Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Parts used and where grown: In Europe, the flowers from Verbascum phlomoides or Verbascum thapsiforme, both close relatives of North American mullein, are the source of most mullein herbal products. The leaves and flowers of mullein are typically used in herbal preparations. The leaves are collected in mid-summer and the flowers between July and September.

In what conditions might mullein be supportive?

Â¥ asthma

¥ bronchitis ¥ chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

¥ common cold/sore throat ¥ cough

Â¥ recurrent ear infection

Historical or traditional use: Mullein is classified in the herbal literature as a expectorant and demulcent herb. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion.1 As such, bronchitis sufferers often find relief with this herb, particularly when combined with white horehound and lobelia. Some herbal texts extended the therapeutic use to pneumonia and asthma.2 Because of its mucilage content, mullein was also used topically as a soothing emollient for inflammatory skin conditions and burns.

Active constituents: Mullein contains about 3% mucilage and small amounts of saponins and tannins.3 The mucilaginous constituents are primarily responsible for the soothing effects on mucous membranes noted for mullein. Many herbal experts feel that the saponins are responsible for the expectorant actions of mullein.4

How much should I take? A tea of mullein is made by pouring 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water over 1-2 U.S. teaspoons (5-10 grams) of dried leaves or flowers and steeping for ten to fifteen minutes. The tea can be drunk three to four times per day. For the tincture, 1-4 ml is taken three to four times per day. As a dried product, 1-2 grams is used three times per day. As mentioned above, mullein is usually combined with other demulcent or expectorant herbs when used to treat coughs and bronchial irritation.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Mullein is generally safe, and there are no known contraindications to its use during pregnancy or lactation, except for rare reports of skin irritation.

References:

1. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A User̥s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 67. 2. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal, Vol. 2. New York: Dover Publications, 1971, 562 Р6. 3. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 18&endash;9. 4. Tyler VE. The Honest Herbal, 3d ed. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1993, 219 Р20.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

MEDICINAL: Mugwort is used in all conditions dealing with nervousness, shaking, and insomnia. It is used to help induce menses, especially combined with cramp bark. Often used to stimulate the liver and as a digestive aid. It should not be used by pregant women. Fresh juice form the plant is used to treat poison ivy.

RELIGIOUS: Add to divination incenses. It is carried to prevent poisoning and stroke. Fresh leaves rubbed on magickal tools will increase their powers. An infusion made of mugwort is used to cleanse crystals and scrying mirrors. Placed beneath your pillow, or in a dream pillow, it will promote astral travel and good dreams.

GROWING: Mugwort likes dry areas in full sun. It is a perennial shrubby plant that grows 1 – 6 feet tall, depending upon growing conditions.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianus)

This plant is native to the Mediterranean and grows wild throughout Europe, North America and Australia. Milk Thistle has been used in Europe as a remedy for liver problems for thousands of years. Its use was recorded in the first century (AD 23-79), noting that the plant was excellent for protecting the liver. Early Christian tradition dedicated milk thistle to Mary, calling it Marian thistle. In the 19th century the Eclectics used the herb for varicose veins, menstrual difficulty, and congestion in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Milk thistle has also been taken to increase breast-milk production, stimulate the secretion of bile, and as a treatment for depression.

Milk thistle nutritionally supports the liver’s ability to maintain normal liver function. It has shown positive effects in treating nearly every known form of liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, necroses, and liver damage due to drug and alcohol abuse. Milk thistle works due to its ability to inhibit the factors responsible for liver damage, coupled with the fact it stimulates production of new liver cells to replace old damaged ones.

Milk thistle has been proven to protect the liver from damage. The detrimental effects of environmental toxins, alcohol, drugs and chemotherapy may be countered with this valuable herb. The active chemical component in the herb is silybin, which functions as an antioxidant and is one of the most potent liver protective agents known. Clinical trials have proven silybin to be effective in treating chronic liver diseases and in protecting the liver from toxic chemicals. An injection of silybin is a proven antidote for poisoning with the Deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides).

Silybin is a part of the chemical structure of the flavoligan silymarine. Milk thistle’s hepatoprotective effects may be explained by its function of altering the liver cell membrane structure, blocking the absorption of toxins into the cells. Hepatoprotection by silymarin can also be attributed to its ability to increase the intracellular concentration of glutathione, a substance required for detoxicating reactions in liver cells. Milk thistle is also an antioxidant that is more potent than vitamins C and E.

Parts Used: Seeds for powdered or liquid extract.

Common Use: Helps the liver detoxification process. For all liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis. Fights pollutants and prevents free radical damage by action as antioxidant. Protects the liver and stimulates the production of new liver cells. Helps common skin conditions related to poor liver function.

Care: Annual or biennial. Very drought tolerant, self seeds readily. Prefers sunny position and well drained, dry soil.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Part used and where grown: The marshmallow plant loves water and grows primarily in marshes. Originally from Europe, it now grows in the United States as well. The root and leaves are used.

In what conditions might marshmallow be supportive?

Â¥ asthma

Â¥ common cold/sore throat

Â¥ cough

Â¥ Crohn’s disease

Â¥ diarrhea

Â¥ peptic ulcer

Historical or traditional use: Marshmallow (not to be confused with confectionery marshmallows, which are a product of the modern food industry) has long been used to treat coughs and sore throats.1 Because of its high mucilage content, this plant is soothing and healing to inflamed mucous membranes. Additionally, it was used to treat chapped skin, chilblains, and even minor wounds.

Active constituents: The active constituents in marshmallow are large carbohydrate (sugar) molecules which make up mucilage. This smooth, slippery substance can soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes. Although marshmallow has primarily been used for the respiratory and digestive tracts, its high mucilage content may also provide some relief for the urinary tract and skin.2

How much should I take? Marshmallow can be made into a hot or cold water tea. Make a tea by adding roots and/or leaves and letting it steep. Drink three to five cups a day. Herbal extracts in capsules and tablets providing 5-6 grams of marshmallow per day can also be used, or it may be taken as a tincture in the amount of 5-15 ml, three times daily.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Marshmallow is very safe. There have been extremely rare reports of allergic reactions.

References:

1. NosalÕova G, Strapkova A, Kardosova A, et al. Antitussive action of extracts and polysaccharides of marsh mallow (Althea offcinalis L., var. robusta). Pharmazie 1992;47:224-6 [in German]. 2. Tomoda M, Shimizu N, Oshima Y, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of twenty plant mucilages and three modified products. Planta Med 1987;53:8-12.