Expectorants Health Dictionary

Soft or hard plant or tree resins composed of aromatic acids and oils. These are typically used as stimulating dressings and aromatic expectorants and diuretics. This term is also applied loosely to many plants that may not exude resins but which have a soothing, pitchy scent. Examples: Balsam Poplar, Eriodicyon.... balsamic

Wall. ex Stapf.

Family: Ephedraceae.

Habitat: The drier regions of the temperate and alpine Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim from 2,350 to 5,350 m.

English: Ephedra (Ephedra sinica Stapf.)

Ayurvedic: Soma, Soma-valli (substitute).

Folk: Asmaaniyaa, Budaagur (Punjab); Tipat, Traani (Himalayan region).

Action: Circulatory stimulant, bron- chodilator, vasodilator, antiallergic, antiasthmatic (usualy given with expectorants), diaphoretic. Not prescribed with antidepressants.

Key application: Ephedra sinica— in diseases of the respiratory tract and mild bronchospasms. Also in acute coryza, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. (German Commission E.) In the treatment of nasal congestion due to hay fever, allergic rhinitis, acute coryza, cold, sinusitis and as abronchodilator. (WHO.)

Contraindicated in anxiety, restlessness, high blood pressure, glucoma, impaired circulation of the cerebrum, adenoma of prostate with residual urine accumulation, pheochromocy- toma, thyrotoxicosis. (German Commission E.)

Ephedra is official in the national pharmacopoeias of China, Japan and Germany. The herb is listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. Only its isolated derivatives, ephedrine and ephedrine hydrochloride are official in Indian Pharmacopoeia.

Ephedrine is toxic at more than 300 mg in 1 day (Francis Brinker.)

Aerial parts yielded ephedrine and ephedroxane. Pseudoephedrine is the most active anti-inflammatory principle of Ephedra sp., it exhibited inhibitory action on a number of acute inflammations. Ephedroxane possesses a minor anti-inflammatory principle. Among the Indian species, Ephedra major, found in Lahul, contains over 2.56% alkaloids of which nearly three fourths is ephidrine. Ephedra gerardiana contains 1.22% total alkaloids and 0.68% ephedrine.

On 30 December 2003, the FDA banned ephedra products in the US.... ephedra gerardiana

Salts of iodine, those which are especially used in medicine being the iodide of potassium and iodide of sodium. Iodides are excreted in the mucus secretions, as well as in the urine, saliva and sweat, and have an action in liquefying the mucus secretion of the bronchial tree. They are therefore used in EXPECTORANTS. They are also used to assist in providing a supply of iodine in patients with goitre, or in individuals who live in an area where goitre is liable to occur because of a de?ciency of IODINE in the drinking water. They may be given in the form of iodised salt. (See THYROID GLAND, DISEASES OF – Goitre.)... iodides

The root of Cephaëlis ipecacuanha, a Brazilian shrub. It contains an alkaloid, emetine, which acts as an irritant when brought into contact with the interior of the stomach, producing vomiting. Formerly used to induce vomiting among young children after poisoning and if still alert, but now of uncertain value, it was used in many traditional expectorant mixtures

(see EXPECTORANTS) given in the treatment of BRONCHITIS. (See POISONS.)... ipecacuanha

The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a plant of southern Europe and Asia. It is a mild expectorant (see EXPECTORANTS), but is mainly used to cover the taste of disagreeable and more powerful drugs. Solid and liquid extracts are made from it, but the most commonly used preparation is compound liquorice powder, which contains also senna and sulphur.... liquorice

A popular name for MUCUS, particularly that secreted in the air passages. (See BRONCHITIS; EXPECTORANTS.)... phlegm

Common affliction from prolonged exposure to asbestos, with scarring of lung tissue and obstruction of air-spaces within the lung. Not curable. Cause of malignant mesothelioma of pleura. Symptoms. Difficult breathing, with possibility of pneumonia and bronchitis. Where the patient is a smoker the incidence of lung cancer is increased. Frequent site is the pleura, symptoms developing slowly over many years.

Treatment. Expectorants, anti-infectives. Same as for SILICOSIS. ... asbestosis

Agents that disperse or dissolve mucus. Of use for such conditions as glue ear or abdominal complications associated with cystic fibrosis in children. Quillaia bark, Lungwort.

See also: EXPECTORANTS. ... mucolytics

n. an agent that causes vomiting. Substances such as common salt, which irritate the stomach nerves if taken in sufficient quantities, cause vomiting. Some emetics, e.g. *ipecacuanha, are used as *expectorants at low doses.... emetic

n. a drug that enhances the expulsion of sputum from the air passages. *Mucolytic expectorants act by decreasing the viscosity of the bronchial secretions so that they are easier to cough up. Drugs such as *ipecacuanha and ammonium chloride are claimed to be stimulant expectorants in small quantities: they irritate the lining of the stomach, which is said to provide a stimulus for the reflex production of sputum by the glands in the bronchial mucous membrane. At higher doses they produce vomiting.... expectorant

Toxic means poisonous. Auto-toxaemia is self-poisoning of the blood and tissues from absorption of bacterial toxins formed during infection from acute or chronic inflammatory disease; or due to defective excretory organs (kidneys, bowel, etc). Raw foods produce little waste, but putrefaction of meats and other acid foods in the intestine and colon create an environment in which hostile bacteria flourish. Retrograde tissue change may be brought about by an unhealthy lifestyle and diet where an accumulation of cell wastes dispose to congestion and decomposition.

Treatment. An eliminative group of herbs include: expectorants, diuretics, lymphatics and alteratives to promote chemical breakdown and expulsion of the body’s waste cell products.

Cleansing teas: Gotu Kola, Bogbean, Ginseng, Nettles, Alfalfa. Or, decoctions: Dandelion root (or Dandelion coffee), Burdock root, Yellow Dock root.

Tablets/capsules. Echinacea, Blue Flag root, Goldenseal, Ginseng, Poke root, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Garlic, “Natural Herb Tablet”.

Powders, Liquid Extracts, Tinctures. Combine: Echinacea 2; Goldenseal 1; Myrrh quarter. Doses. Powders: Quarter of a teaspoon. Liquid extracts: 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. In water or honey thrice daily.

Enema: Chamomile.

Saunas and sweat-promoting exercises; epsom salts bath.

Diet. Regular raw food days. Garlic, Onions, Watercress. Low fat, low salt, high fibre. Drink distilled water. Three-day fast once monthly.

Supplements. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C 1g thrice daily, niacin, sulphur, zinc.

Auto-toxaemia does not refer to the toxaemia of pregnancy, known as eclampsia, for which a different group of herbs is relevant.

Removal of dental amalgam fillings is believed to assist recovery.

Note: Toxaemia may be caused by the action of toxic molecular fragments known as “free-radicals” which corrode cell membranes and kill cells. See: FREE-RADICALS. ... auto-toxaemia

Damage to bronchi when ballooned beyond normal limits, usually from chronic infection. May be a legacy from lung infections, whooping cough, measles, tuberculosis, foreign body or other bronchial troubles. Predisposing factors: smoking, working with asbestos and other industrial materials. Now known that some structural changes in bronchial epithelium caused by cigarette smoking are reversible by abstinence for over two years.

A plug of tenacious mucus may be clogged in the bronchial tree and gradually sucked into the smaller bronchi, blocking them. This prevents air from passing through to replace air that has been absorbed and precipitates cough, sputum, spitting of blood. A stethoscope reveals crepitations; chronic cases may be detected by clubbing of the fingers, which sign may be missing in bronchitis and other chest infections. Alternatives. Treatment. Bronchitics are most at risk and should never neglect a cold. Stimulating expectorants followed by postural drainage indicated. To control infection, plenty of Echinacea should be given. Where a localised area becomes septic a surgical lobectomy may be necessary. See: POSTURAL DRAINAGE. Cases of developed bronchiectasis can be maintained relatively well over a period of years by judicious use of herbs: Bayberry bark, Blood root, Elecampane root, Ephedra, Eucalyptus oil, Grindelia, Senega root, Mullein, Pleurisy root, Red Clover. Lobelia. Not Comfrey.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Yarrow, Mullein, Lungwort. 1 heaped teaspoon in each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; 1 cup morning and evening and when necessary.

Powders. Mix: Lobelia 2; Grindelia quarter; Capsicum quarter. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon) morning, evening and when necessary.

Tablets/capsules. Iceland Moss. Lobelia.

Tinctures. Formula. Ephedra 2; Echinacea 1; Elecampane root 1; Capsicum quarter. dose: 2-5ml teaspoons morning and evening and when necessary.

Practitioner. Liquid Extract Senega 1; Ephedra 1; Lungwort 2 (spitting of blood add: Blood root quarter). Dose: 2-5ml morning and evening and when necessary. In advanced cases there may be swollen ankles and kidney breakdown for which Parsley root, Buchu or Juniper may be indicated.

The sucking of a clove (or single drop of oil of Cloves in honey) has given temporary relief. Aromatherapy. Inhalants or chest-rub – Eucalyptus, Cajeput, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sandalwood.

Diet. Wholefoods. Low fat, low salt, high fibre. Avoid all dairy foods.

Supplementation. Vitamin B-complex. Vitamin E for increased oxygenation. Vitamins A, C, D, F. Outlook. Relief possible from regular herbal regime as dispensed by qualified practitioner. Requirements of each individual case may differ. ... bronchiectasis

A protective reflex for the expulsion of an obstruction or irritant from lower respiratory organs. Causes are legion, smoking being most common. A cough is often secondary to an underlying condition which should receive prompt attention, (bronchitis, pleurisy, croup, etc).

The modern herbalist does not use suppressives but favours expectorants or ‘eliminatives’ to soothe irritated surfaces and expel excess mucus. If a dry unproductive irritating cough persists despite treatment, a qualified practitioner should be consulted.

Addition of a nervine (Skullcap, Wild Lettuce, etc) acts as a relaxant. May be a particular help for nervous cough. Add Hawthorn or Motherwort to sustain the heart where necessary.

Alternatives. Teas. Any one: Aniseed, Caraway, Blessed Thistle, Coltsfoot, Comfrey leaves, Ground Ivy, Hyssop, Liquorice (shredded root), Marshmallow, Mouse Ear, Mullein, Plantain, Soapwort, Iceland Moss, Wild Violet, Thyme, White Horehound, Lungwort. Formulae:

(1) Equal parts; Coltsfoot, White Horehound, Liquorice. (2) Equal parts; Hyssop, White Horehound, Valerian. (3) Equal parts; Mullein, Lemon Balm, Valerian.

Decoctions. Any one: Balm of Gilead buds, Elecampane root, Fenugreek seeds, Grindelia, Marshmallow root, Pleurisy root, Wild Lettuce, Wild Cherry bark. Valerian (nervous cough). Formula: Equal parts: Elecampane root, Marshmallow root, Wild Cherry bark. 1 heaped teaspoon to 2 cups water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.

Tablets/capsules. Lobelia, Iceland Moss, Garlic.

Powders. Formula: equal parts, Lobelia, Liquorice root, Elecampane. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.

Liquid Extracts. (1) Formula: Lobelia 2; Sundew 3; Red Clover 3; Ginseng 6. 30-60 drops in hot water, every 2 hours. (George Slack)

(2) Formula Elderflowers 1; Boneset 1; Hyssop 2; Liquorice half. 1 teaspoon in cup hot water, every 2 hours.

Tinctures. Formula. Elecampane 2; Black Cohosh 2; Lobelia 1; Few drops Tincture Capsicum. Dose: 30- 60 drops in hot water every 2 hours.

BHP (1983) recommends: Elecampane, Hops, Mullein, Wild Cherry bark, Wild Lettuce.

Potter’s. Balm of Gilead Cough Mixture.

Onion juice and honey.

Topical. Rub back and chest with Olbas oil, or warm Camphorated oil. Bran or Slippery Elm poultices to chest.

Aromatherapy. Chamomile and Thyme, 5 drops each in cup boiling water, with towel over the head, as an inhalant.

Preventative. 2 Garlic capsules or tablets at night. Honey. German Chamomile tea.

See: WHOOPING COUGH. CROUP. ... cough

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

Ephedra sinica stapf., Ephedra equisentina Bunge and Ephedra gerardiana Wall (including Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo). Twigs. German: Meertra?ubchen. French: Ephe?dre. Italian: Uva di mare. Iranian: Huma. Japanese: Ma oh. Indian: Butshur. Chinese: Ma Huang.

Constituents: Alkaloids – ephedrine, pseudoephedrine.

Action: brain, heart and circulatory stimulant, antasthmatic, bronchodilator, anti-allergic, vasodilator, hypertensive, diaphoretic. Dilates vessels of the heart causing a rise in blood pressure. Cough sedative. Febrifuge, antispasmodic. The essential oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Uses: Practitioner’s first choice for asthma. Bronchitis, breathlessness, whooping cough. Used for such chest conditions for over a millennia in Chinese medicine.

Allergies: hay fever, irritative skin rashes. Low blood pressure. Hypothermia. Bed-wetting. Myasthenia gravis BHP (1983). Chinese Barefoot doctors inject the tea into nostrils for hay fever.

Usually given with expectorants: Liquorice, Lobelia, Senega, Sundew. “Combines well with Lobelia and Skunk Cabbage for bronchitis; and with Horsetail for frequency of urine.” (Fletcher Hyde) Contra-indications: hypertension, coronary thrombosis, thyrotoxicosis, glaucoma. Not given with anti- depressants (MAO inhibitors).

Preparations: Thrice daily. Average dose: 15-60mg.

Tea. Quarter to half a teaspoon herb to cup water simmered gently 5 minutes. Half a cup. Liquid extract. BHP (1983) 1:1 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 15-45 drops (1-3ml). Tincture BHP (1983) 1 part to 4 parts 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 6-8ml.

Ephedrine. Maximum dose: 30mg. Maximum daily dose 60mg.

Store in airtight container out of the light. Pharmacy only medicine. Practitioners only. ... ephedra

Pollution of the blood and tissues by environmental poisons and traces of chemicals is a source of chronic disease. The most common toxic metals are lead, aluminium, cadmium, mercury and arsenic in that order. Copper is also toxic but is essential in small amounts.

Lead disrupts neurotransmitters in the brain and disposes to nervous excitability, aggression and hyperactivity. Aluminium is associated with senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, accumulating in the brain. Cadmium induces changes in behaviour with reduced mental ability. Mercury is present in the amalgam used in dental surgery as part-filling for teeth. Arsenical poisoning may occur in food contamination or paints.

An internal chelating or cleansing of tissues of the lungs, urinary system, blood and lymph may be assisted by a combination of relative expectorants, diuretics, hepatics and adaptogens among which are: Barberry, Blue Flag root, Chaparral, Burdock, Echinacea, Red Clover, Yellow Dock. To bind with metals and assist their passage through the intestinal canal to the outside of the body: Irish Moss, Iceland Moss or Slippery Elm. Garlic.

The Medicines Control Agency of the Ministry of Health (UK) has given consideration to the content of heavy metal impurities and rules that a limit of 75 micrograms of total heavy metals shall be the acceptable maximum daily intake.

Licence-holders are required to carry out tests on all incoming material. Some seaweeds may be heavily polluted with mercury, arsenic and radioactive particles as a result of micro-biological contamination. The MCA requires Bladderwrack and other seaweeds to contain minimum levels. ... heavy metal toxicity

Non-contagious acute infection affecting the mucous membrane of the lungs. A form of pneumonia, caused by the organism Legionella pneumophilla.

Onset: 2-10 days.

Sources of infection: water-cooling and air-conditioning plants, Aerosols.

Usually attacks those with existing lung weakness. Those with low natural resistance and smokers are most at risk. Epidemic or single cases. Diagnosis confirmed by Haematological laboratory.

Symptoms. High body temperature (above 39°C). Rigor. Shivering. Diarrhoea. Dry cough. Bleeding from stomach and intestines. Mental confusion. Chest pains, shortness of breath, occasional diarrhoea. Differential diagnosis. Glandular fever. Other forms of pneumonia.

Indicated: anti-microbials and expectorants.

Treatment. Formula. Pleurisy root 2; Echinacea root 2; Grindelia quarter. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Every 3 hours. Take together with:–

Fenugreek tea. 2 heaped teaspoons seeds to each cup water simmered gently 10 minutes. Drink freely 1 cup. Seeds should be swallowed.

Enema. Strong Yarrow tea enema to control bowel bleeding. ... legionnaire’s disease