Herb of the Week: Garlic

Herb of the Week

The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.


When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (by copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)

This weeks herb is: Garlic Allium sativum Lilaceae

Common names: Allium, Clove Garlic, Common Garlic, Poor Man’s Treacle, Stinking Rose, Heal All, Rustic’s Treacle

Rodale, pages 215-219
Garlic is both a medicinal and culinary herb. It was once thought to possess powers against evil and has been widely used in charms and spells. Most legends tout garlic as a way to increase strength, speed, and endurance. Medicinally garlic has been prescribed since prebiblical times. It has been used to treat high blood pressure and respiratory problems, as well as headaches, worms, bites, and tumors. During the seventh century it was prescribed to kill worms, protect against various plagues, eased earaches, counteracted some poisons, and took away skin blemishes.

Later it became main ingredient in Four Thieves Vinegar, a folk remedy sold in France since the early eighteenth century. Native Americans knew wild garlic well and used it in their remedies. Settlers brought over additional domestic varieties and pioneers put garlic in their horses’ noses to counteract the effects of high altitude.

Uses:
The same component that gives garlic its pungent odor also destroys or inhibits various bacterial, fungi, and yeast. Allicin is formed when cloves are crushed and is equivalent to 1% penicillin. It has been shown to be effective against some flu viruses, as well as athletes foot, and is more effective than penicillin against typhus. It works against staph and strep bacteria, cholera, and dysentery.
Garlic is a traditional cure for worms and parasites in people and pets. A clove of garlic a day my keep your dog free of worms.
Garlic is also traditionally used in China and Europe for respiratory ailments. Tuberculosis is treated with an inhalant of garlic oil, and whooping cough is treated with a rubdown of garlic and lard on the chest and back. You can also take a teaspoon of garlic syrup to relieve congestion.
In China garlic has been used to treat high blood pressure and other circulatory ailments. Studies have just started in Western medicine concerning this possible effect. Studies have shown that the oil inhibits blood clotting, and reduces cholesterol in the blood and reduces the clogging of arteries.
Investigators in China are also looking into the possibility that garlic prevents gastric cancers. Studies are also looking into the possibilities for garlic as being useful against colic, colds, kidneya and bladder troubles, toothaches, and snakebites.

Poultices and rubs used directly on the skin can cause irritation and blistering.

PDF for Herbal Medicines pages 344-354
Effects:
Recommended for use primarily as a hypolipidemic and a antihypertensive agent but has also found use as a antineoplastic. Garlic preparations are used to effect blood lipids, fibrinolytic activity, low density lipoprotein oxidation, blood pressure and to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. Garlic-derived compounds have shows antimicrobial properties and antibacterial properties as well as antifungal activity. Garlic tablets studied in vitro have been found to enhance “killer cells”- an important part of the immune system in fighting cancers, viruses, and certain bacteria. The antioxidative effects are responsible for decreasing poor cellular function and premature aging.

Many studies have demonstrated garlic to inhibit platelet aggregation which may cause postoperative bleeding.

Antihypertensive effects:
Garlic has an effect on vessels but its mechanism of action has not yet been clarified. It may reduce the amount of cholesterol deposited on the blood vessel linings.

Antimicrobial effects:
Studies indicate that garlic act as a natural antibiotic with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, including some antibiotic resistant organisms. Acrtivity of commercial garlic extract against meningitis in clinical studies indicate that active components may pass the intact or disrupted blood-brain barrier.

Antineoplastic effects:
The ability of garlic to inhibit cancers may be due to interference with carsinigens, especially those that require metabolic activation. Some studies have shown garlic consumption associated with a reduced risk of stomach and colorectal cancer. There is a potential for use in the treatment of bladder cancer. Garlic may inhibit carcinogenesis, inhibit cancer cell growth, and promote chemical carcinogen detoxification. A preliminary study suggests garlic may be an effective adjunctive therapy to chemotherapeutic agents in treatement resistant or treatment relapsed acute myeloid leukemia.

Hypercholesterolemic effects:
Numerous studies have demonstrated that garlic possesses hypercholesterolemic effects, the mechanism of this effect has not been clarified. It may involve a reduction in excess lipids, lowering of hypertension, and prevention of thrombus formation. Garlic may reduce lipid content in arterial cells and prevent intracellular lipid accumulation. Garlic reduces cholesterol but is a clinically inefficient means of doing it.

Platelet Aggregation effects:
Antiplatelet aggregation activity is only present in the blood for a short time (less than one hour) and the antiplatelet aggregation mechanism has not been fully clarified.

Indications and usage:
Garlic is used internally as an adjuvant to dietetic measures for elevated lipid levels. It is also used for the prevention of age related vascular changes and arteriosclerosis.

Unproven uses:
Used internally for inflammatory respiratory conditions, whooping cough, upper respiratory tract inflammation, and bronchitis. Also used for gastrointestinal ailments, especially those associated with flatulence and gastrointestinal spasms. Other uses consist of menstrual pain, and treatment of diabetes, constipation, and fever.. Externally it is used for corns, warts, calluses, muscle and joint pain, neuralgia, arthritis, and sciatica.

Contraindications:
Garlic may increase the risk of bleeding and should be discontinued for 10 days prior to elective surgery. Not to be used while breastfeeding.

Precautions and adverse reactions:
Anaphylaxis, offensive odor, burns, nausea, and anticoagulation resulting in bleeding have been reported. Adverse effects such as headaches, myalgia, fatigue, and vertigo have been seen with therapeutic doses of garlic. Gastrointestinal symptoms and allergic reactions are possible. Mild and infrequent adverse reactions include belching, flatulence, and constipation. Garlic can “burn” the skin if kept in contact for hours or days at a time. Rashes at the ingestion or injection site have been reported. Prolonged high dose therapy have shown signs of possible liver toxicity, with elevated liver enzymes being found. Body odor and halitosis are common side effects of garlic ingestion.

Drug interactions:
Antiplatelet effects of garlic could add to the effects of anticoagulants, Antiplatelet agents, low molecular weight heparins, and thrombolytic agents. Regular ingestion of food products containing small amounts of garlic should not pose a problem.
Garlic oil significantly induced the metabolism of chlorzoxazone but other garlic formulations may not have the same effect.
NSAIDs such as indomethacin could increase bleeding time. Regular ingestion of food products containing small amounts of garlic should not pose a problem.
Avoid use of garlic when using protease inhibitors. Garlic use can increase the toxicity of the protease inhibitor.

The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman 1991 pages 177-182
The first “prescription” for garlic dates to a Sumerian clay tablet from 3000 B.C. The entire ancient world, but especially the Egyptians loved garlic, with the herb even being found in the tomb of King Tut. Garlic was listed in the world’s oldest surviving medical text, Ebers Papyrus, and was an ingredient in 22 remedies, including those for headache, insect bites, intestinal worms, menstrual discomforts, tumors, and heart problems.

Garlic has been eaten before athletic events and before battle for strength and agility; it has been hung in rooms to safeguard against disease and witchcraft and to keep evil spirits at bay.

Greek and Roman physicians also loved garlic. It was recommended for leprosy, infections, wounds, cancer, digestive problems, and heart problems. India’s Ayurvedic healers also prescribed garlic for both leprosy and cancer. By Medieval European times garlic was shunned by the rich, but the poor saw it as a preventative and a cure all and by the 17th century the rich returned to using it as a cure all, albeit only sparingly. America in the 19th century conceded its effectiveness in treating colds, whooping cough, and respiratory ailments. It was also believed that garlic juice applied to the ear would cure deafness. During WWI British, French, and Russian army physicians used garlic to treat infected battle wounds and to treat and prevent dysentery.

It wasn’t until the 1920’s when garlic’s mysteries became apparent. Researchers isolated allin in the garlic, that when it comes in contact with the garlic enzyme allinase, becomes allicin, a powerful antibiotic. This is done naturally when garlic is crushed or chewed. Since then studies have shown that garlic can kill the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, food poisoning, and bladder infections. It also may prevent infection from the influenza virus. It has been shown to be effective in treating the fungi that cause athlete’s foot and vaginal yeast infections as well.

Some studies have shown garlic to help reduce blood sugar levels and could be used in conjunction with contemporary medicine to help fight diabetes. European studies have shown garlic to help eliminate lead and other toxic heavy metals from the body. There are even preliminary studies looking at garlic to help AIDA patients keep their immune functions up and running.

To help eliminate garlic breath try chewing parsley, fennel or fenugreek after eating.

Garlic should only be used in medicinal amounts in consultation with your doctor. If it causes minor discomfort, such as stomach upset, reduce intake or stop using it.

The Big Book of Herbs by Arthur O. Tucker, PHD and Thomas Debaggio 2000 Pages 124-145
The Latin name means “cultivated onion”. Three botanical varieties are known but many show combinations of characteristics of two or more varieties.

The essential oil is generally regarded as safe at 0.01 to 40 ppm.

Fresh garlic has the highest content of active ingredients with freeze dried garlic coming in second. Further processing lowers the active ingredients and deodorized products have virtually eliminated the active ingredients.

Planting recommendations for the eastern US yield approximately 1,375 lbs of garlic per acre. To avoid disease, plant where onions have not been planted in the past five years. Grade standards include “USDA No.1” and “unclassified”. USDA No. 1 consists of mature garlic with compact, plump cloves, free from dirt, mold, sunburn, stains, cuts, sprouts, roots, insects, or mechanical damage. Any garlic that does not meet these standards is considered “unclassified”.

California, especially the area around Gilroy, leads in the domestic production of fresh and dehydrated garlic. Dehydrated garlic is also imported from mainly Taiwan and mainland China.

Herb of the Week: Fennel

Herb of the Week

The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.


When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (by copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)

This weeks herb is:
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare (wild fennel) Umbelliferae F. vulgare dulce (sweet fennel)

Common names:
Florence Fennel, finoccio, Large Fennel, Sweet Fennel, Wild Fennel, Fenkel, Bitter Fennel

(from Rodale, pages 188-190)

History:
Along with its medicinal usages, fennel was also used to prevent witchcraft, being hung over doors for that purpose. It was the emperor Charlemagne who introduced the plant into central Europe, it was eaten along with fish and meat to aid digestion.

Uses: Carminative, weak diuretic, mild stimulant. Fennel tea is said to soothe the stomach. All parts of the plant are considered to be safe to eat. The essential oil of the seed can be irritating to those with allergies or skin sensitivities.

It was also been believed to help break up kidney stones, quiet hiccups, prevent nausea and gout, clear the liver and lungs, and serve as an antidote to poisonous mushrooms.

Fennel is aromatic in both odor and taste and is commercially used in condiments, perfumes, and soaps. It is cleansing and medicating, an infusion of the ground seeds can be used to make a steam facial. The flowers and leaves can be used to create yellow and brown dyes for wool.

PDF for Herbal Medicines (pages 316-318

The medicinal part is the Fennel oil extracted from the ripe fruit, the dried ripe fruit, and the seeds though steam distillation.

It is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and has spread to England, Germany, South Tyrol, and Argentina. It is also found in Iran, India, and China.

Effects:
Gastrointestinal Motility, antispasmodic, secretolyic action on the respiratory tract, and antimicrobial.

Usages:
Cough
Bronchitis
Dyspeptic Complaints
Peptic discomforts, feeling of fullness, flatulence, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

Folk medicine: fish tapeworms, skin conditions, various eye complaints (including conjunctivitis)

Precautions:
Allergic reactions rarely observed. Cross sensitivity with patients with celery allergy are possible. Preparations (excluding tea infusions) should not be administered during pregnancy. Preparations (excluding tea) should not be administered to small children.

The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman 1991 (pages 165-168)

Fennel has been used as a digestive aid from the time of the Pharaohs to the present day. During the third century BC it was used to treat infant colic and 400 years later it was used as an appetite suppressant and to help nursing mothers to boost milk production. During Roman times Pliny included fennel in 22 remedies, including those for eye problems, including blindness. Later, its yellow color was thought to indicate its usage, thus was recommended for jaundice. By the 17th century Fennel was a mainstay of herbal healing. It was recommended to cure flatulence, increase milk production, and cleanse the eyes, stomach ailments, and bringing menstruation. Folk healers mixed fennel with natural laxatives to counteract intestinal cramps associated with them. During the 19th century in America fennel was prescribed as a digestive aid, for milk and menstruation promotion, and as a flavor to conceal the taste of other medicines.

Today in Latin America fennel is still prescribed as a milk promoter for nursing mothers. In Jamaica it is used to treat colds, and many Africans use it to treat diarrhea and aid indigestion. Contemporary herbalists also use fennel as digestive aid milk promoter, expectorant, eyewash, and buffer in herbal laxatives.

The Big Book of Herbs by Arthur O. Tucker, PHD and Thomas Debaggio 2000 (Pages 269-272)

In the garden, fennel attracts swallowtail butterflies which use the plant to lay their eggs on. The resulting caterpillars then feed on the leaves, and do minimal damage to the plant.

Two subspecies are known: vulgare is cultivated fennel and pipertium is the wild pepper fennel. Within the vulgare subspecies is the variation dulce also called sweet or Roman Fennel, which is cultivated for its essential oil.

The chief source of fennel seeds to the US is Egypt. Seeds are harvested at a rate of 1300-1700 lbs of seeds per acre.

Fennel and its essential oil are both generally regarded as safe however there is some studies determining of some forms of fennel are carcinogenic in children, but there has been no conclusive evidence as such. Fennel seed may be toxic to the central nervous system of newborns, so fennel tea should not be taken by nursing mothers. Fennel essential oil is an antioxidant, enhances bile secretion, is a diuretic, has analgesic properties, and is carminative, antipyretic, and antibacterial.

Herb of the Week: Echinacea

The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.


When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (by copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)

This weeks herb is: Echinacea Echinacea angustifolia

Common names: purple cone flower, Sampson root, Kansas niggerhead, Black Sampson, Hedgehog, Red Sunflower, Rudbeckia

(from Rodale, pages 176-177 )

History: Echinacea was used as a remedy by Native Americans more than any other plant in the plain states region. It was used to treat snake bites, insect bites, burns, and was also used during traditional purification rites and rituals. By the 1920's it was the most popular drug plant but fell from popularity during the 1930's due to the advent of new drugs.

Today, it is still used to facilitate wound healing. The roots contain a substance called caffeic acid glycoside, which is the root of its healing properties. In folk medicine, Echinacea was used as a blood purifier, and was thought to treat or cure many ailments, including rheumatism, bee stings, snake bites, tumors, gangrene, eczema, and other wounds. It is still regarded as an immuno-stimulant and an effective antibiotic.

If growing your own, wait until after the plant has weathered a few frosts, then harvest the root, clean thoroughly and dry it.

Uses:
PDF for Herbal Medicines (pages 267-274)

Effects: The herb has demonstrated antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, immune system enhancement, infertility, wound healing, antineoplastic, and antiseptic properties, depending on the plant species. Preparations are commonly given in Europe for the prophylaxis or treatment of bacterial and viral infections and as an adjunct treatment to more severe infections. Extracts are commonly used to treat upper respiratory infections, influenza like infections, and is reported to significantly reduce the symptoms associated with the common cold. Extracts may lessen the severity and lead to an earlier resolution of the common cold when taken soon after exposure. It is also used as an adjuvant therapy for recurring infections of the urinary tract.

Unproven uses: Acute and chronic respiratory tract infections of viral or bacterial origin, increased susceptibility to infection due to temporarily lowered resistance, treatment of leukopenia following radio and cytostatic therapy, and in support of anti-infectious chemotherapy. Burns, swelling of the lymph nodes, and insect bites. Pain associated with headaches, stomach aches. Measles, coughs, and gonorrhea.

Precautions: It should not be administered in the presence of: tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, leukosis, collagenosis, AIDS or HIV infection, and other autoimmune diseases. Diabetes may worsen and administration should not be used in patients with tendencies to allergies. It is not to be used during pregnancy.

Short term fever reactions, nausea, and vomiting can occur. Hypersensitivity reactions with anaphylaxis have been reported. Dizziness, headache, skin irritation, or allergic reactions are possible. Rashes, itching, occasional swelling of the face, breathing difficulties, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure have been observed after administrating Echinacea. Erythema, exanthema, and pruritus have been reported. High concentrations of Echinacea may have an adverse effect on fertility.

Drug Interactions: May interfere with drugs with immunosuppressant effects, it should be avoided during therapy with these drugs. It may interfere with the cancer chemotherapeutic effect of corticosteroids, and should be avoided during corticosteroid therapy.

Toxic cellular effects were only seen at very high, clinically irrelevant concentrations. Very high doses may have a depressant action.

The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman 1991 (pages 150-154)

History: Echinacea has had a long and varied history, from being a primary medicine of the Plain's Indians, to an ingredient in early "snake oil" patent medicines in the 1870's, then gaining popularity again in the 1920's, and losing it again to "regular" medicine in the 1930's, only to be a main staple of the herbal revival of the 1970's, it has survived a roller coaster of popularity.

Contemporary herbalists still tout it as an antibiotic and immune system stimulant. And many recommend taking it daily as a infection preventative.

Healing: It kills a broad range of disease causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It contains a natural antibiotic (echinacoside) comparable to penicillin that has a broad spectrum activity. It can strengthen tissue against assault from germ attack. t may also prevent infection by enhancing the immune system.

Safety Factor: It often causes a tingling sensation of the tongue, which is harmless. There is no reports of Echinacea toxicity. The FDA lists it as a herb of "undefined safety", but for non nursing, non pregnant, otherwise healthy individuals, it can be considered safe. It should only be used in consultation with your doctor, stop using it if you experience diarrhea or stomach upset, and see your doctor if the symptoms for which you are using the herb do not improve significantly in two weeks.

It takes three or four years for roots to grow large enough to harvest. Pull them after the plant has gone to seed. Roots greater than 1/2 inch should be split prior to drying.

Herb of the Week: Dandelion

The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.


When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (by copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)

This weeks herb is: Dandelion Taraxacum officinale

Common names: Swine's snout, yellow gowan, Irish daisy, puffball, peasant's cloak, blowball, priest's crown, cankerwort, Lion's tooth, Monk's Head, Wild Endive, Witch Gowan, piss-in-bed

(from Rodale, pages 141-142 )

History: Dandelion first appears in the tenth century in the medical texts of Arabian physicians. By the sixteenth century it was a valuable drug in British apothecaries, and by the nineteenth century, it was potherb in both Europe and America. Today, it a most often considered a weed in ones lawn.


Uses: As a medicinal herb, the dried root is listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, but there is little evidence for its use. The juice of the root is believed to treat diabetes and liver disease, as well as curing anemia. It is also considered a diuretic as well as a mild laxative, a digestive aid, and an appetitive stimulant. Dandelion wine can be made from the flowers and tastes much like sherry. Dandelion roots can be roasted ad added to coffee, much like chicory. Dandelion greens can be used in salads and older leaves can be steamed like spinach. The flowers can be used to add color to butter and to vinegars. The flowers can also be used to make yellow dyes for wool and the whole plant produces a magenta when used for dying.

PDF for Herbal Medicines (pages 252-254)

Effects: Increases the flow of bile in the upper intestinal tract. It may promote the excretion of salt in the urine. Used for urinary tract infections, liver and gallbladder complaints, loss of appetite and indigestion.

Unproven uses: hemorrhoids, gout rheumatic disorders, and eczema.

Homeopathic Uses: acute mastitis, agalactia, ulcers, tuberculosis, flatulence, colic, and jaundice.

Precautions: Consultation with a doctor is needed by persons with biliary ailments as the biliary ducts may close, they may experience gall bladder infection, and bowl obstruction. Superacid gastric complaints are possible and there is a weak potential for sensitization reactions.

The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman 1991 (pages 143-146)

History: Chinese physicians have used dandelion to treat colds, bronchitis, hepatitis, boils, ulcers, obesity, dental problems, and itching. India's Ayurvedic physicians have used the herb similarly. Arab physicians were the first to lean that the herb increases urine production. In Europe during the middle ages, it was used as a cure for jaundice and gallstones and as a diuretic. Early settlers introduced dandelion to the Native Americans, some of whom adopted it as a tonic.

Healing: Contemporary herbalists recommend dandelion for weight loss, menstrual discomforts, swollen feet, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure, mostly because of its diuretic properties.

Safety Factor: It may produce a skin rash but is listed on the FDA's list of safe herbs. For otherwise healthy, non- pregnant, non-nursing adults, dandelion is considered safe. It can cause minor discomforts such a stomach upset or diarrhea, and it use should be stopped if these symptoms are experienced.

Herb of the Week: Calendula

Herb of the Week

The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.


When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (by copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)

This weeks herb is: Calendula Calendula Offoconalis

Common names: Pot Marigold, Goldbloom, Golds, Holigold, Mary Bud, Mary Gowles, Ruddes

(from Rodale, pages 60-62)


History: The ancient Romans cultivated Calendula just because it was pretty and boomed consistently over a season, although it was used for scorpion bites as well. Since then it has been used to treat headaches, toothaches, red eyes and fevers. Nicholas Culpeper (famed 17th century herbalist) claimed that it strengthened the heart.

Calendula has also been believed to possess magic. It has been an ingredient in concoctions believed to help you see fairies, and others to help you choose your best suitor.

During Elizabethan times Calendula was used prominently in cooking. It was used is stews, vegetables, puddings, and even wine.

During the Civil War Calendula was used to help stop bleeding and to promote the healing of wounds.


Uses: Calendula tinctures have been recommended for a variety of uses: cramps, toothaches, fever, flu, and stomachaches. It is believed to aid digestion and act as a general tonic. In the 1960's there was brief, but unfounded hope , that in Calendula lied the cure for cancer. It is often used externally for sores, cuts, rashes, and burns, even beestings. A Calendula rinse brings out the highlights in blond and brunette hair, and when used in body applications it is believed to be a stimulant. Calendula can be used as a dye- the flowers make a yellow dye for wool when using an alum mordant.


Toxicity: None


Ornamental: Breeders have developed many varieties and colors range from creamy yellow to bright orange.


PDF for Herbal Medicines (pages 545-548)

Effects: The essential oil may have astringent attributes. Flowers are considered anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antilipid. It is thought to relieve gastrointestinal issues by reducing spasms and stimulating the production of bile. Calendula promotes the healing of wounds through formation of granulation tissue.

Unproven uses: Ukrainian and Russian folk medicine used an infusion made from marigold plants to treat hypotension. Also circulation, ulcers, spasms, jaundice, and swelling of the glands. In Russia it is used for strep throat, the Canary Islands use it for coughs and cramps and in China it is used to treat irregular menstruation.

Homeopathic Uses: Used for the inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, for poorly healing wounds, leg ulcers, to clean wounds and for chronic and acute skin inflammation. As folk medicine it has been used externally for varicosis, vascular disease wounds, inflammatory skin disease, eczema, and conjunctivitis. Also used in treatments for dry skin, bee stings, and frostbite. Internally it is used for the inflammatory condition of internal organs, gastrointestinal ulcers, constipation, and as a diuretic.

Precautions: Low potential for sensitization after frequent skin contact. Efficacy has not been proved, so therapeutic value is uncertain.

Herb of the Week: Barberry

The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.


When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (by copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)

This weeks herb is Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris)

Common names: Oregon Grape (Berberis Aquifolium) (a closely related American variety), Berberry, Pipperidge, Jaundice Berry, Sow Berry, Mountain Grape

(from Rodale, pages 20-21)

History: Throughout history barberry has been linked with its edible and medicinal uses. Ancient Egyptians took a barberry and fennel syrup to prevent plague. People of the Middle Ages in Europe took early medicines made of barberry as antiseptics. Native Americans have used the root bark to improve the appetite and to restore general body health.


Uses: Barberry is a multiuse plant. It has a long history of medicinal use, but it also can be used in cooking, and in natural dying of fabrics. Folk medicine uses barberry as an astringent and antibacterial- try blending crushed barberries in water and using it as a gargle for a sore throat. The root can also be used to help control diarrhea by making tea. You can harves the berries in autumn and use in cooking. The berries taste much like cranberries but are more citrus in flavor. They can be made into jellies, jams, and preserves. They can even be candied. The roots should be harvested in late summer or fall to be used ad dye and make a nice yellow color for wools and cottons. No mordent is required, but using alum mordent for wool will provide a lighter yellow.


Toxicity: Low doses have been found to be stimulating on the heart, high doses depress respiration, stimulate the bowel and uterus. Overdoses bring about a light stupor, nosebleeds, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney irritation. The treatment of poisonings is carried out symptomatically.


Ornamental: Barberry is easily trained and lends itself for use in hedges. There is a dwarf species of barberry as well as an evergreen variety. The evergreen varieties lend themselves to beautiful flowers, but often their berries are less attractive. Deciduous varieties typically have brighter berries and beautiful fall foliage in autumn.


PDF for Herbal Medicines (pages 63-64)

Effects: The root bark is a good source of vitamin C thus increasing the immune system, preventing scurvy, and increases immune system activity. With varying doses both positive and negative effects on the heart have been noted.

Unproven uses (fruit): Decoction or extract used for lung, spleen, and liver diseases. Jam or wine can relieve constipation and stimulate appetite. Alcoholic extracts for heartburn and stomach cramps, feverish colds, and diseases of the urinary tract.

Unproven uses (bark): Aid in withdrawal from drugs (such as morphine). Used for liver malfunctions, gallbladder disease, jaundice, indigestion, diarrhea, and urinary tract disorders.

Homeopathic Uses: kidney stones, gout, liver and gallbladder disorders and dry skin diseases.

Pharmaceutical Uses: a syrup for masking flavor

The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman 1991 (pages 59-61)

History: India's Ayurvedic healers prescribed it for dysentery. European herbalists in the Middle Ages also used it to treat jaundice. Traditional Russian healers recommended it for inflammations, high blood pressure, and abnormal uterine bleedings. Once introduced into North America, many Native American tribes used it to treat mouth ulcers, sore throat, wound infections, and intestinal complaints. By the 19th century, American Eclectic physicians prescribed it for jaundice, dysentery, eye infections, cholera, fever, and syphilis.

Safety Factor: Those with heart disease, or chronic respiratory problems should take this herb only with the knowledge and approval of their physicians. Pregnant women should not use barberry as it stimulates the uterus. It should not be used by women who are nursing, and barberry should not be given to children under the age of 2. Older children and people over 65 should start with a low strength preparation. Barberry should only be used in consultation with your doctor or trained herbalist. You should stop using barberry if your experience: stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness or faintness.

Herb of the Week: Aconite

The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.


When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (my copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)

This weeks herb is Aconite (Aconitum Napellus)

Common names: Wolf's Bane, Wolfbane, Monkshood, Blue Rocket, Friar's Cap, Auld Wide's Huid, Helmet Flower, Mousebane, Priest's Pintle, and Soldier's Cap

(from Rodale, pages 1-2)
It is a perennial herb that flowers late summer and fall. The flowers are typically violet but there are both white and mauve varieties as well. It grows 2-4 feet tall and is native to the mountains of France, Switzerland, and Germany, but is widely cultivated in Europe and North America.

History:
Aconite is a very poisonous plant and has been used throughout history as a poison. On the island of Ceos, aconite was used for euthanasia of the old, and hunters used it on arrow tips and in bait to hunt wolves. In Europe and Asia it has been used during ancient warfare to taint the water supply of enemies.

Not just a poison, it was introduced to "modern" medicine in 1763 and was added to the London Pharmacopoeia in 1788 and also the first U.S. Pharmacopoeia.

Uses:
It slows the heart, decreases blood pressure, induces sweating and reduces inflammation. Topical application results in numbness of the area.

Toxicity:
The therapeutic dose of this plant is very close to the toxic dose and thus this herb should never be used for treatment. The entire plant, but especially the root is toxic. The alkaloids present in the plant first stimulate and then suppress the nervous system.

Ornamental:
Although hardy in zones 2-7 I will not provide any additional information on cultivating this plant due to its toxicity. Cases of poisonings have been reported when the leaves were mistook for parsley or the roots for horseradish. Children and pets must be kept away from this herb! If you bust grow it, handle this plant only when wearing gloves to slow the oil absorption into the skin.

PDF for Herbal Medicines (pages 571-572) (Monkshood)
This book claims no useable medicinal parts because it is a DEADLY POSION (my added emphasis).

In experimental pharmacology Aconite is used due to its ability to trigger cardiac arrhythmia. The fist sign of poisoning is a tingling of the mouth, fingers, and toes, which spreads over the entire body and then changes to a "furry" sensation. Body temperature decreases quickly and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and urination follow.

In fatal doses breathing will become irregular and the heart beet slows and becomes arrhythmic. Death follows in about 6 hours, typically due to heart failure or asphyxiation. Medical intervention is necessary to countermeasure the poison, often including gastrointestional emptying, and administration of drugs to fight bradycardia and arrhythmias.

The 1996 edition of the National Herb Garden Guidebook (medicinal garden section) also references Aconite under Monkshood (page 62) and claims that Russian botanists and cancer specialists recognize it as having anti-carcinogenic properties .