Herbal Medicine Reference

Synonyms: Euphorbia hypericifolia L.

Actions: Antipyretic (f; CRC); Astringent (f; CRC); Diaphoretic (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CRC; JFM); Emmenagogue (f; CRC); Hemostat (f; CRC); Laxative (f; CRC); Narcotic (f; CRC).

Indications: Abrasion (f; CRC); Bleeding (f; CRC); Buccal Ulcer (f; CRC); Callus (f; CRC); Cancer (f; CRC); Colic (f; CRC); Coma (f; CRC); Constipation (f; CRC); Diarrhea (f; CRC); Dysentery (f; CRC); Dysuria (f; DEM); Fever (f; CRC); Gynecopathy (f; CRC); Intestinal Ailment (f; CRC); Leukorrhea (f; CRC; JFM); Marasmus (f; CRC); Menorrhagia (f; CRC); Ophthalmia (f; CRC); Respirosis (f; CRC); Ringworm (f; CRC); Sclerosis (f; CRC); Stomatosis (f; CRC); Toothache (f; CRC); Tumor (f; CRC); Uterosis (f; CRC); Wart (f; CRC); Water Retention (f; CRC; JFM).

Dosage: “Narcotic. Juice may cause temporary blindness if introduced into the eyes” (CRC).

Contraindications: “Narcotic. Juice may cause temporary blindness if introduced into the eyes” (CRC).

Synonyms:

Actions: Antiinflammatory (1; APA); Astringent (1; CRC; FAD); Collyrium (f; CRC); Depurative (f; DEM); Diuretic (f; APA; FAD); Parturient (f; APA; PNC); Uterotonic (f; APA; CRC).

Indications: Alactea (f; APA); Amenorrhea (f; CRC; FAD; PNC); Arthrosis (f; DEM; FAD); Backache (f; DEM); Bleeding (f; DEM); Childbirth (f; CRC; DEM); Chill (f; DEM); Convulsion (f; DEM); Cramp (f; DEM); Cystosis (f; DEM); Dermatosis (f; DEM); Diarrhea (1; APA; CRC); Dropsy (f; CRC); Dysentery (f; CRC; DEM; FAD); Dyslactea (f; DEM); Dysmenorrhea (f; CRC; FAD; PNC); Dysuria (f; CRC; DEM); Enterosis (f; DEM); Fever (f; DEM); Gastrosis (f; DEM); Gonorrhea (f; CRC); Gravel (f; CRC); Hemorrhoid (f; FAD); Hive (f; DEM; FAD); Hysteria (f; CRC); Inflammation (1; APA); Insanity (f; DEM); Insomnia (1; APA; DEM); Leukorrhea (f; CRC); Mastosis (f; DEM); Menorrhagia (f; CRC); Myalgia (f; DEM); Nephrosis (f; DEM); Ophthalmia (f; CRC); Orchosis (f; DEM); Pain (f; DEM; FAD); Parturition (f; FAD); Polyuria (f; CRC); Rash (f; DEM); Rheumatism (f; APA; DEM; FAD); Rickets (f; DEM); Rupture (f; DEM); Side Ache (f; DEM); Sore Nipple (f; FAD); Stomachache (f; DEM); Swelling (f; DEM; FAD); Typhoid (f; DEM); Uterosis (f; CRC); Vaginosis (f; CRC); VD (f; CRC; DEM); Water Retention (f; APA; FAD); Wound (f; DEM).

Dosage: Class 1 (AHP). Not covered (KOM; PHR).

Contraindications: Class 1 (AHP). Not covered (KOM; PHR).

Synonyms: Drimia maritima (L.) Stearn, Scilla maritima L., Urginea scilla Steinh.

Actions: Anticancer (1; CRC); Cardiotonic (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CRC); Emetic (f; CRC); Expectorant (f; CRC); Hypotensive (2; KOM); Negative Chronotropic (2; KOM); Poison (f; CRC); Positive Inotropic (2; KOM); Rodenticide (1; CRC).

Indications: Adenopathy (f; CRC; JLH); Arrhythmia (2; CRC; PHR); Asthma (f; CRC); Bronchosis (f; CRC); Bruise (f; CRC); Burn (f; CRC); Callus (f; CRC); Cancer (1; CRC); Cancer, eye (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, liver (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, parotid (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; CRC; JLH); Cardiac Insufficiency (2; KOM); Catarrh (f; CRC); Congestion (f; CRC); Corn (f; CRC); Cough (f; CRC); Croup (f; CRC); Dandruff (f; CRC); Edema (f; CRC); Felon (f; CRC); Gas (f; CRC); Heart (f; CRC); High Blood Pressure (2; KOM); Induration (f; CRC); Kidney Insufficiency (2; KOM); Nephrosis (f; CRC); Nervous Cardiopathy (2; PHR); Pertussis (f; CRC); Seborrhea (f; CRC); Sore (f; CRC); Stomachache (f; CRC); Tumor (f; CRC); Varicosis (2; PHR); Wart (f; CRC); Water Retention (f; CRC); Wound (f; CRC).

Dosage: Commission E reports contraindications: potassium deficiency, and therapy with digitalis glycosides; adverse effects: diarrhea, gastrosis, irregular pulse, nausea, and vomiting; and interactions with other drugs: potentiation of calcium, cardiac glycosides, extended glucocorticoid therapy, laxatives, quinidine, and saluretics (AEH; KOM). I thought that was a pretty big dose of Commission E, but here’s what Gruenwald has to say: Should not be used in 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular blocks, carotid sinus syndrome, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, hypertropic cardiomyopathy, thoracic aortic aneurysm, ventricular tachycardia, and WPW Syndrome (PHR).

Contraindications: Commission E reports contraindications: potassium deficiency, and therapy with digitalis glycosides; adverse effects: diarrhea, gastrosis, irregular pulse, nausea, and vomiting; and interactions with other drugs: potentiation of calcium, cardiac glycosides, extended glucocorticoid therapy, laxatives, quinidine, and saluretics (AEH; KOM). I thought that was a pretty big dose of Commission E, but here’s what Gruenwald has to say: Should not be used in 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular blocks, carotid sinus syndrome, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, hypertropic cardiomyopathy, thoracic aortic aneurysm, ventricular tachycardia, and WPW Syndrome (PHR).

Synonyms: Corydalis canadensis Goldie.

Actions: Alterative (f; EFS); Antispasmodic (f; HHB); Bitter (1; PH2); CNS Depressant (1; FAD); Diaphoretic (f; FAD); Diuretic (1; EFS; FAD; HHB; PH2); GABA Antagonist (1; PH2); Spasmogenic (1; PH2); Tonic (1; EFS; HHB; PH2); Toxic (1; FAD; PH2).

Indications: Cancer (f; JLH); Cramp (f; HHB); Dermatosis (f; FAD; PH2); Dysmenorrhea (f; PH2); Dyspepsia (f; PH2); Fever (f; FAD); Paralysis (f; FAD); Rash (f; PH2); Syphilis (f; EFS; HHB; PH2); Tremor (f; FAD); Urethrosis (f; PH2); UTI (f; PH2); VD (f; PH2); Water Retention (1; EFS; FAD; HHB; PH2).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP; KOM). None recorded at proper dosage (not given) (PH2). Bicuculline could cause poisoning in high doses (PH2). STAR AN

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP; KOM). None recorded at proper dosage (not given) (PH2). Bicuculline could cause poisoning in high doses (PH2). STAR AN

Synonyms:

Actions: Allergenic (1; LAF); Analgesic (f; CRC; EFS); Antibacterial (1; APA); Antiseptic (f; CRC); Antispasmodic (2; DEPCarminative (1; APA; CRC; DEP; PNC); Digestive (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CRC; EFS); Estrogenic (1; APA; LAF); Expectorant (2; APA; CRC; HHB; PH2); Fungicide (1; LAF); Insecticide (1; APA; LAF); Lactagogue (1; APA; CRC); Mutagenic (1; LAF); Pediculicide (1; APA; CRC); Piscicide (f; CRC); Stimulant (f; CRC; PNC); Stomachic (f; DEP; EFS; CRC).; KOM; LAF; PH2); Bronchosecretolytic (2; KOM);

Indications: Anemia (1; APA); Anorexia (2; PHR; PH2); Arthrosis (f; PH2); Bacteria (1; APA); Bronchosis (2; APA; PHR; PH2); Catarrh (2; KOM; PHR; PH2); Cholecystosis (f; CRC); Colic (1; APA; CRC); Congestion (1; APA); Constipation (f; CRC); Cough (2; APA; CRC; PHR; PH2); Cramp (2; APA; DEP; KOM; LAF; PH2); Dysentery (f; CRC; DEP; PH2); Dyspepsia (2; APA; CRC; KOM; PH2); Enterosis (1; PH2); Extrophy (f; CRC); Favus (f; CRC); Frigidity (f; APA); Fungus (1; LAF); Gas (1; APA; CRC; DEP; PH2; PNC); Gastrosis (1; APA; PHR; PH2); Halitosis (f; APA; CRC); Hemopareisis (f; PH2); Hernia (f; CRC); Infection (1; CRC; LAF); Insomnia (f; CRC); Lumbago (f; CRC); Morning Sickness (f; APA); Mycosis (1; LAF); Nausea (f; APA); Otosis (f; CRC); Pain (f; CRC; EFS; PH2); Paralysis (f; PH2); Parturition (f; APA); Respirosis (2; KOM; LAF; PHR; PH2); Rheumatism (f; CRC; PH2); Scabies (1; APA; CRC); Spasm (2; CRC; LAF); Stomach Distress (1; APA); Toothache (f; CRC); Water Retention (f; CRC; EFS).

Dosage: Class 1 (AHP). None known at proper dosage (KOM; PH2). While I consider star anise, properly identified, as safe as coffee, there are papers dealing with anethole intoxication in infants, relating the following symptoms to excess anethole ingestion: continuous crying, irritability, hypertonia, atypical ocular movements, twitching, cyanosis, and occasionally vomiting and refusal to take nourishment. They “conclude that the infusion of Illicium verum incorrectly administered, or in high doses, produces a neurological toxic picture,” which must be considered in diagnosis. They advise against its use in infants (USDA abstract). One group has really analyzed star anise, in reporting three new toxins, that’s three strikes against star anise. Possibly they were analyzing Illicium anisatum, namesake of the toxin anisatin. Dentifrices containing anise and/or star anise oil may cause cheilitis (dry bleeding, cracking, and peeling lips) (RIN).

Contraindications: Class 1 (AHP). None known at proper dosage (KOM; PH2). While I consider star anise, properly identified, as safe as coffee, there are papers dealing with anethole intoxication in infants, relating the following symptoms to excess anethole ingestion: continuous crying, irritability, hypertonia, atypical ocular movements, twitching, cyanosis, and occasionally vomiting and refusal to take nourishment. They “conclude that the infusion of Illicium verum incorrectly administered, or in high doses, produces a neurological toxic picture,” which must be considered in diagnosis. They advise against its use in infants (USDA abstract). One group has really analyzed star anise, in reporting three new toxins, that’s three strikes against star anise. Possibly they were analyzing Illicium anisatum, namesake of the toxin anisatin. Dentifrices containing anise and/or star anise oil may cause cheilitis (dry bleeding, cracking, and peeling lips) (RIN).

Synonyms: H. hemerocallidea Fisch. ex C. A. Mey. & Ave-Lall. and H. rooperi T. Moore “African Potato” and “Bantu Tulip” in PH2.

Actions: Antiadenomic (1; SHT); Anticancer (1; VAG; VVG; ZUL); Antiedemic (1; SHT); Antiexudative (f; PH2); Anti-HIV (1; VVG); Antiinflammatory (1; SHT; VVG; ZUL); Antimutagenic (1; VVG); 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor (1; VVG); Cytotoxic (1; VVG); Emetic (1; ZUL); Hypocholesterolemic (1; SHT); Immunomodulator (f; VAG); Laxative (1; VAG; WBB; ZUL); Prostaglandin-Synthase Inhibitor (1; PH2); Tonic (f; VAG; ZUL); Vermifuge (f; VAG); Vulnerary (f; PH2).

Indications: Adenoma (1; SHT); Anxiety (f; VAG); Arthrosis (f; VAG); BPH (1; PH2; SHT; ZUL); Burn (f; VVG; WBB; ZUL); Cachexia (f; VAG); Cancer (1; VAG; VVG; ZUL); Constipation (1; VAG; WBB; ZUL); Cystosis (f; PH2; VVG); Depression (f; VAG); Dysuria (1; PH2; SHT; VVG); Headache (f; WBB; ZUL); High Cholesterol (1; SHT); HIV (1; VVG); Infection (f; VVG); Inflammation (1; SHT; VVG; ZUL); Mental Problem (f; ZUL); Orchosis (f; VAG); Palpitation (f; VAG); Pulmonosis (f; PH2); UTI (f; VAG; VVG); Rheumatism (f; VAG); Swelling (1; SHT); Vertigo (f; VVG; ZUL); Worm (f; CEB; CRC; DEP; EFS).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP). “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD). No significant side effects were noted after 6 months (SHT). Varro Tyler cautioned against self-medication with BPH. Whenever treating BPH, a practitioner should be involved. Base-line levels of PSA should be established before considering an herbal treatment (JAD).

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP). “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD). No significant side effects were noted after 6 months (SHT). Varro Tyler cautioned against self-medication with BPH. Whenever treating BPH, a practitioner should be involved. Base-line levels of PSA should be established before considering an herbal treatment (JAD).

Synonyms:

Actions: Poison (f; CRC).

Indications: Adenopathy (f; CRC); Debility (f; CRC); Lymphosis (f; CRC).

Dosage:

Contraindications:

Synonyms: As so often in plants that I describe as too dangerous to take, many of the folk indications come from homeopathy (especially those labeled (f; HHB; PH2) below), which stresses poisonous plants in extremely high doses. Unfortunately, the naive don’t always understand the homeopathic dosages. I hope the nonbotanists who wrote Commission E and the Herbal PDR have figured out the larkspurs better than I have. Otherwise, they know not of which larkspur they speak. There are more than a dozen Consolidas and Delphiniums, many called larkspurs. And don’t forget the pediculicide stavesacre, D. staphisagria L. After wasting a day with the nomenclatorial nuances, I feel I should treat three species or lump them all into one, larkspur (Consolida regalis Gray (formerly Delphinium consolida); the slightly different rocket larkspur, Consolida ajacis L. Schur; and finally the stavesacre, Delphinium staphasiagria L., which is not covered by the USDA. All are poisonous and dangerous, and probably not reliably distinguished by nonbotanists. So it is, methinks, a bit optimistic to assume the data in the literature have been based on positive identification (i.e., better speculations than mine).

Actions: Antispasmodic (f; EFS); Arrhythmogenic (1; PH2); Emetic (f; EFS); Laxative (f; EFS); Narcotic (f; EFS); Nervine (f; EFS); Pediculicide (f; EFS); Toxic (f; EFS); Vermifuge (f; EFS).

Indications: Adenopathy (f; HHB; PH2); Alopecia (f; HHB; PH2); Anxiety (f; PH2); Body Odor (f; PH2); Blepharosis (f; HHB; PH2); Callus (f; JLH); Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, pituitary (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Cervicosis (f; JLH); Chalazion (f; PH2); Constipation (f; EFS; PH2); Cramp (f; EFS); Cystosis (f; PH2); Debility (f; HHB; PH2); Dermatosis (f; PH2); Diabetes (f; PH2); Diarrhea (f; HHB); Dysuria (f; PH2); Edema (f; PH2); Gastrosis (f; PH2); Gonorrhea (f; HHB; PH2); Headache (f; HHB; PH2); Hypochondria (f; HHB; PH2); Hysteria (f; HHB; PH2); Impotence (f; HHB); Induration (f; JLH); Leukorrhea (f; HHB); Melancholy (f; PH2); Neuralgia (f; HHB; PH2); Neurasthenia (f; HHB; PH2); Neurosis (f; PH2); Pediculosis (1; EFS; PH2); Phymata (f; JLH); Polyp (f; JLH); Rheumatism (f; HHB; PH2); Rhinosis (f; JLH); Scrofula (f; PH2); Seborrhea (f; PH2); Senility (f; PH2); Stye (f; PH2); Swelling (f; PH2); Ulcer (f; HHB; PH2); Uterosis (f; JLH); VD (f; HHB); Worm (f; EFS).

Dosage: Not covered (AHP). 2 tsp seed leads to collapse with labored breathing, stomach pain, and weakened pulse.

Contraindications: Not covered (AHP). 2 tsp seed leads to collapse with labored breathing, stomach pain, and weakened pulse.

Synonyms: Eupatorium rebaudianum Bertoni

Actions: Antibacterial (f; APA); Anticariogenic (f; APA); Antidiabetic (1; APA); Antiedemic (1; HH2); Antifertility (1; APA); Antigluconeogenic (1; AMA); Antiinflammatory (1; HH2); Antiseptic (f; APA); Calcium Antagonist (1; AMA); Contraceptive (f; APA; HHB; PH2); Diuretic (1; AMA; APA; PH2); Hypoglycemic (1; APA; PH2; SYN); Hypotensive (1; AMA; APA;HH2; PH2); Mutagenic (1; AMA; APA); Natriuretic (f; PH2); Nephrotoxic (1; AMA); Sweetener (f; APA); Vasodilator (1; AMA; APA).

Indications: Bacteria (f; APA); Diabetes (1; APA; HHB); Hyperglycemia (1; AMA); Hypertony (f; HH2); High Blood Pressure (1; AMA; APA; HH2; PH2); Hyperglycemia (1; APA; PH2; SYN); Inflammation (1; HH2); Swelling (1; HH2); Syndrome X (1; SYN); Water Retention (1; AMA; APA; PH2).

Dosage: Class 1 (AHP). No health hazards known with proper use as a sweetener (PH2). AMA (Alternative Medicine Alert) suggests that one byproduct of stevia metabolism may be mutagenic (APA); steviol, a metabolite of stevioside “has been found to be highly mutagenic in several in vitro studies” (AMA 3:13). Insufficient human data exist regarding safety in pregnancy and lactation. Hence, “pregnant and lactating patients should avoid stevia” (AMA 3:13). Limited data suggest it may be a contraceptive (APA). Stevioside is “about one hundred times sweeter than sucrose at a 10% concentration” (APA). Liquid leaf extracts significantly decrease plasma glucose levels after overnight fasting in 16 healthy adults (APA).

Contraindications: Class 1 (AHP). No health hazards known with proper use as a sweetener (PH2). AMA (Alternative Medicine Alert) suggests that one byproduct of stevia metabolism may be mutagenic (APA); steviol, a metabolite of stevioside “has been found to be highly mutagenic in several in vitro studies” (AMA 3:13). Insufficient human data exist regarding safety in pregnancy and lactation. Hence, “pregnant and lactating patients should avoid stevia” (AMA 3:13). Limited data suggest it may be a contraceptive (APA). Stevioside is “about one hundred times sweeter than sucrose at a 10% concentration” (APA). Liquid leaf extracts significantly decrease plasma glucose levels after overnight fasting in 16 healthy adults (APA).

Synonyms:

Actions: Analgesic (1; CAN; CRC; EFS); Anticancer (1; MAB); Antibacterial (1; FAD; MAB; PH2; VVG); Antidepressant (2; APA; BGB; CRC; PH2; SHT; WAM); Antidote (1; FNF; MAD); Antiedemic (1; CAN); Antiherpetic (1; MAB); Antiinflammatory (1; APA; FAD; PIP; PH2); Antineuralgic (f; BGB); Antiretroviral (1; APA; FAD); Antiseptic (1; HHB; PH2); Antispasmodic (f; HHB); Antiulcerogenic (1; CAN); Antiviral (2; APA; PH2; SKY; VVG); Anxiolytic (2; PH2; PNC); Aperitif (1; CAN); Astringent (f; CRC; EFS; PNC); COMT Inhibitor (f; MAB); Cholagogue (f; CRC; EFS); Digestive (f; CRC; EFS); Diuretic (f; BGB; DEP; EFS; VVG); Dopaminergic (1; MAB; PH2); Emmenagogue (f; DEM;MAD); Expectorant (f; CRC; EFS); GABA-Reuptake Inhibitor (1; MAB); Hemostat (f; DEM; MAD); Hypotensive (1; CAN); Immunostimulant (1; CAN); MAOI (1; KOM; PHR; PH2); Melatoninergic (1; PH2); Nervine (1; EFS; MAB; WAM); Psychotropic (1; CAN); Resolvent (f; CRC); Sedative (1; CAN; FAD; MAD; PH2); Serotoninergic (1; MAB; PH2); SSRI (1; MAB; PHR; PH2); Stimulant (f; CRC); Tonic (1; CAN; CRC; WAM); Tranquilizer (1; CAN; CRC; PNC); Uterotonic (f; EFS); Vasoconstrictor (1; CAN); Vermifuge (f; CEB; CRC; DEP; EFS); Vulnerary (1; APA; MAB; WAM).

Indications: Adenopathy (f; CRC; JLH); Alcoholism (1; MAB); Alopecia (f; CRC); Anorexia (1; CAN); Anuria (f; CRC); Anxiety (2; APA; KOM; PH2; PNC); Apoplexy (f; MAD); Asthma (f; CRC; PH2); Bacteria (1; CRC; FAD; MAB; PH2; VVG); Bite (f; CRC); Bladder Stone (f; CEB); Bleeding (f; CRC; DEM; MAD); Bronchosis (f; CRC; PH2); Bruise (2; APA; BGB; FAD; MAB); Bunion (f; CRC); Burn (2; APA; KOM; MAD; PH2; SHT); Calcification (f; PH2); Cancer (1; CRC; MAB); Cancer, breast (f; JLH); Cancer, lymph (f; JLH); Cancer, ovary (f; JLH); Cancer, stomach (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Cardiopathy (f; MAD); Catarrh (f; CRC); Cerebrosis (f; CRC; PH2); Chickenpox (1; MAB); Childbirth (f; CRC); Cholecystosis (f; APA; FAD; PH2); Climacteric (f; MAD); Cold (f; APA; PNC); Cold Sore (1; MAB); Concussion (f; CRC); Congestion (1; APA); Crohn’s Disease (f; CRC); Cough (f; APA; DEM; PNC); Coxalgia (f; CRC; MAD); Cramp (f; APA; HHB; MAD); Cut (f; FAD); Cyanosis (f; MAD); Cystosis (f; CRC); Cytomegalovirus (1; MAB); Depression (2; APA; BGB; CRC; FAD; KOM; PH2; SHT; WAM); Dermatosis (2; APA; PHR; PH2); Diarrhea (f; APA; FAD; MAB; PH2); Duodenosis (f; MAD); Dysentery (f; CRC; FAD; MAB); Dysmenorrhea (f; APA CRC; MAD; PNC); Dyspepsia (2; APA; KOM; PHR; PH2); Dysuria (f; CEB; CRC); Eczema (1; PH2); Endometriosis (f; MAD); Enterosis (f; DEM); Enuresis (f; CRC; MAB; PH2); Epilepsy (f; MAD); Epistaxis (f; DEM); Fever (f; DEM); Fibrososis (f; CAN); Flu (1; CAN); Gas (f; MAD); Gastroduodenosis (1; CAN); Gastrosis (1; CAN; CRC; PH2); Gout (f; MAD; PH2; VVG); Headache (f; CRC; MAD); Hematuria (f; CEB); Hemoptysis (f; CRC; MAD); Hemorrhagia (1; CRC; MAB); Hemorrhoid (1; APA; CRC; HHB; MAD); Hepatosis (1; CAN; MAB; MAD; MAN); Herpes (1; MAB); High Blood Pressure (1; CAN); HIV (1; CAN; JAD); Hydrophobia (f; CRC); Hysteria (f; BGB; CRC; MAB); Immunodepression (1; CAN); Impotence (f; CRC); Induration (f; CRC; JLH); Infection (1; APA; CAN; MAB); Inflammation (1; APA; CRC; FAD; PIP; PH2); Insomnia (1; CAN; CRC; FAD; FNF; MAD; PH2); Jaundice (f; CRC; MAB; MAD); Lumbago (f; MAD); Lymphosis (f; JLH); Mania (1; FNF; MAD); Mastosis (f; CRC; JLH; MAD); Melancholy (1; FNF; MAD); Menopause (1; CAN; MAB); Menorrhagia (f; MAB); Migraine (f; MAD); Myalgia (2; KOM; PHR; PH2; SHT); Neck (f; CRC); Nephrosis (f; APA); Nerve (f; CRC); Nervousness (1; APA; CAN; CRC; FAD; MAD; PH2; PNC); Neuralgia (1; BGB; CAN; MAB); Neurasthenia (f; CRC); Neurofibromatosis (f; MAD); Neurosis (1; BGB; CAN; PH2); Noctambulism (f; MAD); OCD (1; WAF); Oliguria (f; CRC); Otosis (1; SKY); Oxyurid (f; HHB); Pain (1; CAN; CRC; EFS); Paralysis (f; CRC); Parasite (f; MAB); Pertussis (f; CRC); Phthisis (f; CRC); Pulmonosis (f; APA; CEB); Rabies (f; CRC); Radiation (f; AIL); Rheumatism (1; MAB; PH2; PNC); SAD (2; MAB); Sciatica (1; CAN; CRC; MAB); Shingles (1; MAB); Snakebite (f; DEM); Sore (f; CRC; DEM; FAD); Sore Throat (f; CEB); Spine (f; CRC); Sprain (1; BGB; WAM); Staphylococcus (1; PH2); Sterility (f; DEM); Stimulant (f; EFS); Stomatosis (f; CEB); Strain (1; WAM); Streptococcus (1; PH2); Stress (1; CAN); Sunburn (1; AIL); Swelling (1; CAN; CEB; MAB; MAD); Tetanus (f; CRC); Tonsilosis (f; PH2); Tuberculosis (f; CRC); Ulcer (1; CAN; CRC; MAB; MAD); Ulcus cruris (f; MAD); Uterosis (f; JLH; MAD); VD (f; DEM); Viral Hepatitis (1; MAB); Virus (2; APA; PH2; SKY; VVG); Vitiligo (1; CRC; SKY); Water Retention (f; BGB; DEP; EFS; MAD; VVG); Worm (f; CEB; CRC; DEP; EFS; FAD); Wound (2; APA; KOM; PH2; WAM).

Dosage: Class 2d. May potentiate MAOIs (AHP). Active ingredients may be photoactive, especially in fair-skinned people. Reichert takes it even more seriously: Although hypericum is not as strong as synthetic MAOIs, patients should still avoid the things usually avoided: high tyramine foods (smoked or pickled), alcoholic beverages, amphetamines, cold and hay fever remedies, narcotics, tryptophan, and tyrosine (I no longer believe this caveat is desirable). Do not take during pregnancy or intense sun exposure (Reichert, 1994; WAM). Commission E reports adverse effect of photosensitivity. Other sources report flowering top permitted for external use only; not to be used before exposure to sunlight (AEH). Foster (1996) is moderate, suggesting that St. John’s-Wort should not be mixed with synthetic antidepressants. Because it may inhibit MAO, taking it with SSRIs, such as Prozac, could cause serious health damage. Although side effects have not been reported in clinical studies, range animals eating the plant and then standing in bright sunlight have experienced sunburn or blindness from photosensitization. This treatment option should be discussed with your health care provider (Foster, 1996). The Herbal PDR state that photodermatosis in animals usually kicks in after high doses, such as 3000 mg per kg body weight (PHR). CAN cautions that hypericin is phototoxic. “Mice given 0.2–0.5 mg of the herb were found to develop severe photodynamic effects. Delayed hypersensitivity or photodermatosis has been documented for St. John’s-wort, following the ingestion of a herbal tea made from the leaves” (CAN). ESCOP recommends a limited daily intake of 1 mg total hypericin (QRNM, 1997:292). Because of slight uterine activity in vitro, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN). No contraindications or drug-drug interactions reported (PIP). A recent Internet message cautions about the potential for serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include chills, confusion, fever, myoclonus, hyperactive reflexes, myoclonus, speech difficulties, and sweating. Cannot be mixed with an SSRI. That is likely to produce serotonin syndrome—severe headache, tachycardia, and diaphoresis—which resembles neuroleptic malignant syndrome (O’Brien, 1998). Recently found to detoxify all the same drugs that grapefruit potentiates. It induces cytochrome P3A4 450, which speeds up metabolism of several drugs. Nierenberg et al., 1999 kindly remind us that, like synthetic antidepressants, this herbal antidepressant may rarely induce hypomania in manic patients. Poorly designed Loma Linda studies (Ondrizek) suggest that hypericum may interfere with fertility. But this was based on soaking “skinned human sperm” for 24 hours in hypericum tea as I recall. Extracts (St. John’s-Wort) — A StX (600 mg wit, 0.24–0.32% hypericin 3 ×/day) produced erythema in light-sensitive patients (AHP). Leaf extracts enhance mouse immune system against Bordetella pertussis and Staphylococcus aureus. Novoimanine is most effective against S. aureus, with water soluble imanine being more effective than imamine or sulphanilamide. Herb extracts are reportedly more active against Escherichia, Shigella, and Staphylococcus than decoctions. Catechin and flavonoid containing fractions inhibit the flu virus 83–100% (CAN). Amentoflavone is antiinflammatory and antiulcerogenic (CAN). Total flavonoid fraction is analgesic in mice (CAN). Small amounts of hypericin are tonic and tranquilizing in humans (CAN). Extracts inhibit catechol-o-methyl-transferase at 100 μM, modulate interleukin-6, block corticotropin-releasing hormone, reduce the availability of serotonin receptors (IC50 = 6.2 μg/ml) and the associated inhibition of resorption of serotonin into the cell, and block MAOA and B in vitro and ex vivo, and hypericin raises levels of melatonin, all factors that may contribute to antidepressant activity. No statistical evidence was shown in the antiinflammatory activity of the extract and hydrocortisone (QRNM, 1997:292). With rats the IC50 was only 6.2 μg/ml for inhibiting synaptosomal serotonin uptake (consistent with doses of 900 mg extract in humans). LD50 = >5000 mg/kg. Phototoxic reactions occur in some patients with AIDS given ivn injections of 30–40 mg hypericin. “Not suitable for use as daily sedatives of sleep aids. Preparations are no more effective than synthetic antidepressants,” but they are extremely well tolerated by the patients. In observational studies or >3000 cases, there is ca. a 3% incidence of minor side effects, cf 10–25% with modern nontricyclic antidepressants (SHT). In Germany, the costs are about equal (tricyclics = 0.75 a day, hypericum 0.80 a day, cf $2.25 for nontricyclic antidepressants (SHT).

Contraindications: Class 2d. May potentiate MAOIs (AHP). Active ingredients may be photoactive, especially in fair-skinned people. Reichert takes it even more seriously: Although hypericum is not as strong as synthetic MAOIs, patients should still avoid the things usually avoided: high tyramine foods (smoked or pickled), alcoholic beverages, amphetamines, cold and hay fever remedies, narcotics, tryptophan, and tyrosine (I no longer believe this caveat is desirable). Do not take during pregnancy or intense sun exposure (Reichert, 1994; WAM). Commission E reports adverse effect of photosensitivity. Other sources report flowering top permitted for external use only; not to be used before exposure to sunlight (AEH). Foster (1996) is moderate, suggesting that St. John’s-Wort should not be mixed with synthetic antidepressants. Because it may inhibit MAO, taking it with SSRIs, such as Prozac, could cause serious health damage. Although side effects have not been reported in clinical studies, range animals eating the plant and then standing in bright sunlight have experienced sunburn or blindness from photosensitization. This treatment option should be discussed with your health care provider (Foster, 1996). The Herbal PDR state that photodermatosis in animals usually kicks in after high doses, such as 3000 mg per kg body weight (PHR). CAN cautions that hypericin is phototoxic. “Mice given 0.2–0.5 mg of the herb were found to develop severe photodynamic effects. Delayed hypersensitivity or photodermatosis has been documented for St. John’s-wort, following the ingestion of a herbal tea made from the leaves” (CAN). ESCOP recommends a limited daily intake of 1 mg total hypericin (QRNM, 1997:292). Because of slight uterine activity in vitro, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN). No contraindications or drug-drug interactions reported (PIP). A recent Internet message cautions about the potential for serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include chills, confusion, fever, myoclonus, hyperactive reflexes, myoclonus, speech difficulties, and sweating. Cannot be mixed with an SSRI. That is likely to produce serotonin syndrome—severe headache, tachycardia, and diaphoresis—which resembles neuroleptic malignant syndrome (O’Brien, 1998). Recently found to detoxify all the same drugs that grapefruit potentiates. It induces cytochrome P3A4 450, which speeds up metabolism of several drugs. Nierenberg et al., 1999 kindly remind us that, like synthetic antidepressants, this herbal antidepressant may rarely induce hypomania in manic patients. Poorly designed Loma Linda studies (Ondrizek) suggest that hypericum may interfere with fertility. But this was based on soaking “skinned human sperm” for 24 hours in hypericum tea as I recall. Extracts (St. John’s-Wort) — A StX (600 mg wit, 0.24–0.32% hypericin 3 ×/day) produced erythema in light-sensitive patients (AHP). Leaf extracts enhance mouse immune system against Bordetella pertussis and Staphylococcus aureus. Novoimanine is most effective against S. aureus, with water soluble imanine being more effective than imamine or sulphanilamide. Herb extracts are reportedly more active against Escherichia, Shigella, and Staphylococcus than decoctions. Catechin and flavonoid containing fractions inhibit the flu virus 83–100% (CAN). Amentoflavone is antiinflammatory and antiulcerogenic (CAN). Total flavonoid fraction is analgesic in mice (CAN). Small amounts of hypericin are tonic and tranquilizing in humans (CAN). Extracts inhibit catechol-o-methyl-transferase at 100 μM, modulate interleukin-6, block corticotropin-releasing hormone, reduce the availability of serotonin receptors (IC50 = 6.2 μg/ml) and the associated inhibition of resorption of serotonin into the cell, and block MAOA and B in vitro and ex vivo, and hypericin raises levels of melatonin, all factors that may contribute to antidepressant activity. No statistical evidence was shown in the antiinflammatory activity of the extract and hydrocortisone (QRNM, 1997:292). With rats the IC50 was only 6.2 μg/ml for inhibiting synaptosomal serotonin uptake (consistent with doses of 900 mg extract in humans). LD50 = >5000 mg/kg. Phototoxic reactions occur in some patients with AIDS given ivn injections of 30–40 mg hypericin. “Not suitable for use as daily sedatives of sleep aids. Preparations are no more effective than synthetic antidepressants,” but they are extremely well tolerated by the patients. In observational studies or >3000 cases, there is ca. a 3% incidence of minor side effects, cf 10–25% with modern nontricyclic antidepressants (SHT). In Germany, the costs are about equal (tricyclics = 0.75 a day, hypericum 0.80 a day, cf $2.25 for nontricyclic antidepressants (SHT).