Part Used: Root bark.

Constituents:

• Cardenolides based on digitoxigenin
• Alkaloids such as asparagine & atropurpurine
• Sterols; euonysterol, atropurpurol, homoeuonysterol

Actions: Cholagogue, hepatic, laxative, diuretic, circulatory stimulant.

Indications: Wahoo is one of the primary liver herbs.
It acts to remove congestion from the liver, allowing the free
flow of bile and so helping the digestive process It may be used
in the treatment of jaundice and gall-bladder problems such as inflammation and pain or congestion due to stones. It
will relieve constipation where this is due to liver or gall-bladder
problems. Through its normalizing action upon the liver it may help
in a range of skin problems where there is a possible involvement
of the liver.

Ellingwood considered it specific for “indigestion
with biliousness, constipation, chronic intermittents with cachexia,
pulmonaryphthisis with night sweats and great weakness; dropsical
affections following acute disease; in convalescence from severe
intermittent fever; enlargement of the liver; chronic bronchitis.”
In addition he recommends it for the following pathologies: malarial
cachexia, as a nutritive tonic, as a hepatic stimulant, chronic
pulmonary complaints.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: pour a cup of water
onto l/2-l teaspoonful of the bark. Bring to the boil and let infuse
for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture:
take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Salicaceae

Names: Quaking Aspen, American Poplar.

Habitat: N. American.

Collection: The bark should be collected in the spring, taking care notto ring-bark the tree and thus kill it.

Part Used: The bark.

Constituents: * Phenolic glycosides; salicin and populin

* Tannins

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, anodyne,cholagogue, bitter tonic.

Indications: White Poplar is an excellent remedy to use in thetreatment of arthritis and rheumatism where there is much painand swelling. In this area, its use is quite similar to Willow, and is mosteffective when used in a broad therapeutic approach and not by itself. It isvery helpful during the flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis. As acholagogue it can be used to stimulate digestion and especially stomach andliver function, particularly where there is loss of appetite. In feverishcolds and in infections such as cystitis it may be considered. Asan astringent it can be used in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a “bitter tonic for allgeneral uses, especially for post-febrile debility. Stimulates appetite andaids digestion. Suitable for the elderly.” They give the following specificindications: dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery..

Ellingwood recommends it for the following patholgies:intermittant fever, protracted fevers, prostatic hypertrophy, generaldebility.

Combinations: In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis it may be usedwith Black Cohosh, Bogbean and Celery. As a digestive stimulant it can be usedwith Balmony and Golden Seal.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls of the driedbark in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. Thisshould be drunk three times a day. To stimulate appetite, drink 30 minutesbefore meals. Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Cupressaceae

Names: Thuja

Collection: The twigs of this evergreen conifer can be gathered all year round, but are best during the summer.

Part Used: Young twigs

Constituents: l% Volatile oil including thujone; flavonoid glycoside; mucilage; tannin.

Actions: Expectorant, anti-microbial, diuretic, astringent, alterative.

Indications: Thuja’s main action is due to its stimulating and alterative volatile oil. In bronchial catarrh Thuja combines expectoration with a systemic stimulation beneficial if there is also heart weakness. Thuja should be avoided where the cough is due to over stimulation, as in dry irritable coughs. Thuja has a specific reflex action on the uterus and may help in delayed menstruation, but because of this action is should be avoided in pregnancy. Where ordinary incontinence occurs due to loss of muscle tone, Thuja may be used. It has a role to play in the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatism. Externally it may be used to treat warts. It is reported to counteract the ill effects of smallpox vaccination. A marked anti-fungal effect is found if used externally for ringworm and thrush. CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy.

Ellingwood describes it thus: “It has been used extensively by all physicians in the treatment of cancer. It is claimed to exercise an abortive influence over incipient cancer and to retard the progress of more advanced cases. In extreme cases it will remove the fetor, retard the growth and materially prolong the life of the patient. It should be given internally and the dosage increased to the extreme limit. It should be also kept in contact with the parts externally or injected into the structures. Epithelioma, condylomata and all simple cancerous growths should be treated with it.

Thuja is given internally for cancer and for the pains of cancer it is applied externally, when possible, occasionally with good results. Thuja certainly exercises a direct influence upon the glandular structures and function. In what manner this influence is exercised is unknown, but in any disease that involves the gland, this remedy must be considered, and if there are no contraindications it can be tried and in many cases as with the ductless glands, it seems to act in a direct manner.

“Thuja is directly indicated, first, s a peculiar alterative, in improving diathetic conditions of the blood. Again, it acts directly upon abnormal growths – perversions, such as peculiar conditions of the cell structure of the skin and other external structure. It is thus indicated in all abnormal growths of the skin or mucous membranes. It exercises a specific influence upon catarrhal discharges, correcting the glandular faults that are to blame for such a condition wherever they may be. It is specific to urinary irritation in aged people especially; also in childhood. It strengthens the sphincter of the bladder.

“As an external application Thuja produces at first a sensation of smarting or tingling when applied to open sores or wounds and it is usually best to dilute it with on, two or four parts of water, or to combine the non-alcoholic extract with an ointment base in the above proportion. This constitutes an excellent mildly antiseptic and actively stimulating dressing to indolent, phagedenic or gangrenous ulcers. It is of much service in bed sores and in other open ulcers dependent upon local or general nerve exhaustion. In chronic skin diseases of either a non-specific or specific character, it is a useful remedy. Vegetation’s of all kinds, especially those upon mucous surfaces, will yield to it readily. It is a useful agent in the treatment of post-nasal catarrh and nasal polypi. A small dose internally 4 or 5 times daily, with the application of fluid hydrastis in a spray, will quickly retard or remove such abnormal growths. It is also applicable to sloughing wounds and to phagedena or the venereal organs. It is a positive remedy in the treatment of senile gangrene. It causes gangrenous surfaces to dry without hemorrhage or other discharge, destroys offensive odors and influences granulation.

“The agent is especially advised in the treatment of urinary disorders’ of the aged and young. It gives satisfaction in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis when the difficulty is of functional origin. It is also valuable when there is dribbling of urine, loss of control from paralysis of the sphincter, perhaps, in the aged, where urinary incontinence is present, with severe coughs, lack of control when coughing or sneezing. Sometimes in severe cases of nocturnal enuresis, it is accompanied with belladonna, or Rhus aromatica with good results. In old men with chronic prostatitis, with constant dribbling of the urine, this agent is valuable. It relieves the weakness at the neck of the bladder. It tones the muscular structure of the bladder and exercises a desirable influence over the mucous structures of the entire urinary apparatus. It also stimulates secretion within the kidney tubules by its direct influence upon the epithelial cells.

“The remedy is valuable in the treatment of disorders of the mucous lining of the bronchial tubes. It is beneficial in ulcerative forms of sore throat, where the secretions are fetid in character. It may be inhaled in chronic bronchitis, bronchorrhea; bronchitis, with offensive discharge; chronic nasal catarrh. Hemorrhage from these organs is beneficially influenced by its use. A number of cases of spermatorrhea have been cured since our previous report on this remedy. The balanit is from cystitis with frequent urination, indicates this remedy. It is beneficial when the urine seems to burn or scald in the passing, when there is local soreness in the urethra or neck of the bladder, when the bladder tolerates but little urine at a time and the patient must rise frequently during the night. In cases or verucca on the genitalia or rectum, this agent is advantageously used, especially if preceded by a mild escharotic. In prolapsus of the rectum, especially in cases depending upon paralysis, this agent may be diluted and injected. It has stimulating properties, which restore the vitality of the part. It is good for fissure of the rectum with piles.”

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Umbelliferae

Names: Queen Anne’s Lace, Bird’s Nest Weed, Devil’s Plague (!)

Habitat: Europe, Asia, North America and N. Africa.

Collection: The aerial parts of the herb should be collected betweenJune and August when in flower or when seeding in August and September.

Part Used: Dried aerial parts and seeds.

Constituents: * Flavonoids

* Daucine, an alkaloid

* Volatile oil

* Petroselinic acid, tannins

Actions: Diuretic, anti-lithic, carminative, anti-spasmodic.

Indications: The volatile oil that is present in Wild Carrot is anactive urinary antiseptic, which helps explain its use in the treatment of suchconditions as cystitis and prostatitis. It has been considered aspecific in the treatment of kidney stones for a long time. In thetreatment of gout and rheumatism it is used in combination withother remedies to provide its cleansing diuretic action. The seeds can be usedas a settling carminative agent for the relief of flatulence andcolic.

Combinations: For urinary infections it may be used with Yarrow andBearberry. For kidney stones use it with Hydrangea or Gravel Root.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto lteaspoonful of the dried herb and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should bedrunk three times a day. To prepare an infusion of the seeds, use l/3-lteaspoonful to a cup of water.

Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Rosaceae

Names: Virginia Prune Bark.

Habitat: Widely distributed throughout Canada and the USA.

Collection: The bark is gathered from young plants in the autumn, when it is most active. The outer bark is stripped off and the inner bark is carefully dried in the shade. It must be stored in an air tight container and protected from light.

Part Used: Dried bark.

Constituents:

• Prunasin, a cyanogenetic glycoside. The pharmacologists main interest in Wild Cherry Bark is due to the presence of the cyanogenetic glycoside prunasin.
• Benzaldehyde
• Miscellaneous; 3, 4, 5-trimethoxybenzoic acid (= eudesmic acid), p-coumaric acid, scopoletin (a coumarin derivative), tannins, sugars.

Actions: Anti-tussive, expectorant, astringent, nervine, anti-spasmodic.

Indications: Due to its powerful sedative action on the cough reflex, Wild Cherry Bark finds its main use in the treatment of irritating coughs and thus has a role in the treatment of bronchitis and whooping cough. It can be used with other herbs in the control of asthma. It must be remembered, however, that the inhibition of a cough does not equate with the healing of a chest infection, which will still need to be treated. It may also be used as a bitter where digestion is sluggish. The cold infusion of the bark may be helpful as a wash in cases of inflammation of the eyes.

Priest & Priest say it is a “mild, soothing, stimulating astringent: tonic expectorant for acute irritable coughs, quietens nervous irritability and relieves arterial excitement. Sedative for conditions of prolonged
irritation.” They give the following specific indications: chronicbronchitis with debility. Catarrhal dyspepsia, weak digestion in the elderly. Chronic diarrhoea. Weak throat. Ophthalmia.

Ellingwood recommends it for: chronic coughs, phthisis, palpitations & dyspepsia.

To quote King’s at length: “Wild Cherry Bark has a tonic and stimulating
influence on the digestive apparatus, and a simultaneous sedative action on the nervous system and circulation. It is, therefore, valuable in all those cases where it is desirable to give tone and strength to the system, without, at the same time, causing too great an action of the heart and blood vessels, as, during convalescence from pleurisy, pneumonia, acutehepatitis, and other inflammatory and febrile
diseases. Its chief property is its power of relieving irritation of the mucous surfaces, making it an admirable remedy in many gastro-intestinal, pulmonic, and urinary troubles. Like Lycopus, it lessens vascular excitement, though it does not control hemorrhages like that agent. It is best adapted to chronic troubles. It is also useful in hectic fever, cough, colliquative diarrhoea, some forms of
irritative dyspepsia, whooping-cough, irritability of the nervous system, etc., and has been found an excellent palliative in phthisis, the syrup being employed to moderate the cough, lessen the fever, and sustain the patient’s strength. It has likewise been of service in scrofula and other disease attended with much debility and hecticfever. Wild cherry is an excellent sedative in cardiac
palpitation, not due to structural wrongs. It is particularly useful in this disorder when there is nervous fever, tuberculosis or the debility consequent upon irritative dyspepia, anemia, chlorosis, or nervous diseases. Externally, it has been found useful, in decoction, as a wash to ill conditioned ulcers and acute ophthalmia. Specific Indications and Uses. Rapid, weak circulation;
continual irritative cough, with profuse muco-purulent expectoration; cardiac palpitation, from debility; dyspnoea; pyrexia; loss of appetite; and cardiac pain.”

Combinations: May be used widely with many different herbs.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried bark and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l-2 ml
of the tincture three times a day.

Leguminosae

Names: Indigoweed

Habitat: Indigenous to Canada and the USA

Collection: The root is unearthed in the autumn after flowering has stopped. Clean the root and cut, dry well.

Part Used: Root.

Constituents:

• Isoflavones; genistein, biochanin A etc
• Flavonoids
• Alkaloids such as cytisine
• Coumarins
• Polysaccharides

Actions: Anti-microbial, anti-catarrhal.

Indications: Wild Indigo is a herb to be considered wherever there is a focused infection. It is especially useful in the treatment of infections and catarrh in the ear, nose and throat. It may be used for laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and catarrhal infections of the nose and sinus. Taken both internally and as a mouthwash it will heal mouth ulcers, gingivitis and help in the control of pyorrhea. Systematically it may be helpful in the treatment of enlarged and inflamed lymph glands (lymphadenitis) and also to reduce fevers. Externally an ointment will help infected ulcers and ease sore nipples. A douche of the decoction will help leucorrhoea.

Ellingwood has lot to say about this neglected remedy: “The agent has been widely used for many years by our practitioners in the treatment of typhoid conditions, and has established its position as an important remedy. It has an apparent dynamic influence upon the glandular structure of the intestinal canal, directly antagonizing disease influences here and re-enforcing the character of the blood, prevents the destruction of the red corpuscles and carries off waste material. In malignant tonsillitis and diphtheritic laryngitis it has been long used with excellent results. In phagedena with gangrenous tendencies wherever located, it has exercised a markedly curative influence. It is useful in dysentery where there is offensive breath and fetid discharges of a dark prune juice character.

“In scarlet fever, with its specific indications, it is a useful remedy. Large doses are not necessary, but it should be employed early and the use persisted in. In the treatment of low fevers this agent is said to exercise marked sedative power over the fever. Homeopathic physicians prescribe it to control the fever. There is no doubt that in proportion as the cause of the fever is destroyed, the temperature abates. Any inhibitory influence directly upon the heart and circulation cannot be attributed to it, yet it soothes cerebral excitement to a certain extent, having a beneficial influence upon delirium.

“It is advised in all diseases of the glandular system, and in hepatic derangements especially, with symptoms of the character. In the various forms of stomatitis, putrid sore throat and scarlatina; in inflammation of the bowels, where there is a tendency to typhoid conditions, especially ulcerative inflammation of any of the internal organs; in dyspepsia, with great irritability and offensive decomposition of food; in scrofula and in cutaneous infections, the agent should be long continued. In the long protracted and sluggish forms of fevers, with great depression of the vital forces; in ulceration of the nipples or mammary glands, or of the cervix uteri, it is spoken highly of. There is a dynamic influence exercised by Baptisia upon the entire glandular structure of the body, more particularly upon the intestinal glands. This influence directly reinforces the blood in its effort to throw off the disease and restore normal conditions. It is because of this influence that it is of value in typhoid.

“Dr. Hainey says that in whatever condition the patient complains of difficult respiration, where the lungs feel compressed, where the patient cannot lie down because of fear of suffocation, if he sleeps, he has found Baptisia in small doses every hour positively curative. He got this suggestion from a homeopathist and he has proven it to be reliable. “Others have found typhoid cases with the characteristic symptoms, where the brain seems to be overwhelmed with toxins, where the patient has times where the breathing is rapid or panting, alternated with slow respiration, in which this remedy is very prompt. The condition may also be present in diphtheria, and in the so-call black measles or other highly infectious disorders. “It will thus be seen that the agent is properly classed among the alteratives, as its alterative properties stand first, but its pronounced tonic influence will be quickly observed. It overcomes weariness “that tired feeling, ” produces a sense of vigor & general improved tone and well-being.”

Combinations: For the treatment of infections it may be used with Echinacea and Myrrh. For lymphatic problems it can be combined with Cleavers and Poke Root.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l/2-l teaspoonful of the dried root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take lml of the tincture three times a day.

Citations from the Medline database for the genus Baptisia

Wild Indigo Beuscher N Kopanski L [Stimulation of immunity by the contents of Baptisia tinctoria]

Planta Med (1985 Oct) (5):381-4 Beuscher N Scheit KH Bodinet C Kopanski L [Immunologically active glycoproteins of Baptisia tinctoria]Planta Med (1989 Aug) 55(4):358-63

Compositae

Names: Lettuce Opium

Habitat: Indigenous to Central and Southern Europe and
Northern Asia, cultivated elsewhere.

Collection: The leaves should be gathered in June and July.

Part Used: Dried leaves.

Constituents:

• Lactucin, a sesquiterpene lactone
• Flavonoids; mainly based on quercitin
• Coumarins; cichoriin and aesculin
• N-methyl-b-phenethylamine

Actions: Nervine, anodyne, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic.

Indications: The latex of the Wild Lettuce was at one
time sold as `Lettuce Opium’, naming the use of this herb quite
well! It is a valuable remedy for use in insomnia, restlessness
and excitability (especially in children) and other manifestations
of an over active nervous system. As an anti-spasmodic it can be
used as part of a holistic treatment of whooping cough and
dry irritated coughs in general. It will relieve colic pains in the intestines and uterus and so may be used in dysmennhorea.
It will ease muscular pains related to rheumatism. It has been used as an aphrodisiac.

Combinations: For irritable coughs it may be used with
Wild Cherry Bark. For insomnia it combines with Valerian and Pasque Flower.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling
water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves and let infuse for l0-l5
minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Hamameliadaceae

Habitat: Indigenous to N. America and Canada.

Collection: The leaves can be gathered throughout the summer and driedquickly to ensure that they do not become discoloured. The bark is gathered inthe spring after sprouting.

Part Used: Bark or leaves.

Constituents: Leaves: * Tannins, composed mainly of gallotannins withsome condensed catechins and proanthocyanin..

* Miscellaneous; flavonoids; quercitin, kaempferol, astragalin, myricitrin, volatile oil containing hexenol, n-hexen-2-al, [[alpha]]- and[[beta]]-ionones

Bark: * Tannins, mainly the [[alpha]]-, [[beta]]-and[[gamma]]- hamamelitannins, with some condensed tannins such asd-gallocatechin, l-epigallocatechin and l-epicatechin

* Miscellaneous; saponins, volatile oil,resin.

Actions: Astringent, anti-inflammatory.

Indications: This herb can be found in most households in the form ofdistilled Witch Hazel. It is the most applicable and easy to use astringent forcommon usage. As with all astringents, this herb may be used wherever there hasbeen bleeding, both internally or externally. It is especially useful inthe easing of haemorrhoids. It has a deserved reputation in thetreatment of bruises and inflamed swellings, also withvaricose veins. Witch Hazel will control diarrhoea and aid in theeasing of dysentary.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a “mild, diffusive, cleansingastringent. Passive haemorrhages of pulmonary, gastro-intestinal, and genitalorgans. Bruised soreness of affected parts, especially from relaxed conditions.Venous congestion, atony or laxity.” They give the following specificindications: Diarrhoea and dysentary. Protruding,bleeding haemorrhoids. Vulval bruising after childbirth.Vaginal laxity with tenderness, inflamed sore throat, varicoseveins, sore and bloodshot eyes.

Ellingwood considered it specific for “soreness of muscles,muscular aching, a bruised sensation, soreness from violent muscular exertion,soreness from bruises and strains, soreness and muscular aching from cold andexposure, relaxed mucous membranes dark blue membranes from venous stasis,veins dilated, relaxed, enlarged, and full – varicoses.” In addition herecommends it for the following patholgies: sore throat, tonsillitis,diptheria, acute catarrh, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, prolapse of the bowel,leucorrhoea, sore breasts.

Combinations: For the easing of haemorrhoids it will combine well withPilewort.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto lteaspoonful of the dried leaves and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This shouldbe drunk three times a day.

Ointment: Witch Hazel can be made into an excellent ointment.

Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Labiatae

Names: Bishopswort, Betony, Stachys betonica.

Habitat: Europe including Britain, in open woods, hedge banks,
grasslands and heaths.

Collection: The aerial parts should be dried carefully
in the sun.

Part Used: Dried aerial parts.

Constituents:

• Alkaloids; stachydrine and betonicine
• Miscellaneous; betaine, choline, tannins.

Actions: Nervine, bitter.

Indications: Betony gently tones and strengthens the nervous
system whilst also has a relaxing action. If finds used in nervous
debility associated with anxiety and tension.
It will ease headaches and neuralgia when they are
of nervous origin, but especially those caused by hypertension.

Combinations: For the treatment of nervous headache it
combines well with Skullcap. In hypertensive headaches use in combination with appropriate hypotensives.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling
water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse
for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 2-6 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Compositae

Habitat: Native to Europe, N. Africa and Western Asia,
cultivated in the USA and elsewhere.

Collection: The leaves and flowering tops are gathered
at the end of the flowering period between July and September.

Part Used: Leaves or flowering tops.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, of variable composition, usually containing
  [[alpha]]- and [[beta]]- thujone as the major component, up to
  about 35%; with thujyl alcohol, azulenes including chamazulene,
  3, 6- and 5, 6-dihydrochamazulene; bisabolene, cadinene, camphene,
  sabinene, trans-sabinylacetate, pinene, phellandrene and others.
• Sesquiterpene lactones; artabsin, absinthin, anabsinthin,
  artemetin, arabsin, artabin, artabsinolides, matricin, isoabsinthin,
  artemolin and others.
• Acetylenes, in the root; trans-dehydromatricaria ester,
  Cl3 and Cl4trans-spiroketalenol ethers and others.
• Flavonoids; quercitin 3-glucoside and 3-rhamnoglucoside, spinacetin3-glucosideand
  3-rhamnoglucoside and others.
• Phenolic acids; p-hydroxyphenylacetic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric,
  protocatechuic, syringic, vanillic and other acids.
• Lignans; diayangambin and epiyangambin.

Actions: Bitter, carminative, anti-microbial, anthelmintic.

Indications: Traditionally, Wormwood has been used in
a wide range of conditions, most of which have been vindicated
by analysis of the herb. It is primarily used as a bitter and therefore
has the effect of stimulating and invigorating the whole of the
digestive process. It may be used where there is indigestion,
especially when due to a deficient quantity or quality of gastric
juice. It is a powerful remedy in the treatment of worm infestations,
especially roundworm and pinworm. It may also be
used to help the body deal with fever and infections. Due to the
general tinic action it will be of benefit in many diverse conditions
because it benefits the body in general.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling
water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse
for l0- l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Pill:
The powdered herb may be used to get rid of worms in the form of
pills, thus avoiding the extreme, bitter taste. Tincture: take l-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.