strengthening and toning to the nerves and nervous system.
Habitat: The alpine zone of the Himalayas from Gilgit to Kumaon.
Ayurvedic: Vatsanaabha (related sp.).Folk: Tilia Kachnaag, Dudhia.Action: Nervine tonic.
Air-dried roots of the plant are reported to contain 1% indaconitine.... acorus calamusHabitat: Dry woods, throughout Central and Southern States of North America. Features ? A tree-like shrub, ten to twenty feet high. Fruit shiny black, sweet and
edible. Young bark glossy purplish-brown, with scattered warts. Old bark greyish-brown, inner surface white. Fracture short. Root bark cinnamon colour. Taste bitter,astringent.Part used ? Root bark (preferred); also bark of stem and branches.Action: Uterine tonic, nervine, anti-spasmodic.
Uterine weaknesses, leucorrhaea, dysmenorrhea. Prevention of miscarriage—given four or five weeks before. Infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint of boiling water—table-spoonful doses.... black hawConstituents: oestrogens, volatile oil, resin.
Action: sedative, sustaining nervine, hypnotic, mild analgesic, spasmolytic on smooth muscle, bitter, tonic, astringent, antimicrobial (externally), liver and gall bladder relaxant, anaphrodisiac, diuretic.
Uses: Nervous anxiety, hysteria, nervous diarrhoea, nervous stomach, Crohn’s disease, intestinal cramps, nervous bladder, insomnia, neuralgia, excessive sexual excitability. Loss of appetite, menopause, restless legs.
Chinese medicine – tuberculosis of the lungs.
“Of value in cancer.” (J.L. Hartwell, Lloydia, 33, 97, 1970)
Combination. Combines well with Passion flower and Valerian.
Preparations: Average dose: half-1 gram. Thrice daily.
Tea. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Dose: half cup.
Liquid Extract: 0.5-1ml.
Tincture BHC Vol 1. One part to 5 parts 60 per cent ethanol. Dose: 1-2ml.
Popular tablet/capsule: powdered Hops BHP (1983) 45mg; powdered Passiflora BHP (1983) 100mg; powdered Extract Valerian 5:1 20mg. For minor stresses and strains, irritability and nervous headaches. For over-activity of children over 12 years. (Gerard House)
Diet: young shoots cooked as Asparagus.
Hop pillow: for healthful sleep.
Fresh Hops require careful handling on drying to prevent loss of pollen. May cause an allergic dermatitis in those susceptible.
Contra-indication: depression.
Powder. 250mg. One 00 capsule or one-sixth teaspoon. ... hops
Constituents: vulgarin, flavonoids, coumarin derivatives, oil.
Action. Menstrual regulator, nervine, diuretic, choleretic, stomachic, diaphoretic, orexigenic, bitter, anti- diabetic. Has an affinity for the womb, stomach and nerves. Re-mineraliser.
Uses: menstrual obstruction, pain or delay. Menopause. To temporarily allay the tremor of Parkinsons; reduce excitability of epileptics before an attack, convulsions in children; early stages of colds, influenza and other fevers. To stimulate the appetite in anorexia nervosa. Pin worms, sleep-walking, abdominal cramp. Malaria. (China)
Combination: with Helonias, Pennyroyal and Southernwood for menstrual irregularity BHP (1983). Preparations. Average dose, half-2 grams, or equivalent, thrice daily.
Tea: half an ounce to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily.
Liquid Extract BHP (1983). 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. Dose: half to 2ml in water.
Powder, capsules: 250mg. 3 capsules at meals, morning and evening. (Arkocaps) Contra-indications: pregnancy, lactation, large doses. ... mugwort
Habitat: Throughout the hotter parts of India. Found as a weed in the sub-Himalayan tract and other hills up to 1,200 m.
English: Country Mallow, Flowering Maples, Chinese Bell-flowers.Ayurvedic: Atibalaa, Kankatikaa, Rishyaproktaa.Unani: Kanghi, Musht-ul-Ghaul, Darkht-e-Shaan.Siddha/Tamil: Thutthi.Folk: Kanghi, Kakahi, Kakahiyaa.Action: Dried, whole plant— febrifuge, anthelmintic, demulcent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory (in urinary and uterine discharges, piles, lumbago). Juice of the plant— emollient. Seeds—demulcent (used in cough, chronic cystitis), laxative. Leaves—cooked and eaten for bleeding piles. Flowers— antibacterial, anti-inflammatory. Bark—astringent, diuretic. Root— nervine tonic, given in paralysis; also prescribed in strangury.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of the root in gout, polyuria and haemorrhagic diseases.The plant contains mucilage, tannins, asparagines, gallic acid and ses- quiterpenes. Presence of alkaloids, leucoanthocyanins, flavonoids, sterols, triterpenoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides is also reported.Asparagine is diuretic. Gallic acid is analgesic. Mucilages act by reflex, loosen cough as well as bronchial tension. Essential oil—antibacterial, antifungal.The drug exhibits immunological activity. It augments antibody in animals. EtOH (50%) extract of A. indicum ssp. guineense Borssum, synonym A. asiaticum (Linn.) Sweet, exhibits anticancer activity.Related sp. include: Abutilon avicen- nae Gaertn., synonym A. theophrastiiMedic.; A. fruticosum Guill. et al.; A. hirtum (Lam.) Sweet, synonym A. graveolens Wt. and Arn.; A. muticum Sweet, synonym A. glaucum Sweet; and A. polyandrum Wight and Arn., synonym A. persicum (Burm. f.) Merrill (known as Naani-khapaat, Jhinaki- khapaat, Kanghi, Makhamali-khapaat and Khaajavani-khapaat, respectively, in folk medicine).Dosage: Root—3-6 g powder. (API Vol I.)... abutilon indicumHabitat: Distributed in the Mediterranean region, extending to Central Asia and India.
Ayurvedic: Brahmadandi (Tri- cholepis glaberrima DC. of the same family is also equated with Brahmadandi.)Unani: Baadaavard.Action: Deobstruent, aperient, febrifuge, nervine (used in debility), antiseptic (used in leucoderma).... amberboa divaricata
Habitat: Native to Asia Minor and Persia; cultivated in India in cooler parts of Punjab and Kashmir.
English: AlmondAyurvedic: Vaataama, Vaataada.Unani: Badaam, Loz.Siddha/Tamil: Vaadumai.Action: Sweet almonds—nutrient, nervine tonic, demulcent. Oil— externally for skin. Bitter almonds— not used medicinally.
Almond flour and almond butter are free from starch and used in foods for diabetics and for patients with peptic ulcers. Chief protein in kernels is globulin.... amygdalus communisHabitat: Indigenous to Iran. Imported into India.
English: White Rhapontic.Unani: Behman Safed, Behman- abyaz.Action: Root—nervine and anabolic tonic, strengthens central nervous system; also used in jaundice and affections of the kidney.
The roots contain taraxasterol, its acetate and myristate.... centaurea behenHin: Akasgaddah;
Mal: Kadamba, KollankovaTam: Akashagarudan, Gollankovai;Tel: Murudonda, NagadondaCorallocarpus is a prostrate or climbing herb distributed in Punjab, Sind, Gujarat, Deccan, Karnataka and Sri Lanka. It is monoecious with large root which is turnip-shaped and slender stem which is grooved, zigzag and glabrous. Tendrils are simple, slender and glabrous. Leaves are sub-orbicular in outline, light green above and pale beneath, deeply cordate at the base, angled or more or less deeply 3-5 lobed. Petiole is long and glabrous. Male flowers are small and arranged at the tip of a straight stiff glabrous peduncle. Calyx is slightly hairy, long and rounded at the base. Corolla is long and greenish yellow. Female flowers are usually solitary with short, stout and glabrous peduncles. Fruit is stalked, long, ellipsoid or ovoid. Seeds are pyriform, turgid, brown and with a whitish corded margin. It is prescribed in later stages of dysentery and old veneral complaints. For external use in chronic rheumatism, it is made into a liniment with cumin seed, onion and castor oil. It is used in case of snakebite where it is administered internally and applied to the bitten part. The root is given in syphilitic rheumatism and later stages of dysentery. The plant is bitter, sweet, alexipharmic and emetic. The root is said to possess alterative and laxative properties (Kirtikar and Basu, 1988). Root contains a bitter principle like Breyonin (Chopra et al, 1980).Agrotechnology: Cucurbits can be successfully grown during January-March and September- December. For the rainfed crop, sowing can also be started after the receipt of the first few showers.Pits of 60cm diameter and 30-45cm depth are to be taken at the desired spacing. Well rotten FYM or vegetable mixture is to be mixed with topsoil in the pit and seeds are to be sown at 4-5/pit. Unhealthy plants are to be removed after 2 weeks and retained 2-3 plants/pit. FYM is to be applied at 20-25t/ha as basal dose along with half dose of N (35kg/ha) and full dose of P (25kg) and K (25kg). The remaining dose of N (35kg) can be applied in 2 equal split doses at fortnightly intervals. During the initial stages of growth, irrigation is to be given at an interval of 3-4 days and at alternate days during flowering and fruiting periods. For trailing cucumber, pumpkin and melon, dried twigs are to be spread on the ground. Bitter gourd, bottle gourd, snake gourd and ash gourd are to be trailed on Pandals. Weeding and raking of the soil are to be conducted at the time of fertilizer application. Earthing up may be done during rainy season. The most dreaded pest of cucurbits is fruit flies which can be controlled by using fruit traps, covering the fruits with polythene, cloth or paper bags, removal and destruction of affected fruits and lastly spraying with Carbaryl or Malathion 0. 2% suspension containing sugar or jaggery at 10g/l at fortnightly intervals after fruit set initiation. During rainy season, downy mildew and mosaic diseases are severe in cucurbits. The former can be checked by spraying Mancozeb 0.2%. The spread of mosaic can be checked by controlling the vectors using Dimethoate or Phosphamidon 0.05% and destruction of affected plants and collateral hosts. Harvesting to be done at least 10 days after insecticide or fungicide application (KAU,1996).... cucurbitsHabitat: The Himalayas at Lachen and Tungu, and Sikkim.
English: Leopard's Bane. (Arnica montana Linn. is also known as Leopard's Bane.)Unani: Daarunaj Aqrabi.Action: Root—used as a constituent of cardiac and nervine tonics. Used as exhilarant. Acts as a stomachic and dissolves trapped gases.... doronicum hookeri
Habitat: Kashmir and Western Himalayas.
Folk: Pahaari Gaajar, Dudhali (Punjab), Saleli-misri.Action: Root—nervine, stimulant, haematinic, diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant. Ash of the plant— antiseptic, anti-inflammatory (used in haemorrhoids).
Leaves and flowers contain d-man- nitol. Underground parts yield saponins.... eryngium caeruleumHabitat: Native to Europe; thrives in dry grassland in central and northern parts of the continent.
English: Wind-Flower, Wood Anemone, Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla.Unani: Gul-laalaa, Shaqaaq-un- Nomaan.Action: Nervine and sedative (used for anxiety neurosis, nervous exhaustion, tension, headache, migraine, insomnia), antispasmodic (in catarrh); used for amenorrhoea, inflammation of ovaries, painful menstruation and genito-urinary infections. The rootstock is given with milk for concussions. The seeds cause vomiting and purging.
The seed oil is used in rheumatism.Pulsatilla contains ranunculin, which hydrolyzes to a toxic, unstable compound protoanemonin, which readily dimerizes to non-toxic anemonin.Anemonin and protoanemonin exhibit sedative and antipyretic activity. Protoanemonin is also antimicrobial. (Topically, Pulsatilla is used for infectious diseases of the skin.)... anemone obtusilobaHabitat: Native to Europe; cultivated in northwestern Himalayas and in hills of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and southern India.
English: Celery.Ayurvedic: Ajmodaa, Ajmoda, Ajmodikaa, Dipyaka.Unani: Karafs.Siddha/Tamil: Celery-keerai.Folk: Ajmodaa.Action: Anti-inflammatory (used in rheumatic disorders, inflammation of the urinary tract), diuretic, carminative, nervine, sedative, antiemetic, antispasmodic, antiseptic (used in bronchitis, asthma, as well as liver and spleen diseases), emmenagogue. Essential oil from seeds—tranquilizer, anticonvulsant, antifungal. Seeds are used in the treatment of chronic skin disorders including psoriasis.
Key application: As diuretic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)Celery yields an essential oil (3%), major constituent being d-limonene (50%) and phathalides and beta-seli- nene; coumarins, furanocoumarins (bergapten); flavonoids (apiin and api- genin). Alkaloid fraction of seeds showed tranquilizing activity in animals. The phthalides are sedative in mice and exhibit antiepileptic activity in rats and mice. The aqueous extract of the celery has been shown to reduce adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats, and to be hypotensive in patients as well as animals. The tincture of the plant exhibits drop in blood pressure accompanied by an increase in urine output.... apium graveolensHabitat: Found all over India, ascending to 300 m.
English: Elephant Creeper.Ayurvedic: Vriddhadaaruka, Vriddhadaaru, Vriddhadaaraka, Bastaantri, Sthavira, Sthaviradaaru, Atarunadaaru, Samudrashosha. (Seeds of Salvia plebeia R. Br. are also known as Samudrashosha.)Unani: Samunder sokh.Siddha/Tamil: Ambgar, Samuddira- pacchaiFolk: Bidhaaraa.Action: Root—aphrodisiac (considered as a rejuvenator), nervine (used in diseases of nervous system, sexual disorders), diuretic (used in strangury), antirheumatic. Seeds—hypotensive, spasmolytic. Leaves—used externally in skin diseases (ringworm, eczema, boils, swellings); rubefacient, topically stimulant.
The seeds contain hallucinogenic ergoline alkaloids, the main ones being ergine and isoergine. EtOH (50%) extract of seeds exhibits hypotensive activity. (Seeds of all species of Argyreia contain ergoline alkaloids and are hypotensive.) Leaves of Argyreia sp. contain sitosterol and are antiphlogistic.In Indian medicine, A. speciosa is not used as a single drug for sexual disorders in men, but as a supporting drug for exerting its antiphlogistic, spasmolytic and hypotensive actions on the central nervous system. The drug, in itself, did not show anabolic- cum-androgen-like or spermogenetic activity experimentally.Ipomoea petaloidea Chois and Ipo- moea biloba Forskofthe Convolvulacae family are also used as Vriddhadaaru.In Western herbal medicine, Hawaiian Baby Woodrose is equated with Argyreia nervosa (synonym Argyreia speciosa; grows in Florida, California and Hawaii). The seed is used for pain relief and as a hallucinogen.The seeds contain hallucinogens including ergonovine, isoergine (isoly- sergic acid amide) and ergine (lysergic acid amide). Four to eight seeds are equivalent to 10-100 mcg of LSD, a potent serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) agonist. The effects last 6-8 h. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)Dosage: Root—3-5 g powder.(CCRAS.)... argyreia speciosaHabitat: Throughout greater part of India, mostly in the plains.
Ayurvedic: Amrita, Sudhaa-muuli, Munjaataka (Salep var.) Saalam- misri (substitute). Munjaataka and Saalam-misri have been equated with Orchis latifolia Linn. of the same family.Action: Tubers—used in stamatitis, purulent cough and as a cardiac and nervine tonic. Also used in scrofulous diseases and dyscrasia. Used a substitute for Salep.... eulophia campestris
Habitat: Outer range of Western Himalayas from Punjab to Kumaon.
Ayurvedic: Riddhi. (Tubers of Eulophia nuda Lindl. and Dioscorea bulbifera are also used as Riddhi.)Action: Nervine and cardiac tonic.... habenaria edgeworthii
Habitat: The hilly regions of India, also in Mount Abu in Rajasthan, in western Ghats, and from Konkan southward to Kerala.
English: Indian Wormwood, Fleabane, Dungwort, Mugwort, Wild Wormwood.Ayurvedic: Damanaka, Pushpachaa- mara, Gandhotkata. (Related sp.: A. siversiana Ehrh. ex Willd.)Unani: Afsanteen-e-Hindi. (National Formularly of Unani Medicine clubbed it with Baranjaasif.)Siddha/Tamil: Maasipattiri.Folk: Daunaa, Damanaa.Action: Leaf—emmenagogue, menstrual regulator, nervine, stomachic (in anorexia and dyspepsia), an- thelmintic, choleretic, diaphoretic.
An infusion of flower tops is administered in nervous and spasmodic affections. The herb is also used as an antilithic. Oil from leaves— antibacterial, antifungal in 1:1000 dilution.Key application: As emmenagogue. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The plant yields about 0.34% of an essential oil. Plants at lower altitude had more percentage of cineol, thu- jone, thujyl and citral, whereas from higher altitude terpenes are in higher percentage. The highest amount of cineol was reported to be 30%.The plant is also used as an inferior substitute for cinchona in fevers.... artemisia vulgarisHabitat: Indigenous to the northern parts of southern Europe, Central and East-Central Europe; cultivated in the United States. A related sp., Asarum himalaicum, synonym A. canadense, is reported from the eastern Himalayas.
English: Asarbacca, Hazelwort, Wild Nard.Unani: Asaaroon, Subul-e-Barri, Naardeen-Barri.Folk: Tagar Ganthodaa.Action: Brain and nervine tonic, diuretic, deobstructant and anti- inflammatory; used in bronchial spasm and in preparations of cephalic snuffs.
The volatile oil (0.7-4%) consists of asarone up to 50%, asaraldehyde 2-3%, methyleugenol 15-20%, with bornyl acetate, terpenes and sesquiterpenes. Asarone and its beta-isomer is found to be carcinogenic in animals. The rhizome, in addition, contains caffeic acid derivatives and flavonoids.A related sp., Asarum canadense L., indigenous to North America and China, contains a volatile oil (3.5-Family: Asclepiadaceae.Habitat: Naturalized in many parts of India as an ornamental.
English: Curassavian Swallow- Wort, West Indian Ipecacuanha, Blood-Flower.Ayurvedic: Kaakanaasikaa (substitute).Folk: Kaakatundi (Kashmir).Action: Spasmogenic, cardiotonic, cytotoxic, antihaemorrhagic, styptic, antibacterial. Various plant parts, as also plant latex, are used against warts and cancer. Root—used as an astringent in piles. Leaves—juice, antidysenteric, also used against haemorrhages. Flowers—juice, styptic. Alcoholic extract of the plant—cardiotonic.
An alcoholic extract of the Indian plant has been reported to contain a number of cardenolides, including calactin, calotropin, calotropagenin, coroglaucigenin, uzarigenin, asclepin, its glucosides and uzarin. Asclepin, the chief active principle, is spasmogenic and a cardiac tonic, having longer duration of action than digoxin (96 h in cat, as opposed to the 72 h of digoxin). Calotropin exhibits cytotoxic activity.Pleurisy root of the U.S. is equated with Asclepias tuberosa. It is used for cold, flu and bronchitis in Western herbal medicine.Toxic principles of the herb include galitoxin and similar resins, and glu- cofrugoside (cardenolide). Toxicity is reduced by drying.... asclepias curassavicaHabitat: The Himalayan region. Found in Ranikhet.
Ayurvedic: Riddhi, Vriddhi. (Substitute: Dioscorea bulbifera.)Action: Nervine and cardiac tonic.... habenaria intermedia
Habitat: The temperate Himalayas from Himachal Pradesh to Bhutan and in Khasi Hills at 1,800-2,400 m.
English: Indian Pipe.Action: Root—sedative, nervine, antispasmodic.
The plant gave sitosterol, campes- terol and traces of cholesterol. The oil contained linolenic, palmitic, linoleic and hexadecenoic acids.... monotropa unifloraHabitat: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Peninsular India.
Ayurvedic: Brahmadandi.Action: Antiseptic (used in leucoderma), nervine tonic (used in seminal debility), urinary tract disinfectant. Root—bechic.
The plant contains betulin, spinas- terol, stigmasterol, stigma-7-enol and a triterpenoid—cycloart-23-en-3beta, 25-diol.... tricholepis glaberrimaUses: Delayed menses. Nervous excitement from menstrual disorders. Preparations: Thrice daily.
Tea: 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Dose: Half a cup. Liquid Extracts: 30-60 drops in water. ... arrach
Habitat: Native to Europe and West Asia.
English: Asparagus, Sparrow grass.Ayurvedic: Shataavari, Vari, Shatviryaa, Shatmuuli, Shatpadi, Bhiru, Naaraayani, Bahusutaa, Atirasaa.Unani: Haliyun.Family: Asparagaceae.Habitat: Found wild in tropical and subtropical parts of India, including the Andamans and ascending in the Himalayas to 1,500 m.
English: Indian asparagus.Ayurvedic: Shataavari, Shatmuuli, Atirasaa, Bahusutaa, Shatpadi, Shatviryaa, Bhiru, Indivari, Vari. (Substitute for Medaa, Mahaamedaa.)Unani: Sataavar.Siddha/Tamil: Thanneervittan kizhangu, Sataavari Kizhangu.Action: Used as a galactagogue and for disorders of female genitourinary tract; as a styptic and ulcer-healing agent; as an intestinal disinfectant and astringent in diarrhoea; as a nervine tonic, and in sexual debility for spermatogenesis.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of the tuberous root in gout, puerperal diseases, lactic disorders, haematuria, bleeding disorders and also recommends it for hyperacidity.The plant contains saponins—sha- tavarins I-IV. Shatavarin IV is a glycoside of sarsasapogenin. The saponin in doses of 20-500 mcg/ml produces a special blockade of syntocinon (oxy- tocin)-induced contraction of rat, guinea-pig and rabbit uteri in vitro and in situ. It also blocks the uterine spontaneous motility.The dried root yields sitosterol; 4,6- dihydroxy-2-O-(2' hydroxyisobutyl) benzaldehyde and undecanyl cetano- ate, and contains a large amount of saccharine matter, mucilage and miner- als—Ca (0.172), Cu (0.033), Na (14.60), K (8.32), Mg (0.169), Mn (0.0074), Ni (0.105) and Zn (0.072) mg/g(dry weight).The root was found to reduce gastric emptying time comparable to that of metoclopramide. (J Postgrad Med, 1990, 36(2), 91-94).The root extracts exhibited antiallergic activity in animal studies.The root, when fed orally, acted as immunomodulator against induced sepsis and peritonitis in rats and mice.... asparagus racemosusHabitat: Found in the plains of Punjab.
English: Tonkin bean, Melilot, King's crown, King's clover.Unani: Naakhunaa, Ikil-ul-Malik. (It is also equated with Melilotus alba Desv. and Trigonela uncata Boiss. in National Formulary of Unani Medicine.)Action: Nervine tonic (used in nervous and catarrhal affections), antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, emollient, diuretic, galactogenic.
The callus of the plant contains amino acids; roots contain saponins and sterols. The leaves yield 3-nitro- propionic acid.... astragalus hamosusHabitat: Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh up to 2,500 m.
English: Indian Belladonna, Indian Atropa.Ayurvedic: Suuchi.Unani: Luffaah, Luffaah-Barri, Yabaruj, Shaabiraj.Action: Highly poisonous; sedative, narcotic, anodyne, nervine, antispasmodic (used in paralysis); parkinsonism; encephalitis; carcinoma; spastic dysmenorrhoea; whooping cough, spasmodic asthma; colic of intestines, gall bladder or kidney, spasm of bladder and ureters; contraindicated in enlarged prostate.
Key application: In spasm and colic-like pain in the areas of the gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts. (German Commission E, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) It is contraindicated in tachycardiac arrhythmias, prostate adenoma, glaucoma, acute oedema of lungs.A. belladonna L. (European sp. Belladonna, Deadly Nightshade) is cultivated in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.The herb contains tropane (tropine) or solanaceous alkaloids (up to 0.6%), including hyoscamine and atropine; flavonoids; coumarins; volatile bases (nicotine).Tropane alkaloids inhibit the para- sympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily activities; reduces saliva, gastric, intestinal and bronchial secretions, and also the activity of urinary tubules. Tropane alkaloids also increase the heart rate and dilate the pupils. These alkaloids are used as an additive to compound formulations for bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, gastrointestinal hy- permotility, dysmenorrhoea, nocturnal enuresis and fatigue syndrome.Atropine provides relief in parkin- sonism and neurovegetative dystonia.The root is the most poisonous, the leaves and flowers less, and the berries the least. (Francis Brinker.)Dosage: Leaf, root—30-60 mg powder. (CCRAS.)... atropa acuminata royle exAction. Powerful alterative and antiseptic. Nervine.
Uses: Has a long traditional reputation for ulcerations, chancre, sore throat of syphilis and the chronic nerve dystrophy that follows. An analogue of Goldenseal. Parkinsonism. (Wm A.R. Thomson MD) vSaid to work well with Poke root.
Combined with Skullcap for epilepsy.
Preparation. Tincture: from the bulbous root when plant is in flower. 10 drops in water thrice daily.
Once used in herbal pharmacy. Of historic interest only. ... corydalis
To break dependency: White Willow bark, Guaiacum, Oats, Passion flower.
Overdosing may cause liver damage for which Fringe Tree bark is indicated. Nutrients: Vitamins B-complex, C. Zinc. ... paracetamol toxicity
Habitat: A cereal and fodder crop of Europe and America; also cultivated in India.
English: Oat, Common oat.Ayurvedic: Yavikaa. (Indian sp. is equated with A. byzantina C. Koch.)Unani: Sult (Silt), Jao Birahnaa, Jao Gandum.Action: Nervine tonic (used in spermatorrhoea, palpitation, sleeplessness), cardiac tonic (used in debility), stimulant, antispasmodic, thymoleptic, antidepressant (used in menopausal phase). Also used in diarrhoea, dysentery, colitis. Externally, emollient.
Key application: Oat straw— externally in baths for inflammatory and seborrhoeic skin diseases. (German Commission E.) The effect on blood sugar is less than that from most of the fiber-containing herbs and foods. (Sharon M. Herr.)The seeds contain proteins and prolamines (avenins); C-glycosyl flavones; avenacosides (spirostanol glycosides); fixed oil, vitamin E, starch.Silicon dioxide (2%) occurs in the leaves and in the straw in soluble form as esters of silicic acid with polyphenols and monosaccharides and oligosaccharides.Oat straw contains a high content of iron (39 mg/kg dry weight), manganese (8.5 mg) and zinc (19.2 mg).In an experimental study, oat straw stimulated the release of luteinizing hormone from the adenohypophysis of rats. (Expanded Commission E Monographs.)An alcoholic extract of green oats was tried on opium addicts. Six chronic opium addicts gave up opium completely, two reduced their intake and two showed no change following regular use of 2 ml three times daily (human clinical study). A significant diminish- ment of the number of cigarettes used by habitual tobacco smokers resulted from using 1 ml (four times daily) of fresh Avena alcoholic extract of mature plants; however, a few studies gave disappointing results. (Francis Brinker.)Oat polyphenol composition prevented the increase of cholesterol and beta-lipoprotein of blood serum of fasting rabbits. Antioxidant property of the oat flour remains unaffected by heat. Homoeopathic tincture of seeds is used as a nervine tonic. Beta-glucan from the oats stimulated immune functions.Avenacosides exhibit strong anti- fungal activity in vitro.... avena sativaHabitat: Throughout the plains of India in damp marshy areas.
English: Thyme-leaved Gratiola.Ayurvedic: Braahmi, Aindri, Nir- braahmi, Kapotavankaa, Bhaarati, Darduradalaa, Matsyaakshaka, Shaaluraparni, Mandukaparni (also equated with Centella asiatica Linn., synonym Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn. Umbelliferae, Apiaceae).Unani: Brahmi.Siddha/Tamil: Piramivazhukkai, Neerbrami.Folk: Jalaneem, Safed-Chammi.Action: Adaptogenic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, potent nervine tonic, anti-anxiety agent (improves mental functions, used in insanity, epilepsy), antispasmodic (used in bronchitis, asthma and diarrhoea).
Key application: In psychic disorders and as a brain tonic. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)B. monnieri has been shown to cause prolonged elevated level of cerebral glutamic acid and a transient increase in GABA level. It is assumed that endogenous increase in brain glutamine maybe helpful in the process oflearn- ing.The herb contains the alkaloids brahmine, herpestine, and a mixture of three bases. Brahmine is highly toxic; in therapeutic doses it resembles strychnine. The herb also contains the saponins, monnierin, hersaponin, bacosides A and B. Bacosides A and B possess haemolytic activity. Her- saponin is reported to possess car- diotonic and sedative properties. It was found, as in case of reserpene, to deplete nor-adrenaline and 5-HT content of the rat brain.An alcoholic extract of the plant in a dose of 50 mg/kg produced tranquil- izing effect on albino rats and dogs, but the action was weaker than that produced by chlorpromazine.Dosage: Whole plant—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. II.)... bacopa monnieriHabitat: Found in countries on both sides of Red Sea.
English: Balsam tree, Balsam of Mecca, Balsam of Gilead.Unani: Balsaan, Roghan-e-Balsaan (oil), Hab-e-Balsaan (fruit). Ood-e- Balsaan (wood).Action: Used in diseases of the urinary tract. Balsams are diuretic and stimulate mucous tissues in small doses (nauseatic and purgative in large doses).
In Unani medicine, the fruit is used as an expectorant and emmenagogue, also for neurological affections. The wood is also used as an ingredient in compounds for epilepsy and other nervine disorders. The oil is used externally for its anti-inflammatory and revitalizing properties.... balsamodendron opobalsamumHabitat: South India; common in the monsoon forests of Western Ghats.
English: Mowra Butter tree, South Indian Mahua.Siddha/Tamil: Illupei, Elupa, Naatu, Iluppei, Iruppei.Action: Flowers—laxative, bechic (used in coughs, colds and bronchitis), stimulant and nervine tonic. Seed oil—galactogenic, anticephalalgic, laxative in cases of habitual constipation and piles; used externally in rheumatism and skin affections. Bark, seed oil and gum—antirheumatic.
The herb contains 17% tannins and is used for bleeding and spongy gums, tonsillitis, ulcers, rheumatism and diabetes mellitus. Roots are applied to ulcers.Seed kernel gave protobassic acid (a sapogenol) and two major saponins— Mi-saponins A and B. Mi-saponins (bisdesmosides of protobassic acid) exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in rheumatism.The carollas are a rich source of sugars and contain an appreciable amount of vitamins and calcium (total sugars 72.9%, calcium 140 mg/100 g). Sugars are identified as sucrose, maltose, glucose, fructose, arabinose and rham- nose. Flowers are largely used in the preparation of distilled liquors. They constitute the most important raw material for fermentative production of alcohol.... bassia longifoliaHabitat: The Mediteranean region, Europe and Asia.
English: Borage, Cow's Tongue Plant.Unani: Gaozabaan (Onosma bracteatum Wall. has also been equated with Gaozabaan).Action: Fresh herb (compounded with water)—refreshing, restorative and nervine tonic. Leaves and flowers—diuretic, febrifuge, expectorant, demulcent, emollient; promote the activity of kidneys; alleviate pulmonary affections.
The drug strengthens adrenal glands and is given for stress, mental exhau- sion and depression; provides support to stomach and intestines in cases of infection and toxicity. Used as a tonic to counteract the lingering effects of steroid therapy. Seeds relieve irritable bowel syndrome and regulate menstruation.The leaves contain lycopsamine and supindine viridiflorate as the predominant unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Due to low concentration of these alkaloids Borage is not toxic.The drug contains potassium and calcium, combined with mineral acids. The fresh juice affords 30%, the dried herb 3% of nitrate of potash. The stems and leaves supply much saline mucilage. These saline qualities are mainly responsible for the wholesome invigorating properties of Borage.Borage imparts pleasant flavour and cooling effect to beverages. In India, squashes and syrups, sold during summer, contain Borage extract.Borage contains ascorbic acid (38 mg/100 g). Flowers contain cholin, glucose, fructose, amino acids, tannin (about 3%). Seeds contain protein (20.9%) and an oil (38.3%). The seed oil is one of the important sources of gamma-linoleic acid and linoleic acid. Borage oil, combined with Evening Primrose oil, is used in hypercholes- terolaemia.Borage seed oil is used for rheumatoid arthritis, atopic eczema, infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis, neurodermati- tis, also for PMS and for preventing heart disease and stroke. Only UPA (unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids) free oil is given internally.Listed by German Commission E among unapproved herbs.It has been suggested that borage not be used with drugs known to lower the seizure threshold such as tricyclic an- tidepressants and phenothiazines due to GLA content (only borage seed oil contains significant amounts of GLA). (Francis Brinker.)... borago officinalisHabitat: Sub-Himalayan tract up to 2,000 m and South Indian hills.
English: Staff tree, Intellect tree.Ayurvedic: Jyotishmati, Paaraavat- padi. Kangunikaa, Kanguni, Vegaa, Maalkaanguni, Svarnalatikaa, Kaakaandaki, Katuveekaa.Unani: Maalkangani.Siddha/Tamil: Vaaluluvai.Action: Seeds—nervine and brain tonic, diaphoretic, febrifugal, emetic. Seed-oil—used for treating mental depression, hysteria and for improving memory; also used for scabies, eczema, wounds, rheumatic pains, paralysis. A decoction of seeds is given in gout, rheumatism, paralysis and for treating leprosy and other skin diseases. Leaves— antidysenteric, emmenagogue. Root—a paste of root-bark is applied to swollen veins and pneumonic affections.
Key application: As a tranquilizer (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia) and brain tonic (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India). The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of ripe seed in leucoderma and vitiligo.The seeds are reported to contain the alkaloids, celastrine and paniculatine, which are the active principles of the drug.In experimental animals, the drug showed lowering of leptazol toxicity, motor activity and amphetamine toxi- city, and raising the capacity for learning process. It showed significant CNS depressant effect and a clear synergism with pentobarbital. The seed extract showed hypolipidaemic effect and prevented atherogenesis in rabbits.The seed oil showed tranquillizing effect and hastened the process of learning in experimental animals. It produced fall in blood pressure in anaesthetized dog, depressed the heart of frog, and was found to be toxic to rats.In addition to the seed, 70% alcoholic extract of the plant showed sedative, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic, anti-ulcerogenic effect in experimental animals.Methanolic extract of flowers showed both analgesic and anti- inflammatory activities experimentally.Dosage: Ripe seed, devoid of capsule wall—1-2 g; oil—5-15 drops. (API Vol. II.)... celastrus paniculatusHabitat: The Himalaya from Nepal to Bhutan, Assam and Bihar.
Ayurvedic: Shveta-Musali. (Considered different from Asparagus adscendens Roxb.)Unani: Musali Safed, Biskandri.Siddha/Tamil: Vallaimusali.Folk: Nising, Tibbati Ginseng.Action: Tuber—nervine and general tonic. The plant is used as a substitute for onion. Fried powder of the root is chewed in aphthae of mouth and throat. A decoction of the root with turmeric is given in rheumatism.
The roots contain a bibenzyl xylo- side, the steroidal sapogenins, besides stigmasterol and its glucoside, nona- cosane and tetracosanoic, and triacon- tanoic acids.The root extract exhibited good adaptogenic properties. The fruits yield a polysaccharide, galactoglucan.... chlorophytum arundinaceumHabitat: Throughout India in tropical areas; also cultivated in hedges.
English: Butterfly Pea, Winged- leaved Clitoria, Mezereon.Ayurvedic: Girikarnikaa, Aparaa- jitaa, Aasphota, Girimallikaa, Girikanyaa, Kokilaa,Yonipushpaa, Vishnukraantaa. (Evolvulus alsi- noides Linn. is also known as Vishnukraantaa, Vishnukranti). Used as Shankhapushpi in the South.Unani: Mezereon Hindi.Siddha/Tamil: Kakkanam.Folk: Koyal (Punjab).Action: Root—cathartic like jalap. Roots cause gripe and tenesmus, hence not recommended as purgative. Used in ascites. Root bark—diuretic (infusion used in irritation of bladder and urethra). Root juice—given in cold milk to liquefy phlegm in chronic bronchitis. The root, bark, seeds and leaves—used for gastric acidity. The root is administered with honey as a general tonic to children for improving mental faculty.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the dried leaf in migraine, psychoneurosis and mania.An alcoholic extract of the plant showed sedative and hypothermic effect in rodents.Rats, fed with ethanol extract of flowers, showed a significantly lowered serum sugar level in experimentally induced diabetes.The seeds contain a nucleoprotein with its amino acid sequence similar to insulin, but for the absence of his- tidine, threonine, proline and crystine.Seeds gave cinnamic acid, flavonol gly- coside. Leaves contain glycosides of kaempferol.In South India, the seeds and roots constitute the drug Shankhapushpi, used as a nervine tonic. In other regions, Canscora decussata, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides and Lavendula bipinnata are used as Shan- khapushpi.Dosage: Root—1-3 g powder (API Vol. II); dried leaf—2-5 g; seed—1- 3 g. (API Vol. IV.)... clitoria ternateaHabitat: Throughout India, Ascending To 2,000 M In The Himalayas.
Ayurvedic: Shankhapushpi, Shankhaahvaa, Kshirapushpi, Maangalya Kusuma (White- Flowered). Blue-Flowered Var., Vishnukraanti, Vishnukraantaa, Vishnugandhi Is Equated With Evolvulus Alsinoides Linn.Unani: Sankhaahuli (Blue-Flowered)Siddha/Tamil: Sivakraandi (White- Flowered), Vishnukraandi (Blue- Flowered).Action: Plant—Brain Tonic, Tranquilizer Used In Nervine Disorders, Mental Aberration, Anxiety Neurosis, Internal Haemorrhages, Spermatorrhoea. Also Astringent, Antidysenteric, Antispasmodic, Antiphlogistic, Febrifuge, Alterative. Flowers—Styptic, Used For Uterine Bleeding. Leaf—Antiasthmatic, Used In Chronic Bronchitis. Root— Used In Gastric And Duodenal Ulcers, Uterine Affections And For Promoting Fertility.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India Recommends The Plant For Epilepsy. The Plant Contains Sankhpushpine Alkaloids.The Alcoholic (50%) Extract Of The Plant, When Administered To Rats (Through Gastric Intubation At Different Intervals), Has Shown Enhanced Neuropeptide Synthesis Of The Brain. It Induces An Increase In Brain Protein Content And Increases Acquisition Efficiency.Evolvulus Alsinoides Contains Pen- Tatriacontane, Triacontane And Beta- Sitosterol.Shankhapushpi Syrup (A Compound Containing C. Pluricaulis, Centella Asiatica, Nardostachys Jatamansi, Nepeta Hindostana, Nepeta Elliptica And Onos- Ma Bracteatum), When Administered With Phenytoin, A Modern Antiepilep- Tic Drug, Reduced Not Only Antiepileptic Activity Of Phenytoin But Also Lowered Plasma Phenytoin Levels.Dosage: Whole Plant—3-6 G Powder. (Api Vol. III.)... convolvulus pluricaulisHabitat: The West Himalayas, from Kashmir to Kumaon.
Ayurvedic: Bhootakeshi (a doubtful substitute for Bhootajataa, Nardostachys jatamansi DC.) Species of Selinum are also used as Bhootakeshi.Action: Sedative, spasmolytic, hypotensive, nervine, antiseptic. Used in cutaneous and scrofulous affections, chronic fever and liver complaints.
The roots contain phthalide iso- quinoline alkaloids. In addition, stems and leaves contain tetrahydroproto- berberines.A related species, C. solida, indigenous to Siberia, northern China and Japan, contains alkaloids including corydalmine, tetrahydropalmatine, protoberberine-type alkaloid lenticin. The alkaloids are analgesic and sedative and have been shown to work, at least in part, by blocking the dopamine receptors in the central nervous system.The powdered rhizome of Corydalis possesses one-hundredth of the analgesic potency of morphine.... corydalis govanianaHabitat: Cultivated in shrubberies, etc., for decorative purposes.
Features ? Very thin bark, greyish-brown outside with corky growths (lenticels), slight longitudinal crackings, laminate, light brown internally. Fracture forms flat splinters.Part used ? Bark.Action: Antispasmodic, nervine.
As the name indicates, in cramp and other involuntary spasmodic muscular contractions. The decoction of 1 ounce to 1 pint of water (simmered from 1 1/2 pints) is administered in 1-2 tablespoon doses.... cramp barkHabitat: Cultivated in Kashmir up to 2,000 m and in Chaubattia in Uttar Pradesh.
English: Saffron, Crocus.Ayurvedic: Kumkuma, Rudhira, Vadrika, Kaashmira, Kaashmiraka, Vaalhika, Agnishikhaa, Ghrusrrn, Rakta, Kshataja. Keshara (usually Keshara indicates Naagakeshara, Mesuaferrea Linn.)Unani: Zaafraan.Siddha/Tamil: Kumgumappoo (dried stigma).Action: Stigma and style—nervine tonic, sedative, antispasmodic expectorant (in dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis), stomachic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the stigma and style in migraine, chronic sinusitis, and in urinary obstruction, inflammation of the urinary tract.The saffron is used in Chinese medicine for melancholia, depression, shock and menstrual disorders.Saffron contains a volatile oil composed of terpenes, terpene alcohols and esters. The herb also contains crocin, picrocrocin, crocetin, carotenoids and riboflavin and thiamine.Preliminary evidence suggests that crocetin may improved atherosclerosis by increasing plasma oxygen diffusion and decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, cro- cetin binds to albumin, potentially increasing oxygen diffusion and improving atherosclerosis. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)The stigma showed remarkable inhibitory effect on blood coagulation due to the presence of platelet aggregation inhibitor containing adenosine. It accelerated in vitro fibrinolytic activity of urokinase and plasmin.Small amounts of Saffron stimulate gastric secretion; larger amounts stimulate uterine smooth muscle and exhibit emmenagogue and abortifacient effects.Saffron extract showed cytotoxic and antimutagenic activity and antitu- mour activity against ascites tumours in mice. Chemical analysis indicated that the naturally occurring crocin may be the active principle responsible for the observed anticancer activity.A xanthone, carotenoid glycosidic conjugate, mangi-crocin, isolated from saffron, showed significant adapto- genic activity. A natural antioxidant, isolated from saffron stem callus, showed better antioxidant activity than vitamin E. Saffron bulbs are toxic, stigmas in overdoses narcotic.The dose of stigma and styles at 1.55.0 g is toxic. (Recommended dose : 0.5-1.5 g per day).Dosage: Dried style and stigma—20-50 mg (API Vol. IV.)... crocus sativusHabitat: Sub-tropical Himalayas from Kumaon eastwards; Western Ghats from Konkan Southwards.
Ayurvedic: Taalmuuli, Taalpatri, Krishna Mushali, Bhuumitaala.Unani: Musli Siyaah.Siddha/Tamil: Nilappanan kizhangu.Action: Nervine, adaptogenic, sedative, anticonvulsive, androgenic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Used in Jaundice, urinary disorders, skin diseases and asthma. Mucilaginous.
The rhizome contains saponins (cur- culigosaponin C and F promoted proliferation of spleen lymphocytes very significantly; F and G increased the weight of the thymus in vitro in mice); sapogenins; phenolic glycosides, a tri- terpene alcohol; a pentacyclic triter- pene, an aliphatic compound, hen- triacontanol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, cycloartenol and sucrose. A pep- tide, Curculin C, containing 114 amino acids, has been isolated from the fruit.In traditional Chinese medicine, dried rhizome, containing curculigo- side is used as a tonic for its immuno- logical and protective property.In Indian medicine, powdered rhizomes with milk are taken as a restorative tonic, also for sexual debility.EtOH (50%) of the plant exhibited hypoglycaemic property.Dosage: Dried rhizome—3-6 g powder. (API Vol. IV.)... curculigo orchioidesHabitat: Indigenous to West Asia and North Africa; occurring scattered from Punjab to Nilgiri hills as a grass-like sedge. English: Earth Almond, Chufa, Rush Nut, Tiger Nut. (Tuber is called Nut.) Ayurvedic: Chichoda.Folk: Chichodaa, Kaseru (Punjab). Also equated with Naagaramustaka.
Action: A digestive tonic (used for indigestion, flatulence, colic, diarrhoea, dysentery); promotes diuresis and menstruation. The juice is taken for treating ulcers of the mouth and gums.Tiger Nut is used in debility and as a nervine tonic due to its high crude lipid and carbohydrate contents and fairly good essential amino acid composition.... cyperus esculentus
Habitat: Throughout India, as a weed upto 2,000 m.
English: Nut Grass.Ayurvedic: Musta, Mustaa, Mus- taka, Abda, Ambuda, Ambhoda, Ambodhara, Bhadra, Bhadraa, Bhadramusta, Bhadramustaa, Bhadramustaka, Ghana, Jalada, Jaldhara, Meghaahvaa, Nirada, Vaarida, Vaarivaaha, Payoda, Balaahaka. Ganda-Duurvaa (var.).Unani: Naagarmothaa, Saad-e-Kufi.Siddha/Tamil: Koraikkizhangu.Folk: Mothaa.Action: Carminative, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antirheumat- ic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, antipyretic, analgesic, hypoten- sive, emmenagogue and nervine tonic.
Used for intestinal problems, indigestion, sprue, diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting and fever; also as a hypoc- holesterolaemic drug and in obesity.Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the rhizome in rheumatism, inflammations, dysuria, puerperal diseases and obesity.The tuber is rich in Cu, Fe, Mg and Ni. Beta-sitosterol, isolated from the tubers, exhibits significant anti- inflammatory activity against carra- geenan- and cotton pellet-induced oedema in rats; the activity is comparable to hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone when administered intraperi- toneally.The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the tubers possess lipolytic action and reduce obesity by releasing enhanced concentrations of biogenic amines from nerve terminals of the brain which suppress the appetite centre. Presence of eudalne group of ses- quiterpenic compounds of sesquiter- pene alcohol, isocyperol is said to play an important role in lipid metabolism.An alcoholic extract of the plant exhibits liver-protective activity against CCL4-induced liver damage in mice.Methanolic extract of the plant stimulates the production of melanin in cultured melanocytes. (Plant extract is used in preparations used for pigmentation of skin and hair, also in suntan gels.) Aqueous-alcoholic extract of the tuber exhibited hypotensive, diuretic, antipyretic and analgesic activities. These are attributed to a triterpenoid.The essential oil (0.5-0.9%) from the tubers contains mainly sesquiterpenes.C. platystilis Br. is equated with Kaivarta-mustaka.Dosage: Rhizome—3-6 g powder; 20-30 ml decoction. (API Vol. III.)... cyperus rotundusHabitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of 2,400-3,600 m.
English: Larkspur. Ayurvedic: Nirvishaa, Nirvishi. (Kyllinga triceps Rottb. is used as a substitute for Nirvishaa.)Unani: Jadwaar Khataai, Maatiryaaq.Folk: Root—astringent, vulnerary, deobstruent, alterative. Used for painful piles, muscular atrophy, gout and as a nervine tonic. Also used as an adulterant for aconite.Oral administration of the aqueous extract of the plant to rats with CCl4- induced hepatotoxicity revealed hepa- toprotective property of the plant.The roots contain campesterol, stig- masterol, sitosterol, cholesterol, delta- avenasterol and alkaloids including de- nudatine, denudatidine, condelphine, talatizidine and iso-talatizidine.... delphinium denudatumHabitat: Ascending to 1,500 m on the Himalaya; common on lower hills and plains throughout India.
Ayurvedic: Shaaliparni, Shaalaparni, Sthiraa, Somyaa, Guhaa, Triparni, Vidaarigandha, Anshumati. Also used as Prshniparni. (Urariapicta Desv., Prshniparni, is used as a substitute for Shaalaparni.)Siddha/Tamil: Pulladi, Sirupulladi Moovilai (root).Folk: Sarivan.Action: Root—antipyretic, diuretic, astringent (used in irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea and dysentery), anticatarrhal (used in post-natal care, chronic fever, cough, biliousness, vomiting), diuretic, anthelmintic, laxative and nervine tonic. Desmodium spp.: Roots—carminative, mildly purgative, stomachic, emmenagogue, diuretic. Leaves—galactagogue; a poultice of leaves is used for lumbago. Bark—used in diarrhoea and haemorrhages.
Roots afforded pterocarpanoids— gangetin, gangetinin, desmodin and several alkaloids. The aerial portion gave indole-3-alkylamines and their derivatives.Gangetin showed significant anti- inflammatory activity in 50 and 100 mg/kg p.o. in rats.Dosage: Root—5-10 g powder; 1020 g for decoction. (API Vol. III.)... desmodium gangeticumHabitat: Grown as an ornamental.
English: Indian Coral tree.Ayurvedic: Paaribhadra, Paarib- hadraka, Paarijaataka, Mandaara, Dadap. Kantaki-palaasha, Kant- kimshuka, Raktapushpa; Nimba- taru. (Erythrina suberosa Roxb. is also equated with Paaribhadra.)Siddha/Tamil: Kaliyanamurukkan.Folk: Farhad.Action: Leaf—cathartic, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory. Applied externally for dispersing venereal buboes. Bark—antibilious, anthelmintic, febrifuge, astringent, expectorant. (E. variegata is an adulterant to the Ayurvedic drug Rohitaka.) Different parts of the plant are used as nervine sedative, antiepileptic, astringent, antiasthmatic and antiseptic. Bark is used in liver ailments, fever and rheumatism.
A number of tetracyclic alkaloids have been isolated from the plant.The alkaloids showed a muscle relaxant activity and increased the sedative effects of hexabarbital. The alkaloids extracted from the leaves are reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. Bark alkaloids are neuromus- cular blocking, smooth muscle relaxant, CNS depressant, hydrocholeretic and anticonvulsant. The bark contains 0.05% alkaloids.The root extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity in vitro against Staphy- lococcus aureus and Mycobacterium smegmatis.The seeds of many of the species of Erythrina contain alkaloids with curare-like activity. Clinical trials on biologically standardized beta-ery- throidine hydrochloride and dihydro- beta-erythroidine hydrochloride have shown promising results in the treatment of conditions involving certain types of muscular rigidity.Dosage: Stem bark—6-12 g powder; 12-24 g for decoction. (API Vol. II.)... erythrina indicaHabitat: Kashmir, Bihar, Rajasthan, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, in lakes and ponds.
English: Gorgan Nut, Fox Nut.Ayurvedic: Makhaann, Paaniyapha- la, Padma-bijaabha, Ankalodya.Unani: Makhaanaa.Action: Seed—deobstruent, astringent, nervine tonic. Used in spermatorrhoea and sexual affections (restrains seminal gleet) and debility.
Edible parts of the seeds gave the following values: moisture 12.8, protein 9.7, fat 0.1, mineral matter 0.5, carbohydrates 76.9, calcium 0.02, and phosphorus 0.09%; iron 1.4 mg/100 g.... euryale feroxHabitat: Throughout India, as a common weed in open and grassy places; ascending to 2,000 m in the Himalayas.
Ayurvedic: Shankapushpi (blue- flowered var., Convolvus pluricaulis: white-flowered var.)Unani: Shankhaahuli.Siddha/Tamil: Vishnukrandi (blue-flowered), Shivakrandi (white-flowered).Action: Brain tonic, an aid in conception, astringent, antidysen- teric. Leaf—antiasthmatic. Used in nervine affections (epilepsy, insanity, spermatorrhoea), and duodenal ulcers, also for uterine affections. Flowers—used for uterine bleeding and internal haemorrhages. A decoction of the herb is given as a blood purifier.
The plant contains alkaloid evolvine, beta-sitosterol, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids, pentatriacontane and triacon- tane. The alkaloid evolvine exhibited powerful stimulant activity on respiration and blood pressure (possibly analeptic).Aqueous extract of the petal showed antifungal property.... evolvulus alsinoidesHabitat: Cultivated mainly in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
English: Asiatic Cotton, Levant Cotton, Uppam Cotton.Ayurvedic: Kaarpaasa, Kaarpaasi, Kaarpaasaka, Rakta-Kaarpaasa, Shona-Kaarpaasa, Samudraantaa, Tuula, Pichu, Bhaaradwaaji, Tundikeri.Unani: Pambahdaanaa. (Seed.)Siddha/Tamil: ParuttikkootamAction: Root bark—diuretic, oxytocic. Bark—emmenagogue, haemostatic. Seed—demulcent, laxative, expectorant, abortifacient, galactagogue, nervine, anticepha- lalgic.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the seed oil for toning up the breast.The seed contains 21.3-25.2% protein, free gossypol 0.82-1.96%.Dosage: Seeds, devoid of lint—3- 6 g powder. (API Vol. I.)... gossypium herbaceumHabitat: Gravel Root is a native of the United States, and must not be confused with the English Queen of the Meadow or Meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria).
Features ? Our present subject is a member of the Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) family, and sometimes reaches six feet in height at full growth. It is peculiar for a purple band about an inch broad round the leaf joint. Pale purple to white flowers bloom in August and September. The rhizome, as the medicinal "root" should more properly be termed, is hard and tough, up to an inch thick, with a nearly white wood and thin grey-brown bark. Short, lateral branches give off thin, tough root several inches long.Part used ? Root.Action: Diuretic and stimulant.
Gravel root is much prescribed for cases of stone in the bladder and certain other troubles of the kidneys and urinary apparatus. A decoction of 1 ounce of the root to 1 pint (reduced from 1 1/2 pints) of water is made, and taken in wineglass doses. Gravel root is also met with in nervine formulae, in which its tonic properties are recognised.The American physio-medical or "Thomsonite" M.D., F. H. England, has said that Gravel Root "induces very little stimulation. It expends nearly all its influence on the kidneys, bladder and uterus. It probably influences the whole sympathetic nervous system. Its use promotes the flow of urine as scarcely anything else will."... gravel rootHabitat: Western Himalaya, from Kashmir to Garhwal, up to 3,000 m.
Action: Fern—diuretic, astringent; used for diseases of the urinary tract, infirmities of spleen, also for treating jaundice.
The plant contains caffeic acid, neo- hesperidin, kaempferol-3, 7-digluco- side, chlorogenic acid and quercetol- 3-glucoside. The leaves gave methyl esters of the acids—myristic, palmitic,Synonym: H. nepalense D. Don. H. lanatum Michx.Family: Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.Habitat: Chamba, Kulu, Jammu & Kashmir, Bushahr, Garhwal and Kumaon Hills.
English: Cowparsnip.Folk: Kaindal (Kashmir), Gandhraayana (Garhwal).Action: Fruit—stimulant, nervine tonic, spasmolytic. Heraclenin (active principle)—hypoprothrom- binaemic.
Essential oil from the fruits is moderately antimicrobial.Furanocoumarins present in the whole fruit and leaves are psoralen, xanthotoxin and bergapten. Roots also contain furanocoumarins.The fruits of H. concanense Dalz. contain a coumarin which is effective against dermatophytosis. The fruits of H. regins Wall. ex DC. are used for cough and bronchitis, also for urinary concretions in Siddha medicine. H. thomsoni C. B. Clarke (Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh) also contains a coumarin; the fruit showed nonspecific spasmolytic activity equipotent to papaverine.... hemidictyum ceterachHabitat: Throughout the warmer parts and hilly regions of India; also cultivated.
English: Musk Seed, Muskmallow, Ambette Seed.Ayurvedic: Lataakasturi, Lataakas- turikaa, Kattaphala, Katuka.Unani: Mushkdaanaa.Siddha/Tamil: Kasturi-vendai.Action: Seeds—diuretic, antispas- modic, stomachic, nervine (nervous debility, hysteria and other nervous disorders). Used externally for skin diseases and itch. Mucilage made from the root and leaves is prescribed in venereal diseases, urinary discharges and painful micturition. Seeds, steeped in water, are used for asthma, cold, flu.
Fatty oil of seeds contains phospholipids—alpha cephalin, phosphatidyl- serine and its plasmalogen and phos- phatidylcholine plasmalogen. Absolute contains farnesol and ambrettolic acid lactones.The seeds contain chiefly 2-trans, 6-trans-farnesyl acetate, 2-cis, 6-trans farnesyl acetate and ambrettolide. The leaves contain beta-sitosterol and its beta-D-glucoside.Dosage: Seed—2-4 g powder. (API Vol. IV.)... hibiscus abelmoschusHabitat: Native to tropical America and Africa; cultivated in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Punjab.
English: Bimlipatam Jute, Kenaf, Mesta, Deccan Hemp.Siddha/Tamil: Pulichhai, Pulimanji, Kasini.Folk: Patsan, Pitwaa. Ambaadi (Maharashtra).Action: Seed—nervine tonic, analgesic. Leaf—purgative. The juice of flowers, mixed with sugar and black pepper, is given for biliousness.
The leaves contain flavonoids, including rutin and isoquercitrin; kaem- pferol; polyphenols. The flowers gave myricetin glucoside; the root contains polyphenols, also proanthocyanidins. The seeds gave phosphonolipids.... hibiscus cannabinusHabitat: Native to the West Indies; now cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Punjab, Assam and Tamil Nadu.
English: Roselle, Jamaican Sorrel, Natal Sorrel, Red Sorrel.Ayurvedic: Ambashtthaki.Siddha/Tamil: Sivappu Kashmakki, Pulichai-keerai, Gogu, Seemai Kaseru.Folk: Laal-ambaadi, Patavaa, Patsan.Action: Digestive, choleretic, antibilious, laxative, diuretic, hypotensive, antiscorbutic. Used as a cardiac and nervine tonic for disorders of circulation, also for calcified arteries.
Key application: Flowers—used for loss of appetite, for colds, catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract and stomach, for disorders of circulation. (Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.)The seeds contain sterols, including 3.2% ergosterol; leaves contain sitosterol-beta-D-galactoside. Flowers contain myricetin, kaempferol and quercetin, but did not contain free mutagenic flavonol aglycons.The aqueous extract of flower buds has been reported to decrease blood pressure, cause relaxation of rat uterus. Succulent sepals and leaves—hypoten- sive, antimicrobial and anthelmintic.Oil and unsapanofiable matter—antibacterial, antifungal.Dosage: Root—5-10 g. (API Vol. III.)... hibiscus sabdariffaHabitat: Native to Europe and Asia. Conditions for its successful cultivation are reported to exist in Kashmir and parts of Himachal Pradesh.
English: Hops.Unani: Hashish-ut-Dinaar.Action: Flowers—sedative, hypnotic, nervine tonic, diuretic, spasmolytic on smooth muscle, analgesic, astringent. Used for nervous diseases, intestinal cramps, menopause, insomnia, neuralgia and nervous diarrhoea. Also as a tonic in stomach and liver affections. As a blood cleanser, the root is used like sarsaparilla.
Key application: In mood disturbances, such as restlessness and anxiety, sleep disturbances. (German Commission E. ESCOP.)The British Herbal Compendium and The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia reported herb's action as sedative, soporific, spasmolytic and aromatic bitter, and indicated its use for excitability, restlessness, disorders of sleep and lack of appetite.Hop cones consist of the whole dried female inflorescences of Humu- lus lupulus.Hop contains bitter principles— lupulin containing humulon, lupulon and valerianic acid; volatile oil (0.31.0%) including humulene; flavonoids including xanthohumole; polypheno- lic tannins, asparagin, oestrogenic substances.Bitter principles stimulate the digestive system. Valerianic acid is sedative. The resin components, lupulon and humulon are antiseptic against Grampositive bacteria. Asparagin is diuretic. Research suggested that the anti- spasmodic effect is stronger than the sedative, and hops also possess antihis- taminic and anti-oxytocic properties. (Cases of amenorrhoea and dysmen- orrhoea are treated with hops.)Hop extracts exert different effects on CNS in mice. They show hypother- mic, hypnotic, sedative, muscle relaxing and spontaneous locomotor activities, besides potentiating pentobarbital anaesthesia in mice.Humulone inhibited induced inflammation in mice.The dried strobila containing humu- lone and lupulone showed antidiabetic activity in experimental rats.Hop mash or extract is used in the preparation of toothpaste for inhibiting Gram-positive bacteria and in hair preparations for preventing dandruff formation. It is also used in skin- lightening creams.... humulus lupulusHabitat: Temperate Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Shimla at 2,000-3,000 m.
English: Common St. John's wort.Unani: Heufaariqoon, Bassant, Balsaan.Action: Antidepressant, sedative, relaxing nervine, anti-inflammatory. Used in anxiety, stress, depression, menopausal nervousness, menstrual cramps, neuralgia and rheumatism.
Key application: Psychovegetative disturbances, depressive moods, anxiety and or nervous unrest. Externally, oil preparation for treatment and post-therapy of acute and contused injuries, myalgia and first degree burns. (German Commission E, ESCOP, British Herbal Pharmocopoeia.)The herb contains hypericin and pseudohypericin (0.0095 to 0.466% in the leaves and as much as 0.24% in the flowers), rutin, quercetin, hyperoside, methylhesperidin, caffeic, chloro- genic, p-coumaric, ferulic, p-hydroxy- benzoic and vanillic acids.Plant's standardized extract (0.3% hypericin) shows antidepressant activity by inhibiting MAO.A biflavonoid, amentoflavone, isolated from the plant, exhibited anti- inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activity.Alcoholic extract of the plant shows in vivo hepatoprotective activity in rodents.The oily extract of the flowers have been found effective in wound-healing due to the antibiotically active acyl- phlorogucinol, hyperforin.The aerial parts show significant antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.A lyophilized infusion from the aerial parts exhibited antiviral activity and inhibited reproduction of different strains of influenza virus types A and B both in vivo and in vitro.The whole herb is effective against many viral infections.... hypericum perforatumHabitat: Cultivated in many parts of India.
English: Indigo.Ayurvedic: Nilikaa, Nilaa, Nila, Nili, Nilini, Nilapushpa, Ranjani, Shaaradi, Tutthaa.Unani: Habb-ul-Neel.Siddha/Tamil: Nili, Averi, Asidai, Attipurashadam.Action: Plant—antiseptic, hepato- protective, hypoglycaemic, nervine tonic. Used in enlargement of liver and spleen, skin diseases, leucoder- ma, burns, ulcers, piles, nervous disorders, epilepsy, asthma, lumbago, gout. Leaf—anti-inflammatory. Used in blennorrhagia. Root— diuretic. Used in hepatitis. Root and stem—laxative, expectorant, febrifuge, anticephalalgic, anti- tumour, anthelmintic, promote growth of hair.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of dried whole plant in phobia, delusion and disturbed mental state.Indicine (5-15 mg/g, dry basis) and the flavonoids, apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin are present in various plant parts, maximum in the leaves and minimum in the roots (however quercetin was minimum in leaves). The presence of coumarins, cardiac glycosides, saponins and tannins is also reported.Alcoholic extract of the aerial parts showed hepatoprotective activity in experimental animals against CCl4- induced hepatic injury. The extract increased bile flow and liver weight in rats. The alcoholic extract also exhibited hypoglycaemic activity in rats.The plant is used in the treatment of endogenous depression. It contains appreciable amounts of conjugated in- doxyl (indican). The use of indigo and its constituents, indirubin and indigotin, prevents allergic contact dermatitis. The 8 weeks old tissues in culture contain maximum histamine content (5.0 mg/g dry weight).Dosage: Dried leaf—50-100 g for decoction; root—48 g for decoction (API Vol. II); whole plant—10-20 g for decoction. (API Vol. III.)... indigofera tinctoriaHabitat: Hedgerows and waysides.
Features ? Whole plant covered with silky hairs. Leaves rounded, about two inches across, nine blunt, serrate lobes, on long stalks. Greenish flowers, without petals, bloom in small clusters from forked stem. Astringent, saliva-drying taste.Part used ? Herb.Action: Astringent, nervine, antispasmodic.
In excessive menstruation and flooding, as well as spasmodic nervous complaints. Decoction of 1 ounce to 1 1/2 pints water simmered to 1 pint is used as an injection in the menstrual disorders. The 1 ounce to 1 pint infusion may be taken internally in teacupful doses as required.... ladies' mantleHabitat: United States of America.
Features ? Flower supposed to resemble a lady's shoe in form. Rhizome about quarter- inch diameter, many cupshaped scars on top surface; wavy, thickly-matted roots underneath. Fracture short and white.Part used ? Rhizome.Action: Antispasmodic, tonic, nervine.
Combined with other tonics in the relief of neuralgia, and to allay paingenerally. Of use in hysteria and other nervous disorders. Dose, 1 drachm of the powdered rhizome. Like other medicines of a similar nature, it is of little use unless the cause of the nervous excitement is traced and removed.The remarks of Rafinesque, then Professor of Medical Botany in the University of Transylvania, are interesting in view of the "orthodox" attitude towards remedies of the herbalists ? "I am enabled to introduce, for the first time, this beautiful genus into our materia medica ; all the species are equally remedial. They have long been known to the Indians, who called them moccasin flower, and were used by the empyrics of New England, particularly Samuel Thomson. Their properties, however, have been tested and confirmed by Dr. Hales, of Troy; Dr. Tully, of Albany, etc.. . . They produce beneficial effects in all nervous diseases and hysterical affections by allaying pain, quieting the nerves and promoting sleep. They are preferable to opium in many cases, having no baneful or narcotic effect."Professor Rafinesque, however, goes even further than would Thomson and his successors when he announces that "all the species are equally remedial."... ladies' slipperHabitat: Grows wild in shady places in some of the English counties, but is rarely found in many others; scarcely ever seen wild in Scotland and Ireland. Commonly cultivated in gardens.
Features ? Leaves approximately five inches by two inches, broadly lanceolate, entire at edges, dark green, with parallel veins. Flowers small, sweet-scented, white, bell- shaped, pendulous, on distinct (eight to twelve-stalked) flower stem. Rhizome slender, cylindrical, pale brown, with eight to ten long, branched rootlets at each joint, internodes about two inches long.Part used ? Whole plant.Action: Cardiac tonic, diuretic.
Enhances muscular functioning of heart and arteries, and is consequentlyused in cardiac debility. Has been recommended in dropsy. This herb is one of the substitutes for the digitalis of the allopaths, but it must be taken only in the prescribed doses, as larger quantities may result in purging and emesis. Dose, 1 tablespoonful of the 1/2 ounce to 1 pint boiling water infusion.LIME FLOWERS. Tilia europaea. N.O. Liliaceae.Synonym: Linden Flowers.Habitat: The large tree is seen frequently as a decorative bordering to avenues and drives in town and country.
Features ? Leaves cordate, doubly serrate, hairy underneath. Three to six yellowish- white flowers on each flower stalk ; the two anther cells are separated on short divergent stalks at the tip of the many stamens.Part used ? Flowers.Action: Nervine, stimulant.
A popular remedy for chronic catarrhal conditions following colds, and is also given for nervous headaches and hysterical tendencies. The infusion is 1 drachm in 1 pint of boiling water, and bed-time baths in equivalent strength will sometimes help those suffering from insomnia.... lily-of-the-valleyHabitat: Cultivated mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Rajasthan.
English: Linseed, Flax.Ayurvedic: Atasi, Umaa, Masrnaa, Nilapushpi, Kshumaa.Unani: Kattan.Siddha/Tamil: (Seed).Action: Seed—demulcent, emollient, laxative, antilipidemic, antitussive, pectoral (used in bronchitis and cough). Flowers—used as nervine and cardiac tonic. Oil— used in burns, skin injuries and sores.
Key application: Internally, for chronic constipation, for colons damaged by abuse of laxatives, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, symptomatic short-term treatment of gastritis and enteritis. Externally, for painful skin inflammations. (German Commission E, ESCOP, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The plant contains chlorogenic acid and its isomer. Also present are palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids, along with amino acids, and sugars. Linseed also contains mucilage (3-10%) in epidermis; fatty oil (30-40%); cyanogenic glycosides (0.05-00.1%) mainly linus- tatin, neolinustatin and linamarin; lig- nans; phenylpropane derivatives including linusitamarin. (Cyanogenic glycosides are not found toxic in therapeutic doses as these are broken down only to a limited extent in the body.)The seeds are an excellent source of dietary alpha-linolenic acid for modifying plasma and tissue lipids. Flaxseed preparations reduced atherogenic risk in hyperlipemic patients. (Cited in Expanded Commission E Monographs.)Human studies have indicated Flax- seed's use in atherosclerosis, hyperc- holesterolemia, lupus nephritis, chronic renal diseases and in cancer prevention (active principle: lignan precursor secoisolariciresinol diglycoside). (Sharon M. Herr. Also Am J Clin Nutr, 1999, 69, 395-402.)The PP glucose response to a 50 g carbohydrate load given as Flaxseed bread was found to be 27% lower when compared with regular white bread.Taking Flaxseed oil daily for 3 months did not improve symptoms of pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis and no effect was observed on RA, such as C-reactive protein and ESR. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)The water-binding capacity and rhe- ological properties of linseed mucilage resembled those of guar gum.Dosage: Ripe seed—3-6 g powder. (API, Vol. I.) Flower-bud—3-6 g; oil—5-10 ml. (CCRAS.)... linum usitatissimumHabitat: Bihar and Orissa to Assam; Madhya Pradesh, Nilgiris and Anaimalais up to 900 m in wet places and river banks.
Folk: Basula (Madhya Pradesh), Naagaa-aiari (Orissa).Action: Leaves—stomachic and nervine. Essential oil—fungitoxic.
The essential oil from leaves contains citral, neral and geranial. Diterpenes, d- and l-limonene, l-piperitone, geranial. Diterpenes, d-and l-limonene, l- piperitone, lippone, a saturated ketone, d-alpha-pinene, dl-dihydrocarvone, citral and camphor have been identified in different samples.... lippia geminataHabitat: Parasitic on the Oak, Hawthorn, Apple and many other trees.
Features ? This familiar evergreen is a true parasite, receiving no nourishment from the soil, nor even from the decaying bark. The leaves are obtuse lance-shaped, broader towards the end, sessile, and grow from a smooth-jointed stem about a foot high. The flower-heads are yellowish and the berries white. The plant is tasteless and without odour.Part used ? Leaves.Action: Highly valued as a nervine and antispasmodic.
Mistletoe leaves are given in hysteria, epilepsy, chorea and other diseases of the nervous system. As an anti-spasmodic and tonic it is used in cardiac dropsy.Culpeper is at his most "Culpeperish" in discussing this plant, as witness:"The birdlime doth mollify hard knots, tumours and imposthumes, ripeneth and discuteth them; and draweth thick as well as thin humours from remote parts of the body, digesting and separating them. And being mixed with equal parts of resin and wax, doth mollify the hardness of the spleen, and healeth old ulcers and sores. Being mixed with Sandarack and Orpiment, it helpeth to draw off foul nails; and if quicklime and wine lees be added thereunto it worketh the stronger. Both the leaves and berries of Mistletoe do heat and dry, and are of subtle parts."While some truth may be hidden behind all this quaint terminology, it is feared that the modern herbal consultant would encounter serious difficulties if he attempted to follow the Culpeperian procedure too literally—although certain people still believe, or affect to believe, that he does so!The birdlime mentioned in the quotation and also in the synonyms is the resin viscin, from the Latin viscum, birdlime.MOUNTAIN FLAX.Linum cartharticum. N.O. LinaceaeSynonym: Purging Flax.Habitat: Heaths, moorlands; occasionally meadows and pastures.
Features ? Stem simple, up to eight inches high. Leaves opposite, small, lower obovate, higher lanceolate, entire. Flowers small, white (June to September), five-parted with serrate sepals, pointed petals. Taste, bitter and acrid.Part used ? Herb.Action: Laxative, cathartic.
In constipation, action similar to Senna, and sometimes preferred to the latter; rarely gripes. Occasionally prescribed with diuretics, etc., for gravel and dropsy. Combined with tonics and stomachics such as Gentian and Calumba root, makes a first-rate family medicine. Dose, wineglass of the ounce to pint infusion.... mistletoeHabitat: Throughotu India, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
English: Cowhage, Horse-eye Bean.Ayurvedic: Aatmaguptaa, Kapikac- chuu, Rshabhi, Adhigandhaa, Ajadaaa, Kacchuraa, Laan- guli, Rshyaproktaa, Svaguptaa, Shyaamguptaa, Markati, Kanduraa, Kevaanch, Shuukashimbi.Unani: Konchh.Siddha/Tamil: Poonaikkaali.Action: Seed—astringent, nervine tonic, local stimulant, used in impotence, spermatorrhoea, urinary troubles, leucorrhoea, traditionally used for male virility. Also used in depressive neurosis. Hair on fruit— vermifuge, mild vesicant; used for diseases of liver and gallbladder. Leaf—applied to ulcers. Pod— anthelmintic. Root and fruit—spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic. Root— CNS active.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the seed in impotence and paralysis agitans; the root in vaginal laxity.The seeds contain the alkaloids, mu- cunine, mucunadine, mucunadinine, prurieninine, pruriendine and nicotine, besides beta-sitosterol, gluthione, lecithin, vernolic and gallic acids. They contain a number of bioactive substances including tryptamine, alky- lamines, steroids, flavonoids, cou- marins and cardenolides. L-DOPA is present in the seed as well as in the stem, leaves and roots.Major constituents of the hairs on the pod are amines such as 5-hydroxy- tryptamine (serotonin), and a proteolytic enzyme mucuanain. (Serotonin was present only in pods.)Prurieninine slowed down heart rate, lowered blood pressure and stimulated intestinal peristalsis in experiments carried out on frogs. The spas- molysis of smooth muscles was caused by indole bases.Seed diet produced hypoglycaemic effect in normal rats, however, such diet had insignificant effect on alloxan- treated rats.There is some evidence that Cow- hage might be useful for chlorproma- zine-induced hyperprolactinemia in men. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.) (Males with hy- perprolactinemia frequently face im- potency.) (Cured seeds are used in Indian medicine for male sexual dysfunction.)Mucuna cochinchinensis Cheval.; synonym M. nivea (Roxb.) DC.; Sti- zolobium niveum Kuntze (cultivated in Bengal and Bihar for edible pods and seeds) is known as Lyon Bean (Khamach in Bengal). The pod yielded L-DOPA (0.06%).Dosage: Cured seed—3-6 g (API, Vol. III); root—3-6 g powder for decoction (API, Vol. IV.)... mucuna pruritaHabitat: Under field cultivation.
Features ? Oats of commerce and general use are the seeds of Avena sativa with the husk removed. The crushed or coarsely powdered oats is known as groats, and the powder, either fine or coarse, as oatmeal.Part used ? Seeds.Action: Nervine, tonic, stimulant, antispasmodic.
As a restorative in nervous exhaustion, and of particular value in correcting spasmodic conditions of bladder and ureter. Curative properties of oats may be utilized through the medium of the fluid extract. Dose, 10-30 drops.... oatsHabitat: Kashmir to Nepal at altitudes of 2,500-5,000 m in damp places.
English: Orchis, Salep.Ayurvedic: Munjaataka, Saalam- misri, Saalam-panjaa. (Eulophia campestris Wall. is also equated with Munjaataka.)Unani: Saaleb, Khusyaat-us-Saalab, Saalab Misri.Siddha: Silamishri.Action: Considered aphrodisiac and nervine tonic by Unani physicians. Tuber—nutritive, demulcent, restorative. Given
Synonym: Majorana hortensis Moench.Family: Labiatae; Lamiaceae.Habitat: Native to Europe and Great Britain.
English: Sweet Marjoram. (Origanum vulgare Linn., Wild Marjoram, occurs in Simla hills and in Kashmir valley.)Ayurvedic: Sukhaatmaka, Maruba- ka, Phanijjaka. (Ocimum basilicum is used as a substitute for Phanijjaka.)Unani: Marzanjosh.Folk: Maruae. Santhraa. Jangali Maruaa (Origanum vulgare Linn.).... origanum majoranaHabitat: Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon and in Manipur.
English: Solomon's Seal.Ayurvedic: Mahaa-medaa, Medaa (var.). (Substitute: Asparagus racemosus.)Action: Anti-inflammatory, nervine, astringent. Used as an infusion for pulmonary complaints; as a poultice for piles and bruises.
The root and herb gave diosgenin and its glycosides.Dosage: Root—3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)... polygonatum multiflorumHabitat: Flourishes in moist places throughout the United States, from which country the medicinal berries and bark are imported.
Features ? A shrub varying between ten and fifteen feet in height with alternate branches covered with strong, sharp prickles, the leaves are pinnate, with lanceolate leaflets, the flowers green and white. Small, blue-black berries enclosed in a grey shell grow in clusters on the top of the branches. The bark is about one- twelfth of an inch thick, and has corky, conical spines nearly one inch in height. Fractures show green in the outer part and yellow in the inner. The taste is very pungent, causing salivation, and there is little odour.Part used ? Berries and bark, the berries being considered the more effective.Action: Stimulant, alterative, nervine and diaphoretic.
An infusion of the berries, or the crushed or powdered bark, is made in the proportion of 1/2 ounce to 1 pint of boiling water, the dose being one tablespoonful four times daily. The infusion should be allowed to stand in a covered vessel for two hours before use.In the treatment of chronic rheumatic trouble this medicine is given a prominent place, and it is also widely used wherever a general stimulant is needed. The powdered bark is applied directly to indolent ulcers. As an external application for rheumatism. Coffin recommends 1 ounce of the pulverised bark to 4 ounces of Olive oil, heated, the part to be well rubbed with this liniment night and morning.... prickly ashHabitat: Cultivated in Kashmir at elevation of 760-2,400 m, also in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
English: Almond.Ayurvedic: Vaataama, Vaataada.Unani: Baadaam Shireen, Loz.Siddha/Tamil: Vaadumai.Action: Kernels—nutritious, demulcent and stimulant nervine tonic; valuable in diets for peptic ulcer. Unripe fruits— astringent, applied to gums. Oil—nutritive, demulcent, slightly laxative.
Almond flour made from the residue left after expressing almond oil, and almond butter, is used for the preparation of starch-free diabetic food.The chief protein of almond is a globulin, amandin, an albumin is also reported. Amandin has a high arginine content (11.9%). The primary chemical difference between the sweet and bitter kernel lies in the high content (2.5-3.5%) of amygdalin in bitter kernel; the ripe sweet almond being free of this cyanogenetic glucoside. Owing to the presence of amygdalin, which on enzymatic hydrolysis yields hydrocyanic acid, the bitter almond is not fit for human consumption.The oil yield from bitter kernels is usually 38 to 45% and from sweet almond 44 to 55%. The bitter almond oil containing hydrocyanic acid finds limited use in medicine as an antispas- modic and sedative. Dissolved in 50 times water, it is applied externally in prurigo senilis. Hydrocyanic acid-free oil is used for flavouring purposes.Partial replacement of saturated fatty acids with almonds lowers total plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.... prunus amygdalusHabitat: Native of Eurasia; cultivated in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Kumaon for edible fruits.
English: Sour Cherry.Ayurvedic: Elavaaluka (var.).Folk: Aalu-baalu, Gilaas.Action: Fruit—diuretic, anti- inflammatory. Used for genitourinary inflammations, cystitis and urine retention. Bark—febrifuge, antidiarrhoeal. Fruit stalk—diuretic. Fruit stalk and stem—pectoral. Bark and fruit stalk—astringent. Kernel—nervine. Leaf—an infusion is given for convulsions in children.
Key application: Heartwood—in skin eruptions, erysipelas, obstinate skin diseases, haemorrhagic diseases. As a tonic for promoting conception. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.)The leaves, fruits and bark gave flavone glycosides. The bark contains 5-7% tannin. The kernel contains a considerable proportion of hydrocyanic acid. The leaves contain amyg- dalin. (Amygdalin, a nitrile glycoside, has been reported to inhibit the growth of Sarcoma-180 cells in culture.)... prunus cerasusHabitat: High pastures.
Features ? Stalk up to six inches high. Leaves hairy, three to five inches long by two to three inches broad, bi-pinnate, leaflets opposite, stalked below. Flowers (April and May) large, single, six dull violet petals. Taste pungent when fresh.Part used ? Herb.Action: Nervine, antispasmodic, alterative.
Nervous exhaustion in women, particularly when resulting from menstrual causes. Has a stimulating action on all mucous surfaces. Dose, 1-2 tablespoonfuls of the 1/2 ounce to 1 pint infusion.... pulsatillaHabitat: Assam, Naga and Khasi Hills, Travancore and the Andamans.
English: Common Emetic Nut.Ayurvedic: Madana, Chhardana, Pindi, Shalayaka, Vishapushpaka.Unani: Mainphal, Jauz-ul-Qai.Siddha/Tamil: Marukkaaraikai, Madkarai.Folk: Mainphal.Action: Fruit—nervine, calmative, antispasmodic, emetic, anthelmintic, abortifacient. Used as a substitute for ipecacuanha.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the dried fruit in chlorosis, common cold, rhinitis and obstinate skin diseases.The activity of the drug is attributed to the presence of saponins which occur to the extent of 2-3% in fresh fruits and about 10% in dried whole fruit. The saponins are concentrated mostly in the pulp. A mixture of two saponins, viz. randialic or neutral saponin and randialic acid or acid saponin has been isolated from the pulp. On complete hydrolysis both the saponins yield oleanolic acid as sapogenin. Ursosaponin, isolated from the ethanolic extract of the dried whole fruit, gave ursolic acid and glucose. Randianin, isolated from the fruit, gave a haemolytic triterpe- noid saponin.In experimental animals, the drug caused haemolysis both in vitro and in vivo. Crude saponin fraction showed haemolytic, molluscidal and immuno- stimulating activities.Oleanolic acid 3-glucoside, isolated from the seed, exhibited anti-arthritic activity in exudative and proliferative phases of inflammation in rats.Dosage: Fruit—0.5-1.0 g powder for decoction, 3-6 g for induction vomiting. (API, Vol. I.)... randia dumetorumHabitat: Native to America (New York and Pennsylvania).
English: Black Willow.Unani: Bed-Siyaah.Action: Astringent, febrifuge, sedative, nervine tonic. Anaphrodisiac (used for reducing sexual activity; in spermatorrhoea). Largely used in the treatment of nocturnal emissions.
The bark contains tannin, about 1% of glucoside salinigrin. Once considered a substitute for potassium bromide, but without a depressant effect.... salix nigraHabitat: Indigenous to the United States, the plant is also found in England on the banks of streams and in wet ditches.
Features ? A strong, straight, square stem reaches eighteen inches in height, and heart- or lance-shaped, tooth-edged leaves grow opposite each other on a short stalk. The pale blue flowers, with a helmet-shaped upper lip, bloom in pairs just above the leaves. Both taste and odour are feeble.Part used ? The whole herb.Action: One of the finest nervines known to herbalism, the whole herb is also antispasmodic and tonic in action.
The properties of Scullcap are said to have been first appreciated by Vandesveer in 1772 for use against hydrophobia. Scullcap is now employed, often with Valerian, in hysteria and insomnia, and is reputed to be effective in the treatment of epilepsy.Coffin prescribed Scullcap in powder, decoction, and infusion, his dose of the powder being from one-half to a teaspoonful. Half a teacupful of the boiling water infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint may be taken three or four times daily. This herb deteriorates rapidly from age and heat, and it should be kept in airtight containers.... scullcapHabitat: North-Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of 1,800-3,900 m.
Ayurvedic: Rochanaa-Tagara.Folk: Peshaavari-Bhuutakeshi (Kashmir), Taggar (Garhwal).Action: Roots—used as a nervine sedative. Oil—sedative, analgesic, hypotensive.
The roots gave coumarins, angelicin, oroselol, lomatin, selinidin, vaginidin, vaginol; a flavone derivative selinone; a sesquiterpene vaginatin.The dry roots yield an essential oil containing alpha-pinene 45.5 limonene 25.3, camphene 5.7, beta-phellandrene 5.2, alpha-thujene 1.2, fenchyl alcohol 3.2, terpineol 3.8, and a ketone 2.6%. Beta-pinene and fenchone have also been reported.The roots are sold in the drug markets of Jammu mixed with those of Seseli sibiricum. The roots are also used as a substitute for Nardostachys jata- mansi.... selinum vaginatumHabitat: The Western Himalayas and Kashmir at elevation of 3,0003,900 m.
Folk: Poshkar, Hatermuula (Kashmir).Action: Root—nervine tonic. Used as an adulterant of Saussurea lappa.
Whole plant extract gave senecio- nine.Habitat: The Nilgiris and Uttar Pradesh. Introduced into Indian gardens
English: Groundsel.Action: Formerly used as a diuretic, diaphoretic and emmenagogue, in dysmenorrhoea and bilious pains. No more recommended for internal use due to high concentration of hepatotoxic alkaloids. Infusion is used as a lotion in chronic mastitis, gout and haemorrhoids. Extracts of the plant are haemostatic.
From the dried plant material alkaloids (0.053-00.095%) have been isolated, including, seneciphylline, sene- cionine and retrorsine. Senecionine and retrorsine have been demonstrated to induce hepatic necrosis in experimental animals. The plant contains 950 mcg/kg of iodine on fresh basis.A related species used in Western herbal, Senecio aureus Linn. (Golden Groundsel, Squaw Weed) is a uterine relaxant, stimulant to gravid uterus and a soothing drug for nervous and vascular irritability, menopausal symptoms, hot flushes. Alkaloids include senecifo- line, senescine, senecionine and otose- nine—pyrrolizidine alkaloids, in isolation, are highly toxic to liver. The plant is recommended only for external use as a douche for excessive vaginal discharge.... senecio jacquemontianusHabitat: Throughout India in moist places.
English: Country Mallow.Ayurvedic: Balaa (yellow-flowered var.), Sumanganaa, Khara- yashtikaa, Balini, Bhadrabalaa, Bhadraudani, Vaatyaalikaa.Unani: Bariyaara, Khirhati, Khireti, Kunayi.Siddha/Tamil: Nilatutti.Action: Juice of the plant— invigorating, spermatopoietic, used in spermatorrhoea. Seeds— nervine tonic. Root—(official part in Indian medicine) used for the treatment of rheumatism; neurological disorders (hemiplegia, facial paralysis, sciatica); polyuria, dysuria, cystitis, strangury and hematuria; leucorrhoea and other uterine disorders; fevers and general debility. Leaves—demulcent, febrifuge; used in dysentery.
Ephedrine and si-ephedrine are the major alkaloids in the aerial parts. The total alkaloid content is reported to be 0.085%, the seeds contain the maximum amount. In addition to alkaloids, the seeds contain a fatty oil (3.23%), steroids, phytosterols, resin, resin acids, mucin and potassium nitrate.The root contains alkaloids—ephed- rine, si-ephedrine, beta-phenethyl- amine, carboxylated tryptamines and hypaphorine, quinazoline alkaloids— vasicinone, vasicine and vasicinol. Choline and betaine have also been isolated.A sitoindoside, isolated from the plant, has been reported to exhibit adaptogenic and immunostimulatory activities. Alcoholic extract of the plant possesses antibacterial and antipyretic propeptide. Ethanolic extract of the plant depresses blood pressure in cats and dogs.... sida cordifoliaHabitat: Throughout the hotter parts of India, ascending to an altitude of 1,350 m.
English: Prickly Sida.Ayurvedic: Naagabalaa, Balaa- kantakini, Gangaati.Siddha/Tamil: Arivalmanai-poondu.Folk: Gulasakari, Gangeti, Jangali- methi.Action: Root—nervine tonic and diaphoretic; used in debility and fevers. Decoction given as a demulcent in irritability of bladder and genitourinary tract. Leaves—demulcent and refrigerant; used for scalding urine.
The root contains alkaloids—beta- phenethylamine, ephedrine, si-ephed- rine, vasicinol, vasicinone, vasicine, choline, hypaphorine, methyl ester, hy- paphorine and betaine. These alkaloids are present in aerial parts as well.Ethanolic extract of the plant exhibits hypoglycaemic activity. It depressed the normal blood pressure and lowered the activity ofsmooth muscles of the ileum of experimental animals.... sida spinosaHabitat: Native to the Philippines. Seeds are imported into India.
English: Ignatus Beans.Unani: Papitaa Vilaayati. (Papitaa Desi is equated with Carica papaya Linn.)Siddha/Tamil: Kayappankottai.Action: Properties similar to those of Nux vomica. Used as a stimulant and nervine tonic, also for asthma and rheumatism.
The seeds contain indole alkaloids; brucine and its N-oxide, alpha-and beta-colubrine, diaboline, icajine, no- vacine, strychnine and its N-oxide, and 12-hydroxyderivatives, vomicine, and others. Share of strychnine is 45-60%, in indole alkaloids (2.5-5.6%).... strychnos ignatiiHabitat: Tropical India up to an altitude of 360 m.
English: Nux vomica.Ayurvedic: Kapilu, Kaakatin- duka, Kaakendu, Kaakapiluka, Vishamushtikaa, Vishamushti, Vishatinduka, Kuchilaa, Ksuchalaa.Unani: Azaraaqi, Kuchlaa.Siddha: Yettikkottai.Action: Nervine tonic and a potent CNS stimulant.
Seeds—used in emotional disorders, insomnia, hysteria, epilepsy, paralytic and neurological affections, retention or nocturnal incontinence of urine, spermatorrhoea, sexual debility and impotence, general exhaustion; as antidote to alcoholism; GIT disorders. Bark—juice given in acute dysentery, diarrhoea and colic. Root—given in intermittent fevers. In Chinese medicine a paste made of Nux vomica seeds is applied topically for treating facial paralysis.Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends detoxified seeds in paralysis, facial paralysis, sciatica and impotency.The seeds contain indole alkaloids, the major one is strychnine (approx. 50% of the alkaloids); others include strychnine N-oxide, brucine and its N-oxide, alpha-and beta-colubrine, condylocarpine, diaboline, geissoschi- zine, icajine, isostrychnine, normacu- sine, novacine, pseudobrucine, pseu- do-alpha-colubrine, pseudo-beta-col- ubrine, pseudostrychnine and vom- icine (3-hydro-beta-colubrine). Loga- nin is also present. Pseudostrychnine is non-toxic. The alkaloidal content of the seeds ranges from 1.8 to 5.3%.The leaves contain strychnine and brucine (together 1.6%), strychnine 0.025%; vomicine is the major constituent of leaves. The bark contains 9.9% total alkaloids (brucine 8%, strychnine 1.58%); pseudostrychnine, pseudobrucine and beta-colubrine in small amounts. The roots contain 0.99% alkaloids (brucine 0.28%, strychnine 0.71%).Strychnine, when tested for an- tiulcer activity in shay rat model at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg body weight, complete absence of ulceration was observed which was comparable to cime- tidine. Exhausted Nux-vomica powder at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, and brucine at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg body weight gave protection similar to strychnine.Orally, 30-50 mg Nux-vomica (5 mg strychnine) is toxic.Dosage: Detoxified seed—60- 125 mg. (API, Vol. IV.)... strychnos nux-vomicaHabitat: Punjab, eastwards to Bengal, extending southwards into Peninsular India.
Ayurvedic: Maashaparni, Mahaasa- haa, Suuryaasani, Lomash-parni, Kaamboja, Krishna-vrintaa. (In Kerala different species of Vigna are used as Maashaparni.)Siddha/Tamil: Kattu-ulandu.Action: Fruit—astringent, stomachic, febrifugal; also used as a nervine tonic in tuberculosis, haemoptysis, rheumatism and paralysis. Considered invigorating in Indian medicine.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofln- dia recommends the plant in spermatorrhoea.In Ayurvedic texts, Maashaparni and Mudgaparni together form a group of rejuvenating drugs.Mudgaparni is equated with Phaseo- lus trilobus. Maashaparni and Maasha (Vigna mungo) are different drugs.Dosage: Whole plant—5-10 g powder. (API, Vol.III.)... teramnus labialisHabitat: Temperate regions of northern hemisphere. Spp. introduced into India: Tilia cordata Mill. (Himachal Pradesh at elevations of 2,100 m.) and T. europaea Linn., synonym T. vulgaris Hayne (Kulu, Manali and Simla).
English: Small-leaved Lime or Linden and Common Lime or European Linden (respectively).Action: Flowers—nervine tonic, spasmolytic, sedative, hypotensive. An infusion is used for the treatment of hysteria and indigestion.
The flowers contain a volatile oil up to about 0.1% containing farnesol; flavonoids including hesperidin, quer- cetin, astralagin, tiliroside; phenolic acids such as chlorogenic and caffeic, tannins and mucilage (in the bract).In Western herbal, the flowers are an ingredient in blood pressure tablets and mixtures and blood pressure medicinal teas.... tiliaHabitat: Found in many damp places such as low-lying meadows and woods, about the banks of rivers and lakes, and in marshy, swampy ground generally.
Features ? A handsome plant, growing from two to four feet and more high, whose stalks are round, thick, furrowed, and of a pale greenish colour. The leaves are pinnate with lance-shaped leaflets, growing opposite each other from the stem. The pink-white flowers (June to August) blossom in large tufts at the stalk head. A sweetish, disagreeable taste and unpleasant characteristic odour are given from the short, thick, greyish, many-fibred rootstock, which is the part used medicinally.Action: Nervine and antispasmodic.
Valerian promotes sleep and is much valued in hysteria, neuralgia and nervous debility, especially when combined with Scullcap, Mistletoe and Vervain. An infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglass doses three or four times daily. Larger doses should not be taken.... valerianHabitat: The Himalayas, Khasi and Lushai Hills, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
English: Vervain, Pigeon's Grass.Unani: Saal-ul-hamaam, Faristari- un.Action: Plant—nervine, antidepressant, anticonvulsant; prescribed in liver and gall bladder complaints (spasm of the bladder and strangury), nervous and menstrual disorders; also for bronchitis, asthma and febrile affections.
Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.The plant contains an iridoid gly- coside, hastatoside; loganin; methyl- cyclopentane monoterpenoid, verbe- nalin; verbascoside and eukovoside. The stem and roots are quite rich in stachyose. Aerial parts gave lupeol, beta-sitosterol, ursolic acid, aucubin and artemetin.The herb is credited with weak parasympathomimetic activity. Verbenalin exhibited mild purgative activity in animal studies. Emetic in high doses.Vervain tea decreased absorption of non-heme iron by 59% in human subjects. (Sharon M. Herr.)... verbena officinalisHabitat: Waste places and on roadsides, particularly near buildings.
Features ? The tough, wiry, quadrangular, many-branched stem averages eighteeninches high. Roughish, pinnately-lobed, serrate leaves grow distantly and opposite in pairs ; the upper ones clasp the stem. while the lower ones are stalked. Small, light lilac-coloured flowers bloom in May, along thin, wiry spikes. Very bitter in taste, a slightly aromatic odour is given off when rubbed.Action: Nervine, tonic, emetic and sudorific.
The herb was held in high repute by those who brought the Thomsonian system to this country. Coffin, writing ninety years ago, says ? "As an emetic it ranks next to lobelia ; it is also one of the strongest sweating medicines in nature. It is good for colds, coughs and pain in the head, and some years ago was highly esteemed as a remedy for consumption. As an emetic it supersedes the use of antimony and ipecacuanha, to both of which it is superior, since it not only produces all the good effects ascribed to the others, but it operates without any of the dangerous consequences that ever attend the use of antimonial preparations, and cramps, and even death have been known to follow their use. . . . Vervain will relieve and cure those complaints in children which generally accompany teething; it likewise destroys worms. Administered as a tea, it powerfully assists the pains of labour ; as a diuretic it increases the urinary discharge."The ounce to pint infusion is now used, and taken in wineglass doses. As a nervine, Scullcap and Valerian are usually added.... vervainHabitat: Kashmir at 1,200-2,400 m.
English: Pale Wood Violet, Wood Violet.Unani: Banafashaa (related species).Action: Plant—pectoral, bechic; used in chest troubles. Stem, leaf and flower—applied to foul sores and wounds.
Habitat: Native to Europe; grown as an ornamental.
English: Heartsease, Wild Pansy.Unani: Banafashaa (related species).Action: Herb—anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, expectorant, diuretic, antirheumatic, alterative. Used for bronchitis, rheumatism, chronic skin disorders and for preventing capillary haemorrhage when under corticosteroid therapy. Root— antidysenteric; used as a substitute for Cephaelis ipecacuanha.
Key application: Externally in mild seborrheic skin diseases and milk scall in children. (German Commission E.) The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes the herb as an expectorant and dermatological agent.The herb contains rutin, violin and salicylic acid. The flower contains rutin, quercetin, violanthin (6,8-digly- coside of apigenin), violaxanthin, p- hydroxycinnamic acid and delphini- din. A flavone C-glycoside-saponarin has also been obtained from flowers. Flowers, in addition, contain 15-cis- violaxanthin.The herb exhibits anticoagulant property and diminishes the aggregation of platelets. It can be used as a preventive measure against thrombosis.Habitat: Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal between 1,200 and 2,700 m (a semiparasitic plant).
English: European Mistletoe.Ayurvedic: Bandaaka, Suvarna- bandaaka. Vrikshaadani (substitute).Unani: Kishmish Kaabuli.Action: Vasodilator, cardiac depressant, tranquiliser, stimulates the vagus nerve which slows the pulse, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, immune enhancer, antineoplas- tic. Used for hypertension and tachycardia, as a nervine tonic.
The extract of leafy twigs is anti- inflammatory exerting an action upon capillary permeability and oedema. It stimulates granulation and the neoformation of connective tissue.Key application: For treating degenerative inflammation of the joints by stimulating cuti- visceral reflexes following local inflammation brought about by intradermal injections; as palliative therapy for malignant tumour through non-specific stimulation. (German Commission E.)Mistletoe contains glycoproteins; flavonoids, usually quercetin-derived (dependent on host tree to some extent); polypeptides; phenylcarboxylic acids; polysaccharides (including viscid acid); alkaloids; lignans.Cardiotonic activity is due to the lig- nans. The polysaccharides stimulate the immune response. Antineoplas- tic activity is claimed to be responsible for prolongation of survival time in cancer patients. Polypeptides (visco- toxins) inhibit tumours and stimulate immune resistance. (For uses of lectin from Mistletoe in cancer, see Eur J cancer, 2001, Jan, 37(1), 23-31; Eur J Cancer 2001, 37 (15), 19101920.) (For application in hepatitis, see Fitoterapia, 70, 2001.)... viola sylvestrisAction: powerful expectorant, carminative, antispasmodic, nervine stimulant. Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory. Anticoagulant (Vitamin K antagonist). No pain-killing activity.
Uses: To expel mucous during bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough. Intestinal colic with wind. Hysteria, nervous excitability, restlessness, convulsions, autonomic imbalance, mental depression. To reduce sexual excitability. To neutralise effects of mercury, as from dental fillings. Stress situations. Research study of mixed group of 30 rheumatoid and osteoarthritic patients showed improvement was obtained in 28. (Dr Finiefs, 1966)
Preparations: Tincture BHC Vol 1. 1:5, 70 per cent ethanol. Dose: 2-4ml.
Tablets. Combination. Skullcap 45mg; Hops 45mg; Asafoetida 30mg; and the aqueous extractive from 120mg Gentian and 90mg Valerian. Special reference to shingles.
Ferula Extract (Nelson). ... asafoetida
Action: relaxing nervine, sedative, spasmolytic, vaso-dilator, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti- rheumatic, anti-cough, regulates autonomic system, emmenagogue, natural source of salicylic acid which has an aspirin-like effect. The agent works powerfully upon the female reproductive organs. Analgesic (mild).
Constituents: triterpine glycosides.
Uses: Cramps, sciatica, low back pain, facial and intercostal neuralgia, stiff neck, aches after strenuous exercise. Painful menstruation and menopausal symptoms, breast pains, threatened abortion, migraine of hormonal origin and pain in the ovaries. Tinnitus. Oestrogen-deficiency. Scarlet fever. Fatty heart.
Combines, equal parts with Bogbean for rheumatism; with Blue Cohosh for ovaries and womb; with Elecampane for whooping cough. Psychological: of value for melancholia, hysteria and nervous depression. Peter Smith, 19th century explorer, claimed the Indians used it with success for yellow fever. Contra-indicated in pregnancy and lactation.
Preparations: Unless otherwise prescribed, daily dose: dried rhizome and root, 40-200mg or by decoction; tincture (1:10, 60 per cent ethanol), 0.4-2ml. (British Herbal Compendium, Vol 1). Antispasmodic tincture (Potter’s) Used in traditional Chinese medicine. ... black cohosh
Uses: Early American settlers and Indians claimed its power to prevent premature labour and miscarriage, prolonged painful labours and rigidity of the os. Indicated in labour with no expulsive effort and to counter false labour pains with bearing down sensations in the abdomen. Dr Farrington (Ellingwood’s Therapeutist) knew a single dose to arrest them after lasting several hours.
For persistent amenorrhoea and to increase menstrual flow; painful adolescent menses. Habitual abortion. Painful inflammation of the vagina, internally; and as a douche. Adolescent leucorrhoea. Acute rheumatic pains of the menopause. Combines well with Motherwort for rapid recovery after childbirth. Preparations. Thrice daily, or as dictated for an acute condition.
Powder: by capsule or for decoction: dose, 0.3-1g.
Liquid Extract BHP (1983): 1:1 in 70 per cent alcohol; dose, 0.5-1ml. Tincture. One to ten parts 70 per cent alcohol. Dose: 1-2ml.
Note: Chiefly used the latter half of pregnancy. ... blue cohosh
Cardio-actives. Herbs exercising a direct action on the heart due to the cardiac glycosides they contain. They increase output by sustaining the heart muscle without a demand for more oxygen. This group includes: Motherwort, Hawthorn, Broom, Lily of the Valley, Figwort, Bugleweed, Squills.
Cardiac glycosides, especially those of the Foxglove (digitalis) which is administered by a physician only, tend to accumulate in the body and may prove toxic when their elimination is retarded. The most important cardio-active used by the Consulting Herbalist is Lily of the Valley which has an action similar to Foxglove but without toxic effect. It is a reliable alternative to Foxglove for failure of the heart with retention of water in the body.
Cardio-tonics. Herbalists use other plants that do not contain cardiac glycosides but which have an indirect effect upon the heart. These dilate arteries and peripheral vessels, speeding the circulation, reducing high blood pressure, relieving any back-pressure on the heart caused by accumulation of blood in the lungs. There are peripheral dilators to resolve any hold-up in the circulation and others that assist a failing heart by eliminating obstruction in the bowel (laxatives), liver and kidneys (hepatics and diuretics), skin (diaphoretics and alteratives, chief of which is Figwort). The heart also may feel the benefit of a timely relaxing nervine such as Skullcap or Lime flowers. Even treatment of varicose veins indirectly assists. All of these reduce the work-load of the muscle and tend to ‘normalise’ function of the heart. Cardio-tonics include Ephedra, Motherwort, Rosemary, Mistletoe, Hawthorn, Lime flowers, Cayenne, Yarrow, Garlic, Balm.
Bugleweed is often overlooked as a cardiac sedative to relax capillaries and soothe arterial excitement. ... cardiac
The modern herbalist does not use suppressives but favours expectorants or ‘eliminatives’ to soothe irritated surfaces and expel excess mucus. If a dry unproductive irritating cough persists despite treatment, a qualified practitioner should be consulted.
Addition of a nervine (Skullcap, Wild Lettuce, etc) acts as a relaxant. May be a particular help for nervous cough. Add Hawthorn or Motherwort to sustain the heart where necessary.
Alternatives. Teas. Any one: Aniseed, Caraway, Blessed Thistle, Coltsfoot, Comfrey leaves, Ground Ivy, Hyssop, Liquorice (shredded root), Marshmallow, Mouse Ear, Mullein, Plantain, Soapwort, Iceland Moss, Wild Violet, Thyme, White Horehound, Lungwort. Formulae:
(1) Equal parts; Coltsfoot, White Horehound, Liquorice. (2) Equal parts; Hyssop, White Horehound, Valerian. (3) Equal parts; Mullein, Lemon Balm, Valerian.
Decoctions. Any one: Balm of Gilead buds, Elecampane root, Fenugreek seeds, Grindelia, Marshmallow root, Pleurisy root, Wild Lettuce, Wild Cherry bark. Valerian (nervous cough). Formula: Equal parts: Elecampane root, Marshmallow root, Wild Cherry bark. 1 heaped teaspoon to 2 cups water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.
Tablets/capsules. Lobelia, Iceland Moss, Garlic.
Powders. Formula: equal parts, Lobelia, Liquorice root, Elecampane. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.
Liquid Extracts. (1) Formula: Lobelia 2; Sundew 3; Red Clover 3; Ginseng 6. 30-60 drops in hot water, every 2 hours. (George Slack)
(2) Formula Elderflowers 1; Boneset 1; Hyssop 2; Liquorice half. 1 teaspoon in cup hot water, every 2 hours.
Tinctures. Formula. Elecampane 2; Black Cohosh 2; Lobelia 1; Few drops Tincture Capsicum. Dose: 30- 60 drops in hot water every 2 hours.
BHP (1983) recommends: Elecampane, Hops, Mullein, Wild Cherry bark, Wild Lettuce.
Potter’s. Balm of Gilead Cough Mixture.
Onion juice and honey.
Topical. Rub back and chest with Olbas oil, or warm Camphorated oil. Bran or Slippery Elm poultices to chest.
Aromatherapy. Chamomile and Thyme, 5 drops each in cup boiling water, with towel over the head, as an inhalant.
Preventative. 2 Garlic capsules or tablets at night. Honey. German Chamomile tea.
See: WHOOPING COUGH. CROUP. ... cough
Symptoms. Disorientation, failure of memory for recent events, failure to comprehend, unable to form elemental judgements, confusion, ataxia (lack of coordination of muscles), emotional instability with outbursts, forgetful.
Alternatives. Remedies known to sustain the brain. Nervines and alteratives believed to leach from the body deposits of toxic minerals: aluminium, sulphur, mercury, etc. Gotu Kola, Ginseng, Ginkgo, Vitamin E conserve oxygen. Pulsatilla – success reported for mental outbursts. Vasodilator of value. Ginkgo favourably reported.
Teas. Basil, Ginseng, Gotu Kola, German Chamomile, Horsetail, Yarrow.
Tea. Formula. Equal parts, Ginkgo, German Chamomile, Yarrow. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily.
Tablets/capsules. Prickly Ash, Ginseng, Ginkgo, Kelp, Pulsatilla.
Powders, Liquid Extracts, Tinctures. Combine: Gotu Kola 3; Vervain 2; Rosemary 1. Doses.
Powders: 500mg; two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon. Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. In water, honey or fruit juice thrice daily.
Incontinence. A frequent problem for which American Cranesbill is indicated.
Aromatherapy. Inhalation: Feverfew, Thyme.
Contra-indicated: Black Cohosh.
Diet. Low salt. Low fat. High fibre. Egg yolk. Lecithin.
Supplements. Folic acid, Vitamins B-complex, B12, C and E. Selenium, to conserve oxygen. Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc.
General. Home help. Meals on Wheels. Service from local Psychogeriatric unit. ... dementia, (senile)
Two types: (1) multiple pockets with no pain. (2) hypertrophy of muscles of the colon with chronic spasmodic pain. Also an occupational hazard of saxophone players.
Symptoms. Continuous cramp-like pain in the left abdomen (iliac fossa), distension, flatulence, incomplete emptying of rectum. Colon is tender to touch and mass may be palpated. Constipation and left- sided pain are the hallmarks. Complications include abscess, faecal peritonitis from burst pouch. Differential diagnosis. On rectal examination, ulcerative colitis has fever, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhoea.
Alternatives. Tea. Equal parts, herbs: Agrimony (to stimulate a healthy flow of bile). Avens (to check excessive secretion by toning-up of bowel tissue). Hops (an alvine nervine for strengthening the walls). Liquorice (to support the immune system). Red Clover (anti-neoplastic to discourage malignancy).
For local sepsis. Suggested by high white cell count. Echinacea, Wild Indigo or Goldenseal. Where general toxaemia co-exists: Myrrh. For the chronic case with a silent abdomen, Fenugreek seeds relieve in most cases.
Fenugreek Seeds. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 10 minutes. Dose: 1 cup 2-3 times daily, seeds consumed as well as the liquor.
For constipation. Ispaghula seeds, (psyllium) in the form of Isogel, Normacol, Regulan or other brand. To increase bulk, soften and render stools easier to pass.
For abdominal discomfort. Peppermint oil: 1-2 drops in honey or milk.
Tinctures. Formula. Wild Yam 2; Marshmallow 1; Elderflowers (to reduce inflammation) 1; Ginger quarter. Dose: one teaspoon before meals thrice daily; every two hours acute cases.
Aloe Vera. Good responses observed.
Diet. The Hay Diet. Fluid intake important. For acute inflammatory cases food should be bland. Little muesli without bran. Bran makes an irritable bowel worse, fibre husk increasing irritability. Oatmeal porridge oats with mashed banana, molasses and honey. Arrowroot, Slippery Elm drinks. Fruit juices, grapes (no seeds), papaya fruit.
Avoid: ham, bacon, fried foods, pickles, caffeine drinks and alcohol. In chronic, non-inflammatory cases, bran relieves, producing soft easy-passing stool. On passing of the acute inflammatory stage the patient should gradually take into the diet fibre-rich foods with sufficient protein. See: DIET: HIGH- FIBRE.
Supplementation. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, folic acid, Bromelain enzymes. Bioflora, Lactoflora. Surgical operative measures may be necessary. ... diverticulosis
Bayberry bark, Burdock root, Catnep, Lobelia, Fenugreek seeds, Raspberry leaves, Chickweed, Tormentil, Lime flowers, Mullein.
Evacuant Children. Catnep tea, with 2 teaspoons honey. Adults. Catnep, Raspberry leaves.
Stimulating nervine: Skullcap, Oatmeal, Oats, Bayberry bark.
Relaxant: Lobelia, Lime flowers, Mullein.
To re-activate after collapse: Teaspoon Composition powder. Ginger; or 20 drops tincture Myrrh.
To soothe pain of diverticulosis: Fenugreek seeds, Marshmallow root, Oatmeal.
Alternatives to coffee for cancer: Raspberry leaves, Red Clover flowers, Burdock root, Yellow Dock. For bowel infections: typhoid (Boneset and Skullcap – equal parts): dysentery (raspberry leaves 10, Myrrh 1): diverticulitis (German Chamomile 8, Goldenseal 1). Impacted faeces: Chamomile tea with teaspoon Olive Oil.
When the stomach rejects a medicine an alternative route is by enema into the bowel.
Olive Oil enema: 5oz Olive Oil in 20oz boiled water.
Myrrh enema: 20 drops Tincture Myrrh in 20oz boiled water for bowel infections.
Slippery Elm enema: half a teaspoon Slippery Elm powder in 20 boiled water.
Raspberry leaf enema: 1oz Raspberry leaves in 1 pint (20oz) boiling water; infuse until warm, strain and inject for irritable bowel and other conditions.
Enemas should not be given to children. ... enema
Causes: drinking water with a high degree of hardness. When rhubarb, gooseberries, chocolate or spinach are eaten calcium oxalate is formed between the water and oxalic acid in these foods.
Treatment. A pelvic nervine is sometimes added to formula.
Alternatives. Teas. Cornsilk, Couchgrass, Cranesbill (American), Clivers, Hollyhock, Marshmallow leaves, Parsley, Parsley Piert, Pellitory-of-the-wall, Sea Holly, Wild Carrot.
Tablets/capsules. Parsley Piert.
Powders. Hydrangea 2; Gravel root 1; Valerian half. Mix. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.
Decoction. Clivers 4; Gravel root 1; Valerian half. Mix. Half ounce to 1 pint water simmered gently 20 minutes. Strain. Dose: half-1 cup thrice daily.
Formula. Pellitory 2; Hydrangea 1; Stone root half; Valerian quarter. Mix. Dose: Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily.
Practitioner. Tincture Hydrangea 20ml; Gravel root 10ml; Ephedra 20ml; Stone root 10ml; Sig: 5ml in cup of Marshmallow tea. Thrice daily and when necessary. Tincture Belladonna for sudden pain.
Diet. Dandelion coffee. Slippery Elm beverage or gruel. No dairy products, calcium of which disposes to gravel formation. No tap water, only bottled low-calcium waters. Vitamins A, B6, C and E. Magnesium is credited with dissolving gravel. ... gravel
Alternatives. Tea. Combine equal parts: Motherwort, Valerian, Borage. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 10 minutes. 1 cup once or twice daily.
Decoction. Combine equal parts: Hawthorn berries, Valerian. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup water simmered gently 10 minutes. 1 cup once or twice daily.
Tablets/capsules. Hawthorn, Motherwort, Cayenne, Valerian, Skullcap.
Alternative formulae. Tinctures.
(1) Cactus 15ml; Hawthorn 15ml; Capsicum 1ml. Dose: one teaspoon in water thrice daily.
(2) Hawthorn 15ml; Valerian 15ml; Ginseng 10ml. Dose: one teaspoon in water thrice daily.
(3) Saw Palmetto 20ml; Damiana 10ml; Hawthorn 20ml; Capsicum 1ml. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water thrice daily.
Practitioner. Tincture Arnica 1-2 drops in water morning and evening for 7 days.
Diet. Foods rich in Vitamins B, B6, C, E. See also: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. ... heart
Causes: brain tumour or ruptured blood vessel, haemorrhage, thrombosis.
While total hemiplegia cannot be cured, the CNS may be supported by:–
Tinctures. Combine: Oats (stimulant nutrient) 3; Hops (central nervous system restorative) 1; Black Cohosh 1; Damiana (tonic nervine) half; few drops Tincture Capsicum. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily in water. For unstable bladder add 1 part Ephedra, Cramp bark or Bearberry. Teas for unstable bladder: see INCONTINENCE.
Elderly patients with diabetes are prone to the development of hypoglycaemia. This may be responsible for temporary weakness. Hemiplegics should be investigated for tendency to hypo-glycaemia as improvement in neurological symptoms may follow treatment for that condition. See: HYPOGLYCAEMIA. ... hemiplegia
Constituents: flavonoids, hypericins, essential oil.
Action: alterative, astringent, antiviral, relaxing nervine, anti-depressant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, cardio-tonic. Analgesic (external).
Topical. Antiseptic, analgesic (mild). To promote coronary flow and strengthen the heart.
Uses: Neuralgia (facial and intercostal), sciatica, concussion of the spine, post-operative pain and neuralgia, physical shock. Pain in coccyx, polymyalgia with tingling of fingers or feet, to reduce pain of dental extractions. Injuries to flesh rich in nerves – finger tips or sole of feet. Shooting, stitching pains. Punctured wounds: bites of dogs (rabies), cats, rats where pain shoots up the arm from the wound. Painful piles. Chorea. Tetanus. Temporary relief reported in Parkinsonism. Has been used with some success in relieving cramps of terminal disease. Anxiety, stress, depression. Menopausal nervousness. Menstrual cramps.
Researchers have shown that the herb possesses radioprotective properties. (Biol. Nauki. 1992 (4) 709)
Preparations: Average dose: 2-4 grams, or equivalent in fluid form. Thrice daily. Tea: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup of boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half a cup. Liquid Extract: 15-60 drops in water.
Tincture BHP (1983). 1:10 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2-4ml.
Flowers: steeped in Olive oil offer a good dressing for burns, sores and stubborn ulcers. Oil of St John’s Wort, (topical).
Compress, or wet pack for wounds or rheumatism: tea rinse.
Keynote: depression ... hypericum
Symptoms. Spastic colon: colon held in spasm. The two main symptoms are abdominal pain and altered bowel habit. Pain relieved on going to stool or on passing wind. Diarrhoea with watery stools on rising may alternate with constipation. Sensation that the bowel is incompletely emptied. Flatulence. Passing of mucus between stools. The chronic condition may cause anaemia, weight loss and rectal blood calling for treatment of the underlying condition.
Indicated: astringents, demulcents, antispasmodics.
Treatment. If possible, start with 3-day fast.
Alternatives. Teas. (1) Combine equal parts; Agrimony (astringent), Hops (colon analgesic), Ephedra (anti-sensitive). (2) Combine equal parts; Meadowsweet (astringent) and German Chamomile (nervine and anti-inflammatory). Dose: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely, as tolerated. Bilberry tea. 2 tablespoons fresh or dried Bilberries in 1 pint water simmered 10 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.
Note: Old European: Chamomile and Caraway seed tea. 1 cup morning and evening.
Decoction. Formula. Tormentil root 2; Bistort root 2; Valerian root 1. Dose: 2 teaspoons to each cup water simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup 3-4 times daily.
Tablets/capsules. Calamus. Cramp bark. Goldenseal. Slippery Elm, Cranesbill.
Formula. Cranesbill 2; Caraway 2; Valerian half. Dose: Powders: 750mg or half a teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 1-2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 2-4 teaspoons. Thrice daily.
Practitioner. RX tea: equal parts herbs Peppermint, Balm and German Chamomile. Infuse 1-2 teaspoons in cup boiling water and add 3 drops Tincture Belladonna.
Formula. Tinctures. Black Catechu 2; Cranesbill 1; Hops quarter. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water or honey, thrice daily.
Psyllium seeds (Ispaghula). 2-5 teaspoons taken with sips of water, or as Normacol, Isogel, etc. For pain in bowel, Valerian.
Fenugreek seeds. 2 teaspoons to cup water simmered 10 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. Consume seeds. Cinnamon, tincture or essence: 30-60 drops in water 3-4 times daily.
Menstrual related irritable bowel. Evening Primrose.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, with neurosis. Treat thyroid gland (Bugleweed, Kelp, etc).
With severe nerve stress: add CNS (central nervous system) relaxant (Hops, Ladies Slipper, Roman Chamomile)
Oil of Peppermint. A simple alternative. 3-5 drops in teaspoon honey, or in enteric-coated capsule containing 0.2ml standardised Peppermint oil B.P., (Ph.Eur.)
Intestinal antispasmodics: Valerian, Chamomile, Balm, Rosemary.
Diet. “People with IBS should stop drinking coffee as it can induce a desire to defecate.” (Hallamshire Hospital Research Team)
Dandelion coffee. Fenugreek tea. Carrot juice. Bananas mashed into a puree with Slippery Elm powder. Yoghurt. Gluten-free diet.
Supplements. Calcium lactate tablets: 2 × 300mg thrice daily at meals. Floradix. Lactobacillus acidophilus to counteract toxic bacteria. Vitamin C (2-4g). Zinc. Linusit.
Note: Serious depression may underlay the condition. Anti-depressants sometimes relieve symptoms dramatically.
Chronic cases. Referral to Gastrology Outpatient Department. ... irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)
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