|
Sarsaparilla rhizome
(Smilax ornata)* |
A mild
adaptogen that contains plant sterols which are anti-inflammatory.
It is used for psoriasis, arthritis, gout, bursitis, colitis,
rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of connective tissue.
Sarsaparilla has specific activity for red skin that is hot and
inflamed. It is also used for skin problems caused by food allergies
(leaky gut syndrome). It binds endotoxins in the gut and increases
their elimination.
|
|
Yellow Dock
root
(Rumex crispus) * |
Indicated for
chronic skin problems i.e. psoriasis, eczema and acne with excessive
secretions, especially oozing, weepy, serous discharge. It is used
for liver and gall bladder insufficiency, jaundice and poor iron
absorption and storage Yellow Dock is also a cholagogue and mild
laxative.
|
|
Burdock
dried seed
(Arctium lappa) * |
Used for dry,
crusty or flaky skin conditions. Use with essential fatty acids and
Milk Thistle seed. It is a mild diuretic and alterative.
|
|
Horsetail
spring gathered herb
(Equisetum arvense)* |
A rich source
of vegetal silica. Horsetail acts as a co-factor with calcium
increasing bone mass and density, gradually reversing osteoporosis,
speeding the healing of fractures by increasing the maturation of
osteoblasts and improving bone density. Horsetail is also a diuretic
useful for urinary tract infections, especially with bladder
irritation and blood in the urine.
|
|
Red Alder
bark/Tag Alder bark
(Alnus rubra, A. serrulata) * |
Used similarly
as alteratives, mild laxatives, cholagogues and antibacterials.
Alder bark is considered specific for skin conditions where the
eruptions (pimples) are red, raised and never come to a head. It can
be used orally and topically for boils, carbuncles, staph infections
and large painful pimples on the back, buttocks, face or neck |
|
Bibliography: |
Bartran, T.
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 1995.
Ellingwood, F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and
Pharmacognosy, 1919.
Locke, F.J., Felter, H.W. and Lloyd, J.U. Syllabus of Eclectic
Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1901.
Sherman,
ND,
J.A. The Complete Botanical Prescriber, 1993. |
|
*Herbal
Therapeutics Research Library
Author: David Winston (RH) AHG
©2007
Herbal Therapeutics Research Library. All rights reserved |
Disclaimer: The information on
historical, ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic uses of herbs and
traditional formulas contained herein is based on the experience and
research of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for
consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any
attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the
direction of a health care professional. The publisher and author
are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences
resulting from the use of any of the information discussed. Should
you have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any
preparation mentioned, the author strongly suggests consulting a
professional health care advisor. |