Constituents: sesquiterpene lactones, inulin, resin.
Action: antispasmodic, alterative, stimulating expectorant, diaphoretic, antiseptic, stomachic, anticatarrhal.
“Performs a double action (1) as a bacteriostatic in chronic bronchitis and (2) its biochemical action in alleviating rheumatism.” (Hamdard Foundation, Pakistan).
Helenin inhibits growth of tubercle bacillus. (Ellingwood, 12.4. Apr 18. 126)
Uses: Has a long record for old coughs, especially of tuberculosis. Haemoptysis, whooping cough, croup. Advanced chest diseases to facilitate removal of mucous. Silicosis, pneumoconiosis, emphysema. Chronic catarrh. Night sweats. Leucorrhoea. To strengthen a feeble digestion. Stitches in the side (spleen). Hyperventilation.
Combines well with Yarrow and Marshmallow. Popular combination. Decoction: mix equal parts; Yarrow, Marshmallow root and Elecampane root. 1oz (30g) in 1 pint (500ml) water simmered 20 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup, 2-3 times daily. In the absence of any one ingredient, substitute Wild Cherry bark.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Powder: quarter to half a teaspoon.
Decoction, root. Quarter to half a teaspoon to each cup of water; simmer gently 10 minutes in a covered vessel. Dose: 1 cup.
Liquid extract BHC Vol 1. (1:1, in 25 per cent ethanol). Dose: 1-2ml. Not used in pregnancy and lactation.
Note: Difficult to maintain chemical stability of the root which may explain why best results have followed pulping or decoction of the fresh root. Dosage of pulp: 2-4 teaspoons. ... elecampane
Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region; cultivated in Algeria.
English: Spanish, Pellitory, Pyrethrum Root.Ayurvedic: Aakaarakarabha, Aakallaka, Aakulakrit, Agragraahi.Unani: Aaqarqarhaa.Siddha/Tamil: Akkiraakaaram.Action: Stimulant, cordial, rubefa- cient.A gargle of infusion is prescribed for relaxed vulva. Root— used for toothache, rheumatic and neuralgic affections and rhinitis. Roots, along with the root of Witha- nia somnífera and Vitis vinifera, are used in epilepsy.
Along with other therapeutic applications, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of the root in sciatica, paralysis, hemiplegia and amenorrhoea.The root contains anacycline, isobu- tylamide, inulin and a trace ofessential oil.The local anaesthetic activity of the alcoholic (2%) extract of the root was found to be comparable to that of xy- locaine hydrochloride (2%) in dental patients.Use of the drug in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus reduces the dose of insulin. It decreased the plasma glucose and serum cholesterol levels after oral administration for 3-6 weeks. (The plant is mixed with Helleborus nigar in a ratio of 1:3.) The plant extract inhibited tobacco-induced mutagenesis by 47.5% at a concentration of 1 mg/plate.Dosage: Root—500 mg to 1 g powder. (CCRAS.)... anacyclus pyrethrumHabitat: Native to northern Europe; now found in western Himalayas, Kashmir and Simla.
English: Common or Great Burdock.Folk: Phaggarmuul (Kashmir).Action: Hypoglycaemic (plant extract caused reduction of blood sugar with an increase in carbohydrate tolerance). Roots—inhibitory of tumour growth, cardiac stimulant, diuretic, spasmolytic. Leaves and seeds—anticutaneous (used in psoriasis, seborrhoic eczema).
Key application: As dermatolog- ical agent. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)Important constituents of Burdock roots are fatty acids, organic acids, phenolic acids, lignans, sesquiterpenes, tannin, inulin and mucilage.Extracts of the fruit are reported to have hypoglycaemic activity in rats. Arctigenin (lignan) is a weak inhibitor of experimental tumour growth. The antimicrobial properties are due to polyacetylenes (of the root). The root exhibits antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus, and is used for fungal and bacterial infections. A flavonoid, arctiin, shows smooth muscle relaxant properties.... arctium lappaNutritional Profile Energy value (calories per serving): Low Protein: Moderate Fat: Low Saturated fat: Low Cholesterol: None Carbohydrates: High Fiber: High Sodium: Moderate Major vitamin contribution: Folate, vitamin C Major mineral contribution: Potassium
About the Nutrients in This Food Jerusalem artichokes are the edible roots of a plant related to the American sunflower. They store carbohydrates as inulin, a complex carbohydrate (starch) made of units of fruit sugar (fructose). Right after the Jerusalem artichoke is dug up, it tastes bland and starchy. After it has been stored for a while, the starches turn to sugars, so the artichoke tastes sweet. Jerusalem artichokes are high in fiber with the B vitamin folate, vitamin C, and iron. One-half cup raw sliced Jerusalem artichoke has one gram dietary fiber, 10 mcg folate (2.5 percent of the adult R DA), 3 mcg vitamin C (4 percent of the R DA for a woman, 3 percent of the R DA for a man), and 2.5 mg iron (14 percent of the R DA for a woman, 32 percent of the R DA for a man).
The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food Sliced and served raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable side dish.
Diets That May Restrict or Exclude This Food Low-sodium diet
Buying This Food Look for: Firm clean roots with no soft or bruised patches.
Storing This Food Refrigerate Jerusalem artichokes in plastic bags, covered containers or the vegetable crisper to protect their moisture and keep them fresh.
Preparing This Food When you slice a Jerusalem artichoke, you tear cell walls, releasing polyphenoloxidase, an enzyme that converts phenols to brown compounds that darken the flesh. You can slow the reaction (but not stop it completely) by painting the cut surface with a solution of lemon juice or vinegar and water.
What Happens When You Cook This Food In cooking, the starch granules in the Jerusalem artichoke absorb water, swell, and eventu- ally rupture, softening the root and releasing the nutrients inside.
Adverse Effects Associated with This Food Some people are unable to properly digest inulin, the carbohydrate in the Jerusalem arti- choke. For them, eating this tuber raw may cause painful gas. Cooking breaks down inulin and improves digestibility.... artichoke, jerusalem
Habitat: Native to Japan; grows in Indian gardens.
Action: Used for obstinate skin diseases.
The rhizomes contain inulin and beta-dimethylacrylic acid.... ligularia tussilagineaHabitat: The western Himalayas and Punjab, from Himachal Pradesh to Kumaon, up to 1,500 m.
Ayurvedic: Mushali, (white var.), Mahaashataavari. The black variety is equated with Taalamuuli, Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker.Unani: Shaqaaqul-e-Hindi.Action: A substitute for A. officinalis.
The root yields asparagin. Sapoge- nins A and B, isolated from the root, were identified as stigmasterol and sarsasapogenin.Action: Diuretic, laxative, car- diotonic, sedative, galactagogue; used for neuritis and rheumatism, as well as for cystitis and pyelitis.
Key application: In irrigation therapy for inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and for prevention of kidney stones. (German Commission E.). It is contraindicated in kidney diseases and oedema because of functional heart.The root contains steroidal glyco- sides (asparagosides) and bitter glyco- sides; asparagusic acid and its derivatives; asparagines, arginine and ty- rosine; flavonoids, including rutin, kaempferol and quercetrin; polysac- carides and inulin. Asparagine is a strong diuretic source of folic acid and selenium.A spirostanol glycoside, isolated from the methanolic extract of the fruits, has shown 100% immobilization of human spermatozoa.Dosage: Root—3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)... asparagus adscendensHabitat: Native to Europe; commonly occurs in North West India, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
English: Chicory, Indian Endive.Ayurvedic: Kaasani.Unani: Kaasani Dashti (Barri).Siddha/Tamil: Kasinikkeerai.Action: Diuretic, laxative, chol- agogue, mild hepatic. Excites peristalsis without affecting the functions of the stomach. Used in liver congestion, jaundice, rheumatic and gouty joints.
Key application (herb and root): In loss of appetite, dyspepsia. (German Commission E.)The herb contains inulin (up to 58% in the root); sesquiterpene lactones (including lactucin and lactucopicrin); coumarins (chicoriin, esculetin, es- culin, umbelliferone and scopoletin); the root includes a series of glucofruc- tosans. Raw chicory root contains only citric and tartaric acids; roasted chicory contains acetic, lactic, pyru- vic, pyromucic, palmitic and tartaric acids. The carcinogenic hydrocarbons and floranthene are also reported in the chicory (a potent carcinogen 3,4- benzpyrene has been detected).Added to coffee, chicory root counteracts caffeine and helps in digestion.An alcoholic extract of the plant was found effective against chlorproma- zine-induced hepatic damage in adult albino rats. The cholagogue activity is attributed to polyphenols.The sedative effect of chicory is attributed to lactucopicrin. The sedative effect antagonizes the stimulant effect of tea and coffee. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)The extracts of roots were found to be active against several bacteria.Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder; leaf—10-20 ml juice; root—50- 100 ml. (CCRAS.)... cichorium intybusHabitat: Monastery gardens of Europe. Now cultivated in India.
English: Globe Artichoke.Unani: Harshaf.Action: Herb—antitoxic, liver restorative, hypocholesterolaemic. Water soluble extract is used for liver and renal diseases for its cholagogic and choleretic action (flow of bile increases up to 60 per cent). Artichokes assist digestion of fats, are known as diabetic's potato in Europe.
Key application: In dyspeptic problems. (German Commission E.) The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia reported hepatic action.All parts of the plant contains ses- quiterpene lactone cynaropecrin and inulin. The leaves contain cynarin. Hepatic activity of the leaves is due to polyphenols such as cynarin, caf- feoylquinic acid derivatives and flavon- oids. Cynarin and caffeic acid exhibited hepatoprotective activity in CCl4-treated rats. (A minimum of 1% polyphenols and 0.2% flavonoids in the dried leaves is required for the activity.)The plant is included in indigenous compound formulations recommended for viral and drug-induced hepatitis. All parts of the plant stimulate digestive secretions, especially bile, and are used for the treatment of gallbladder problems. Plant is used as a diuretic in dropsy. The plant is also used against atherosclerosis and for lowering cholesterol levels.The extract gave mixed results in preventing alcohol-induced hangover. (CMAJ, 169, 2003, 1269-73; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)... cynara scolymusHabitat: Native to America. Cultivated in India.
English: Sunflower.Ayurvedic: Suurajmukhi, Su- uryaavarta.Siddha/Tamil: Suryakanti.Action: Seeds—build up physical endurance and resistance against diseases; a decoction is used in coughs and colds, bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary affections, whooping cough, also as a febrifuge and diuretic.
The seeds contain a fatty oil (3748%), rich in polyunsaturated acids (linoleic 70%, oleic 20%). The oil also contains tocopherols (alpha-type 92% of the total) and phytosterol (beta- sitosterol 154 mcg/100 g). In Europe and USA, several hybrids produce oils rich in oleic acid. Sunflower oil is reported to decrease the risk of coronary and arterial diseases.Extracted oil from dehulled seeds (chlorogenic acid, present in hulls, interferes with lipid metabolism) reduced serum and hepatic cholesterol in healthy women.The tubers of Helianthus tuberosus Linn., a related species, consists mainly of inulin. The dried tubers can be utilized in diabetic products. The tuber concentrate as food diminishes the risk of developing arteriosclerosis. It is advantageous in the diet of patients with gout, chronic renal diseases, and for obesity control.... helianthus annuusHabitat: Deccan, Konkan and Western Ghats, at altitudes of 9002,100 m.
English: Wild Tobacco.Ayurvedic: Devanala, Nala (var.).Siddha/Tamil: Kattuppugaiyilai, Upperichedi.Action: Used as a substitute for Lobelia inflata.
An analysis of Lobelia nicotianae- folia, grown in Maharashtra, shows that the plant contains appreciable quantities of nor-lobelanine and small amounts of lobinine and minor bases.Lobelia cardinalis Linn., Cardinal Flower, is cultivated in Indian gardens. It contains lobinaline as main alkaloid. Lobinaline depresses blood pressure but has no influence on respiration. L. erinus Linn. and L. succulenta Blume, synonym L. affinis Wall. also contain alkaloids with lobinaline 0.445%.Lobelia cordigera Cav., synonym L. fulgens Willd., an ornamental Lobelia sp., grown in Indian gardens, contains inulin.Lobelia pyramidalis Wall. (Himalayas from Kumaon eastwards to Sikkim and Assam at altitudes of900-2,700 m) contains 0.29-0.38% alkaloids as lobeline, and may be used as a substitute for Lobelia inflata.... lobelia nicotianaefoliaHabitat: Temperate Himalayas, Khasi Hills, Mishmi Hills, Gujarat and in hills of South India.
English: Common Dandelion.Ayurvedic: Dugdh-pheni, Luutaari, Payaswani.Unani: Kaanful, Kaasani Dashti, Kaasani Sahraayi, Hind-baa-al- Barri. (Not to be confused with Ci- chorium intybus, known as Kaasani.)Folk: Dudhli, Dudhal.Action: Root—diuretic, cholagogue, pancreatic and bile duct stimulant, stimulant to portal circulation, choleretic, urinary antiseptic, detoxicant, promotes elimination of plasma cholesterol. Used chiefly in kidney and liver disorders, for rheumatism and as a general tonic. A decoction is given for infective hepatitis.
Key application: In dyspepsia, loss of appetite, and for diuresis. (German Commission E, ESCOP.) ESCOP indicates its use for restoration of hepatic and biliary function.Most of the diuretics cause loss of potassium, but dandelion leaves contain high levels of potassium.The leaves and root contain sesqui- terpene lactones (bitter substances); triterpenes and sterols—beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-glucosides, taraxasterol, psi-taratexol and taraxol; flavonoids, including among others, apigenin-7- O-glucosides and luteolin-7-O-gluco- sides; mucilages; inulin (2-40%, high values in autumn). The amaroids are cholagogic and secretolytic. (PDR.) An appetite-stimulating bitter has been identified as eudesmanolides (previously called taraxacin).The vitamin A content is higher than in carrots.The polysaccharides and aqueous extracts exhibited antitumour activity in animals. The anti-inflammatory activity has also been confirmed in animal studies.The high K+ content of roots and leaves is considered responsible for the diuretic activity.Dosage: Root—1-3 g powder. (CCRAS.)... taraxacum officinaleHabitat: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Garhwal at 25003,000 m; cultivated in Kashmir and neighbouring regions.
English: Kuth, Costus.Ayurvedic: Kushtha, Kusht, Vaapya, Kaashmira, Gada, Rug, Ruk, Aamaya, Paalaka. (Substitute: Pushkara Muula, Inula racemosa.)Unani: Qust.Siddha/Tamil: Kostum, Kottam.Folk: Sugandha-Kuutth.Action: Root—antispasmodic, expectorant, carminative, astringent, antiseptic. An ingredient of prescriptions for dyspepsia, asthma, cough, chronic rheumatism, skin diseases. Applied locally to wounds and ulcerations. Powdered root, mixed with mustard oil, is applied to scalp in prurigo.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the root in cough, bronchitis, dyspnoea; erysipelas and gout.The root (containing both the essential oil and alkaloid, saussurine) is used for asthma, particularly of vagotonic type. It produces a definite relaxtion of the bronchioles. The relief obtained is comparable to that of conventional bronchodilators without side effects, like a rise in blood pressure, sweating or headache even on repeated administration.Saussurine depresses parasympa- thetic nervous system. The aminoacid- sesquiterpene adducts, saussureami- nes A, B and C show antiulcer effect. The aqueous extract of the root exhibits antianginal activity.Essential oil inhibits peristalic movement of the gut. It is absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract and partly excreted by lungs producing an expectorant action and partly by the kidneys producing diuretic effect. (In Western herbal, Kuth essential oil is not prescribed internally.)Kuth roots contain resinoids (6%), and essential oil (1.5%), alkaloid (0.05%) inulin (18%), saussurea lactone (20-25%), a fixed oil and minor constituents like tannin and sugars. Roots obtained from Kashmir are, in general, richer in essential oil content than roots obtained from Garhwal and Nepal. The roots of Punjab variety gave cos- tunolide, dehydrocostuslactone, costic acid, palmitic and linoleic acids, beta- sitosterol and alpha-cyclocostunolide. The Kashmir variety, in addition, gave alantolactone, beta-cyclocostunolide and iso-alantolactone.The essential oil of the roots exhibit strong antiseptic and disinfectant activity against Streptococcus and Staphy- lococcus.Costus speciosus Sm. synonym Banksea speciosa, also known as Kush- tha, is a different herb of Zingiberaceae family. Rhizomes and stems yield dios- genin.Dosage: Root—0.2-1.0 g powder. (API, Vol. I.)... saussurea lappaHabitat: Native to Europe; grown in Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
English: Salify, Vegetable-Oyster, Purple Goat's Beard, Oyster Plant.Action: Root—specific in obstructions of the gall in jaundice; antibilious. Also used for treating arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure.
T. porrifolius contain several flavo- noids, including orientin and iso- orientin.The seeds yield an oil which contains a saturated epoxy acid viz. cis-9, 10-epoxysteric acid and several conjugated dienoic acids.Cooked flashy roots of T. porrifolius contain sodium 8, potassium 183, calcium 60, magnesium 14, iron 1.2, copper 0.1, phosphorus 53, sulphur 25 and chlorine 46 mg/100 g. A large parts of carbohydrates occur as inulin.... tragopogon porrifoliusHabitat: Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal at 1,500-3,500 m.
English: Coughwort, Coltsfoot, Asses' Foot.Unani: Fanjiyun.Action: Leaves and flowers— anticatarrhal, antitussive, expectorant, antispasmodic, demulcent, anti-inflammatory. Used for dry, unproductive, irritative cough, smoker's cough, whooping cough, bronchial asthma (effect shortlived), laryngitis.
Key application: In acute catarrh of the respiratory tract with cough and hoarseness; acute, mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. (German Commission E.)The leaves and flowers contain flavo- noids including rutin, hyperoside and isoquercetin; pyrrolizidine alkaloids including senkirkine and tussilagine (about 0.015%); mucilage (about 8%) consisting of polysaccharides based on glucose, galactose, fructose, arabinose and xylose; inulin, tannins.Polysaccharides are antiinflammatory and immuno-stimulating, as well as demulcent. Flavonoids also have anti-inflammatory and antispasmod- ic action. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have caused hepatotoxicity in rats fed daily on high doses, but not on daily low dose regimes. These are largely destroyed when the herb is boiled.The leaf contains an inhibitor of platelet activating factor (PAF). The PAF inhibitor can account for Coltsfoot's efficacy in asthma. The constituent, tussilagone has respiratory stimulant and cardiovascular (including pressor) activities. In animal studies, Coltsfoot is reported to have a pres- soreffect similartodopaminebut without tachyphylasis. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)... tussilago farfaraConstituents: fatty acids, organic acids, phenolic acids, lignans, sesquiterpenes, tannin, mucilage, inulin. Contains iron, sulphur and B-vitamins.
Action. One of the most powerful and reliable blood tonics of herbalism. Antibiotic action of the root against staphylococcus. Adaptogen, alterative, anti-fungal, hepatic, lymphatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, hypoglycaemic, orexigenic, bitter.
Anti-tumour activity reported (Farnsworth, Kiangsu-429)
Uses: Arthritis, gout, rheumatism, boils, styes, seborrhoea, cystitis, anaemia, anorexia nervosa. To lower blood sugar. Skin diseases – especially psoriasis, acne, eczema. To reduce cholesterol level. Measles (Chinese traditional).
Combination 1. Dandelion 2; Burdock root 1; (rheumatism).
Combination 2. Yellow Dock, Red Clover, Burdock, BHP (1983). Inulin, present in the root, of value in diabetes (Krantz & Carr, 1931)
Preparations: Thrice daily. Persistence with low doses is more favourable than larger, over short periods. Some herbalists have observed more favourable results from use of the decoction.
Decoction. Half-1 teaspoon root to each cup water, simmer gently 5 minutes in a closed vessel. Half-1 cup.
Liquid Extract. BHC Vol 1 (root). 1:1, 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 2-6ml.
Tincture. BHC Vol 1 (root). 1:5, 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 8-12ml.
Powder. Two 250mg capsules with meals.
Topical. Compress: 2 teaspoons shredded root or powder to two cups water simmered 5 minutes and allowed to stand for 30 minutes; saturate piece of suitable material and apply.
Not used in pregnancy or lactation. ... burdock
Constituents: ammoniacal salts, saponin, tannic acid, inulin.
Action: vulnerary. Acts upon muscle fibres of blood vessels. “A princely remedy for the aches and pains of old gardeners.” (Dr C. Burnett) Discutient.
Relations: Arnica, Calendula, St John’s Wort, Witch Hazel.
Uses: Tumours resulting from a blow. Injuries, sprains, bruises, excessive tiredness.
Preparation. Infusion. Half a cup fresh or dried flowerheads to two cups water. Bring to boil; remove vessel when boiling point is reached; strain when cold. Use externally as a lotion or with suitable material as a compress. Internal: 2 teaspoons thrice daily.
Note: A glycosidase inhibitor has been found in the leaves of the common daisy which is very similar to castanospernine and other HIV drugs. It is believed this may prevent the spread of the HIV virus. ... daisy
Health Encyclopedia