Herbal Encyclopedia

Common Medicinal Herbs For Natural Health

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Vervain

December 30, 2010 By Cloverleaf Farm

Botanical Names

  • Family Verbenaceae
  • Verbena hastata
  • Verbena officinalis

Common Names

  • Enchanter’s Plant, Herb of the Cross, Devil's Medicine, Bastard Balm, Juno’s Tears, Pigeon’s Grass, Pigeonweed, Simpler’s Joy, Herb of Grace, Wild Hyssop, Blue/False/American Vervain, Iron-weed, Wild Verbena, Indian Hyssop
  • Chinese: Ma Bian Cao
  • Spanish: Verbena, Dormilón, Moradilla
  • Nahuatl: Axixipatli

Cautions

  • Do not use during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant. However, it may be taken during labour.
  • Blue vervain should be avoided if there is a history of heart disease.
  • Do not use tinctures for liver disorders. Use only the hot water method of extraction.
  • It can cause vomiting in high doses.

Description

 Likely native to the Mediterranean region, vervain grows wild throughout much of Europe and North Africa, as well as in China and Japan. It is a slender perennial, growing to three feet with stiff, thin stems and spikes of small lilac flowers. The American Blue Vervain (V. hastata) is a perennial native to the northern US and Canada. The plant grows up to five feet in height and produces blue flowers, hence its name. American varieties are found mainly on moist prairies and meadows, low open woodlands, stream banks, and around springs, seepage areas, and roadsides. The aerial parts are gathered in the spring and summer while flowering.

History

 Strangely, this unassuming plant was one of the most revered herbs used by the Druids. It was called hiera botane (sacred plant) by the Romans, who used it to purify their homes and temples. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese also considered the plant as having "hidden powers". It was the herb of prophecy for the magi, the mystic sages of Persia.

The name Verbena, is a classical name for branches of laurel, olive, myrtle, cypress, and other trees used in religious rites.

Vervain is used extensively by perfumery houses because of its delicate aroma.

Gerard gives an interesting treatise on the herb in his herbal. He recommended it for "Tertian and Quartaine Fevers," but derided those who promoted it as a cure for the plague. He also warned against using the herb for "witchcraft and sorcery."

The herb has long been used for dropsy. Modern research has identified cardioactive glycosides as being responsible for this action.

The herb also has antidepressant qualities, an idea that goes back to Pliny, at least. However, its action is weak unless taken in large doses, which are poisonous.

The Aztecs called it "medicine for urinating" and used the mashed roots as a diuretic.

In early 18th century "New Spain", the Jesuits prescribed the herb as a remedy for headache, jaundice, and other ailments. Mexicans today use "verbena" tea to treat bad colds and flu.

Native American tribes also used the herb medicinally, mainly as a treatment for circulatory problems, headaches, insomnia, and hepatitis. The Teton Dakotas boiled the leaves to make a drink used to treat stomachache. The Omahas used the leaves for a beverage tea. The Mesquakies used the root as a remedy for "fits". The Menominis made a tea from the roots to clear up cloudy urine. The Chippewas took the dried flowers and pulverized them to make a snuff to stop nosebleeds. The Iroquois made a root decoction and used it to treat intestinal worms.

A report from 1785 stated that American Army physicians used the plant as an emetic and expectorant when they could not find anything else, and found it to be a successful remedy.

The dried aerial parts were officially listed in the National Formulary from 1916 to 1926 as a diaphoretic and expectorant.

Key Actions

  • antispasmodic
  • bile stimulant
  • laxative
  • liver restorative
  • nervine
  • promotes milk flow
  • promotes sweating
  • relaxant tonic
  • sedative
  • uterine stimulant

Key Components

  • volatile oil (including citral)
  • bitter glycosides (including iridoids – verbenin, verbenalin)
  • tannins
  • alkaloids
  • mucilage

Medicinal Parts

  • Aerial parts

Traditional Uses

 Infusions are taken for insomnia, nervous tension, or to encourage sweating. They also stimulate the immune system in feverish conditions and can be used as a liver stimulant to improve poor appetite and digestive function. When sipped during labour, the herb stimulates uterine contractions, and when taken during lactation, increases milk flow.

Tinctures are used for nervous exhaustion and depression, and combine well with oats in this treatment. They are also used as a liver stimulant for sluggish digestion, but should not be used if any liver disease is present. It can be combined with other urinary herbs to treat stones and such conditions related to excess uric acid as gout.

Poultices are applied to insect bites, sprains, and bruises.

Ointments are used on eczema, wounds, and weeping sores, as well as for painful neuralgia.

Mouthwash made from infusions are used to treat mouth ulcers and soft, spongy gums or sore throats.

The herb is also an effective nerve tonic, urinary cleanser, and fever remedy.

The herb is generally used as a diaphoretic or sudorific in cases of chills and colds. It has quite a pleasant and invigorating action and helps clear blocked nasal passages.

The American Blue Vervain (V. hastata) is regarded as a variety of V. officinalis and used to treat pleurisy. It also has expectorant qualities that can be of value in pulmonary disorders. It is also an effective natural tranquilizer. Blue vervain works in much the same way as aspirin, although the two are not chemically the same.

It also encourage milk flow and can be taken during labour to stimulate contractions.

Topically, the herb is used for sores, wounds, and gum disorders.

In China, the plant is used as a fever remedy for malaria and influenza.

In the Caribbean, a related species, V. domingensis, is taken as a bitter tonic for digestion, and is also used for wounds and headaches.

Filed Under: V

Valerian

December 30, 2010 By Cloverleaf Farm

Botanical Name

  • Family Valerianaceae
  • Valeriana officinalis

Common Names

  • All-heal, Amantilla, Great Valerian, Valeriana, Setwall/Set-Wall, Setewale, Capon’s Tail, Heliotrope, Vandal Root, All-heal

Cautions

 Do not take for more than two or three weeks at a time without a break. Continual use or high doses can lead to headaches and palpitations.

It should not be taken during the day since it does promote sleep.

Do not take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Do not take with sleep-enhancing drugs as this herb increases the action.

Do not confuse the herb with the garden plant, red American valerian (Centranthus ruber), which has no medicinal value.

Description

 Native to Europe and northern Asian, the herb is an erect perennial, growing to four feet with pinnate, divided leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers. It has a massive root system and short rhizomes. The roots are a hairy, spindly mass and are collected in the autumn from two-year-old plants. It grows wild in damp areas, and is cultivated in Germany, Holland, Belgium, and Russia for pharmaceutical purposes. Other varieties are found in South Africa, China, and Indonesia, the Himalayas, and North America. Each is used for a variety of reasons. Valerian grows as a weed in Europe and most parts of the British Isles.

History

 The Greek physicians, Galen and Dioscorides, aptly called the plant "phu" because of its distinctive and rather unpleasant smell resembling that of ancient leather or something akin to stale perspiration. The older botanical classification, V. phu, reflects this. The root is still added as a musky tone to perfumes.

The plant was named in the 9th or 10th century, and the name is thought to have derived from the Latin verb valere meaning "to be happy."

Valium, the most widely prescribed antianxiety drug, is said to have taken its name from the same source and from the herb itself.

For centuries, it was used for a variety of disorders, including epilepsy, which, in 1592, a cure of such was published by Fabius Calumna. Today, there is some evidence to support it as an anticonvulsant.

First mentioned in a medicinal context by Isaac Judaeus in the year 924 CE, it has since been highly regarded by herbalists as a nervine and sedative. Dioscorides and Gerard taught that it was an antidote for poisons, but it is as a treatment for nervous complaints that Valerian has become most noteworthy.

Since cats and dogs are attracted to the scent, it is said that the Pied Piper of Hamelin carried the root to lure the rats, and his music was just a decoy. In cats, it acts as a stimulant and can be substituted for catnip. In humans, it has the opposite effect and is a very popular remedy for insomnia.

It has long been valued by Nordic, Persian, and Chinese herbalists.

The variety, V. sylvatica, was used by Canadian Indian warriors as a wound antiseptic.

Valerian was used during the First and Second World Wars for treating shell shock and nervous stress.

Many tribes used the herb for treating nervous conditions and insomnia. The Blackfoot also used it to treat stomach problems, while several tribes, including the Thompsons of British Columbia and the Menominee, have used valerian root topically to treat cuts and wounds.

Key Actions

  • antispasmodic
  • carminative
  • diuretic
  • expectorant
  • lowers blood pressure
  • tranquilizer

Key Components

  • volatile oil (up to 1.4% including isovalerianic acid, borneol, geta-caryphyllene)
  • alkaloids
  • iridoids (valepotriates – valtrate, isovaltrate)

Medicinal Parts

 Root and rhizome

In recent years, the plant has been well researched and found to have chemicals called valepotriates which seem to depress the nervous system and act as mild muscle relaxants. Although the extracts are useful, the fresh plant is more sedating.

Valerian has been extensively researched in Germany and Switzerland which confirmed its sleep-promoting qualities. Other constituents are also responsible for its actions but they have not yet been identified. It is able to reduce nervous activity by prolonging the action of an inhibitory neurotransmitter. In essence, valerian seems to work by calming the brain and relaxing tensed muscles so that sleep can occur more naturally.

Remedies

  • Macerations, infusions, and tinctures are used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
  • Compresses soaked in the tincture can ease muscle cramps.
  • Washes from the infusion or maceration are used for chronic ulcers and wounds and for drawing out splinters.

Traditional Uses

 Valerian has been found to strengthen the heart and can sometimes reduce high blood pressure, if it is caused by stress and anxiety.

It encourages ulcer and wound healing and, when used topically, is effective for muscle spasms and menstrual cramps.

As an expectorant, it helps a tickling, nervous cough.

In South Africa, V. capensis, is used for hysteria and epilepsy. In China, V. hardwickii, is used as an atispasmodic. The Menominee tribe of North America, used V. ulginosa for cramps and menopausal symptoms while, in the Himalayas, V. wallichi is used in almost exactly the same way.

It has a relaxing nature is a benefit to those unable to relax during stress-related periods and in general has a more calming effect rather than a sedating one. It is also beneficial in relaxing overcontracted muscles and helpful for shoulder and neck tensions, asthma, colic, and irritable bowel syndrome.

For more than a decade, it has been used to treat ADHD and researchers have found it to be more effective than pharmaceutical agents with fewer adverse side effects.

Nervous spasms and tremors, phobias, insomnia, and restlessness may be helped by using the herb.

It has also been successfully used as a tincture in treating the condition known as Ekbom's Syndrome, or "restless legs". This condition causes the person to feel that they must constantly move their legs to prevent cramping. The symptoms usually intensify at night when in a supine position. An infusion of Valerian root will normally keep the symptoms at bay if taken on a regular basis after the initial course of treatment is over. Valerian is not addictive or habit-forming and causes no known side effects. However, it should not be taken in large doses except under professional supervision.

Although it is not safe to take with Valium or other pharmaceuticals, it is safe to take with other calming herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile, catnip, or kava, and with 5-HTP, GABA, and other calming supplements. However, large amounts over a long period of time is not advised.

Filed Under: V

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  • Modes of Use
    • Compresses and Lotions
    • Creams
    • Decoctions
    • Electuaries
    • Essential Oils
    • Fomentations
    • Gargles and Mouthwashes
    • Glycerites
    • Liniments
    • Lip Balms
    • Medicinal Milks
    • Mustard Plasters
    • Oil Infusions
    • Ointments and Salves
    • Poison Ivy Lotions
    • Poultices
    • Powders and Capsules
    • Steam Inhalations
    • Syrups
    • Tinctures and Vinegars
    • Toothpastes
    • Vapor Balms
    • Water Infusions
    • When To Gather Herbs
  • Online Herbal Encyclopedia of Knowledge
  • Scientific Names

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