False Unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum)

Parts used and where grown: False unicorn is native to Mississippi and continues to grow primarily in the southern parts of the United States. The roots of false unicorn contain the greatest amounts of the active constituents.

In what conditions might false unicorn root be supportive?

Â¥ amenorrhea (lack of menstruation)

Â¥ menorrhagia (heavy menstruation)

Â¥ painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)

Â¥ premenstrual syndrome

Historical or traditional use: The medicinal use of false unicorn root is based in Native American tradition, where it was recommended for a large number of women’s health conditions, including lack of menstruation (amenorrhea), painful menstruation, and other irregularities of menstruation, as well as to prevent miscarriages.1 It was also an important remedy for morning sickness.

Active constituents: Steroidal saponins are generally credited with providing false unicorn rootÕs activity.2 Modern investigations have not confirmed this, and there is no research yet about the medical applications of this herb.

How much should I take? Generally, false unicorn root is taken as a tincture in the amount of 2&endash;4 ml per day. It is almost always taken in combination with other herbs supportive of the female reproductive organs, particularly vitex (Vitex agnus-castus).

Are there any side effects or interactions? No adverse effects have been reported with the use of false unicorn. Its long history of use in pregnant women suggests it may be safe for these individuals, but no studies have confirmed or denied it.

References:

1. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991, 520&endash;22.
2. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991, 520&endash;22.

*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.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

Parts used and where grown: Euphrasia officinalis has been used to refer to a vast genus containing over 450 species. European wild plants grow in meadows, pastures, and grassy places in Bulgaria, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia. Eyebright is also grown commercially in Europe. The plant flowers in late summer and autumn. The whole herb is used in commercial preparations.

In what conditions might eyebright be supportive?

Â¥ conjunctivitis/blepharitis

Â¥ irritated eyes

Historical or traditional use: Eyebright was and continues to be used primarily as a poultice for the topical treatment of eye inflammations, including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and sties. A compress made from a decoction of eyebright can give rapid relief from redness, swelling, and visual disturbances in acute and subacute eye infections.1 A tea is usually given internally along with the topical treatment. It has also been used for the treatment of eye fatigue and disturbances of vision. In addition, herbalists have recommended eyebright for problems of the respiratory tract, including sinus infections, coughs, and sore throat.2

Active constituents: Eyebright is high in iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and tannins.3 The plant has astringent properties that probably account for its usefulness as a topical treatment for inflammatory states and its ability to reduce mucous drainage.

How much should I take? Traditional herbal texts recommend a compress made with 15 grams of the dried herb combined with 0.5 liter of water and boiled for ten minutes. The undiluted liquid is used as a compress after cooling. This was commonly combined with antimicrobial herbs, such as goldenseal. The current German monograph on eyebright does not support this application, due to potential bacterial concerns.4

Internally, eyebright tea, made using the same formula above, can be drunk in the amount of two to three cups per day. Dried herb, as 2-4 grams three times per day, may be taken. The tincture is typically taken in 2-6 ml three times per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Due to limited information on the active constituents in eyebright and the need for sterility in substances used topically in the eyes, the traditional use of eyebright as a topical compress currently cannot be recommended. Used internally at the amounts listed above, eyebright is generally safe. However, its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been proven.

References:

1. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 339&endash;40.
2. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A UserÕs Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 136&endash;7.
3. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 195&endash;6.
4. Commission E. Monograph, Euphrasia, Bundesanzeiger, August 29, 1992.

*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.

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.