Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Actions: astringent, anti-inflammatory, alterative, diuretic, hepatic, laxative, vulnerary

Indications: Cleavers is a valuable plant that is an excellent therapy for clearing a congested lymphatic system. It can be used whenever there are especially in tonsillitis and in adenoid trouble. It is traditionally used for ulcers and tumors, due to its lymph-cleansing properties. It is also excellent for many skin disorders, including psoriasis. It is very useful in the treatment of painful cystitis and other urinary conditions where there is burning pain.

Preparation: Tea: blend 1 or 2 teaspoonsful of the herb into 1 cup boiling water. Simmer 10 minutes. Drink 3 x daily.

*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.

Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans (LINN.)

Description

* Medicinal Action and Uses

* Preparations and Dosage

—Synonyms—Cinquefoil. Five Fingers. Five-Finger Blossom. Sunkfield. Synkefoyle.

—Parts Used—Herb, root.

Five-leaf Grass is a creeping plant with large yellow flowers like the Silverweed, each one growing on its own long stalk, which springs from the point at which the leaf joins the stem.

—Description—The rootstock branches at the top from several crowns, from which arise the long-stalked root-leaves and thread-like, creeping stems, which bear stalked leaves and solitary flowers. These stem-runners root at intervals and as they often attain a length of 5 feet, the plant is rapidly propagated, spreading over a wide area. It grows freely in meadows, pastures and by the wayside.

The name Five-leaved or Five Fingers refers to the leaves being divided into five leaflets. Each of these is about 1 1/2 inch long, with scattered hairs on the veins and margin, the veins being prominent below. The margins of the leaflets are much serrated. In rich soils the leaflets are often six or seven. Out of a hundred blossoms once picked as a test, eighty had the parts of the corolla, calyx and epicalyx in fives, and the remaining twenty were in sixes.

Although the flowers much resemble those of the Silverweed, the two plants can readily be distinguished by the difference in their leaves. The flowers secrete honey on a ringlike ridge surrounding the base of the stamens. Insects alighting on the petals dust themselves with the pollen, but do not touch the stigmas, as the honey ring extends beyond. If they alight in the middle of the next flower, they dust the pollen against the stigma and cross-pollinate it. But the flower is often self-pollinated. The flowers close up in part in dull weather and completely at night, and it is then that the anthers touch the stigmas.

Bacon says that frogs have a predilection for sitting on this herb: ‘The toad will be much under Sage, frogs will be in Cinquefoil.’

It was an ingredient in many spells in the Middle Ages, and was particularly used as a magic herb in love divinations. It was one of the ingredients of a special bait for fishing nets, which was held to ensure a heavy catch. This concoction consisted of corn boiled in thyme and marjoram water, mixed with nettles, cinquefoil and the juice of houseleek.

In an old recipe called ‘Witches’ Ointment’ the juice of Five-leaf Grass, smallage and wolfsbane is mixed with the fat of children dug up from their graves and added to fine wheat flour.

—Medicinal Action and Uses—stringent, febrifuge. The roots have a bitterish, styptic, slightly sweetish taste and have been employed medicinally since the time of Hippocrates and Dioscorides.

They were used to cure the intermittent fevers which prevailed in marshy, ill-drained lands, and especially ague.

Dioscorides stated that one leaf cured a quotidian, three a tertian, and four a quarten ague.

Culpepper says:

‘It is an especial herb used in all inflammations and fevers, whether infectious or pestilential or, among other herbs, to cool and temper the blood and humours in the body; as also for all lotions, gargles and infections; for sore mouths, ulcers, cancers, fistulas and other foul or running sores.

‘The juice drank, about four ounces at a time, for certain days together, cureth the quinsey and yellow jaundice, and taken for 30 days cureth the falling sickness. The roots boiled in vinegar and the decoction held in the mouth easeth toothache.

‘The juice or decoction taken with a little honey removes hoarseness and is very good for coughs.

‘The root boiled in vinegar, being applied, heals inflammations, painful sores and the shingles. The same also, boiled in wine, and applied to any joint full of pain, ache or the gout in the hands, or feet or the hip-joint, called the sciatica, and the decoction thereof drank the while, doth cure them and easeth much pain in the bowels.

‘The roots are also effectual to reduce ruptures, being used with other things available to that purpose, taken either inwardly or outwardly, or both; as also bruises or hurts by blows, falls or the like, and to stay the bleeding of wounds in any part, inward or outward.’

Robinson’s Herbal directs that the roots are to be dug up in April and the outer bark taken off and dried, the rest not being used.

To make the decoction, it is directed that 1 1/2 OZ. of the root be boiled in a quart of water down to a pint. This decoction is recommended not only as a remedy for diarrhoea, and of avail to stop bleeding of the lungs or bronchial tubes and bleeding at the nose, but as a good eyewash, as well as a gargle in relaxed sore throat.

The juice of the root, mixed with wheat bread, boiled first, is recommended as a good styptic.

A scruple of the powder in wine is the dose prescribed to cure the ague.

In modern Herbal Medicine, the dried herb is more generally now employed, for its astringent and febrifuge properties.

An infusion of 1 OZ. of the herb to a pint of boiling water is used in wineglassful doses for diarrhoea and looseness of the bowels, and for other complaints for which astringents are usually prescribed, and it is employed externally as an astringent lotion and as a gargle for sore throat.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica L. )

Angelica atropurpurea L. Angelica sylvestris Angelica gigas Angelica officinalis Umbelliferae Umbel family

Description

Angelica can grow 5 to 8 feet tall, needs rich, moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. The seeds require light for germination, do not cover with soil if planning to establish plants. The plant will produce seeds only once, usually in its second or third year. If you cut the flowers back before they seed each summer, thus extending it’s life, the plant will continue to grow for years to come. Angelica is a biennial producing foliage the first year and stems and flowers the second. Flowers time is June to August. It dies back in the winter (no frost protection is necessary). Collect ripe seed in late summer and sow in early autumn. The seeds are fairly large and coated with a straw-like substance. Seeds turn from green to yellow when they are ready to be harvested. Not bothered by weeds, grows well in wild surrounded by other plants. Pruning is not necessary, but remove lower leaves if they wither.

The grooved, hollow stem is occasionally purplish at the top of the plant.

The leaves have enlarged convex sheaths at the base of the leafstalks and have 2 to 3 pinnate parts. They become smaller toward the top of the plant and are less clefted. The upper part of this herb is branchy. At the branch ends grow the inflorescences, 20- 40- radiate double umbels with bristly small leaves. The tiny greenish-white flowers smell of honey. Some angelica plants flower white blossoms or more rarely, pale-purple flowers. Oval fruits are ridged with thin lateral wings.

A. gigas (Korean angelica) is an exquisite ornamental introduced to the United States in the early 1980’s. All parts are a rich purple, including the deep-toned flowers. It’s an excellent contrast for finely textured tall grasses and combines well with colorful perennials.

Because it resembles celery in odor and appearance, angelica sometimes is known as wild celery. Seeds are available through catalogs, but young plants are more successfully cultivated. After the second year, propagate with offshoots and root cuttings. Roots can also be harvested in early fall of the second year. Full sun or partial shade; Zones 4-9.

Other varieties: Du Huo (A. pubescens); Dang gui (A. sinensis); Angelica (A. breweri); Masterwort (A. atropurpurea) also called angelica.

Medicinal Properties

Stimulates appetite, carminative, expectorant, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, diuretic

Angelica is a good herbal tea to take for colic, gas, indigestion, hepatitis, and heartburn. It is useful to add in remedies for afflictions of the respiratory system, as well as liver problems and digestive difficulties. Promotes circulation and energy in the body. It is often used to stimulate the circulation in the pelvic region and to stimulate suppressed menstruation. Angelica should not be used by pregnant women or diabetics.

RELIGIOUS: Grow it in your garden as a protection for garden and home. The root is often used as a protective amulet, and has been used to banish evil by burning the leaves. It is also used to lengthen life, and is used in protection against diseases, as well as to ward off evil spirits.

Adding it to a ritual bath will break spells and hexes. It has often been used to ward off evil spirits in the home.

GROWING: Angelica needs rich, moist garden soil in partial shade. It prefers wet bottomlands and swamps, and prefers the cooler northern regions to grow best. It is a perennial that can reach up to 6 feet tall.

Biochemical Information

Essential oil with phellandrene, angelica acid, coumarin compounds, bitter principle and tannins

Uses

An infusion of dried root can be used as a remedy for coughs and colds, to dispel gas and to soothe intestinal cramps. Also used to stimulate kidneys. The wash is used to relieve rheumatism and neuralgia. Used as a blood tonic. Eases stoppage of urination, good for suppressed menstruation, and helps expel the afterbirth. Good for sluggish liver and spleen. A tea made of angelica, dropped into old ulcers (external) will cleanse and heal them. Good for cold, colic, flu, cough, asthma, bronchitis, menstrual cramps, pleurisy, anemia, rheumatism, and fever.

This herb is excellent in diseases of the lungs, gout, stomach troubles, heartburn, colic, lack of appetite, dyspepsia and stomach upsets, gastrointestinal pain, gas, sciatica, and the heart. It is useful for skin lice, relieves itching, swelling, and pain. Regular users of Angelica root develop a distaste for alcoholic beverages. Chewing the root is recommended for people suffering from a hangover after excessive alcohol consumption. An infusion should be made from the leaves and chopped stems. This will also provide an excellent gargle for the treatment of sore tonsils, and throats. Angelica raw stalks are delicious when eaten with a little cream cheese, and the washed roots are also quite tasty. This plant is used to flavor many alcoholic drinks and its candied stem has long been used in confectionery.

The roots and fruits yield angelica oil, which is used in perfume, confectionery, medicine (especially Asian medicine), in salads, as teas, as a flavoring for liqueurs, and as the source of yellow dye. This robust and sweet-tasting plant is best known for decoration of cakes and puddings. Angelica lessens the need for sweetener when making pies or sauces. It can also be cooked and eaten as a fresh herb, used for seasoning fish, or made into syrup for pudding and ice cream toppings. The Norwegians make a bread of the roots. In the Lapland region, the stalks are regarded as a delicacy. A popular tea, tasting much like China tea, is infused from fresh or dried leaves.

Warning

Do Not take angelica if you are pregnant or have severe diabetes. Angelica has a tendency to increase the sugar in the urine.

Angelica archangelica has been identified as a suspected carcinogen in recent years. This drug will render you sensitive to light. Use of angelica for a fairly long time, will cause contraindicate ultraviolet or tanning salon treatments as well as strong sunlight for the duration.

Large doses can affect blood pressure, heart action, and respiration. To avoid these problems, do not exceed recommended dose.

Please Note: Angelica belongs to the Apiaceae Umbelliferae, a family with many poisonous members that can be mistaken for this medicinal plant. Wild angelica (Angelica Sylvestris) can be confused with European water hemlock, which is poisonous. Do Not collect angelica yourself under any circumstances! It is recommended that angelica not be harvested unless positively identified by a trained botanist, habitat being the same as for the poisonous varieties.

Bibliography

Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 87-88.
The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 97-99.
Complete Herbal & English Physician, by Nicholas Culpeper, pgs., 8-9, 218.
Old Ways Rediscovered, by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 3, 58-59.
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 36, 130-131, 150-151, 166-167, 180.
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pgs., 60, PL 6.
The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; pgs., 347-349.
Herb Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, pgs., 38, 39, 55, 124.
The Herbalist Almanac, by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 57, 60, 247.
Indian Uses of Native Plants, by Edith Van Allen Murphey, pg., 50.
The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pg., 83.
An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants, by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, pg., 47.
The Magic of Herbs in Daily Living, by Richard Lucas, pgs., 38-39.
American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 283.
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 57, 64, 86, 110, 112, 114, 125, 137, 148-149, 236, 238, 273.
Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 13-14.
Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pgs., 39-41.
A Useful Guide to Herbal Health Care, HCBL (Health Center for Better Living), pg., 21.
The Rodale Herb Book, by edited by William H. Hylton, pgs., 30, 84, 93, 105, 145, 149, 340-345.
Country Home Book of Herbs, executive editor Nancy N. Green, pg., 10. Healing Plants, by Mannfried Pahlow, pgs., 139-140.

*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.

Cinnamon
(Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Parts used and where grown: Most people are familiar with the sweet but pungent taste of the oil, powder, or sticks of bark from the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon is perhaps one of the oldest herbal medicines, having been mentioned in Chinese texts as long ago as 4,000 years. Cinnamon trees grow in a number of tropical areas, including parts of India, China, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Caribbean.

In what conditions might cinnamon be supportive?

Â¥ menorrhagia (heavy menstruation)

Â¥ yeast infection

Historical or traditional use: There is a broad range of historical uses for cinnamon in different cultures, including the treatment of diarrhea, arthritis, and various menstrual disorders.1 The large number of applications for cinnamon indicates the widespread appreciation folk herbalists around the world have had for cinnamon as a medicine, although there is often no research to substantiate the health claims.

Active constituents: Various terpenoids found in the essential oil are believed to account for cinnamonÕs medicinal effects. Important among these compounds are eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon oil vapors are extremely potent antifungal compounds.2 Preliminary human evidence confirms this effect in studies of AIDS patients with oral candida (thrush) infections that improved with application of cinnamon oil.3 Antibacterial actions have been demonstrated for cinnamon.4 The diterpenes in the volatile oil have also shown antiallergic activity.5 Water extracts may help reduce ulcers.6

How much should I take? A tea can be prepared from the powdered herb by boiling 1/2 U.S. teaspoon (2-3 grams) of the powder for ten to fifteen minutes, cooling, and then drinking. No more than a few drops of essential oil should be used and never for extended periods of time. Cinnamon tincture in the amount of 2&endash;3 ml three times each day can also be used.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Some individuals develop allergies and dermatitis after exposure to cinnamon. Therefore, only small amounts should be used initially in persons who have not previously had contact with cinnamon, and anyone with a known allergy should avoid it. Chronic use may cause inflammation in the mouth. The concentrated oil is more likely to cause problems.

References:

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods,Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 168&endash;70.
2. Singh HB, Srivastava M, Singh AB, Srivastava AK. Cinnamon bark oil, a potent fungitoxicant against fungi causing respiratory tract mycoses. Allergy 1995;50:995&endash;99.
3. Quale JM, Landman D, Zaman MM, et al. In vitro activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against azole resistant and sensitive Candida species and a pilot study of cinnamon for oral candidiasis. Am J Chin Med 1996;24:103&endash;9.
4. Azumi S, Tanimura A, Tanamoto K. A novel inhibitor of bacterial endotoxin derived from cinnamon bark. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1997;234:506&endash;10.
5. Nagai H, Shimazawa T, Matsuura N, Koda A. Immunopharmacological studies of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum cassia (CCAq). I. Anti-allergic action. Jpn J Pharmacol 1982;32:813&endash;22.
6. Akira T, Tanaka S, Tabata M. Pharmacological studies on the antiulcerogenic activity of Chinese cinnamon. Planta Med (6):440.

*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.