Gelatin Health Dictionary

A term used in several senses in medicine. It is applied to a soluble case, usually of gelatine, for enclosing small doses of unpleasant medicine.

Enteric-coated capsules, which have been largely superseded by enteric-coated tablets, are capsules treated in such a manner that the ingredients do not come in contact with the acid stomach contents but are only released when the capsule disintegrates in the alkaline contents of the intestine.

The term is also applied to the ?brous or membranous envelope of various organs, as of the spleen, liver or kidney. Additionally, it is applied to the ligamentous bag surrounding various joints and attached by its edge to the bones on either side.... capsule

Also known as agar-agar. A gelatinous substance made from seaweed, agar is used in preparing culture-media for use in bacteriological laboratories; it is also sometimes used to treat constipation.... agar

A benign TUMOUR comprising gelatinous CONNECTIVE TISSUE, most commonly occurring beneath the SKIN – although the condition may develop in the ABDOMEN, URINARY BLADDER, BONE and, rarely, the HEART. Treatment involves surgery, which is usually successful.... myxoma

Apocynum androsaemifolium. N.O. Asclepiadaceae.

Synonym: Dogsbane, Milkweed.

Habitat: Indigenous to North America.

Features ? Root is nearly three-quarters of an inch thick, light brown, transversely- wrinkled bark, easily parting from white, woody centre ; groups of stone cells in outer bark. Whole plant gives a gelatinous, milky juice when wounded.

Part used ? Root.

Action: Cathartic, diuretic, detergent, emetic, tonic.

2-5 grains thrice daily as a general tonic, useful in dyspepsia. 5-15 grain doses in cardiac dropsy. Has been recommended in the treatment of Bright's disease. Large doses cause vomiting. Tendency to gripe can be eliminated by adding Peppermint, Calamus or other carminative.... bitter root

The basic structural unit of body tissues. There are around 10 billion cells in the human body and they are structurally and functionally linked to carry out the body’s many complex activities.

Every cell consists essentially of a cell-body of soft albuminous material called cytoplasm, in which lies a kernel or nucleus which seems to direct all the activities of the cell. Within the nucleus may be seen a minute body, the nucleolus; and there may or may not be a cell-envelope around all. (See also MITOCHONDRIA.) Each cell nucleus carries a set of identical CHROMOSOMES, the body’s genetic instructions.

Cells vary much in size, ranging in the human body from 0·0025 mm to about 0·025 mm.

All animals and plants consist at ?rst of a single cell (the egg-cell, or ovum), which begins to develop when fertilised by the sperm-cell derived from the opposite sex. Development begins by a division into two new cells, then into four, and so on till a large mass is formed. These cells – among them stem cells (see STEM CELL) which have the potential to develop into a variety of specialised cells – then arrange themselves into layers, and form various tubes, rods, and masses which represent in the embryo the organs of the fully developed animal. (See FETUS.)

When the individual organs have been laid down on a sca?olding of cells, these gradually change in shape and in chemical composition. The cells in the nervous system send out long processes to form the nerves; those in the muscles become long and striped in appearance; and those which form fat become ?lled with fat droplets which distend the cells. Further, they begin to produce, between one another, the substances which give the various tissues their special character. Thus, in the future bones, some cells deposit lime salts and others form cartilage, while in tendons they produce long white ?bres of a gelatinous substance. In some organs the cells change little: thus the liver consists of columns of large cells packed together, while many cells, like the white blood corpuscles, retain their primitive characters almost entire.

Thus cells are the active agents in forming the body, and they have a similar function in repairing its wear and tear. Tumours, and especially malignant tumours, have a highly cellular structure, the cells being of an embryonic type, or, at best, forming poor imitations of the tissues in which they grow (see TUMOUR).... cells

The most abundant protein in the body. It is the major structural component of many parts of the body and occurs in many di?erent forms. Thus it exists as thick ?bres in skin and tendons. It is also an important constituent of the heart and blood vessels. With calcium salts it provides the rigid structure of bone. It also occurs as a delicate structure in the cornea of the eye, and in what is known as the basement membrane of many tissues including the glomeruli of the kidneys and the capsule of the lens of the eye. It plays a part in many diseases, hereditary and otherwise. Among the inherited abnormalities of collagen are those responsible for aneurysms of the CIRCLE OF WILLIS and for OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA. On boiling it is converted into gelatin.... collagen

Along with DEXTRAN and GELATIN, this is a substance with a large molecular structure used to treat shocked patients with burns (see BURNS AND SCALDS) or SEPTICAEMIA in order to expand and maintain their blood volume. Like other plasma substitutes, this form of starch can be used as an emergency, short-term treatment for severe bleeding until blood for transfusion is available. Plasma substitutes must be used with caution in patients who have heart disease or impairment of their kidney function. Patients should be monitored for hypersensitivity reactions and for changes in their BLOOD PRESSURE (see SHOCK).... etherified starch

The term applied to a COLLOID substance which is ?rm in consistency although it contains much water: for example, ordinary GELATIN.... gel

A group of drugs used to treat bleeding disorders such as HAEMOPHILIA. Factor VIII is one of the clotting factors available for treatment: preparations of it are injected after abnormal bleeding or before surgery. Vitamin K preparations are another haemostatic group used to treat an overdose of ANTICOAGULANTS.

Haemostatic preparations of gelatine and cellulose are used to stem bleeding from the skin and gums, or as a result of tooth extractions.... haemostatics

See GELATIN.... jelly

Hollow tumours (see TUMOUR), containing ?uid or soft material. They are almost always simple in nature.

Retention cysts In these, in consequence of irritation or another cause, some cavity which ought naturally to contain a little ?uid becomes distended, or the natural outlet from the cavity becomes blocked. Wens are caused by the blockage of the outlet from sebaceous glands in the skin, so that an accumulation of fatty matter takes place. RANULA is a clear swelling under the tongue, due to a collection of saliva in consequence of an obstruction to a salivary duct. Cysts in the breasts are, in many cases, the result of blockage in milk ducts, due to in?ammation; they should be assessed to exclude cancer (see BREASTS, DISEASES OF). Cysts also form in the kidney as a result of obstruction to the free out?ow of the urine.

Developmental cysts Of these, the most important are the huge cysts that originate in the OVARIES. The cause is doubtful, but the cyst probably begins at a very early period of life, gradually enlarges, and buds o? smaller cysts from its wall. The contents are usually a clear gelatinous ?uid. Very often both ovaries are affected, and the cysts may slowly reach a great size – often, however, taking a lifetime to do so.

A similar condition sometimes occurs in the KIDNEYS, and the tumour may have reached a great size in an infant even before birth (congenital cystic kidney).

Dermoid cysts are small cavities, which also originate probably early in life, but do not reach any great size until fairly late in life. They appear about parts of the body where clefts occur in the embryo and close up before birth, such as the corner of the eyes, the side of the neck, and the middle line of the body. They contain hair, fatty matter, fragments of bone, scraps of skin, even numerous teeth.

Hydatid cysts are produced in many organs, particularly in the liver, by a parasite which is the larval stage of a tapeworm found in dogs. They occur in people who keep dogs and allow them to contaminate their food. (See TAENIASIS.)... cysts

Small round masses containing active drugs held together by syrup, gum, glycerin, or adhesive vegetable extracts. They are sometimes without coating, being merely rolled in French chalk, but often they are covered with sugar or gelatin. Many people use the term interchangeably with tablets, and ‘the pill’ has come to represent oral contraceptives.... pills

The term applies to members of a group of non-crystallisable nitrogenous substances widely distributed in the animal and vegetable kingdoms, and forming the characteristic materials of their tissues and ?uids. They are essentially combinations of AMINO ACIDS. They mostly dissolve in water and are coagulated by heat and various chemical substances. Typical examples of protein substances are white of egg and gelatin.

Proteins constitute an essential part of the diet as a source of energy, and for the replacement of protein lost in the wear and tear of daily life. Their essential constituent from this point of view is the nitrogen which they contain. To be absorbed, or digested, proteins have to be broken down into their constituent amino acids. The adult human body can maintain nitrogenous equilibrium on a mixture of eight amino acids, which are therefore known as the essential (or indispensable) amino acids. They are isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. In addition, infants require histidine.... protein

Calamus species

Description: The rattan palm is a stout, robust climber. It has hooks on the midrib of its leaves that it uses to remain attached to trees on which it grows. Sometimes, mature stems grow to 90 meters. It has alternate, compound leaves and a whitish flower.

Habitat and Distribution: The rattan palm is found from tropical Africa through Asia to the East Indies and Australia. It grows mainly in rain forests.

Edible Parts: Rattan palms hold a considerable amount of starch in their young stem tips. You can eat them roasted or raw. In other kinds, a gelatinous pulp, either sweet or sour, surrounds the seeds. You can suck out this pulp. The palm heart is also edible raw or cooked.

Other Uses: You can obtain large amounts of potable water by cutting the ends of the long stems (see Chapter 6). The stems can be used to make baskets and fish traps.... rattan palm

United States Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary. The U.S.P. was first published in 1820 and ever ten years thereafter until the Second World War, after which it has been revised every five years. It has always been meant to define the physical, chemical, and pharmaceutical characteristics of the most accepted and widely used drugs of the time, and to set the standards for purity. The N.E was first published in 1888, and, up until 1980, in the same year as the United States Pharmacopoeia. Since 1980, both have been issued in the same volume. The National Formulary was originally intended as a list of the official recipes for pharmaceutical formulas; characteristics of those drugs or plants used in the formulas or that were still recognized as secondary drugs; and the substances needed for the manufacturing of drugs but that were not active, like gelatin or pill binders. With the decreased use of tonics and less invasive medications after the Second World War, the National Formulary became primarily a text defining the inactive substances used in drug manufacturing; the United States Pharmacopoeia now lists the active substances; and all the rich heritage of tonics, elixirs, bitters, syrups, and alternate preparations has disappeared from the short memory span of Standard Practice Medicine. If an herbalist wanted to practice as a pharmaceutical antiquarian, the U.S.P.s and N.F.s of the years between 1890 and 1950 would supply virtually every needed formula and herbal preparation that a Western herbalist would ever need—it’s all there (—and all forgotten). To a great degree, the contemporary herbal renaissance is reinventing the wheel.... u.s.p.-n.f

(Gelidium amansii). Gelling agent made from seaweed. Alternative to gelatine which is prepared from the bones of animals. A colloid which absorbs moisture rapidly, providing bulk and a lubricant to the intestinal tract for relief of constipation. Used for making pills, lotions and suppositories. Also known as Japanese isinglass, it is a nutrient to add weight and build up weakly constitutions. The powder is added to desserts: stewed fruits, etc. Still used as a bulk laxative for chronic constipation.

GSL ... agar-agar

A disaccharide; concentration in cow’s milk about 4g/100ml. In normal digestion the enzyme lactase breaks it down into glucose and galactose. A milk-sugar constituent of tablets, capsules or other preparations and which is used as a base for a medicinal substance or formulation. It is obtained exclusively from milk solids, not fats.

Example: Propolis in lactose. Propolis powder 5 per cent; Lactose powder 95 per cent; presented in a gelatin capsule. ... lactose

Linn.

Family: Urticaceae.

Habitat: North-western Himalaya from Kashmir to Simla at 2,4003,600 m.

English: Stinging Nettle.

Ayurvedic: Vrishchhiyaa-shaaka (related species).

Unani: Anjuraa.

Folk: Shisuun (Kumaon).

Action: Plant—diuretic, astringent, antihaemorrhagic; eliminates uric acid from the body, detoxifies the blood. Externally, astringent and haemostatic.

Used internally for the treatment of nephritis, haemoptysis and other haemorrhages.

Key application: Above ground parts—as a supportive therapy for rheumatic ailments (internally and externally). Internally, in irrigation therapy for inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract and prevention and treatment of kidney gravel. (German Commission E, ESCOP, The British Herbal Compendium, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Root—in symptomatic treatment of micturition disorders (dysuria, pol- lakiuria, nocturia, urine retention) in benign prostatic hyperplasia at stages I and II. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

Clinical experiments have confirmed the utility of the herb as a haemostatic in uterine haemorrhage and bleeding from nose. The herb is also used in sciatica, rheumatism and palsy. The treatment for paralysis comprises slapping the patient with a bundle of twigs. Alcoholic extract of Russian sp. is used in the cholecystitis and habitual constipation.

The root exhibits an antiprolifera- tive effect on prostatic epithelial and stromal cells. It may also lessen the effects of androgenic hormones by competitively blocking acess to human sex hormone binding globulin. (Planta Med, 63, 1997; ibid, 66, 2000. Also, ESCOP monograph; Altern Complem Ther, 1998; Simon Mills; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)

In Europe, the juice of the leaves or roots, mixed with honey or sugar, was prescribed forbronchial asthma. In the USA, a freeze-dried preparation of the herb (300 mg gelatin capsules) has been found to improve condition of allergic rhinitis patients. The powdered seeds were considered a cure for goitre. (M. Grieve.)

The urticating properties of the hairs are attributed to the presence of acetyl- choline, histamine and 5-hydroxytryp- tamine (5-HT). A histamine-liberating enzyme is also present.

Acetylcholine is present in the leaves, rootlets, rhizomes and cortex in the ascending order of concentration. Histamine is not present in the underground parts of the plant. Its concentration in the leaves is about four times than that in the stem-cortex. Betaine and choline are present in the leaves.

The leaves gave flavonoids (including rutin), sterols, carotenoids, vitamins (including C, B group, K), minerals, plant phenolic acids. The coumarin scopoletin has been isolated from the flowers and the root.

A polysaccharide fraction obtained from aqueous extract showed anti- inflammatory activity in carrageenan- induced rat paw oedema and lymphocyte transformation test. A lectin was found to stimulate proliferation of human lymphocytes. (Planta Med, 55, 1989.)

The leaf and root is contraindicat- ed in kidney disease and pregnancy. 5-hydroxytryptamine is a uterotropic constituent. (Francis Brinker.)... urtica dioica

See: CAYENNE.

CAPSULES. A convenient vehicle for administration of powders, seeds, oils, balsams, Castor oil, Garlic, Rose Hip, etc, having the advantage to mask nasty tasting or smelly medicines. Ideal for regulating dosage for children. Swallowed, they soon reach the stomach where their contents are slowly released. Gelatin capsules are of animal origin but cellulose non-animal materials are available. Their use extends also to gynaecological and rectal problems, inserted into the vagina or anus.

Standard sizes range from size 5 to 000. Size 00 is most popular in European pharmacy. See: POWDERS.

To fill empty capsules, take apart the two sections, ‘dab’ open end into powder on a flat surface; fill to capacity and affix unfilled half-shell. Manufacturers use a special filling machine for this purpose.

Patients should remain standing for at least 90 seconds after taking capsules, and followed up with sips of water. Swallowing failure is possible when capsules are taken in the recumbent position when they may adhere to the oesophageal membrane delaying disintegration time.

Equipment suppliers: capsules and capsule-making machines – Dav-Caps, PO Box 11, Monmouth, Gwent NP5 3NX. Also: The Herbal Apothecary, 120 High Street, Syston, Leicester 1E7 8GC. ... capsicum

A flat, circular, plate-like structure containing cartilage that lines the joints between adjacent vertebrae (bones) in the spine. Each intervertebral disc is composed of a fibrous outer layer and a soft gelatinous core. It acts as a shock absorber to cushion the vertebrae during movements of the spine. With increasing age, intervertebral discs become less supple and more susceptible to damage from injury.

Fibrous covering disclosing agents Dyes that make the plaque deposits on teeth more visible so that they can be seen and removed. discoid lupus erythematosus A form of the chronic autoimmune disorder lupus erythematosus.... disc, intervertebral

n. a material that resembles gelatin, produced when cartilage is boiled.... chondrin

1. n. a population of microorganisms, usually bacteria, grown in a solid or liquid laboratory medium (culture medium), which is usually *agar, broth, or *gelatin. A pure culture consists of a single bacterial species. A stab culture is a bacterial culture growing in a plug of solid medium within a bottle (or tube); the medium is inoculated by ‘stabbing’ it with a bacteria-coated straight wire. A stock culture is a permanent bacterial culture, from which subcultures are made. See also tissue culture. 2. vb. to grow bacteria or other microorganisms in cultures.... culture

n. a small dome-shaped structure consisting of sensory hairs embedded in gelatinous material, forming part of a *crista in the ampullae of the semicircular canals of the ear.... cupula

(English) Vaccinium oxycoccos. (American) Macrocarpa oxycoccos.

Action: Antiscorbutic.

Uses: Urinary tract infections. Unpleasant odour of urine. Believed to be of value for diabetes mellitis. Suppresses symptoms of bacterial infection. Prevention of Vitamin C deficiency states. Hay fever. Food and chemical allergies.

Preparations: Cranberry Juice Capsules. Ingredients: Oil (vegetable Soya) 243mg; Cranberry Juice Concentrate 12.1-140mg (equal to 1680mg of fresh cranberries); Gelatine 118mg; Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 100mg; Glycerine 71mg; Beeswax 14mg; Lecithin 13mg; Vitamin E (d’Alpha-Tocopheral) 2iu. 2 capsules daily. (Power Health)

Fresh juice. “For mild urinary infections – drinking 15fl oz cranberry juice daily prevented bacteria clinging to the urinary tract.” (Dr Anthony Sobota, Professor of Microbiology, Youngstown University, Ohio, USA) ... cranberries

An epileptic fit is a temporary spasmodic disturbance in the brain of sudden onset caused by a spurious discharge of electrical energy by brain cells. Can be sparked off by an excess of zinc. Loss of consciousness signalled by an aura and a fall to the ground with a cry. Breathing is noisy, eyes upturned. General causes: hereditary, severe head injury (even before birth), chronic disease, stroke, tumour, hardening of the arteries, drugs, lack of oxygen. An attack may be triggered by the flickering of a television or computer screen. Screen-addicted children may develop photosensitive epilepsy, suffering fits while using electronic games.

Three forms: major (grand mal); temporal lobe; and minor (petit mal). In petit mal the period of unconsciousness consists of brief absences lasting less than 15 seconds.

Treatment. Orthodox medical: Carbamazepine, phenytoin and many other drugs.

Alternatives. BHP (1983) recommends: Grand mal: Passion flower, Skullcap, Verbena. Petit mal: Hyssop. Standard central nervous system relaxants are Hops, Lobelia, Passion flower, Vervain, Valerian, Skullcap. Wm Boericke used Mugwort. Peony leaf tea had a long traditional use. In nearly all epileptics there is functional heart disturbance (Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley, Motherwort). Mistletoe can help in the struggle to control seizures and improve the quality of life.

Two important remedies are Skullcap and Passion flower. Both work quickly without risk of respiratory arrest. If dose by mouth is not possible insert gelatin capsules containing powders, per rectum, child or adult lying prone. This method is particularly suitable for feverish convulsions or Grand mal.

Repeat after 5 minutes if patient continues in convulsion. Where neither of these powders are available, Chamomile, Valerian or Mistletoe may be used.

“The remedy I have relied on most,” writes C.I. Reid, MD (Ellingwood’s Journal) “is Passion flower. Use this alone or in combination with Gelsemium – more often alone. I cannot say I obtain an absolutely curative effect, but the spasms disappear and do not return while the remedy is continued. It has none of the unpleasant effects of other medicines. I give the liquid extract in doses from 25-30 drops, 3-4 times daily, for continued use. It may be given more frequently for convulsions.”

Alfred Dawes, MNIMH. Green tincture of Mistletoe, 3-5 drops. Or, combine equal parts: Liquid Extract Skullcap, Valerian and Black Horehound.

Finlay Ellingwood MD combines White Bryony, Prickly Ash, Skullcap and St John’s Wort.

Samuel Thomson MD. Lobelia 2; Cayenne 1; (antispasmodic drops) given at the premonitary stage. 1-2 teaspoons.

Edgar Cayce. Passion flower tea. Hot Castor oil packs.

Excess acidity and intestinal toxaemia. There is considerable opinion that these trigger an attack. Combination: Liquid Extracts – Skullcap 15ml; Mistletoe 10ml; Meadowsweet 10ml; Elderflowers 10ml. Two 5ml teaspoons in water thrice daily.

West African Black Pepper. (Piper guineense) is used by traditional Nigerian healers to good effect. Associated with imperfect menstruation. Liquid Extracts, single or in combination: Black Cohosh, Life root, Lobelia. Dose: 5-15 drops thrice daily.

Associated with mental weakness. Liquid Extract Oats (avena sativa). 2-3 teaspoons in water thrice daily.

Aromatherapy. (Complex partial seizures) Massage with essential oils found to be beneficial. (The Lancet, 1990, 336 (8723) 1120)

Diet. Salt-free lacto-vegetarian. Oatmeal porridge. A cleansing 8-day grape juice fast has its advocates. Vitamin E. In 24 epileptic children refractory to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) with generalised tonic- clonic and other types of seizures, addition of Vitamin E 400iu daily to existing AEDs was accompanied by a significant reduction in 10 of 12 cases. (Epilepsy 1989; 30(1): 84-89)

Supportives: osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments.

Note: A number of Italian physicians linked a salt-rich diet with epileptic fits. Number and violence diminished when discontinued and did not recur for weeks. Dr W.P. Best found that, in children, circumcism made a valuable contribution.

Drug-dependency. Herbal medication may offer a supportive role to primary medical treatment. Under no circumstances should sufferers discontinue basic orthodox treatments except upon the advice of a physician.

Information. British Epilepsy Association, 40 Hanover Square, Leeds LS3 1BE, UK. Send SAE.

To be treated by or in liaison with a qualified medical practitioner. ... epilepsy

n. (pl. lamellae) 1. a thin layer, membrane, scale, or plate-like tissue or part. In *bone tissue, lamellae are thin bands of calcified matrix arranged concentrically around a Haversian canal. 2. a thin gelatinous medicated disc used to apply drugs to the eye. The disc is placed on the eyeball; the gelatinous material dissolves and the drug is absorbed. —lamellar adj.... lamella

n. 1. any substance, usually a broth, agar, or gelatin, used for the *culture of microorganisms or tissue cells. An assay medium is used to determine the concentration of a growth factor or chemical by measuring the amount of growth it produces in a particular microorganism; all other nutrients are present in amounts adequate for growth. 2. see contrast medium.... medium

n. a medicinal preparation containing gelatine and glycerine, usually coated with sugar, that is dissolved in the mouth so that the medication is applied to the mouth or throat.... pastille

a flat shallow circular glass or plastic dish with a pillbox-like lid, used to hold solid agar or gelatin media for culturing bacteria. [J. R. Petri (1852–1921), German bacteriologist]... petri dish

(Pale). Spogel seeds. Psyllium seeds. Ispaghula husk BP. Plantago ovata. Dried ripe seeds. Keynote: constipation and bowel irritation.

Constituents: mucilage, triterpenes, alkaloids.

Action: gentle bulk laxative without irritation; antidiarrhoeal, demulcent, bacteriostatic. Increases stool output while decreasing transit time in healthy people. Anti-inflammatory.

Uses: Chronic constipation, particularly in the elderly. Irritable bowel syndrome, mucous colitis. Amoebic dysentery. (Indian traditional) To assist management of diverticular disease. To reduce incidence of bowel complaints. An alternative to constant use of purgatives that decrease sensitivity of alimentary mucous membranes. Useful in pregnancy. Hyperlipaemia. Lowers cholesterol level by eliminating excess bile salts. To assist slimming regime in obesity.

Preparations: Average dose: 3-5 grams (2 grams, children).

Seeds: 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily, helped down with sips of water. (May be soaked overnight in warm water.) In the intestines seeds swell into a gelatinous mass many times their normal size thus ‘lubricating’ contents of the bowel for easy defecation. Isogel.

“Regulan” Ispaghula husk BP. Sachets containing 3-6 grams. Average dose: 1 sachet thrice daily. Psyllium seed husks, plus pectin, Vitamin C and Guar gum to cleanse the colon while leaving behind important nutrients. Aids detoxification and absorption of iron. Regulates blood sugar levels and nutrient absorption. (JAM. Nov 86, p.23) Poultice. With Slippery Elm for boils, abscesses, etc. ... ispaghula seeds

Myristica fragrans, Houtt. German: Muskatnussbaum. French: Miscadier. Spanish: Nuez Moscado. Italian: Noce moscato. Arabian: Jour-ut-tib. Indian: Jaephal. Iranian: Jowz bo?yah. Chinese: Jou-tou-kou. Part used: dried kernels. Constituents: volatile oil.

Action: prostaglandin inhibitor, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, diaphoretic, brain stimulant, carminative, aromatic (oil), digestive stimulant.

Uses: children’s diarrhoea, dysentery, colic, nausea, vomiting, to promote acid content of gastric juice. Claimed to dissolve gall-stones. Nervous stomach, throbbing headache caused by stress, palpitation.

Relief of muscle tension back of neck.

“To comfort head and nerves.” (Dr Joseph Mill)

Preparations: Average dose, 0.3-1 gram or equivalent. Thrice daily, after meals. Grains obtained by rubbing a Nutmeg over a metal kitchen grater; may be taken in a beverage, honey, mashed banana, etc. Powder: Fill No 3 gelatin capsules; 1 capsule or 50mg.

Oil: an alternative for internal conditions. 1-2 drops daily.

Massage oil for rheumatic pains and to stimulate circulation: Nutmeg oil (1), Olive oil or Almond oil (10).

Home tincture: one freshly grated Nutmeg to macerate in half pint 60 per cent alcohol (Vodka, gin, etc) 7 days. Decant. Dose: 5-10 drops.

Avoid large doses. ... nutmeg

the flexible plate of fibrocartilage that connects any two adjacent vertebrae in the backbone. At birth the central part of the disc – the nucleus pulposus – consists of a gelatinous substance, which gradually becomes replaced by cartilage with age. The intervertebral discs account for one quarter of the total length of the backbone; they act as shock absorbers, protecting the brain and spinal cord from the impact produced by running and other movements. A tear in the outer fibrous portion of the disc results in displacement of the nucleus pulposus to varying degrees: protrusion, prolapse (see prolapsed intervertebral disc), extrusion, or sequestration.... intervertebral disc

Trigonella foenum-graecum

FAMILY: Fabaceae

SYNONYMS: Greek hay, methi, alholva, bird’s foot, chandrika, fenigreek, Greek clover.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An annual plant reaching a height of slightly more than half a metre with trifoliate, bright green leaves. It blossoms during the summer season and produces beautiful small white flowers. The leaves’ fragrance slightly resembles lovage and the brownish-yellow seeds are a distinctive cuboid shape.

DISTRIBUTION: An aromatic herb native to southern Europe and Asia and one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants. It is widely grown today in the Mediterranean countries, Argentina, India, North Africa and the United States. Major commercial fenugreek-producing countries are Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Nepal, Bangladesh, Argentina, Egypt, France, Spain, Turkey and Morocco, although the largest producer is India. When harvested as micro-greens, fenugreek is known as ‘samudra methi’ in Mumbai.

OTHER SPECIES: The cultivated fenugreek is thought to have derived from a wild species, native to India.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Fenugreek is an ancient spice, although currently not much used in the West. While the seeds and leaves have primarily been used as a culinary spice, it was also employed in classical times as livestock feed, hence its common name, ‘Greek hay’. It was used by the ancient Egyptians to combat fever and in the embalming process. It has a long history of use as a medicinal plant in India and throughout Europe: it is still used in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is known as ‘methi’. Fenugreek seeds have been found to contain diosgenin, which is a compound that has properties similar to oestrogen. For this reason, fenugreek has a long history of use as a breast enlarger and to promote the growth of new breast cells. Due to its oestrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase sexual libido and lessen the effect of the hot flushes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of the menopause and PMS. The plant can also be employed to promote lactation, induce labour and as an aphrodisiac.

In Indian and Chinese medicine, it is traditionally used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), sore throat and heartburn. Recent studies have shown that fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes; it is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits. Topically, the gelatinous texture of fenugreek seed is used for soothing eczema or other skin complaints; it is also applied as a warm poultice to relieve muscle aches and gout. Fenugreek is also nutritious as it is a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A, C and D as well as iron and calcium. Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein and carbohydrates and the pressed oil is strangely similar in chemical composition to cod liver oil. It also contains choline and lecithin, both substances needed by the liver for cholesterol metabolism. Fenugreek cleanses, stimulates and helps remove waste products from the body: it stimulates the lymphatic system and aids the kidneys and liver in detoxifying the entire system. The oil contains powerful antioxidants that help slow the ageing process.

ACTIONS: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, demulcent, expectorant, laxative, nervine, stomachic.

EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the seeds. A fixed oil is also pressed from the seeds.

CHARACTERISTICS: Pale yellow to light brown liquid with a bitter, spicy scent. It blends well with sandalwood, clove, cinnamon, cardamon and other spice oils.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: The essential oil is rich in phytic acid, saponins and trigonelline.

SAFETY DATA: The oil may cause skin irritation: dilute well before use. Avoid use during pregnancy, since it has the potential to induce labour.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin Care: Boils, burns, boils, eczema, hair care (dandruff and hair loss), scars, wrinkles.

Circulation Muscles And Joints: Aching limbs, arthritis, cramp, gout, high blood pressure, muscle spasm.

Digestive System: Indigestion, heartburn.

Respiratory System: Bronchitis, colds, congestion, fever, sinusitis.

Genito-Urinary System: Menstrual cramps, PMS, hot flushes and mood fluctuations.

Immune System: Helps fight infections.

Nervous System: Anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, stress, soothes the heart.

OTHER USES: Fenugreek has three culinary uses: as a herb (dried or fresh leaves), as a spice (seeds), and as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens). It is a popular ingredient in the preparation of Indian pickles, vegetable dishes, daals and spice mixes. Fresh fenugreek leaves are used in some Indian curries, while the sprouted seeds and microgreens are used in salads. The leaves are also used in Persian and Ethiopian cuisine, to produce a yellow dye and as a forage plant. The oil is commonly used in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industry.... fenugreek

a substance containing gelatinous constituents which are demulcent.... mucilage