Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)

Parts used and where grown: ButcherÕs broom is a spiny, small-leafed evergreen bush native to the Mediterranean region and Northwest Europe. It is a member of the lily family and is similar to asparagus in many ways. The roots and young stems of butcher’s broom are used medicinally.

In what conditions might butcher’s broom be supportive?

Â¥ atherosclerosis

Â¥ chronic venous insufficiency

Â¥ hemorrhoids

Â¥ varicose veins

Medicinal Properties: Tops: cathartic, diuretic Seed: cathartic, emetic

Historical or traditional use: Butcher’s broom is so named because the mature branches were bundled and used as brooms by butchers. The young shoots were sometimes eaten as food. Ancient physicians used the roots as a diuretic in the treatment of urinary problems.1

Active constituents: Steroidal molecules called ruscogenin and neoruscogenin are responsible for the medicinal actions of butcher’s broom.2 Similar to diosgenin, found in wild yam, ruscogenins decrease vascular permeability Ñwhich accounts for the anti-inflammatory activity of this herb. Butcher’s broom also causes small veins to constrict.3 4

How much should I take? Ointments and suppositories including butcher’s broom are typically used for hemorrhoids. These are often applied or inserted at night before going to bed. Encapsulated butcher’s broom extracts, often combined with vitamin C or flavonoids, can be used for systemic venous insufficiency in the amount of 1,000 mg three times per day. Alternatively, standardized extracts providing 50-100 mg of ruscogenins per day can be taken.

Uses: For circulatory disorders, gout, leg cramps, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, thrombosis, and jaundice . Good for kidney and bladder. Relieves inflammation. Excellent for dropsy, toothache, ague, acute constipation, swelling of the spleen.

Used with uva-ursi, cleavers, and dandelion makes an excellent remedy for cleansing the kidneys and bladder, and to increase the flow of urine. Makes a good ointment for lice or vermin. A cardiac depressant to quiet an overactive heart. A lymph tonic.

One of the legumes, it also increases available nitrogen in the soil, benefiting plants growing around it, and is a collector of calcium.

Are there any side effects or interactions? There are no significant side effects or problems if butcher’s broom is used in the amounts listed above.

Special United Kingdom Considerations: Butcher’s broom is either not available or may require a prescription. Please check with your nutritionally oriented physician.

Warning

Large doses can cause vomiting, purging, weakening heart, lowered nerve strength and low blood pressure. Advanced stages of toxicity can cause complete respiratory collapse. It also speeds up the heartbeat. Large doses have been reported to cause fatal poisoning.

Broom contains alkaloids and hydroxytyramine, and should not be used except under proper medical supervision.

Bibliography

Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pg., 98.
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 148-149, 180.
Complete Herbal & English Physician, by Nicholas Culpeper, pg., 32.
Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pgs., 59-60.
Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pg., 89.
Herb Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, pg., 164.
The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pg., 89.
The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 349-350, 529, 561, 566.
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pg., 178.
American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 285.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pg., 49.
Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 178.
The Rodale Herb Book, edited by William H. Hylton, pgs., 375-376.

References:

1. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal, vol I. New York: Dover Publications, 1971, 128-9.
2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 117-8.
3. Bouskela E, Cyrino FZGA, Marcelon G. Inhibitory effect of the Ruscus extract and of the flavonoid heperidine methylchalcone on increased microvascular permeability induced by various agents in the hamster cheek pouch. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1993;22:225-30.
4. Bouskela E, Cyrino FZGA, Marcelon G. Effects of Ruscus extract on the internal diameter of arterioles and venules of the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1993;22:221&endash;4.

*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.

Burdock (Lappa Lappa minor)

Bardane Beggar’s Button Thornybur

Parts used and where grown: Burdock is native to Asia and Europe. The root is the primary source of most herbal preparations. The root becomes very soft with chewing and tastes sweet, with a mucilaginous texture.

In what conditions might burdock be supportive?

Â¥ acne

Â¥ psoriasis

Â¥ rheumatoid arthritis

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Blood purifier. Cleanses and eliminates impurities from the blood rapidly. Will clear skin diseases, boils and carbuncles. Made into a salve for skin eruptions, burns, wounds. Diuretic, especially good for children. Excellent to reduce weight!

Historical or traditional use: In traditional herbal texts, burdock root is described as a “blood purifier” or “alterative” 1 Burdock root was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. It was used both internally and externally for eczema and psoriasis as well as to treat painful joints and as a diuretic. In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root in combination with other herbs is used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles.2 It is eaten as a vegetable in Japan and elsewhere.

Burdock root has recently become popular as part of a tea to treat cancer. To date, only minimal research has substantiated this application.3

Active constituents: Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of burdock to improve digestion. It also contains polyacetylenes that have been shown to have antimicrobial activity.4 Burdock root and fruit also have the ability to mildly lower blood sugar (hypoglycemic effect). Even though test-tube and animal studies have indicated some antitumor activity for burdock root, these results have not been duplicated in human studies.5

How much should I take? Traditional herbalists recommend 2-4 ml of burdock root tincture per day. For the dried root preparation in capsule form, the common amount to take is 1-2 grams three times per day. Many herbal preparations will combine burdock root with other alterative herbs, such as yellow dock, red clover, or cleavers.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Use of burdock root at the dosages listed above is generally safe. However, burdock root in large quantities may stimulate the uterus and therefore should be used with caution during pregnancy.

References:

1. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A UserÕs Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 23&endash;4. 2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 107&endash;8. 3. Morita K, Kada T, Namiki M. A desmutagenic factor isolated from burdock (Arctium lappa Linne). Mutation Res 1984;129:25-31. 4. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 9&endash;101. 5. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 52&endash;3.

*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.

Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinese)

Actions: liver protectant, tonic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory. emetic

Indications: used with milk thistle and licorice to rejuvenate a weakened, or congested liver. It’s anti-inflammatory nature makes it a valuable Chinese medicine for reducing fever, especially when it is accompanied by nausea, bloating, dizziness or abdominal pain.

Preparation Tea: blend 1 or 2 teaspoonsful of the herb into 1 cup boiling water. Simmer 20-30 minutes. Strain. 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.

Borage (Borago officinalis L.)

Boraginaceae Borage family

Common Names: Bugloss Burrage Common bugloss Langue de Boeuf

Parts Usually Used: Herb, flowers, leaves

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Borage is a self-seeding annual plant; the hollow, bristly, branched and spreading stem grows up to 2 feet tall. The leaves are bristly, oval or oblong-lanceolate, the basal ones forming a rosette and the others growing alternately on the stem and branches. The striking, blue or purplish, star-shaped flowers grow in loose racemes from June to August. Bees are very fond of borage.

Where Found: Grows in the Mediterranean countries and is cultivated elsewhere. Native to Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa and has spread to North America.

Medicinal Properties: Aperient, diaphoretic, demulcent, febrifuge, galactagogue, pectoral, tonic

Biochemical Information: Mucilage, tannin, traces of essential oil. Seeds: Gamma Lineolinic Acid (GLA)

Legends, Myths and Stories

Borage tea has a cucumber-like flavor. Made from fresh or dried leaves; served hot or cold. At one time was used to flavor wine.

In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, borage was known for its cooling quality and refreshing flavor and was said to make men merry. Also referred to as the “herb of courage”.

The lovely blue star shaped flowers are used to enhance cold drinks, gelatin, fruit salads and candied to decorate cakes and confectioneries. Only the fresh flowers are used. Borage is an easily grown annual but likes plenty of space in a sunny location.

There is some controversy over the source of the borage name. Some say the Latin Borago is a corruption of corago, from cor, the heart, and ago, I bring. Others point out that a connection is apparent between the plant’s name, its hairy appearance, and the low Latin term for flock of wool, burra, and its derivatives, borra (Italian) and bourra (French), both of which mean much the same thing. Still a third opinion suggested comes from an apparent connection between the Celtic term, barrach, which means “a man of courage”. Ancient Celtic warriors drank wine with borage to give them courage before going into battle. Called Langue de Boeuf and also bugloss, one signifies Ox-tongue in Greek, and the other signifies the same in French.

Borage is believed to have originated in Aleppo, a city in northwestern Syria.

In medieval times, borage tea was given to competitors in tournaments as a moral booster.

Uses

Said to reduce fever, cough, sore throat, colds, decongestant for the lungs, expel poisons of all kinds due to snake bites, insect stings, itch, ringworms, tetters, scabs, sores, ulcers, a gargle for sores in the mouth and throat, loosens phlegm, and for restoring vitality after a convalescence. It is credited with antidotal effect against poisons. Useful in nervous conditions. Recommended for pleurisy and peritonitis, heart, adrenal glands, and entire digestive system, jaundice. Leaves and seeds stimulate the flow of milk (excessive milk flow is checked by taking periwinkle); the fresh herb used as an eye wash, and as a poultice for inflammations. The juice from a crushed plant applied direct to the skin will destroy ringworm. Contact with the fresh leaves may cause dermatitis in sensitive persons. Said to have been prescribed 400 years ago for melancholy. Seeds helpful for PMS.

Externally, a poultice of leaves applied to inflamed swellings has been helpful.

Formulas or Dosages: Prolonged use of borage is not advisable.

Infusion: use 1 tsp. dried flowers or 2-3 tsp. dried leaves with 1/2 cup water; steep for 5 minutes and strain. Take for 1 week at a time.

Nutrient Content: Potassium

Warning: Contact with the fresh leaves may cause dermatitis in sensitive persons.

Bibliography

The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 132, 465, 477, 503, 510, 511, 522, 566, 574, 583.
The Herbalist Almanac, by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 32, 37, 55, 140.
Herb Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, pgs., 46, 47-48, 55, 58.
The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pg., 89.
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 124, 211.
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 41, 164-165, 179.
Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss, pgs., 97-98.
Old Ways Rediscovered, by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 55, 130-131.
Complete Herbal & English Physician, by Nicholas Culpeper, pg., 28.
Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pg., 176.
The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pg., 195.
Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 161.
The Rodale Herb Book, edited by William H. Hylton, pgs., 83, 106, 268, 279, 371-375.
Country Home Book of Herbs, executive editor Nancy N. Green, pgs., 13, 68.

*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.