| English Name | Botanical Name | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| KAMYUYE | Hoslundia opposita | |
|
Synonyms: Actions: Cholagogue (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CRC); Laxative (f; CRC). Indications: Blennorrhea (f; CRC); Chest (f; CRC); Cold (f; CRC); Conjunctivosis (f; CRC); Constipation (f; CRC); Cough (f; CRC); Cystosis (f; CRC); Enterosis (f; CRC); Epilepsy (f; CRC); Fever (f; CRC); Gastrosis (f; CRC); Gonorrhea (f; CRC); Hepatosis (f; CRC); Herpes (f; CRC); Hookworm (f; CRC); Jaundice (f; CRC); Neurosis (f; CRC); Pain (f; CRC); Poison (f; CRC); Shingles (f; CRC); Snakebite (f; CRC); Sore (f; CRC); Sore Throat (f; CRC); Swelling (f; CRC); Vertigo (f; CRC); VD (f; CRC); Water Retention (f; CRC); Wound (f; CRC); Yellow Fever (f; CRC). Dosage: Contraindications: |
||
| KAPOK | Ceiba pentandra | |
|
Synonyms: Bombax pentandrum L., Ceiba caribaea (DC.) A. Chev., C. casearia Medik., Eriodendron anfractuosum DC. Actions: Alterative (f; UPW); Antiprostaglandin (1; ABS; COX); Antipyretic (f; DAV); Antispasmodic (f; UPW); Astringent (f; IED); COX-1 Inhibitor (1; ABS; COX); COX-2 Inhibitor (1; ABS; COX); Curare (f; UPW); Demulcent (f; WO2); Diuretic (f; DAV; WO2); Emetic (f; DAV; UPW; WO2); Emollient (f; ABS; UPW); Hypoglycemic (f; WO2); Laxative (f; UPW; WO2); Propecic (f; IED); Sedative (f; UPW); Tonic (f; WO2). Indications: Alzheimer’s (1; COX; FNF); Arthrosis (1; COX; FNF); Asthma (1; ABS; COX); Blennorrhea (f; UPW); Cancer (1; COX; FNF; JLH); Cardiopathy (f; UPW); Childbirth (f; JFM); Colic (f; UP); Conjunctivosis (f; UPW); Constipation (f; UPW); Cough (1; ABS; COX); Cramp (f; UPW); Debility (f; IED); Dermatosis (f; UPW); Diabetes (f; UPW; WO2); Diarrhea (f; ABS); Dysmenorrhea (1; COX; IED); Dysuria (f; WO2); Edema (f; UPW); Enterosis (f; WO2); Erysipelas (f; JFM); Fatigue (f; UPW); Fever (f; DAV); Furuncle (f; UPW); Gastrosis (f; UPW); Gingivosis (f; UPW); Gonorrhea (f; ABS; UPW); Hemorrhoid (f; JFM); Hernia (f; UPW); Infection (f; ABS); Infertility (f; UPW); Inflammation (1; COX; IED); Insanity (f; UPW); Insomnia (f; UPW); Leprosy (f; UPW); Lochiorrhea (f; WO2); Lumbago (f; UPW); Migraine (f; WO2); Nervousness (f; UPW); Pain (1; COX; IED); Polyp (f; JLH); Rheumatism (f; UPW); Rhinosis (f; JLH); Rickets (f; UPW); Sprain (f; JFM); Swelling (f; UPW); VD (f; ABS); Vertigo (f; IED; WO2); Water Retention (f; DAV; WO2); Whitlow (f; UPW); Wound (f; ABS; JFM). Dosage: Not covered (AHP; KOM; PH2). Kapok can irritate the skin and most mucosae, especially eye, ear, and throat (UPW). Contraindications: Not covered (AHP; KOM; PH2). Kapok can irritate the skin and most mucosae, especially eye, ear, and throat (UPW). |
||
| KARAYA | Sterculia urens | |
|
Synonyms: Actions: Demulcent (f; SHT); Laxative (f; SHT). Indications: Colitis (f; SHT); Constipation (f; SHT); Diverticulosis (f; SHT). Dosage: Bulking agents should not be taken by those with stenotic lesions of the GI tract. May lead to bowel obstruction if fluid intake is inadequate. Do not take bulking agents when laying down or at bedtime. Do not use with antiperistaltics (such as, for example, loperamide) (SHT). Contraindications: Bulking agents should not be taken by those with stenotic lesions of the GI tract. May lead to bowel obstruction if fluid intake is inadequate. Do not take bulking agents when laying down or at bedtime. Do not use with antiperistaltics (such as, for example, loperamide) (SHT). |
||
| KAVA | Piper methysticum | |
|
Synonyms: Actions: Allergenic (1; CRC); Analgesic (1; APA; FNF; WAM); Anaphrodisiac (f; MAD); Anesthetic (1; BGB; CRC; MAB; MAD; PH2); Antiaggregant (1; MAB); Antibacterial (1; MAB; MAD); Anticonvulsant (1; FNF; KOM; PH2; SHT); Antidepressant (1; APA); Antidopamine (1; MAB); Antiepileptic (1; BGB); Antifatigue (f; PNC); Antiischemic (1; MAB); Antipyretic (1; MAB); Antirheumatic (1; FNF); Antiseptic (1; FNF; MAD); Antispasmodic (1; APA; BGB; CRC; PH2; WAM); Antithrombic (1; PH2); Anxiolytic (1; KOM; MAB; PHR; PH2; WAM); Aperitif (1; MAD); Aphrodisiac (f; APA; CRC); Climacteric (f; BGB); CNS-Depressant (1; APA); Contraceptive (f; MAB); Cyclooxygenase Inhibitor (1; PH2); Diaphoretic (f; CRC; MAD); Diuretic (1; APA; MAB; MAD; PNC); Dopaminergic (1; PH2); Expectorant (f; CRC); Fungicide (1; CRC; MAB); Hypnotic (1; MAB; PH2); Hyporeflexic (1; BGB); Lactagogue (f; CRC); Memorigenic (1; MAB); Myorelaxant (1; APA; FNF; KOM; PH2; SKY); Narcotic (1; CRC); Neuroprotective (1; HH2); Psychotropic (f; PH2); Sedative (2; FNF; KOM; PH2; WAM); Serotoninergic (1; PH2); Sobering (1; MAB); Stimulant (f; CRC; PNC); Tonic (f; CRC; MAD; PNC); Tranquilizer (1; APA). Indications: Anorexia (1; MAB; MAD); Anxiety (2; APA; KOM; MAB; PHR; PH2; WAM); Arthrosis (f; MAD); Asthma (f; BGB; PH2); Backache (f; CRC); Bacteria (1; MAB; MAD); Blennorrhea (f; MAD); Bronchosis (f; PNC); Catarrh (f; MAB); Chill (f; CRC); Cholecystosis (f; MAB); Cold (f; CRC; MAB); Colic (f; MAB); Congestion (f; MAD); Convulsion (1; FNF; KOM; PH2; SHT); Cough (f; CRC; MAB); Cramp (1; APA; BGB; CRC; MAB; PH2; WAM); Cystosis (f; MAD; PH2); Debility (f; CRC; MAB); Depression (1; APA; BGB); Dermatosis (f; CRC; MAB; MAD); Despondency (f; MAB); Dizziness (1; APA; MAB; MAD); Dysmenorrhea (1; FNF; SHT; WAM); Dyspepsia (1; APA; PH2); Dysuria (1; WAM); Earache (1; MAB; MAD); Eczema (f; MAD); Elephantiasis (f; CRC); Encephalosis (f; MAD); Enterosis (1; WAM); Enuresis (f; MAB); Epilepsy (1; BGB; MAB); Fatigue (1; MAB); Fever (1; CRC; MAD; MAB); Filariasis (f; MAB); Fungus (1; CRC; MAB); Gastrosis (f; PH2); Gonorrhea (f; CRC,MAB; MAD; PH2); Gout (f; APA; PNC); Headache (1; APA; CRC; FNF; MAD); Heart (f; CRC); Hemorrhoid (f; MAB); Herpes (f; MAD); Hot Flash (f; BGB); Hyperactivity (1; APA; WAM); Ichthyosis (f; MAD); Incontinence (f; MAB); Infection (1; CRC; MAB); Insomnia (2; APA; FNF; KOM; MAB; PHR; PH2; WAM); Leprosy (f; MAB); Leukorrhea (f; CRC; MAB); Menopause (1; APA; BGB; MAB); Menstrual Cramp (1; FNF); Migraine (1; APA); Myalgia (1; MAB); Mycosis (1; CRC; MAB); Nephrosis (f; CRC; MAB); Nervousness (2; APA; FNF; KOM; PHR; PH2; WAM); Neuralgia (f; MAB); Neurasthenia (f; CRC; MAD); Obesity (f; PH2); OCD (1; WAF); Ophthalmia (f; MAB); Pain (1; APA; BGB; CRC; FNF; MAB; MAD; PH2; WAM); Palpitation (1; APA); Prolapse (f; MAB); Prostatosis (f; MAD); Psoriasis (f; MAD); Pulmonosis (f; CRC); Restlessness (2; APA; KOM); Rheumatism (1; CRC; FNF; PH2; PNC); Sore Throat (f; MAB); Stomachache (1; APA); Stress (2; APA; KOM; PH2; SHT); Syphilis (f; PH2); Thrombosis (1; PH2); Toothache (1; MAB; MAD); Tuberculosis (f; CRC); Urethrosis (f; CRC; MAD; PH2); UTI (f; BGB; MAB); Vaginosis (f; CRC; MAB); VD (f; APA; CRC; MAD; PH2); Vertigo (f; MAB); Water Retention (1; APA; MAB; MAD; PNC); Wet Dream (f; CRC). Dosage: Class 2b, 2c, 2d. Contraindicated for endogenous depression (AHP). Maximum tolerated doses for dogs was 60 mg/kg, for rats 320 mg/kg StX (70% kavapyrones). Perversely, if the authors didn’t misspeak, the dogs tolerated 24 mg/kg/day. Of >4000 patients taking 105 mg/day StX (70% kavapyrones), 1.5% had objectionable side effects (allergy, dizziness, GI distress, and headache). At levels 100 times the therapeutic dose (roughly 13 liters kava beverage a day or 300–400 mg rhizome per week) caused anorexia, ataxia, dyspnea, hair loss, red eyes, skin rash, visual problems, and yellow skin. “There is no potential for physical or psychological dependency. Use should not exceed 3 months.†(AHP) Germans limit use to 1–3 months (AHP). Commission E reports contraindications: esophageal and gastrointestinal stenoses; adverse effects: allergic reactions (rarely). Other sources report intestinal obstruction (AEH). Many reports suggest a yellowing of the skin in chronic users. “Chronic ingestion may lead to ‘kawism’ characterized by dry, flaking, discolored skin, and reddened eyes†(LRNP, May 1987). Persistent rumors suggest that overdoses can cause intoxication. Commission E warns against the concomitant use of kava with barbituates, antidepressant medications, and CNS agents. Lactating or pregnant women should not use kava (WAM). “Not permitted as a non-medicinal ingredient in oral use products in Canada†(Michols, 1995). Abuse by Australian Aborigines suggest links to hematuria, infectious disease, neurological abnormalities, pulmonary hypotension, nephrosis, visual disturbances, ischemic heart disease, thrombosis, and sudden heart attacks (MAB). The following quote might scare abusers, as it should, “Full consciousness is maintained with even fatal doses†(APA, quoting Weiss, 1988). Extracts (Kava) — Increase GABA in the synaptic cleft by increasing GABA secretion and inhibiting its reuptake (SHT). LD50 dihydrokavain = 920 mg/kg orl mouse (MAB), LD50 dihydromethysticin = 1050 mg/kg orl mouse (MAB), LD50 StX (70% kavalactones) = 16,000 mg/kg orl rat, 1800 mg/kg orl mouse, 370 mg/kg ipr rat, 380 mg/kg ipr mouse (MAB). This indicates that the mix is safer than the individual lactone, at least orally in rats and mice (MAB). Kava slows hyperactivity in mice, but not as much as antipsychotic drugs. When chewed, the root produces numbness in the mouth similar to what one would experience with cocaine and longer-lasting than what one would experience with benzocaines (APA). In a traditional Hawaiian remedy, leaves were chewed and given to anxious or restless children for its calming effect, and to induce sleep. And for the old reprobates “kava tends to lower one’s interest in sexual activities.†( = ) lactones are 10 times more anticonvulsant than mephenesin against strychnine; the mixture of lactones was synergistic; the potency of the mix was equal to that of pure dihydromethysticin; synergy more pronounced with oral than ivn administration; lactones better absorbed in mix than as isolated silver bullets (MAB). Lactones = cocaine and procaine as analgesic and anesthetic; dihydromethysticin better than aspirin but inferior to morphine as analgesic (MAB). Contraindications: Class 2b, 2c, 2d. Contraindicated for endogenous depression (AHP). Maximum tolerated doses for dogs was 60 mg/kg, for rats 320 mg/kg StX (70% kavapyrones). Perversely, if the authors didn’t misspeak, the dogs tolerated 24 mg/kg/day. Of >4000 patients taking 105 mg/day StX (70% kavapyrones), 1.5% had objectionable side effects (allergy, dizziness, GI distress, and headache). At levels 100 times the therapeutic dose (roughly 13 liters kava beverage a day or 300–400 mg rhizome per week) caused anorexia, ataxia, dyspnea, hair loss, red eyes, skin rash, visual problems, and yellow skin. “There is no potential for physical or psychological dependency. Use should not exceed 3 months.†(AHP) Germans limit use to 1–3 months (AHP). Commission E reports contraindications: esophageal and gastrointestinal stenoses; adverse effects: allergic reactions (rarely). Other sources report intestinal obstruction (AEH). Many reports suggest a yellowing of the skin in chronic users. “Chronic ingestion may lead to ‘kawism’ characterized by dry, flaking, discolored skin, and reddened eyes†(LRNP, May 1987). Persistent rumors suggest that overdoses can cause intoxication. Commission E warns against the concomitant use of kava with barbituates, antidepressant medications, and CNS agents. Lactating or pregnant women should not use kava (WAM). “Not permitted as a non-medicinal ingredient in oral use products in Canada†(Michols, 1995). Abuse by Australian Aborigines suggest links to hematuria, infectious disease, neurological abnormalities, pulmonary hypotension, nephrosis, visual disturbances, ischemic heart disease, thrombosis, and sudden heart attacks (MAB). The following quote might scare abusers, as it should, “Full consciousness is maintained with even fatal doses†(APA, quoting Weiss, 1988). Extracts (Kava) — Increase GABA in the synaptic cleft by increasing GABA secretion and inhibiting its reuptake (SHT). LD50 dihydrokavain = 920 mg/kg orl mouse (MAB), LD50 dihydromethysticin = 1050 mg/kg orl mouse (MAB), LD50 StX (70% kavalactones) = 16,000 mg/kg orl rat, 1800 mg/kg orl mouse, 370 mg/kg ipr rat, 380 mg/kg ipr mouse (MAB). This indicates that the mix is safer than the individual lactone, at least orally in rats and mice (MAB). Kava slows hyperactivity in mice, but not as much as antipsychotic drugs. When chewed, the root produces numbness in the mouth similar to what one would experience with cocaine and longer-lasting than what one would experience with benzocaines (APA). In a traditional Hawaiian remedy, leaves were chewed and given to anxious or restless children for its calming effect, and to induce sleep. And for the old reprobates “kava tends to lower one’s interest in sexual activities.†( = ) lactones are 10 times more anticonvulsant than mephenesin against strychnine; the mixture of lactones was synergistic; the potency of the mix was equal to that of pure dihydromethysticin; synergy more pronounced with oral than ivn administration; lactones better absorbed in mix than as isolated silver bullets (MAB). Lactones = cocaine and procaine as analgesic and anesthetic; dihydromethysticin better than aspirin but inferior to morphine as analgesic (MAB). |
||
| KELP | Nereocystis luetkeana | |
|
Synonyms: Actions: Indications: Dosage: Class 2d. Not recommended in hyperthyroidism. Long-term use discouraged (AHP). Contraindications: Class 2d. Not recommended in hyperthyroidism. Long-term use discouraged (AHP). |
||
| KHAKI BUSH, WILD MARIGOLD | ||
|
Synonyms: Actions: Antiinflammatory (1; WOI); Antispasmodic (1; WOI); Antiviral (1; WOI); Aperient (f; WOI); Bronchodilator (1; WOI); Carminative (f; FNF); Diaphoretic (f; WBB; WOI); Diuretic (f; WBB; WOI); Emmenagogue (f; FNF; WBB); Fungicide (1; FNF; VAG); Hemostat (f; ZIM); Hypotensive (1; WOI); Insectifuge (1; WBB); Irritant (f; WBB); Ixodifuge (f; FNF); Juvabional (1; WOI); Larvicide (1; WBB; WOI); Laxative (f; WBB); Nematicide (1; WOI); Parasiticide (f; WBB); Stimulant (f; WBB); Stomachic (f; WBB); Tranquilizer (1; FNF; WOI); Vermifuge (f; WBB). Indications: Bleeding (f; ZIM); Constipation (f; WBB; ZIM); Cramp (1; FNF; WOI); Dyspepsia (f; FNF); Epistaxis (f; ZIM); Fever (f; WBB; WOI); Fungus (1; FNF; VAG); Gas (f; FNF); Gastrosis (f; FNF); Hemorrhoid (f; FNF; WBB); High Blood Pressure (1; FNF; WOI); Hysteria (f; FNF; WBB); Infection (1; FNF; VAG); Inflammation (1; FNF; WOI); Maggot (1; WBB); Mycosis (1; FNF; VAG); Nervousness (1; FNF; WOI); Parasite (f; WBB); Rhinosis (f; ZIM); Virus (1; WOI); Water Retention (f; WBB; WOI); Worm (f; FNF; WBB); Wound (f; ZIM). Dosage: Synergistic with pyrethrum as insecticide (WOI). Contraindications: Synergistic with pyrethrum as insecticide (WOI). |
||
| KHAT | Catha edulis | |
|
Synonyms: Celastrus edulis Actions: Anorectic (1; ZUL); Antiulcer (1; PH2); Aperitif (f; ZUL); Aphrodisiac (f; PH2); Astringent (1; PH2; VAG); Cardiotonic (f; ZUL); Cardiotoxic (f; WBB); Carminative (f; ZUL); CNS-Stimulant (1; PH2; ZUL); Euphoriant (f; WBB); Hypertensive (f; ZUL); Inebriant (1; WBB); Insecticide (1; PH2); Mutagenic (f; ZUL); Mydriatic (f; ZUL); Myodepressant (1; WBB); Narcotic (f; WBB); Neurotonic (1; ZUL); Stimulant (1; WBB; ZUL); Sympathomimetic (1; PH2); Tonic (f; ZUL). Indications: Anorexia (f; ZUL); Asthma (f; PH2; WBB; VAG; ZUL); Boil (f; VAG; ZIM); Cold (f; VAG); Cough (f; PH2; VAG; WBB; ZUL); Cramp (f; VAG); Depression (f; PH2);Diarrhea (1; PH2; VAG); Dysentery (f; VAG); Dysmenorrhea (f; VAG); Fatigue (1; WBB; WO2); Fever (1; PH2); Flu (f; VAG; WBB; ZUL); Gas (f; ZUL); Gastrosis (f; PH2; WBB; ZUL); Glaucoma (f; ZUL); Gonorrhea (f; PH2); Headache (f; PH2); Hunger (1; PH2; WBB); Impotence (f; PH2); Infertility (f; VAG; ZIM); Low Blood Pressure (f; ZUL); Plague (f; WBB; ZUL); Pulmonosis (f; WBB); Respirosis (f; ZUL); Ulcer (1; PH2). Dosage: Chewing leaves can cause constipation, periodontal disease, mucosal lesions, and increased risk of esophageal cancer. Mutagenic effects reported (ZUL). Although I do not believe it, I quote WBB, “Fifty milligrams of khat has a sedative effect but 300 to 400 mg produces hyperexcitability, mydriasis, spinal convulsions, and death from respiratory paralysis†(WBB). I chewed several grams in Kenya. Contraindications: Chewing leaves can cause constipation, periodontal disease, mucosal lesions, and increased risk of esophageal cancer. Mutagenic effects reported (ZUL). Although I do not believe it, I quote WBB, “Fifty milligrams of khat has a sedative effect but 300 to 400 mg produces hyperexcitability, mydriasis, spinal convulsions, and death from respiratory paralysis†(WBB). I chewed several grams in Kenya. |
||
| KIDNEY VETCH | Anthyllis vulneraria | |
|
Synonyms: Anthyllis rubicunda Actions: Antibacterial (1; HH2); Antiviral (1; PH2); Astringent (f; EFS); Depurative (1; EFS; PH2); Diuretic (f; EFS); Laxative (f; EFS); Mutagenic (1; PH2); Vulnerary (f; EFS). Indications: Bacteria (1; HH2); Constipation (f; EFS); Cough (1; PH2); Herpes (1; HH2); Infection (1; PH2); Pharyngosis (f; PH2); Polio (1; HH2); Sore (f; HH2); Stomatosis (f; PH2); Ulcer (1; PH2); Virus (1; PH2); Vomiting (f; PH2); Water Retention (f; EFS); Wound (1; HH2; PH2). Dosage: Not covered (AHP; KOM). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages†(PH2). Contraindications: Not covered (AHP; KOM). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages†(PH2). |
||
| KIWI | Actinidia deliciosa | |
|
Synonyms: A. chinensis var. deliciosa A. Chev., A. chinensis var. hispida C. F. Liang, A. latifolia var. deliciosa A. Chev. Actions: Antibacterial (1; WO2); Antidote, cinnabar (f; DAD); Antimutagenic (1; X3278214); Astringent (1; DAD); Immunostimulant (1; WO3); Insecticide (f; DAD); Pectinesterase Inhibitor (1; WO3); Proteolytic (1; DAD). Indications: Allergy (f; DAD); Arthrosis (f; DAD); Bacteria (1; WO2); Cancer (1; DAD; X3278214); Cancer, breast (f; DAD); Cancer, esophagus (f; DAD); Cancer, liver (f; DAD); Cancer, stomach (f; DAD); Cardiopathy (f; DAD); Cold (f; DAD); Dysuria (f; DAD); Fever (f; DAD); Gastrosis (f; DAD); Gravel (f; DAD); Immunodepression (1; WO3); Infection (1; WO2); Mange (f; DAD); Mastosis (f; DAD); Pain (f; DAD); Purpura (f; DAD); Rheumatism (f; DAD); Scurvy (f; DAD); Stone (f; DAD); Stress (f; DAD); Thirst (f; DAD). Dosage: Contraindications: |
||
| KOLA | Cola acuminata | |
|
Synonyms: Sterculia acuminata P. Beauv. Actions: Anorectic (1; CRC); Antiviral (1; CRC); Aphrodisiac (f; CRC); Cardiotonic (1; CRC); CNS-Stimulant (1; CRC); Digestive (f; CRC); Diuretic (1; CRC); Masticatory (f; CRC); Nervine (1; CRC); Stimulant (1; CRC); Tonic (1; CRC). Indications: Cancer (f; CRC); Cut (f; CRC); Diarrhea (f; CRC); Digestion (f; CRC); Neuralgia (f; CRC); Virus (1; CRC); Water Retention (1; CRC); Wound (f; CRC). Dosage: “Caffeine in large doses is reported to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. Caffeine is also viricidal, suppressing the growth of polio, influenza, herpes simplex, and vaccinia viruses, but not Japanese encephalitis virus, Newcastle disease, virus, and type 2 adenovirus. In 1978, an FDA advisory panel concluded that caffeine, as it is added to cola soft drinks, should be subject to a more restrictive regulatory approach. Removal of caffeine from the GRAS list ‘was urged’†(CRC). Contraindications: “Caffeine in large doses is reported to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. Caffeine is also viricidal, suppressing the growth of polio, influenza, herpes simplex, and vaccinia viruses, but not Japanese encephalitis virus, Newcastle disease, virus, and type 2 adenovirus. In 1978, an FDA advisory panel concluded that caffeine, as it is added to cola soft drinks, should be subject to a more restrictive regulatory approach. Removal of caffeine from the GRAS list ‘was urged’†(CRC). |
||