A term that means hard and fibrous and is usually applied to malignant tumours containing dense, fibrous tissue.
Habitat: The western Himalayas and Kashmir at altitudes between 2,700 and 3,600 m.
English: Couch grass, dog grass, wheat grass.Action: Demulcent (used in cystitis, nephritis), aperient, diuretic and urinary antiseptic, anticholesterolaemic.
Key application: In irrigation therapy for inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and for the prevention of kidney gravel. (German Commission E, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) It is contraindicated in oedema due to cardiac or renal insufficiency.The juice of rhizomes is used for cystitis, nephritis, scirrhous liver; decoction for tonsils and as an adjuvant for cancer; also used for gout and rheumatism, and chronic skin disorders.The rhizome contains triticin, a carbohydrate allied to starch, a fruc- tosan polysaccharide, inositol, manni- tol; volatile oil up to about 0.05%, consisting mainly of agropyrene; vanillin glucoside; mucilage, gum, large quantities of silica; iron, minerals, vitamins, K salt. Agropyrene is reported to have broad antibiotic properties. Extracts show uric acid solvent properties. Agropyrene is antifungal.... agropyron repensHabitat: Mediterranean region and Western Asia.
English: Squirting Cucumber.Ayurvedic: Kantaki Indravaaruni (non-classical).Folk: Kateri Indryaayana, Kitran.Action: Hydragogue; employed for the evacuation of dropsy, especially in nephritic patients. Root—used to treat skin diseases and parasitic scalp diseases; also for scirrhous eruptions.
Roots, leaves and fruits yield cucur- bitacins C, D, E, G, H and I. Fruit juice gave cucurbitacins B, L and R and their derivatives. Cucurbitacins (tetra- cyclic triterpene glycosides) are toxic constituents of the fruit.... ecballium elateriumHabitat: Peninsular India, and from Yamuna eastwards; also grown in South India.
Siddha/Tamil: Karu Karunai Kizhangu, Karunai Kizhangu.Action: Tuber—applied as poultice on scirrhous tumours (fresh tuber is very acrid and a powerful stimulant). Eaten with bananas, the tubers relax the bowels and provide relief in haemorrhoids (tubers become innocuous on heating or drying).
The tubers contain carotene, folic acid, niacin, thiamine, sterols and beta- sitosterol.... typhonium trilobatumCauses. Smoking, alcohol, jagged teeth, chemical irritants, septic toxins, sprayed fruit and vegetables, poisoning by lead, arsenic and other chemicals, additives, hot foods, spicy curries and peppers, chewing tobacco.
Over 80 per cent found to be present in old syphilitic cases. Charles Ryall, surgeon, Cancer Hospital, regarded the two as comparable with that between syphilis and tabes. Dr F. Foester, Surgeon, concluded that epithelioma of the tongue as far more frequently preceded by syphilis than any other form of cancer.
(Hastings Gilford FRCS, “Tumours and Cancers”)
The condition may arise from a gumma or patch of leucoplakia (white patches) – at one time known as smoker’s tongue.
Of possible value. Alternatives:– Many plants have been shown to produce neoplastic activity, as observed in discovery of anti-cancer alkaloids of the Vinca plant (Vinchristine) and Mistletoe. Dr Wm Boericke confirms clinical efficacy of Clivers, promoting healthy granulations in ulcers and tumour of the tongue. Dr W.H. Cook advises a mouthwash of Goldenseal. For scirrhous hardening, juice of fresh Houseleek has a traditional reputation.
Tinctures. Equal parts Condurango and Goldenseal. 30-60 drops before meals in water; drops increased according to tolerance.
Local paint. Thuja lotion.
Case record. Dr Brandini, Florence, had a patient, 71, with inoperable cancer of the tongue. In the midst of his pain he asked for a lemon which immediately assuaged the pain. The next day gave him even greater relief. The doctor tried it on a number of similar patients with the same results, soaking lint in lemon juice.
Diet. See: DIET – CANCER.
Treatment by a general medical practitioner or hospital oncologist. ... cancer – tongue
Constituents: malic acid, lime salts, tannin, mucilage.
Action: anti-inflammatory, astringent, analgesic (mild), refrigerant.
Uses: Long European reputation for scirrhous induration of the tongue, burning skin rashes, urticaria, nettle stings, and chronic mouth ulcers. Galen advised juice of fresh leaves to dispel pain of shingles and erysipelas. Dioscorides mentions its use for weak and inflamed eyes (eye-drops). Injected into the ear for relief of earache. Wiped over the forehead, juice from the fresh leaf may relieve migraine and chronic headache. Has been used with success for cancer of the breast, tongue and cervix.
Preparations: Has a better record of success from use of the fresh leaf than by alcohol.
German traditional: mix juice with equal volume of fresh cream.
Poultice: bruised fresh leaves for inflamed skin, shingles, etc.
Much neglected agent. ... houseleek
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