to harvest until fall, after the flower has bloomed. Dandelions are actually a best friend of the soil, plants, pollinating insects and humans and it’s a tragedy that humans think of them as a weed. These are amazing plants for bees so letting the grow in the yard feeds the bees, which keeps the humans alive. These plants also help aerate the soil and create drainage channels in compacted soil which brings earthworms and all sorts of required nitrogen, vitamins and minerals to the soil. Dandelions also release and ethylene gas that allows fruiting plants to ripen. It is very important to realize that there is a False Dandelion that is also part of the Asteraceae family and looks almost identical to Dandelion including the yellow flower that seeds into the “whispy wishes”. Real Dandelion flowers form on a SINGLE STALK that is HAIRLESS AND LEAFLESS and has a hollow stem that when broken leaks a milky fluid. There is a basal rosette of SMOOTH leaves with a central taproot. Basically if the stalk is branched or if there is a hair on the stalk or leaves -this is not Dandelion. If you question it, it is probably not dandelion. This is another reason why going to visit your local ND is appropriate to get your medicinal teas, you can even go wrong with Dandelion!

Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones: taraxacoside

Diterpenes: taraxacin

Triterpenes: taraxasterol, arnidiol, faradiol, β-amyrin

Sterols; stigma sterol, β-sitosterol

Carotenoids: lutein, violaxanthin, xanthophylls

Flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin

Polysaccharides: glucans, mannans, inulin, levulin

up to 4.5% potassium in the leaves

Trace minerals:, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, boron, and silicon

Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K

B Vitamins: Rich in B9, B3,5,6

Actions:

Leaf: Strong Diuretic, Natural Potassium Source, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-rheumatic

Root: Hepatic, Bitter, Chologogue, Mild Laxative, Anti-inflammatory, Alterative

Together: Alterative, Detoxification Agent, Blood Purifier, Antirheumatic

Uses: Diuretic especially due to heart problems such as CHF

The best diuretic for congestive heart failure and any form of edema 

           -Replenishes potassium to the body and balances electrolytes-

Muscle tension due to mineral imbalances

DANDELION IS ONE OF THE RICHEST SOURCES OF VITAMIN K WHICH IS NEEDED IN THE BODY FOR PROPER BLOOD COAGULATION, CLOT FORMATION, Bone mass and heart health

 Many vitamins and minerals are present in Dandelion such as potassium, iron, zinc, calcium and silicon, and Vitamins A, B, C and D. The leaves of Taraxacum off. are one of the best sources of potassium and thus aide in balancing the body's sodium-potassium levels which are crucial for the proper functioning of all parts of our body at a cellular level.  The leaves, made into a tea infusion or eaten in a salad, can therefore create a powerful diuretic action in the body especially if the sodium and potassium concentrations are imbalanced, and sodium will be excreted from the body with the urine.  This is especially great for any women that hold water weight before or during the time of their menses and for those who eat the typical North American diet, as there is far too much sodium consumed so this provides support for that imblance.  Many vitamins and minerals are present in Dandelion such as potassium, iron, zinc, calcium and silicon, and Vitamins A, B, C and D. The leaves of Taraxacum off. are one of the best sources of potassium and thus aide in balancing the body's sodium-potassium levels which are crucial for the proper functioning of all parts of our body at a cellular level.  The leaves, made into a tea infusion or eaten in a salad, can therefore create a powerful diuretic action in the body especially if the sodium and potassium concentrations are imbalanced, and sodium will be excreted from the body with the urine.  This is especially great for any women that hold water weight before or during the time of their menses and for those who eat the typical North American diet, as there is far too much sodium consumed so this provides support for that imblance.

Dandelion leaf is comparable to the drug Furosemide in its action and helps keep a stable supply of potassium to the system which is very important with Diuretics as low potassium is very dangerous

DETOXIFICATION: one of the best plants to go to for a Spring Detoxification

Dandelion root is popular for its hepatic, cholagogue, diuretic, laxative and anti-inflammatory actions.  These are botanical medicine terms meaning that the root of this plant medicine acts directly on the liver and gallbladder to maintain their proper functioning, help support digestion (especially of fats), keeps the liver strong and healthy and therefore clears the blood for optimal health in the body.  The botanical actions of this plant are due mostly to the botanical constituents within the root called sesquiterpene lactones, a form of a saponin, and other di- and tri- terpenes, specifically having the unique constituent names of: Taraxacin, Taraxacoside, and Taraxasterol, along with other sterols, specifically stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol.  The most prominent action of the root being that Dandelion root stimulates the liver to purify the blood while providing anti-inflammatory benefits so that the detoxification pathways of the body become hugely supported and the leaf works on the kidneys with its diuretic action, clearing, cleansing and supporting the kidney pathways. This medicine therefore is a safe and strong support for two of the body's most important detoxifying systems.

• Liver or Gallbladders Issues

• Rheumatism

• Skin Disorders: Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne vulgaris, Rashes, Rosacea

Anxiety and Anxious Digestive Disorders:

The bitter principles in this plan stimulate the Vagal nerve, which is Cranial Nerve 10, and allows for the body to immediately be placed into it's parasympathic nervous system so anyone with anxiety would also benefit from this plant medicine and as stimulation of the Vagal nerve stimulates the digestive system to start excreting it's digestive juices, food should be consumed within 30-45 mins of a cup of its decocted root.

The Chinese Perspective:

Bitter, Sweet -Cold- Affinity to: LV, ST, KD Meridians

Clear Hears, relieves toxicity: especially Liver heat with red, swollen, painful eyes, emotional symptoms of frustration, stagnation or anger

Resolves Dampness: due to heat. Damp-heat jaundice and painful urinary dysfunction.

Dissipates Nodules: particularly if they are firm and hard. Especially for breast and uterine fibroids, cysts, PCOS or intestinal abscesses. Can be used internally or externally.

Promotes Lactation

Dandelion is first mentioned in the Tang Materia Medica of the 7th century and is taught by Culpeper to have an “opening and cleansing quality”

Esoteric Medicine:

The folklore of Dandelion states that if you can blow all the seeds away in one blow than you are truly loved and if not, this magical flower wishes you to look further for your true love.  It is said as well that if you wish to send a message to a loved one, blow the whispy wishes towards their direction and visualize the seeds carrying the message to them in the wind. Another legend states that if you do not know the time of day, blow three times and the number of seeds left on the flower top will be the correct hour of the day. The final legend that has been told is if you wish to find out how long you will live, blow the seeds away with one blow and the amount of seeds left on the head of the flower will be the amount of decades in your lifetime.  The spiritual powers this medicine can bring are that of divination, wishes, and the calling of spirits. A decoction of its roots will bring energy similar to a cup of coffee while it's infusion can provide psychic powers. It is ruled by the element of air which makes total sense, and by the planet Jupiter, the planet that rules spiritual expansion, jovialness and connection with universal truth [1] 

Other Notes:

Dandelion leaves are a wide-spread food source

Flowers of dandelion are mixed with citrus and fermented into Dandelion Wine.

Dandelion root can be mixed with coffee to help removed caffeine from the diet and heal the body, or can also be used as a caffeine-free substitute.

There is a very traditional British soft drink that mixes Dandelion and Burdock root. Dandelion root is also one of the original ingrediants in traditional Root Beer.

Safety Considerations: Asteraceae family allergies. Latex in stem can create a contact dermatitis. Caution with Kidney disease and severe electrolyte imbalances. DNU/Caution in Pregnancy, Lactation and Young Children. Caution with any severe inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract.

Aricles and References:

1. Cunningham, S. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Woodbury, Minnesota, Llewellyn Publications. 1993.

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 587.

Thuja occidentalis

White Cedar

Cupressaceae

Young Branches - young twig with bark and leaf

Also called Arbor vitae meaning The Tree of Life. This is a very sacred medicine of North America and was taught by the indigenous.

Constituents: 1% Volatile Oil: thujone

Flavonoids glycosides, mucilage, tannins

Actions: Stimulating Expectorant, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Astringent, Antifungal, Antiseptic: Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, Alterative, Anti-Cancer

Uses: Lung Catarrah: especially when there is a weakness of the heart

Leaves should be boiled and the steam inhaled

Tea can also be drunk

Delayed Menstruation: helps stimulate the uterus to expel the menses

Incontinence due to lost muscle tone and has an ability to strengthen the bladder sphincter

Constipation due to low muscle tone

Skin Conditions: especially psoriasis or eczema

Abnormal growths, Painful joints and muscles, Arthritis: Tumors, skin or mucal membrane growths

Safety Considerations: Do not use with dry irritable coughs or overly stimulated cough reflex as the the stimulating action of this medicine will just irritate the cough more. Do not use large doses internally for long. Thujone content can make this a toxic medicine.

Cancer: full body massages with baths in cedar water and traditional sweats are a powerful way to move cancer out of the body

Safety Considerations; This medicine can be toxic due to the constituent thujone. It is recommended to only use this medicine with an indigenous healer that has been trained with this medicine or another healer that has been trained under the indigenous knowledge.

DO NOT USE IN PREGNANCY OR LACTATION

Never take cedar essential oil internally

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 589.

Thymus vulgaris

Thyme

Lamiaceae

Twig, Leaf, Flower

Constituents: Volatile oil: thymol, carvacrol

Flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin, thymonin, naringenin

Plant acids: labiatic, caffeic

Tannins

Actions: Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Calming Expectorant, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Anthelmintic

Uses: Dyspepsia

Digestive Stimulant

External application to wounds as a salve

Respiratory or Digestive Infections and useful in irritating coughs

Gargle: Laryngitis, Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis

Childhood Bedwetting

Essential Oil of Thyme: Topically applied to neuralgic, muscular or rheumatic pains

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 589.

Trifolium pratense

Red Clover

Fabaceae

Flower Head

Harvest: British Columbia in early Summer. This plant is native to Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa and has been naturalized in North America. It was taught to me from a Wet’suwet’en Grandmother, a Native Grandmother of Canada.

Constituents: Flavonoids: pectolinarin, kaempferol

Isoflavones: biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein, pratensein, trifoside

Volatile oil: furural

Covamides: L-dopa-caffeic acid and conjugates

Coumarins: coumestrol, medicagol, coumarin

Resins, Minerals, Vitamins, Phytoalexins, Galactomannan

Actions: Balances Female Hormones, Alterative, Antispasmodic, Calming Expectorant

Uses:

Feminine Medicine

Estrogen Balancing

Red Clover is the feminine medicine that holds the highest amount of isoflavones within its flower head. Isoflavones are water-soluble molecules that are structurally similar to estrogen and therefore act like estrogen in the body. It is best to use this medicine in women of reproductive age in the first half of their cycle to help support healthy estrogens. As estrogen is recycled by the liver, it is also important to give botanical medicines that help support the liver and detoxify the blood at the same time. Red Clover and Milk Thistle look similar in many ways and are powerful medicines used together to help give feminine medicine.

Skin Problems: especially in children with eczema or psoriasis

URTI or Chronic Bronchial Catarrh especially with irritating coughs

The Chinese Perspective:

(Slightly) Sweet -Cool- Affinity to: LU, KD, BL Meridians

Blood Purifier, Nourishes Blood, Tonifies Yin: very good in menopause and issues of dry mouth, dry cough, sore throat, constipation.

A medicine for the elderly where Yin xu is causing heat symptoms

Clears Heat, Removes Toxins: hot flashes of menopause, rashes

Safety Considerations: May potentiate anticoagulant drug effects. DNU in Pregnancy or Lactation.

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 590.

Ulmus rubra

Slippery Elm

Ulmaceae

Inner Bark

Harvest: This plant is native to North America and was taught to settlers by the Indigenous people. The inner bark of the large branches that are approximately 10 years old are collected in the Spring. The colour should be greyish/tan -colour, if it is dark or reddish, it is too young

Constituents: Mucilage: galactose, 3-methyl galactose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid

Very high Antioxidant content!

Phenolics, Calcium, Iodine, Bromine, Zinc, Manganese, Amino acids

Actions: Demulcent, Emollient, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Antioxidant

Soothes Inflammation

Promotes healing

This is a very important remedy as the mucilage within the bark of this tree is so high. It is a very healing remedy for any inflammation of the lungs, digestive system or urinary tract and can be applied topically to soothe wounds and burns. It is so high in mucilage that it has been used as gruel in times of famine.

Uses: Inflammation or Ulcers in the Digestive Tract:

• Gastritis

• Colitis

• Gastic Ulcers

• Duodenal Ulcers

• Hiatal hernia

• Hemorrhoids

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: including sore throats

Lung Infections: The mucilage helps to soothe, coat and heal the lungs

UTI: soothes the tract and coats the membranes to allow for healing

Vaginitis

Externally: Inflammed Skin, Wounds, Burns, Boils, Carbuncles

The indigenous would make healing salves to apply topically. Inner bark can also be soaked and then wrapped around a wound as a natural bandage.

The Chinese Perspective:

(Slightly) Bitter -Warm- Affinity to: LU, LI Meridians

Supports Lung Yin: sore throat, calm dry cough -especially useful in lung and urinary bladder infections in the elderly and those with weak disposition

Promotes Digestion: indigestion, gastric ulcers, dysentery, diarrhea, urinary tract infections

Heals Wounds and Soothes Skin: boils, scalds, wounds, itchy irritated skin disorders.

Safety Considerations: Mucilage content may theoretically slow the absorption of orally administrated drugs

Articles and References:

MEDICAL HERBALISM: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. D, Hoffmann. 2003. Healing Arts Press. pp. 591.

Urtica dioica

Nettle

Urticaceae

Leaf, Root, Seed

Harvest: A plant that is native to Africa and West Asia but has been naturalized throughout North America. I have harvested this medicine in British Columbia, it loves to be near water and in the shade. This plant is a SPRING HARVEST plant: May and June. It is one of the first medicines to harvest and it is to be harvested before going to blossom. This plant has a male and female form and ‘dioca’ means of two houses, referring to this. “Uro”, the root of Urtica, means to burn and this is the hair on the plant which stings the body when touched.

Constituents: High yields of Chlorophyll,Iron, Magnesium, Vitamins A, B, C, K, Silicon, Choline, Coumarin, Quercetin, Kaempferol

Plant acids: amino acids, formic, caffeic, carbonic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, olec acids

Indoles: histamine, serotonin

Vitamin K, Coumarin

Actions: Builds Blood and Tissue (Tonic), Hypotensive, Astringent, Diuretic, Anti-allergy, Blood Sugar Balance, Balances Blood Viscosity, Antioxidant , Styptic

Uses: Anemia, Vegan or Vegetarian Diets: builds the blood and provides needed nutrition that can often be missing

ALLERGIES!

Nettles combined with Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) and extra Vitamin C in the diet is a powerful remedy for allergy season

Nettles are being increasingly used by holistic practitioners for their ability to decongest, provide quercetin to combat histamine reactions (antihistamine), alongside provide important nutrition to the body

Respiratory Illness: Nettles have a special affinity to strengthening both the lungs and the immune system and are very efficient at supporting any issue with the lungs including asthma and bronchitis. The ability for Nettles to bring down inflammation in the body is useful for any illness or pain.

Adrenal Fatigue/Insufficiency: Nettles provide the needed nutrition that often lead to Kreb Cycle insufficiency. Nettle tea, extra vitamin C and B vitamins and sleep support will go a long way in repairing the adrenal glands.

Nettles strengthen the entire body

DETOXIFICATION: An amazing medicine to take in the Spring with Dandelion and some other medicines that cleanse the blood and supply the body with necessary nutrition

Myalgias, Arthritis, Poor Circulation:

Fresh Nettle: Let sting arthritic joints or sore muscles and will bring fresh blood flow. It works amazingly!

Skin Conditions: eczema, psoriasis

A Medicine for the blood:

Anemia:

Nettles nourish the blood and provide the body with needed nutrition including many essential vitamins and minerals

Combine Nettles with Goji Berries, Dates, Spirulina, Brewers Yeast and Black Strap Molasses build the blood.

Nettles help move the blood and provide the body with circulation