Squill Health Dictionary

A natural re?ex reaction to irritation of the AIR PASSAGES and LUNGS. Air is drawn into the air passages with the GLOTTIS wide open. The inhaled air is blown out against the closed glottis, which, as the pressure builds up, suddenly opens, expelling the air – at an estimated speed of 960 kilometres (600 miles) an hour. This explosive exhalation expels harmful substances from the respiratory tract. Causes of coughing include infection – for example, BRONCHITIS or PNEUMONIA; in?ammation of the respiratory tract associated with ASTHMA; and exposure to irritant agents such as chemical fumes or smoke (see also CROUP).

The explosive nature of coughing results in a spray of droplets into the surrounding air and, if these are infective, hastens the spread of colds (see COLD, COMMON) and INFLUENZA. Coughing is, however, a useful reaction, helping the body to rid itself of excess phlegm (mucus) and other irritants. The physical e?ort of persistent coughing, however, can itself increase irritation of the air passages and cause distress to the patient. Severe and protracted coughing may, rarely, fracture a rib or cause PNEUMOTHORAX. Coughs can be classi?ed as productive – when phlegm is present – and dry, when little or no mucus is produced.

Most coughs are the result of common-cold infections but a persistent cough with yellow or green sputum is indicative of infection, usually bronchitis, and sufferers should seek medical advice as medication and postural drainage (see PHYSIOTHERAPY) may be needed. PLEURISY, pneumonia and lung CANCER are all likely to cause persistent coughing, sometimes associated with chest pain, so it is clearly important for people with a persistent cough, usually accompanied by malaise or PYREXIA, to seek medical advice.

Treatment Treatment of coughs requires treatment of the underlying cause. In the case of colds, symptomatic treatment with simple remedies such as inhalation of steam is usually as e?ective as any medicines, though ANALGESICS or ANTIPYRETICS may be helpful if pain or a raised temperature are among the symptoms. Many over-the-counter preparations are available and can help people cope with the symptoms. Preparations may contain an analgesic, antipyretic, decongestant or antihistamine in varying combinations. Cough medicines are generally regarded by doctors as ine?ective unless used in doses so large they are likely to cause sedation as they act on the part of the brain that controls the cough re?ex.

Cough suppressants may contain CODEINE, DEXTROMETHORPHAN, PHOLCODINE and sedating ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS. Expectorant preparations usually contain subemetic doses of substances such as ammonium chloride, IPECACUANHA, and SQUILL (none of which have proven worth), while demulcent preparations contain soothing, harmless agents such as syrup or glycerol.

A list of systemic cough and decongestant preparations on sale to the public, together with their key ingredients, appears in the British National Formulary.... cough

Baker non-Roxb.

Synonym: S. hyacinthiana (Roth) Macb.

Ledebouria hyacinthina Roth.

Family: Liliaceae.

Habitat: Central and Southern India, including Deccan Peninsula.

English: South Indian Squill. Substitute for White Squill, Urginea maritima Baker and Indian Squill, Urginea indica Kunth.

Ayurvedic: Vana-Palaandu (South India), Korikanda.

Unani: Jangli Piyaz.

Siddha/Tamil: Kattu velvengayam.

Action: Bulb—cardiotonic, stimulant, expectorant, diuretic. Used in cough, dysuria, strangury. (Not used as a diuretic when kidneys are inflamed.)

The bulb contains cardioactive gly- cosides including bufadienolides, scil- laren A, scillaridin A and proscillari- din A.

The squill has shown to have cardiac effects similar to digoxin, including positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effects. The aglycones in squill are poorly absorbed from the GI tract and are therefore less potent than digitalis cardiac glycosides. Additional cardiovascular properties include reducing left ventricular dias- tolic pressure and reducing pathologically elevated venous pressure. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)

Large amounts of squill are gastric irritants; small amounts expectorant.

The squill of the Indian bazaars consists partly of S. indica and chiefly of Urginea indica.... scilla indica

Herbs that expand the clear space within the bronchial tubes, thus opening-up airways and relieving obstruction. Effective for asthma, bronchitis, emphysema. May help cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and relieve cough. Ephedra, Euphorbia hirta, Lobelia, Mouse Ear, Sundew, White Horehound, White Squills, Wild Thyme. ... bronchodilators

A thick syrupy anti-cough medicine. An electuary containing at least one expectorant or demulcent.

1. Tincture Ipecac 5 drops; Tincture Aniseed 5 drops; Syrup Squills 60 drops; Syrup Tolu 20 drops. Mix. Dose: 5-15 drops in teaspoon honey.

2. Tincture Camphor 20 drops; Oxmel of Squills 20 drops; Syrup Tolu 20 drops. Mix. Dose: 5-15 drops in teaspoon honey.

Of historic interest only. ... linctus

A combination of honey (5 parts) and Vinegar (1 part) used to mask the unpleasant taste of certain herbs (Squills, Asafoetida, etc). Medicaments are added and the whole simmered gently until the consistency of treacle. Dose, according to medicament. Internally, or as a mouthwash and gargle. ... oxymel

(Roxb.) Kunth.

Synonym: Drimia indica Roxb. non-(Wt.) Baker.

Family: Liliaceae.

Habitat: Western Himalayas, Bihar, Konkan and along the Coromandel Coast. U. maritima (L.) Baker is native to Mediterranean region.

English: Indian Squill, Sea Onion (red and white varieties).

Ayurvedic: Vana-palaandu, Kolakanda, Vajrakanda.

Unani: Unsul-e-Hindi, Isqueel- e-Hindi, Piyaaz-Dasti, Piyaaz- Sahraayi, Jangali Piyaaz.

Siddha/Tamil: Narivengayam.

Action: Used as a substitute for European Squill, Urginea maritima. Expectorant (in dry respiratory conditions, whooping cough and bronchial asthma), antispasmodic, emetic (in large doses), diuretic (promotes fluid elimination in heart disease), cardiac tonic (effect, non-cumulative). Used topically as a hair tonic for dandruff and seborrhoea (active constituent is thought to be scilliroside of the Red Squill.)

Key application: Urginea maritima—in milder cases of heart insufficiency, also for diminished kidney capacity. (German Commission E.)

Bulbs contain cardiac glycosides, scillarens A and B. Bulb, leaves and root contain stigmasterol, sitosterol and campesterol. Bulbs also contain hentriacontanol, octacosanoic acid. Defatted air-dried bulbs afforded 6- desacetoxyscillirosidin.

The plant exhibits cyanogenetic activity.

Urginea maritima (White Squill) is contraindicated in potassium deficiency or when digitalis glycosides are being used (Francis Brinker), in hyper- calcaemia and hyperkalaemia (Sharon M. Herr).

Urginea coromandeliana Hook. f. non-Wight, synonym U. wightiana Hook f. (Coromandel coast and in dry regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu up to 3,000 m) is used as a substitute for Indian Squill (U. indica).

Dosage: Bulb—120-200 mg powder. (CCRAS.)... urginea indica

Alcohol is a chemical with definite physical and chemical properties. It may be used as the alcohol of pharmacy (ethyl alcohol, ethanol) for the making of tinctures, extracts, etc. Strength of alcohol used depends upon the phytochemistry of the plant. The weakest spirit is always chosen to serve the purpose.

Weak. 20-25 per cent. For water soluble ingredients and small amounts of volatile oils, i.e., Infusion Buchu Cone. A white wine (approximately 25 per cent) may prove adequate for most leaves, flowers and stems (i.e., Agrimony, Balm or Chamomile.

Medium Strength. 45 per cent. This is the strength, on average, used by the herbal practitioner. For tannins and small amounts of volatile oils, etc (i.e., Extract of Witch Hazel Liquid).

Moderately Strong. 60-70 per cent. Water soluble glycosides, (Tincture Digitalis, Squills, etc.).

Strong alcohols. 70-80 per cent. For alkaloids present in many plants.

Very Strong Alcohols. 90-99 per cent. For gums and resins (Myrrh), essential and volatile oils (Spirit Menth Pip., etc.).

Without alcohol, extraction of active constituents of plants would not be possible. Glycerine has not proved to be a satisfactory menstruum. For simple home-made tinctures Vodka offers a useful alternative provided it is of the strength specified.

Alcohol is not only a reliable solvent and preservative. It may be used effectively in the treatment of disease. In the form of wine it is one of the oldest drugs known to medicine. It appears in the pharmacopoeias and medical text-books of every civilised culture in the world. It may be used as an analgesic for the control of pain. It is an effective anaesthetic, vasodilator, sedative, and diuretic to stimulate kidney function. It was probably the first tranquilliser discovered. See: PRESCRIPTIONS.

Alcohol is the commonest substance to be incriminated in drug interactions. It can potentiate soporific effects in antidepressants, pain-killers and antihistamines and increase irritation of the stomach by aspirin. It can change the action of hypoglycaemic and anticoagulant remedies. ... alcohol

From the Greek pertaining to the heart. Cardio-vascular pertains to the heart and blood vessels.

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

Dropsy of heart origin is distinguished from renal dropsy by an increase in oedema as the day proceeds. In the morning there may be no swelling but by the evening legs become swollen from the ankles upwards. Fluids stagnate in the tissues from inability of the heart to perform efficiently as a pump. The condition is a symptom of heart failure with increasing breathlessness which may lead to general dropsy.

Symptoms: worse after exercise, breathlessness, headache, general weakness, feeble pulse, pale face, skin cold, swollen tissues pit on pressure.

Treatment. Alternatives:– Teas. Black Cohosh, Broom tops, Buchu, Dandelion, Hawthorn, Parsley root. Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Broom tops, Motherwort, Yarrow. 2 teaspoons to each cup water brought to boil and simmered 5 minutes in covered vessel. 1 cup 3-4 times daily.

Tablets/capsules. Buchu, Dandelion, Hawthorn, Juniper, Motherwort.

Formula. Dandelion 2; Hawthorn 2; Stone root 1. Mix. Dose: Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily.

Practitioner. Lily of the Valley, BPC 1934: 5-20 drops, 2-3 times daily.

Squills, tincture: resembles Digitalis in action. Dose: 1-3 drops, as prescribed.

Tinctures. Dandelion 2; Lily of the Valley 2; Stone root 1; Cayenne (tincture) quarter. Mix. Dose: 1 to 2 teaspoons thrice daily.

Popular formula. Tincture Scilla 5.0; Tincture Crataegus 10.0; Tincture Valerian to make 30.0. 15 drops thrice daily. (German Extemporaneous Formulae)

Diet. High protein. See: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. ... cardiac dropsy

Inflammation of the mucous membrane (lining membrane) which becomes boggy and discharges excessive mucus. Aetiology: infection, allergy or toxaemia. May arise from lack of fresh air, stagnant atmosphere, irritation by dust, inflammation of the middle ear, tonsils or nasal sinuses, but chiefly from auto-toxaemia when it is a natural reaction to toxic matter – an effort to expel through the mucous membrane wastes that would otherwise leave the body via the skin, kidneys or bowel. Constipation worsens the condition.

It is often caused by a heavy intake of starches, salt, sugar, white flour products, and especially dairy products including milk. Some cases are due to poor diet, low blood calcium, vitamin and mineral deficiency. May manifest as catarrh of the nose, throat, stomach, bowels, bronchi or bladder. Alternatives:–Teas made from any of the following: Angelica, Avens, Coltsfoot, Comfrey leaves, German Chamomile, Elderflowers, Eyebright, Garlic, Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Ground Ivy, Hyssop, Marshmallow leaves, Mullein, Mouse-ear, Parsley, Plantain, Marsh Cudweed, White Horehound, Yarrow.

Garlic. Good results reported.

Traditional combination. Equal parts, herbs: Angelica, Eyebright, Yarrow. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup of boiling water.

Fenugreek seeds. 2 teaspoons to each cup water simmered 5 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily. Or grind to a powder in a blender to sprinkle on salads or cereals.

Tablets/capsules. Garlic, Iceland Moss, Lobelia, Poke root, Goldenseal (Gerard). Horseradish and Garlic (Blackmore).

Tinctures. Alternatives. (1) Goldenseal: 3-5 drops. Formulae: (2) Angelica 2; Ginger 1. (3) Lobelia 1; Goldenseal 1; Juniper 1. One teaspoon – thrice daily.

Tincture Myrrh, BPC 1973. 3-5 drops in water thrice daily.

Tea Tree oil. 2-3 drops on teaspoon honey, or in water, thrice daily.

Heath and Heather Catarrh pastilles. Squills, Menthol, Pine oil, Eucalyptus oil.

Antifect. (Potter’s) Germicidal for blocked sinuses, etc.

Eric Powell. Liquid extracts: Angelica 1oz; Juniper 1oz; Peppermint half an ounce; Root Ginger half an ounce. 1-2 teaspoons in water thrice daily.

BHP (1983). (Bronchial) Irish Moss, Cinnamon, Liquorice.

Gargle. 3 drops Tincture Myrrh in half glass water.

Inhalation. Small handful Chamomile flowers or Eucalyptus leaves to 2 pints boiling water in washbasin. Cover head with towel and inhale 10 minutes. Or – see: FRIAR’S BALSAM.

Aromatherapy. Essential oils, diluted with 20 parts water, as injection for nasal catarrh: Eucalyptus, Thyme, Pine, Garlic, Hyssop, Tea Tree.

For catarrh of the womb and vagina: see LEUCORRHOEA.

Diet. Refer: GENERAL DIET. Commence with 3-day fast.

Supplementation. Vitamins A and D as in Cod Liver oil. Vitamins B-complex, C and E.

General. Cold sponge-down, deep-breathing exercises. Sea-bathing. Smoking promotes congestion.

Note: However inconvenient, catarrh has one useful protective role – it helps prevent bacteria and toxins reaching tissue. For instance, when present in the nasal organs it may prevent mercury vapour from teeth- amalgam reaching the brain. ... catarrh

A herb to induce vomiting. Given to expel poisons. Physiomedical doctors of the 1880s employed emetics at the onset of a feverish condition, setting much store on emptying and cleansing the stomach, relaxing the skin, regulating the bowels, claiming that a fever could often be aborted or cut short in its early stages.

While emetic therapy is no longer popular, it has a tradition of use for dropsy, dysentery, jaundice, bilious attacks and acidity – even swollen testicles!

Important agents: Balm, Boneset, Catmint, Elderflowers, Elecampane (mild), Holy Thistle (mild), Poke root, Senega, Squill, Queen’s Delight, Grape bark (Guarea). Mustard: 1 tablespoon to 8oz warm water. Simple emetic: 1 teaspoon Lobelia herb to cup boiling water.

To restore stomach-tone after use of emetics give bitters: Centuary, Gentian, Angostura, Chamomile, Bogbean, Poplar bark, White Horehound, Vermuth. ... emetic

Herbs that increase bronchial mucous secretion by promoting liquefaction of sticky mucus and its expulsion from the body. Their secondary action is that of a vasoconstrictor which, in the case of a stuffy nose, relieves by reducing blood supply to the inflamed lining of the nasal passage. They improve the outlook for respiratory troubles.

Aniseed, Ammoniacum gum, Asafoetida, Balm of Gilead, Blood root, Boneset, Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Elderflowers, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Fenugreek seeds, Garlic, Goldenseal, Grindelia, Heartsease, Holy Thistle, Hyssop, Iceland Moss, Irish Moss, Life root, Liquorice, Lobelia, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Mouse Ear, Mullein, Maidenhair Fern, Myrrh, Parsley root, Pleurisy root, Queen’s Delight, Red Clover, Senega, Skunk Cabbage, Slippery Elm, Squill, Thuja, Thyme, White Horehound, Wild Cherry, Wild Violet, Yerba Santa. ... expectorants

 The main symptom is hoarseness or loss of voice from malfunction of the vocal cords by disease, stroke, stress, or nerve disorder. Pain on speaking. “Raw throat.”

Constitutional disturbance: fever, malaise.

Many causes, including: drugs, drinking spirits. Gross mis-use of voice (singing or talking) may produce nodules (warts) on the cords. The smoker has inflammatory changes. Nerve paralysis in the elderly. Carcinoma of the larynx. Voice changes during menstruation are associated with hormonal changes (Agnus Castus). Professional singers, members of choirs benefit from Irish Moss, Iceland Moss, Slippery Elm or Poke root.

Alternatives. Cayenne, Caraway seed, Balm of Gilead, Lungwort, Queen’s Delight, Thyme, Wild Indigo, Marsh Cudweed, Mullein, Marshmallow.

For most infections: Equal parts, Tinctures Goldenseal and Myrrh: 3-5 drops in water 3-4 times daily; use also as a spray or gargle.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Mullein, Marshmallow root, Liquorice. 2 teaspoons to each cup water brought to boil; vessel removed on boiling. Drink freely.

Practitioner. Combine equal parts: Senega, Ipecacuanha and Squills (all BP). 5-10 drops thrice daily in water. Also gargle.

Poke root. Reliable standby. Decoction, tablets/capsules. Tincture: dose, 5-10 drops thrice daily in water or honey.

Topical. Aromatherapy. Steam inhalations. Oils: Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood. Any one.

Diet. Slippery Elm gruel. Salt-free. Avoid fried foods.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A (7500iu). Vitamin C (1 gram thrice daily).

To prevent voice damage. The voice should not be strained by talking too much, shouting or singing – especially with a cold. Try not to cough or keep clearing the throat but instead, swallow firmly. Do not whisper – it will strain the voice.

A common cause of laryngitis is growth of a nodule, cyst or polyp on the vocal cords. They are visible on use of an endoscope. There are two vocal cords which, in speech, come together and vibrate like a reed in a musical instrument. In formation of a nodule they cannot meet, air escapes and the voice becomes hoarse. Relaxation technique.

Where the condition lasts for more than 4 weeks an ENT specialist should be consulted. ... laryngitis, chronic

Indian tobacco. Puke weed. Lobelia inflata L. German: Indianischer tabak. French: Tabac indien. Italian: Lobelia. Part used: dried herb collected when part of capsule is inflated.

Constituents: lobeline, resin, wax, gum, lignin, fixed oil.

Action: antasthmatic, antispasmodic, mild sedative and gentle relaxant. Expectorant, diaphoretic, anti- cough. Broncho-dilator containing the alkaloid lobeline. Claimed to destroy pneumococcus. Amphoteric. Emetic. Smoking deterrent (tablets). Respiratory stimulant.

Uses: Broad spectrum therapy: chest, throat, sinuses, middle ear, urinary tract, chronic bronchitis. An effective means of controlling difficult breathing without risk of serious side-effects: croup, whooping cough, pleurisy, etc. For deteriorating asthma where there has been a declining response to routine broncho-dilator treatment. Well tolerated by those allergic to penicillin and for side-effects arising from that therapy. Tetanus (Dr H. Hart, Chi Med Journal). Irritability and hypersensitivity. Nicotine addiction. External. Use of tincture or liquid extract for gouty joints, big toe, etc.

Ear troubles in children: Inject 2 drops Oil Lobelia.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Dried herb, 50 to 200mg in infusion (BHC Vol 1).

Liquid Extract: 0.2 to 0.6ml (3 to 10 drops).

Tincture Lobelia acid: 1 part to 10 parts cider vinegar; macerate 8 days; decant. Dose: 5 to 10ml (1-2 teaspoons).

Simple Tincture Lobelia BPC (1949), 1:8 in 60 per cent alcohol. Dose, 0.6 to 2ml.

Tablets/capsules. Lobelia compound. Powdered Lobelia BP 60mg; Powdered Gum Ammoniacum BPC 30mg; Powdered extract Squill 2:1, 30mg. Respiratory stimulant for blocked sinuses, catarrh and coughs. Contra-indicated: feeble pulse or nerve response, pregnancy, shock, paralysis. Large doses induce vomiting. ... lobelia