Labiatae

Names: Common Thyme, Garden Thyme

Habitat: Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean region,
and cultivated widely..

Collection: The flowering branches should be collected
between June and August on a dry sunny day. The leaves are stripped
off the dried branches.

Part Used: Leaves and flowering tops.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, of highly variable composition; the major constituent
  is thymol, with lesser amounts of carvacrol, with l, 8-cineole,
  borneol, geraniol, linalool, bornyl and linalyl acetate, thymol
  methyl etherand [[alpha]]-pinene.
  
• Flavonoids; apigenin, luteolin, thymonin, naringenin and others
  
• Miscellaneous; labiatic acid, caffeic acid, tannins etc.

Actions: Carminative, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic,
expectorant, astringent, anthelmintic.

Indications: With its high content of volatile oil, Thyme
makes a good carminative for use in dyspepsia and sluggish
digestion. This oil is also a strongly antiseptic substance,
which explains many of Thyme’s uses. It can be used externally
as a lotion for infected wounds, but also internally for
respiratory and digestive infections. It may be use as a gargle in
laryngitis and tonsillitis, easing sore throats
and soothing irritable coughs. It is an excellent cough
remedy, producing expectoration and reducing unnecessary spasm.
It may be used in bronchitis, whooping cough and
asthma. As a gentle astringent it has found use in childhood
diarrhea and bed wetting.

Kings’ Dispensatory describes it thus: “Thyme is tonic,
carminative emmenagogue and anti-spasmodic. The cold infusion is
useful in dyspepsia, with weak and irritable stomach and
as a stimulating tonic in convalescence from exhausting
diseases. The warm infusion is beneficial in hysteria, dysmenorrhea,
flatulence, colic, headache, and to promote
perspiration. Occasionally the leaves have been used externally,
in fomentation. The oil is valuable as a local application to neuralgic
and rheumatic pains; and, internally, to fulfill any of the
indications for which the plant is used. Dose of the infusion,
from 1 to 3 fluid ounces; of the oil, from 2 to 10 drops on sugar,
or in emulsion. Thyme, skullcap and rue of each 2 ounces; peony
and black cohosh, of each, 1 ounce; macerated for 14 days in diluted
alcohol, and then filtered, forms a good preparation for nervous
and spasmodic diseases of children. It may be given in teaspoonful
doses to a child 3 years old, repeating it 3 or 4 times a day,
sweetening and diluting it, if desired. A strong infusion of the
Thymusserpyllus, slightly sweetened and mixed with gum
Arabic, is stated by M. Joset to be a valuable remedy for whooping-cough,
convulsive and catarrhal coughs and stridulous sore throat,
the favorable result occurring at the end of a very few days. It
may be taken ad libitum.”

Combinations: For asthmatic problems it will combine well
with Lobelia and Ephedra, adding its anti-microbial effect. For
whooping cough use it with Wild Cherry and Sundew.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling
water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and let infuse for
l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take
2-4ml of the tincture three times a day

Labiatae

Habitat:A common wild or garden plant, in America, Britain, France andGermany.

Collection: The stems should be gathered just before flowering inJuly.

Part Used: Aerial parts.

Constituents: * Volatile oil, consisting mainly of pulegone,isopulegone, menthol, isomenthone,

limonene, piperitone, neomenthol

* Miscellaneous; bitters and tannins.

Actions: Carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, emmenagogue.

Indications: With its richly aromatic volatile oil, Pennyroyal willease flatulence and abdominal colic due to wind. It will relax spasmodic pain and ease anxiety. However, its main use is as an emmenagogue to stimulate themenstrual process and to strengthen uterine contractions. As it has been usedin large doses as an abortifacient, it should be avoided during pregnancy. Theoil should be avoided as it can act far too strongly.

CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water ontol-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried leaves and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. Thisshould be drunk three times a day.

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

Part Used: Aerial parts.

Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and acharacteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present.Pharmacologically important constituents include an essential oil containingmenthol, menthone and menthyl acetate as the major components, flavonoids.

Actions: Carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aromatic,diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-microbial, analgesic.

Indications: Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxingeffect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence andstimulates bile and digestive juice flow. It is used to relieve intestinalcolic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions. The volatileoil acts as a mild anaesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings ofnausea and the desire to vomit. It helps to relieve thenausea & vomiting of pregnancy and travel sickness.Peppermint can play a role in the treatment of ulcerative conditions of thebowels. It is a traditional treatment of fevers, colds andinfluenza. As an inhalant it is used as temporary relief for nasalcatarrh. Where headaches are associated with digestion, Peppermintmay help. As a nervine it eases anxiety and tension. In painfulperiods, it relieves the pain and eases associated tension. Externally it isused to relieve itching and inflammations.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto aheaped teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. Thismay be drunk as often as desired. Tincture: l-2ml three times a day.

Rutaceae

Names: Tootheache Tree

Habitat: Canada and the USA.

Collection: The berries are collected in late summer and the bark isstripped from the stems of this shrub in the spring.

Part Used: The bark and berries.

Constituents: Bark: * Alkaloids: [[gamma]]-fagarine, [[beta]]-fagarine(-skimmianine), magnoflorine, laurifoline, nitidine, chelerythrine,tambetarine and candicine

* Coumarins: xanthyletin, zanthoxyletin, alloxanthyletin

* Resin, tannin, volatile oil.

Actions: Stimulant (circulatory), tonic, alterative, carminative,diaphoretic, anti-rheumatic, hepatic.

Indications: Prickly Ash may be used in a way that is similar toCayenne, although it is slower in action. It is used in many chronic problemssuch a rheumatism and skin diseases. Any sign of poor circulationcalls for the use of this herb, such as chilblains, cramp in theleg, varicose veins and varicose ulcers. Externally it may beused as a stimulation liniment for rheumatism and fibrositis. Dueto its stimulating effect upon the lymphatic system, circulation and mucousmembranes, it will have a role in the holistic treatment of many specificconditions.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is “positive diffusive stimulant -induces free arterial/capillary circulation, restores vascular tone. It is ageneral stimulant for relaxed and feeble conditions and atonic digestivestates. An excellent tonic and alterative for convalescence and the elderly.”They give the following specific indications: chronic rheumaticconditions; neurasthenia and poor circulation; gastricdistension, eructations and flatulence; loss of sensitivityin injured nerves.

Ellingwood considered it specific for “lack of tone in the nervoussystem, a general torpidity with sluggish circulation. Also in enervation andrelaxation of mucous membranes, with imperfect circulation, or hypersecretion.It is thus valuable in catarrhal conditions of any mucous surface, as itrestores the tone and normal functional activity.”

King’s Dispensatory gives these specific indications: “(in the smallerdoses) in hypersecretion from debility and relaxation of mucous tissues;atonicity of the nervous system (larger doses); in capillary engorgement in theexanthemata, sluggish circulation, tympanites in bowel complaints, intestinaland gastric torpor (with deficient secretion), dryness of the mucous membraneof mouth and fauces (with glazed, glossy surfaces), flatulent colic, asiaticcholera, uterine cramps, and neuralgia. For the painful bowel disorders, thepreperations of the berries are to be preferred.

Combinations: May be used in many different situations.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water ontol-2 teaspoonfuls of the bark and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should bedrunk three times a day. Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times aday.

Although the carminative action is directly upon the intestinal tract, this leads to a more generalized effect on body systems. For example, carminatives may occasionally ease apparent heart symptoms through removing the pressure of flatulence and digestive pain.

Herbal Carminatives

Angelica

Aniseed

Balm

Caraway

Cardamom

Celery Seed

Chamomile

Cinnamon

Dill

Eucalyptus

Fennel

Garlic

Ginger

Hops

Motherwort

Mustard

Parsley

Pennyroyal

Peppermint

Sage

Thyme

Valerian

Wintergreen

Wormwood

Carminatives that are also Alternative : Garlic

Carminatives that are also Anti-Catarrhal : Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme

Carminatives that are also Anti-Inflammatory : Angelica, Balm, Celery Seed, Chamomile, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Wormwood

Carminatives that are also Anti-Microbial : Aniseed, Chamomile, EucalypTus, Garlic, Hops, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme, Wormwood

Carminatives that are also Anti-Spasmodic : Angelica, Aniseed, Balm, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Motherwort, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme, Valerian, Wormwood

Carminatives that are also Astringent : Caraway, Cinnamon, Hops, Sage, Thyme, Wintergreen

Carminatives that are also Bitter : Chamomile, Hops, Wormwood

Carminatives that are also Cholagogue : Garlic, Wormwood

Carminatives that are also Demulcent :

Carminatives that are also Diaphoretic : Angelica, Balm, Garlic, Ginger, Pennyroyal, Peppermint

Carminatives that are also Diuretic : Angelica, Celery Seed, Juniper, Mustard, Parsley, Wintergreen

Carminatives that are also Emmenagogue : Caraway, Motherwort, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Wintergreen

Carminatives that are also Expectorant : Angelica, Aniseed, Caraway, Eucalyptus, Parsley, Thyme

Carminatives that are also Galactogogue : Caraway, Dill, Eucalyptus, Wintergreen

Carminatives that are also Hypotensive : Balm, Garlic, Valerian

Carminatives that are also Laxative :

Carminatives that are also Nervine : Balm, Celery Seed, Chamomile, Hops, Motherwort, Peppermint, Valerian

Carminatives that are also Rubifacient : Eucalyptus, Garlic, Mustard, Parsley

Carminatives that are also Tonic : Chamomile, Garlic, Wormwood

Carminatives that are also Vulnerary : Chamomile

Try the the above and see how carminatives can soothe your gut

Labiatae

Names: Catnip, Catnep.

Habitat: A common European herb, cultivated in Britain and theUSA.

Collection: The leaves and flowering tops are collected between June and September.

Part Used: Leaves and flowering tops.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, carvacrol, citronellal, nerol,
  geraniol, pulegone, thymol and nepetalic acid.

• Iridoids, including epideoxyloganic acid and 7- deoxyloganic acid.

• Tannins.
  

Indications: Catnip is one of the traditional cold and flu remedies. It is a useful diaphoretic helpful in any feverish condition, especially acute bronchitis. As a carminative with anti-spasmodic properties, Catmint
eases any stomach upsets, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic. It is a perfect remedy for the treatment of diarrhoea in children. Its sedative action on the nerves adds to its generally relaxing properties.

Combinations: May be used with Boneset, Elder, Yarrow or Cayenne in colds.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Citations from the Medline database for the genus Nepeta

CatnipHarney JW Barofsky IM Leary JD Behavioral and toxicological studies of cyclopentanoid monoterpenes from Nepeta cataria.

Lloydia (1978 Jul-Aug) 41(4):367-74Hatch RC Effect
of drugs on catnip (Nepeta cataria)-induced pleasure behavior in cats.

Am J Vet Res (1972 Jan) 33(1):143-55Sherry CJ Hunter PS The effect of an ethanol extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) on the behavior of the young chick.

Experientia (1979 Feb 15) 35(2):237-8

Solanaceae

Names: Capsicum, Chili or Chili Pepper, Hot Pepper, Tabasco Pepper.

Habitat: Tropical America and Africa and widely cultivated.

Collection: The fruit should be harvested when fully ripe and dried in the shade.


Part Used: The fruit.

Constituents:

• Capsaicin.

• Carotenoids; capsanthin, capsorubin, carotene.

• Steroidal saponins known as capsicidins, in seed and root.
  

Indications: Cayenne is the most useful of the systemic stimulants. Its timulates blood flow, strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves. A general tonic, it is also specific for both circulatory and digestive system. It may be used in flatulent dyspepsia and colic. If there is insufficient peripheral circulation, leading to cold hands and feet and possibly chilblains, Cayenne may be used, also for debility and for warding off colds. Externally it is used as a rubefacient in problems like lumbago and rheumatic pains. As an ointment it helps unbroken chilblains, as long as it is used in moderation! As a gargle in laryngitis it combines well with Myrrh. This combination is also a good antiseptic wash.

King’s Dispensatory describes it thus: Capsicum is a pure, energetic, permanent stimulant, producing in large doses vomiting, purging, pains in the stomach and bowels, heat and inflammation of the stomach, giddiness, a species of intoxication and an enfeebled condition of the nervous power. The infusionis much used in colds, catarrh, hoarseness, etc. In atonicdyspepsia and catarrhal gastritis it stimulates the nerves of the stomach, promotes the secretion of the digestive juices, and assists peristaltic motion. As an internal remedy some have advanced the theory that it is destroyed during digestion. Perhaps, when ingested with food, this may be partially true, but, if so, how do we account for its remarkable activity in sustaining the nervous system when given in delirium tremens and the power it has in steadying the patient and promoting sound sleep? That its effects are partly due to its stimulating action upon the gastric membranes is unquestionable, but its entire effects can not be due to this cause alone. The same may be said of its action in congestive intermittent and remittent fevers. Some thought to attribute its action in congestive chill to its effect upon the solar plexus. It forms an excellent addition to quinine in intermittents, where there is a deficiency of gastric susceptibility and it has been asserted that but 1/2 the quinine will be needed when combined with Capsicum.

Capsicum meets the debility of young and old, but is particularly useful in the elderly, when the body-heat is low, vitality depressed and reaction sluggish. Tired, painful muscles, stiffened joints and relaxation of any part are common conditions in the elderly that are, in a measure, rectified by Capsicum. Homeopathists suggest its use in pneumonia when abscesses threaten. Flatulence in dyspeptic states may be dispelled by capsicum.

Externally, the infusion and tincture have been found valuable as astimulating gargle in the ulcerated throat of scarlatina; also as a counter-irritant, as an application to indolent ulcers, in chronic ophthalmia and in chronic or indolent ulceration of the cornea. If usedearly in tonsillitis, with relaxation, it may abort the trouble, but ifit does not, its use should be discontinued until the active inflammation has subsided. Hoarseness, from atony of the vocal cords, is relieved by it, and it is a remedy for relaxed uvula. It enters into various tinctures and linaments. The concentrated tincture of capsicum has been highly recommended in the treatment of chilblains and toothache. In the former, a piece of sponge of flannel must be saturated with it, and rubbed well over the seat of the chilblain, until a strong tingling and electrical feeling is produced.This application should be continued daily, until the disease is removed; relief will be experienced on the very first application and frequently there will be a total removal of the disease after the second or third application. This, however, will depend upon the severity of the case.

Powdered Capsicum, sprinkled inside the stockings, was a favorite prescription with Prof. Scudder for cold feet. This medicine possesses an extraordinary power in removing congestion by its action upon the nerves and circulation; if the skin is not broken.

Specific Indications and uses; – Marked depression and debility; atonic dyspepsia of drunkards; delirium tremens; colic, with abdominal distension; congestive chills; cold extremities, with blanched lips and small, weak pulse; congestion, with capillary atony; tongue dry and harsh, and buccal and salivary secretions scanty, in fevers; chronic haemorrhoids, from relaxation.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1/2-1 teaspoonful of Cayenne and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. A tablespoonful of this infusion should be mixed with hot water and drunk when needed.

Tincture: take 0.25-1 ml of the tincture three times a day or when needed.

Citations from the Medline database for the genus Capsicum

CayenneBuzzanca G Laterza S [Clinical trial with an antirheumatic ointment]

Clin Ter 1977 Oct 15;83(1):71-83 (Published in Italian)Coleridge HM Coleridge JC Luck JC Pulmonary afferent fibres of small diameter stimulated by capsaicin and byhyperinflation of the lungs.

J Physiol (Lond) 1965 Jul;179(2):248-62Collier HO McDonald-Gibson WJ Saeed SA Letter: Stimulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis by capsaicin, ethanol, andtyramine.

Lancet 1975 Mar 22;1(7908):702de Smet PA A multidisciplinary overview of intoxicating snuff rituals in the western hemisphere.

J Ethnopharmacol 1985 Mar;13(1):3-49Desai HG Venugopalan K Philipose M Zaveri MP Kalro RH Antia FP Effect of red chilli powder on gastric mucosal barrier and acidsecretion.

Indian J Med Res 1977 Sep;66(3):440-8Escobar CH [Relationship between habitual consumption of chile and the presence of submucous fibrosis]

Rev ADM 1988 Nov-Dec;45(6):369-72 (Published in Spanish)Gabor M Endrenyi F [Changes in capillary resistance in inflammation caused by red paprika (Capsicum annum L. Solanaceae)]

Orv Hetil 1970 Aug 2;111(31):1818-9 (Published in Hungarian)Gill E [Percutaneous treatment of functional and organic cardialgia]

Med Welt 1974 Dec 13;25(50):2127-9 (Published in German)Glatzel H [Treatment of dyspeptic disorders with spice extracts]

Hippokrates 1969 Dec 15;40(23):916-9 (Published in German)Glatzel H [Blood circulation effectiveness of natural spices]

Med Klin 1967 Dec 22;62(51):1987-9 (Published in German)Glatzel H [Spice therapy of dyspeptic disorders. Experiences with a combination of spice extracts]

Z Allgemeinmed 1973 Oct 31;49(30):1456-60 (Published in German)Glatzel H Hackenberg K [Radiologic studies on the effect of capsicum spice and mustard on the motility and secretion of the digestive tract]

Dtsch Z Verdau Stoffwechselkr 1966 Dec;26(3):113-21(Published in German)Glatzel H Ruberg-Schweer M [Modification of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis by common spices]

Med Klin 1967 Jul 14;62(28):1086-8 (Published in German)Glatzel H Ruberg-Schweer M Regional influence on cutaneous blood flow effected by oral spice intake.

Nutr Dieta Eur Rev Nutr Diet 1968;10(3):194-214Govindarajan VS Capsicum–production, technology, chemistry, and quality. Part III.Chemistry of the color, aroma, and pungency stimuli.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1986;24(3):245-355Hartwell JL Plants used against cancer. A survey.

Lloydia 1971 Jun;34(2):204-55Henkin R Cooling the burn from hot peppers.

JAMA 1991 Nov 20;266(19):2766Henry CJ Emery B Effect of spiced food on metabolic rate.

Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 1986 Mar;40(2):165-8Horowitz M Wishart J Maddox A Russo A The effect of chilli on gastrointestinal transit.

J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1992 Jan-Feb;7(1):52-6Hot peppers and substance P [editorial]Lancet 1983 May 28;1(8335):1198Jancso N Jancso-Gabor A Szolcsanyi J Direct evidence for neurogenic inflammation and its prevention bydenervation and by pretreatment with capsaicin.

Br J Pharmacol 1967 Sep;31(1):138-51Johnson LP Girma B Zenabett HL Wondemu M Worku S The effect of red pepper on gastric secretion in Ethiopia.

Ethiop Med J 1978 Jul;16(3):111-3 Ketusinh O Dhorranintra B Juengjaroen K Influence of capsicum solution on gastric acidities. A preliminary report.

Am J Proctol 1966 Dec;17(6):511-5Klemm C [Clinical experiences with an anti-rheumatic ointment treatment (Exrheudon-ointment)]

Z Allgemeinmed 1973 Aug 10;49(22):1049-52 (Published in German)Kumar N Vij JC Sarin SK Anand BS Do chillies influence healing of duodenal ulcer?

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1984 Jun 16;288(6433):1803-4Lawless H Stevens DA Effects of oral chemical irritation on taste.

Physiol Behav 1984 Jun;32(6):995-8Lembeck F Columbus, Capsicum and capsaicin: past, present and future.

Acta Physiol Hung 1987;69(3-4):265-73Makara GB Stark E Mihaly K Sites at which formalin and capsaicin act to stimulate corticotropin secretion.

Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1967 Jul;45(4):669-74Meyer-Bahlburg HF Pilot studies on stimulant effects of capsicum spices.

Nutr Metab 1972;14(4):245-54Myers
BM Smith JL Graham DY Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach.

Am J Gastroenterol 1987 Mar;82(3):211-4Ogston D Nutritional influences on the fibrinolytic system.

Proc Nutr Soc 1985 Sep;44(3):379-84Rozin P Ebert L Schull J Some like it hot: a temporal analysis of hedonic responses to chilipepper.

Appetite 1982 Mar;3(1):13-22Saber MS
Antimicrobial substances in certain members of Solanaceae. IV. Detection of active principles in pepper plant.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Parasitenkd Infektionskr Hyg 1976;131(2):110-2Solanke TF The effect of red pepper (Capsicum frutescens) on gastric acidsecretion.

J Surg Res 1973 Dec;15(6):385-90Sreenivasan VR Boese RA Identification of lachrymators.

J Forensic Sci 1970
Jul;15(3):433-42Viranuvatti V Kalayasiri C Chearani O Plengvanit U Effects of capsicum solution on human gastric mucosa as observed gastroscopically.

Am J Gastroenterol 1972 Sep;58(3):225-32Visudhiphan S Poolsuppasit S Piboonnukarintr O Tumliang S The relationship between high fibrinolytic activity and daily capsicum ingestion in Thais.

Am J Clin Nutr 1982 Jun;35(6):1452-8
Wasantapruek S Poolsuppasit S Pibolnukarintr O Letter: Enhanced fibriolytic activity after capsicum ingestion.

N Engl J Med 1974 May 30;290(22):1259-60Webb-Peploe MM Brender D Shepherd JT Vascular responses to stimulation of receptors in muscle by capsaicin.

Am J Physiol 1972 Jan;222(1):189-95

Parts Used : Seeds.

Collection : The seeds should be
collected when fully ripe, that is when they have turned brown. They should be spread out to dry, not in artificial heat.

Constituents :

• Volatile oil, consisting mainly of carvone with dihydrocarvone, limonene, a- and
  b-phellandrene, eugenol, anethole, myristicin, carveole, x-pinene.
  
• Flavonoids: kaempferol and its blucuronide,
  vicenin.
  
• Coumarins such as scopoletin, esculetin, bergapten, umbelliferone.
  
• Xanthone derivatives such as dillanoside
  
• 
  Miscellaneous; triterpenes, phenolic acids, protein, fixed oil.

Actions : Carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic,
anti-inflammatory, galactogogue.

Indications : Dill is an excellent remedy for flatulence and the colic that is sometimes
associated with it. This is the herb of choice in the colic of children. It will stimulate the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Chewing the seeds
will help clear bad breath.

King’s Dispensatory describes it thus: Carminative and stomachic and used in the preparation
of dill-water. The natives of India use the fruit largely in medicine and cookery. Flatulent colic and singultus, when due to disordered digestion,
are relieved by the administration of dill-water or the oil of dill; the former in 1 or 2 drachm doses, the latter in from 2 to 5 drop dosses on sugar.
It possesses no advantages over the other aromatic seeds.

Preparation and dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling
water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the gently crushed seeds and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. For the treatment of flatulence take a cup before meals.
Tincture: take 1-2 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.