The Naturopathic Herbalist
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Centaurea (Cineraria) maritima
Centaurea (Cineraria) maritima Common name: Dusty Miller Family: Asteraceae Part used: Leaf Constituents: Unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, sesquiterpene lactones Actions: Anti-cataract Medical uses: Cataract (topically) Pharmacy: TOPICAL USE ONLY Contraindications: Internal Use Toxicity: Contains hepatotoxic alkaloids. Interactions: Theoretically should not … Continue reading
Apium graveolens
Apium graveolens Common name: Celery seed, Wild celery Family: Apiaceae Part used: Fruit (seeds) & root Constituents: Volatile oil (limonene, selenine & phthalide compounds including phtalidglycosides) Flavonoids (apigenin, apiin, luteolin, chrysoeriol & quercitin) Furanocoumarins Fatty … Continue reading
Capsicum frutescens/annuum
Capsicum frutescens/annuum Common name: Cayenne, chilli pepper Family: Solanaceae Parts used: Fruit Constituents: Capsaicinoids (capsaicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, & nordihydrocapsaicin) Carotenoids & Tocopherols Steroidal saponins (capsicidins) Medicinal actions: Analgesic Antimicrobial Antioxidant Cardiac Tonic Carminative & Antispasmodic Circulatory stimulant Diaphoretic Rubefacient (counter-irritant) Medicinal use: One of … Continue reading
Ricinus communis
Ricinus communis Common name: Castor bean Family: Euphorbiaceae Parts used: Seeds, leaves, young seedlings Constituents: Ricinoleic acid, fixed oils, ricin (toxalbumin), ricinine Medicinal actions: Laxative, anti-inflammatory Medicinal use: Ricinus has both internal and external application. Internally, Ricinus is used as a purgative agent. The seeds are … Continue reading
Eschscholzia californica
Eschscholzia californica Common name: California poppy Family: Papaveraceae Parts used: Aerial parts Constituents: Isoquinoline alkaloids (californidine, eschscholtzine), flavone glycosides (rutin) Medicinal actions: Nervous system relaxant, sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, bitter, diuretic, antispasmodic Medicinal use: This herb has hypnotic effects similar to those of opium poppy … Continue reading
Rhamnus purshiana/frangula
Rhamnus purshiana/frangula Common name: Cascara sagrada, Buckthorn Family: Rhamnaceae Parts used: Bark, collected in the spring and early summer when it is easily peeled from the wood. The bark is stored for at least one year (up to 3) in order to allow for the consitituents that would otherwise cause griping to decompose. The collected bark … Continue reading
Bryonia alba/diocia
Bryonia alba/diocia Common name: White bryony Family: Curcurbitaceae Part Used: Dried root Constituents: Cucurbitacins, alkaloids, polyhydroxy-unsaturated fatty acids, volatile oil, tannins, resin (poisonous). Medicinal actions: Adonyne, sedative, immuno-modulating, hypotensive, counter-irritant & rubifacient, diaphoretic, cathartic, emetic, anti-rheumatic, anti-tumor, anti-viral, expectorant Medicinal use: Bryonia is considered to possess toxic effects in relatively small doses, and is therefore infrequently used. It has a specific … Continue reading
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Eupatorium perfoliatum Common name: Boneset Family: Asteraceae Parts used: Whole herb Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones, polysaccharides, flavonoids, misc. Medicinal actions: Febrifuge, diaphoretic, tonic, laxative Medicinal uses: A stimulating, tonic anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic diaphoretic in conditions of catarrh such as bronchitis. One of the best remedies for the relief of the associated symptoms that accompany influenza (night sweats, aching bones). It … Continue reading
Iris versicolor
Iris versicolor Common name: Blue flag iris Family: Iridaceae Parts used: Rhizome Constituents: Volatile oil (furfural), iridin glycoside (irisin), acids (salicylic and isophthalic), tannins, oleo-resin, beta-sitosterols, triterpenoids Medicinal actions: Alterative, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, alterative, anti-emetic (low dose), lymphatic, hepatic, laxative, cathartic, diuretic, stimulant, choleretic, cholagogue, pancreatic bitter, dermatological agent Medicinal use: This remedy has a wide application in … Continue reading
Sanguinaria canadensis
Sanguinaria canadensis Common name: Bloodroot Family: Papaveraceae Part used: Rhizome Constituents: Benzophenanthridine alkaloids Medicinal actions: Expectorant, antimicrobial, anasethetic Medicinal use: Sanguinaria is indicated in chronic, congestive lung conditions. Pharmacy: Tincture (1:5), 2-5ml TID. Decoction: 1 tsp dried root/cup water; 1 cup TID. Toxicity: None reported.
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The Naturopathic Herbalist 