Herbal Medicine Reference

Synonyms: Rhamnus frangula L., Rhamnus frangula subsp. columnaris hort.

Actions: Allergenic (f; CRC); Antiangiogenic (1; BGB; FNF); Anticancer (1; BGB; CRC; FNF); Antiherpetic (1; HH2); Antiviral (1; HH2); Aperient (f; CRC); Cholagogue (f; MAD); Cytotoxic (1; BGB; FNF); Depurative (f; CRC; MAD); Emetic (f; PNC); Emmenagogue (f; CRC; EFS); Fungicide (f; HH2); Hydragogue (1; PH2); Laxative (2; CAN; CRC; HH2; KOM; PIP); Peristaltic (1; MAD; PH2); Poison (1; CRC); Sunscreen (f; CRC; BGB); Tonic (f; CRC; EFS; PNC); Vermifuge (1; MAD).

Indications: Appendicitis (f; CRC); Cancer (1; BGB; CRC; FNF; JLH); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; JLH); Childbirth (f; MAD); Cholecystosis (f; MAD); Constipation (2; CAN; CRC; HH2; KOM; PNC; PH2; PIP); Dermatosis (f; CRC; MAD); Dropsy (f; CRC; MAD); Fever (f; MAD); Fungus (f; HH2); Gout (f; CRC); Hemorrhoid (2; CRC; PHR; PH2); Hepatosis (f; CRC; EFS; JLH; MAD); Herpes (1; HH2); Induration (f; JLH); Infection (f; HH2); Itch (f; CRC; MAD); Jaundice (f; CRC; MAD); Leukemia (1; CRC); Mycosis (f; HH2); Obesity (f; MAD); Pain (f; MAD); Proctosis (f; PH2); Puerperium (f; MAD); Rheumatism (f; CRC); Scab (f; MAD); Scabies (f; MAD); Splenosis (f; CRC; JLH; MAD); Stomatosis (f; MAD); Tumor (f; CRC; JLH); Virus (1; HH2); Wart (f; CRC); Water Retention (f; HH2; MAD); Worm (1; CRC; MAD).

Dosage: Class 2b (AHP). Contraindicated in some types of hemorrhoids and nephropathy (CAN), intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown causes, any enteritis (appendicitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, IBS), and menstruation (AHP). Do not use more than 8–10 days (AHP). Not for use in cases of diarrhea or abdominal pain. Discontinue use if diarrhea or watery stools occurs. Consult a health care provider in cases of pregnancy or lactation. Not for long-term use or overdose (AHP). Commission E reports for bark, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of anthranoid laxatives (AEH). While widely used, anthranoid-containing laxatives can be habit-forming. Some contain compounds suspected of being cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, and even tumorigenic; epidemiological studies in Germany reveal that abusers of anthranoid laxatives have a three times higher rate of colon carcinoma (AEH). Anthraquinones are laxative and irritate the GI tract (CAN). Because of the anthraquinones, nonstandardized preparations should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation (CAN). Because the anthraquinones in freshly dried buckthorn bark, it can cause extreme GI irritation, including severe intestinal spasm, as well as vomiting. The bark is aged for a year to allow oxidation of the anthrones (BGB).

Contraindications: Class 2b (AHP). Contraindicated in some types of hemorrhoids and nephropathy (CAN), intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown causes, any enteritis (appendicitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, IBS), and menstruation (AHP). Do not use more than 8–10 days (AHP). Not for use in cases of diarrhea or abdominal pain. Discontinue use if diarrhea or watery stools occurs. Consult a health care provider in cases of pregnancy or lactation. Not for long-term use or overdose (AHP). Commission E reports for bark, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of anthranoid laxatives (AEH). While widely used, anthranoid-containing laxatives can be habit-forming. Some contain compounds suspected of being cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, and even tumorigenic; epidemiological studies in Germany reveal that abusers of anthranoid laxatives have a three times higher rate of colon carcinoma (AEH). Anthraquinones are laxative and irritate the GI tract (CAN). Because of the anthraquinones, nonstandardized preparations should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation (CAN). Because the anthraquinones in freshly dried buckthorn bark, it can cause extreme GI irritation, including severe intestinal spasm, as well as vomiting. The bark is aged for a year to allow oxidation of the anthrones (BGB).

Synonyms: Boswellia carteri Birdw.

Actions: Abortifacient (f; EFS); Alterative (f; BIB; EFS); Analgesic (f; HHB); Anticomplementary (1; PH2); Antidote, hemlock (f; BIB); Antiseptic (1; PH2); Astringent (f; BIB); Carminative (1; BIB; PH2); Depilatory (f; BIB); Digestive (f; HAD); Diuretic (f; BIB); Emmenagogue (f; EFS); Expectorant (f; BIB); Fumigant (f; BIB); Irritant (1; PH2); Memorigenic (f; BIB); Sedative (f; BIB; EFS); Stimulant (f; BIB; EFS); Tonic (f; BIB; EFS).

Indications: Alzheimer’s (1; COX; FNF); Arthrosis (1; COX; FNF); Asthma (f; HHB); Bilharzia (f; BIB); Boil (f; DEP); Bronchosis (f; BIB; DEP); Callus (f; BIB); Cancer (1; COX; FNF; JLH); Cancer, anus (1; BIB; COX); Cancer, breast (1; BIB; COX); Cancer, eye (1; BIB; COX); Cancer, penis (1; BIB; COX); Cancer, spleen (1; BIB; COX); Cancer, teat (1; BIB; COX); Cancer, testicle (1; BIB; COX); Carbuncle (f; DEP; JLH); Corn (f; JLH); Dermatosis (f; GMH); Dysentery (f; BIB); Dyspepsia (f; HAD); Fever (f; BIB); Gas (1; BIB; PH2); Gonorrhea (f; BIB); Insomnia (f; BIB; EFS); Laryngosis (f; BIB; DEP); Leprosy (f; BIB); Mastosis (f; JLH); Nervousness (f; BIB; EFS); Neurosis (f; BIB); Ophthalmia (f; JLH); Orchosis (f; JLH); Pain (f; HHB); Polyp (f; JLH); Proctosis (f; JLH); Respirosis (f; PH2); Rheumatism (f; BIB); Sore (f; DEP); Spermatorrhea (f; BIB); Splenosis (f; JLH); Stomachache (f; BIB); Swelling (f; BIB); Syphilis (f; BIB); Urogenitosis (f; BIB); Uterosis (f; HHB);VD (f; BIB); Water Retention (f; BIB); Wound (f; PH2).

Dosage: Class 1 (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2).

Contraindications: Class 1 (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2).

Synonyms:

Actions:

Indications: Back (f; DEM); Chest (f; FAD); Cough (f; FAD); Debility (f; DEM); Dysuria (f; DEM); Enterosis (f; DEM); Mastosis (f; DEM); Pain (f; DEM); Prolapse (f; DEM); Pulmonosis (f; DEM); Sore Throat (f; FAD); Ulcer (f; DEM); UTI (f; FAD); Vaginosis (f; DEM); VD (f; DEM); Womb (f; DEM); Wound (f; DEM).

Dosage:

Contraindications:

Synonyms:

Actions: Alterative (f; CRC; EFS; FAD); Aperient (f; CRC; EFS); Antipyretic (f; EFS; HHB); Bitter (f; PH2); Cholagogue (f; CRC; EFS; FAD; PHR; PH2); Diuretic (f; CRC; EFS; PHR; PH2); Hemolytic (1; PNC); Hepatic (f; PH2); Narcotic (f; CRC; EFS); Tonic (f; CRC; EFS; FAD; HHB; PHR; PH2).

Indications: Adenopathy (f; FAD); Bilious Fever (f; CRC); Bruise (f; DEM); Cancer (f; CRC; JLH); Cholecystosis (f; PHR; PH2); Cirrhosis (f; CRC; HHB); Congestion (f; FAD); CVI (f; FAD); Dermatosis (f; CRC); Diarrhea (f; CRC); Fever (f; CRC; EFS; HHB); Gallstone (f; PNC; PH2); Headache (f; CRC; HHB); Hepatomegaly (f; FAD); Hepatosis (f; CRC; HHB; PH2; PNC); Icterus (f; CRC); Infection (f; FAD); Inflammation (f; CRC; FAD); Jaundice (f; FAD; HHB; PH2); Malaria (f; CRC); Nephrosis (f; FAD); Rheumatism (f; FAD); Sore (f; CRC; DEM; FAD); Sore Throat (f; CRC); Stomatosis (f; CRC); Typhoid (f; CRC); Ulcer (f; PH2); Water Retention (f; CRC; EFS; PHR; PH2); Wound (f; CRC; DEM; FAD; PH2).

Dosage: Class 1 (AHP). None noted (PHR). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (not given) (PH2). Overdoses may cause frontal headache, slow pulse, vomiting (FAD).

Contraindications: Class 1 (AHP). None noted (PHR). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (not given) (PH2). Overdoses may cause frontal headache, slow pulse, vomiting (FAD).

Synonyms: Cunila mariana L., Satureja origanoides L.

Actions: Analgesic (f; DEM); Antipyretic (f; DEM); Diaphoretic (f; FAD; HHB); Emmenagogue (f; FAD; HHB); Stimulant (f; DEM); Tonic (f; DEM).

Indications: Childbirth (f; DEM); Cold (f; FAD); Fever (f; DEM; FAD; HHB); Headache (f; DEM; FAD); Pain (f; DEM); Snakebite (f; FAD; HHB).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP; KOM; PH2). I feel it as safe as thyme and oregano, based on the limited list of chemicals available to me.

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP; KOM; PH2). I feel it as safe as thyme and oregano, based on the limited list of chemicals available to me.

Synonyms:

Actions: Alterative (f; EFS); Astringent (f; EFS; HHB; PH2); Tonic (f; DEM; PH2).

Indications: Diarrhea (f; HHB); Dyspepsia (f; PH2); Dysentery (f; HHB); Nephrosis (f; DEM; FAD); Scrofula (f; EFS); Sore (f; HHB; PH2); Sore Throat (f; DEM; FAD); Wound (f; HHB).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not recorded for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD).

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not recorded for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD).

Synonyms:

Actions: Alterative (f; MAD); Antiaggregant (1; CAN); Antihypothyroid (f; CAN; PHR); Antiobesity (1; CAN; PNC); Antirheumatic (f; CAN); Antiseptic (1; PNC; PH2); Demulcent (1; PED); Depurative (f; PED); Emollient (1; PED); Hemagglutinant (1; PH2); Hypoglycemic (1; PH2); Immunomodulator (1; PNC); Laxative (1; CAN); Metal-Chelator (PED); Tonic (f; MAD).

Indications: Adenopathy (f; MAD); Arthrosis (f; CAN); Atherosclerosis (f; MAD; PED; PHR; PH2); Asthma (f; MAD); Bleeding (1; PH2); Cancer (f; JLH); Cold (f; MAD); Constipation (1; CAN); Dyspepsia (f; PHR; PH2); Goiter (f; CAN; MAD); Hyperglycemia (1; PH2); Hypothyroidism (1; CAN; PED; PH2); Morning Sickness (f; MAD); Myxedema (f; CAN); Obesity (1; CAN; MAD; PED; PH2; PNC); Psoriasis (f; MAD); Rheumatism (f; CAN; PED); Scirrhus (f; JLH); Scrofula (f; MAD); Sprain (f; PH2); Wound (1; CAN).

Dosage: Class 2b, 2c, 2d. Not recommended for long-term use, especially in hyperthyroids (AHP). Commission E reports thallus not approved for therapeutic use. Other sources report thallus permitted as laxative. Usefulness is not documented adequately. There are no risks from daily doses up to 150 μg iodine per day, but higher doses may induce or exacerbate hyperthyreosis and cause hypersensitivity reactions (rarely) (PHR). The adult intake of iodine should not exceed 120 μg per day (AEH). Iodine content may cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (I suspect that there are also cases where it can help one and the other) (CAN). Because of thyroid gland activity and possible heavy metal contamination, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN). One fraction is half as antiaggregant as heparin. High in vitro activity to mammalian digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, and trypsin). Lectin-like mucopolysaccharides modulate the immune system, inducing lymphocyte transformation. Alginic acid is a laxative (CAN).

Contraindications: Class 2b, 2c, 2d. Not recommended for long-term use, especially in hyperthyroids (AHP). Commission E reports thallus not approved for therapeutic use. Other sources report thallus permitted as laxative. Usefulness is not documented adequately. There are no risks from daily doses up to 150 μg iodine per day, but higher doses may induce or exacerbate hyperthyreosis and cause hypersensitivity reactions (rarely) (PHR). The adult intake of iodine should not exceed 120 μg per day (AEH). Iodine content may cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (I suspect that there are also cases where it can help one and the other) (CAN). Because of thyroid gland activity and possible heavy metal contamination, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN). One fraction is half as antiaggregant as heparin. High in vitro activity to mammalian digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, and trypsin). Lectin-like mucopolysaccharides modulate the immune system, inducing lymphocyte transformation. Alginic acid is a laxative (CAN).

Synonyms:

Actions: Amphicholeretic (1; BRU; HHB; PHR; PH2); Anesthetic (1; HHB); Antiarrhythmic (1; BRU); Anticholinergic (1; BRU); Antihistaminic (1; CAN); Antiinflammatory (f; MAD; PNC); Antilithic (1; CAN); Antiseptic (1; PNC); Antispasmodic (2; APA; KOM; PH2; SHT); Aphrodisiac (f; MAD); Bradycardic (1; CAN); Cholagogue (f; CAN; SHT); Cholekinetic (SHT); Choleretic (1; PH2; SHT); Depurative (f; HHB; PHR; PH2); Diaphoretic (f; MAD); Diuretic (f; APA; CAN; MAD; PNC); Emetic (f; MAD); Hypertensive (1; HHB); Hypotensive (1; CAN; HHB); Laxative (f; APA; CAN; PNC); Litholytic (f; MAD); Poison (1; HHB); Sedative (1; CAN); Stomachic (f; HHB); Tonic (f; PNC).

Indications: Acne (f; PNC); Alopecia (f; MAD); Amenorrhea (f; MAD); Arrhythmia (1; BRU); Arthrosis (f; PHR; PH2); Atherosclerosis (f; MAD; PHR; PH2); Bile-Duct Spasm (2; KOM; PH2); Bladder Stone (f; MAD); Cancer (f; JLH; MAD); Cancer, colon (f; JLH); Cancer, gut (f; JLH); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Cardiopathy (1; APA; BRU); Cholecystosis (2; KOM; MAD; PH2); Colic (1; APA); Conjunctivosis (f; CAN; MAD); Constipation (1; APA; CAN; PH2; PNC); Cramp (2; APA; KOM; PH2; SHT); Cystosis (f; PHR; PH2); Dermatosis (1; APA; CAN; PHR; PH2); Dropsy (f; MAD); Dyskinesia (1; APA); Eczema (f; CAN; HHB; PH2); Enterosis (2; KOM; PH2); Exanthema (f; MAD); Fever (f; MAD); Gas (f; MAD); Gastrosis (2; APA; KOM; PH2); Gout (f; MAD); Halitosis (f; MAD); Headache (1; APA); Hepatosis (2; JLH; MAD; PHR; PH2); High Blood Pressure (1; APA; CAN; HHB); Hypoglycemia (f; PHR; PH2); Infection (f; PHR; PH2); Inflammation (f; MAD; PNC); Insomnia (1; CAN); Itch (f; PH2); Jaundice (f; MAD); Leprosy (f; MAD); Low Blood Pressure (1; HHB); Melancholy (f; MAD); Nausea (1; APA); Nervousness (1; CAN); Ophthalmia (f; MAD); Pain (1; HHB); Psoriasis (1; APA); Rheumatism (f; PHR; PH2); Scabies (f; MAD); Sclerosis (f; JLH); Sore (f; MAD); Sore Throat (f; MAD); Spasm (2; KOM); Splenosis (f; MAD); Stomachache (f; HHB; MAD); Stone (f; MAD); Syphilis (f; MAD); Uterosis (f; JLH); Water Retention (f; APA; CAN; MAD; PNC).

Dosage: Not listed (AHP). None reported (KOM). HH3 says protopine is spasmogenic; I’m more inclined to believe BRU, which calls it antispasmodic

Contraindications: Not listed (AHP). None reported (KOM). HH3 says protopine is spasmogenic; I’m more inclined to believe BRU, which calls it antispasmodic

Synonyms:

Actions: Carminative (1; CRC; KAB; WOI); Cholagogue (f; KAB); Cicatrizant (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CRC; WOI); Expectorant (f; CRC; WOI); Hallucinogen (1; CRC); Insectifuge (1; CRC); Narcotic (1; CRC); Pectoral (f; CRC; KAB); Pediculicide (f; CRC; DAA); Stimulant (f; CRC; WOI); Stomachic (f; CRC; DAA; KAB); Tonic (f; CRC).

Indications: Boil (f; CRC; DAA); Bruise (f; DAA); Cancer (f; JLH); Childbirth (f; CRC; SKJ); Chill (f; CRC; DAA; WOI); Cholera (f; DAA); Cough (f; CRC; DAA; KAB); Dandruff (f; CRC; WOI); Dyspepsia (f; CRC; WOI); Enterosis (f; DAA); Fever (f; CRC; WOI); Furuncle (f; CRC); Gas (1; CRC; KAB; WOI); Headache (f; CRC; WOI); Inflammation (f; CRC; WOI); Lameness (f; DAA); Lice (f; DAA); Lumbago (f; DAA); Malaria (f; CRC; DAA; WOI); Myosis (f; DAA); Ophthalmia (f; CRC; WOI); Pain (f; DAA); Rheumatism (f; CRC; DAA); Rhinosis (f; KAB); Scabies (f; CRC); Sore Throat (f; CRC; DAA; WOI); Sting (f; WOI); Swelling (f; CRC; DAA; WOI); Toothache (f; CRC; DAA); Tumor (f; CRC; WOI); Water Retention (f; CRC; WOI); Wound (f; CRC).

Dosage: Class 1, but giving it the same common name as Alpinia galanga, greater galangal (AHP). Not covered, at least under the generic name Kaempferia (EFS; KOM; PH2).

Contraindications: Class 1, but giving it the same common name as Alpinia galanga, greater galangal (AHP). Not covered, at least under the generic name Kaempferia (EFS; KOM; PH2).

Synonyms: Ferula galbaniflua Boiss. & Buhse.

Actions: Antibacterial (1; HH3); Antiedemic (f; BIB); Antiseptic (1; BIB; PH2); Emmenagogue (f; EFS); Emollient (f; BIB); Expectorant (f; EFS; PH2); Stimulant (f; EFS; PH2); Stomachic (f; BIB); Uterotonic (f; BIB); Vulnerary (f; PH2).

Indications: Allergy (f; BIB); Amenorrhea (f; EFS); Asthma (f; SKJ); Bacteria (1; HH3); Bronchosis (f; SKJ); Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, abdomen (f; JLH); Cancer, breast (f; JLH); Cancer, colon (f; JLH); Cancer, gum (f; JLH); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cancer, parotid (f; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; JLH); Cancer, stomach (f; JLH); Cancer, testicle (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Caries (f; BIB); Chilblain (f; BIB); Cold (f; BIB); Colic (f; BIB); Cramp (f; BIB); Dyspepsia (f; BIB; PH2); Edema (f; BIB); Enterosis (f; BIB); Gas (f; PH2); Gatrosis (f; BIB); Gingivosis (f; BIB); Hepatosis (f; JLH); Hysteria (f; BIB); Induration (f; JLH); Infection (1; HH3; PH2); Inflammation (f; JLH); Mastosis (f; BIB); Neurosis (f; BIB); Orchosis (f; JLH); Otosis (f; BIB); Parotosis (f; JLH); Phymata (f; JLH); Polyp (f; BIB); Rheumatism (f; EFS); Scleroma (f; JLH); Splenosis (f; JLH); Swelling (f; BIB; JLH); Uterosis (f; JLH); Wound (f; PH2).

Dosage:

Contraindications: