An alcoholic solution used in PHARMACY, generally of some vegetable substance.
Action: antispasmodic, expectorant, hypotensive, sedative, diuretic, reduces the heart rate. Antidote to rhus poisoning, internally and externally.
Uses: Bronchial asthma where associated with rapid heart action. Emphysema, whooping cough, catarrh – nose and throat. Poison Ivy dermatitis – as a topical wash by decoction. Once used by the Western Indians, USA, for venereal disease.
Tincture BHP (1983) 1:10 in 60 per cent alcohol. Dose: half-1ml.
Large doses irritate kidneys. ... grindelia
Action. Cardio-active; slows the heart via the vagus nerve. Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal.
Uses: Used in conventional medicine for many years as a heart relaxant, to lower blood pressure and relieve capillary engorgement, but internal use now discontinued in the UK. Facial and inter-costal neuralgia. Pains of rheumatism, lumbago and arthritis (liniment).
Pains of arthritis and gout: Tincture Aconite 2; Tincture Colchicum 1. 10 drops thrice daily. (Dr Rudolf F. Weiss, “Herbal Medicine”, Beaconsfield)
Preparations: Tincture: Dose: 2-5 drops, thrice daily. Practitioner only. Alternative dosage sometimes used in fevers: 5 drops in 100ml water: 1 teaspoon hourly – until temperature falls or improvement is noted.
Standardised product: Aconitysat (Buerger): 5-10 drops or more. Liniment. 1.3 parts tincture to 100 parts Witch Hazel.
Note: Widely used in its homoeopathic preparation. Pharmacy only sale. ... aconite
Action: external use only.
Uses: Bruises and contusions where skin is unbroken. Severe bruising after surgical operation. Neuralgia, sprains, rheumatic joints, aches and pains after excessive use as in sports and gardening.
Combination, in general use: 1 part Tincture Arnica to 10 parts Witch Hazel water as a lotion. Contra- indications: broken or lacerated skin.
Preparations: Compress: handful flowerheads to 1 pint boiling water. Saturate handtowel or suitable material in mixture and apply.
Tincture. 1 handful (50g) flowerheads to 1 pint 70 per cent alcohol (say Vodka) in wide-necked bottle. Seal tight. Shake daily for 7 days. Filter. Use as a lotion or compress: 1 part tincture to 20 parts water. Weleda Lotion. First aid remedy to prevent bruise developing.
Nelson’s Arnica cream.
Ointment. Good for applying Arnica to parts of the body where tincture or lotion is unsuitable. 2oz flowers and 1oz leaves (shredded or powdered) in 16oz lard. Moisten with half its weight of distilled water. Heat together with the lard for 3-4 hours and strain. For wounds and varicose ulcers.
Wet Dressing. 2 tablespoons flowers to 2 litres boiling water. For muscular pain, stiffness and sprains. Tincture. Alternative dosage: a weak tincture can be used with good effect, acceptable internally: 5 drops tincture to 100ml water – 1 teaspoon hourly or two-hourly according to severity of the case.
Widely used in Homoeopathic Medicine.
First used by Swiss mountaineers who chewed the leaves to help prevent sore and aching limbs.
Note: Although no longer used internally in the UK, 5-10 drop doses of the tincture are still favoured by some European and American physicians for anginal pain and other acute heart conditions; (Hawthorn for chronic).
Pharmacy only sale. ... arnica
Action: astringent, carminative, expectorant, preservative, genito-urinary antiseptic, anti-fungal. Stimulates phagocytes.
Uses: Chronic bronchitis, coughs, affections of the respiratory organs (as part of Friar’s balsam). Mouth ulcers, as a mouth wash: 2 drops tincture in glass of water. Infective cystitis. Tears used as incense. Tincture in dentistry for oral herpes and Candida and as an anti-inflammatory after extraction. Preparations. Tincture Benzoin BPC: 5-15 drops in water. An ingredient of Whitfield’s ointment and Friar’s balsam. Poultice: for suppurating ulcers and wounds.
Aromatherapy. 3-5 drops in hot water as an inhalant for colds, influenza, chills. ... benzoin
Action: promotes secretion of urine. Stimulant diuretic (cold). Safe and effective anti-bacterial for urinary tract infections and recurrent inflammation of the bladder.
Keynote: urinary antiseptic.
Constituents. Volatile oil, flavonoids, tannin, mucilage, B-complex vitamins.
Uses: Cystitis, especially when caused by organism E. Coli. Pyelitis, urethritis, prostatitis, pus in the urine. Catarrh of the bladder. Fluid retention. To aid flow of urine.
Popular kidney herbs. Tea. Couchgrass 25 per cent; Buchu 15 per cent; Bearberry 15 per cent; Alfalfa 45 per cent. 1-2 teaspoons to cup boiling water.
Combinations. Teas. (1) equal parts: Buchu, Uva Ursi, Broom and Clivers; for chronic dropsy. (2) equal parts: Buchu and Juniper berries, for acute dropsy. (3) equal parts: Buchu and Marshmallow for irritable bladder.
Side effects – none known.
Preparations: Minimum heat. Should not be boiled. Covered vessel (teapot) to prevent escape of volatile oil. Thrice daily.
Tea: One teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup.
Liquid extract, BHC Vol 1. 1:1 90 per cent ethanol. Dose: 0.5-1.5ml.
Tincture, BHC Vol 1. 1:5, 60 per cent ethanol. Dose: 2-4ml.
Infusion Buchu Cone BPC 1954. 1:2.5, 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 4-8ml.
Kasbah Remedy (Potter’s). Buchu an important ingredient.
Gerard House. Formula. Pulverised Dandelion root 60mg; Pulverised Extract Buchu 3-1, 20mg; Pulverised Extract Uva Ursi 3-1, 20mg; Pulverised Extract Clivers 4-1, 4mg. Dose: 2 tablets thrice daily. ... buchu
Action. Expectorant for chronic bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Use. An inhalant. One 5ml teaspoon of the balsam to 500ml boiling water; patient inhales the vapour with a towel over the head.
Still used as an alternative to pressurised devices that may evoke a diminished response by over-use. Children may develop an unhealthy dependence upon a nebuliser resulting in bronchitis, the area of aerosol mists being an area of controversy. Friar’s balsam may still be used with effect.
Formula: macerate Benzoin 10 per cent, prepared Storax 7.5 per cent, Tolu balsam 2.5 per cent and Aloes 2 per cent with alcohol 90 per cent. ... friar’s balsam
Constituents: lobeline, resin, wax, gum, lignin, fixed oil.
Action: antasthmatic, antispasmodic, mild sedative and gentle relaxant. Expectorant, diaphoretic, anti- cough. Broncho-dilator containing the alkaloid lobeline. Claimed to destroy pneumococcus. Amphoteric. Emetic. Smoking deterrent (tablets). Respiratory stimulant.
Uses: Broad spectrum therapy: chest, throat, sinuses, middle ear, urinary tract, chronic bronchitis. An effective means of controlling difficult breathing without risk of serious side-effects: croup, whooping cough, pleurisy, etc. For deteriorating asthma where there has been a declining response to routine broncho-dilator treatment. Well tolerated by those allergic to penicillin and for side-effects arising from that therapy. Tetanus (Dr H. Hart, Chi Med Journal). Irritability and hypersensitivity. Nicotine addiction. External. Use of tincture or liquid extract for gouty joints, big toe, etc.
Ear troubles in children: Inject 2 drops Oil Lobelia.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Dried herb, 50 to 200mg in infusion (BHC Vol 1).
Liquid Extract: 0.2 to 0.6ml (3 to 10 drops).
Tincture Lobelia acid: 1 part to 10 parts cider vinegar; macerate 8 days; decant. Dose: 5 to 10ml (1-2 teaspoons).
Simple Tincture Lobelia BPC (1949), 1:8 in 60 per cent alcohol. Dose, 0.6 to 2ml.
Tablets/capsules. Lobelia compound. Powdered Lobelia BP 60mg; Powdered Gum Ammoniacum BPC 30mg; Powdered extract Squill 2:1, 30mg. Respiratory stimulant for blocked sinuses, catarrh and coughs. Contra-indicated: feeble pulse or nerve response, pregnancy, shock, paralysis. Large doses induce vomiting. ... lobelia
Habitat: Occurs throughout the plains of India, ascending the hills in Orissa up to 210 m.
English: Indian Acalypha.Ayurvedic: Kuppi, Muktavarchaa, HaritamanjariSiddha/Tamil: Kuppaimeni.Folk: Khokli, Kuppi, Aamaabhaaji.Action: Antibacterial (leaf used in scabies). Plant—emetic, expectorant (used in bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia). Tincture of fresh plant is used in homoeopathy for incipient phthisis with bloody expectorations, emaciation and arterial haemorrhage.
The plant contains kaempferol; leaves and twigs contain acalyphamide and other amides, quinone, sterols, cyanogenic glycoside.The herb causes intestinal irritation.... acalypha indicaHabitat: The Khasi Hills, Orissa and peninsular India.
English: Fish Berry, Levant Berry, Poison Berry, Crow Killer.Ayurvedic: Kaakaadani, Kaakamaari.Siddha/Tamil: Kaakkaikkollividai.Action: Insecticide, antifungal; highly valued in skin diseases; used externally to kill lice and other parasites.
The leaves and fruit contain picro- toxin (up to 5%) and alkaloids. Pi- crotoxin (sesquiterpene glycoside) is a powerful poison and nerve stimulant. It is rarely taken internally. Coccu- lus (a tincture prepared from the powdered seeds of Cocculus indicus) is used internally as a homoeopathic medicine for convulsions, neurological disorders and psychosis-related fear.Picrotoxin at 20 mg is toxic, and two to three berries are lethal. (Francis Brinker.)... anamirta cocculusHabitat: Nepal, Chota Nagpur and Khasi hills at altitudes of 9001,500 m.
Action: Plant—used in China for fevers and asthma. Root—considered depurative and antirheumatic in Indo-China. The plant is one of the constituent of a tincture formulation used for the treatment of scars.
The rhizomes of the plant are reported to contain the polyfructosan, lobelinin.... lobelia chinensisHabitat: Native to Europe; cultivated in northwestern Himalayas and in hills of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and southern India.
English: Celery.Ayurvedic: Ajmodaa, Ajmoda, Ajmodikaa, Dipyaka.Unani: Karafs.Siddha/Tamil: Celery-keerai.Folk: Ajmodaa.Action: Anti-inflammatory (used in rheumatic disorders, inflammation of the urinary tract), diuretic, carminative, nervine, sedative, antiemetic, antispasmodic, antiseptic (used in bronchitis, asthma, as well as liver and spleen diseases), emmenagogue. Essential oil from seeds—tranquilizer, anticonvulsant, antifungal. Seeds are used in the treatment of chronic skin disorders including psoriasis.
Key application: As diuretic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)Celery yields an essential oil (3%), major constituent being d-limonene (50%) and phathalides and beta-seli- nene; coumarins, furanocoumarins (bergapten); flavonoids (apiin and api- genin). Alkaloid fraction of seeds showed tranquilizing activity in animals. The phthalides are sedative in mice and exhibit antiepileptic activity in rats and mice. The aqueous extract of the celery has been shown to reduce adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats, and to be hypotensive in patients as well as animals. The tincture of the plant exhibits drop in blood pressure accompanied by an increase in urine output.... apium graveolensStructure Each tooth is composed of enamel, dentine, cement, pulp and periodontal membrane. ENAMEL is the almost translucent material which covers the crown of a tooth. It is the most highly calci?ed material in the body, 96–97 per cent being composed of calci?ed salts. It is arranged from millions of long, six-sided prisms set on end on the dentine (see below), and is thickest over the biting surface of the tooth. With increasing age or the ingestion of abrasive foods the teeth may be worn away on the surface, so that the dentine becomes visible. The outer sides of some teeth may be worn away by bad tooth-brushing technique. DENTINE is a dense yellowish-white material from which the bulk and the basic shape of a tooth are formed. It is like ivory and is harder than bone but softer than enamel. The crown of the tooth is covered by the hard protective enamel and the root is covered by a bone-like substance called cement. Decay can erode dentine faster than enamel (see TEETH, DISORDERS OF – Caries of the teeth). CEMENT or cementum is a thin bone-like material which covers the roots of teeth and helps hold them in the bone. Fibres of the periodontal membrane (see below) are embedded in the cement and the bone. When the gums recede, part of the cement may be exposed and the cells die. Once this has happened, the periodontal membrane can no longer be attached to the tooth and, if su?cient cement is destroyed, the tooth-support will be so weakened that the tooth will become loose. PULP This is the inner core of the tooth and is
composed of a highly vascular, delicate ?brous tissue with many ?ne nerve-?bres. The pulp is very sensitive to temperature variation and to touch. If the pulp becomes exposed it will become infected and usually cannot overcome this. Root-canal treatment or extraction of the tooth may be necessary. PERIODONTAL MEMBRANE This is a layer of ?brous tissue arranged in groups of ?bres which surround and support the root of a tooth in a bone socket. The ?bres are interspersed with blood vessels and nerves. Loss of the membrane leads to loss of the tooth. The membrane can release and re-attach the ?bres to allow the tooth to move when it erupts, or (to correct dental deformities) is being moved by orthodontic springs.
Arrangement and form Teeth are present in most mammals and nearly all have two sets: a temporary or milk set, followed by a permanent or adult set. In some animals, like the toothed whale, all the teeth are similar; but in humans there are four di?erent shapes: incisors, canines (eye-teeth), premolars (bicuspids), and molars. The incisors are chisel-shaped and the canine is pointed. Premolars have two cusps on the crown (one medial to the other) and molars have at least four cusps. They are arranged together in an arch in each jaw and the
cusps of opposing teeth interdigitate. Some herbivores have no upper anterior teeth but use a pad of gum instead. As each arch is symmetrical, the teeth in an upper and lower quadrant can be used to identify the animal. In humans, the quadrants are the same: in other words, in the child there are two incisors, one canine and two molars (total teeth 20); in the adult there are two incisors, one canine, two premolars and three molars (total 32). This mixture of tooth-form suggests that humans are omnivorous. Anatomically the crown of the tooth has mesial and distal surfaces which touch the tooth next to it. The mesial surface is the one nearer to the centre line and the distal is the further away. The biting surface is called the incisal edge for the anterior teeth and the occlusal surface for the posteriors.
Development The ?rst stage in the formation of the teeth is the appearance of a down-growth of EPITHELIUM into the underlying mesoderm. This is the dental lamina, and from it ten smaller swellings in each jaw appear. These become bell-shaped and enclose a part of the mesoderm, the cells of which become specialised and are called the dental papillae. The epithelial cells produce enamel and the dental papilla forms the dentine, cement and pulp. At a ?xed time the teeth start to erupt and a root is formed. Before the deciduous teeth erupt, the permanent teeth form, medial to them. In due course the deciduous roots resorb and the permanent teeth are then able to push the crowns out and erupt themselves. If this process is disturbed, the permanent teeth may be displaced and appear in an abnormal position or be impacted.
Eruption of teeth is in a de?nite order and at a ?xed time, although there may be a few months’ leeway in either direction which is of no signi?cance. Excessive delay is found in some congenital disorders such as CRETINISM. It may also be associated with local abnormalities of the jaws such as cysts, malformed teeth and supernumerary teeth.
The usual order of eruption of deciduous teeth is:
Middle incisors 6–8 months Lateral incisors 8–10 months First molars 12–16 months Canines (eye-teeth) 16–20 months Second molars 20–30 months
The usual order of eruption of permanent teeth is:
First molars 6–7 years Middle incisors 6–8 years Lateral incisors 7–9 years Canines 9–12 years First and second premolars 10–12 years Second molars 11–13 years Third molars (wisdom teeth) 17–21 years
The permanent teeth of the upper (top) and lower (bottom) jaws.
Teeth, Disorders of
Teething, or the process of eruption of the teeth in infants, may be accompanied by irritability, salivation and loss of sleep. The child will tend to rub or touch the painful area. Relief may be obtained in the child by allowing it to chew on a hard object such as a toy or rusk. Mild ANALGESICS may be given if the child is restless and wakens in the night. A serious pitfall is to assume that an infant’s symptoms of ill-health are due to teething, as the cause may be more serious. Fever and ?ts (see SEIZURE) are not due to teething.
Toothache is the pain felt when there is in?ammation of the pulp or periodontal membrane of a tooth (see TEETH – Structure). It can vary in intensity and may be recurring. The commonest cause is caries (see below) when the cavity is close to the pulp. Once the pulp has become infected, this is likely to spread from the apex of the tooth into the bone to form an abscess (gumboil – see below). A lesser but more long-lasting pain is felt when the dentine is unprotected. This can occur when the enamel is lost due to decay or trauma or because the gums have receded. This pain is often associated with temperature-change or sweet foods. Expert dental advice should be sought early, before the decay is extensive. If a large cavity is accessible, temporary relief may be obtained by inserting a small piece of cotton wool soaked, for example, in oil of cloves.
Alveolar abscess, dental abscess or gumboil This is an ABSCESS caused by an infected tooth. It may be present as a large swelling or cause trismus (inability to open the mouth). Treatment is drainage of the PUS, extraction of the tooth and/or ANTIBIOTICS.
Caries of the teeth or dental decay is very common in the more a?uent countries and is most common in children and young adults. Increasing awareness of the causes has resulted in a considerable improvement in dental health, particularly in recent years; this has coincided with a rise in general health. Now more than half of ?ve-year-old children are caries-free and of the others, 10 per cent have half of the remaining carious cavities. Since the start of the National Health Service, the emphasis has been on preventive dentistry, and now edentulous patients are mainly found among the elderly who had their teeth removed before 1948.
The cause of caries is probably acid produced by oral bacteria from dietary carbohydrates, particularly re?ned sugar, and this dissolves part of the enamel; the dentine is eroded more quickly as it is softer (see TEETH – Structure). The exposed smooth surfaces are usually protected as they are easily cleaned during normal eating and by brushing. Irregular and overcrowded teeth are more at risk from decay as they are di?cult to clean. Primitive people who chew coarse foods rarely get caries. Fluoride in the drinking water at about one part per million is associated with a reduction in the caries rate.
Prolonged severe disease in infancy is associated with poor calci?cation of the teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay. As the teeth are formed and partly calci?ed by the time of birth, the diet and health of the mother are also important to the teeth of the child. Pregnant mothers and children should have a good balanced diet with su?cient calcium and vitamin
D. A ?brous diet will also aid cleansing of the teeth and stimulate the circulation in the teeth and jaws. The caries rate can be reduced by regular brushing with a ?uoride toothpaste two or three times per day and certainly before going to sleep. The provision of sweet or sugary juices in an infant’s bottle should be avoided.
Irregularity of the permanent teeth may be due to an abnormality in the growth of the jaws or to the early or late loss of the deciduous set (see TEETH – Development). Most frequently it is due to an imbalance in the size of the teeth and the length of the jaws. Some improvement may take place with age, but many will require the help of an orthodontist (specialist dentist) who can correct many malocclusions by removing a few teeth to allow the others to be moved into a good position by means of springs and elastics on various appliances which are worn in the mouth.
Loosening of the teeth may be due to an accident or in?ammation of the GUM. Teeth loosened by trauma may be replaced and splinted in the socket, even if knocked right out. If the loosening is due to periodontal disease, the prognosis is less favourable.
Discoloration of the teeth may be intrinsic or extrinsic: in other words, the stain may be in the calci?ed structure or stuck on to it. Intrinsic staining may be due to JAUNDICE or the antibiotic tetracycline. Extrinsic stain may be due to tea, co?ee, tobacco, pan (a mixture of chuna and betel nuts wrapped in a leaf), iron-containing medicines or excess ?uoride.
Gingivitis or in?ammation of the gum may occur as an acute or chronic condition. In the acute form it is often part of a general infection of the mouth, and principally occurs in children or young adults – resolving after 10–14 days. The chronic form occurs later in life and tends to be progressive. Various microorganisms may be found on the lesions, including anaerobes. Antiseptic mouthwashes may help, and once the painful stage is past, the gums should be thoroughly cleaned and any calculus removed. In severe conditions an antibiotic may be required.
Periodontal disease is the spread of gingivitis (see above) to involve the periodontal membrane of the tooth; in its ?orid form it used to be called pyorrhoea. In this, the membrane becomes damaged by the in?ammatory process and a space or pocket is formed into which a probe can be easily passed. As the pocket becomes more extensive, the tooth loosens. The loss of the periodontal membrane also leads to the loss of supporting bone. Chronic in?ammation soon occurs and is di?cult to eradicate. Pain is not a feature of the disease but there is often an unpleasant odour (halitosis). The gums bleed easily and there may be DYSPEPSIA. Treatment is largely aimed at stabilising the condition rather than curing it.
Dental abscess is an infection that arises in or around a tooth and spreads to involve the bone. It may occur many years after a blow has killed the pulp of the tooth, or more quickly after caries has reached the pulp. At ?rst the pain may be mild and intermittent but eventually it will become severe and a swelling will develop in the gum over the apex of the tooth. A radiograph of the tooth will show a round clear area at the apex of the tooth. Treatment may be by painting the gum with a mild counter-irritant such as a tincture of aconite and iodine in the early stages, but later root-canal therapy or apicectomy may be required. If a swelling is present, it may need to be drained or the o?ending teeth extracted and antibiotics given.
Injuries to teeth are common. The more minor injuries include crazing and the loss of small chips of enamel, and the major ones include a broken root and avulsion of the entire tooth. A specialist dental opinion should be sought as soon as possible. A tooth that has been knocked out can be re-implanted if it is clean and replaced within a few hours. It will then require splinting in place for 4–6 weeks.
Prevention of dental disease As with other disorders, prevention is better than cure. Children should be taught at an early age to keep their teeth and gums clean and to avoid re?ned sugars between meals. It is better to ?nish a meal with a drink of water rather than a sweetened drink. Fluoride in some of its forms is useful in the reduction of dental caries; in some parts of the UK natural water contains ?uoride, and in some areas where ?uoride content is low, arti?cial ?uoridation of the water supply is carried out. Overcrowding of the teeth, obvious maldevelopment of the jaw and persistent thumbsucking into the teens are all indications for seeking the advice of an orthodontist. Generally, adults have less trouble with decay but more with periodontal disease and, as its onset is insidious, regular dental inspections are desirable.... teeth
Before the doctor comes: 3 drops each or any one: Tinctures Arnica, Calendula and Hypericum; hourly. ... abdomen, injuries
Habitat: A cereal and fodder crop of Europe and America; also cultivated in India.
English: Oat, Common oat.Ayurvedic: Yavikaa. (Indian sp. is equated with A. byzantina C. Koch.)Unani: Sult (Silt), Jao Birahnaa, Jao Gandum.Action: Nervine tonic (used in spermatorrhoea, palpitation, sleeplessness), cardiac tonic (used in debility), stimulant, antispasmodic, thymoleptic, antidepressant (used in menopausal phase). Also used in diarrhoea, dysentery, colitis. Externally, emollient.
Key application: Oat straw— externally in baths for inflammatory and seborrhoeic skin diseases. (German Commission E.) The effect on blood sugar is less than that from most of the fiber-containing herbs and foods. (Sharon M. Herr.)The seeds contain proteins and prolamines (avenins); C-glycosyl flavones; avenacosides (spirostanol glycosides); fixed oil, vitamin E, starch.Silicon dioxide (2%) occurs in the leaves and in the straw in soluble form as esters of silicic acid with polyphenols and monosaccharides and oligosaccharides.Oat straw contains a high content of iron (39 mg/kg dry weight), manganese (8.5 mg) and zinc (19.2 mg).In an experimental study, oat straw stimulated the release of luteinizing hormone from the adenohypophysis of rats. (Expanded Commission E Monographs.)An alcoholic extract of green oats was tried on opium addicts. Six chronic opium addicts gave up opium completely, two reduced their intake and two showed no change following regular use of 2 ml three times daily (human clinical study). A significant diminish- ment of the number of cigarettes used by habitual tobacco smokers resulted from using 1 ml (four times daily) of fresh Avena alcoholic extract of mature plants; however, a few studies gave disappointing results. (Francis Brinker.)Oat polyphenol composition prevented the increase of cholesterol and beta-lipoprotein of blood serum of fasting rabbits. Antioxidant property of the oat flour remains unaffected by heat. Homoeopathic tincture of seeds is used as a nervine tonic. Beta-glucan from the oats stimulated immune functions.Avenacosides exhibit strong anti- fungal activity in vitro.... avena sativaHabitat: Arabia, Somaliland.
Ayurvedic: Bola, Hiraabola, Surasa, Barbara, Gandharasa.Unani: Murmakki, Bol.Siddha/Tamil: Vellaibolam.Action: Oleo-gum-resin—em- menagogue (used for irregular menstruation and painful periods), anti-inflammatory (on pharyngitis and gingivitis), antiseptic, bacteriostatic, antiviral, astringent, stimulant, expectorant, stomachic, carminative (in dyspepsia), a leuco- cytogenic agent (increases number of white cells in the blood). Used externally for treating acne, boils and pressure sores, internally as a blood purifier.
Key application: In topical treatment of mild inflammations of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. (German Commission E.) As a gargle or mouth rinse for the treatment of aphthous ulcers, tonsillitis, common cold and gingivitis. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, ESCOP.)The gum (30-60%) contains acidic polysaccharides, volatile oil (2-10%) including other constituents, heer- abolene, eugenol, furanosequiterpenes and monoterpenes.Myrrh is taken as a powder or a tincture, rather than as an infusion; used generally externally or as a gargle.Aqueous suspension of the gum resin decreased ethanol-induced and indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats. (JEthnopharmacol, 1997, Jan 55(2), 141150.)Dosage: Gum-resin—3-5 g (CCRAS.)... balsamodendron myrrhaTreatment: Hot foot baths: Chamomile flowers. Paint with Liquid extract or tincture Lobelia. Gradual stretching by manipulation. Massage with Neat’s foot oil. ... achilles tendon contracture
Action. Cardiac tonic. Emmenagogue. Anthelmintic. Coronary artery dilator. Diuretic. Hypertensive. Uses. For slowing the heart’s action, increasing force of the beat, and increasing blood pressure. Dropsy. ‘Heart asthma’. Palpitation. Mitral insufficiency.
Preparation. Tincture Adonis: 10-20 drops in water twice daily and when necessary. Pharmacy only medicine. ... adonis
A number of co-factors are necessary for AIDS to develop: diet, environment, immoral lifestyle, drugs, etc also dispose to the disease which, when eliminated, suggest that AIDS needs not be fatal. However, there is no known cure. Smoking hastens onset. Causes include needle-sharing and sexual contacts. Also known as the ‘Gay Plague’ it can be transmitted from one member of the family to another non-sexual contact.
The virus kills off cells in the brain by inflammation, thus disposing to dementia.
Symptoms. Onset: brief fever with swollen glands. “Feeling mildly unwell”. This may pass off without incident until recurrence with persistent diarrhoea, night sweats, tender swollen lymph nodes, cough and shortness of breath. There follows weight loss, oral candida. Diagnosis is confirmed by appearance of ugly skin lesions known as Kaposi’s sarcoma – a malignant disease. First indication is the appearance of dark purple spots on the body followed by fungoid growths on mouth and throat.
While some cases of STDs have been effectively treated with phytotherapy, there is evidence to suggest it may be beneficial for a number of reasons. Whatever the treatment, frequent blood counts to monitor T-4 cells (an important part of the immune system) are necessary. While a phytotherapeutic regime may not cure, it is possible for patients to report feeling better emotionally and physically and to avoid some accompanying infections (candida etc).
Treatment. Without a blood test many HIV positives may remain ignorant of their condition for many years. STD clinics offer free testing and confidential counselling.
Modern phytotherapeutic treatment:–
1. Anti-virals. See entry.
2. Enhance immune function.
3. Nutrition: diet, food supplements.
4. Psychological counselling.
To strengthen body defences: Garlic, Echinacea, Lapacho, Sage, Chlorella, Reisha Mushroom, Shiitake Mushroom. Of primary importance is Liquorice: 2-4 grams daily.
Upper respiratory infection: Pleurisy root, Elecampane.
Liver breakdown: Blue Flag root, Milk Thistle, Goldenseal.
Diarrhoea: Bayberry, Mountain Grape, American Cranesbill, Slippery Elm, lactobacillus acidophilus.
Prostatitis: Saw Palmetto, Goldenrod, Echinacea.
Skin lesions: External:– Comfrey, Calendula or Aloe Vera cream.
To help prevent dementia: a common destructive symptom of the disease: agents rich in minerals – Alfalfa, Irish Moss, Ginkgo, St John’s Wort, Calcium supplements.
Nervous collapse: Gotu Kola, Siberian Ginseng, Oats, Damiana.
Ear Inflammation: Echinacea. External – Mullein ear drops.
With candida: Lapacho tea. Garlic inhibits candida.
Anal fissure: Comfrey cream or Aloe Vera gel (external).
Practitioner: Formula. Liquid extract Echinacea 30ml (viral infection) . . . Liquid extract Poke root 10ml (lymphatic system) . . . Liquid extract Blue Flag root 10ml (liver stimulant) . . . Tincture Goldenseal 2ml (inflamed mucous membranes) . . . Liquid extract Guaiacum 1ml (blood enricher) . . . Decoction of Sarsaparilla to 100ml. Sig: 5ml (3i) aq cal pc.
Gargle for sore throat: 5-10 drops Liquid extract or Tincture Echinacea to glass water, as freely as desired.
Abdominal Castor oil packs: claimed to enhance immune system.
Chinese medicine: Huang Qi (astragalus root).
Urethral and vaginal irrigation: 2 drops Tea Tree oil in strong decoction Marshmallow root: 2oz to 2 pints water. Inject warm.
Diet. Vitamin C-rich foods, Lecithin, Egg Yolk, Slippery Elm gruel, Red Beet root, Artichokes. Garlic is particularly indicated as an anti-infective.
Nutrition. Vitamin A is known to increase resistance by strengthening the cell membrane; preferably taken as beta carotene 300,000iu daily as massive doses of Vitamin A can be toxic. Amino acid – Glutathione: Garlic’s L-cysteine relates.
Vitamin C. “The virus is inactivated by this vitamin. Saturating cells infected with the HIV virus with the vitamin results in 99 per cent inactivation of the virus. The vitamin is an anti-viral and immune system modulator without unwanted side-effects. The ascorbate, when added to HIV cells, substantially reduced the virus’s activity without harming the cells at specific concentrations. Patients taking large doses report marked improvement in their condition. Minimum daily oral dose: 10 grams.” (Linus Pauling Institute, Science and Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA)
Periwinkle. An anti-AIDS compound has been detected in the Madagascan Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), at the Chelsea Physic Garden.
Mulberry. The black Mulberry appears to inhibit the AIDS virus.
Hyssop. An AIDS patient improved to a point where ulcers were healed, blood infection eliminated, and Kaposi’s sarcoma started to clear when her mother gave her a traditional Jamaican tea made from Hyssop, Blessed Thistle and Senna. From test-tube research doctors found that Hyssopus officinalis could be effective in treatment of HIV/AIDS. (Medical Journal Antiviral Research, 1990, 14, 323-37) Circumcision. Studies have shown that uncircumcised African men were more than five to eight times more likely to contract AIDS than were circumcised men; life of the virus being short-lived in a dry environment. (Epidemiologist Thomas Quinn, in Science Magazine)
Study. A group of 13 HIV and AIDS patients received 200mg capsules daily of a combination of Chelidonium (Greater Celandine) 175mg; Sanguinaria (Blood root) 5mg; and Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) 20mg. More than half the patients enjoyed increased energy and improved immune function with reduction in both size and tenderness of lymph nodes. (D’Adamo P. ‘Chelidonium and Sanguinaria alkaloids as anti-HIV therapy. Journal of Naturopathic Medicine (USA) 3.31-34 1992)
Bastyr College of Naturopathy, Seattle, MA, USA. During 1991 the College carried out a study which claimed that a combination of natural therapies including nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy and counselling had successfully inhibited HIV and other viral activity in all patients in controlled trials lasting a year.
Patients chosen for the trial were HIV positive, not on anti-viral drugs and showing symptoms of a compromised immune system, but without frank AIDS (generally taken to be indicated by Karposi’s sarcoma and/or PCP-pneumocystitis carinii pneumonia).
Symptoms included: Lymphadenopathy in at least two sites, oral thrush, chronic diarrhoea, chronic sinusitis, leukoplakia, herpes, night sweats and fatigue.
Assessment was subjective and objective (including T-cell ratio tests). The patients did better than comparable groups in published trials using AZT.
Treatment was naturopathic and herbal. Patients receiving homoeopathy and acupuncture did not do as well as those receiving herbs.
Best results with herbs were: Liquorice (1g powder thrice daily); St John’s Wort (Yerba prima tablets, 3, on two days a week only). Patients reported a great increase in the sense of well-being on St John’s Wort. An equivalent dose of fresh plant tincture would be 10ml. The tincture should be of a good red colour. The College did not use Echinacea, which would stimulate the central immune system and which would therefore be contra-indicated.
Supplements given daily. Calcium ascorbate 3g+ (to bowel tolerance). Beta-carotene 300,000iu. Thymus gland extract tablets 6. Zinc 60mg (with some Copper). B-vitamins and EFAs.
To control specific symptoms: most useful herbs were: Tea Tree oil for fungal infections; Goldenseal and Gentian as bitters. Ephedra and Eyebright for sinusitis. Carob drinks for non-specific enteritis. Vitamin B12 and topical Liquorice for shingles.
Counselling and regular massage were used to maintain a positive spirit. Studies show all long term HIV positive survivors have a positive attitude and constantly work at empowering themselves.
Results showed significant improvements in symptoms suffered by HIV patients despite a slow deterioration in blood status. Methods used in the study had dramatically reduced mortality and morbidity. A conclusion was reached that AIDS may not be curable but it could be manageable. (Reported by Christopher Hedley MNIMH, London NW1 8JD, in Greenfiles Herbal Journal) ... aids
Teas: any one: Aniseed, Balm, Caraway seeds, Cardamom seeds, Cinnamon bark, Fennel seeds, Dill seeds, Parsley. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; dose half-1 cup freely.
Ginger: powder, crystallised or tincture. Horseradish sauce. Few grains Cayenne pepper. Oil Peppermint: 1-2 drops in honey. ... air swallowing
Action: febrifuge, anti-periodic. Used by Australian aborigines for all kinds of fevers. Contains indole alkaloids.
Other uses: high blood pressure, mild analgesic, intermittent fevers.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Tea: 1oz to 1 pint water simmered gently 5 minutes: one wineglassful. Liquid Extract: 5-30 drops. Powdered bark: 1-3g. Tincture. 15-60 drops. ... alstonia bark
Action: Aromatic, bitter, anti-periodic.
Uses: South American traditional: diarrhoea, dysentery, intermittent fevers, dropsy.
Preparations: Thrice daily. Powdered bark 0.3 to 1g. Liquid extract: 5-30 drops. Tincture: 10-60 drops. ... angostura bark
In China it is common practice not to drink tea or coffee on days when herbal medicine is taken. In the case of Ginseng, they not only avoid tea and coffee but eat no fish for three days. ... antidote
Formula. Echinacea 1; Goldenseal half; Poke root quarter. Mix. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily, in water.
Poke root tablets/capsules. As recommended. ... arthritis – from attack of mumps
Action: Astringent. Contains coumarins, flavonoids, alkaloids, mucilage, nutrient.
Uses: Reputation in India as a specific for colitis, dysentery, diarrhoea. One of the sacred Hindu remedies. Said to increase fertility. Indigestion.
Preparations: Liquid Extract, 1 in 1. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily.
Tincture. 2-4 teaspoons. Thrice daily ... bael
Habitat: Throughout India as a weed.
English: Sickle Senna, Ringworm Plant.Ayurvedic: Chakramarda, Chakri, Prapunnaada, Dadrughna, Me- shalochana, Padmaata, Edagaja.Unani: Penwaad Taarutaa.Siddha/Tamil: Ushittgarai.Folk: Chakavad, Daadamaari.Action: Leaves—taken internally to prevent skin diseases; applied against eczema and ringworm; pounded and applied on cuts, act like tincture of iodine. Seeds, soaked in water, are taken for spermatorrhoea. A paste made of equal parts of leaves and seeds is given for jaundice. Pods are used in dysentery.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the seed in paralysis and hemiplegia as a supporting drug.The leaves contain chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, rhein and emodin. Mature leaves possess purgative properties and are sometimes utilized to adulterate the true senna; also used as an antiperiodic and anthelmintic.The leaf extract exhibited antifungal activity against the ringworm fungus Microsporon nanum.Seeds contain anthraquinone glyco- sides, naptho-pyrone glycosides, cas- siaside and rubrofusarin-6-beta-genti- obioside. These constituents showed significant hepatoprotective activity.Thrachrysone, isolated from seeds, showed stronger antioxidant activity than tocopherol and BHA.Chrysophanic acid-9-anthrone, extracted from the seed, was found to be active against ringworm fungi.Dosage: Seed—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. III.)... cassia toraHabitat: Commonly grown in Indian gardens.
English: Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca major L. Pich. and Vinca minor Linn. are known as Greater Periwinkle and Lesser Periwinkle respectively).Folk: Sadaabahaar, Nayantaaraa, Nityakalyaani.Action: The cytotoxic dimeric alkaloids, present in Madagascar Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus L. Don, Vincea rosea L., and used for the treatment of certain type of cancer, have not been found in V. major.
Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) : cytostatic, anti-neoplas- tic, slows down growth of cells by su- pressing immune response. Vinblas- tine and Vincristine are said to prolong remission of leukaemia to more than five years. These chemotherapeutic agents are toxic to the nervous system. Vinblastine is also used for breast cancer and Hodgkin's disease.Vinca major L. Pich. (Greater Periwinkle): astringent, anti-haemorrha- gic; used for menorrhagia and leu- corrhoea. Contains indole alkaloids including reserpinine and serpentine; tannins.Vinca minor Linn. (Lesser Periwinkle): astringent; circulatory stimulant. Leaves—stomachic and bitter. Root— hypotensive. Used for gastric catarrh, chronic dyspepsia, flatulence; also for headache, dizziness, behaviours disorders. A homoeopathic tincture is given for internal haemorrhages.... catharanthus roseusHabitat: North temperate regions.
English: Spotted Hemlock, Poison Hemlock.Unani: Khardmaanaa, Shuk.Action: Sedative, anodyne, antispasmodic. Used for relief in whooping cough, asthma; paralysis; epilepsy. Antidote to strichnine poisoning and other poisons of the same class. Highly toxic. Mother tincture of Hemlock is used in homoeopathy for prevention of immature cataract.
All parts of the plant contain alkaloids—highest in aerial parts (1.77%) and lowest in stems. Gamma-conice- ine is the principal alkaloid in the leaves, whereas N-methylconiine is the major alkaloid in mature fruits. Beside the alkaloids, a flavone glycoside, dios- min and chlorogenic acid have been reported in the leaves and inflorescence. Ripe seeds yield coumarins, bergapten and xanthotoxin. Experimentally, the plant exhibited teratogenic properties. (Rarely used today.)Berries are toxic at 10 g, leaves at 30 g and coniine at 150 mg. (Francis Brinker.)... conium maculatumAction: Cholagogue, Antidepressant, Antemetic, Laxative, Liver tonic.
Uses: Keynote: liver. Inflammation of gall bladder. Jaundice. Gall stones, Colic.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Tea. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup.
Liquid Extract BHP (1983) 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2-4ml.
Tincture BHP (1983) 1:10 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 1-2ml. Powdered herb: 1-2g. ... balmony
Cramp Bark: Success reported. ... blepharospasm
Alternatives. Teas. Plantain leaves, Nasturtium leaves, Marigold flowers (Calendula), Thyme. Tablets/capsules. Garlic, Goldenseal, Iceland Moss.
Tinctures. Formula. Echinacea 2; Goldenseal 1. Mix. 30-60 drops in water thrice daily. Practitioner. Ephedra.
Topical. Decongestants. Olbas oil. Oils of Aromatherapy: Eucalyptus, Garlic, Thyme. Supplementation. Vitamins A, C.
Bedtime: 2-3 Garlic capsules. ... blocked-up nose
Alternatives:– External treatment. Lotion – few drops Tincture Arnica in eggcup of water. Aloe Vera or Comfrey cream. Marshmallow and Slippery Elm ointment. ... breast, guitar nipple
Internal:– Nettles, Agnus Castus, Poke root, Pipsissewa leaves. Teas, powders or tinctures thrice daily. External:– Engorgement from breast-feeding – massage with Calendula cream or Almond oil. ... breasts, over large
Action: astringent tonic, anti-haemorrhagic. Mild antibacterial.
Uses: Irritable bowel, ulcerative colitis, excessive menstruation, gargle for throat infections.
Traditional: tea used as a wash for piles and anal irritation, or as a poultice for sores and wounds. Widely used in Chinese medicine.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Tea: 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5 minutes. Half-1 cup. Liquid extract: half-1 teaspoon in water.
Tincture BHP (1983) 1:5 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose 2-8ml. ... burnet, greater
Action: expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic, emetic. Contains cardiac glycosides. Action similar to strophanthus, digitalis and adonis. General medical practitioner use only.
Uses: cardiac dropsy, pleuritic effusion. Preparations. Liquid Extract: 0.05 to 0.25ml. Tincture: 0.2 to 0.5ml, in water. ... canadian hemp
Habitat: Native to Asia Minor, Syria and North Persia. The tree is a variety only known in the cultivated state in North-West India. (Chopra RN.)
English: Mediterranean Cypress.Ayurvedic: Suraahva.Unani: Saro.Siddha/Tamil: Suram, Churam.Action: Tincture—vasoconstrictor, antiseptic, sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic. Used for cough, cold, bronchitis, varicose veins, piles, menopausal cramps, leg-cramps. Essential oil—used only externally. Used in aromatherapy for massage (10 drops in 2 teaspoonful of almond oil).
The essential oil from the plant gave 73 compounds; major compound was alpha-pinene (47.00-52.76%); among others—D-camphane, D-silvestren, p- cymene, L-cadinenes, cedrol, terpine- ol, acetyl-and isovalerianyl monoter- pene ester.No longer taken internally as a diluted essential oil. Medicinal parts are cones, branches and oil.... cupressus sempervirensHabitat: Cultivated in gardens.
English: Forking Larkspur, Larkspur, Lark's Claw, Knight's Spur.Action: Parasiticide. A tincture is used to destroy lice in hair.
The toxicity of the seeds is due to diterpene alkaloids (delcosine, delso- line, consolidine). Delsonine and an- thranoyllycoctonine are amorphous alkaloids.The alkaloids lead to bradycardia, lowering of blood pressure, and cardiac arrest. Also, they have a central paralyzing and curare-like effect on the respiratory system. (German Commission E.)Entire plant, including roots and seeds, is used topically. Not to be used on abraded skin.Seeds contain 1.01-1.06% alkaloids and 28.7% of a fixed oil. A digly- coside pigment, delphonin and kaem- pferol have been isolated from the flowers.... delphinium consolidaSymptoms. A small lump comes to light while washing, a discharge from the nipple, change in nipple size and colour, irregular contour of the breast surface. Though tissue change is likely to be a cyst, speedy diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Some hospital physicians and surgeons are known to view favourably supportive herbal aids, and do not always think in terms of radical mastectomy. Dr Finlay Ellingwood, Chicago physician (1916) cured a case by injection of one dram Echinacea root extract twice a week into the surrounding tissues.
The condition is believed to be due to a number of causes including suppression of ovulation and oestrogen secretion in pregnant and lactating women. A high fat diet is suspected of interference with the production of oestrogen. Some women are constitutionally disposed to the condition which may be triggered by trauma or emotional shock. Increase in incidence in older women has been linked with excessive sugar consumption. “Consumption overwhelms the pancreas which has to ‘push it out’ to all parts of the body (when broken down by the digestive process) whether they need it or not. The vital organs are rationed according to their requirements of nutrients from the diet. What is left over has to ‘go into store elsewhere’. And the breast is forced to take its share and store it. If it gets too much, for too long, it may rebel!” (Stephen Seely, Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Manchester)
“Women who nurse their babies less than one month are at an increased risk for breast cancer. The longer a woman breast-feeds – no matter what her age – the more the risk decreases. (Marion Tompson, co-founder, The La Leche League, in the American Journal of Epidemiology)
Lactation reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer. (Newcomb P.A. et al New England Journal of Medicine, 330 1994)
There is currently no treatment to cure metastatic breast cancer. In spite of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy survival rate has not diminished. Herbs not only have a palliative effect but, through their action on hormone function offer a positive contribution towards overcoming the condition. Their activity has been widely recorded in medical literature. Unlike cytotoxic drugs, few have been known to cause alopecia, nausea, vomiting or inflammation of the stomach.
Treatment by a general medical practitioner or oncologist.
Special investigations. Low radiation X-ray mammography to confirm diagnosis. Test for detection of oestrogen receptor protein.
Treatment. Surgery may be necessary. Some patients may opt out from strong personal conviction, choosing a rigid self-disciplined approach – the Gentle Way. Every effort is made to build up the body’s natural defences (immune system).
An older generation of herbalists believed tissue change could follow a bruise on the breast, which should not be neglected but immediately painted with Tincture Arnica or Tincture Bellis perennis.
Vincristine, an alkaloid from Vinca rosea (Catharanthus roseus) is used by the medical profession as an anti-neoplastic and anti-mitotic agent to inhibit cell division.
Of possible therapeutic value. Blue Flag root, Burdock root, Chaparral, Clivers, Comfrey root, Echinacea, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Marshmallow root, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Prickly Ash bark, Red Clover, Thuja, Wild Violet, Yellow Dock.
Tea. Equal parts: Red Clover, Clivers, Gotu Kola, Wild Violet. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. 3 or more cups daily.
Decoctions. Echinacea, Blue Flag root, Queen’s Delight, Yellow Dock.
Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag root, Echinacea, Poke root, Mistletoe.
Formula. Echinacea 2; Gotu Kola 1; Poke root 1; Mistletoe 1; Vinca rosea 1. Mix. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily and at bedtime. According to progress of the disease, increase dosage as tolerated.
Maria Treben’s tea. Parts: Marigold (3), Yarrow 1; Nettles 1. Mix. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water. 1 cup as many times daily as tolerated.
William Boericke, M.D. recommends Houseleek. E.H. Ruddock M.D. favours Figwort.
Topical. Treatments believed to be of therapeutic value or for use as a soothing application.
(1) Cold poultice: Comfrey root.
(2) Poultice of fresh Marshmallow root pulped in juicer.
(3) Injection of Extract Greater Celandine (Chelidonium), locally, gained a reputation in the Eclectic school.
(4) The action of Blood root (Sanguinaria) is well known as a paint or injection.
(5) Ragwort poultice: 2oz Ragwort boiled in half a pint potato water for 15 minutes. See: POULTICE.
(6) Popular Russian traditional remedy: Badiaga (Spongilla fluviatilis), fresh water sponge gathered in the autumn; dried plant rubbed to a powder. Poultice.
(7) Maria Treben’s Poultice: Carefully washed fresh Plantain leaves, pulped, and applied direct to the lesion.
(8) If lymph glands are affected, apply Plantain poultice to glands.
(9) Dr Brandini’s treatment. Dr Brandini, Florence, used 4 grains Citric Acid (prepared from lemons) in 1oz (30ml) water for ulcerated cancer of the breast considered incurable. “The woman’s torments were so distressing that neither she nor other patients could get any rest. Applying lint soaked in the solution, relief was instantaneous. Repeated, it was successful.”
(10) Circuta leaves. Simmered till soft and mixed with Slippery Elm bark powder as a poultice morning and night.
(11) Decoction. Simmer gently Yellow Dock roots, fine cut or powdered, 1oz to 1 pint, 20 minutes. Saturate lint or suitable material and apply.
(12) Yellow Dock ointment. Half ounce Lobelia seed, half ounce Yellow Dock root powder. Baste into an ointment base. See: OINTMENT BASE.
(13) Infusion, for use as a wash. Equal parts: Horsetail, Red Clover, Raspberry leaves. 1oz to 1 pint boiling water infuse 15 minutes.
(14) Dr Christopher’s Ointment. Half an ounce White Oak, half an ounce Garden Sage, half an ounce Tormentil, half an ounce Horsetail, half an ounce Lemon Balm. Method: Boil gently half an hour in quart water, strain. Reduce to half a pint by simmering. Add half a pound honey. Bring to boil. Skim off scum. Allow cool. Apply: twice daily on sores.
(15) Dr Finlay Ellingwood. Poke root juice. “Fresh juice from the stems, leaves and roots applied directly to diseased tissue. Exercises a selective action; induces liquefaction and promotes removal, sometimes healing the open wound and encouraging scar formation. Masses of such tissue have been known to be destroyed in a few weeks with only a scar, with no other application but the fresh juice. Produces pain at first, but is otherwise harmless.”
(16) Lesion painted with Mandrake resin. (American Podophyllum)
(17) Dust affected parts with Comfrey powder. Mucilage from Comfrey powder or crushed root with the aid of a little milk. See: COMFREY.
(18) Dr Samuel Thomson’s Cancer Plaster. “Take heads of Red Clover and fill a kettle. Boil in water for one hour. Remove and fill kettle with fresh flower heads. Boil as before in the same liquor. Strain and press heads to express all the liquor. Simmer over a low fire till of the consistency of tar. It must not burn. Spread over a piece of suitable material.”
(19) Wipe affected area with cut Houseleek. (Dr Wm Boericke)
(20) Chinese Herbalism. Take 1-2 Liang pulverised liao-ko-wang (Wickstroemia indica), mix with cold boiled water or rice wine for local compress. Also good for mastitis.
(21) Italian women once used an old traditional remedy – Fenugreek tea.
(22) A clinical trial of Vitamin D provided encouraging results. Patients with locally advanced breast cancer were given a highly active Vitamin D analogue cream to rub on their tumours. “It was effective in one third of the tumours,” said Professor Charles Coombes, clinical oncologist, Charing Cross Hospital, London.
Diet. “A diet rich in cereal products (high in dietary fibre) and green leafy vegetables (antioxidants) would appear to offer women some protection against breast cancer due to the relation between fibre and oestrogen metabolism. Meat-free diet. In a study of 75 adolescent girls, vegetarians were found to have higher levels of a hormone that women suffering from breast cancer often lack. (Cancer Research) Supplements. Daily. Chromium. Selenium (600mcg). Zinc chelate (100mg morning and evening). Beta carotene. “Low levels of Selenium and Vitamins A and E are shown in breast cancer cases.” (British Journal of Cancer 49: 321-324, 1984).
Vitamins A and D inhibit virus penetration in healthy cell walls. Multivitamin combinations should not include Vitamin B12, production of which in the body is much increased in cancerous conditions. Vitamins B-complex and C especially required.
Note: A link between sugar consumption and breast cancer has been reported by some authorities who suggest that countries at the top of the mortality table are the highest also in sugar consumption; the operative factor believed to be insulin.
Screening. Breast screening should be annual from the age of forty.
General. Mothers are encouraged to breast-feed children for the protection it offers against mammary malignancy. (Am.J. Obstet. Gyn. 15/9/1984. 150.)
Avoidance of stress situations by singing, playing an instrument. Adopt relaxation techniques, spiritual healing and purposeful meditation to arouse the immune system; intensive visualisation. Avoid the carcinogens: smoking, alcohol.
Information. Breast Cancer Care. Free Help Line. UK Telephone: 0500 245345. ... cancer - breast
Action. Carminative, warm and soothing to digestive system. Stomachic, Orexigenic. Anti-gripe. Oil is antiseptic.
Uses: Flatulence, colic, loss of appetite.
Preparations: Tea. Crush seeds in a pestle and mortar. 1 teaspoon to cup of water; bring to boil; remove vessel when boiling point is reached. Infuse 10-15 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup.
Powder. Dose, 1-2 grams.
Liquid Extract. 0.3 to 2ml.
Tincture Cardamoms Co BP (1973): dose 2-4ml. Oil – 3 drops in honey after meals promotes digestion, removes odour of garlic, onions, etc. ... cardamom seeds
Action: Intestinal astringent.
Uses: similar to Black Catechu.
Preparations: Twice daily.
Powder: 0.3 to 1 gram (quarter of a teaspoon) in honey or banana mash.
Tincture Catechu BP. 1:5, with Cinnamon 1:20, in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2.5 to 5ml. ... catechu, pale
Symptoms: blurred speech, stumbling gait, fatigue on effort, inability to concentrate, feeling of isolation and weakness – cannot fight back.
Causes: vitamin deficiency, overwork, excess physical and mental activity. Multiple sclerosis.
Symptom relief only. Tea: equal parts, Mistletoe, Skullcap, Valerian. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water; bring to boil; simmer one minute; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily.
Ginseng. Kola. Saw Palmetto. Ginkgo. Tablets, capsules, tinctures, etc. Symptomatic relief. CEREBRAL HAEMORRHAGE. See: STROKE. ... cerebellar ataxia
Supplementation. Vitamin A, B-complex. PABA. ... chloasma
Tea. Mix, equal parts: Agrimony, Lemon Balm, Raspberry leaves. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely. Honey for sweetening. Or: Burdock leaves, hot tea.
Tinctures. Formula: Black root 1oz (30ml); Echinacea 1oz (30ml); Peruvian bark half an ounce (15ml). 5ml teaspoon in water before meals thrice daily.
Cider Vinegar. 2 teaspoons to glass water, morning and evening.
Floradix Formula Food supplement (Salus). ... chlorosis
Uses: Chronic bronchitis. Dry cough.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Powder: dose, half-1 gram.
Liquid Extract. BPC (1973), dose half-1ml.
Tincture, BHC, 1:10 in 60 per cent alcohol, dose 5 to 10ml.
Large doses cause vomiting and purgation. ... cocillana
Constituents: Urtica urens herba tincture (1:2) 9.5 per cent. Arnica montana planta tincture (1:2) 0.5 per cent. (Weleda) ... combudoron ointment
Action. Powerful alterative and antiseptic. Nervine.
Uses: Has a long traditional reputation for ulcerations, chancre, sore throat of syphilis and the chronic nerve dystrophy that follows. An analogue of Goldenseal. Parkinsonism. (Wm A.R. Thomson MD) vSaid to work well with Poke root.
Combined with Skullcap for epilepsy.
Preparation. Tincture: from the bulbous root when plant is in flower. 10 drops in water thrice daily.
Once used in herbal pharmacy. Of historic interest only. ... corydalis
Tinctures. Formula. Echinacea 3; Goldenseal 1; Myrrh quarter. One teaspoon in water every 2 hours (acute) thrice daily (chronic). ... coxsackie infection
Habitat: Mediterranean region and Asia Minor. Dried plant and flowers are imported into Mumbai from Persian Gulf.
English: Arabian or French Lavender.Unani: Ustukhuddus, Alfaajan.Folk: Dhaaru.Action: Flowers—antidepressive, sedative, anticonvulsant, carminative, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiseptic. Used in depression, nervous headache, sluggish circulation, physical and mental exhaustion, insomnia, epilepsy, neuralgia and rheumatic affections.
Oil—rubefacient, antimicrobial. Used for nervous palpitations, giddiness, spasm and colic. Relieves sprains, neuralgia and rheumatism; rubbed for stimulating paralysed limbs. Applied to sores, burns, scalds and varicose veins.Plant—used for the treatment of epilepsy and chronic sinusitis in Unani medicine.Aerial parts of the plant contain oleanolic, ursolic and vergatic acid, beta-sitosterol, alpha-amyrin and its acetate, lupeol, erythrodiol, luteolin, acacetin and vitexin.The leaves contain polyphenols, api- genin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, luteolin andits7-O-beta-D-glucoside, and7-O- beta-D-glucuronide, rosmarinic acid, and 6-O-caffeoyl glucose.For depression, tincture of lavender flower (1: 5 in 50% alcohol), 60 drops per day, has been used for 4 weeks in Western herbal. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)... lavandula stoechasSymptoms. Nightly itching of pubic hair due to toxin excreted by this vampire-like louse.
Treatment. Remove nits or eggs with fine tooth comb.
Topical. Tea Tree oil, neat or diluted. Camphor, tincture or liniment. Garlic, oil or lotion. Use any one, not washing off for at least 24 hours. ... crabs
Keynote: fevers (early stages).
Action: febrifuge, diaphoretic, relaxant.
Uses: Once used widely in North American medicine for fevers, the rational being to induce a heavy sweat to reduce a high body temperature and relieve arterial excitement. Pleurisy. Typhoid fever. Preparations. Tea. Not given in this form, losing its strength on application of heat.
Tablets/capsules. 200mg. Two, every two hours, acute cases. Tincture. 30-60 drops. ... crawley root
Action: powerfully stimulates genito-urinary mucous surfaces and for this purpose was used by the Old School extensively for gonorrhoea and other STDs. As an expectorant was once used for chronic cough and bronchitis (1ozenges).
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Liquid Extract BPC (1934) 1 in 1. Dose: 2-4ml. Tincture Cubebs BPC 1949; dose, 2-4ml. Powder: dose, 2-4g. ... cubebs
Symptoms: inflammation of the lung and high temperature with dry cough.
Tea: Equal parts; Elderflowers (to reduce temperature). Comfrey leaves (cough), Thyme (antibiotic), Peppermint (to assist breathing). 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. 1 cup freely. Alternative: Combine Tinctures: Pleurisy root 2; Lobelia 1; Ginger half. One or two 5ml teaspoons in water 3-4 times daily. ... damp hay disease
Habitat: Indigenous To Venezuela, Columbia And Peru;. Grown In Lal Bagh Botanic Garden (Bangalore) And Kallar (Nilgiris).
English: Tolu Balsam Tree.Action: Balsam—Antiseptic, Stimulant And Expectorant. Used As An Ingredient In Cough Mixtures, Also Used As An Inhalant In Cases Of Obstinate Catarrh.
Key Application ? Externally For Poorly Healing Wounds, For Burns, Decubitus Ulcers, Frost Bite, Ulcus Cruris, Bruises Caused By Prostheses, Haemorrhoids; As Antibacterial, Antiseptic And Antiparasitic (Especially For Scabies). (German Commission E.)Balsam Contains Cinnamic Acid, Benzoic Acid And Their Esters.Myroxylon Pereirae Kolotzsch (Lal Bagh Botanic Garden, Bangalore), Is The Source Of Peru Balsam. Used Externally In The Form Of An Ointment Or Tincture, As A Parasiticide In Scabies, Ringworm And Pediculosis And For Bed Sores And Chilblains. It Enters Into Suppositories Used In Hemorrhoids.... myroxylon balsamumHabitat: Native to Southern Europe; cultivated in Indian gardens.
English: Love-in-a-mist.Ayurvedic: Upakunchikaa (var.).Siddha: Karumcheerakam.Action: Seeds—carminative, emmenagogue, anthelmintic. A tincture prepared from the ripe seeds is used against catarrhal inflammations of liver and intestines in homoeopathy.... nigella damascena
Habitat: Throughout the greater part of India.
English: Prickly Pear.Ayurvedic: Naagaphani (var.).Action: In homoeopathy, a tincture made from the flowers and wood, is given for diarrhoea and splenomegaly.
The fresh stalks yielded calcium magnesium pectate which exhibited antihaemorrhagic action. A flavono- side has been obtained from dried flowers. It resembles rutoside in its action of inhibiting capillary fragility. The flavonoside on hydrolysis produces trihydroxy-methoxy-flavonol and glucose. The plant is reported to contain an alkaloid. It also yields a mucilage which gives arabinose and galactose. to convalescents suffering from chronic diarrhoea and bilious fevers. Allays irritation of gastrointestinal tracts.Orchis species (Salep) contain mucilage (up to 50%)-glucans, gluco- mannans (partially acetylized), starch (25%), proteins (5-15%).The leaves of Orchis latifolia contain a glucoside, loroglossin. Most of the Salep used in Unani medicine is imported from Iran and Afghanistan.Allium macleanii Baker (Afghanistan) is known as Baadashaahi (royal) Saalab, and is used as a substitute for Munjaataka.Dosage: Tuber—3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)... opuntia vulgarisHabitat: Tropical and sub-tropical parts of India, in waste places and open moist fields.
English: Paracress.Ayurvedic: Marahattikaa.Folk: Marethi, Desi Akarkaraa.Action: Plant—antidysenteric. Decoction, diuretic and lithotriptic, also used in scabies and psoriasis. Seeds—used in xerostomia, throat infections and neurological affection of tongue. Root—purgative.
Whole plant gave alpha-and beta- amyrin ester, myricyl alcohol, stigmas- terol and its glucoside. A tincture made from flower heads is used as a substitute for the tincture of pyrethrum to treat inflammation of jaw-bones and caries.Ethanolic extracts of the herb were found to affect the blood pressure of dogs and cats, and also the isolated ileum of guinea pigs. Spilanthol, obtained from the ether as well as pen- tane extracts, shows a strong sialogogic action, acts as a local anaesthetic and a powerful insecticide.... spilanthes calvaSymptoms: vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain. Leads to rapid liver degeneration.
Tinctures. Formula. Echinacea 3; Goldenseal 1; Myrrh 1. Dose: 30-60 drops every 2 hours. Practitioner. Stomach irrigation. 50mg ampoules of Silymarin (Madaus) injected by a physician. ... death cap
Treatment: Quarter of a teaspoon powdered or tincture Myrrh in water; spray or pour into throat. Massage back with Capsicum ointment or Lotion. Warm blankets. ... drowning
Habitat: Native to tropical East Africa; runs wild at some places in West Bengal.
English: Strophanthus.Action: Dry ripe seeds—cardiac glycosides (the mixture is known as Strophanthin-K) act like digitalis but are poorly absorbed from the digestive tract, are given by injection.
Strophanthus wightianus Wall. ex Wight, known as Nerivalli (Tamil) and Kambetti (Malyalam), is found along with western coast of Kerala.The plant yields 2.1% of glycosides. The glycosides are known as caulo- side and divaricoside, the corresponding genins are caudogenin and sarmen- togenin; the latter a precursor of cortisone. Studies have indicated that the tinctures prepared from the seeds compare favourably with those from the seeds of S. kombe.... strophanthus kombe
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