Botanical Name

• Family Labiatae
• Collinsonia canadensis

Common Names

• Stone Root, Hardhack, Horseweed, Heal-all, Knob Grass, Knob Root, Richweed, Richleaf, Knobweed, Hardback

Cautions

• Too much can irritate in lining of the intestinal tract, causing pain and nausea and sometimes dizziness.

Description

 Native to the moist woodlands of North America, stoneroot is a perennial herb, growing to about three feet, having a square stem, oval leaves, and clusters of greenish-yellow flowers. The plant is strongly and unpleasantly aromatic and numbing in large amounts. The root is unearthed in autumn.

History

 The rhizomes and dried roots have long been used to treat kidney and bladder problems and gastrointestinal disorders.

The Iroquois used the leaves in a poultice to relieve headaches while the Cherokee made a deoderant with the flowers.

Key Actions

• diuretic
• stomachic
• tonic

Key Components

• volatile oil
• caffeic acid derivatives (including rosmaric acid)
• tannins
• saponins

Medicinal Parts

• Root, leaves

Traditional Uses

 It is used mainly in the treatment of kidney stones, calculi, urea, bladder inflammations, dropsy, and gastrointestinal disorders.

It is also prescribed for fluid retention and to alleviate PMS symptoms.

The fresh leaves or roots can be used in tonics and applied topically in poultices for bruises, cuts, and sores.

Homeopathic uses include hemorrhoids and constipation.

It has been used to reduce venous pressure which, in turn, helps prevent the formation or worsening of hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

As an astringent, it contracts the lining of the intestines, helpful in treating such digestive system disorders as irritable bowel syndrome and mucous colitis.

Botanical Name

• Family Liliaceae
• Aletris farinosa

Common Names

• True Unicorn Root, Colic-root, Aletris, Starwort, Blazing Star, Ague-root, Aloe-root, Ague Grass, Black-root, Bitter Grass, Crow Corn, Bettie Grass, Devil's Bit, True Unicorn Star-grass, True Unicorn Root

Cautions

• Use only under professional guidance.
• The dried, and especially the fresh, rhizome can be toxic in overdose, causing colic, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Description

 Native to eastern North America, star grass is a perennial, growing to about three feet, producing a flowering stem, smooth lance-shaped leaves, and white, bell-shaped flowers that appear to be covered with frost. The herb grows mainly in swamps and wet, sandy woodlands, especially near the seashore. It is harvested commercially in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It has a sweet taste becoming bitter and soapy.

History

 The Catawaba peoples used a cold-water infusion for stomachaches and gave a remedy for snakebite.

Key Actions

• increases motility
• estrogenic effect
• tonic

Key Components

• steroidal saponins (based on diosgenin)
• bitter principle
• volatile oil
• resin

Medicinal Parts

• Rhizome, leaves

Traditional Uses

 It is used mainly for gynecological reasons, particularly during menopause, but also given for menstrual pain, irregular periods, and prolapsed uterus. Some believe that it prevents threatened miscarriages.

It is a good digestive herb proving beneficial in treating an appetite loss, indigestion, flatulence, and bloating.

It has also been used to treat rheumatism.

In Argentina, it is used to treat chronic bronchitis.

Botanical and Common Names

• Family Euphorbiaceae
• Euphorbia species
• Euphorbia hirta syn. Euphorbia pilulifera (Asthma Spurge, Pill-Bearing-Spurge; Spanish: Golondrina, Yerba de Golondrina, Pegahueso, Picachli, Memeya [Nahuatl])
• Euphorbia lathyrus (Caper Spurge)
• Euphorbia pekinensis (Da Ji)
• Euphorbia corollata (Flowering Spurge, Spurge, Blooming Spurge, Milkweed, White Pursley, Tramp's Spurge)

Cautions

 Many Euphorbia species are used as arrow poisons and not for human health. Therefore, proper identification and knowledgeable useage is of vital importance.

Caper Spurge is a toxic plant and should not be used under any circumstances.

Da Ji is also a toxic plant and should be used only under professional supervision. It is not compatible with licorice species because it neutralizes their effects.

Description

 Asthma Spurge is native to India and Australia, but now found throughout the tropics. It is an erect annual or perennial, growing to twenty inches with pointed oval leaves and clusters of small flowers. The aerial parts are gathered when in flower.

The Caper Spurge is a vigorous biennial common throughout much of Europe, Asia, and North America. It can be found in low-lying areas, growing to about three feet. It has a hollow stem, heart-shaped leaves, clusters of small green flowers, and green fruit. The fruit is picked in summer.

Da Ji is native to China and cultivated in the eastern and central provinces. It is an erect annual or perennial with oblong leaves and dense clusters of small flowers. The root is unearthed in early spring.

The Flowering Spurge is a perennial, tall, with milky sap. The erect stems are smooth to hairy and grow to about three feet in height. The flowers are numerous, but small, and found at the ends of the branches. These flower cups contain many tiny male flowers with a single, large female bloom. The plant thrives in dry, rocky prairies, open woodlands, fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.

History

 As its name suggests, the Asthma Spurge has a traditional useage for treating asthma.

The Cherokee used a related species, E. maculata, to treat sore nipples and skin disorders. Many other related species were used for constipation.

For thousands of years, Caper Spurge was taken as a violent purge, indicating how medicine has changed. Purging was the first resort of many traditional medical systems and never more so than in Western medicine in the 18th century. Caper seeds were commonly used, but an oil extracted from them was also used, in very small doses, as it is highly toxic.

In the past, the milky latex of the Caper Spurge was used as a depilatory (hair removal) and to remove corns.

In the 1st century CE, the Greek physician, Dioscorides, recommended "6 or 7 grains of the seeds in pill form or taken with figs or dates, which purges from below water, phlegm, and choler." It was still used this way in rural France in the 19th century.

The leaves of the Caper Spurge was employed by beggars to raise unsightly sores on their skin, thereby increasing their chances of eliciting pity and alms.

In the 16th century, an Aztec remedy was found that used the roots to treat a distended abdomen and to expel intestinal worms.

Euphorbia comes from the Greek euphorbion, and so used in honour of Euphorbos, a celebrated Greek physician of the 1st century BCE.

The Mesquakies pounded a half-inch piece of the Flowering Spurge root and boiled it in water to drink before breakfast as a laxative. It was also used to treat rheumatism, and after five or six doses, the ailment would disappear.

The Thyme-leaves spurge (E. serpyllifolia) was used by the Omaha and Ponca tribes to increase milk flow in nursing mothers and for abdominal bloating in children. The Lakota used a different species for the same purpose, indicating that these tribes were utilizing a Doctrine of Signatures concept where the appearance of a plant is indicative of its intended use. In this case, the milky sap "indicated it should be used for increasing the milk in nursing mothers."

Key Actions

(a) Asthma Spurge

• antiamebic
• antispasmodic
• anti-inflammatory
• antiseptic
• anitasmatic
• expectorant
• sedative

(b) Caper Spurge

• violent purgative

(c) Da Ji

• purgative

(d) Flowering Spurge

• diaphoretic
• expectorant
• strong emetic

Key Components

(a) Asthma Spurge

• flavonoids
• terpenoids
• alkanes
• phenolic acids
• shikimic acid
• choline

(b) Caper Spurge

• seeds contain a fixed oil and resin
• latex contains euphorbone

(c) Da Ji

• euphorbon

(d) Flowering Spurge

• flavonoids
• amino acids
• alkanes
• triterpenoids
• alkaloids

Medicinal Parts

 Aerial parts (Asthma Spurge), seeds and latex (Caper Spurge), root (Da Ji), roots and leaves (Flowering Spurge)

Shikimic acid and choline in Asthma Spurge may be partly responsible for the antispasmodic action of the plant.

In a study of sixty Euphorbia species native to Europe and Africa, only seven failed to produce an allergic skin reaction. All parts of the plant contain toxic substances known to produce dermatitis.

Traditional Uses

(a) Asthma Spurge
This plant has the ability to relax the bronchial tubes and ease breathing, making it a good remedy for bronchial asthma. Being mildly sedating and an expectorant, it is also taken for bronchitis and other respiratory tract conditions. Usually, it is taken along with such other antiasthmatic herbs as gumplant or lobelia.

In Anglo-American tradition, it is taken to treat intestinal amebiasis.

In Mexico, an infusion of the leaves is still used today for inflammations of the digestive tract and diarrhea, but it can be toxic if improperly used. The infusion is safe when used topically to treat skin inflammations.

The sap is used to treat warts, but it can be very irritating to the surrounding tissue.

In Mexico, the plant is also used to treat scorpion stings, snake bites, vaginitis, sores and wounds.

(b) Caper Spurge
This plant is so violent a purgative that it is rarely, if ever, used in contemporary herbal medicine.

(c) Da Ji
It is classified as a toxic herb in Chinese herbal medicine and, therefore, prescribed only for relatively serious illnesses. It is taken as a cathartic to purge excess fluid in such conditions as pleurisy and ascites (excessive abdominal fluid), as well as for treatment of kidney problems, especially nephritis. Although Chinese research has confirmed Da Ji is therapeutically useful in the treatment of acites and nephritis, there are significant side effects.

Externally, it is applied to inflamed sores to reduce swelling.

Another species (E. kansui), is similar to Da Ji, but it has a stronger cathartic action and given only to those with strong constitutions.

E. lancifolia, native to the West Indies, is used to stimulate breast-milk production.

E. atoto, native to Malaysia and Indochina, is used to induce delayed menstruation and as an abortifacient.

Botanical Name

• Family Araliaceae
• Aralia racemosa

Common Names

• Indian Root, Life of Man, Old Man's Root, Pettymorell, Spignet

Cautions

• Do not use during pregnancy.

Description

 Native to North America, the plant grows from central Canada southward to Virginia. The herb is an aromatic perennial bush, growing to six feet producing thick, fleshy roots, large leathery leaves, small greenish-white flowers, and red or purple berries. The root is unearthed in summer or autumn and chopped while fresh and dried or processed immediately to form a thick paste.

History

 Native Americans have used Spikenard internally to treat backache and topically to treat bruises, wounds, swellings, and other skin inflammations. Because of their wide usage of the plant, it was soon dubbed the "Indian Root."

The Cherokee and New World settlers made a tea for backaches.

The Shawnee used it for flatulence, coughs, asthma, and breast pain.

The Menominee used it as a cure for blood poisoning.

The plant was included in the US National Formulary from 1916 to 1965.

Key Actions

• diaphoretic
• expectorant
• stimulates tissue renewal

Key Components

• volatile oil
• tannins
• diterpene acids

Medicinal Parts

• Root, rhizomes

Traditional Uses

 Many of today's uses come directly from those of early Native Americans. The herb encourages sweating making it useful in treating fevers and since it is stimulating and detoxifying, it is commonly used to treat the early stages of illness.

Infusions and decoctions are used to treat colds and coughs and other such respiratory conditions as asthma, as well as for rheumatism.

Applied externally as a poultice, it is used on a number of different skin conditions, including eczema.

Wild sarsaparilla (A. nudicaulis) is a relative and used medicinally in much the same way. It should not be confused with sarsaparilla of the genus Smilax.

The leaves and stalks of two Asian varieties, A. chinensis and A. cordata, are eaten as vegetables.

Botanical Name

• Family Liliaceae
• Polygonatum multiflorum

Common Names

• Dropberry, Lady's Seals, Sealroot, Sealwort, St. Mary's Seal

Cautions

• Do not take internally unless under professional advice.
• Do not use the aerial parts, including the berries, as these are harmful.

Description

 Native to Europe, the Near East, eastern Asia, the Himalayas, Siberia and North America, Solomon's Seal is now quite rare in the wild, but is a common ornamental garden plant. It is a perennial, growing to about twenty inches with arching tems, alternating elliptical leaves, delicate greenish-white, bell-shaped flowers, and blue-black fruits. The rhizome is collected during the dormant period of autumn or spring.

History

 In China, the herb's first recorded use goes back to the Divine Husbandman's Classic (Shen'nong Bencaojing) of the 1st century CE.

In Western herbal medicine, it has been used since at least classical times.

It was described by Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen, as well as Gerard who, in 1597, explained its name. "The root is white and thicke, full of knobs or joints, in some places resembling the mark of a seale, whereof I think it tooke the name Sigillum Solomonis".

In North America, the plant was known to various Native American tribes. The Penobscot used it as part of a formula for treating gonorrhea.

Key Actions

• astringent
• demulcent
• emetic (induces vomiting)
• repairs tissues
• tonic

Key Components

• saponins (similar to diosgenin)
• flavonoids
• vitamin A
• mucilages

Medicinal Parts

• Roots and rhizomes
• Allantoin has healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Traditional Uses

 Used as a tonic, it also works to relieve and soothe upset stomachs.

It prevents excessive bruising and stimulates tissue repair when applied as a poultice.

It is also recommended as a treatment for tuberculosis and menstrual problems.

In Chinese medicine, it is considered a yin tonic and thought to be particularly applicable to problems affecting the respiratory system, including sore throats, dry and irritable coughs, bronchial congestion, and chest pain.

A related species, the Angular or Scented Solomon's seal (P. odoratum) is used in much the same way.

Botanical Names

• Family Ulmaceae
• Ulmus rubra
• Ulmus fulva

Common Names

• Red Elm, Sweet Elm, American Elm, Indian Elm, Moose Elm, Oohooskah, Ulmenrinde, Ecorce d'Orme

Cautions

• None listed.

Description

 Native to North America, slippery elm is one of thirty-four species of elm tree growing in the US, particularly in the Applalachians and throughout the central and northern states. The herb is obtained from a large, deciduous tree, growing to about sixty feet and thriving on high ground and dry soil. It has a brown trunk and rough, gray-white bark on the branches. The reddish-brown fruits grow in clusters, with each consisting of a single seed visible in the center of the fruit. The medicinal part is the inner rind separated from the outer bark. It is collected in the spring.

History

 The herb had a variety of uses by the Native Americans, including poultices for wounds, boils, ulcers, and inflamed eyes, and used internally for fevers, colds, and bowel complaints. Several tribes, including the Pillager Ojibwa, Mohegan, and Chippewa, have used slippery elm to treat sore throats, a practice still in use today. The Cree used the bark for toothaches, and the Catawaba used a salve for rheumatism. Many tribes used it as a soothing food for children and the sick.

Its name is derived from its strongly mucilaginous or "slippery" taste and texture.

The White elm (U. americana) is a related species and used in a similar manner by the Mohicans.

In Europe, the dried bark of the elm (Ulmus spp) was used as a demulcent, and first mentioned by Diorscorides in the 1st century CE.

The elm was a favoured shade tree in North America until the Dutch elm disease decimated the species in the 1960s. Some hardy trees survived and it slowly has been making a comeback in many parts of the country. Although the tree is not as prevalent as it once was, it has recovered enough to provide ample bark to make the powder. Since only small strips are harvested, the tree is not damaged.

Because it was unknown in Europe, early settlers were skeptical that it could be used as an effective medicine. They soon learned; and, as they made their way west, they began harvesting strips of bark to treat such conditions as urinary and bowel ailments, sore throat, scurvy, diarrhea, dysentary, cholera, skin ulcers, chilblains, toothaches, and burns.

Slippery elm was listed in the US Pharmacopoeia until 1960, when the Dutch elm disease appeared.

Key Actions

• astringent
• demulcent
• emollient
• laxative
• nutritive

Key Components

• mucilage
• starch
• steroids
• tannins

Medicinal Parts

• Inner rind of the bark

Remedies

• Infusions are used for diarrhea, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome.
• Capsules are conveniently taken for internal problems.
• Powder is used for digestive problems.
• Tablets are taken for diarrhea.
• Poultice or paste are used for for wounds, boils, and burns.
• Lozenges are the common over-the-counter remedy for sore throats.

Traditional Uses

 Although modern research is lacking, the action of the herb has been well understood for centuries. When the herb comes in direct contact with such inflamed surfaces as those of the skin or the intestinal mucous membranes, it soothes and coats the irritated tissue, protecting it from further injury while drawing out any offending toxins and irritants.

Taken regularly, the herb is a nutritious food and quite suitable for the convalescent and debilitated, especially if the digestion is weak or overly sensitive. It also is good for babies in quietening colicky symptoms.

The herb is excellent during irritable bowel or Crohn's-like attacks. It will relieve the pain almost immediately and severe pain within a day if taken three times a day during an acute attack. The powder can also be made into a type of gruel or thick drink to relieve heartburn and indigestion, soothe ulcers, and other inflammatory conditions.

It will bring instant relief from acidity, diarrhea, and such inflammation of the gut as ulcers. It also relieves constipation, hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis.

Slippery elm has been used to treat all manner of chest conditions, and has a soothing effect on everything from coughs and bronchitis to pleurisy and tuberculosis.

Applied externally, the herb softens and protects the skin, as well as having a "drawing" effect for boils, splinters, and toxins. Powdered bark is used to make a soothing poultice that not only eases pain and itchiness, but also promotes the healing of cuts, bruises, insect stings and bites, minor burns, and skin inflammations.

When the bark itself is moistened, it forms a flexible, spongy tissue that can be molded and applied to the anal area to ease the discomfort of hemorrhoids.

Botanical and Common Names

• Family Labiatae
• Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap/Scullcap, Virginia Skullcap, Blue Pimpernel, Helmet Flower, Hoodwort, Mad-dog Weed, Madweed, Madderweed, Mad-Dog Skullcap, Quaker Bonnet/Hat)
• Scutellaria baicalensis syn. S. macrantha (Baical Skullcap, Huang quin/qin)

Cautions

• Recent research is showing that the liver toxicity associated with the herb may be caused by germander, an herb that is occasionally sold as skullcap.

Description

 Native to North America, skullcap still grows wild in much of the US and Canada, thriving in such damp conditions as river bank, and requiring plenty of sun. The herb is perennial, growing to about two feet in height with an erect, many-branched stem and pink to blue flowers that grow along one side of the stem. It is cultivated in Europe. The aerial parts are harvested in the summer when in flower from three or four year old plants. There are about 300 species of Scutellaria that can be found virtually everywhere in the world, except South Africa.

Baical skullcap is found in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia, thriving on sunny, grassy slopes and usually found in open areas between 350 feet and 8,000 feet above sea level. It is also a perennial that grows from one to four feet high, producing lance-shaped leaves and purplish-blue flowers. The roots are harvested from three or four year old plants in the autumn or spring.

History

 Its botanical name (lateriflora) resulted from the way the dish-shaped seedpods and flowers grow on only one side of the stem.

There are eight species of skullcap found throughout the Prairie Bioregion of North America. The herb was used by Native Americans for rabies long before its adoption by European herbalists, thus its nickname of Mad dog. There has been much controversy over the use of the plant in treating hydrophobia. In an 1830 herbal, that controversy was referred to when one doctor, in 1772, claimed to have cured 400 persons and 1,000 cattle who had been bitten by "mad dogs;" and many other physicians claimed the same success. However, several other physicians denied these facts. It seems, history does not change. Adding to the confusion, the plant was listed in the US Pharmacopoeia from 1863 to 1916 and in the National Formulary from 1916 to 1947. On the other hand, the US Dispensatory stated in its 21st-23rd editions (1926-1944) that it was "as destitute of medicinal properties as a plant may be".

The Mesquakies used the small skullcap (Scutellaria parvula) in the treatment of diarrhea.

The Cherokee used skullcap to stimulate menstruation, relieve breast pain, and encourage the expulsion of the placenta after childbirth. It was also used in purification ceremonies when menstrual taboos were broken.

Followers of a 19th century Anglo-American school of herbal medicine were called Physiomedicalists and were the first to discover skullcap's use as a nerve tonic. They recognized that it had a "deeper" action on the nervous system than any other herb and used it for hysteria, epilepsy convulsions, and such serious mental illnesses as schizophrenia.

In 1973, ninety-two wooden tablets were discovered in a 2nd century tomb in northwestern China. Among the herbs listed there was baical skullcap. Other prescriptions were noted as well, including decoctions, tinctures, pills, and ointments. This Chinese variety of skullcap has a long and central place in Chinese herbal medicine and used to treat "hot and damp" conditions as dysentery and diarrhea.

Key Actions

(a) Skullcap

• antispasmodic
• mild bitter
• relaxing nervine

(b) Baical Skullcap

• antibacterial
• antispasmodic
• antiallergenic
• cooling
• diuretic
• promotes bile flow
• strongly anti-inflammatory
• sedative

Key Components

(a) Skullcap

• flavonoids (scutellarin)
• tannins
• bitter iridoids (catalpol)
• volatile oil
• minerals

(b) Baical Skullcap

• flavonoids (about 12% including baicalin, wogoniside)
• sitosterols
• benzoic acid

Medicinal Parts

• Aerial parts (skullcap), root (baical skullcap)
• Research has shown that skullcap species have several constituents that have antispasmodic properties.

Remedies

 An infusion of the fresh aerial parts (if possible) is used to soothe nervous exhaustion, excitability, overanxiety, and premenstrual tension. It is also combined with wild lettuce or passionflower and taken at night to treat insomnia.

Tinctures are best when made from the fresh herb. They are a very potent remedy for calming the nerves.

A decoction of the root is used in combination with such other cold, bitter herbs as goldenseal to purge heat from the system. When combined with such herbs as ju hua (a variety of chrysanthemum), they reduce high blood pressure.

Capsules are a convenient way to treat nervous tension and headaches.

Tablets often contain other sedative herbs in addition to skullcap. These are taken for insomnia.

Poultices of baical skullcap are applied to sores, swellings, and boils and are especially helpful for circulatory problems arising from diabetic conditions.

Traditional Uses

 Today, skullcap is one of the best herbs for treating nervous disorders and is a tonic for times of stress. It has a bitter, slightly astringent taste. Its restorative properties help support and nourish the nervous system, calm stress, and relieve anxiety. Its antispasmodic action is particularly useful when stress and worry cause muscular tension.

Skullcap is often prescribed on its own or mixed with other sedating herbs to treat insomnia or menstrual pain.

In the past, European skullcap (S. galericulata) and the lesser skullcap (S. minor) were used in a similar way as S. lateriflora, but today they are considered to have a lesser importance in therapeutic action.

Baical skullcap has been extensively researched in China, which clearly showed its strong anti-inflammatory properties largely because of the flavonoids. In common with other herbs that have significant levels of flavonoids, it is likely that Baical skullcap may help venous problems and fragile capillaries.

Since baical skullcap is a "cold and bitter" herb, it is used to treat such hot and thirsty conditions as high fevers, coughs with thick yellow phlegm, and gastrointestinal infections that cause diarrhea. It is also given for painful urinary conditions and allergic conditions. When combined with other herbs, it is used to treat high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, varicose veins, and easy bruising. It is also useful for such problems arising from diabetes as cataracts.

Small doses are beneficial for nervous spasms, tension headaches, muscular tremors, arrythmias, sleeplessness, irritability, chorea, Parkinson's disease, as well as hydrophobia (a morbid fear of water), which is also a classic symptom of rabies. Scullcap is not used for that disease anymore, and the two conditions must be distinguished.

Some Canadian varieties of scullcap are particularly astringent, and herbalists there apply the liquid extract to open wounds to promote a rapid healing of the tissues.

Botanical Names

• Family Cruciferae
• Capsella bursa-pastoris syn. Thlaspi bursa-pastoris

Common Names

• Shepherd’s Scrip, Shepherd’s Sprout, Lady’s Purse, Witches Pouches, Rattle Pouch, Case-weed, Pick Pocket, Pick-Purse, Blindweed, Pepper-and-Salt, Permacety, Poor Man’s Parmacettie, Sanguinary, Mother’s Heart, Cocowort, St. James’ Weed, Shepherd’s Heart, Toywort/Toy-Wort, Clapper’s Pouch, Casewort

Cautions

• It should not be used during pregnancy as it stimulates contractions.
• The plant often acts as a host to endophytic fungi (Albugo candida and Peronospora parasitica) so the presence of mycotoxins is possible.

Description

Thought to be native to Europe and Asia, the plant is now found through most temperate regions of the world, growing profusely as a weed in many places. An annual or biennial with an erect stem, rosettes of basal leaves, four-petaled white flowers, and heart-shaped seed pods. It flowers and fruits throughout the year, and just one plant can produce 50,000 seeds in a season. It is harvested throughout the year.

History

Its name is derived from the appearance of the seed pods, which resemble small purses often carried by shepherds.

During WWI, it was one of the standard herbals used to staunch blood flow of wounds. Since goldenseal and ergot were unobtainable in Britain, shepherd’s purse became a viable alternative.

Key Actions

• astringent
• circulatory stimulant
• reduces blood pressure
• staunches blood flow
• urinary antiseptic

Key Components

• flavonoids
• polypeptides
• choline and acetylcholine
• histamine
• tyramine
• cardioactive steroids (only in the seeds)
• caffeic acid derivatives (including chlorogenic acid)
• saponins
• mustard oil
• resin
• monoamines
• sitosterol
• vitamins A, B, C

Medicinal Parts

• Aerial parts which are gathered throughout the year
• Choline is an amine that acts as a vasoconstrictor.

Remedies

Decoctions of the fresh plant are used in Spain for bladder inflammations.

A homeopathic remedy is used for mucous membrane bleeding and for calculosis (stones in the internal hollow organs eg. kidney or gallbladder).

Infusions are taken for heavy menstrual bleeding, cystitis, and diarrhea; and a strong infusion of twice the strength is considered best. Infusions are sipped during labour to stimulate contractions and after delivery, to ease postpartum bleeding.

Tinctures are also used for heavy menstrual bleeding, cystitis, and diarrhea.

Poultices of the fresh herb are applied to bleeding wounds.

ompresses soaked in an infusion are placed on cuts; and a bit of the infusion can be placed on a cottonball for nosebleeds.

Traditional Uses

One of the best remedies for preventing or arresting hemorrhages, it has long been a specific treatment for heavy uterine bleeding. It is weaker-acting than ergot, but shepherd’s purse is also less toxic so is better tolerated by the body. It may be used for bleeding of all kinds, including nosebleeds or blood in the urine.

An infusion of the herb will cause blood vessels and muscular tissue to contract and has been used to hasten childbirth.

As an astringent, it disinfects the urinary tract, as well as being useful in cases of diarrhea. The Chinese use it for dysentery and for eye problems. Its sweet taste is considered good for the spleen.

In America, it is sometimes used for headaches, but is seldom used in herbal medicine today.

In Western herbal medicine, the flowers are not generally separated from the rest of the plant; but in Chinese medicine, the flowers are specifically used for dysentery or uterine bleeding.

Botanical Names

• Family Pedaliaceae
• Sesamum indicum
• Sesamum orientale

Common Names

• Sesame Seeds, Oriental Sesame, Beniseed, Gingelly, Hei Zhi Ma (Chinese)

Cautions

• None listed.

Description

Native to Africa, this erect annual grows to six feet, producing lance-shaped to oval leaves, white, pink, or mauve flowers and oblong seed capsules housing many small grayish seeds. It is now cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. The main seed-oil producing countries are India, Sudan, Burma, and China. The root is unearthed in the summer, while the seeds are gathered after the capsules have turned brownish-black.

History

Sesame was one of the plants found in the tomb of Tutankhamun (1370-1352 BCE).

In ancient Egypt, the seeds were eaten; and the oil pressed from them used to burn in lamps and to make ointments.

The seeds have been eaten in India and China for thousands of years.

Key Actions

• nutritive
• lubricant
• stimulates breast-milk production
• lowers blood sugar levels
• raises levels of stored carbohydrates (glycogen)

Key Components

• nutritious oil (55% comprising mainly of unsaturated fats each of oleic and linoleic acids [35-50% each], palmitic acid [7-12%], and stearic acid [3-6%])
• protein (26%)
• vitamins B, E
• minerals (especially calcium)
• lignans
• steroids

Medicinal Parts

• Seeds, seed oil, root

Traditional Uses

Long used as a food, sesame is also a healing remedy, especially for burns.

It has long been used to redress “states of deficiency” in China, especially those affecting the liver and kidneys.

The seeds are prescribed for such problems as dizziness, blurred vision (if caused by anemia), and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Because of its lubricating effects, it is used to treat dry constipation.

The oil is beneficial to the skin and is often used as a base for cosmetics.

It has the ability to stimulate breast milk production.

Root decoctions are used to treat coughs and asthma.