February 23rd, 2007 by admin
Iporuru
Alchornea species
Iporoni
Iporuru
Macochihua
Niando
Iporuru is a shrub native to the Amazon and parts of Africa. It grows on low-lying plains that become swamps during the rainy season. It is harvested only during the dry season, when its medically active constituents are present. The bark is used in herbal medicine. Iporuru remedies and products are sold in local markets and herbal pharmacies in Peru.
USES
Iporuru helps to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis and other joint problems, and is gaining recognition among athletes and health-care practitioners for its ability to support muscle and joint structure. One study in Argentina found that an extract of iporuru had antibacterial effects and was effective against penicillin-G-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger.
Iporuru bark steeped in aguardiente (rum) is a traditional South American remedy for arthritis, colds, and muscle pains after a long day of fishing or hunting. In Peru, health-care practitioners prescribe iporuru to treat rheumatism and impotence, and to reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. Indigenous peoples of Peru use it to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Benefits of iporuru for specific health conditions include the following:
* Gout. Iporuru alleviates acute inflammation. This action is attributable to high concentrations of flavonoids that stop inflammatory reactions at the cellular level. The flavonoids also relax skeletal muscles.
* Impotence and infertility. Iporuru is a unique traditional treatment for infertility in men in that it is taken by the woman rather than by the man. A plausible explanation for this effect is that the herb increases the receptivity of the cervix to sperm cells. French scientists have proposed that men taking iporuru would have stronger erections, greater penetration, and more viable sperm through the action of yohimbine, a compound found in both iporuru and yohimbe.
CONSIDERATIONS
Iporuru is available as a tincture. Some commercial formulas combine iporuru with smilax as an aphrodisiac or with cat’s claw to relieve inflammation. Overdoses can occur if iporuru is used excessively. Follow dosage directions carefully.
Source: Herb�
Posted in A Herbs, I Herbs, M HErbs, N Herbs | No Comments »
February 23rd, 2007 by admin
Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Agueweed
Boneset
Crosswort
Eupatorium
Feverwort
Indian Sage
Sweating Plant
Thoroughwort
Tse-Ian
Vegetable Antimony
Wood Boneset
Names of plants often reveal much information about them. They can also be misleading. There is little difficulty with the scientific name of boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum L. The genus name of this member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) derives from Mithridates Eupator, ancient king of Pontus, who first used a closely related plant for medicinal purposes. The species designation, perfoliatum, refers to the manner in which the erect hairy stem of the hardy perennial herb, which attains a height of about five feet and is crowned with heads of white tubular florets, appears to perforate the center of the pairs of oppositely joined leaves. Boneset, the common name, is more likely to lead one astray since the plant was classically employed in the treatment of fevers, not to mend broken bones. However, when it is recognized that the old name for dengue was break bone fever, the derivation becomes clear.
American Indians introduced the use of boneset leaves and flowering tops to the early settlers for the treatment of colds, catarrh, influenza, rheumatism, and all kinds of fevers, including break bone (dengue), intermittent (malaria), and lake (typhoid). To break up colds and flu, the medication is taken in the form of a hot tea to induce sweating and relieve the associated aches and pains. For loss of appetite, indigestion, and as a general bitter tonic, cold boneset infusion is recommended thirty minutes before meals. In either case, the remedy is a bitter, astringent one with a nauseous taste. The hot version is much more likely to cause vomiting than the cold.
Chemical studies have identified some of the constituents of boneset, which include various flavonoid pigments, sterols, and triterpenes. Compounds with pronounced therapeutic virtues are generally absent. However, it has been reported that xyloglucurans from the polysaccharide fractions of aqueous extracts of boneset increased phagocytosis by a factor of 1 to 2.5 in the carbon clearance and granulocyte test, suggesting immunostimulating activity. Eclectic physicians reported using boneset as an effective preventative and treatment for the “Spanish influenza″ epidemic of 1918, as well as flu epidemics of the nineteenth century.
The plant held official medication status in the United States from 1820 to 1950, even though boneset was rarely prescribed by physicians, at least during the latter part of that period. Nevertheless, there is presently a revival of interest in the use of boneset among adherents to herbal medicine who employ it primarily to relieve fevers. Although safer and more effective treatments, such as common aspirin, certainly exist, it is comforting to know that the medical literature is essentially devoid of reports of adverse incidents attributed to boneset. Given the presence of potential immunostimulating polysaccharides, coupled with historical reports of efficacy in the prevention and treatment of influenza in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this herb, relegated to historical obscurity, is deserving of closer scientific scrutiny.
Legendary among North American Indians and early settlers for its capacity to cause profuse perspiration and to loosen the bowels, boneset was used to treat fevers associated with a number of illnesses, including colds and influenza as well as malaria and similar recurrent illnesses. Boneset was usually taken as a hot tea made from the leaves and flowers.
A related species, E. purpureum, more commonly known as joe-pye weed, generally shares the medicinal properties attributed to boneset. Identifiable by its purple flowers, joe-pye weed was named in honor of an Indian medicine man who was famous throughout New England for using it to cure typhus. Most herbal authorities, however, consider the species inferior to boneset in treating fever.
PARTS USED
Aerial parts.
USES
A hot infusion of bone set will bring relief to symptoms of the common cold. Boneset stimulates resistance to viral and bacterial infections, and reduces fever by encouraging sweating. Boneset also loosens phlegm and promotes its removal through coughing, and it has a tonic and laxative effect. Boneset has been taken for rheumatic illness, skin conditions, and worms.
HOMEOPATHY
Boneset was traditionally used for fevers and is said to be a principal Native American remedy for malaria. It became known to the European settlers and was used in New York in 1830 to treat malaria. It is also said to have been recommended in ancient times by Dioscorides for ulcers, dysentery, reptile bites, chronic fevers, and liver disease. The plant is used in herbal medicine for flu with aches and pains.
Eupator is used mainly to treat flu and other feverish illnesses where characteristically there is tremendous bone pain and fever with scanty perspiration and restlessness because of the pain. The bones often feel as if they have been broken. The head, eyeballs, and chest are sore and there is a desire for ice-cold water and cold food. There may be a cough that exacerbates symptoms and can be relieved by going on all fours.
HABITAT AND CULTIVATION
Native to eastern North America, boneset is found in meadows and marshland. Boneset is gathered when in flower in summer.
CONSTITUENTS
Boneset contains sesquiterpene lactones (including eupafolin), polysaccharides, flavonoids, diterpenes, sterols, and volatile oil. The sesquiterpene lactones and polysaccharides are significantly immunostimulant.
HOW MUCH TO TAKE
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 – 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 – 15 minutes. This should be drunk as hot as possible. During fevers or the ‘flu it should be drunk every half hour.
Tincture: take 2 – 4ml of the tincture three times a day.
Source: Herbs2000
Posted in A Herbs, B Herbs, C Herbs, E Herbs, F Herbs, I Herbs, S Herbs, T Herbs, V HErbs, W Herbs | No Comments »
February 23rd, 2007 by admin
Chickweed
Also Known As:
Stellaria media
Adder’s Mouth
Chickweed
Indian Chickweed
Satinflower
Scarweed
Starweed
Starwort
Stitchwort
Tongue Grass
White Bird′s-eye
Winterweed
This apparently feeble member of the pink group is actually a lusty annual with matted to upright green stems that take over many areas. Commencing its growth in the fall, it vigorously thrives through the sleet and snowstorms of winter, even in the far north, survives most weed killers, beginning to bloom while the snow is often still on the ground, and many times it finishes its seed production in the springtime. Chickweed is so abundantly fruitful, however, that it flowers throughout most of the country every month of the year. Growing to a foot high in matted to upright trailing stems, it has egg – shaped lower and median leaves and stem less and highly variable upper leaves. In the star or great chickweed (S. pubera), the characteristic blooms, brightly white and about 1/2 inch across, have such deeply notched petals that their 5 appear more like 10-the number of stamens. Usually gathering themselves together at night and on cloudy or foggy days, they unfurl under the brilliant sun
Chickweed ranks beside herbs such as burdock root as being terrific blood cleansers. Where there exists a threat of blood poisoning or tetanus due to chemical dye or dirt getting into the bloodstream, here’s what you should do. First make a poultice and apply it directly to the affected area in order’ to draw out as much of the poison as possible. To make the poultice, simply blend together 1 tbsp. each of the powdered ginger root, capsicum and kelp, adding just enough honey/wheat germ oil (equal parts) to form a smooth paste of even consistency. Spread this on clean surgical gauze and apply to the area. Cover and leave for up to 7 hours before changing again, if necessary. At the same time administer internally capsules of chickweed (6 at a time) or a tea (2 cups at a time) made by adding 1 tbsp. dried herb to 2 cups boiling water and steeped for 20 minutes before straining and drinking. The same steps can also be followed with great success in treating carbuncles, boils, venereal disease, herpes sores, swollen testicles and breasts.
Chickweed brings great comfort to the miseries of chronic itching and severe rashes. Just make a salve using fresh chickweed, if possible otherwise the dried powder will have to be used instead. Needed: 1-1/2cups coarsely cut fresh chickweed (or 1/2 cup liquid chlorophyll with 1 cup powdered chickweed); 2 cups pure virgin olive oil; 6 tbsp. beeswax. Warm up the oil and beeswax in a pan on top of the stove on medium heat. Then combine all the ingredients in a heavy cast iron skillet or small heavy roast pan and place in the oven for about two hours on just the “warm” setting. Then strain through a fine wire strainer while mixture is still hot, pour into small clean jars and seal tightly.
PARTS USED
Aerial parts, root.
USES
Chickweed is chiefly used to treat irritated skin, being applied as juice, poultice, ointment, or cream. Chickweed may soothe severe itchiness where all other remedies have failed. Chickweed is often used to relieve eczema, varicose veins, and nettle rash (urticaria). An infusion of the fresh or dried plant may be added to a bath, where the herb’s emollient properties will help reduce inflammation – in rheumatic joints, for example – and encourage tissue repair. Chickweed may also be taken internally to treat chest ailments. In small quantities, chickweed also aids digestion.
HABITAT AND CULTIVATION
Native to Europe and Asia, chickweed is now found in most regions of the world. Chickweed grows easily in open areas and is generally regarded as a troublesome weed. The plant is harvested in summer.
CONSTITUENTS
Chickweed contains mucilage, saponins, silica, Minerals, vitamins A, B, C, fatty acids.
HOW MUCH TO TAKE
Although formerly used as a tea, chickweed’s main use today is as a cream applied liberally several times each day to rashes and inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., eczema) to ease itching and inflammation. As a tincture, 1 – 5 ml per day can be taken.
SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS
No side effects with chickweed have been reported.
HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY
Internally, it is thought the saponins are responsible for the relief of itching. It is particularly noted for its cooling qualities, and is especially soothing when applied to skin problems presenting as hot and itchy. Chickweed is thought to be useful on wounds to reduce scarring. Additionally, the combined constituents are thought to be beneficial for arthritic conditions, while topically the whole plant has a soothing, healing quality. Chickweed works also on the digestive system in small amounts, soothing and healing the digestive tract.
APPLICATIONS
AERIAL PARTS:
DECOCTION – Use the herb fresh, if possible, for a cleansing, tonic mixture to relieve tiredness and debility. Also helpful for urinary tract inflammations, such as cystitis.
TINCTURE - Add to remedies for rheumatism.
POULTICE – Apply the fresh plant to boils and abscesses; also to painful rheumatic joints.
COMPRESS – Soak a pad in the hot decoction, or tincture diluted in hot water, and apply to painful joints.
CREAM - Apply to eczema, especially if it is itching. Use to draw insect stings or splinters, and on burns and scalds.
INFUSED OIL – Follow the hot infusion method, and apply the oil as an alternative to creams for skin rashes, or add 1 tbsp to bathwater for eczema.
ROOT:
DECOCTION – Use for hot fevers related to weakness in chronic illness.
AROMATIC AND DIURETIC MARINADE
* 1/2 Cup (125 ml) water
* 1 cup (40 g) raw chickweed
* 1 fresh celery stick
* 1/2 cup (125 ml) apple cider vinegar
* 1/2 t (2 g) dill seeds
* 1 pinch salt
Pour the boiling water onto the chopped chickweed. Thinly slice the celery and blanch separately. Add the blanched celery, the vinegar and the dill seeds. Sterilize or refrigerate. Consume within 1 month as a garnish on chickpeas or pate, or in a salad.
Posted in A Herbs, C Herbs, I Herbs, S Herbs, T Herbs, W Herbs | No Comments »
