Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)

Parts used and where grown: Although native to Europe and Asia, blessed thistle is now cultivated in many areas of the world, including the United States. The leaves, stems, and flowers are all used in herbal preparations.

In what conditions might blessed thistle be supportive?

Â¥ indigestion and heartburn

Â¥ poor appetite

Historical or traditional use: Folk medicine utilized blessed thistle tea for digestive problems, including gas, constipation, and stomach upset. This herb was also used for liver and gallbladder diseases, in a similar way as its well-known relative, milk thistle.1

Active constituents: The sesquiterpene lactones, such as cnicin, provide the main beneficial effects of blessed thistle. The bitterness of these compounds stimulates digestive activity, including the flow of saliva and secretion of gastric juice, which leads to improved appetite and digestion.2 There is some evidence that blessed thistle also has anti-inflammatory properties.

How much should I take? Many people take 2 ml three times per day of blessed thistle tincture. Approximately 2 grams of the dried herb can also be added to 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water and steeped ten to fifteen minutes to make a tea. Three cups can be drunk each day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Blessed thistle is relatively safe and free from side effects. Anyone with allergies to plants in the daisy family should use blessed thistle cautiously.

References:

1. Lust JB. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974, 343. 2. Bradley PR, ed. British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 126-7.

*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.

Bladderwrack

Fucus vesiculosus & F. distichus

Liquid extract of dried fertile thallus.

Actions: Nutritive alterative. Contains significant levels of dietary iodine.

Uses: Under-active thyroid and associated sluggish metabolism, obesity, atonic uterine tissues and menstrual irregularity; tonic for torpid person, with cold, clammy skin. Relieves irritation and chronic inflammation of bladder.

Cautions: Avoid or moderate use in hyperthyroid (over-active thyroid gland).

NOTE: Atonic means relaxed; without normal tone or tension.

*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.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L.)

Ranunculaceae Buttercup family

Description of Plant and Culture

A tall growing, unpleasantly scented, woodland perennial plant, 3-8 feet high. The large creeping, knotty rootstock, scarred with the remains of old growth, produces a stem of up to 9 feet in height. Large compound leaves thrice-divided; sharply toothed; terminal leaflet 3-lobed, middle lobe is the largest. Small, fetid, flowers are white and strong smelling, in very long, slender, fluffy, spikes, terminating tall leafy stalks, each flower has numerous white stamens and no petals; May to September. Tufts of stamens conspicuous. Flowers ultimately give way to small, round seed pods with several seeds. When the stalk is shaken, the seeds rattle within their pods, producing a sound similar to a rattlesnake, thus the nickname “rattleroot”. Grown in shade or full sun, but is grown more vigorously in the sun. Zones 3-10. Not heat-tolerant. Wiry stems with divided dark green leaves and wandlike racemes of white flowers is very showy.Parts used and where grown: Black cohosh is a shrub-like plant native to the eastern deciduous forests of North America, ranging from southern Ontario to Georgia, north to Wisconsin and west to Arkansas. The dried root and rhizome are the constituents utilized medicinally.1 When wild harvested, the root is black in color. Cohosh, an Algonquin Indian word meaning “rough,” refers to its gnarly root structure.2

Medicinal Properties: Alterative, astringent, diuretic, alterative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue (starts menstrual flow), expectorant, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, cardiac stimulant (safer than digitalis), anti-inflammatory, sedative, antitussive, uterine stimulant

In what conditions might black cohosh be supportive?

menopause menstruation, painful (dysmenorrhea) uterine spasms vaginitis

Historical or traditional use: Native American Indians valued the herb and used it for many conditions, ranging from gynecological problems to rattlesnake bites. Some nineteenth-century American physicians used black cohosh for problems such as fever, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and insomnia.3

Biochemical Information: Actaeine, cimicifungin (macrotin), estrogenic substances, isoferulic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, phosphorus, recemosin, tannins, starch, gum, triterpenes, and vitamins A and B5.

Active constituents: Black cohosh contains several important ingredients, including triterpene glycosides (e.g., acetin and cimicifugoside) and isoflavones (e.g., formononetin). Other constituents include aromatic acids, tannins, resins, fatty acids, starches, and sugars. Formononetin is the active element in the herb that binds to estrogen receptor sites, inducing an estrogen-like activity in the body. As a woman approaches menopause, the signals between the ovaries and pituitary gland diminish, slowing down estrogen production and increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) secretions. Hot flashes can result from these hormonal changes. Clinical studies from Germany have demonstrated that an alcohol extract of black cohosh decreases LH secretions in menopausal women.4

Uses: Insoluble in water. Tincture used for bronchitis, chorea, menstrual irregularities, stimulates kidney, restores digestive system to normal, fever, nervous disorders, chorea (St. Vitus’ Dance), lumbago, rheumatism, measles, scarlet fever, smallpox. Traditionally important for “female ailments”, painful menses and helps in labor and delivery during childbirth. Research has confirmed estrogenic, hypoglycemic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory activity. Applied as poultice to wounds. Helps relieve sinusitis, persistent coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, headache, and asthma. Lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Relives pain, palpitations, panic attacks, relieves muscle spasms, neuralgia, morning sickness, and menstrual cramps. Helpful for poisonous bites. Can be used as an antidote for the venom of snakebites. Reduces mucus levels. The liquid obtained from boiling the roots can be used to treat diarrhea in children.

Combined with skullcap, wood betony, passionflower, and valerian, black cohosh works as a mild tranquilizer.

Black cohosh has the same effects on the female system as synthetic estrogen, without the side effects. Best of all, Black cohosh has no cancer causing agents like synthetic estrogen.

How much should I take? Black cohosh can be taken in several forms, including crude, dried root, or rhizome (300-2,000 mg per day) or as a solid, dry powdered extract (250 mg three times per day). Tinctures can be taken at 2-4 ml per day.5 Standardized extracts of the herb are available and contain 1 mg of deoxyacteine per tablet. The usual amount is 40 mg twice per day.6 Black cohosh can be taken for up to six months, and then it should be discontinued.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Black cohosh has an estrogen-like effect, and women who are pregnant or lactating should not use the herb. Large doses of this herb may cause abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Women taking estrogen therapy should consult a physician before using black cohosh.

Warning: This plant must only be used in small quantities since strong or large doses cause nausea and vomiting, symptoms of poisoning.

Avoid during pregnancy until labor and only under supervision of a doctor. Do not take if any type of chronic disease is present.

Bibliography

Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 95, 179.
The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 124-125, 456, 508.
The Herbalist Almanac, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 85.
Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pgs., 52-53.
Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 45-47, 58, 98, 177, 223, 302.
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pg., 56.
Herb Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, pgs., 60, 63, 132, 146.
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 21, 162-163, 180.
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 117, 123, 129, 142, 229-230, 233.
American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 284.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pg., 48.
Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, pg., 535.
Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 272.
An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants, by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, pg., 112.
The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pg., 194.
A Useful Guide to Herbal Health Care, HCBL (Health Center for Better Living), pg., 30.
The Rodale Herb Book, edited by William H. Hylton, pgs., 90, 407-408.

References:

1.Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 88&endash;9. 2.Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1991, 75&endash;8. 3.Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 12&endash;13. 4.Düker EM, Kopanski L, Jarry H, Wuttke W. Effects of extracts from Cimicifuga racemosa on gonadotropin release in menopausal women and ovariectomized rats. Planta Medica 1991;57:420&endash;4. 5.Bradley PR, ed. British Herbal Compendium, Vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 34&endash;6. 6.Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1995, 376.

*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.

Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus L, Rubus villosus L)

Rosaceae Rose family

Common names: Dewberry, European blackberry

Parts used and where grown: Blackberry leaf is more commonly used, but blackberry root also has medicinal value. Blackberries grow in wet areas across the United States and Europe. There are several species of blackberry, some of which are native to the Americas and others that are native to Europe. Rubus fructicosus is the most common European species, and Rubus canadensis is a common North American species.

In what conditions might blackberry be supportive?

Â¥ common cold/sore throat

Â¥ diarrhea

Parts Usually Used

Roots, leaves, fruit

Medicinal Properties: Astringent (leaves and roots), hemostatic, nutritive, refrigerant, tonic

Historical or traditional use: Since ancient Greek physicians prescribed blackberry for gout, the leaves, roots, and even berries have been employed as herbal medicines.1 The most common uses were for treating diarrhea, sore throats, and wounds. These are similar to the uses of its close cousin, the raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and a somewhat more distant relative, the blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).

Biochemical Information: Isocitric, and malic acids; sugars, pectin, monoglycoside of cyanidin, tannin (high in root bark and leaves), iron, carbohydrates, sodium, magnesium, and vitamin A and C

Active constituents: The presence of large amounts of tannins give blackberry roots and leaves an astringent effect that is useful for treating diarrhea.2 These same constituents are also helpful for soothing sore throats.

Uses: Blackberry leaves and roots are a long-standing home remedy for cholera, anemia, regulates menses, diarrhea and dysentery. Prolonged use of the tea is also beneficial for enteritis, chronic appendicitis, stomach upset, and leukorrhea. It is said to have expectorant properties as well. A tea made from the dried root can be used for dropsy. The chewing of the leaves for bleeding gums goes back to the time of Christ. The fruit and juice are taken for anemia. A standard infusion is made, which can also be applied externally as a lotion, reported to cure psoriasis and scaly conditions of the skin.

Blackberries also make wine, brandy; and flavor liqueurs and cordials.

How much should I take? Blackberry tea is prepared by adding 10&endash;15 ml of leaves or powdered root to 250 ml of boiling water and allowing it to steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Three or more cups per day should be drunk. Use 3&endash;4 ml of tincture three times each day or more if there is an acute problem.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Tannins can cause nausea and even vomiting in people with sensitive stomachs. Individuals with chronic gastrointestinal problems might be particularly at risk for such reactions.

Bibliography

The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 123-124, 459, 472, 487, 490, 499, 502, 503, 504, 506, 507, 525, 528, 529, 552, 573.
Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss, pgs., 94-95.
The Herbalist Almanac, by Clarence Meyer, pg. 85.
Chinese Medicinal Herbs, compiled by Li Shih-Chen, pgs., 383.
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, Plate 31, pg., 234.
The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; pgs., 178, 249, 420, 422, 503, 505.
The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pgs., 87-88.
Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, by Richard Lucas, pgs., 165-166.
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 315-316, 332, 338.
Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 44, 115.
American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 284.
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts, by Frances Densmore, pg., 295.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pg.,
Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 144.
An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants, by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, pg., 105.
The Rodale Herb Book, edited by William H. Hylton, pgs., 68, 85-86, 96.
The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pgs., 53, 194.
Healing Plants, by Mannfried Pahlow, pgs., 147-148.

References:

1. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. New York: Bantam Books, 1991, 106&endash;10. 2. Tyler V. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994, 53.

*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.