 |
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
The following is a basic Herbal Materia Medica of 15 herbs. Click on each of the headings to view the materia medica of that herb. Materia Medica 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Calendula officinalis 3.0 Gentiana luteum 4.0 Althaea officinalis 5.0 Taraxacum officinalis 6.0 Echinacea spp 7.0 Achillea millefolium Botanical name: Achillea millefolium. Common name: Yarrow Appearance: Pinnate leaves and multiple small flower heads. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983). Major phytochemical constituents: Achilleine, azulene, coumarin (www.herbvideos.com/) Therapeutic actions: Diaphoretic, antipyretic, hypotensive, astringent, diuretic and urinary antiseptic. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.145). Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, tonic, carminative, digestive aid and vulnerary. (www.herbvideos.com/) Traditional and historical uses: Fevers, common cold, essential hypertension, amenorrhoea, dysentry and diarrhoea. BHP specific: Thrombotic conditions with hypertension, including cerebral and coronary thromboses. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.145). Dosage: Three times daily: 2 - 4 g, or by infusion. 2 - 4 ml (1:1 Liquid extract in 25% alcohol). 2 - 4 ml (1:5 Liquid extract in 45% alcohol). (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.145). Contraindications: None. Safety considerations: Interferes with absorption of minerals, including iron. (Balch & Balch, 1997.) 8.0 Inula helenium Botanical name: Inula helenium. Common name: Elecampagne Appearance: Major phytochemical constituents: Carbohydrates, terpenoids, volatile oils, resins. (Anderson, et al., 1996). Therapeutic actions: Expectorant, antitussive, diaphoretic, bactericidal. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.118). Traditional and historical uses: Brochial or tracheal catarrh, couch of pulmonary tuberculosis, irritating cough in children. BHP specific: Irritating cough of bronchitis, phthisis. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.118). Dosage: Three times daily: 1.5 - 4 g, or by decoction. 1.5 - 4 ml (1:1 Liquid extract in 25% alcohol). (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.118). Contraindications: May interfere with hypoglycaemic and antihypertensive medication. (Anderson, et al., 1996). Safety considerations: May cause contact dermatitis and allergies. (Anderson, et al., 1996). 9.0 Withania somnifera Botanical name: Withania somnifera. Common name: Withania Appearance: Major phytochemical constituents: Steroidal compounds: lactones, acylsteryl glucosides. Alkoloids: tropine, pseudotropine, isopelletierine, anaferine. (Bone & Mills, 2000, p.596). Therapeutic actions: Tonic, adaptogen, mild sedative, antiinflammatory, immune modulator, antianaemic, antitumour. (Bone & Mills, 2000, p.595). Traditional and historical uses: Asthma, bronchitis, psoriasis, arthritis, rheumatic pains, insomnia, senile dementia, promotion of conception, debility and nervous exhaustion, general tonic. (Bone & Mills, 2000, p.595). Dosage: Three times daily: 3 - 6 g root by decoction. 6 - 12 ml (1:2 Liquid extract) . (Bone & Mills, 2000, p.595). Contraindications: None. Safety considerations: None. 10.0 Scutellaria laterifolia 11.0 Zingerber officinalis 12.0 Cratageus oxycantha 13.0 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 14.0 Harpagophytum procumbens 15.0 Cimicifuga racemosa 16.0 Glycerrhiza glabra 17.0 Conclusion 18.0 References |