Herbs O to R

Plantago major L. Greater Plantain, Rat-tail Plantain

Family: Plantaginaceae;
Description: “Small perennial with a basal rosette of long-stalked, ovate to elliptic leaves, up to 15cm long. Inconspicuous yellow-green flowers, up to 15cm long are produced in cylindrical spikes in summer. H and S 40cm. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 179)
Habitat: Common in Europe and temperate Asia; found by roadsides, meadows and wasteground.
Harvest: Leaves are cut before flowering.

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

Actions:
-ANTI-INFLAMMATORY,
-DIURETIC,
-Antihaemorrhagic, (Wren, 1988);
-relaxing expectorant,
-tonifies mucous membranes,
-antispasmodic,
-topically healing, (Ody, 1993);

Indications:
-Urinary tract infections and irritations; cystitis;
-Gastric inflammations; diarrhoea [after offending substances eliminated from bowel];
-Lung infections, (all Ody, 1993);
-Enlargement of prostrate gland, (Smith, 1977);

External usage:
-Bee stings; slow-healing wounds; haemorrhoids; burns; sores; inflammations;
-As a gargle for sore throats and mouth or gum inflammations, (Ody, 1993);

Safety: Very safe;
Contra-indications: None known.

Key Constituents:
-[Mucilage];
-Monoterpene iridoid glycosides; aucubin;
-Flavonoids; apigenin, luteolin, scutellarin, baicalein;
-Tannins; (Wren, 1988).
-Minerals, incl. potassium, zinc, silica.

Pharmacology: Aucubin is a mild aperient, also stimulates secretion of uric acid by kidneys. Apigenin is an anti-inflammatory agent and baicalein is anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic (also in Skullcap). Studies in China have shown extracts of Plantain to have anti-microbial action, also complex effects on cardiovascular system in animals, (Wren, 1988).
Toxicology: No studies found.

History: Name probably derived from Planta meaning sole of foot which broad, flat leaves resemble; Anglo-saxons called it ‘Waybread’ and held it highly as a healing herb; 9th century herbal, the Lacnunga, lists it as one of the nine sacred herbs; also known as ‘White Man’s Foot’, as it seemed to spread across the globe as the Europeans colonised it. (Smith, 1977)

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“The juice of Plantain…prevails wonderfully against all torments or excoriations in the intestines or bowels, helps the distillation of rheum from the head, and stays all manner of fluxes, even women’s courses, when they flow too abundantly…It is good to stay bleedings at the mouth, or the making of foul and bloody water, by reason of any ulcers in the reins or bladder, and also stays the too free bleeding of wounds.” Culpeper, (1995: 199)

“In varicose ulcers, the juice [of the leaves] is an ideal remedy which often aids healing when all other remedies have failed.” William Smith, 1977: 134

“Take 10ml juice, pressed from fresh leaves, three times a day for inflamed mucous membranes in cystitis, diarrhoea and lung infections.” Penelope Ody, 1993: 86

Mahonia aquifolium Pursh. Mountain grape, Oregon grape

Family: Berberidaceae
Description: “Vigorous cultivar with a low-growing dense, spreading habit, red-stalked, brown-tinged leaves that turn bronze in winter, and large clusters of bright yellow flowers. H 60cm, S 150cm. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 155)
Habitat: Native to NW USA.
Harvest: “Roots and bark are collected in late autumn or early spring. And dried…Fruits are collected when ripe and used fresh.” (Bown, 1995: 308)

Part used: Root bark
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1-4ml tds, Fluid Extract: 1-2ml tds, Dried: 1-2g tds

Actions:
-Alterative,
-Tonic,
-mild Cholagogue,
-Anti-diarrhoeal (Wren, 1988);
-Hepatic,
-Anti-inflammatory (AD)

Organ system: Digestive (gastrointestinal)

Indications:
-Gastritis;
-Skin diseases such as PSORIASIS and eczema (Wren, 1988);
-Arthritis (AD);
-also as Berberis but with milder action.

Contra-indications: None found.

Key Constituents:
-ISOQUINOLINE ALKALOIDS, incl. berberine, berbamine, hydrastine, oxycanthine

Pharmacology: In vitro studies shown inhibits enzymes, also inhibits multiplication of keratinocyte cells (AD).

History: Has been called yerba de la sangre , “herb of the blood”, indicating its importance as blood purifier and lover tonic (Bown, 1995). Introduced into England from States in 1823 (Grieve, 1985).

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“In constipation it is combined with Cascara sagrada. It improves digestion and absorption.” Mrs. Grieve (1985)

“Mildly stimulating tonic hepatic and alterative: influences alimentary mucous membrane, stimulates glandular elements and improves nutrition. Promotes elimination of catabolic residues and stimulates recuperation. Indications:
-Catarrhal disorders of stomach, intestines and urinary organs;
-Hepatic torpor, bilious headache;
-Eczema, herpes, psoriasis, acne, facial blotches and pimples -with Rumex/ Arctium rad.” Priest and Priest, (1983: 96).

Passiflora incarnata L. Passion Flower, Maypop

Family: Passifloraceae
Description: “Perennial climber with deeply-lobed leaves, about 15cm long. Fragrant lavender to white flowers, up to 6cm across appear in summer, followed by ovoid, yellow fruits, about 15cm long. H 8m. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995)
Habitat: Native to USA, cultivated elsewhere.
Harvest: Plants are cut when fruiting and dried (Bown, 1995). AD recommends using organic tincture only to be sure of species.

Parts used: LEAVES, WHOLE PLANT.
Dosage: 1:5 1-10ml, FE 1-5ml, dried 2-8g daily;

Actions:
-SEDATIVE,
-HYPNOTIC,
-ANTI-SPASMODIC,
-HYPOTENSIVE,
-ANODYNE (Wren, 1988);

Indications:
-Sleep disorders,
-Restlessness, muscle spasms at night AD,
-Nervous stress,
-Anxiety,
-Neuralgia,
-Nervous tachycardia (Bradley, 1992);
-Spasmodic asthma, esp. nervous type,
-Agitated seizures, esp. as a tea for children prone to convulsions AD;

Safety: Very safe.
Contra-indications: None known (Bradley);

Key Constituents (Bradley):
-Flavonoids, ca. 1%, principally C-glycosides of the flavones apigenin and luteolin; isovitexin and isoorientin recently identified as major compounds,
-Chlorogenic acid,
-Maltol, ca. 0.05%,
-Gynocardin, a cyanogenic glucoside,
-Possible traces of harmane alkaloids, depending on development stage of plant;

Pharmacology: Passiflora extracts have been shown to reduce locomotor activity, prolong sleeping time, raise the nociceptive threshold and produce an anxiolytic effect in mice and reduce general activity in rats.
Despite considerable research, actinve constituents remain undefined. Maltol shows sedative and antispasmodic effects in mice but only at high levels quite unrelated to the small levels present in Passiflora. (Bradley) Apigenin is known especially for its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory action. (Wren, 1988)

Clinical trials: Research reveals no sedation the morning after (Bloomfield, 1998).
Toxicology: No studies found.

History: Name is reference to passion of Christ and derived from appearance of the flower. Eclectics used it for coughs (with spasms), hiccups, and sleeplessness, esp. for children and elderly; also as a poultice for headaches and rheumatic joints.

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Relaxing nervine, cerebral vasorelaxant -relieves cerebral irritation. Indicated for conditions of agitation and exhaustion with muscular twitching.
Individual indications:
-Mild convulsive or tremulous states -unrest and agitation.
-Restfulness and wakefulness in infants and the elderly -with Humulus.
-Childhood convulsions, spasms and teething” Priest and Priest 1983: 80

Carol Rogers recommends an infusion of Passion flower for anxiety and insomnia during pregnancy: half to 1g per cup 3 times a day or 2ml tincture twice daily. Also recommended, and to be combined if wished, are chamomile, limeflowers, melissa and motherwort. (1995: 47)

Rosmarinus officinalis L. Rosemary

Family: Labiatae
Description: “Variable, aromatic, evergreen shrub with upright branches and tough, blunt-ended, needle-like leaves, 2.5cm long. Pale to dark-blue, rarely pink or white, tubular 2-lipped flowers appear in spring. H 2m, S 1.5-2m” (Bown, 1995)
Habitat: Native to Mediterranean, cultivated elsewhere.
Harvest: Leaves and flowering tops are collected in spring and early summer.

Parts used: AERIAL PARTS
Dosage: 1:5 2-8ml, FE 2-4ml, dried 4-10g daily;

Actions:
-RESTORATIVE TONIC FOR NS,
-ASTRINGENT,
-BITTER,
-DIAPHORETIC,
-CARMINATIVE,
-NERVINE,
-ANTISPASMODIC,
-CIRCULATORY STIMULANT,
-ANTISEPTIC (Ody, 1993);

Indications:
-Exhaustion, weakness and depression,
-Poor appetite,
-‘Cold conditions’, including chills and rheumatism,
-Headaches (eased by warm towels rather than icepacks) (Ody);
-Poor concentration, memory or spirits, especially in the elderly,
-Sciatica, nerve pain (AD);

External usage: The essential oil increases blood flow to an area and has analgesic, antirheumatic and stimulant actions; it is therefore an excellent stimulating rub for arthritic conditions (Ody).

Contra-indications: Pregnancy; Epilepsy.

Key Constituents (Wren):
-Volatile oil, incl. borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole, limonene, terpineol, verbenol and others;
-Flavonoids, incl. apigenin, diosmin,
-Rosmarinic and other phenolic acids,
-Diterpenes,
-Misc.: rosmaricine, triterpenes usolic acid , oleanolic acid and derivatives;

Pharmacology: Rosmarinic acid suggested as treatment for septic shock due to pharmacological actions. Also has anti inflammatory action, along with ursolic acid and apigenin. Diosmin reported to be more effective than rutin in decreasing capillary fragility. A rosmarine derivative has stimulant and mild analgesic activity. (Wren)
Clinical trials: None found.
Toxicology: No studies found.

History: Rosmarinus from Latin, meaning “dew of the sea”. Symbol of friendship, loyalty and remembrance; traditional in both funeral wreaths and bridal bouquets. Worn by Greek scholars during examinations to improve their memory and concentration. In 14th century, Queen Isabella of Hungary put the proposal from the King of Poland down to the potency of her Hungary water in regaining her strength and beauty, even at 72!

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“If thou be feeble, boyle the leaves in cleane water and washe thyself and thou shalt be shiny…smell it oft and it shall keep thee youngly.” Banckes’ Herbal, 1525 (Ody p92)

“-Take the infusion for colds, influenza, rheumatic pains and indigestion; also as a stimulating drink for fatigue and headaches.
-Take the tincture as a stimulant tonic. Combine with oats, skullcap or vervain for depression.
-Soak a pad in the hot infusion and use for sprains. Alternate 2-3 minutes of the hot compress with 2-3 minutes of applying an ice-pack to the injury.

-Add 10 drops of essential oil to the bath to soothe aching limbs or to act as a stimulant in nervous exhaustion.” Penelope Ody, p92.

“…being hot and dry, rosemary is useful where the body is cold and sluggish and needs pepping up to dispel cold and phlegm…It is useful as a stimulant for complicated mental tasks when caffeine has to be avoided.
As a solar herb, it is a heart tonic and strengthens the action of the heart, causing it to beat more strongly , whilst increasing the circulation of blood, so the herb is especially for those with cold limbs, chilblains and poor circulation.
It is a digestive and liver remedy and is especially useful for wind, colic and indigestion and the bloated feeling after meals. It helps to digest fatty or rich foods.

[Emotionally], rosemary works on the heat chakra and is generally cleansing to the aura, chasing away dark, jealous thoughts. It opens the heart and allows the warmth of the midday sun inside, where there is grief, anger, hatred and bitterness. It lets love and joy into the heart…The herb is for those who have high ideals for themselves and for others and who are often disillusioned; after a time the disillusionment may turn into bitterness and a wall is built around their hearts to protect themselves.
Conversely, it is also useful for those who are too open hearted and who cannot discriminate amongst people, so that they may collect lame ducks and people who bask in their light and drain their energy. [Rosemary helps to build] a stronger sense of self-worth, to temper the selflessness with some discrimination so that the greatest benefit can be obtained from their work.” Elisabeth Brooke, 1992 (39-40)

“If you accumulate a permanent frown as part of your facial expression, try a finger-tip of Rosemary oil rubbed in well (carefully avoiding the eyes themselves) and feel how better blood supply and less tense muscles improve your wellbeing.” Dorothy Hall, 1998: 260

“Diffusive stimulant and relaxing tonic with special influence upon stomach and cerebrum: soothes the nervous system, and is tonic to the vaso-motor function and peripheral circulation. A suitable tonic for the elderly.
Individual indications:
-Atonic conditions of the stomach.
-Gastric headache.
-Adolescent hypotonia, asthenia with pallid complexion.
-Circulatory weakness following stress or illness.” Priest and Priest, 1983: 98.