Botanical Name

• Family Oleaceae
• Chionanthus virginicus

Common Name

• Gray Beard Tree, Old Man’s Beard, Poison Ash, Snowflower, White Fringe, Chionanthus, Snowdrop Tree

Cautions

• None listed.

Description

 Native to the US, the tree grows from Pennsylvania to Florida and Texas, but mostly in Virginia and North Carolina. It is also found in eastern Asia, and thrives on riverbanks and in damp shrubby areas. It is a deciduous tree or shrub, growing to thirty feet, having elliptical dark green leaves and long flowering stems with spikes of white flowers that produce dark blue oval fruits. Fringetree is almost odourless and very bitter. The bark is so dense that, unlike most other barks, it sinks in water. The root is unearthed in spring or autumn.

History

 The herb was commonly used by Native Americans and European settlers to treat various ailments, including eye inflammations, canker sores, and spongy gums.

The Choctaw of Louisiana applied the mashed bark to cuts, bruises, and infected sores, while tribes in Alabama used the bark for toothaches.

In the 19th century Anglo-American Physiomedicalist tradition, the fringetree was valued as a bitter tonic and used as a tonic while recovering from a long term illness.

Key Actions

• liver tonic
• stimulates bile flow
• mildly laxative
• strengthens function of pancreas and spleen
• stimulates appetite and digestion
• heals wounds
• diuretic

Key Components

• saponin (chionanthin)
• glycoside (phyllirine)

Medicinal Parts

• Bark, root bark

Traditional Uses

 Although mention is made of extensive use in homeopathic medicine, no details are given.

The root bark is used for fevers and liver disorders, as well as for gallbladder pain, gallstones, jaundice, and chronic weakness. It also appears to strengthen the functions of the spleen and pancreas and may substantially reduce sugar levels in the urine.

It is used as a general tonic to stimulate the appetite and digestion, and is especially useful in chronic illness when the liver has been affected.,

Poultices of the crushed bark can be applied to sores and wounds.

The bark is also used as a diuretic, and functions as a gentle purgative, and has been used to treat prostate disorders.

Botanical and Common Names

• Family Scrophulariaceae
• Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove, Dead Men’s Bells, Dog’s Finger, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Gloves, Finger Flower, Folks’ Glove, Lion’s Mouth, Ladies’ Glove, Witches’ Gloves, Gloves of Our Lady, Fairy Caps, Fairy Thimbles, Virgin’s Glove)
• Digitalis lanata (Wooly Foxglove)
• Digitalis lutea (Yellow Foxglove)

Cautions

• Excessive doses of the herb are fatal. Use only under professional guidance.

Description

 Native to Europe, the plant can now be found throughout the world, growing in woodland areas, on roadsides, and in mountainous regions. The herb is an erect perennial growing to a height of three to five feet, having a single stem, broad lance-shaped leaves, and bell-shaped flowesr in long spikes that can be yellow, purple, or white. Although the wild plants are considered superior, it is cultivated for medicinal purposes. In the US, it is cultivated mainly in New York, Washington, Utah, and Colorado. The leaves are gathered in the second summer of growth.

History

 In medical history, foxglove is best known as the discovery of William Withering, an 18th century English country doctor. Curious about the formula of a local herbalist, he explored the plant's potential medical use. His work led to the production of the heart medication we know today.

The drug's use originated in Ireland, then went to Scotland and England before reaching Central Europe. It was originally used to treat ulcers in the lower abdomen, boils, headaches, abscesses, and paralysis, and externally for healing wounds. It was also used for cardiac insufficiency, especially in cases of high blood pressure.

Key Actions

• cardiac regulator
• diuretic

Key Components

• cardiac glycosides (including digoxin, digitoxin, and lanatosides)

Medicinal Parts

• Leaves
• Besides traces of saponins, the herb also contains powerful diuretic chemicals which have proven useful in the treatment of edema or dropsy.

Traditional Uses

 The main action of foxglove is to aid an ailing heart. As heart disease worsens, the heart's ability to maintain normal circulation decreases. The glycosides in this plant slow the rate and enable the heart to beat more strongly and regularly without requiring more oxygen. At the same time, it stimulates urine production, which lowers the volume of blood, lessening the load on the heart.

Today, yellow foxglove is not used much in herbal medicine. The Wooly foxglove is the main source of cardiac glycosides. Wooly foxglove has three times the physiological effect as the common foxglove. However, the common foxglove still has a profound tonic effect on a diseased heart.

In recent years, pharmaceutical manufacturers have tended to abandon D. purpurea in favour of a related species, D. lanata, which grows in Northern Europe and the Middle East. This herb produces the same therapeutic effects, but contains greater amounts of the active principals.

Botanical Name

• Family Linaceae
• Linum usitatissimum (Flax, Flaxseed, Lint Bells, Winterlien, Linseed, Linum; Spanish: Linaza, Linasa, Lino)
• Linum catharticum (Mountain Flax, Purging Flax, Dwarf Flax, Fairy Flax, Mill Mountain)

Cautions

• The oil deteriorates rapidly so must be kept cold.
• Do not use commercial linseed oil for consumption as it is toxic.
• Do not use immature seeds as they contain toxic substances.

Description

 Native to the temperate zones of Europe and Asia, flax is now cultivated worldwide for its seeds, oil, and fiber. It is an annual, biennial, or perennial plant, growing to three feet, producing a slender stem, lance-shaped leaves, sky-blue flowers, and oily brown seeds. The plant flowers only in the morning. The seeds are harvested in late summer or early fall when ripe. The aerial parts of the mountain flax are harvested while flowering.

History

 Flax has been cultivated for more than 7,000 years in the Middle East as a source of linen fiber and for its oil.

The ancient Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans used the seeds as food, the oil as medicine, and the fibers for clothing and ships’ sails.

The Roman legion used bread made from flax and were able to march long distances and then do battle. Today, Roman meal bread still uses flaxseed, while the linseed oil is used in the manufacture of varnish, paint, linoleum, and soap.

The medicinal properties were well known to the Greeks as Hippocrates recommended flax for mucous membrane inflammations.

In the 8th century in France, Charlemagne passed laws requiring the seeds to be consumed in order to keep his subjects healthy.

The Mountain flax received its nickname of "purging flax" because it was once popular as a purgative.

Key Actions

(a) Flax

• antiseptic
• anti-inflammatory
• demulcent
• emollient
• laxative
• purgative
• soothing anti-tussive

(b) Mountain Flax

• antirheumatic
• diuretic
• laxative

Key Components

• mucilage (6%)
• cyanogenic glycoside (linamarin) — a respiratory system sedative
• bitter principle
• linseed oil in the seeds contains cis-linoleic (24%) and alpha-linolenic acids (36-50%), vitamins A, B, D, E, minerals, amino acids (25%)

Medicinal Parts

 Seeds, oil, aerial parts (mountain flax)

Flax is one of the best plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (LA).

The seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber which promote intestinal health and lignans, a form of phytoestrogens believed to help protect against colon, prostate, and breast cancers.

Remedies

Seeds
Ripe seeds are ground and used for constipation (high fluid intake is vital).

Poultices of crushed seeds or flour are applied to boils, abscesses, and ulcers or applied locally for pleurisy pain, coughs, bronchitis, or emphysema.

Infusions are used to treat coughs and sore throats (honey and lemon can be added).

Infusions of the whole plant are made of the fresh herb for constipation, liver congestion, and rheumatic pain.

Maceration produces a thick mucilage which can be taken for inflammations of the mucous membranes as in the cases of gastritis and pharyngitis.

Oil from the seeds contains essential fatty acids which are helpful for eczema, menstrual disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis.

Traditional Uses

 The seeds have long been used as a bulk laxative and soothing expectorant. However, they must be ground to gain any benefit as the whole seed will pass on through the body undigested. In addition, since flax absorbs moisture in its efforts to alleviate constipation, it is well advised to drink plenty of water; otherwise, the stools will be hard and dry.

If a seed is placed in the corner of the eye, it will move around and gather foreign particles into its mucilage to be removed.

Mountain flax is a potent laxative and can be a substitute for senna. However, it was largely used for rheumatism and liver complaints, mainly because its strong laxative action rids the body of built-up toxins.

The oil is an important source of essential fatty acids, which help prevent fatty deposits from clogging tissues. Flaxseed, meal, and oil should be kept refrigerated as it soon goes rancid, causing more health problems. If it begins to smell like turpentine, it should be discarded.

A Portuguese recipe recommends linseed oil mixed with red wine to treat wounds.

In India, a tea is made to treat coughs, bronchial conditions, urethritis, diarrhea, and gonorrhea and used externally for skin infections. It is also used in veterinary medicine.

In Mexico, it is used to treat burns, abscesses, cough, urinary tract inflammations, boils, swellings, and gingivitis.

Botanical Name

• Family Scrophulariaceae
• Scrophularia nodosa

Common Names

• Figwort, Throatwort, Carpenter’s Square, Kernelwort, Heal-all Scrofula Plant, Rosenoble

Cautions

• Since figwort is a heart stimulant, it should be avoided by those with heart disease or irregular heart rates.

Description

 Native to Europe, Central Asia, and North America, figwort is an upright perennial herb growing to about three feet. It has a square stem, oval leaves, small, round, brownish flowers that grow in clusters, and green seed capsules. It thrives in wet or damp places, in open woodlands, on riverbanks, and along ditches. The herb is gathered in summer while in flower.

History

 Previously, figwort was known as the “scrofula plant” and hence its botanical name. It was used to treat abscesses, purulent wounds, and the “King’s Evil”, or scrofula. Scrofula is a type of tuberculosis of the lymph glands in the neck that swell to form hard, protruding lumps beneath the skin.

Since figwort resembles these swollen glands, according to the Doctrine of Signatures which states that a plant’s appearance indicates the ailments it is to treat, figwort was destined to be used to treat this disease.

Culpeper (1653) called the herb “throatwort” because it was used to treat scrofula. He also mentioned that it was used to remove redness, spots, and freckles from the face.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, figwort was esteemed as the best medicinal plant for relieving all kinds of swellings and tumors, an idea which continues today throughout Europe.

Key Actions

(a) Scrophularia nodosa

• anti-inflammatory
• circulatory stimulant
• diuretic
• heart stimulant
• laxative

(b) S. ningpoensis (Xuan Shen, a Chinese variety)

• anti-inflammatory
• antibacterial
• cooling
• heart tonic
• lowers high blood pressure
• sedative
• tonic

Key Components

(a) Scrophularia nodosa

• saponins
• cardioactive glycosides
• alkaloids
• flavonoids (including diosmin)
• iridoids (including monoterpenes, aucubin, harpagoside, and acetyl harpagide)
• phenolic acids

(b) S. ningpoensis (Xuan Shen, a Chinese variety)

• saponins
• phytosterols
• essential fatty acids
• asparagine

Medicinal Parts

• Aerial parts, flowers, root (S. ningpoensis)
• The iridoids are thought to be responsible for its action as an antiarthritic.

Remedies

 Infusions of the leaves are used whenever there is a buildup of toxins as in rheumatic conditions, lymphatic disorders, or such skin problems as eczema or psoriasis.

Tinctures of the leaves are taken in combination with other digestive herbs for constipation and sluggishness or combined with such herbs as yellow dock, bittersweet, or burdock for skin conditions.

Compresses are soaked in the infusion and applied to painful swellings, wounds, and ulcers.

Washes are made from the infusion to treat eczema, skin inflammations, and fungal infections.

Decoctions of the root are used for throat problems, including swollen glands and tonsillitis. It is also prescribed for deep-seated abscesses and lymphatic swellings and as a yin tonic and taken with salt in China.

Traditional Uses

Scrophularia aquatica (Water figwort) and S. marylandica, an American figwort, are used in the same way medicinally as the S. nodosa.

The Chinese use S. ningopoensis (Xuan Shen) to treat infections and to clear toxicity. The root is a prime remedy for “fire poisons”, as it has a reputed “cooling” effect. Unlike the common figwort, this variety relaxes the heart, lowers blood pressure, and has a slightly sedating effect. It also replenishes the “vital essence” of the body.

Figwort is used mainly as a detoxifier; but, when used externally, it will speed the healing of burns, wounds, hemorrhoids, ulcers, eczema, and psoriasis.

It is also reputedly to be effective in expelling worms and is a mild diuretic.

To be reviewed.

Botanical and Common Name

• Family Moraceae
• Ficus carica (Fig, Ficca; Spanish: Higueroa, Amate; Nahuatl: Amatl, Tepe-Amatl, Texcal-Amatl)
• Ficus benghalensis (Banyan Tree)
• Ficus religiosa (Peepal)

Cautions

• The latex is toxic and should not be used internally and, when applied to the skin, may cause an allergic reaction to sunlight.

Description

(a) Fig
Native to Western Asia, figs now grow wild, and are often cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions. Figs comprise about 2,000 species and are one of nature's natural antibiotics. The fig comes from a large pantropical genus of deciduous trees and shrubs in cooler climates, but evergreen in hotter regions. They grow to about twelve feet, having large leaves and fleshy recepticals that ripen into purple-brown, pear-shaped fruits.

(b) Banyon
The Banyon Tree grows wild in India and Pakistan, but it is also cultivated across the Indian subcontinent. It grows to about seventy feet, producing oval leaves, fig-type fruits, and roots that grow into the ground from the branches.

(c) Peepal
The Peepal tree is also found in India, mainly in the northern and central parts. It grows to about twenty-five feet in forests and by water. It produces large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves and purple fruits that grow in pairs. The tree is also cultivated throughout the subcontinent and southern Asia.

History

 The fig is often referred to in the Bible, including its leaves supposedly being used to cover the modesty of the first man and woman.

The ancient king Mithrydates proclaimed figs a health tonic in 1551 BCE.

Pliny wrote of no fewer than twenty-nine different kinds of figs, regarding them as a great aid to strength and swiftness. Pliny also noted that ancient sports warriors, called gladiators, were fed a diet of figs to bring out their strength and stamina.

Spartan athletes in ancient Greece were said to eat figs in order to improve their performance.

A cough remedy taken from The Queen's Closet Opened (1655) by W.M., a cook to Queen Henrietta Maria of England, says: "Take a handful of Hysop; of Figs, Raisins, Dates of each an ounce, French Barley one ounce, boyl therein three pintes of fair water to a quart, strain it and clarifie with two Whites of Eggs, then put in two pounds of fine Sugar and boyl it to a syrup". Variations of this recipe are still used today and, not only for queens.

Gerard recommended the fruit for such ailments as those of the throat and lungs, for tumors, and skin problems from freckles and warts, to small pox and leprosy, for hemorrhoids and kidney stones, for toothaches and other maladies. He summed it up best when he said that figs preserved us from all pestilence.

The Aztecs made paper, called "amatl", from the inner white bark of both the fig tree and another tree called Anacauite (Cordia boissieri). Their important codices were recorded on that paper. Each year, subject states were required to deliver thousands of pounds of "amatl" paper to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán.

Because the paper was used in religious ceremonies, it was banned by the Catholic Church during the colonial era, but remnants of the old religious traditions have survived in parts of rural Mexico where fig bark paper, cut into shapes of crops, is planted along with the seeds as an offerring to ensure good harvest.

Mexican "witches" still use the paper for sorcery, making paper dolls as a love object or a hated enemy.

Artisans in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, use brown "amatl" paper as a canvas for the colorful paintings of flowers, animals, and country life scenes that have become popular tourist souvenirs sold in many shops and markets.

Key Actions

(a) Fig

• anti-inflammatory
• analgesic
• emollient
• expectorant
• laxative

(b) Banyon Tree

• astringent
• laxative
• lowers blood sugar

(c) Peepal

• astringent
• laxative

Key Components

• fruit sugars (50% mainly glucose)
• flavonoids
• vitamins (especially B and C)
• enzymes
• furanocoumarins
• fruit acids
• mucilages
• pectin
• ficusin and bergaptin (Banyon Tree)

Medicinal Parts

(a) Fig

• Fruit, latex

(b) Banyon Tree

• Fruit, bark, leaves, latex, aerial roots

(c) Peepal

• Fruit, leaves, bark, latex

As for a cancer remedy, researchers at the Insititute of Physical and Chemical Research at the Mitsubishi-Kasel Insitutue of Life Sciences in Tokyo discovered a chemical contained in figs that does treat the disease. When mice were injected with an extract from the fruit, they found that their tumors shrank by one-third. They took that substance, benzaldehyde, and tested it on cancer patients with remarkable success.

Traditional Uses

(a) Fig
The dried fruit has a pronounced, but gentle, laxative effect; and a syrup made from the fruit is a remedy for mild constipation and much better for the body than commercial laxatives.

The fruits emollient pulp helps relieve pain and inflammations and has been used to treat tumors, swellings, and gum abscesses although, the fruit is often roasted before application.

It is also a disinfectant. A poultice of dried figs will considerably reduce the foul stench given off by chronic leg ulcers when applied directly to the wound.

Being mildly expectorant, the fruit, when combined with such herbs as elecampane, is helpful in treating dry, irritable coughs and bronchitis.

The milky latex from the leaves and stems is reputed to be an analgesic, as well as being used on warts, insect bites, and stings. However, caution is advised.

In Ayurvedic medicine, the fig is used as a tonic, diuretic, and a treatment for gonorrhea.

In Chinese medicine, a related species, F. lacor, is used to induce sweating.

A species native to China, Indonesia, and Australia, (F. retusa) is used in Chinese medicine to treat toothache and tooth decay.

The juice and powdered bark of a related Central American species (F. cotinifolia) are applied to wounds and bruises. Medicinally, the sap is applied to scorpion stings, boils, and such other skin afflictions as ringworm. It is sometimes used as an emergency bandage to protect wounds. The dried leaves are sometimes smoked to treat asthma, while the fruit is a standard remedy for constipation.

Traditional Arabian medicine uses figs, which they believe to be diuretic, laxative, and emollient, to treat conjunctivitis, leprosy, and hemorrhoids. They see figs as being strengthening to the body, building stamina and vigor.

(b) Banyon
The leaves and bark are employed to relieve diarrhea and dysentery and to reduce bleeding.

The latex is used in the same way as other Fiscus species, including application to hemorrhoids, warts, and aching joints.

The fruit is laxative and the roots are chewed to prevent gum disease.

In Ayurvedic medicine, the bark is used to treat diabetes.

(c) Peepal
Its uses are relatively the same as those of the Banyon Tree, with the bark and leaves taken for diarrhea and dysentery, while the leaves alone are used to treat constipation.

The leaves are used with "ghee" (a clarified butter) as a poultice and applied to boils and to swollen glands in mumps.

The powdered fruit is taken for asthma, and the latex is used to treat warts.

Botanical Names

• Family Apocynaceae
• Alstonia constricta
• Alstonia scholaris

Common Names

• Alstonia Bark, Australian Quinine, Australian Febrifuge, Australian Fever Bark/Bush, Alstonia Bark, Bitter Bark, Devil Tree, Dita Bark, Pale Mara, Devil’s Bit, Pali-mara

Cautions

• Take only under professional supervision as the herb is toxic in large doses.

Description

 The herb is obtained from an evergreen tree, growing to 50 feet with glossy oblong leaves and creamy white, star-shaped flowers. A. constricta is native to Australia and the one more preferred medicinally. A. scholaris is native to India, Pakistan, and the Philippines and grows more prolifically. Both are now found in tropical regions around the world and are a protected species in some countries.

History

 In the past the Alstonia tree, also known as Milkwood because of its milky sap, provided a popular fever tonic which was thought to rival quinine.

The bitter taste contributed to its nickname of Bitter Bark and which led to its reputation as a quinine alternative since that plant was equally bitter. It could not fully rival that of the cinchona (quinine) species, but it did eventually prove to be a useful medicine for other reasons, especially in lowering blood pressure.

The Aborigines collected the sap on a twig and put it on small sores. It was handled with great care, as eye contact could cause blindness.

Key Actions

• antispasmodic
• antihypertensive
• antimalarial
• astringent
• febrifuge

Key Components

• indole alkaloids (including resperpine, echitamin, alstonine, alstonidine)

Medicinal Parts

 Stem bark, root bark

Reserpine and echitamin are powerful hypotensives (lower blood pressure).

When alstonine was discovered, it proved to have a hypotensive action twice as potent as that of reserpine.

Traditional Uses

 In Chinese medicine, the bark is used for diarrhea and malaria, as well as a uterine stimulant.

In the past, it has been used in Australia and New Zealand as a cure for rheumatism.

Botanical Name

• Family Leguminosae
• Trigonella foenum-graecum

Common Names

• Greek Hay Seed, Bird’s Foot, Trigonella

Cautions

• Do not take medicinal doses during pregnancy.
• Insulin-dependent diabetics should seek professional advice before using fenugreek as a hypoglycemic.
• The herb also contains substances that can interfere with blood-thinning drugs, MAO inhibitors, and some diabetic medications.

Description

 Native to North Africa and countries bordering the eastern Mediterranean, fenugreek is a strongly aromatic annual, growing to about thirty-two inches, producing trifolate leaves that look like clover, small, yellowish-white, pealike flowers, and sickle-shaped pods. It grows wild in open areas; but it is also widely cultivated, especially in India, Africa, and parts of the US. The seeds are collected during the autumn.

History

 The Egyptian Ebers papyrus (c. 1500 BCE) records a prescription for burns that included fenugreek seeds. They were also used to induce childbirth.

In the 5th century BCE, the Greek physician, Hippocrates, considered fenugreek a valuable soothing herb. His fellow countryman in the 1st century CE, Dioscorides, recommended fenugreek as a remedy for all types of gynecological problems, including infection of the uterus and inflammation of the genitals.

Through history, fenugreek has been prized not only as a spice but also for its medicinal flowers and as cattle feed. In the past, fenugreek was considered a cure for many ailments and was the major ingredient in Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound, a popular 19th century patent medicine used for menstrual problems.

Key Actions

• anti-inflammatory
• antispasmodic (aerial parts)
• demulcent
• digestive tonic
• hypoglycemic
• lowers blood cholesterol
• promotes milk flow
• uterine stimulant

Key Components

• steroids (diosgenin and progesterone)
• alkaloids(including trigonelline and gentianine)
• volatile oil
• saponins (based on diosgenin)
• flavonoids
• mucilage (about 27%)
• protein (about 25%)
• fixed oil (about 8%)
• vitamins A, B1, C
• minerals

Medicinal Parts

 Seeds, aerial parts

Trigonelline converts to niacin when heated or comes in contact with acids.

Research has shown fenugreek to inibit liver cancer, stimulate uterine contractions, and to have antidiabetic action.

Diosgenin and tigogenin (saponins) are chemically similar to estrogen and steroidal hormones. These help balance female hormone levels and perhaps help compensate for the lack of them after menopause.

The mucilage absorbs large amounts of water, swelling to form a soft mass in the intestine and thereby preventing constipation. Mucilage also has a soothing effect on inflamed mucous membranes and, when used as a mouthwash or gargle, can relieve a sore throat and mouth ulcers.

Soluble fiber helps control blood sugar levels, making it useful for diabetics.

French researchers have reportedly found that the seeds contain substances that stimulate the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, thereby aiding in digestion.

Remedies

Decoctions are used as warming drinks for menstrual pain, stomach upsets, and to stimulate milk flow for breast-feeding mothers. The bitter taste can be disguised with a little honey.

Tintures are used for reproductive disorders and conditions involving kidney weakness, and with other herbs for diabetes.

Capsules are used to control glucose metabolism in late onset diabetes.

Poultices or ointments from the powdered seeds are applied to boils and cellulitis.

Infusions of the aerial parts or sprouted seeds are used for abdominal cramps, labour, and menstrual pain.

Traditional Uses

 Fenugreek is an esteeemed medicine in North Africa, the Middle East, and India, being used for a wide variety of conditions. The nourishing seeds are given during convalescence and to encourage weight gain, especially in anorexia.

Helpful in lowering fever, it is compared to quinine by some authorities.

The seeds’ soothing effect makes them of value in treating gastritis and gastric ulcers.

They are used to induce childbirth and to increase breast-milk production.

They are also used to lower blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels.

Externally, the seeds are applied as a paste to treat abscesses, boils, ulcers, and burns, or used as a douche for excessive vaginal discharge.

The seeds freshen bad breath and help restore a dulled sense of taste.

The oil in the seeds is used as a skin softener and emollient.

In China, the seeds are used as a pessary to treat cervical cancer.

In the Middle East and the Balkans, the aerial parts are a folk remedy for abdominal cramps associated with both menstrual pain and diarrhea or gastroenteritis. They are also used to ease labour pains.

Herbalists in Asia and the Mediterranean often recommend fenugreek to stimulate contractions in delayed or sluggish labour.