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.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)

Ericaceae Heath family

Bilberry is a perennial, ornamental shrub that is commonly found in various climates in damp woodlands and moorlands. In the United States they are known as huckleberries, and there are over 100 species with similar names and fruit throughout the Europe, Asia and North America. The English call them whortleberries. The Scots know them as blaeberries. Bilberry has been used as a medicinal herb since the 16th century.

Bilberry is also used in connection with vascular and blood disorders and shows positive effects when treating varicose veins, thrombosis, and angina. Bilberry’s fruit contains flavonoids and anthocyanin, which serve to prevent capillary fragility, thin the blood, and stimulate the release of vasodilators. Anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, also lowers blood pressure, reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system. Bilberry also contains glucoquinine that has the ability to lower blood sugar.

The herb contains Vitamins A and C, providing antioxidant protection which can help prevent free radical damage to the eyes. Vitamin A is required for sharp vision, while Vitamin C helps form collagen and is needed for growth and repair of tissue cells and blood vessels. Anthocyanosides support and protect collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, assuring strong, healthy capillaries that carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves.

Bilberry has long been a remedy for poor vision and “night blindness.” Clinical tests confirm that given orally it improves visual accuracy in healthy people, and can help those with eye diseases such as pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots ate Bilberry preserves before night missions as an aid to night vision. Bilberry works by improving the microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance required for good eyesight.

Dried Bilberry fruit and Bilberry tea has been used as a treatment for diarrhea and as a relief for nausea and indigestion. Bilberry is also used as a treatment for mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

Part Used: Berries, leaves

Uses: For diabetes, (bilberry berries increases insulin production, caution should be taken by diabetics and cases of hypoglycemia), sinusitis, kidney and bladder problems, ulcers. Leaves help to lower blood sugar levels and to ease inflammation. The leaf is effective as a remedy for diarrhea. Fresh berries can produce diarrhea in some people and stop it in others. Also the fruit is used for anemia, consumptive wasting, indigestion, and colitis. Roots are used for dropsy, and urinary stones. Dried berries pass through the stomach without affecting it; beginning work in the small intestine. A strong decoction of the berries is said to be used for typhoid fever. Fresh or well-preserved berry juice makes a good gargle for sore throats or as a mouthwash for inflamed gums or for leucoplasia (an inflammation of the tongue producing white patches). Eating the fresh berries help regulate bowel action, stimulate appetite, end intestinal putrefaction which causes gas. Leaf tea used for coughs, vomiting, stomach cramps, and catarrhal enteritis. Externally, use as a wash for skin problems, sores, wounds, ulcers, and burns. Strengthens capillaries that feed eye muscles and nerves reducing and even reversing the damage caused by blood vessel deterioration. Increases night vision, reduces eye fatigue, helpful for nearsightedness (myopia). Helps preserve eyesight and prevent eye damage. At one time, it was used in the treatment of scurvy in Norway and other northern countries.

Biochemical Information: Fatty acids, hyroquinone, iron, loeanolic acid, neomyrtillin, sodium, tannins, and ursolic acids, quinnic acid (in the leaves) potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Legends, Myths and Stories

Bilberry is a well-known folk remedy for poor vision, especially for people who suffer from “night blindness,” that is, they have difficulty seeing in the dark. In fact, bilberry jam was given to Royal Air Force pilots who flew nighttime missions during World War II. It works by accelerating the regeneration of retinol purple, commonly known as visual purple, a substance that is required for good eyesight. European medical journals are filled with studies confirming bilberry’s positive effect on vision. Unfortunatley, this herb has not received the attention it deserves in the American medical community so far.

Used to make wine.

Elizabethan apothecaries made a syrup of the berries with honey, called rob, as a remedy for diarrhea.

Bilberry is a home and industrial leather dye of brown and yellow colors. Combined with other chemicals to produce violet, red, green and blue for wool, cotton and linen material.

Common Use: Bilberry contains nutrients needed to protect eyes from eyestrain or fatigue, and can improve circulation to the eyes. Bilberry tea is administered to treat stomach problems and soothe the digestive tract. The leaves and berries are used in the homeopathic treatment of diabetes. Bilberries are used in making jams, preserves, liqueurs, and wines.

Care: Prefers filtered shade and moist, fertile soil that is acidic and non calcareous. *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.

Benzoin Gum

( Styrax benzoin (DRY.)

Family: N.O. Burseraceae

—Synonyms—Gum Benzoin. Gun Benjamin. Siam Benzoin. Sumatra Benzoin.

—Part Used—Resin.

—Habitat—Siam, Sumatra and Java.

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—Description—Benzoin is a balsamic resin. Normally the trees do not produce it or any substance analogous to it, but the infliction of a wound sufficiently severe to injure the cambium results in the formation of numerous oleoresin ducts in which the secretion is produced, it is, therefore, a pathological product. The trunk of the tree is hacked with an axe, and after a time the liquid Benzoin either accumulates beneath the bark or exudes from the incisions. When it has sufficiently hardened it is collected and exported, either in the form of loose pieces (tears) or in masses packed in oblong boxes or in tins; several varieties are known, but Siam and Sumatra Benzoins are the most important. The incisions are made when the tree is seven years old, and in Sumatra each tree yields about 3 lb. annually for ten or twelve years. The first three years’ collections give the finest Benzoin; after that the runnings are known as the ‘belly,’ and finally the tree is cut down and the resin scraped out, this being termed the ‘foot.’ Siam Benzoin externally is reddish yellow, internally milky white, has an agreeable odour, recalling vanilla, contains benzoic acid but not cinnamic acid. Sumatra Benzoin is always in blocks of a dull reddish or greyish-brown colour. Fine qualities have a strong storax-like odour, quite distinct from the vanilla odour of the Siamese variety. Sumatra Benzoin contains cinnamic acid.

—Constituents—The chief constituent of Siam Benzoin is benzoic acid (up to 38 per cent.), partly free and partly combined with benzoresinol and siaresinotannol; it also contains vanillin and an oily aromatic liquid. When quite pure it should be entirely soluble in alcohol and yield only traces of ash. Sumatra benzoin contains 18 per cent. or more of benzoic acid and about 20 per cent. of cinnamic acid the latter partly free and partly combined with benzoresinol and sumarisinotannol; it also contains 1 per cent. of vanillin, styrol, styracin, phenyl-prophyl cinnamate and benzaldehyde, all of which combine to produce its characteristic odour.

—Medicinal Action and Uses—It is used externally in the form of a tincture, diluted with water as a mild stimulant and antiseptic in irritable conditions of the skin. It acts as a carminative when taken internally is rapidly absorbed, and mildly expectorant diuretic and antiseptic to the urinary passages. In the form of Compound Tincture of Benzoin, it is used as an inhalant with steam in laryngitis and bronchitis. It is a preservative of fats, and is used for that purpose in Adips Benzoatus.

—Dosages and Preparations—Benzoic Acid B.P., 5 to 15 grains. Compound Tincture of Benzoin, B.P. and U.S.P., 1/2 to 1 drachm. Compound Tincture of Camphor, B.P. (paregoric) poison, 1/2 to 1 drachm. Tincture of Benzoin, B.P.C. 1/2 to 1 drachm. Tincture of Benzoin, U.S.P., 15 minims.