Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) in the eucalyptus family (Myrtaceae) is a tall evergreen tree with dark blue-green aromatic leaves, native to Australia, but now cultivated worldwide.1

History and Traditional Use

In traditional medicine eucalyptus was used as an expectorant and stimulant in respiratory ailments, as well as to reduce fevers, and for its antiseptic effects.1 It was also used topically for wounds, ulcers, burns, and other skin conditions. Extracts of the leaves were used to treat joint pain, ringworm, dysentery, and pulmonary tuberculosis.1

Modern Medicinal Use

Eucalyptus leaf and oil are approved by the German Commission E for inflammations of the respiratory tract, and eucalyptus oil is also approved for external use for rheumatic complaints.2 Eucalyptus leaf has deodorant, cooling, antiseptic, and expectorant actions.3 In addition, a compound herbal tincture containing eucalyptus has been used in the treatment of ear inflammations.4 In France, acute benign bronchial disease and nasal congestion from the common cold are both treated with eucalyptus leaf.5 Both eucalyptus oil and eucalyptol (a chemical constituent of the oil) have demonstrated strong antibacterial action against Streptococcus.1 The Indian Pharmacopoeia lists the oil as a counterirritant and mild expectorant,6 and The Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China lists it as a skin irritant used in nerve pain.7 The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia suggests topical application of eucalyptus for a cold headache.8

Modern Consumer Use

Eucalyptus oil is used as a flavoring agent and expectorant in cough drops, syrups, and other cold medications such as vapor rubs and ointments.1 In Germany, the leaf is a standard medicinal tea for inflammation of the throat and bronchitis.9 It is commonly found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and as a fragrance component in perfumes, lotions, soaps, and detergents.1 The oil and leaf are employed for their deodorant with cooling action.3 It is also used in massage oils, and alleviates tension headache when applied to the forehead.10

References

1 Leung AY., Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley-Interscience; 1996.

2 Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. The Complete German Commission E Monographs3Ž4Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communication; 1998.

3 Wichtl M, ed., Brinckmann JA, Lindenmaier MP, trans. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers; 2004.

4 Shaparenko BA, Slivko AB, Bazarova OV, Vishnevetskaia EN, Selezneva GT. Use of medicinal plants for the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis (in Russian). Zh Ushn Nos Gorl Bolezn (3):48-51. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

5 Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed. Paris: Lavoisier; 1999. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

6 Indian Pharmacopoeia, Vol. 1 Delhi: Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare-Controller of Publications 1996. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

7 Tu G, editor. Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (English Edition) Beijing: Guangdong Science and Technology Press; 1992. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

8 Karnick CR. Pharmacopoeial Standards of Herbal Plants. Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications; 1994. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

9 Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

10 Gobel H, Schmidt G, Soyka D. Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiologicla and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia. 1994;14(3):182;228-234. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

The American elder (canadensis) , also known as Elderberry, is small tree that grows to 12 feet and is native to North America. The European elder (nigra) grows to 30 feet, is found throughout Europe, Asia, North Africa, and has been naturalized in the United States. The tree has been called “the medicine chest of the common people.

The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots have all been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. The fruits have been used to make elderberry wine, and when cooked, can be used in pies and jams. The berries contain more vitamin C than any other herb except rosehips and black currant.

The elder also has a rich background of cultural superstitions. In the Middle Ages legends held that tree was home to witches and that cutting down one would bring on the wrath of those residing in the branches.

The Russians and the English believe that elder trees ward off evil spirits and it was considered good luck to plant a tree near your home. Sicilians think that sticks of elder wood can kill serpents and drive away thieves.

This herb has a long history dating beyond the stone ages. Egyptians discovered that applying its flowers improved the complexion and healed burns. Many early Indian tribes used elderberry, and its variants, in teas and other beverages. In the 17th century the British often drank home made wine and cordials that was thought to prolong life and cure the common cold.

The berries from the elder contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C, as well as flavonoids, sugar, tannins, carotenoids and amino acids. Warm elderberry wine is a remedy for sore throat, influenza and induces perspiration to reverse the effects of a chill. The juice from the berries is an old fashioned cure for colds, and is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis.

Infusions of the fruit are beneficial for nerve disorders, back pain, and have been used to reduce inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder. Raw berries have laxative and diuretic properties, however the seeds are toxic and may induce vomiting and nausea. Elderberries are edible when cooked.

Elder leaves contain the flavonoids rutin and quercertin, alkaloids, vitamin C and sambunigrin, a cyanogenic glucoside. Fresh elder leaves also contain hydrocyanic acid, cane sugar, invertin, betulin, free fatty acids, and a considerable quantity of potassium nitrate. Elder flowers and elder flower water have been used in a variety of ways topically and as a tonic mixture.

Elder flowers are a mild astringent and are used in skin washes to refine the complexion and help relieve eczema, acne and psoriasis. Flower water makes a soothing gargle and when strained makes an excellent eye wash.

The leaves and flowers are a common ingredient in ointments and poultices for burns and scalds, swelling, cuts and scrapes. Infusions and preparations with the blossoms combined with other herbs have also been used to quicken recovery form the common cold and flu.

Parts Used: Bark, leaves, flowers, berries.

Common Use: Topically for infections, inflammations and swelling. As a wash for skin healing and complexion purification. As a tea and cordial to sooth sore throats, speed recovery from cold and flu and relieve respiratory distress. Cooked and used in jams and conserves.

Care: Prefers sandy or loamy soil rich in humus and nitrogen. Full sun or partial shade.

*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.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolio)

Echinacea Angustifolia L. Echinacea Purpurea L. Echinacea Pallida L.

Echinacea

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and E. angustifolia) in the Aster family (Asteraceae) are perennials native to the prairies and eastern United States, and are easily recognizable by their pink/purple daisy-like flowers with orange/brown centers.

History and Traditional Use

Echinacea was universally used as an antidote for snake bites and other venomous bites, stings, and poisonous conditions.1 Physicians used echinacea for sores, wounds, gangrene, and as a local antiseptic. Internally, it was used for diphtheria (upper respiratory disease), typhoid conditions, cholera, syphilis, and blood poisoning. Echinacea was used by Native Americans as a cough medicine, a gastrointestinal aid, a remedy for venereal disease, sore throat, toothache, and the common cold.2

Modern Medicinal Use

Echinacea has been approved by the German Commission E for the treatment of colds and chronic infections of the respiratory tract and lower urinary tract.3 It has been used as therapy in chronic candidiasis (infections of mucous membranes of vagina).4 Externally, it has been approved for poorly healing wounds and chronic ulcerations.3 Echinacea increases resistance to infection and is used as a stimulant to the immune system It is also used for the treatment of eczema, burns, psoriasis, and herpes. As an immunostimulant, echinacea is used in the treatment of chronic respiratory infections, prostatitis, and polyarthritis (rheumatoid arthritis).1 Echinacea can be used to treat a sore and ulcerated throat and mouth, and topically for wound healing and other inflammatory skin conditions.2

Modern Consumer Use

Echinacea has ranked among the top in herbal supplement sales in the natural foods market for several years. It is most commonly used in cold and flu season to ward off, shorten, or attenuate the common cold.2 Echinacea is also commonly seen in cosmetics such as lip balms, shampoos, and toothpastes.1

References

1 Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley-Interscience; 1996.

2 Flannery MA. From rudbeckia to echinacea: the emergence of the purple coneflower in modern therapeutics. HerbalGram 2000; 51:28-33.

3 Blumenthal M et al. The Complete German Commission E Monographs&emdash;Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

4 Blumenthal M, Hall T. Goldberg A, Kunz T, Dinda K, Brinckmann J, et al, editors. The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; 2003.

*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.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

Dong quai is an aromatic herb that grows in China, Korea, and Japan. The reputation of Don quai is second only to Ginseng and is considered the ultimate, all-purpose woman’s tonic herb. It is used for almost every gynecological complaint from regulating the menstrual cycle to treating menopausal symptoms caused by hormonal changes.

Dong quai is frequently used by the Chinese as a strengthening treatment for the heart, spleen, liver and kidneys. Both men and women use the herb as a general blood tonic.

Dong quai contains vitamins E, A and B12. Researchers have isolated at least six coumarin derivatives that exert antispasmodic and vasodilatory effects. Antispasmodics are a remedy for menstrual cramps. The essential oil in dong quai contains Ligustilide, butylphthalide and numerous other minor components. Ferulic acid and various polysaccharides are also found in dong quai’s root. These elements can prevent spasms, reduce blood clotting and relax peripheral blood vessels. Research has shown that don quai produces a balancing effect on estrogen activity.

Modern treatments prescribe the herb to combat PMS and to help women resume normal menstruation after using birth control pills.

The herb has been found useful in balancing and treating many female systems and cycles. Dong quai’s constituents can act to stimulate the central nervous system which can remedy weakness and headaches associated with menstrual disorders. It strengthens internal reproductive organs, helps with endometriosis and internal bleeding or bruising. It relieves menopausal conditions such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes.

The herb has also been used as a blood purifier, to promote blood circulation and nourish the blood in both sexes. It is high in iron content and may help to prevent iron deficiency and anemia. Studies show that it can aid in regulating blood sugar and in lowering blood pressure.

Dong quai has a mild sedative effect which can relieve stress and calms the nerves. It has also be used to stimulate the uterus during childbirth, treat insomnia, alleviate constipation and for migraine headaches.

Parts Used: Whole root. Found in tea, herbal preparations, capsules, extract and recipes.

Common Use: The root has earned a reputation as the “ultimate herb” for women. It is used to restore balance to a woman’s hormones and cycles and is helpful in restoring menstrual regularity and for conditions of the reproductive system. It is not recommended during pregnancy, for women with excessive menstrual flow or for people taking blood thinning agents.

*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.

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