That’s the conclusion of a randomized, double blind study of l89 young (an average of l0 months) children hospitalized in South Africa because of measles complicated by pneumonia, diarrhoea or croup.Those children who received a total of 400,000 IU of vitamin A in the form of retinyl palmitate taken orally recovered more quickly from pneumonia and diarrhoea and had less croup than their counterparts receiving a placebo. The group receiving the vitamin also remained in hospital fewer days.

Of the l2 children who died, l0 were on the sugar pill. The report, from the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Cape Town, determined that “the risk of death or a major complication” while the child was in hospital was halved by taking the vitamin.

“All children with severe measles should be given vitamin A supplements, whether or not they are thought to have a nutritional deficiency,” the report concluded.

Influenza is very contagious and is spread by contact with an infected person. A person is contagious from about two days before symptoms occur until about the fifth day of the illness. Symptoms of influenza include chills, fever, headache, achiness, fatigue, and lack of appetite.

Treatment is generally directed at alleviating symptoms, which can make the sufferer truly miserable. Although the illness generally runs its course in three to four days, complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, croup, or seizures can occur. If any of these develop, your child will need immediate medical attention.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR ABOUT INFLUENZA If your child develops a very high fever, if she has a seizure, or if you notice any changes in her level of consciousness or mental function, seek medical advice immediately. These may be signs that she is developing encephalitis. A child with influenza who has a high fever is at risk for having a seizure. If your child has a seizure, call your physician immediately. If your child shows signs of increased respiratory distress, such as an increased respiratory rate, gasping, wheezing, nasal flaring, or a pale or bluish color to the skin, call your doctor. Your child may have developed pneumonia and needs medical attention.

Conventional Treatment

The cornerstones of treatment for influenza are fever control, rest, and plenty of fluids. Acetaminophen (in Tylenol, Tempra, and other medications) or ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, and others) can tee used to reduce fever and alleviate achiness.


Note: In excessive amounts, acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Read package directions carefully so as not to exceed the proper dosage for your child’s age and size. Ibuprofen can cause stomach upset in some children. To avoid this problem, try giving this medication with food.

Do not give aspirin to a child or
teenager with the flu. The combination of aspirin and viral infection is
associated with Reye’s syndrome, a dangerous disease affecting the brain and
liver.

Because influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics have no effectiveness and are not used. A drug containing amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel) is sometimes used in epidemics known to be caused by influenza type A. This drug is effective only if started in the first two days after the onset of symptoms, and it is not used in younger children.

Dietary Guidelines

If your child doesn’t feel like eating, it’s best not to force food. Suggest juices, applesauce, soups, and herbal teas.

All fluids, including soups, help alleviate a respiratory illness. Fluids help to thin secretions, making it easier for the body to clear them. If secretions are thick and dry, they are more difficult to expel. Offer your child diluted juices, homemade lemonade (hot or cold), and lots of nourishing broth and homemade soups. Miso and chicken soup are good choices.

Avoid giving your child dairy products, which have a tendency to increase and thicken mucus.

A child with a cold and fever may get dehydrated and constipated. Flush your child’s body with as much fluid as she can take. The constipation will probably resolve once your child starts feeling better and resumes eating a normal diet.

Nutritional Supplements

For age-appropriate dosages of nutritional supplements, see Dosage Guidelines for Herbs and Nutritional Supplements.

Bioflavonoids have potent antiviral properties, and can be useful at any stage of an infection. Give your child one-half dose, five times a day, for five days to one week.

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to ease the course of a respiratory illness. Choose a supplement made without sugar, and avoid chewable forms, as these can erode tooth enamel. Give your child one-half dose, five to six times a day, for five days to one week.

To help boost your child’s immune system, give her a 5-milligram chewable zinc tablet or lozenge, twice daily, for five days to one week.


Note: Excessive amounts of zinc can result in nausea and vomiting. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage.

Herbal Treatment

For age-appropriate dosages of nutritional supplements, see Dosage Guidelines for Herbs and Nutritional Supplements.

Give your child the Chinese botanical formula yin qiao at the first sign of the flu. This remedy is not helpful after the third day of symptoms. Give your child one dose, every two hours, while the symptoms are acute.


Note: The liquid extract is the preferred form because it contains no aspirin. The tablet form should not be given to a child under four years of age.

To help your child rest and relax, give her one dose of chamomile tea, twice daily.

The antiviral echinacea and antibacterial goldenseal both stimulate the immune system. Goldenseal also helps to soothe mucous membranes. Give your child one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination remedy, three times daily, for five days.

Garlic helps to detoxify the body. Give your child one capsule or one fresh clove of garlic, three times a day, until she is better.

Ginger tea is excellent if your child’s stomach is affected. Give your child one dose as needed.

Homeopathy

At the very first sign of influenza, give your child 1/3 tube of Anas barbariae (marketed under various brand names, including Oscillococcinum) every hour, for a total of three doses.

For the child who feels chilly, restless, and weak, choose Arsenicum album. This is for a child who feels worse in a cold room, but wants something cold to drink. She will have a red nose with runny nasal secretions that burn the nose and upper lip. When ill, she wants to sit in bed with books, magazines, and a television. This child wants to be left alone, but will demand attention and reassurance every once in a while. When comforted and cuddled, she will quiet down and go to sleep. Give this child one dose of Arsenicum album 30x or 9c, four times a day, for up to three days.

Bryonia is helpful for a child with a headache, cough, constipation, thirst, and irritability. Give this child Bryonia 30x or 9c, three to four times a day, for up to three days.

Eupatorium is helpful for the child who complains of a severe aching deep in her bones. She feels sore “everywhere.” Give this child one dose of Eupatorium 12x or 6c, three to four times a day, for up to three days.

Give Gelsemium to a child who has heavy, droopy eyes and feels weak and tired, with aches and chills up and down her back. This child wants to be alone. Give her one dose of Gelsemium 12x or 6c, three to four times a day, for up to three days.

Mercurius solubilis is for a lingering flu that just doesn’t seem to go away. This child may have a sore throat, bad breath, and tender, swollen glands. Give her one dose of Mercurius solubilis 12x or 6c, three times a day, for up to three days.

Rhus toxicodendron is for the restless child who complains of achy, stiff muscles. Give her one dose of Rhus toxicodendron 30x or 9c, three times a day, for up to three days.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

Impatiens helps to ease a child who is whiny,
impatient, and tired of being sick. Give the remedy three times a day for three
days.
(See BACH FLOWER REMEDIES.)

Acupressure

For the locations of acupressure points on a child’s body, see ADMINISTERING AN ACUPRESSURE TREATMENT.

Bladder 11, 12, 13, and 14 clear and balance the respiratory system.

Large Intestine 4 controls the head. This acupressure point relieves congestion and headaches.

Lung 7 helps to clear upper respiratory tract infections.

Massaging your child’s feet is comforting and helps to bring energy down from the head to aid healing.

General Recommendations

Begin treating your child’s influenza with homeopathics and herbs as soon as symptoms appear.

Encourage your child to take plenty of fluids.

Most children naturally want to sleep and rest when suffering through the flu, sparing body energy to fight the virus. A cozy bed and an open window banging in fresh air (when weather permits) will help. Keep your child from getting chilled.

See also COUGH; FEVER; SINUSITIS; and/or SORE THROAT if your child’s flu is accompanied by these symptoms.

Prevention

Flu vaccines are offered yearly. These are sometimes recommended by family physicians for people who are most likely to be exposed to or endangered by the illness, such as health care workers, the elderly, and people with chronic heart, lung, or kidney diseases. The flu shot may cause mild flulike symptoms. Also, since flu vaccines are formulated based on viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past, they may or may not be effective in preventing flu caused by this year’s virus.

Astragalus helps to build the immune system, and thus make your child less vulnerable to the flu. Give your child one dose, three times a week, during the flu season. You can give this herb in capsule form or added to soup.


Note: This herb should not be given if a fever or any other signs of infection are present.

American ginseng helps to boost the immune system and strengthen the body. Give your child one dose, in capsule form or in soup, once or twice a week, during the winter months.

Echinacea and goldenseal combination formula stimulates the immune system and helps keep the body clear of infections. A liquid extract is the preferred form. You can give your child one dose, twice weekly, during the flu season.

Give your child one dose of homeopathic Anas barbariae each week or every other week during the flu season.

Make it a rule to feed your child a low-sweet
diet and no fried foods. During the flu season, prepare lots of vegetable and
astragalus soup to help boost her immune system (see THERAPEUTIC RECIPES).

A child under emotional stress may fall ill more easily. Talk out problems and be supportive of your child during times of emotional turmoil.

Physical stress can also create bodily imbalances that make a child’s body more vulnerable to illness. Exposure to dust and chemicals, too much sugar and/or fat in the diet, even sudden and extreme temperature changes may add to your child’s susceptibility to illness.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, taken daily, help to prevent colds and flu. Give your child 150 milligrams of each daily during the cold season.

Dosage Guidelines

Diet

Herbal Medicine

Homeopathy

Bach Flowers

Acupressure

From Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand, N.D., L.Ac., Robert Rountree, MD, Rachel Walton, RN, ©1994. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.

Breathing problems also affect people who are very allergic to some types of shellfish, nuts, medications and insect bites. These people can suffer an allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. This reaction begins within minutes of exposure to the substance causing the allergy. During this type of allergic reaction, the airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Soon, the heartbeat races and blood pressure drops. Anaphylactic shock can be fatal if a person is not treated within 15 minutes.

Breathing problems from some things may require emergency care.

In children they include:

• Wheezing (see page 263)
  
• Croup, a virus with a “barking cough” common in young children (see page 255)
  
• Diphtheria, which is a very contagious throat infection
  
• Heart defects children are born with
  

• Severe allergic reactions
  
• A face, head, nose or lung injury
  
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
  
• Harsh chemical burns in the air passages
  
• Epiglottitis, which is inflammation of the flap of tissue at the back of the throat that can close off the windpipe
  
• Choking (see page 298)
  
• Drug overdose
  
• Poisoning (see page 322)
  
• Asthma (see page 76)
  
• Bronchitis (see page 81)
  
• Pneumonia (see page 369)
  

• Emphysema (see page 348)
  
• Congestive heart failure
  
• Heart attack (see “Chest Pains” on page 150 and “Coronary Heart Disease” on page 343)
  
• Blood clot in a lung
  
• Collapse of a lung
  

• Avoid allergic substances or agents that induce asthma, if you have it.
  
• Do not walk, run or jog on roads with heavy automobile traffic.
  
• If you have a gas furnace, install a carbon monoxide detector.
  
• Never leave your car running in a closed garage.
  
• Make sure immunizations against childhood diseases, especially diphtheria, are up-to-date. This is part of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP) vaccination. (See “Immunization Schedule” on page 18.)
  
• If you smoke, quit.
  
• Keep small objects a child could choke on out of reach and do not give gum, (especially bubble gum), nuts, hard candy, or popcorn to children under 5 years old.
  
• Lock up all medications and poisonous substances so small children can’t get to them.
  

Has breathing stopped and is there no pulse?
Has breathing stopped, but there is a pulse?
Has breathing stopped due to choking on an inhaled object?
Are there signs of anaphylactic shock? Difficulty breathing Swollen tongue, eyes, or face Unconsciousness Difficulty in swallowing Dizziness, weakness Pounding heart Itching, hives
Are any of these problems present with difficulty in breathing? Signs of a heart attack such as chest pain, pressure, or tightness; pain that spreads to the arm, neck or jaw; irregular pulse. Serious injury to the face, head, or chest Signs of a stroke such as blurred or double vision, slurred speech, one-side body weakness or paralysis Signs of drug overdose such as drunkenlike behavior, slurred speech, slow or rapid pulse, heavy sweating, enlarged or very small eye pupils
Is it so hard to breathe that the person can’t talk (say 4 or 5 words between breaths) and/or is there wheezing that doesn’t go away?
Is blood being coughed up?
Does the difficulty in breathing occur with a cough in a baby and does it make the baby unable to eat or take a bottle?
Are any of these signs present? Breathlessness at night or at rest Pink or frothy phlegm being coughed up and/or A high fever along with rapid and labored breathing
Is a green, yellow, or gray mucus being coughed up?

• Wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth, when outdoors. Most hardware stores carry inexpensive ones.
  
• Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke. This applies to anyone with breathing difficulties.
  
• Install an electronic air filtering system or use an air purifier in your home, especially in the bedroom. Tests show that air filters help clear the air of allergy-causing agents.
  

Breathing problems can be avoided or lessened if you:

• Do not rake leaves that have been on the ground for awhile. Molds and mildew grow on leaves after they’ve been on the ground for a few days.
  
• Keep your basement dry, well ventilated, and well lit. Use dehumidifiers and exhaust fans to reduce moisture in the air.
  
• Get rid of house plants.
  
• Avoid barns, chicken coops, damp basements, and attics.
  

See also: “Asthma” on page 76, “Bronchitis” on page 81, “Common Cold” on page 83, “Coughs” on page 85, and “Flu” on page 87.

A virus is the most common cause of croup. Infected by a virus, cells in the voice box and windpipe react by secreting mucous that narrow these air passages. The secretions dry and thicken, making it even more difficult for your child to breathe. Dissolving the dried secretions with steam is often all that is needed to relieve your child’s discomfort. Children usually outgrow croup as they get older and the windpipe becomes wider.

Sometimes croup is confused with another condition called epiglottitis (an inflammation of the structure behind the root of the tongue). Typically seen in children older than three years, epiglottitis is often more serious than croup because it can completely block the airway and cause meningitis (an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), or respiratory arrest. Children with epiglottitis tend to drool, tilt their heads forward, have a fever and jut their jaw out as they try to breathe.

Sometimes what sounds like croup may instead indicate that your child has inhaled a foreign object. If the object blocks the windpipe, your child will have trouble breathing and will need immediate emergency care.

• Run a humidifier near your child’s bed for several nights after the first attack. Use a cool mist vaporizer if your child has a fever because warm moist air can raise body temperature. Clean the vaporizer after each use.
  
• Purchase a humidifier for your furnace if croup is a recurring problem. Change the filter often.
  

• Try not to panic. While wheezing and barking sounds are frightening, remaining calm will lessen your child’s fear and anxiety.
  
  
  
  • Hold your child to comfort him or her. Helping your child to relax may help stop the windpipe from constricting and make breathing easier.
    
  
  
• Use a hot bath or shower to help relieve the congestion:
  
  
  
  • Take your child to the bathroom and close the door.
    
  • Turn on the hot water in the sink and shower to fill the room with steam.
    
  • Do not put your child in the shower. Instead, sit your child on the toilet or a chair, but not on the floor. Try reading a book to your child to pass the time and ease any fears.
    
  • Open the window to let in cool air. This helps to create more steam.
    
  • Allow a good 15 minutes for the steam to ease the symptoms. If the symptoms continue, carry your child out-of-doors to breathe the cold night air. If this doesn’t ease the breathing difficulties, seek emergency care.
    
  
  
• Use a vaporizer in your child’s room. Cold-mist vaporizers are preferred because they give off cool air and avoid the risk of scalding with hot water.
  
• Clean the vaporizer after each use.
  
  
  
  • Make a “croup tent” by placing the vaporizer under the crib or bed. Drape a blanket over the crib near the child’s head, or over an umbrella if your child now sleeps in a bed, to trap the steam. Never leave your child alone while he or she is in a croup tent. Stay awake to monitor your child.
    
  
  
• Crying is a good sign. It means that your child’s symptoms are subsiding. A crying child is able to breathe.
  

Questions to Ask

Is your child’s breathing very labored and is your child unable to swallow?
Is your child drooling, breathing through the mouth, sticking out the chin and gasping for air?
Are your child’s lips and nails turning blue or dark?
If you child is making a sound like a barking seal and finding it hard to breathe have you used steam for more than 15 minutes and taken your child outside in the cold night air for 15 minutes without getting relief for your child’s symptoms?
Is your child making a sound like a barking seal?

Phytolaccaceae

Names: Pokeweed.

Habitat: N. America

Collection: The root should be unearthed in the late autumn or spring.Clean it and split lengthwise before drying.

Part Used: Root.

Constituents: * Triterpenoid saponins; the phytolaccosides A, B, C, D& E. Based on the

aglycones phytolaccagenin and phytolaccicacid

* Lectins; mixture known as `pokeweed mitogen’, consisting of a series ofglycoproteins

Actions: Anti-rheumatic, stimulant, anti-catarrhal, purgative,emetic.

Indications: Poke Root has a wide range of used and is a valuableaddition to many holistic treatments. It may be seen primarily as a remedy foruse in infection of the upper respiratory tract, removing catarrh and aidingthe cleansing of the lymphatic glands. It may be used for catarrh,tonsillitis, laryngitis, swollen glands, mumps. Itwill be found of value in lymphatic problems elsewhere in the body andespecially for mastitis, where it can be used internally and as apoultice. Poke Root also has a use in rheumatism, especially where it islong standing. Care must be taken with this herb as in large dosage it ispowerfully emetic and purgative. Externally as a lotion or ointment it may beused to rid the skin of scabies and other pests.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a “stimulating and relaxingalterative: promotes the removal of catabolic wastes and the products of fattydegeneration. Specific for skeletal congestions, and for serous and glandulartissues.” They give the following specific indications: Chronicrheumatism and arthritis, neuralgia and lumbago.Tonsillitis and parotitis, mastitis, ovaritis,orchitis. Enlarged thyroid and lymphatics.

Ellingwood considered its most direct actions in “inflammation ofglandular structures, especially of the lymphatic glands. Pains of a rheumaticcharacter from deficient catabolism are relieved by it. It is directlyindicated in irritation, inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes inrheumatic subjects, sanious ulcers, scabies, tinea capitis, psoriasis and allskin diseases. It is especially valuable in the squamous variety of skindiseases” In addition he recommends it for the following patholgies:inflammations of the throat, forms of diphtheria, goitre, adenitis,mastitis, glandular and skin disorders, syphilitic disorders, varicoseulcers, psoriasis, dermal abscesses, fissures, boils, carbuncles. Membranousand spasmodic croup.

CAUTION: In large doses Poke Root is a powerful emetic and purgative.

Combinations: For lymphatic problems it may be used with Cleavers orBlue Flag.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: only small amounts of this herbshould be used. Put l/4 teaspoonful of the root in a cup of water, bring to aboil and simmer gently for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times aday. Tincture: take l/4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Aristolochiaceae

Names: Senega Snake Root

Habitat: USA

Collection:

Part Used: Rhizome.

Constituents:

• Triterpenoid saponins based on the aglyuconespresenegenin,
  senegenin, hydroxysenegin, polygalacic acid and senegenic acid.
  
• Phenolic acids; p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, p-methoxycinnamic.
  
• Polygalitol, a sorbitol derivative
  
• Miscellaneous; methyl salicylate, sterols, fats.

Actions: Expectorant, diaphoretic, sialogogue, emetic.

Indications: Snake Root comes to us from the Seneca nation
of Native Americans, who used it for a range of problems including
snake bites. It has excellent expectorant effects which may be
utilized in the treatment of bronchitic asthma, especially where
there is some difficulty with expectoration. It has a general power
of stimulating secretion, including saliva. It may be used as a
mouthwash and gargle in the treatment of pharyngitis and laryngitis.
If too much is taken it acts in a way that will irritate the lining
of the gut and cause vomiting.

A quote from Ellingwood will be highly suggestive of the
possibilities offered: ” The agent is indicated in typhoid
pneumonitis, capillary bronchitis, in aged and debilitated subjects,
chronic bronchitis with profuse secretion, in the declining stages
of pnuemonitis, bronchitis and croup, when the inflammatory condition
has passed off, chronic bronchitis with pain and soreness in the
chest and asthma. The agent is in use in the treatment of dropsy
from obstruction and glandular enlargement, also in rheumatism,
syphilis, squamous skin diseases and in amenorrhoea. In inflammation
of the eyelids and iritis it is beneficial. Snake Root has been
employed as a stimulating expectorant in chronic bronchitis, in
aged and debilitated subjects, where a stimulating medicine is
demanded and in the later stages of pneumonia and catarrhal inflammation.
In these cases, given in small doses, it improves secretion, removes
abnormal deposits and restores the strength. It is an energetic
stimulant to the mucous membranes of the air passages; and, when given
before the inflammation has subsided, aggravates the cough and
does harm. Given in small doses, it also acts as an alterative,
and may thus be given in dropsy from obstruction, in syphilis,
and in squamous skin diseases. In the treatment of chronic asthma
this is an efficient remedy.”

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling
water onto 1/2 teaspoonful of the dried root and leave to infuse
for 5-l0 minutes. Drink one cup three times a day. Tincture: take
1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Papaveraceae

Names : Red Root, Red Indian Paint, Tetterwort.

Habitat : N. America and Canada.

Collection : The rhizome is unearthed in early summer (May to June) or in autumn when the leaves have dried. It should be dried carefully in the shade.

Part Used : Dried rhizome

Constituents :

• Isoquinoline alkaloids, including sanguinarine (:1%), chelerythrine, sanguidaridine, oxysanguinaridine, sanguilutine, berberine, coptisine, chelilutine, protopine, sanguidimerine, sanguirubine, [[alpha]]-and [[beta]]-allocryptopine and others.
  

Indications : Blood root finds its main use in the treatment ofbronchitis. Whilst the stimulating properties show in its power as an emetic and expectorant, it demonstrates a relaxing action on the bronchial muscles. It thus has a role in the treatment of asthma, croup and also laryngitis. However, by far the most important contributionSanguinaria has to make is in chronic congestive conditions of the lungs including chronic bronchitis, emphysema andbronchiectasis. It acts as a stimulant in cases of deficient peripheral circulation. It may be used as a snuff in the treatment of nasal polypi.

Ellingwood considered it specific for “harsh, dry cough with relaxed tissues of the pharynx, larynx and bronchi, with a sense of constriction and constant irritation and uneasiness or tickling of the throat. “In addition he recommends it for the following pathologies : congestion of the lungs, bronchial coughs, stridulous laryngitis, membranous croup; externally for otitis media, indolentulcerative conditions, nasal catarrh, anal fissure, epithelioma, lupus.

King’s Dispensatory describes this herb as being specifically indicated in the following symptom picture: “Sensation of burning and itching of mucous membrane, especially of fauces, pharynx, Eustachian tubes and ears; less frequently of larynx, trachea, and bronchia, occasionally of stomach and rectum, and rarely of vagina and urethra. The mucous membrane looks red and irritable. Sometimes the redness will be of the end of the nose. Nervousness, redness of nose, with acrid discharge, burning and constriction in fauces of pharynx, with irritative cough and difficult respiration.”

Combinations : It combines well with Horehound and Elecampane for congestive complaints. In pharyngitis it combines well with Red Sage and a pinch of Cayenne.

Preparations & Dosage : Decoction: put l teaspoonful of the rhizomein a cup of cold water, bring to the boil and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Citations from the Medline database for the genus Sanguinaria

Blood RootFrankos VH Brusick DJ Johnson EM Maibach HI Munro I Squire RA Weil CSSafety of Sanguinaria extract as used in commercial toothpaste and oral rinse products.

J Can Dent Assoc (1990) 56(7 Suppl):41-7Hannah JJ Johnson JD Kuftinec MM Long-term clinical evaluation of toothpaste and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract in controlling plaque, gingival inflammation, and sulcularbleeding during orthodontic treatment.

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop (1989 Sep) 96(3):199-207Harkrader RJ Reinhart PC Rogers JA Jones RR Wylie RE 2d Lowe BK McEvoy RMThe history, chemistry and pharmacokinetics of Sanguinaria extract.

J Can Dent Assoc (1990) 56(7 Suppl):7-12Harper DS Mueller LJ Fine JB Gordon J Laster LL Effect of 6 months use of a dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract and zinc chloride upon the microflora of the dental plaque and oral soft tissues.

J Periodontol (1990 Jun) 61(6):359-63Harper DS Mueller LJ Fine JB Gordon J Laster LL Clinical efficacy of a dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract and zinc chloride during 6 months of use.

J Periodontol (1990 Jun) 61(6):352-8Karjalainen K Kaivosoja S Seppa S Knuuttila M Effects of sanguinaria extract on leucocytes and fibroblasts.

Proc Finn Dent Soc (1988) 84(3):161-5Kopczyk RA Abrams H Brown AT Matheny JL Kaplan AL Clinical and microbiological effects of a sanguinaria-containing mouthrinse and dentifrice with and without fluoride during 6 months of use.

J Periodontol (1991 Oct) 62(10):617-22Kuftinec MM Mueller-Joseph LJ Kopczyk RA Sanguinaria toothpaste and oral rinse regimen clinical efficacy in short-and long-term trials.

J Can Dent Assoc (1990) 56(7 Suppl):31-3Laster LL Lobene RR New perspectives on Sanguinaria clinicals: individual toothpaste and oralrinse testing.

J Can Dent Assoc (1990) 56(7 Suppl):19-30Lobene RR Soparkar PM Newman MB The effects of a sanguinaria dentrifice on plaque and gingivitis.

Compend Contin Educ Dent (1986) Suppl 7:S185-8Mallatt ME Beiswanger BB Drook CA Stookey GK
Jackson RD Bricker SL Clinical effect of a sanguinaria dentifrice on plaque and gingivitis in adults.

J Periodontol (1989 Feb) 60(2):91-5Miller RA McIver JE Gunsolley JC Effects of sanguinaria extract on plaque retention and gingivalhealth.

J Clin Orthod (1988 May) 22(5):304-7Nikiforuk G The Sanguinaria story–an update and new perspectives (overview of theToronto symposium).

J Can Dent Assoc (1990) 56(7 Suppl):5-6Parsons LG Thomas LG Southard GL Woodall IR Jones BJ Effect of sanguinaria extract on established plaque and gingivitis when supragingivally delivered as a manual rinse or under pressure in an oralirrigator.

J Clin Periodontol (1987 Aug) 14(7):381-5Schwartz HG Safety profile of sanguinarine and sanguinaria extract.

Compend
Contin Educ Dent (1986) Suppl 7:S212-7Southard GL Harkrader RJ Greene JA Efficacy and compatibility of a toothpaste containing sanguinaria extract and fluoride.

Compend Contin Educ Dent (1986) Suppl 7:S189-92Southard GL Parsons LG Thomas LG Woodall IR Jones BJ Effect of sanguinaria extract on development of plaque and gingivitis when supragingivally delivered as a manual rinse or under
pressure in an oralirrigator [published erratum appears in J Clin Periodontol 1988Jan;15(1):83]

J Clin Periodontol (1987 Aug) 14(7):377-80Walker C Effects of sanguinarine and Sanguinaria extract on the microbiota associated with the oral cavity.

J Can Dent Assoc (1990) 56(7 Suppl):13-30

Caprifoliaceae

Names: Black Elder, European Elder.

Habitat: Europe and the British Isles, commonly growing in hedges.

Collection: The flowers are collected in spring and early summer and dried as rapidly as possible in the shade. The bark and berries are best collected in August and September.

Part Used: Bark, flowers,
berries, leaves.

Constituents: Flowers

• Triterpenes including ursolic acid, 30-[[beta]]-hydroxyursolic acid, oleanolic acid, [[alpha]]- and[[beta]]-amyrin and free and esterified sterols

• Fixed oil, containing free fatty acids; mainly linoleic, linolenic &palmitic acids, alkanes

• Flavonoids, including rutin, quercitin and kaempferol etc

• Miscellaneous; phenolic acids, e.g. chlorogenic acid, pectin,
  sugars etc. Leaves

• Triterpenes similar to those found in the flowers

• Cyanogenetic glycosides, e.g. sambunigrin

• Flavonoids inchuding rutin and quercitin

• Miscellaneous, fatty acids, alkanes, tannins. The bark contains phytohaemagglutinins.
  

Indications: The Elder tree is a medicine chest by itself! The leaves are used for bruises, sprains, wounds and chilblains. It has been reported that Elder Leaves may be useful in anointment for tumours. Elder Flowers are ideal for the treatment of
colds and influenza. They are indicated in any catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract such as hayfever and sinusitis. Catarrhal deafness responds well to Elder Flowers. Elder Berries have similar properties to the Flowers with the addition of their usefulness in rheumatism.

Priest & Priest tell say it is a “mild diffusive &relaxing diaphoretic with alterative properties,
indicated for children subject to frequent febrile reactions. Relaxing to the eliminative organs, soothing tothe nervous system and gently laxative.” The indications are: Colds & `flu with dry, hot skin; chronic nasal catarrh or sinusitis; dry coryza; spasmodic croup; weakening nightsweats; skin eruptions from metabolic disturbance; eczema; dermatitis.

Kings’
Dispensatory describes the uses of a related species S.canadensis thus: “In warm infusion, Elder Flowers are diaphoretic &gently stimulant; in cold infusion they are diuretic, alterative & cooling, & may be used in all diseases requiring such action, as in hepatic derangements of children, erysipelas. The expressed juice of the berries evaporated to the consistence of a syrup is a valuable aperient and alterative;
l ounce of it will purge. An infusion of the young leaf-buds is likewise purgative, and sometimes acts with violence. The flowers and expressed juice of the berries have been beneficially employed in scrofula, cutaneous diseases, syphilis, rheumatism. The inner greenbark is cathartic; and infusion of it in wine or cider, or the expressed juice, will purge moderately, in doses of from l/2 to l fluid ounce; large doses produce
emesis; in small ones, it proves an efficient deobstruent, promoting all the fluid secretions, and is much used in dropsy, especially that following scarlatina, and other febrile and exanthematous diseases, as well as in many chronic diseases.”

Combinations: For colds and fevers it may be used with Peppermint, Yarrow or Hyssop. For influenza combine it with Boneset. For catarrhal states mix it with Golden Rod.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: 1 cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried or fresh blossoms and infuse for l0 minutes. Drinkhot 3 times a day. Juice: boil fresh berries in water for 2 to 3 minutes, thenexpress the juice. To preserve, bring to the boil with l part honey to l0 parts of juice. Take l glass diluted with hot water twice a day. Ointment: take 3 parts of fresh Elder Leaves and heat them with 6 parts of melted vaseline until
the leaves are crisp. Strain and store. Tincture: take 2-4ml of the tincture (made from the flowers) three times a day.