Diaphoretics Health Dictionary

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Diaphoretics: From 1 Different Sources

Herbs that induce increased perspiration. Diaphoresis is regarded as a process of internal cleansing. Toxic wastes are eliminated via the pores of the skin thus assisting kidney function. Widely used in feverish conditions to reduce a high temperature and to equalise the circulation. Of this large group, commonly used are: Balm (relaxing), Bayberry (mild), Boneset, Catnep (relaxing), Cayenne, Elderflowers, Ephedra, Galangal, Garlic, Ginger, Golden Rod, Hemlock Spruce, Holy Thistle, Lime flowers, Hyssop, Marigold, Peppermint, Pleurisy root, Prickly Ash bark, Queen’s Delight, Rosemary, Senega, Thyme, Vervain, Yarrow.

For a more profuse abundant sweating Sudorifics are employed: Red Sage, Boneset, Ginger, Angelica root, Virginia Snakeroot, Cayenne, Crawley root. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia

Bright’s Disease (acute)

Glomerulonephritis. Recognised by slight puffiness of the eyes and a dropsical accumulation of fluid in body cavities. Blood pressure rises. Appetite disappears. Digestion is deranged, urine may be blood-stained and a variety of symptoms present as dizziness, headache, nausea. Commonly caused by post streptococcal throat infection circulating in the blood, yet it is now known that the condition may arise from exposure to common garden insecticides and toxic substances of commercial importance that alter the body’s immune system and affect kidney function.

Acute toxic nephritis is possible in the convalescent stage of scarlet and other infectious fevers, even influenza. Causes are legion, including septic conditions in the ear, nose, throat, tonsils, teeth or elsewhere. Resistance to other infections will be low because of accumulation of toxins awaiting elimination. When protein escapes from the body through faulty kidneys general health suffers.

This condition should be treated by or in liaison with a qualified medical practitioner.

Treatment. Bedrest essential, with electric blanket or hot water bottle. Attention to bowels; a timely laxative also assists elimination of excessive fluid. Diuretics. Diaphoretics. Abundant drinks of bottled water or herb teas (3-5 pints daily). Alkaline drinks have a healing effect upon the kidneys. Juniper is never given for active inflammation.

Useful teas. Buchu, Cornsilk, Couchgrass, Clivers, Bearberry, Elderflowers, Marshmallow, Mullein, Marigold flowers, Wild Carrot, Yarrow.

Greece: traditional tea: equal parts, Agrimony, Bearberry, Couchgrass, Pellitory.

Powders. Equal parts: Dandelion, Cornsilk, Mullein. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half teaspoon) every 2 hours. In water or cup of Cornsilk tea.

Tinctures. Equal parts: Buchu, Elderflowers, Yarrow. Mix. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water or cup of Cornsilk tea, every two hours.

Topical. Hot poultices to small of the back; flannel or other suitable material saturated with an infusion of Elderflowers, Goldenrod, Horsetail or Yarrow. Herbal treatment offers a supportive role. ... bright’s disease (acute)

Cardiac

From the Greek pertaining to the heart. Cardio-vascular pertains to the heart and blood vessels.

Cardio-actives. Herbs exercising a direct action on the heart due to the cardiac glycosides they contain. They increase output by sustaining the heart muscle without a demand for more oxygen. This group includes: Motherwort, Hawthorn, Broom, Lily of the Valley, Figwort, Bugleweed, Squills.

Cardiac glycosides, especially those of the Foxglove (digitalis) which is administered by a physician only, tend to accumulate in the body and may prove toxic when their elimination is retarded. The most important cardio-active used by the Consulting Herbalist is Lily of the Valley which has an action similar to Foxglove but without toxic effect. It is a reliable alternative to Foxglove for failure of the heart with retention of water in the body.

Cardio-tonics. Herbalists use other plants that do not contain cardiac glycosides but which have an indirect effect upon the heart. These dilate arteries and peripheral vessels, speeding the circulation, reducing high blood pressure, relieving any back-pressure on the heart caused by accumulation of blood in the lungs. There are peripheral dilators to resolve any hold-up in the circulation and others that assist a failing heart by eliminating obstruction in the bowel (laxatives), liver and kidneys (hepatics and diuretics), skin (diaphoretics and alteratives, chief of which is Figwort). The heart also may feel the benefit of a timely relaxing nervine such as Skullcap or Lime flowers. Even treatment of varicose veins indirectly assists. All of these reduce the work-load of the muscle and tend to ‘normalise’ function of the heart. Cardio-tonics include Ephedra, Motherwort, Rosemary, Mistletoe, Hawthorn, Lime flowers, Cayenne, Yarrow, Garlic, Balm.

Bugleweed is often overlooked as a cardiac sedative to relax capillaries and soothe arterial excitement. ... cardiac

Colds

The common cold. A virus droplet infection of the air passages.

Symptoms: Red itching eyes, clear nasal discharge progressing to yellow and thick, slight sore throat, sneezing, mild fever, headache, blocked or running nose, malaise.

The alternative school of medicine believes a cold should not be suppressed with popular drugs of the day but allowed to run its course. That course may be dramatically reduced by use of herbs. A cold is sometimes an acute healing crisis in which Nature expels accumulated wastes and toxins. Diaphoretics promote sweating, aiding this process.

Alternatives. Teas may be made from any of the following: Elderflowers, Peppermint, Catmint, Bayberry, Boneset, White Horehound, Feverfew, St John’s Wort.

Alternatives. Formulae:– Equal parts:– (1) Elderflowers and Peppermint. (2) Yarrow and Peppermint. (3) White Horehound and Hyssop. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. 1 cup freely. A trace of Cayenne Pepper enhances potency and stimulates circulation.

Decoction. Prepared from Horseradish, Pleurisy root, Prickly Ash, Bayberry. Teaspoon, of any one, to two cups water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. Pinch of Cayenne enhances action.

Irish Moss. 1 teaspoon to 2 cups water simmered gently 20 minutes. Do not strain. Eat with a spoon with honey.

Powders. Composition. 1 teaspoon to cup of tea, or hot drink.

Powders. Formula. Bayberry bark 2; Ginger 1; Pleurisy root 1. Cayenne quarter. Sift. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Lobelia. Iceland Moss. Vitamin C. Feverfew.

Essence of Cinnamon. Popular traditional herbal expectorant to help relieve symptoms of cold and flu. Composition essence and Elderflowers and Peppermint. 2 teaspoons in hot water or cup of tea every 3 hours. Children less according to age.

Life Drops. See entry.

Practitioner. Colds with fever, cardiac excitability and distress out of all proportion to the infection: Tincture Gelsemium, 3-5 drops.

Laxative. A mild laxative may be advised (5-7 Senna pods, infused in cup of boiling water, or Senacot). A healthy bowel movement may cut short a cold by assisting elimination.

Aromatherapy. Few drops of any of the following antiseptic oils added to a bowl of boiling water, head covered with a towel, steam inhaled: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Marjoram, Thyme, Niaouli. Oil of Camphor is most effective, but as it antidotes all other medicaments, should be used alone. Oil of Scots Pine (5-10 drops) used in bath. Tiger Balm. Olbas oil.

Diet. 3-day fast; no solid food, herb teas and fruit juices only. Citrus fruits (Vitamin C) in abundance. Hot lemon and honey.

Supplementation. Daily. Vitamin A (7500iu), B-complex (50mg), C (3 grams at onset: 2 grams every 3 hours thereafter).

Prophylaxis, winter months. Daily: Vitamin C (Rose Hip, Acerola, etc), Echinacea. 2 Garlic capsules at night to build-up body’s resistance. ... colds

Croup

Laryngo-tracheo-bronchitis. Acute bacterial or viral inflammation of the respiratory tract. Spread by airborne infection.

Symptoms: difficult breathing. Breathing-in is noisy, spasmodic and prolonged. Effusion of a plastic-like material which coagulates to form a false membrane. Fretfulness. Symptoms of a ‘cold’ disappear but towards evening skin becomes hot, pulse rises, and a sense of anxiety takes over.

Laryngeal muscles are held in spasm, calling for antispasmodics. If the course of the disease has not been arrested on the third or fourth day a crisis is at hand and modern hospital treatment necessary. The condition is always worse at night. Treatment varies with each individual case. Stimulating diaphoretics induce gentle sweating, de-toxicate, and relieve tension on respiration.

Lobelia is unsurpassed as a croupal remedy and may be given alone either by infusion (tea) liquid extract or acid tincture. Given as a powder it works too slowly in a condition where speed saves lives.

While copious drinks of Catnep (Catmint) tea help, stronger medicines are indicated. Where resistance runs low, add Echinacea. Should any of these induce vomiting, it would be regarded as a favourable sign after which a measure of relief is felt.

Alternatives. Liquid extracts. Formula. Pleurisy root 2; Lobelia 1; Ginger half. Dose: one 5ml teaspoon in hot water every 2 hours. Infants: 10-30 drops.

Tinctures. Formula: Pleurisy root 2; Blue Cohosh 1; Lobelia 1. One to two 5ml teaspoons in hot water every 2 hours. Infants 10-20 drops.

Practitioner. Formula: 2 drops Tincture Belladonna BP 1980, 4 drops Tincture Ipecuanha BP 1973. Water to 2oz. One 5ml teaspoon in water every 15 minutes for 2 or 3 doses to enable child to sleep until morning; then once every hour or two for 3 days. Not to press medicines on children feeling comfortable. Inhalant. Friar’s Balsam. Steam kettle on hand. Or:–

Aromatherapy. Inhale. Drops. Thyme 1; Eucalyptus 2; Hyssop 1. In bowl of boiling water at the bedside at night or when necessary.

Drowsiness requires diffusive stimulants: Tinctures: Echinacea 2; Ginger quarter; Pleurisy root 1. One to two 5ml teaspoons in hot water every 2 hours; infants 5-20 drops according to age.

Collapse. When confronted with an ashen face, depression and collapse, powerful stimulants are necessary: tinctures – Formula. Prickly Ash bark 3; Blue Cohosh 2; Ginger 1. One 5ml teaspoon in hot water every 10 minutes; (infants 5-20 drops).

Topical. Relaxing oil. Ingredients: 3oz olive oil; half an ounce Liquid Extract or tincture Lobelia; Tincture Capsicum (Cayenne) 20 drops. Shake vigorously. Rub freely on throat, winding round a strip of suitable material wrung out in hot water. Cover with protective bandage or plastic film. Renew hot flannel every 10-15 minutes until paroxysms subside.

Poultice. Dissolve coffeespoon Cayenne powder or chillies in cup cider vinegar. Simmer gently 10 minutes. Strain. Saturate a piece of suitable material and wind round throat to relieve congested blood vessels.

Diet: No dairy foods which increase phlegm. No solid meals. Herb teas, vegetable and fruit juices only.

Steam kettle on hand, or Friar’s Balsam inhalation. See: FRIAR’S BALSAM. Regulate bowels. The condition is worsened in a dry hot atmosphere; reduce central heating to ensure adequate ventilation. Many a serious stridor and cough have been relieved by running some hot water into a bath or basin and sitting the child in a homemade Turkish bath.

Treatment by or in liaison with a general medical practitioner. ... croup

Dropsy, Renal

 Oedema. Hydrops. Not a disease but a condition. An abnormal accumulation of fluid in a body cavity or beneath the skin. Due to weakened walls of capillaries caused by circulating toxins obstructing the flow of blood or lymph. Gross oedema of nephrotic syndrome associated with low plasma protein level and high proteinuria.

Renal dropsy is worse in the early morning, with loose tissues under the eyes.

Treatment. When fluid rapidly collects it may have to be aspirated (drawn off) but before this stage is reached herbal diuretics and cardiac tonics have much to offer. In acute conditions, sweat glands should be stimulated by suitable diaphoretics to assist elimination of excess fluid through the skin. Attention to the bowels is important; a timely copious bowel action greatly assisting elimination. A well-known diuretic for dropsy is Juniper, 3 to 5 drops taken in honey 2 or 3 times daily.

Alternatives. Teas. (Simple infusions): Agrimony, Bearberry, Boldo, Boneset, Borage, Buchu, Celery seed, Clivers, Corn Silk, Dandelion leaves, Parsley leaves, Elderflowers, Bogbean, Heartsease, Lime flowers, Parsley Piert, Pellitory, Plantain, Sea Holly, Wild Carrot, Yarrow.

Decoctions. Broom tops, Lovage, Burdock root, Couchgrass, Dandelion root, Juniper berries, Blue Flag root.

Bean Cure (Phaseolus vulgaris). 1 tablespoon kidney (haricot) bean pods, sliced, in cup water simmered gently for 5 minutes. 1 cup morning and mid-day.

Sassafras root. An old Swedish colonist of the late 18th century related how his mother cured many cases of dropsy with a decoction of Sassafras root. (American Indian Medicine. Virgil Vogel, p.363) Of historic interest only, this root is no longer used in herbal practice.

Tablets/capsules. Buchu. Dandelion. Juniper. Celery. Garlic. Blue Flag.

Powders. Equal parts: Buchu, Dandelion root, Stone root, Senna leaf. Mix. Dose: 500-750mg (2 × 3 × 00 capsules or one-third to half a teaspoon) thrice daily.

Liquid Extracts. Equal parts: Buchu, Clivers, Blue Flag. Mix. 30-60 drops, thrice daily.

Practitioner. Alternatives with a record of efficacy. Tinctures.

Formula 1. Burdock, 20ml; Buchu, 20ml; Bearberry, 20ml; Aqua to 100ml. Dose: 5ml 3 times daily in water.

Formula 2. Juniper, 10ml; Buchu, 20ml; Broom, 10ml; Dandelion, 10ml. Aqua to 100ml. Dose: 5ml, 3 times daily, in water.

Topical. Poultice over kidney area: quarter of an ounce Irish Moss gently simmered in half a pint water to a jellied mass and applied on linen or suitable material to the small of the back. Repeat 2 or 3 times with fresh hot poultices.

Diet. High protein, low salt. Fresh conservatively-cooked vegetables, polyunsaturated oils. Bottled or spring water.

Supplementation. Vitamin A, B-complex, B1, B6, C, E, Potassium.

General. Elevation of affected limbs above level of abdomen.

This condition should be treated by or in liaison with a qualified medical practitioner. ... dropsy, renal

Sweat

n. the watery fluid secreted by the *sweat glands. Its principal constituents in solution are sodium chloride and urea. The secretion of sweat is a means of excreting nitrogenous waste; at the same time it has a role in controlling the temperature of the body – the evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin has a cooling effect. Therefore an increase in body temperature causes an increase in sweating. Other factors that increase the secretion of sweat include pain, nausea, nervousness, and drugs (*diaphoretics). Sweating is reduced by colds, diarrhoea, and certain drugs. Anatomical name: sudor.... sweat

Eliminative

A herb to disperse and promote excretion from the body accumulated poisonous substances, metabolites, that may have been ingested as additives in food, inhaled as part of the environment, or acquired as morbid products of inflammation left behind after some acute disease, such as influenza.

Some eliminatives have a biochemical action on cell wastes and toxins, breaking them down preparatory to voiding from the body. Others stimulate organs of elimination to speed them on their journey: liver, kidneys, skin, bowel. This group will therefore include diuretics, hepatics, lymphatics, expectorants, diaphoretics or laxatives according to indications of the case. ... eliminative

Fever

Fever is a reaction of the immune system to (1) defend the body against attack from viral or bacterial infection, (2) trauma, or (3) to decompose morbid matter into simpler compounds suitable for elimination. It is also the result of toxins released by infective agents. It may be a healing crisis. Dr Samuel Thomson writes: “Fever should not be suppressed with drugs. The body’s increased heat is a sign that the body is engaged in an extraordinary effort to cleanse itself of a disease influence. We are to support it, but see that temperature does not get out of hand.”

“There is an increasing amount of evidence,” writes Dr D. Addy, Consulting Paediatrician, “that fevers may enhance the defence mechanism against infection. There is little evidence that fever itself is harmful except in 3 per cent of children who are prone to develop febrile convulsions.”

When a fever is identified (scarlet fever, measles, etc) specific treatment with agents of proven efficacy are required. See appropriate entries. For unidentified fever, before the doctor comes, diaphoretics (Yarrow, etc) may be given to induce sweating to relieve tension on lungs and other internal organs. Also, diuretics (Yarrow, etc) stimulate elimination of wastes through the kidneys. Two herbs, Elderflowers and Peppermint, given at the chill stage have probably saved lives of tens of thousands from fever. A timely laxative to clean out stomach and bowels may favourably reduce temperature.

Perseverance with strong Nettle tea may also assist the work of the awaited practitioner. Excellent for simple fevers is the formula: Liquid Extracts: Elderflowers 1oz; Peppermint quarter of an ounce; Cinnamon quarter of an ounce; Skullcap 1oz. One 5ml teaspoon in hot water every 2 hours until fever abates – patient in bed. Sponge down body with vinegar and water. Patient should not leave bed until temperature falls. Abundant Vitamin C drinks, fresh lemon, orange juice.

A fever may be accompanied by: flushed face, rapid breathing, headache, hot skin, shivering, thirst and sweating.

Discharges are often a necessary part of the cure. Once toxins are eliminated by skin, kidneys, bowel or by respiration, symptoms abate and a feeling of well-being appears. It is often a turning point towards recovery: the body is trying to throw off toxins and poisons. A fever is an effort of the system to fight back. ... fever

Nephrosis

Degeneration of the kidney, with high discharge of albumin in the urine. Anaemia, dropsy and protein loss.

Causes: recurrent attacks of nephritis, bacterial toxins, environmental poisons, mineral drugs (mercury etc).

Treatment. Specific hospital treatment essential, (dialysis etc). Simple phytomedicines may bring a measure of relief as supportives to conventional medicine.

Teas. Barley water, Buchu, Clivers, Cornsilk, Couchgrass, Goldenrod, Parsley, Plantain, Wild Carrot. Decoctions. Broom tops, Dandelion root, Marshmallow root, Hydrangea root, Parsley root.

Powders. Alfalfa 45; Bearberry 15; Buchu 10; Couchgrass 15; Wild Carrot 15. Dose: 500-750mg (2-3 00 capsules or one-third to half a teaspoon) thrice or more daily.

Tinctures. Echinacea 2 (to enhance powers of resistance). Parsley root 2; Ginseng 1; Ginger quarter. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water thrice or more daily.

Restharrow herb. For weak kidneys and bladder. (R.F Weiss MD. Book: Herbal Medicine, Beaconsfleld Publishers)

Diet. High protein, salt-free, herb teas. Spring water in abundance.

Supplements. Vitamin A, B-complex, B2, C, E. Calcium, Iron, Magnesium.

Supportives. Hot abdominal packs. Castor oil packs. Sweat packs. Induce sweating with aid of diaphoretics.

Subsequent treatment by or in liaison with a qualified medical practitioner. ... nephrosis


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