Southernwood Health Dictionary

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Southernwood: From 1 Different Sources

Artemisia abrotanum. N.O. Compositae.

Synonym: Old Man, Lad's Love.

Habitat: The plant is frequently seen in gardens, where it is cultivated for its delicate, graceful appearance and pleasant, characteristic scent. It also grows wild on sandy heaths.

Features ? Two feet stems are at first prostrate, but become erect after producing, in August, small yellow flowers in terminal leafy clusters. The greyish-green, very slender leaves, are divided into many linear segments.

Action: Emmenagogue, stimulant, antiseptic and detergent.

Southernwood is mainly employed in menstrual obstruction, frequently in combination with Mugwort and Pennyroyal. Wineglass doses are taken of the infusion of 1 ounce of the herb to 1 pint of boiling water. The powdered herb is sometimes given in teaspoonful or smaller doses to children suffering from worms, but such agents as Tansy and Wormwood are perhaps more effective as anthelmintics.

Health Source: Herbal Manual
Author: Health Dictionary

Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris. N.O. Compositae.

Synonym: Felon Herb.

Habitat: Hedgerows and about walls.

Features ? Stem up to four feet, angular, longitudinal channels. Leaves alternate, five to seven lobes, silvery-white down beneath, nearly smooth above. Flowers (July and August) ovoid, purplish, in clusters. Odour aromatic, leaves slightly bitter.

Part used ? Leaves.

Action: Emmenagogue, diuretic, diaphoretic.

In menstrual obstruction, usually with Pennyroyal and Southernwood. Infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint boiling water, wineglass doses.... mugwort

Achlorhydria

Absence or reduction of hydrochloric acid in stomach juices. Predisposes to pernicious anaemia. Stomach acid aids absorption of proteins, iron and other minerals as well as to exterminate hostile bacteria.

To increase stomach acid: bitters, tonics, stomachics.

Alternatives. Teas. Balm, Calumba (cold infusion), Betony, Bogbean, Centuary, Chaparral, Gentian (cold infusion), German Chamomile, Holy Thistle, Horseradish, Southernwood, Wormwood.

Tea mixture. Equal parts: Balm, Betony, German Chamomile. Mix. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes; 1 cup 2-3 times daily.

Tablets/capsules. Ginseng, Goldenseal, Sarsaparilla, Wild Yam, Yellow Dock.

Gentian. Powder. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) before meals thrice daily. Calumba. Powder. Prepare, same as for Gentian.

Calumba root. Tincture, BHC. Vol 1, 2-4ml thrice daily.

Cider vinegar. 2 teaspoons in glass water: 2-3 times daily. ... achlorhydria

Amenorrhoea

Suppression of normal menstrual flow during the time of life when it should occur. The most common cause is pregnancy but it can arise from hormonal imbalance, trauma, anaemia, fibroids, polyps, constitutional disorder or emotional problems. Though not prejudicial to health it marks a departure from normal.

Symptoms. Scanty irregular or absent periods.

Alternatives. Agnus Castus, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Chaparral, Feverfew, Helonias, Life root, Lovage, Marigold, Motherwort, Mugwort, Parsley root, Pennyroyal, Rosemary, Rue, Tansy, Thuja, Southernwood, Wormwood, Yarrow, Hedge Hyssop (Gratiola officinalis).

Tea: Combine: Agnus Castus, Motherwort, Yarrow. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.

Formula. Combine: Helonias 2; Agnus Castus 2; Blue Cohosh 1. Doses. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules, or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons.

In water or honey, thrice daily.

Agnus Castus. Success reported.

Due to thyroid imbalance: Kelp, Bladderwrack, Irish Moss.

Vitamins: A. B-complex. E.

Minerals: Calcium. Zinc.

Note: Patients with amenorrhoea are at risk of osteoporosis. (Middlesex Hospital, London) ... amenorrhoea

Anthelmintics

Anti-parasitics. Herbs that destroy worms (vermicides) or expel them from the body (vermifuges). Aloe, Areca nuts (tape), Assafoetida, Balmony, Betel nuts (tape), Butternut, Castor oil (thread worms), Cinnamon, Garlic, Hyssop, Kousso, Male fern (tape – now seldom used), Mugwort, Pomegranate, Pumpkin seeds, Quassia chips, Rue, Senna, Southernwood, Tansy, Thuja, Garden Thyme (hookworm), White Bryony (small doses), Wormwood.

Anthelmintics may also be given for rectal irrigation. ... anthelmintics

Anti-microbials

Plant medicines that destroy or inhibit growth of disease-causing bacteria or other micro-organisms. Aniseed, Barberry, Bayberry, Bearberry, Benzoin, Blood root, Buchu, Camphor, Caraway oil, Catechu, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Clove, Cornsilk, Coriander, Echinacea, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Fennel seed, Garlic, Gentian, Goldenseal, Guaiacum, Heather flowers (Calluna), Hemlock Spruce bark, Juniper, Kava Kava, Kino, Labrador tea, Lavender, Liquorice, Lovage root, Mandrake, Marigold, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Mountain Grape, Myrrh, Nasturtium, Olive, Orthosiphon, Parsley root, Peppermint, Peruvian balsam, Plantain, Propolis, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, St John’s Wort, Southernwood, Thuja, Thyme, Turmeric, White Pond Lily, Wild Indigo, Wood Sage, Wormwood, Yarrow. ... anti-microbials

Detergent

A herb of strong cleaning properties such as Soapwort for use on the skin. Balmony, Southernwood, Marigold, Chickweed, Goldenseal, Daisy. ... detergent

Hair – Oily

To condition. Calendula, Clary, all kinds of mints, Horsetail, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Southernwood. Internal and external. ... hair – oily

Antiseptics

Anti-infectives. Anti-microbials. Powerful plant germicides destructive to harmful bacteria, tending to prevent decay and putrefaction. This group includes the astringents and contains tannins which of themselves tend towards an antiseptic effect. Three of the most widely used are: Myrrh, Echinacea and Goldenseal which combined are a popular combination. Cinnamon is regarded as a powerful antiseptic, internally and externally, in China and the Far East; a sprinkle of the powder applied even to open wounds.

Aromatherapy oils: Borneol, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Cloves, Lavender, Niaouli, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.

In present practice: (General) Abscess root, Black Catechu, Boldo, Barberry, Bearberry, Balm of Gilead, Buchu, Blood root, Composition powder or essence, Cudweed, Eucalyptus, Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenrod, Juniper, German Chamomile, Marigold, Myrrh, Oak bark, Peppermint, Onion, Peruvian bark, Poke root, Poplar (white), Rosemary, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Saw Palmetto, Southernwood, Thyme, Wild Indigo, Wild Thyme, White Willow bark, Wintergreen.

Eyes: Marigold, German Chamomile.

Intestines: Goldenseal, German Chamomile.

Lymph glands: Poke root, Echinacea, Garlic, Sarsaparilla, Wild Indigo.

Mucous membranes: Goldenseal, Myrrh, Echinacea, Sarsaparilla.

Genital system: Saw Palmetto, Goldenseal.

Nose: Eucalyptus (oil) injection.

Respiratory system: Balm of Gilead, Cudweed, Pine (oil of).

Skin: Myrrh, Cinnamon, Goldenseal, Sphagnum

Moss, Marigold; Oils of Garlic, Thyme, Sage,

Juniper, Blood root, Marigold.

Throat and mouth: Poke root, Goldenseal, Cinnamon, Sage.

Urinary system: Barberry, Bearberry, Boldo, Couch Grass, Echinacea, Juniper, Meadowsweet (mild), Onion, Wild Indigo, Yarrow. ... antiseptics

Appetite

LOSS OF. Anorexia. Due to one of many causes including: kidney, liver or heart disorder, coeliac disease, adrenal insufficiency, glandular disorder, indigestion, hepatitis, vitamin deficiencies, pernicious anaemia, infection (influenza, colds), emotional conflict, thread-worms, anxiety, stress. Refer to entry of relevant disorder. Where due to absence of menses: see AMENORRHOEA.

Alternatives: before meals, thrice daily.

Teas. Alfalfa, Agrimony, Balm, Balmony, Bogbean, Calamus, Calumba, Caraway, Centuary, Chamomile, Coriander seeds, Dandelion, Fenugreek seeds, Garlic, Galangal, Gentian, Ginger, Goldenseal, Milk Thistle, Horseradish, Mugwort (where linked with menstrual disorders), Peruvian bark, Quassia, Sage, Southernwood, Wormwood.

Tea mixture. Formula. Equal parts: Agrimony, Balm, Chamomile. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; 1 cup.

Decoction. 1 teaspoon Gentian root to each cup cold water. 1 cup.

Powders. Formula. Equal parts: Gentian, German Chamomile. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon).

Liquid Extract. Goldenseal BPC 1949: 5-15 drops.

Tincture Gentian BHP (1983). 15-60 drops.

Diet. Wholefood.

Supplements. Vitamin B-group. Zinc. ... appetite

Bitters

Bitters are stimulants to the autonomic nervous system. They stimulate ‘bitter’ taste buds in the mouth that reflexly initiate secretion of a special hormone into the blood stream increasing production of stomach and pancreatic juices and impelling the liver to release bile into the duodenum. Bitters increase acid production and are given about half an hour before meals. To sweeten them is to nullify their effect.

Bitters increase the appetite, assist assimilation, and are indicated for perverted or loss of the sense of taste (zinc). They reduce fermentation in the intestines and are of value in hypoglycaemia and diabetes mellitus. Bitters are not carminatives. Some, such as Gentian, Calumba and Chamomile are also sialogogues (increasing the flow of saliva). Another effect, little understood, is an increase in white corpuscles in the peripheral circulation.

Aletris, Angostura, Avens, Balmony, Barberry, Betony, Bogbean, Boneset, Calumba, Centuary, Chicory, Condurango, Feverfew, Gentian, Goldenseal, Holy Thistle, Hops, Quassia Chips, Rue, Southernwood, White Horehound, Wormwood.

Not used in presence of gastric ulcer. ... bitters

Carminatives

Anti-flatulents. Aromatic herbs used to expel gas (wind) from the stomach and intestines. Containing volatile oils, their effect upon the digestive system is to tone mucous surfaces and increase peristaltic action. Also used with other agents to render them more palatable.

Allspice, Angelica, Aniseed, Balm, Calumba root, Caraway seed, Cardamom seed, Catmint, Cayenne, Centaury, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cloves, Condurango, Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Galangal, Garlic, Gentian, Ginger (powder, crystallised, or tincture), Holy Thistle, Horseradish, Juniper, Kava Kava, Hyssop, Marjoram, Mugwort, Mustard, Nutmeg, Parsley, Peppermint, Sage, Southernwood, Thyme, Valerian, Wormwood.

Mixture: equal parts Aniseed, Caraway and Fennel. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15-20 minutes. 1 cup hot after meals. Crush seeds before use. (Dr Rudolf F. Weiss) ... carminatives

Dandruff

Scurf. Flakes of desquamated cells shed by the scalp.

Topical. Clary sage, Burdock root, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Nettles, Rosemary, Sage, Southernwood, Thyme, Peppermint. Internally as teas, tinctures etc, or externally as lotions.

Hair conditioner: live yoghurt, rub into scalp after washing and rinsing. Leave 15 minutes, again rinse with warm water. Finally rinse with 1 part cider vinegar to 10 parts warm water.

Shampoos: Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.

Dressing. 25ml Castor oil in 100ml Vodka. Shake well and rub gently into scalp.

Aromatherapy. Jojoba, Evening Primrose, Borage. 10 drops any one oil to 1 pint (500ml) warm water as a rinse.

Diet. See: DIET, SKIN DISORDERS.

Supplements. Vitamins B6, C. Minerals: Selenium, Zinc. Essential fatty acids. ... dandruff

Depression

A persistent change of mood deeper than superficial sadness. Of symptoms, headache is the commonest presenting complaint (Feverfew, Skullcap). Release from symptoms may be obtained from teas, powders or liquid extracts of the following.

Liver causation: Dandelion (Coffee), Wild Yam, Goldenseal.

In the elderly: Skullcap, Sage.

With restlessness: Lemon balm, Californian Poppy.

With palpitations: Hawthorn, Motherwort.

From abuse of coffee: German Chamomile.

Unable to relax: Passion Flower.

Epileptic: Mistletoe. Vervain.

Parkinsonian: St John’s Wort, broad beans.

To correct hormone imbalance: Helonias, Raspberry leaves.

Pre-menstrual tension: Evening Primrose, St John’s Wort, Rosemary.

With painful menstruation: Black Cohosh.

Associated with glaucoma: Rutin tea.

The hidden alcoholic: Ginseng.

Pregnant depressive: Raspberry leaves.

Obese depressive: Cider vinegar.

Enuresis schoolchild: Liquorice.

With swollen prostate gland: Pulsatilla.

In heart cases, and to counter side effects of beta blockers: Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley.

Drug-induced: St John’s Wort, Californian Poppy, Ginseng.

General anti-depressives: Lemon balm, Celery, Chamomile, Borage, Ginkgo, Damiana, Kola, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Oats, Rosemary, Skullcap, Southernwood, Valerian, Vervain, Wormwood, St John’s Wort, Peppermint.

BHP (1983) combination: Kola nuts, Skullcap, Oats, Damiana.

Evening Primrose: 4 × 500mg capsules daily.

Temporary depression from physical and mental exhaustion: Life Drops (see entry). Pinch of Cayenne in cup of tea.

Old men. Low cholesterol levels are linked to depression among older men.

Practitioner: Persistent depression from shock: Tincture Arnica, 2-5 drops in water, thrice daily.

(Practice among German physicians.)

Aromatherapy. Inhalant: any one oil: Rose, Tangerine, Geranium.

Diet. Low caffeine. Oats: good for depression (oatmeal porridge, oatcakes, etc). Spinach for iron and calcium.

Supplementation. Vitamins: B-complex, B6, B12, C. Thiamine, Niacin. Minerals: Dolomite, Iron, Chromium, Iodine, Zinc.

Note: Depression may trigger mechanisms that introduce chronic disease by lowering immune response, hence need for conscientious patient compliance. ... depression

Emmenagogues

Plant substitutes for hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more gonadotropic hormones. Herbs that initiate and promote the menstrual flow. Most are uterine tonics and stimulants to restore normal function of the female reproductive system. Not used in pregnancy, except when a practitioner has good cause to do so in the first few weeks. They include: Agnus Castus, Angelica, Basil, Barberry, Autumn Crocus, Blood root, Beth root, Black Cohosh, Black Haw, Blue Cohosh, Caraway, Celery seeds, Chamomile, Coltsfoot, Cramp bark, Cinnamon, False Unicorn root, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Gentian, Ginger, Goldenseal, Greater Celandine, Holy Thistle, Juniper berries, Lime flowers, Lovage, Marigold, Marjoram, Motherwort, Mugwort, Myrrh, Parsley root, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Poke root, Pulsatilla, Raspberry leaves, Red Sage, Rosemary, Rue, Senna, Shepherd’s Purse, Southernwood, Squaw Vine, St John’s Wort, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme, True Unicorn root, Valerian, Vervain, Wormwood, Yarrow.

Combination. Equal parts: Mugwort, Senna, Chamomile. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup morning and midday.

Papaya fruit. Contraceptive used to halt pregnancy. Papain, an enzyme in the tropical fruit, attacks progesterone, the hormone essential to pregnancy. ... emmenagogues

Feet – Hot, Sweaty, Smelly

Excessive foot-sweat directs our attention to constitutional weakness, kidney malfunction or to general toxic condition. For fungoid infections: see under FUNGUS. Kidney remedies (diuretics) often reduce foot sweat (Juniper, Buchu, Golden Rod, Horsetail, Parsley root or leaves, Plantain, Thuja). Teas, decoctions, etc.

Constitutional treatment (oral): Liquid Extract Thuja: 5-10 drops morning and evening.

Topical. Foot baths: with teas from Chamomile, Sage, Rosemary, Juniper, or Southernwood. Half an ounce dried or fresh herb in 2 pints boiling water; infuse until warm. Weleda Foot Balm.

Diet. Dandelion coffee. Raw food days. Avoid eggs. Increase protein.

Vitamins. B-complex. B6. B12. E.

Minerals. Dolomite. Zinc.

General. Ban rubber shoes (plimsolls) which prevent adequate ventilation.

See: SWEATING, ABNORMAL. ... feet – hot, sweaty, smelly

Hair Care

Hair, like nails and skin, is a protein material built up on amino acids. It is rich in minerals, especially sulphur. A sebaceous gland at the base of the hair follicle secretes sebum, an oily substance, which acts as a lubricant. When vital minerals and vitamins are lacking in the blood the quality of fibre and sebum deteriorates resulting in lustreless hair and change of texture. Healthy hair depends upon good personal hygiene, brushing, and washing with gentle-acting materials instead of harsh detergent shampoos which remove natural oils from the scalp and spoils its condition.

An adequate daily intake of essential fatty acids is assured by the golden oils (Sunflower, Corn, etc) which can be well supported by Evening Primrose oil capsules.

Internal: Bamboo gum. Nettle tea, Alfalfa, Horsetail, Soya.

Topical. Shampoo. Soapwort or Yucca. Chop 2 tablespoons (dry) or 1 tablespoon (fresh) leaves or root. Place in cup of warm water. Stir until a froth is produced. Decant and massage liquor into scalp.

Aloe Vera gel is noted for its moisturising effect and to provide nutrients. It may be used as a shampoo, hair set and conditioner. Jojoba oil has been used for centuries by the Mexican Indians for a healthy scalp; today, it is combined with Evening Primrose and Vitamin E with good effect. Olive oil stimulates strong growth.

One of several herbs may be used as a rinse, including Nettles, Rosemary, Southernwood, Fennel, Chamomile, Yellow Dock and Quassia. Hair should be washed not more than once weekly with warm water and simple vegetable soap; rinse four times with warm rinse, finishing off with cold. Brunettes should add a little vinegar; blondes, lemon juice. Selenium once had a reputation as a hair conditioner; recent research confirms. Selenium shampoos are available.

Supplements: Vitamins B (complex), B6, Choline, C and E. Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin B12 (50mg thrice daily).

Aromatherapy. 2 drops each: Sage, Nettles, Thyme; to 2 teaspoons Gin or Vodka, and massage into the scalp daily. ... hair care

Hypoglycaemia

Low blood sugar. Hyperinsulinism. “The 20th Century Epidemic.” Low blood sugar levels brought about by overstimulation of insulin production by the pancreas.

From food we eat, sugar (glucose) is converted into glycogen which is stored in the liver and muscles. To ensure its removal from the bloodstream to storage areas a balancing mechanism causes the pancreas to produce insulin for this purpose. Exhaustion of the pancreas may follow too frequent release of insulin for reducing high levels of sugar. All symptoms are temporarily relieved by eating sweet foods, chocolate, etc, or by drinking stimulating beverages: tea, coffee, cola, alcohol, etc.

Convincing evidence shows how large amounts of refined and concentrated sugars overwork the pancreas, causing wide swings in blood sugar levels. This is the reverse of diabetes which occurs from a lack of insulin.

Another factor is over-stimulation of the adrenal glands that produce adrenalin which has the power to release stored sugars. When adrenalin is discharged too frequently into the bloodstream the conversion of glycogen to glucose is impaired. This leads to a craving for sweet foods and stimulating beverages.

Symptoms are numerous and often confuse the doctor: constant hunger, tightness in the chest, dizziness, headaches, twitching of limbs, digestive disorders, fatigue, weakness in legs, irritability, migraine, nervous tension, nervous mannerisms, insomnia, memory lapses, phobia – sense of panic, cold sweats. Cold hands and feet, visual disturbances, vague aches and pains and depression.

Life becomes a succession of erratic rises and falls of the blood sugar. Symptoms are worse when the person is passing through a ‘low’ period. All this is reflected upon the sympathetic nervous system and affects the emotional life. A special blood test is carried out to assess the situation; the Glucose Tolerance Test.

Alternatives. To raise low blood sugar levels: Avens, Balmony, Bayberry, Calamus, Centuary, Chamomile (German), Dandelion root, Echinacea, Feverfew, Gentian (Yellow), Ginger, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Holy Thistle, Hops, Horehound (White), Liquorice, Quassia, Southernwood, Betony.

Teas. Chamomile (German), Ginseng, Avens, Centuary, Hops, Betony.

Decoctions. Yellow Gentian (cold infusion), Calamus (cold infusion), Dandelion root (hot infusion), Angustura bark (hot infusion).

Tablets/capsules. Calamus, Dandelion, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Echinacea, Liquorice, Kelp.

Powders. Formula. Balmony 2; Bayberry 2; White Poplar 1; Ginger 1. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily, before meals.

Liquid Extracts. Formula. Goldenseal 10ml; Dandelion root 20ml; Holy Thistle 20ml; Cayenne 1ml. 30- 60 drops thrice daily in water before meals.

Tinctures. Same formula, double dose.

Angostura wine. Wineglassful daily.

Diet: Herb teas, juices and mineral water instead of tea, coffee and other drinks containing caffeine. Honey. Wholefoods. Adequate protein intake. Small meals throughout the day. Avoid: alcohol, sugary snacks, white flour and white sugar products.

Supplementation. Daily. B-complex, B6 50mg, E 200iu, C 1g, Chromium 125mcg, Calcium Pantothenate 500mg, Kelp, Lecithin, Zinc.

Notes: Brewer’s yeast tablets contain chromium which assists sugar metabolism. Smoking causes both glucagon and insulin to be released thus aggravating the condition. Diabetics should carry in their pocket some form of sugar against emergency. ... hypoglycaemia

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