Botanical Name

• Family Scrophulariaceae
• Euphrasia officinalis

Common Names

• Euphrasia, Augentrost

Cautions

• None listed.

Description

 Commonly found throughout the central and eastern parts of Europe, there are over 200 species of Eyebrights, which are generally a creeping, semiparasitic annual crowing to twenty inches. It has tiny oval leaves and small, scallop-edged, white flowers with yellow spots and a black center resembling an eye. It thrives in meadows and open grasslands. The flowerheads are collected during the flowering season in the summer, with July being the prime month.

History

 The use of this herb for eye problems likely stemmed, in part, from the Doctrine of Signatures, a 16th century theory that held that a plant's appearance pointed to the ailments for which it was to be used.

John Gerard was aware of its properties; and Culpeper was so enthusiastic about the plant that he stated "If the herb was as much used as neglected, it would half spoil the spectable-makers' trade".

Key Actions

• astringent
• anti-inflammatory

Key Components

• iridoide glycosides (especially aucubin)
• lignans
• flavonoids
• tannins
• volatile oil

Medicinal Parts

• Aerial parts

Traditional Uses

 Eyebright is used mainly externally in the treatment of ophthalmic or eye diseases in the forms of bath infusions or washes, lotions, and poultices. A liquid extract of the flowers or an infusion can be used as eyedrops. The herb tightens the mucous membranes of the eye and appears to relieve the inflammation of conjunctivitis, blepharitis, styes, eye fatigue symptoms, functional eye disorders of muscular and nervous origin, and for any eye complaints associated with inflammations of the blood vessels, eyelids, or conjunctiva and as a preventative against mucus and catarrh of the eyes.

Its ability to counter mucus makes it an effective treatment for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses, and nasal passages. Infusions and decoctions can also be taken internally for coughs and hoarseness. Although the herb dries liquid mucus, it should be used guardedly for dry, stuffy conditions which tend to be made worse by the plant's astringency.

Botanical Name

• Family Onagraceae
• Oenothera biennis

Common Names

• Common/Wild/Field Evening Primrose, Tree Primrose, Fever Plant, King’s Cureall, Large Rampion, Night Willowherb, Scabish, Scurvish, Sun Drop, Rose of Mexico
• Spanish: Yerba del Golpe, Flor de San Juan
• Maya: Chan-xmuk

Cautions

• Be aware that EPO (evening primrose oil) has the potential to lower the seizure threshold and those taking seizure medications should be carefully monitored.

Description

 Native to North America, the herb is now commonly found in many temperate zones around the world, thriving in open areas, especially dunes and sandy soil. This biennial herb produces only leaves the first year and bright yellow flowers and seeds the second year. It grows to about eight inches and has red blotches on the stem, crinkled lance-shaped leaves, four-petaled flowers, and elongated seed capsules. Today, it is commercially grown for its seed oil.

History

 Its Spanish name, yerbe del golpe, means "herb for bruises", a name given to many bruise-healing plants. Most often though, it refers to some species of the primrose.

Pliny used the botanical name Oenothera for a plant which is now unknown that reputedly produced sleep when drunk in wine. The species name, biennis, means "lasting two years," indicating that the plant is a biennial.

An 1830 herbal stated that the leaves were effective for wounds.

Native Americans used the plant for many of the same reasons as it is used today.

*The tiny seeds were used as an unspecified medicine by the Forest Potawatomis.

*The Flambeau Ojibwas used the whole plant, soaked in warm water, to make a poultice for bruises.

*The Omahas used one species (O. rhombipetala) in poultices, while the Blackfeet used another (O. caespitosa) for swellings and sores to reduce inflammation.

*The Kayenta Navahos applied O. caespitosa to correct a prolapsed uterus. They also made a dusting powder from the flowers to relieve soreness caused by chafing.

*The Iroquois used a topical wash to treat hemorrhoids and a tea as a remedy for coughs and colds, depression, and digestive complaints. In poultices, it was used to treat bruises and boils as well as skin rashes and other irritations.

Key Actions

• astringent
• anti-inflammatory
• antispasmodic
• digestive aid
• expectorant
• lowers blood pressure
• sedative

Key Components

• essential fatty acids (60-80% linoleic acid and 8-15% linolenic or GLA)
• 9% oleic acid (a non-essential fatty acid)

Medicinal Parts

 Leaves, stem bark, flowers, root, seed oil

The seed oil contains the essential fatty acids vital to the needs of the body. The first metabolic conversion of linoleic acid (LA) to prostaglandins (hormone-like fatty acid derivatives) is the transformation to gamma linolenic acid (GLA). This conversion is blocked by excessive saturated fatty acids (trans-fatty acids in processed oils, alcohol, and in zinc deficiencies). The process is also slowed during diabetes and ageing. Dietary GLA can bypass this blocked step. Furthermore, it is metabolized to a type of prostaglandin (PGE1) that inhibits the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, thus helping to reduce allergy symptoms and atopic eczema in some cases. Both LA and GLA seem to have other diverse effects, including boosting the immune system, reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, lowering blood cholesterol, and slowing blood clotting.

Traditional Uses

 All the plant has been used in the treatment of whooping cough, asthma, and digestive problems.

Poultices made from infusions can be applied to rheumatic areas.

Mexicans make a poultice of the leaves to treat burns, bruises, sore throat, and chest congestion and infusions of the flowers are taken to treat kidney problems and menstrual cramps.

Internal use of the EPO has proven effective for cases of atopic eczema, premenstrual syndrome, alcoholism, elevated cholesterol levels, Sjogren's syndrome, mild hypertension, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and especially for intermittent cladication and other circulatory problems.

Externally, the oil is used to heal skin disorders. Capsules are used in Germany to treat symptoms of atopic eczema.

Since the oil contains both omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids, it is vital in the diet as a preventative for many diseases. However, true to form, the FDA has given the oil "disapproving attention," claiming it is "unaware of any evidence to establish safely and effectiveness for such claims."

Botanical Names

• Family Myrtaceae
• Eucalyptus globulus
• Eucalyptus smithii

Common Names

• Blue Gum, Fever Tree, Australian Fever Tree, Gum Tree, Red Gum, Stringy Bark Tree, Eucalypt
• Spanish: Eucalipto, Dolár

Cautions

• Although various decoctions were used by Aboriginal healers, it is not recommended today.
• In large doses, eucalyptus is toxic. As little as 3.5 ml of oil can kill.
• It should not be confused with camphor oil.
• Infants and small children should not have preparations containing the oil applied to their faces as this can lead to glottal or bronchial spasms, asthmalike attacks, or even death by asphyxiation.
• Eucalyptus should not be used by individuals with inflamed gastrointestinal tracts or bile ducts, or with liver disease.

Description

 Native to Australia and Tasmania, eucalyptus is now cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, including the Mediterranean area and South America. This fast-growing, evergreen tree can reach heights up to 400 feet, having a blue-gray trunk and bluish-green and covered with oil-bearing glands. The bark is peeling and papery, and the leaves are susceptible to frosts. Planting can cause ecological problems as the tree requires huge quantities of water, preventing the growth of native plants. However, it can be beneficial for drying up marshy areas, thereby, reducing the risk of malaria. The leaves are harvested as required.

History

 Eucalyptus is a traditional aboriginal fever remedy that was introduced to the West in the 19th century by the director of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Cultivation soon spread to southern Europe and North America.

Historically, eucalyptus has been an effective treatment for malaria, typhoid, diphtheria, and influenza, and with such fetid conditions as upper respiratory infections with fetid cararrh, infected wounds with a foul discharge, foul diarrhea, vaginal infections with an unpleasant odour, and gangrenous conditions.

Key Actions

• antiseptic
• antispasmodic
• antibacterial
• antimalarial
• antifungal
• antiparasitic
• decongestant
• diaphoretic
• expectorant
• febrifuge
• hypoglycemic agent
• heals wounds
• stimulants local blood flow
• stimulates mucous secretions

Key Components

(a) E. globulus

• volatile oil (80% cineole)
• flavonoids
• tannins
• resin

(b) E. smithii

• volatile oil (70% eucalyptol as well as pinene, limonene, alpha-terpineol, and linalool) (although similar to the oils in related species, this one appears to be better tolerated by the skin)

Medicinal Parts

 Leaves

The essential oil is effective against just about every microbe. The properties of the oils vary slightly with the species, but all are antiseptic. Particularly active against malaria, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Haemophilus influenza, enterobacteria,Escherichia colia, Psudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella spp., and Helicobacter pylori. Researchers from all over the world have confirmed its broad-spectrum action against antibiotic-resistant diseases, something the indigenous have intuitively known. Russian rearchers suggest that some species counteract the influenza viruses, while others are antimalarial or highly active against bacteria.

Similarly, tests done in Guatemala on a number of plants, used for the treatment of respiratory ailments, examined their antibacterial activity, particularly those that caused pneumonia and staph infections. The test results showed that extracts of eucalyptus were among the plants highly active against invitro bacteria.

Extensive research during the last fifty years or so and has proven that eucalyptus not only has remarkable antiseptic action, but also has the ability to dilate the bronchioles of the lungs. The action of the essential oil proved much stronger than that of its main component, cineole.

Remedies

 Steam inhalation of a few leaves is used to clear upper respiratory congestion.

Leaf infusions are used internally for colds, sore throats, bronchial congestion, fevers, and chills.

Compresses from essential oils are applied to inflammations, painful joints, and burns.

Gargles made from essential oil and water are effective against throat infections.

Chest rubs from a dilution of essential oil into a neutral oil are used to treat colds, bronchitis, asthma, and influenza.

Essential oil is used in aromatherapy; and a few drops in a neutral oil or ointment base is used to treat cold sores.

Massage oil made by adding essential oil to rosemary oil or infused bladderwrack or almond oil to treat arthritic or rheumatic pain.

Poultices and washes made from the leaves have long been used by Aborginal tribes for any type of wound or inflammation.

Powders can be dusted on infected skin, wounds, and ulcerations as needed.

Lozenges are taken for sore throats.

Capsules are conveniently used for bronchitis.

Nasal sprays can be used to clear sinus congestion. To make: Mix 30 drops of tincture or 5 drops essential oil in 30 ml/1 oz. distilled water and used as needed.

A douche from a weak infusion can be used to treat vaginal infections.

Traditional Uses

 Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold remedies today and long used as an effective treatment for colds, flu, sore throats, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The odour of eucalyptus oil, like that of camphor and menthol, elicits a two-phase nasal response. In the initial phase, which lasts about thirty minutes, the nasal passages actually constrict and feel even more obstructed. This is followed by an opening of the passages, allowing more air to flow and resulting in a distinct feeling of being better able to breathe.

Since eucalyptus is excreted from the body through the lungs and urine, it is especially useful for upper respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Diluted essential oil rubbed into the chest has a warming and slightly anesthetic effect, helping to relieve respiratory infections. This same effect takes place when an infusion or tincture is used as a gargle. Another effective means is to sprinkle a few drops of oil onto a handkerchief and hold it under the nose on a pillow at night.

Diluted essential oil applied to affected areas helps relieve rheumatic joints characterized by pain and stiffness. It is also effective for neuralgia and some bacterial skin infections.

The leaves have also been used as an effective flea repellant. A piece of cloth soaked in the oil can repel cockroaches.

Some herbalists use it for small cuts in the skin. By massaging the oil into the skin or adding it to bathwater, it promotes the healing of minor skin infections, cuts, and abrasions.

One major traditional use stems from its pleasing scent, especially to the sick helping to alleviate the depression that comes with illness, both as a medicine to be taken and one to be inhaled in the sickroom.

It is widely used in South America to treat respiratory infections and as a rubefacient, a substance that increases blood flow to the skin.

Botanical Name

• Family Asteraceae (formerly Compositae)
• Inula helenium

Common Names

• Alant, Elfdock, Elfwort, Horse-Elder, Horseheal, Scabwort, Wild Sunflower, Yellow Starwort, Velvet Dock

Cautions

• It can be severely irritating to mucous membranes and strongly sensitizing.
• Not to be used during pregnancy.

Description

 Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, the herb has since been introduced to many temperate regions, including parts of North America. The plant is a perennial that grows to about ten feet in height, producing golden yellow, daisy-like flowers and preferring moist, well-drained soil. The leaves are up to eighteen inches long, pointed, coarsely toothed, and green with downy, gray undersides. The stem is thick, hairy, ridged, round, and green, and filled with a white spongy pith. The roots are thick and tuberous, and, when dried, have the aroma of peppermint. In the autumn, the roots are unearthed, cut up, and then dried at a high temperature.

History

 Helen of Troy was believed to have been gathering the herb when she was abducted by Paris. This story resulted in its botanical name.

The root contains a sweet, starchy substance called inulin which is responsible for its popularity as a type of crystallized candy. Pliny stated that no day passed that the Empress Julia Augusta did not eat some of the candied root to help her “digestion and cause mirth”.

Inulin was first isolated from elecampane in 1804, and took its name from the botanical name for the herb. It has mucilaginous qualities that help soothe the bronchial linings.

In the Middle Ages, apothecaries sold the candied root in flat, pink, sugary cakes, which were sucked on to alleviate asthma and indigestion, and to sweeten the breath.

In ancient China, large-leafed plants were grown under scholars’ windows so they could listen to different sounds of rain. It is still used in a similar manner in temperate climates.

A story is told by Stephen Blake in his Complete Gardener’s Practice of 1664. He suggested one use for the plant — “to be revenged on a person who steals your flowers, sprinkle dry powdered elecampane root on clove gillyflowers, give to the party, who will delight to smell it, and when they draw the powder into their nostrils they will fall a sneezing until the tears run down their thighs”. (Bremness)

A medieval saying was “Elecampane will the spirits sustain”, which reflected the herb’s tonic properties.

The Greeks and Romans considered it as a cure-all for such diverse ailments as dropsy, digestive upsets, menstrual disorders, and sciatica.

The Anglo-Saxons used it as a tonic, for skin diseases, and for leprosy.

By the 19th century, it was used to treat all the above, plus neuralgia and liver problems.

The Algonquin, Cherokee, Delaware, Iroquois, and others have long used this herb to treat various respiratory problems, including tuberculosis, asthma, and the common cold. Scientists have now verified that it exhibits significant activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and does improve digestion. In fact, the Delaware made a tonic from the root to strengthen digestive organs.

Key Actions

• antiparasitic
• antiseptic
• antibacterial
• antifungal
• digestive stimulant
• expectorant
• increases sweating
• mildly bitter
• soothes coughing
• tonic

Key Components

• inulin (up to 44%)
• volatile oil (up to 4% of alantol and sesquiterpene lactones, including alantolactone)
• triterpene saponins (dammaranedienol)
• sterols
• polyacetylenes
• mucilage
• possible alkaloids
• vitamins and minerals (especially niacin and thiamin, magnesium, zinc, and calcium)

Medicinal Parts

 Roots, flowers

Alantolactone is a constituent thought to be anti-inflammatory, but it also reduces mucous secretions and stimulates the immune system.

The volatile oil is known to be partly responsible for an expectorant action,as well as for its antiseptic qualities.

Chinese research has demonstrated mild antibacterial properties, as well as a stimulant effect on the nervous system, digestion, and adrenal cortex.

Remedies

 A decoction from the root is used for irritable coughs, bronchitis, asthma, upper respiratory problems, or as a digestive aid.

Decoctions from the flowers are used to treat nausea, vomiting, or coughs with copious amounts of phlegm, and, when combined with licorice, helps ease nausea, abdominal distension, flatulence, and vomiting of mucus.

Tinctures are used for bronchitis or chronic respiratory complains and sometimes mixed with thyme tincture for added effect.

Syrups are made from infusions or decoctions of roots and flowers and used for coughs.

Washes from the decoction or diluted tincture for eczema, rashes, and varicose ulcers.

Traditional Uses

 The roots have long been used as a gentle warming tonic, particularly useful for chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems. The whole herb has a stimulant, expectorant effect, which encourages the coughing up of mucus from the lungs.

The Chinese uses the flowers from its species (I. japonica — Xuan fu hua) to treat asthma and bronchitis with excessive phlegm, as well as for acid reflux and vomiting.

The herb is also taken as a tonic for the digestion, stimulating the appetite and relieving dyspepsia.

It has long been used in the treatment of intestinal worms.

It combines well with other antiseptic herbs and is used for such infections as flu and tonsillitis. Its restorative, tonic action complements its ability to counter infection.

It is used as a sugar substitute in the treatment of diabetes.

Botanical Name

• Family Caprifoliaceae
• Sambucus canadensis (Elder, American Elder, Elderberry, Sweet Elder)
• Sambucus ebulus (Dwarf Elder, Dane’s Elder, Viking Elder, Danewort, Walewort, Blood Elder, Blood Hilder)
• Sambuscus nigra (Black Elder, Black-berried Alder, European Elder/Alder, Common Elder, Boor Tree, Elder, Bountry, Ellanwood, Ellhorn)
• Sambucus mexicana, S. racemosa (Saúco, Flor Saúco, Azumiate, Guarico, Negrito, Tápiro, Xúmetl (Nahuatl), Tlsolos-ché (Maya)

Cautions

• Do not take any parts of elder if a pre-existing condition would be worsened by further drying or fluid depletion.
• Do not use the bark in pregnancy as it is a strong purgative.
• Large quantities of the raw berries from the dwarf elder should not be consumed as they can lead to serious side effects.
• Infusions can be made from the flowerheads, but great care must be taken as a number of species are poisonous.
• Since the leaves, stems, and outer bark contain enough cyanide to kill small children quickly, they should be handled with extreme caution and by only knowledgeable professionals. They are safe when used externally as a skin preparation to relieve inflammation and swelling. The flowers and berries are safe.

Description

Native to almost all of Europe, the elder tree is now found in most temperate zones, thriving in woods, hedges, on wasteground, and is often cultivated. The dwarf elder is also found from southern Sweden, throughout central and southern Europe, northern Africa, western Asia, Iran, and North America. There are more than a dozen varieties native to North America.

The elder is generally a deciduous tree, growing from seventy inches (dwarf elder), to ten feet (American elder) to thirty-three feet (European elders). Elder plants often contain a profusion of woody stems coming out of a central root, much like some of the sumacs. The branching stems spread about fifteen feet in the larger trees and are covered with a rough bark while the inner, larger stems, are smooth. The plant produces oval, serrated leaves, clusters of star-shaped, creamy flowers, and, eventually, blue-black juicy berries. The flowers have a strong, somewhat numbing, perfume, and are harvested in late spring, while the berries are picked in early autumn.

History

In folk legend, it is often described as being a “complete medine chest” and, with continued use, would heal all the ills a person is likely to have in a lifetime, thus promoting longevity and giving rise to its name of “elder”.

Since ancient times, the flowers, berries, and inner bark have been used medicinally. The berries have also been used to make dyes, wines, jams, perfumes, and cosmetic creams and lotions.

Galen classed it as a “hot and dry” herb used for such cold, damp conditions as phlegm and excessive mucus and was a favourite 17th century remedy for such conditions.

Elderflower water was much used in the 18th century for whitening the skin and removing freckles.

Chopping the branches was considered dangerous in rural England because it was believed that the tree was inhabited by the Elder Mother; and, to avoid her wrath, woodcutters would recite a placatory rhyme.

The Aztecs used the leaves in poultices for headaches, nosebleeds, wounds, and skin ulcers.

The Cherokee drank an elderberry infusion to treat rheumatism.

Key Actions

(a) Flowers

• anti-inflammatory
• circulatory stimulant
• diuretic
• expectorant
• promotes sweating
• reduces phlegm

(b) Berries

• diuretic
• laxative
• promotes sweating

(c) Bark

• diuretic
• emollient (topical)
• purgative
• promotes vomiting (in large doses)

Key Components

• volatile oil (mainly 65% essential fatty acids and palmitic acid)
• flavonoids (up to 3% mainly rutin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, hyperoside, astagalin, nicotoflorin)
• mucilage
• tannins
• pectin
• resins
• vitamins A and C (berries)
• anthocyanins (berries)
• cyanogenic glycoside (leaves)
• viburnic acid
• alkaloids

Medicinal Parts

Flowers, berries, bark, leaves, roots

The triterpenes, in the flowers, may have anti-inflammatory action similar to steroids.

It is believed that elder’s most common medicinal use is that of inducing perspiration. This action is thought to be caused by flavonoids and viburnic acid since these substances have produced similar effects when isolated from other plants.

One small study done by a company in Skokie, Illinois, that sells neutraceuticals, reported that elderberry capsules shortened the duration of flu symptoms in the majority of patients. The capsules were taken at the first sign of flu symptoms and generally recovered in two to four days compared to an average of six day for those on a placebo. An Israeli study, using different elder products, produced similar results. The active ingredients in elderberry are thought to inactivate an enzyme that normally allows the flu virus to penetrate cell walls.

Remedies

(a) Flowers

• Infusions as a hot drink fare taken for feverish and mucus conditions of upper respiratory tract, including hay fever. They can be combined with yarrow, boneset, and peppermint.
• Tinctures are taken for colds and influenza or in early spring to help reduce later hay fever symptoms.
• Creams are applied to chapped and sore hands or to chilblains.
• Eyewash is used from the cold, strained infusion to treat inflamed or sore eyes.
• Mouthwash and gargle are made from the infusion for mouth ulcers, sore throats, and tonsillitis.

(b) Berries

• Syrup is made from a decoction and taken as a prophylactic for winter colds or in combination with other expectorant herbs, such as thyme, for coughs.
• Tinctures are used in combination with other herbs, such as willow, for rheumatic conditions.

(c) Bark

• Itis rarely used today, but in times past it was an effective liver stimulant and taken for stubborn constipation.

Traditional Uses

The dried flowers can be made into emollient creams, infusions, flower water, tablets, teas, and tinctures. The flowering tops are ideal for coughs, colds, and the flu.

A hot infusion of the flowers is considered to be a general stimulant for the body; but, when prepared in cold water, it becomes a good laxative and an effective diuretic. A relaxing infusion can produce a mild perspiration that helps reduce fever.

The flowers seem to tone the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, thereby increasing resistance to infection. They are often prescribed for chronic congestion, allergies, ear infections, and candidiasis. They can also reduce the severity of hay fever attacks if taken some months before the onset of the season.

A flower tincture will help clear mucous conditions in the upper respiratory tract, reduce inflammation, and speed healing.

Because it is able to encourage sweating and urine production, elder flowers promote the removal of waste products from the body and are valuable in arthritc conditions.

The berries are taken for rheumatism and erysipelas (a skin infection). They are also mildly laxative, but still able to help control diarrhea. The berries also make excellent jam, but should be eaten only when ripe and cooked slightly. Otherwise, they cause diarrhea and vomiting.

The leaves and stems contain cyanide and should not be ingested. However, they do contain substances that may be helpful in the form of salves, or emollients to reduce swelling and inflammation of sprains, bruises, and arthritis. The flowers and leaves are often used in salves for wounds, soften the skin, and help in general healing.

An oil extracted from the seeds may be massaged onto painful joints to relieve the pain of arthritis.

Because the bark is so strong, it is advisable to become informed in the use of the plant before using it too freely.

A compress soaked in elder flower tea can be applied directly to the skin. The fresh or dried leaves may be used to make a poultice.