Herbal Medicine Reference

Synonyms: Coumarouna odorata Aubl

Actions: Antiaggregant (1; APA; DAW); Antioxidant (1; APA); Antipyretic (f; DAV; DAW); Antiseptic (1; APA); Antispasmodic (f; APA; CRC; HHB); Antitussive (f; DAW); Aphrodisiac (f; CRC); Cardiotonic (f; DAW; FEL); Cardiotoxic (1; PNC); Diaphoretic (f; DAW); Fumitory (f; CRC); Hepatotoxic (1; APA); Narcotic (f; CRC; DAD; FEL); Stimulant (f; DAW); Stomachic (f; DAW); Tonic (f; APA; CRC; PHR; PH2).

Indications: Bruise (f; DAV); Cachexia (f; APA; CRC); Canker (f; CRC); Cough (f; DAV); Cramp (f; APA; CRC; HHB); Dyspepsia (f; DAW); Earache (f; CRC); Fever (f; DAV; DAW); Nausea (f; APA; CRC; DAD); Pertussis (f; APA; CRC; FEL; PHR; PH2); Rheumatism (f; DAV); Schistosomiasis (f; CRC; DAD); Snakebite (f; DAV); Sore (f; CRC); Sore Throat (f; CRC); Spasm (f; CRC); Stomatosis (f; CRC); Tuberculosis (1; APA); Ulcer (f; CRC).

Dosage: Class 3 (AHP). Not covered (CAN; KOM). None at proper dosage (PH2). 150 g tonka beans, cf ~4 g coumarin, might induce headache, nausea, stupor, and vomiting (PH2). Rats and dogs fed coumarin develop liver damage, retarded growth, and testicular atrophy. In large doses, fluid extracts of tonka beans are reportedly cardioparalytic (APA). The reddish sawdust once caused a workman’s hair, when wetted, to turn bright green (CRC). Coumarin can cause severe liver damage “which is why the FDA banned the use of the beans as a flavoring agent” (APA). Narcotic, the fluid extract can paralyze the heart if infused in large doses. Respectable scientists question that coumarin, in reasonable doses, can harm humans with normal liver function. Coumarin may possibly cause bleeding incidents, but not like coumadin. Not being exactly exact, APA leads us to a half-coumadinized conclusion: “You may recognize the name coumarin in relation to the common anticoagulant warfarin, sold as Coumadin” (APA). My understanding is that coumadin is dicumarol, much more serious than coumarin itself. Coumarin itself (1,2-benzopyrone) has long-established efficacy in slow-onset, long-term reduction of lymphedema in humans, as confirmed in recent double-blind trials against elephantiasis and postmastectomy swelling of the arm. The mechanism of action is uncertain, but may involve macrophage-induced proteolysis of edema protein. However, coumarin has low absolute bioavailability in humans (<5%), due to extensive first-pass hepatic conversion to 7-hydroxycoumarin followed by glucuronidation. It may, therefore, be a prodrug (Hoult and Paya Gen Pharmacol 1996; Jun; 27(4):713–22).

Contraindications: Class 3 (AHP). Not covered (CAN; KOM). None at proper dosage (PH2). 150 g tonka beans, cf ~4 g coumarin, might induce headache, nausea, stupor, and vomiting (PH2). Rats and dogs fed coumarin develop liver damage, retarded growth, and testicular atrophy. In large doses, fluid extracts of tonka beans are reportedly cardioparalytic (APA). The reddish sawdust once caused a workman’s hair, when wetted, to turn bright green (CRC). Coumarin can cause severe liver damage “which is why the FDA banned the use of the beans as a flavoring agent” (APA). Narcotic, the fluid extract can paralyze the heart if infused in large doses. Respectable scientists question that coumarin, in reasonable doses, can harm humans with normal liver function. Coumarin may possibly cause bleeding incidents, but not like coumadin. Not being exactly exact, APA leads us to a half-coumadinized conclusion: “You may recognize the name coumarin in relation to the common anticoagulant warfarin, sold as Coumadin” (APA). My understanding is that coumadin is dicumarol, much more serious than coumarin itself. Coumarin itself (1,2-benzopyrone) has long-established efficacy in slow-onset, long-term reduction of lymphedema in humans, as confirmed in recent double-blind trials against elephantiasis and postmastectomy swelling of the arm. The mechanism of action is uncertain, but may involve macrophage-induced proteolysis of edema protein. However, coumarin has low absolute bioavailability in humans (<5%), due to extensive first-pass hepatic conversion to 7-hydroxycoumarin followed by glucuronidation. It may, therefore, be a prodrug (Hoult and Paya Gen Pharmacol 1996; Jun; 27(4):713–22).

Synonyms:

Actions: Antiallergic (1; PH2; PNC); Antibacterial (1; HH2); Antiinflammatory (1; HH2); Antiseptic (1; PH2); Antiviral (1; BIS; HH2; PH2); Astringent (1; HH2; PH2; PIP; PNC);Immunostimulant (1; HH2; PH2; PNC); Hypotensive (1; BIS; HH2; PH2); Interferonigenic (1; BIS; HH2; PH2; PNC); Molluscicide (1; PH2); Tonic (f; PNC); Uterotonic (f; SHT).

Indications: Allergy (1; PH2; PNC); Bacteria (1; HH2); Burn (f; HH2; PH2); Cancer (1; JLH); Cancer, breast (1; JLH); Cancer, lip (1; JLH); Cancer, stomach (1; JLH); Cancer, tongue (1; JLH); Colitis (1; ABS; FNF); Condyloma (f; JLH); Diarrhea (2; PH2; PNC; SHT); Dysmenorrhea (f; SHT); Enterosis (f; PHR; PH2); Escherichia (f; HH2); Frostbite (f; PH2); Gastrosis (f; JLH; PHR; PH2); Gingivosis (1; PH2); Gonorrhea (f; HH2); Hemorrhoid (f; HH2; PH2); Hepatosis (f; HH2); High Blood Pressure (1; BIS; HH2; PH2); IBS (1; ABS; FNF); Immunodepression (1; HH2; PH2; PNC); Inflammation (1; JLH; HH2); Jaundice (f; HH2); Mastosis (f; JLH); Mucososis (2; KOM; PIP); Pharyngosis (2; KOM; PH2; PIP); Pulmonosis (f; HH2); Salmonella (1; HH2); Shigella (1; HH2); Sore (f; PNC); Sore Throat (2; SHT); Staphylococcus (1; HH2); Stomatosis (2; BIS; JLH; KOM; PH2); Streptococcus (1; HH2); Virus (1; BIS; HH2; PH2); Wart (f; JLH); Wound (f; PH2).

Dosage: Class 1 (AHP).“Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Sensitive individuals may experience stomach upset and vomiting (BIS; KOM; SHT). The warning, with which CAN lambasts uva-ursi, should as well apply to other herbs with as much tannin, “In view of the high tannin content, prolonged use may cause chronic liver impairment.” No contraindications known (BIS). Consult physician if diarrhea persists for more than 3 days (PIP).

Contraindications: Class 1 (AHP).“Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Sensitive individuals may experience stomach upset and vomiting (BIS; KOM; SHT). The warning, with which CAN lambasts uva-ursi, should as well apply to other herbs with as much tannin, “In view of the high tannin content, prolonged use may cause chronic liver impairment.” No contraindications known (BIS). Consult physician if diarrhea persists for more than 3 days (PIP).

Synonyms: Astracantha gummifera

Actions: Anticancer (1; BIB); Aphrodisiac (f; BIB); Demulcent (f; BIB; EFS); Diuretic (f; BIB); Emollient (f; BIB; EFS); Laxative (1; BIB; EFS; PH2); Peristaltic (1; PH2).

Indications: Burn (f; BIB); Cancer (1; BIB; JLH); Cancer, eye (1; BIB; JLH); Cancer, liver (1; BIB; JLH); Cancer, throat (1; BIB; JLH); Cirrhosis (f; JLH); Constipation (1; BIB; EFS; PH2); Cough (f; BIB); Diarrhea (f; BIB); Hepatosis (f; JLH); Induration (f; JLH); Ophthalmia (f; JLH); Polyp (f; BIB; JLH); Rhinosis (f; BIB; JLH); Water Retention (f; BIB); Wound (f; BIB).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP; KOM). None at therapeutic dosages except for rare allergy. Needs to be taken with plenty of water as do all bulking agents (PH2).

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP; KOM). None at therapeutic dosages except for rare allergy. Needs to be taken with plenty of water as do all bulking agents (PH2).

Synonyms:

Actions: Analgesic (f; DEM); Astringent (f; EFS; PH2); Depurative (f; CEB; FAD); Diaphoretic (f; WOI); Diuretic (f; EFS; PH2; WOI); Emetic (f; DEM); Urinary Antiseptic (1; FNF; HHB).

Indications: Arthrosis (f; DEM); Catarrh (f; CEB); Childbirth (f; DEM); Colic (f; DEM); Cystosis (1; FAD; FNF); Diarrhea (1; DEM; FNF); Dyspepsia (f; DEM); Fever (f; WOI); Gastrosis (f; FAD); Gravel (f; CEB; FAD); Malaria (f; CEB); Nephrosis (f; CEB; DEM); Pain (f; DEM); Pulmonosis (f; DEM); Rheumatism (f; DEM); Stomachache (f; FAD); Urethrosis (1; FNF; FAD); UTI (1; CEB; FNF; PH2; PNC); Water Retention (f; EFS; PH2; WOI).

Dosage: Class 1 (AHP). None recorded for proper doses (not given) (PH2). Nausea and vomiting may occur in sensitive children. Cachexia, hair depigmentation, hemolytic anemia, and liver damage are possible with long-term use (PH2). Overdosage could cause urethral and bladder inflammation, strangury, and hematuria (PH2).

Contraindications: Class 1 (AHP). None recorded for proper doses (not given) (PH2). Nausea and vomiting may occur in sensitive children. Cachexia, hair depigmentation, hemolytic anemia, and liver damage are possible with long-term use (PH2). Overdosage could cause urethral and bladder inflammation, strangury, and hematuria (PH2).

Synonyms:

Actions: Depurative (f; EFS); Diaphoretic (f; CRC; EFS); Diuretic (f; CRC; HHB); Laxative (f; CRC); Poison (f; CRC); Rubefacient (f; CRC; EFS); Vesicant (1; CRC; PHR).

Indications: Adenopathy (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, gland (f; JLH); Constipation (f; CRC); Fever (f; CRC; EFS); Hematosis (f; CRC); Indolent Ulcer (f; CRC); Induration (f; CRC; JLH); Infection (f; PH2); Itch (f; CRC); Migraine (f; PHR; PH2); Nephrosis (f; CRC; EFS); Penis (f; CRC; PH2); Scrofula (f; CRC; EFS); Sore (f; PHR); Swelling (f; JLH); Tumor (f; CRC); Ulcer (f; CRC); Ulcus cruris (f; HHB); Water Retention (f; CRC; HHB); Wound (f; PHR; PH2).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP; KOM). None known at proper dosage (PH2). “Clematis species have substances resembling protoanemonin, and may be fatal (the juice taken internally acts as a violent laxative). As noted above, this species does contain protoanemonin” (CRC).

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP; KOM). None known at proper dosage (PH2). “Clematis species have substances resembling protoanemonin, and may be fatal (the juice taken internally acts as a violent laxative). As noted above, this species does contain protoanemonin” (CRC).

Synonyms: A. cacodendron (Ehrh.) L’Hér., A. giraldii Dode, A. glandulosa Desf., A. vilmoriniana Dode, Rhus cacodendron Ehrh., Toxicodendron altissimum Mill.

Actions: Amebicide (1; PNC); Antimalarial (f; PH2; PNC); Antineoplastic (1; PNC); Antipyretic (1; PH2; PNC); Antiseptic (1; EFS); Antispasmodic (1; EFS; PH2; PNC); Astringent (f; EFS; PNC; PH2); Cardiodepressant (f; EFS; PNC); Deobstruent (f; EFS); Emetic (f; EFS); Laxative (f; EFS); Vermifuge (f; EFS).

Indications: Ameba (1; PNC); Asthma (f; PNC); Cardiopathy (f; PH2); Constipation (f; EFS); Cramp (1; EFS; PHR; PH2; PNC); Diarrhea (f; FAD; PH2); Dysentery (f; FAD; PH2); Dysmenorrhea (f; PH2); Epilepsy (f; PHR; PH2); Fever (1; PH2; PNC); Gonorrhea (f; PHR; PH2); Leukorrhea (f; FAD; PH2); Malaria (1; FAD; PH2; PNC); Tapeworm (f; FAD; PH2); VD (f; PH2); Worm (f; EFS; PH2).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP). Large doses are potentially poisonous (FAD). Large doses may cause diarrhea, dizziness, headache, queasiness, and tingling in the limbs (PH2). The late Matthew Suffness, of the NCI, reported several antimalarial compounds, five more potent than chloroquin (IC50 = 0.21 ppm); glaucarubinone (IC50 = 0.004 ppm), ailanthinone (0.009 ppm), ailanthone (0.015 ppm), glaucarubin (0.055 ppm), and chaparrin (0.180 ppm).

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP). Large doses are potentially poisonous (FAD). Large doses may cause diarrhea, dizziness, headache, queasiness, and tingling in the limbs (PH2). The late Matthew Suffness, of the NCI, reported several antimalarial compounds, five more potent than chloroquin (IC50 = 0.21 ppm); glaucarubinone (IC50 = 0.004 ppm), ailanthinone (0.009 ppm), ailanthone (0.015 ppm), glaucarubin (0.055 ppm), and chaparrin (0.180 ppm).

Synonyms: P. arborea Donn, P. moutan Sims.

Actions: Analgesic (1; HHB; LAF); Antiaggregant (1; HH2; LAF); Antiallergic (f; LAF); Antiatherosclerotic (1; LAF); Antibacterial (1; HHB); Antiedemic (1; HHB); Antiinflammatory (1; LAF); Antipyretic (1; HHB; LAF); Antiseptic (1; LAF); Antispasmodic (1; HHB; PNC);Antiviral (1; LAF); Cardiodepressant (1; HHB); CNS Depressant (1; HHB; LAF); Diuretic (1; HH2); Fungicide (1; LAF); Hemostat (f; HHB); Hypoglycemic (1; HH2); Hypokinetic (1; HH2); Hypotensive (2; HH2); Myorelaxant (f; PNC); Respiradepressant (1; HHB); Sedative (1; HHB); Tonic (f; HHB; PNC); Vasodilator (f; PNC).

Indications: ADD (1; HH2); Allergy (1; LAF); Amenorrhea (1; LAF); Appendicitis (1; HHB; LAF); Atherosclerosis (1; LAF); Bacteria (1; HHB); Bleeding (f; HHB); Bruise (1; LAF); Carbuncle (1; LAF); Colic (1; LAF); Contusion (1; LAF); Cramp (1; HHB; LAF; PNC); Diabetes (1; HHB); Dysmenorrhea (1; LAF); Edema (1; HH2); Fever (1; HHB; LAF); Flu (1; LAF); Fungus (1; LAF); Gingivosis (1; LAF); High Blood Pressure (2; HH2; LAF); Hyperglycemia (1; HH2); Hysteria (f; HHB); Infection (1; LAF); Inflammation (1; LAF); Insomnia (1; HHB); Measles (1; LAF); Mycosis (1; LAF); Nervousness (1; HHB); Neurodermatosis (1; LAF); Pain (1; HHB; LAF); Sinusosis (1; LAF); Swelling (1; HHB); Urticaria (1; LAF); Virus (1; LAF).

Dosage: Class 1 (lactiflora and officinalis) or 2b (suffruticosa) (AHP). No peonies were approved by Commission E but they did say, “No risks known” (KOM). The Physicians’ Desk Reference was a bit more explicit, “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) “Side effects that may occur, particularly in cases of over dosages, include gastroenterosis with vomiting, colic, and diarrhea” (PHR). Much of the indicated uses and biological activity is attributed to paeonol. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic uses in dental, hair, and skin-care products, for their antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-protectant and soothing properties (LAF).

Contraindications: Class 1 (lactiflora and officinalis) or 2b (suffruticosa) (AHP). No peonies were approved by Commission E but they did say, “No risks known” (KOM). The Physicians’ Desk Reference was a bit more explicit, “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) “Side effects that may occur, particularly in cases of over dosages, include gastroenterosis with vomiting, colic, and diarrhea” (PHR). Much of the indicated uses and biological activity is attributed to paeonol. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic uses in dental, hair, and skin-care products, for their antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-protectant and soothing properties (LAF).

Synonyms:

Actions: Bacteristat (1; HHB); Contraceptive (f; FAD); Emetic (f; PH2); Emollient (f; PH2); Expectorant (f; HHB).

Indications: Bacteria (1; FAD; HHB); Edema (f; FAD); Fever (f; DEM); Infection (1; DEM; FAD; HHB); Scrofula (f; PH2); Sore (f; PH2); Splinter (f; FAD); Swelling (f; FAD); Syncope (f; DEM).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP). Strongly sensitizing, reciprocal reactions with alstroemeria, bomarea, fritillaria, lily, trout lily, tulip (PH2).

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP). Strongly sensitizing, reciprocal reactions with alstroemeria, bomarea, fritillaria, lily, trout lily, tulip (PH2).

Synonyms: L. tulipfera f. aureo-marginatum (Dippel) Schelle, L. tulipfera f. integrifolium (G. Kirchn.) Schelle.

Actions: Analgesic (f; DEM); Antibacterial (1; X807704); Antiinflammatory (f; FAD); Antipyretic (f; CEB; PH2); Antiseptic (1; CEB; PH2); Aphrodisiac (f; FAD); Bitter (f; PH2); Candidicide (1; X807704); Cardiotonic (f; CEB; HHB); Depurative (f; CEB); Diaphoretic (1; CEB; FEL); Digitalic (f; HHB); Diuretic (f; FEL); Fungicide (1; X807704); Positive Inotropic (1; PH2); Stimulant (f; FAD; PH2); Tonic (f; CEB; PH2); Vermifuge (f; CEB; FAD).

Indications: Ague (f; CEB); Bacteria (1; X807704); Bite (f; CEB FAD); Boil (f; FAD); Bot (f; CEB); Burn (f; FAD); Cancer (f; HHB); Candida (1; X807704); Cardiopathy (f; CEB); Chill (f; CEB); Cholera (f; CEB; DEM); Cough (f; DEM; FAD); Debility (f; DEM); Diarrhea (f; FEL); Dysentery (f; CEB; DEM; FAD); Dysmenorrhea (f; PH2); Dyspepsia (f; CEB; DEM; FAD); Enterosis (f; CEB; DEM; FEL); Fever (1; CEB; DEM; FEL; HHB; PH2); Fracture (f; FAD); Fungus (1; X807704); Gastrosis (f; DEM; FEL); Gout (f; DEM); Headache (f; CEB; FAD); Hysteria (f; CEB; DEM; FEL; HHB); Impotence (f; FAD); Infection (1; X807704); Inflammation (f; CEB; FAD); Insomnia (f; PH2); Malaria (f; CEB; FAD; FEL; PH2); Mycosis (1; X807704); Neuralgia (f; DEM); Night Sweats (f; FEL); Pain (f; DEM); Parasite (1; FNF); Phthisis (f; CEB; FEL); Pinworm (f; DEM; FAD); Rheumatism (f; DEM; FAD; FEL); Schistosomiasis (1; FNF); Snakebite (f; CEB; FAD); Sore (f; CEB); Syphilis (f; DEM); Toothache (f; FAD); Water Retention (f; FEL); Worm (f; CEB; FAD; FEL); Wound (f; FAD); Yeast (1; X807704).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP; KOM).

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP; KOM).

Synonyms:

Actions: Hallucinogen (1; CRC); Narcotic (1; CRC).

Indications: Toothache (f; CRC).

Dosage:

Contraindications: