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Echinacea
fresh root
(E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)
* |
Indicated for
acute viral or bacterial infection (colds, flu, bronchitis,
septicemia, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus). Echinacea is also used
for acute prostatitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis
media, laryngitis, apthous stomatata and periodontal disease. The
Eclectics used this root for blood dyscrasias with dirty, sallow
skin and a tendency to form boils or develop septicemia. Topically
it is used for infections, abscesses, and psoriasis.
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Collinsonia
fresh root, leaf and flower
(C. canadensis) * |
Indicated
primarily for conditions with venous stagnation with congestion such
as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, benign prostatic hyperplasia and
chronic laryngitis (minister’s throat). It is also used for urinary
calculi, diverticulosis, colitis, mitral valve prolapse and chronic
heart weakness (use with Hawthorn and Night Blooming Cereus.)
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Coptis root
(Coptis chinensis)
* |
A rich source
of the antibacterial and antifungal alkaloid berberine. The root is
also a bitter tonic, cholagogue and urinary tract antiseptic. Known
as Huang Lian in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used for
bacterial dysentery, strep throat, bacterial vaginosis (as a bolus),
thrush, vaginal candidiasis (as a bolus), cystitis, sinusitis and
gingivitis |
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Licorice
root
(Glycyrrhiza
glabra or G. uralensis)
* |
An ancient
history of use in China and the Middle East. This intensely sweet
root is an adaptogen, demulcent, expectorant, pectoral, antiviral
and antidepressant. Licorice strengthens endocrine function,
especially the adrenals, ovaries, Isles of Langerhans and
hypothalamus making it useful for chronic fatigue syndrome,
menopausal symptoms, hypoglycemia and autoimmune disease. The
demulcent action heals mucous membrane tissue especially the stomach
(ulcers), large and small intestine (irritable bowel syndrome) and
lung (dry, irritated cough). Excessive use of Licorice can elevate
blood pressure.
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Sage herb
(Salvia officinalis)
* |
Not only a
culinary herb, but a powerful antioxident, carminative,
antibacterial agent, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory and
antigalactogogue. Sage is used for digestive disturbances, colds,
intestinal viruses, sore throats, laryngitis, tonsillitis, apthous
stomatata and post nasal drip. It reduces excess secretions and is
beneficial for menopausal night sweats, to stop milk flow and for
excessive sinus secretions.
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Cinnamon
bark
(Cinnamomum
cassia)
* |
An effective
and pleaseant tasting circulatory stimulant. It improves peripheral
circulation especially to the small capillaries and is useful for
spider veins and Raynaud's disease. Cinnamon increases the beta
cells of the pancreas' ability to utilize endogenous insulin, thus
benefiting insulin resistant diabetes and metabolic syndrome (hyperinsulinemia).
Cinnamon also has antibacterial, antiviral, and astringent activity,
making it usefl for diarrhea, digestive upsets, and intestinal
viruses.
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Myrrh gum
resin
(Commiphora myrrha, C. Molmol) * |
An excellent
astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic used topically for
apthous stomatata, bedsores, herpes, and as a gargle for strep
throat, laryngitis and pyorrhea. Used internally Myrrh stimulates
white blood cells and is specifically indicated for acute infections
of the mucous membranes of the throat, bronchials, stomach and
bowels - bronchitis, leaky gut syndrome, mucous colitis, and
ileitis.
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Osha root
(Ligusticum porteri) * |
Has finally
gained recognition as a major medicinal plant after a long history
of use by Native Americans. It is an antibacterial expectorant and
bronchiodilator, it is useful for cold/damp lung conditions, sore
throats and post-nasal drip. A mild antihistamine activity makes it
useful for rhinitis, head colds and allergies. This aromatic root is
also a carminative, diaphoretic and an emmenagogue.
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Propolis
(bee gathered tree resin) * |
An antiseptic
with antibacterial and antiviral activity. It is indicated for strep
throat, gum disease, herpes, staph infections and upper respiratory
infections. It is often used in gargles and throat sprays, Propolis
is also effective for laryngitis, pharyngitis, uvulitis and
esophagitis.
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Bibliography: |
Borrelli, F.,
Izzo, A. A. et. al. Propolis: Chemical and Pharmalogical Aspects.
Fitoterapia, vol. 73 (supplement 1) Nov. 2002
Kuhn, M., Winston, D. Herbal Therapy and Supplements: A
Scientific & Traditional Approach. Lippincott, 2001
Mills, S., Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy.
Churchill Livingstone, 2000
Winston, D. Herbal Therapeutics: Specific Indications for Herbs
& Herbal Formulas. HTRL, 8th ed., 2003 |
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*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. |
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