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Myrrh gum
resin
(Commiphora myrrha) *
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An excellent
astringent and antiseptic used topically for apthous stomatata,
bedsores and herpes, and as a gargle for strep throat, laryngitis,
and pyorrhea. Taken internally myrrh stimulates white blood cells
and is specifically indicated for acute infections of the mucus
membranes of the throat, stomach, and bowels. |
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Spilanthes
fresh herb
(Spilanthes acmella) *
|
Also known as
Paraguay Cress or Toothache plant. It is rich in chemicals called
isobutylamides which act as immune stimulants and antibacterial and
antifungal agents. It can also be used as a local anesthetic to the
mouth, gums, teeth and throat. Spilanthes inhibits spirochetes and
is useful for urinary tract pain.
|
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Thyme herb
(Thymus vulgaris) * |
Contains an
essential oil, Thymol, which has significant antibacterial,
antifungal, antioxidant, and antiviral activity. It inhibits the
pathogens that cause plaque formation and gum disease and helps heal
the buccal mucous membrane. It is also a carminative and especially
useful for cold/damp lung conditions.
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Goldenseal
dried root
(Hydrastis canadensis) * |
A strong
antiseptic and antifungal. It has a strong effect on the liver,
stimulating bile formation and expulsion. Useful in cases of upper
respiratory infection including tonsillitis, strep throat, sore
throat, sinus infection, post nasal drip and uvulitis where there is
excess mucus. Goldenseal has a long tradition of use as a local
antibacterial, especially to the skin, throat, sinuses and urinary
tract. Rich in alkaloids, especially the intense yellow colored
berberine, this herb has shown activity against a wide range of
pathogens including Staphylococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae,
Streptococcus pyogenes, E. coli, Chlamydia trachomatis, Candida
albicans, Leishmania donovanii, and Entamoeba histolytica. Because
it is bitter, Goldenseal will stimulate digestion and absorption,
but long term use will impair digestion by killing beneficial flora
in the gut. In clinical trials, Goldenseal was beneficial in the
treatment of hypochlorhydria, chronic cholecystitis, acute
gastroenteritis, bacillary dysentery, cervical erosion and
conjunctivitis. Overuse of Goldenseal can also affect liver and
kidney functions, so it is best used sparingly on a short term
basis, combined with substances that normalize bowel flora such as
fructo-oligerosaccharides (FOS) and acidophilus.
|
|
Calendula
flower
(Calendula officinalis) * |
Has long been
used as a vulnerary to heal the skin and mucous membranes. It has
antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity. It not
only heals the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, it also can be
helpful for irritation of the eyes, vaginal tract,
anti-inflammatory for skin conditions.
|
|
Witch Hazel
fresh leaf
(Hamammelis virginiana) * |
Is a time
tested astringent and vulnerary that contains eugenol, an essential
oil with antibacterial activity. It also contains substantial
amounts of condensed polyphenols which stop bleeding, inhibit viral
growth, and act as anti-inflammatory agents. Witch Hazel is often
used topically for bruises, strains, sprains and as a sitz bath for
hemorrhoids.
|
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Peppermint
essential oil
* |
Provides a
clean refreshing flavor to this preparation and also acts as an
antibacterial agent and carminative.
|
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Cinnamon
essential oil
* |
Provides a
pleasant flavor as well as helps to control bleeding gums. It also
has antibacteria, styptic, and carminative properties.
|
|
Bibliography: |
Duke, J.
White Teeth and White Flowers, Journal of the
National
Wildflower
Research
Center,
1993, pp 10-15
Mills, S. and Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy,
Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1999
Sherman,
J. ND The Complete Botanical Prescriber [by author],
Portland, OR, 1993
Winston, D. Herbal Therapeutics, Herbal Therapeutics Research
Library, 2003 |
|
*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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