Herbs G to K

Solidago virgaurea L.

Family: Compositae
Description: Tall upright perennial with oblong-lanceolate leaves; golden yellow, shortly rayed, flowers appear July to Sept on branched spikes, (Wren, 1988).
Habitat: Common garden and wild plant in Britain and Europe.
Harvest: Leaves and flowering tops are picked before flowers fully opened, (Bown, 1995).

Parts used: Leaves.
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1-2ml tds, Fluid Extract: 1ml tds, Dried: 0.5-4g tds.

Actions:
-ANTI-INFLAMMATORY,
-ANTISEPTIC,
-DIURETIC,
-diaphoretic,
-carminative;

Organ systems: URINARY and UPPER RESPIRATORY;

Indications: “all cases in need of soothing of mucous membranes” -AD
-Urinary infections;
-Catarrh; sluggish conditions;
-Arthritis;

Safety: Safe. Would use in preference to Juniper if concerned about kidney damage..
Contra-indications: None found.

Key Constituents (Wren, 1988):
-Saponin glycosides;
-Diterpenes, incl. solidagolactones;
-Phenolic glucosides, incl. leicarposide;
-Flavonoids, such as rutin and quercetin;
-Polysaccharides;
-Misc.: phenolic acids and tannins;

Pharmacology: Saponins shown anti-fungal effects against Candida. Leicarposide shown anti-inflammatory effects in animals. Extract of leaves and flowers shown transient hypotensive effect in rats, (Wren, 1988). Polysaccharides may have antiseptic effect (AD).

History: Generic name from Latin, solidare, “to make firm; fasten together”, which may derive from its traditional use as a vulnerary.

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“It is a sovereign wound herb, inferior to none, both for the inward and outward hurts; the decoction also helps to fasten the teeth that are loose in the gums.” Culpeper, (1995: 120).

“For EXCESSIVE PHLEGM, take an infusion or tincture of Golden rod; can be combined with other phlegm-reducing herbs, such as Marsh Cudweed, or demulcents like Ribwort Plantain.” Penelope Ody, 1993:136.

“Stimulating and slightly astringent tonic antiseptic to the mucous membrane. Specific for putrescent conditions. Suitable for bronchial disease in the elderly. Promotes renal excretion of fluid where micturition is scanty. Indications:
-Influenza, repeated colds.
-Catarrhal bronchitis with purulent expectoration.
-Putrescent tonsillitis -use acetous infusion as gargle.
-Naso-pharyngeal catarrh with sneezing and excessive mucous.” Priest and Priest, 1983:94.

“For use in hayfever and with Galium and Trifolium for ‘prickly heat’.” Alison Denham, 5/12/00.

Juniperus communis L.

Family: Cupressaceae.
Description: “Upright, spreading or prostrate shrub with red brown, papery bark and juvenile foliage only. Fruits are green at first, turning black with a grey bloom when ripe. H and S 2-4m. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 143)
Habitat: Throughout northern hemisphere, on both acid and calcerous soils.
Harvest: Fruits collected by shaking branches over groundsheet; used fresh for oil distillation and dried for tinctures, etc.

Parts used: Fruit.
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1-2ml tds, Fluid Extract: 0.5-1ml tds, Dried: 5g tds.

Character: Pungent, slightly bitter-sweet, hot, dry, (Ody, 1993)

Actions:
-URINARY ANTISEPTIC,
-CARMINATIVE,
-ANTI-INFLAMMATORY,
-general stimulating tonic, (AD);
-uterine stimulant, (Ody, 1993)

Organ systems: URINARY;

Indications:
-Urinary infections;
-Arthritis and gout (by clearing uric acid from system);
-Colic, flatulence; stimulates digestion;

External usage: Essential oil used for arthritic and muscle pains and water retention.

Safety: Do not take internally for more than 6 weeks, (Ody, 1993);

Contra-indications: Kidney damage; pregnancy , however, may be taken during labour, (Ody, 1993).

Key Constituents (AD):
-Volatile oil, 1-2%, incl. thujone and sabinene;
-Tannins;
-Diterpene acids;
-Misc.; resin, vit C;

Pharmacology: Anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated in vivo, (Wren, 1988).
Toxicology: No studies found.

History: Associated with ritual cleansing, burned in temples in purification rites. Medicinally used by Ancient Egyptians; Oil regarded as cure-all for illnesses of the poor in central European folklore.

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“A remedy to treat tapeworm; juniper berries 5 parts, white oil 5 parts is taken for one day.” From Egyptian papyrus, c.1500 BC, (Ody, 1993).

“Sip a weak infusion (15g berries to 500ml water) for stomach upsets and chills or menstrual pain.” Penelope Ody, 1993:72.

“Stimulating diuretic: indicated for renal torpidity and scanty secretion of urine in elderly. Produces renal vaso-dilation. Indications:
-Cystic catarrh, renal congestion.
-Atonic amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea from sluggish conditions.” Priest and Priest, 1983: 84.

Ginkgo biloba L. Ginkgo, Maidenhair tree
Family: Ginkgoaceae
Description: “Deciduous tree with conical habit when young, and fan-shaped leaves up to 12cm across, which turn yellow in autumn. Tiny female flowers are sometimes followed by foetid, plum-like fruits, about 2.5cm long. H 40m, S 20m.” (Bown, 1995: 134)
Habitat: Native to central China.
Harvest: Leaves are picked as they change colour in autumn and dried for use in tinctures, etc. (Bown, 1995).

Part used: Leaves.
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1-5ml tds, Fluid Extract: 1ml tds, Dried: 2-3g tds, Standardized Extract: 50:1 concentrates: 40mg tds (AD).

Character: Sweet, bitter, astringent, neutral (Ody, 1993)

Actions:
-ANTI-PAF activity,
-ANTIOXIDANT,
-TISSUE PERFUSION ENHANCER,
-CIRCULATORY STIMULANT,
-MEMORY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION ENHANCER.

Indications:
-Disorders and symptoms due to restricted cerebral blood flow*, eg. memory or cognitive impairment, dizziness, tinnitus, headaches, anxiety/ depression, fatigue, stroke;
-Vertigo, acute cochlear deafness*;
-Early stages of primary degenerative dementia (Alzheimer type)*;
-Disorders due to restricted retinal blood flow*; congestive dysmenorrhoea*; effects of high altitude or hypoxia*.(all above Mills and Bone, 2000)
-COGNITIVE CHANGES, ESPECIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH AGE, EG. POOR MEMORY. May be used by students facing exams (AD handout).
-Disorders due to restricted peripheral blood flow, incl. diabetic vascular disease, atherosclerosis, Raynaud’s syndrome**.(Mills and Bone, 2000)
-Varicose ulcers* (AD handout), any peripheral arterial disease.
-Anti-PAF activity useful in treatment of asthma, allergic reactions, immunological reactions, shock, ischaemia [local anaemia due to mechanical obstruction of blood supply, usu. narrowing of arteries], thrombosis**. (Mills and Bone, 2000)
-Any condition where circulatory insufficiency may be factor such as Parkinson’s disease (AD handout).

Safety: Very low risk; only 1.6% rate of side effects, mainly digestive problems, eg. diarrhoea, and headache (AD handout).

Contra-indications: Patients prescribed Warfarin or aspirin.

Key Constituents:
5-7% ginkgolides: terpene lactones
22-27% flavone glycosides

Pharmocology: Extensive studies especially demonstrating PAF antagonism, effects on ischaemia and blood flow, antioxidant activity and effects on memory and/ or learning. See Mill and Bone, 2000: 405-408 and AD handout for details.

Clinical trials: Again extensive; especially re: cerebral insufficiency and stroke, dementia, tinnitus and vertigo, peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication [limping due to ischaemia of muscles, mainly calf], varicose veins and venous insufficiency. See Mills and Bone, 2000: 408-414 and AD handout.

Toxicology: Studies show no evidence of organ damage or impairment of hepatic or renal function; no mutagenic activity. (Mills and Bone, 2000).

History: Prehistoric, probably died out in Europe in Ice Age, survived unchanged for about 150 million years as cultivated trees in Far Eastern ‘temple gardens’ (Ody, 1993). First tree to reflower after Hiroshima (AD).Name derives from Japanese gin, ‘silver’ and kyo, ‘apricot’. Chinese medicine has traditionally used Ginkgo nuts as an anti-asthmatic and against polyuria (Mills and Bone) but use of leaves as circulatory stimulant comes only from studies conducted from 1960s. In 1988, doctors in Germany wrote out 5.4 million prescriptions for Ginkgo, more than for any other drug and in addition to any OTC purchases (AD handout).

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“significant improvement in mental states, emotional liability, memory, and tendency to tire easily, have been reported…” Rudolph Weiss, 1985 (0dy, 1993: 64)

“INFUSION Make with 50g dried leaves to 500ml water, and take for arteriosclerosis and varicose conditions. Use as a wash for varicose ulcers or haemorrhoids.” Penelope Ody (1993: 64)

“ARTERIOSCLEROSIS Apart from attending to dietary factors, the herbalist might use peripheral vasodilatory remedies, particularly hawthorn, limeflowers and gingko, for their ability to improve circulation and oxygenation.” Simon Mills (Mills, 1993:560)

Aesculus hippocastanum L. Horsechestnut

Family: Hippocastanaceae
Description: “Large tree with sticky buds and palmate leaves. Erect spikes of white flowers appear in late spring. Globular, green-brown, spiny fruits contain 1-3 shiny red-brown seeds. H 25-40m, S 5-8m. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 75)
Habitat: Native to Asia- Minor; widely cultivated, common in Britain.
Harvest: Ripe seeds and bark collected in autumn.

Parts used: Seeds, bark.
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1.5-2.5ml tds, Fluid Extract: 0.5-2ml tds, Dried: 1g tds.

Character: ‘vigorous’ (AD)

Actions:
-VENOTONIC,
-ANTI-OEDEMATOUS,
-ANTI-INFLAMMATORY (Mills and Bone, 2000),
-ASTRINGENT,
-febrifuge.

Indications:
-Venous insufficiency, especially chronic*: varicose veins*, oedema of lower limbs*, haemorrhoids.
-Preventative measure against deep venous thrombosis following surgery*.
-To improve circulation by improving venous tone (peripheral vascular disorders, slow healing leg ulcers)**
-Disorders where local tissue oedema may be involved (eg. carpal tunnel syndrome, Bell’s palsy’ dysmennorhoea, intervertebral disc lesions)**.
-Conditions requiring treatment of early phase of inflammation such as soft tissue injuries, swelling, minor surgery**.
-Rheumatism; neuralgia; rectal complaints; disease states associated with inflammatory congestion.
-To tone skin; to treat fragile capillaries, pimples, sunburn, cellulite. (Mills and Bone, 2000)

External usage: Haematoma, contusions, non-penetrating wounds, sports injuries involving oedema*. (Mills and Bone, 2000)

Safety: Very low risk with oral or topical administration. (Mills and Bone, 2000)

Contra-indications: Do not apply to broken or ulcerated skin; children (due to saponin content). Apply caution with other drugs for blood-clotting.

Key Constituents:
-Saponins (3-6%), ‘AESCIN’: complex mixture of over 30 individual pentacyclic triterpene diester glycosides.
-Flavonoids, lipids, sterols. (Mills and Bone, 2000).

Pharmacology: Extensive studies of aescin demonstrated : venotonic, vascular protective and anti-oedema activity; also antioxidant activity. Some suggest aescin in combination with flavonoids, as found in whole plant, superior treatment to aescin alone. See Mills and Bone, 2000:449-451.

Clinical trials: With aescin: intravenously, produced fast reduction in postoperative inflammation and oedema; effective in treatment of cerebral oedemas following cranial fractures and cranial trauma, also disappearance of cephalgia, vertigo, general discomfort. With horsechestnut: venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis; in topical use, treatment of acute and chronic traumas and venopathies, gel broke down haematomas. See Mills and Bone, 2000: 451-454.

Toxicology: Low acute and chronic toxicity, high therapeutic index; various studies on rats, dogs and small animals. See Mills and Bone, 2000: 454.

History: Name ‘horsechestnut’ may derive from use of the seeds in treating coughs of horses (Grieve, 1995). Extensively used in European traditional medicine since 16th century and wine based on flowers imbibed for neuralgia and arthritis. Flowers and flower buds used in two of Bach flower remedies. (Mills and Bone, 2000).

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“If you dry the chesnuts, (only the kernels)…beat them into a powder, and make…up into an electuary with honey, so you have an admirable remedy for the cough and spitting of blood.” Culpeper (1995: 67)

“VARICOSE VEINS: Massage the legs [not on the ‘vein’ -BC] with an ointment containing Horse Chestnut (first choice).” Carol Rogers (1995: 190)

Crataegus oxyacantha auct. Hawthorn, Mayflower

Family: Rosaceae
Synonym: C. laevigata
Description: “Deciduous shrub or small tree, densely -branched and spiny with lobed, obovate leaves. Scented white flowers appear in late spring, followed by dark red egg-shaped fruits. H 5-6m, S5-5.5m. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 112)
Habitat: In hedgerows and copses, mainly in Northern Europe.
Harvest: Flowers are ready for collecting in late spring to early summer; the berries in the autumn. (Mills, 1991)

Parts used: Flowers, fruit and leaves.
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1-2ml tds, Fluid Extract: 0.5-1ml tds, Dried 1-2g tds.

Character: Flowering tops: cool, astringent taste; Berries: sour, slightly sweet, warm.

Actions:
-CARDIOTONIC (MILD),
-CARDIOPROTECTIVE,
-ANTIOXIDANT,
-Collagen stabilising,
-MILD ASTRINGENT,
-Hypotensive,
Antiarrhythmic.

Organ systems: Cardiovascular.

Indications:
-Congestive heart disease*,
-cardiac insufficiency*,
-mild heart conditions,
-prevention of arterial degeneration caused by atherosclerosis,
-co-factor for vitamin C intake**,
-stabilisation of connective tissue tone**,
-reduction of cholesterol**,
-to increase hydration and elasticity of skin** (Mills and Bone, 2000).

External usage: Acne*.

Safety: No adverse effects from ingestion expected. May act in synergy with digitalis, glycosides, beta-blockers and other hypotensive drugs. Modification of dosage may be required (Mills and Bone, 2000).
Contra-indications: None known.

Key Constituents:
-Oligomeric procyanidins, mainly procyadin B-2. NB. Highest levels OPC in leaves.
-Flavonoids, incl. quercetin glycosides (hyperoside, rutin) and particularly flavone-C-glycosides (vitexin and related compounds). NB. Highest in flowers.
-Amines, catechols, carboxylic and triterpene acids.

Pharmacology: Studies in vitro, in vivo and on rats show effects of flavonoids and OPCs on cardiovascular system; also antioxidant and hypocholesterolaemic activity and collagen stabilisation. See Mills and Bone, 2000: 440-443.

Clinical trials: Extensive trials on heart disease and lowering blood pressure; also acne (uncontrolled). See Mills and Bone, 2000: 443-445. Significant improvement in cardiac function, oedema and dyspnoea (Wren, 1988).

Toxicology: No target organ toxicity defined at 100 times human dose of hawthorn extract (standardised to 18.75%). (Mills and Bone, 2000)

History: Name derived from Greek kratos, “hardness (of the wood),” oxus, “sharp,” and akantha, “a thorn.” In pagan times, the chosen King and Queen of the May were sacrificed at the growing season -hence the ambiguity of Hawthorn as a symbol of hope and omen of death. Many superstitions, such as unlucky to bring indoors. Also bears common name of ‘Bread and Cheese’ due to rural custom of adding tasty young leaves to sandwiches. (Bown, 1995). Reputedly excellent fuel -creates hottest fires. (Grieve, 1995) Use in cardiac therapy is attributed to Dr Green, an Irish doctor who used a tincture of the fresh berries. (Mills and Bone, 2000).

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Crataegus has quickly become one of the most widely used heart remedies.” Rudolph Weiss, 1985 (Ody,1995).

“INFUSION OF FLOWERING TOPS: Use to improve poor circulation and as a tonic for heart problems. Combine with yarrow for hypertension. DECOCTION OF BERRIES for diarrhoea: Decoct 30g berries in 500ml water for 15 mins only.” Penelope Ody (Ody, 1995).

“Cardiac tonic trophorestorative: increases and sustains action of heart and arterioles, with principal influence on the myocardium. Improves coronary circulation, restores myocardial reserve, and regulates disturbances of rhythm.
Indications:
-Myocardial degeneration and/ or coronary sclerosis in elderly -with Capsicum to sustain function.
-Hypertension -with Viscum-Tilia-Scutellaria.
-Cardiac weakness after infections.
-Acute myocardial insufficiency following Digitalis therapy.
-Angina, palpitation, vertigo -with Pulsatilla.” Priest and Priest (1983: 90-91).

Zingiber officinale Roscoe Ginger

Family: Zingiberaceae
Description: “Deciduous perennial with thick branching rhizomes, stout, upright stems and pointed lanceolate leaves. Yellow-green flowers, with a deep purple, yellow-marked lip, are produced in summer, followed by 3-valved fleshy capsules. H 1.5m, S indefinite.” (Bown, 1995: 223)
Habitat: Native to tropical Asia.
Harvest: “Rhizomes are lifted during growing season where lack of fibrousness is important or when dormant for drying.” (Bown, 1995: 373)

Part used: Rhizome
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 0.25-0.5ml tds, Dried: 0.25-1g tds

Character: Pungent, hot, dry (Ody, 1995)

Actions:
-CARMINATIVE,
-ANTIEMETIC,
-SPASMOLYTIC,
-PERIPHERAL CIRCULATORY STIMULANT,
-ANTI-INFLAMMATORY (Bradley, 1992)

Organ systems: Digestive; Circulatory.

Indications:
-ATONIC DYSPEPSIA**,
-COLIC**,
-PREVENTION OF TRAVEL SICKNESS*,
-MORNING SICKNESS*,
-anorexia,
-bronchitis,
-rheumatic complaints*.

Safety: Very safe
Contra-indications: Avoid excessive amounts if stomach already ‘ over-heated’, as in peptic ulceration; also with respect in early pregnancy. (Ody, 1995)

Key Constituents:
-Essential oil (1-3%), incl. zingiberene, sesquiphellandrene and beta-bisabolene. NB. Highest in fresh ginger.
-Pungent (hot) principles (phenolic compounds with carbon side-chains): 1-2.5% gingerols, shogaols. NB. Shogaols produced during decomposition of gingerols during drying and are twice as pungent.

Pharmacology: Success demonstrated in following: Antiemetic activity (gingerols and shogaols), Anti-ulcer, Anti-inflammatory, Antiplatelet and cardiovascular activity, digestive function, Anti-pyretic and thermogenic, anti-microbial and anti-parasitic activity. See Mills and Bone, 2000: pp395-399.

Clinical trials: Extensive trials, especially in treating nausea and emesis, inflammatory conditions and antiplatelet activity. See Mills and Bone, 2000: 399-401.
Toxicology: Low acute toxicity confirmed and also no chronic toxicity yet found (Mills and Bone, 2000).

History: Used as pungent spice and medicine for thousands of years. Recorded in early Sanscrit and Chinese texts and documented in Greek, Roman and Arabic medical literature.(Mills and Bone, 2000) In 18th century , added to remedies to modify their action and reduce irritant effects on the stomach; still used in this way in China to reduce toxicity of some herbs. Traditionally used to warm the stomach and dispel chills. (Ody, 1995)

Traditional and Practioner sources:
“…it is of a heating and digesting qualite, and is profitable for the stomacke.” John Gerard, 1597 (Ody, 1995)

“DECOCTION For chills and phlegmy colds, use 1-2 slices of fresh root to a cup of water and simmer for 10 mins. TINCTURE Use…as a warming circulatory stimulant; also for flatulence, indigestion and nausea. DRIED ROOT CAPSULES Take 1-2 x200mg capsules before a journey to prevent travel sickness. Use up to 1g for morning sickness.” Penelope Ody (Ody, 1995: 115)

“Diffusive stimulant for simple atony of alimentary organs and circulation. Gentle diffusive effects suitable for children and the elderly. Indications:
-colds and chills as initial stimulant diaphoretic;
-flatulence and internal congestion, painful alimentary spasms;
- diarrhoea from over-relaxation.” Priest and Priest (1983: 66-67)

Allium sativum L. Garlic

Family: Liliaceae
Description: Creamy-white bulb, composed of a number of small bulbs, “cloves”, covered with membranous bracts.
Habitat: Probably originating in C Asia, now cultivated world-wide.
Harvest: Late summer and early autumn. Left to dry in sun before being stored at 3-5 *C (Bown, 1995).

Part used: Bulb
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 2-4ml tds, Fresh: 2-5g tds.

Character: Very hot, dry, pungent (Ody, 1993)

Actions:
-LOWERS BLOOD CHOLESTEROL,
-ANTIBIOTIC,
-HYPOTENSIVE,
-DIAPHORETIC,
anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, expectorant, (Bradley, 1992 and Ody, 1993),
anti-fungal, anti-viral (AD)

Organ systems: Cardiovascular (also Immune)

Indications:
-Atheroma, prophylactic against artherosclerosis and hereditary heart disease, high blood lipid levels*, hypertension*.
-Respiratory infections and catarrh conditions. (Bradley, 1992)

External usage: Acne, warts, verrucas, to draw corns (fresh clove) (Ody, 1993)

Safety: As very heating, therapeutic doses may irritate the stomach (Ody, 1993)
Contra-indications: Therapeutic doses not recommended during pregnancy and lactation (Ody, 1993), haemophilia, Warfarin prescribed, use dilute for children (AD)

Key Constituents:
-Volatile oil, containing Sulphur compounds, inc, allicin, ajoene and alliin, which breaks down enzymatically to allicin
-Misc.: Enzymes incl. allinase, B vitamins, minerals, flavonoids.

Pharmacology: Beneficial effect demonstrated on blood pressure, blood lipids and blood coagulation, mainly due to allicin and/ or its transformation products; Serum levels and triglycerides shown to decrease; also tendency for low density lipoprotein (LDL) to decrease and high density lipoprotein to increase, producing favourable LDL/ HDL ratio; Blood pressure reduced, especially in hypertensive patients; Plasma viscosity decreases, improving blood fluidity, and mild vasodilation leads to improved capillary blood flow; Platelet aggregation inhibited and fibrinolytic activity enhanched. In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity, [incl. inhibition of Helicobacter pylori (associated with several gastroduodenal diseases inc. gastritis and peptic ulcer)-AD] and in vitro anti-viral activity shown. (See Bradley, 1992)
Clinical trials: Double-blind trials confirmed lowering of blood lipids in patients with hyperlipidaemia or hypercholesterolaemia and a lowering of blood pressure in hypertensive patients (see Bradley, 1992)
Toxicology: No studies found.

History: The Codex Ebers, an Egyptian medical papyrus from about 1550 BC, mentioned garlic in 22 therapeutic formulae (Bradley, 1992).Used by Babylonians c.3000 BC and found in tomb of Tutankhamun. Superstition claims it wards off vampires and causes moles to “leap out of ground presently” (William Coles, The Art of Simpling, 1656). Known as rashona, “lacking one taste”, in Ayurvedic medicine, referring to absence of sourness while possessing all five other tastes (pungent root, bitter leaf, astringent stem, saline top of stem and sweet seed) (Bown, 1995). Principle ingredient of ‘Four Thieves’ Vinegar’, used as protection during the plague; name reputedly derives from the four thieves who, whilst protected with the vinegar, robbed victims of the plague (Smith, 1977).

Traditional and Practioner sources:
“…in men oppressed by melancholy it will…send up…many strange visions to the head: therfore, inwardly, let it be taken with great moderation.” Culpeper, 1653 (Ody, 1995)

“Eat crushed cloves (3-6 daily in acute conditions) for severe digestive disorders (gastroenteritis, dysentry, worms) and infections.” Penelope Ody, (1995: 33)

“For earache, strip a clove of garlic of its skin, cut into the form of a suppository, small enough to press into the affected ear, and it will soon ease the pain.” William Smith (1977: 81)