Herbs S to U

Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeuschel

Family: Rosaceae
Description: “Perennial with thick, woody rootstock, red inside, and thin branched stems, bearing 3-lobed basal leaves and 5-lobed stem leaves. Small, bright yellow 4-petalled flowers are borne from early summer. H 50cm, S 20-30cm. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 183)
Habitat: Distributed widely in northern Europe, western Asia and Siberia; found on heaths and in woodland.
Harvest: Roots lifted in autumn or spring, (Bown, 1995).

Parts used: Roots; (also leaves traditionally);
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 2-4ml, tds; Fluid Extract: 1-3ml, tds; Dried: 2-4g, tds;

Actions:
-ASTRINGENT,
-TONIC;

Organ systems: DIGESTIVE;

Indications:
-DIARRHOEA, (Ody, 1993);
-dysentery;
-acute and chronic colitis, (Weiss cited by GT);

External usage:
-Sores and ulcers (as a lotion), (Wren, 1988);
-Laryngitis (with Sage as a mouthwash);

Safety: Safe.
Contra-indications: None found.

Key Constituents, (GT):
-Tannins, (up to 20%, Ody);
-Pigment: ‘tormentil red’;
-Glycosides;

Pharmacology: A component of the tannins, dimeric ellagitannin, exhibited weak anti-allergenic, immuno-stimulating and interferon inducing activity in vitro, (Wren, 1988).
Toxicology: No studies found.

History: Generic name from Latin potens, ‘powerful’, probably alluding to the herbs curative qualities. Root has been used in tanning of leather and as a dye, (Smith, 1977).

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“The root taken inwardly is most effectual to help any flux of the belly, stomach, spleen, or blood; and the juice wonderfully opens obstructions of the liver and lungs, and thereby helps the yellow jaundice.” Culpeper, (1995: 260).

“When used as a gargle, it is a most valuable remedy for relaxed and ulcerated throats. It will relieve twinges of toothache. It is also an ideal remedy used as a douche for leucorrhoea.” William Smith, (1977: 147).

“TORMENTIL [is] very astringent and reduces the inflammation associated with diarrhoea. Add 20g herb to 600ml water for a decoction or take 2-3ml tincture up to 3 times a day. Add soothing herbs like ribwort plantain or marshmallow root to ease gut inflammation.” Penelope Ody, (1993: 152)

“To control diarrhoea: Add 30g tormentil, 1 cinnamon stick (broken), 1tsp caraway seeds and 2 slices ginger to 600ml water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and drink a wine glassful four times a day.” Michael McIntyre (1990: 109)

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. Uva-ursi, Bearberry

Family: Ericaceae.
Description: “Mat-forming , evergreen shrub with rooting branches, and obovate, dark green leaves. Racemes of white, pink- tinged flowers apprear from early spring, followed by glossy, red fruits. H 10-15cm, S 30-120cm. Fully hardy.” (Bowm, 1995:86)
Habitat: Heathland and rocky areas from northern Europe to northern Asia, Japan and N America to Arctic Circle (‘panboreal’). Now endangered in S and E Europe due to collection of remnant populations.
Harvest: Leaves collected in September and October, only green leaves selected, (Mills, 1993).

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

Actions
-URINARY ANTISEPTIC,
-ASTRINGENT [on lower digestive tract], (Bradley, 1992);
-diuretic [in general sense, but see ‘Pharmacology’],
-anti-inflammatory, (AD);

Organ systems: URINARY;

Indications:
-Mild infections of the urinary tract, (Bradley, 1992); cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis;
-Diarrhoea and other intestinal irritation, (Mills, 1993);

Safety: Large doses may lead to nausea and vomiting, (Bradley, 1992);

Contra-indications: Pregnancy and kidney disorders;

Key Constituents, (Bradley, 1992):
-Hydroquinones, mainly arbutin (usually 6-7%);
-Tannins, 10-15%;
-Flavonoids, mainly glycosides of quercitin and myricetin;
-Monotropein, an iridoid glycoside;
-Triterpenes, 0.4-0.8%, incl. ursolic acid;
-Misc.: phenolic acids, volatile oil
;
Pharmacology: Uva-ursi extracts and arbutin have been shown to have anti-bacterial effects in vitro, (Wren, 1988); generally accepted that this activity considerably higher in alkaline urine [so adopt ‘alkaline’ diet]. High tannin content causes astringent action. Although traditionally described as a diuretic, one study found it inhibited diuresis, (Bradley, 1992). Possible activity against micro-organisms Klebsiella and Proteus, among others, suggest may also be of benefit in rheumatic diseases due to cross reactions between infective organisms and inflammatory diseases, (Mills, 1993).
Toxicology: No studies found.

History: Botanical name is a combination of Greek (generic) and Latin for ‘bear fruit’ as the berries thought to be eaten by bears.

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Produces potent antiseptic in the kidney tubules; also antiseptic and very effective for acid urine. Take an infusion of 15g herb to 500ml water or up to 2ml tincture tds. Add couchgrass and yarrow to infusion or cornsilk if burning sensation severe.” Penelope Ody, 1993: 158 [also incl. case history for recurrent cystitis].

“Restores mucous membrane of urinary and genital structures, especially when pale, flabby and oedematous. Indications:
-Chronic vesical irritation with pain and catarrhal discharge;
-Chronic urethritis;
-Cystitis, haematuria, enuresis [incontinence] -with Rhus aromatica;
-Atonic leucorrhoea [white/ yellow vaginal discharge], profuse menstruation, uterine prolapse, vaginal laxity -with Mitchella repens.” Priest and Priest, 1983, 102.

Senna alexandrina Miller (Alexandrian) Senna

Family: Leguminosae
Synonyms: Cassia senna L., C. acutifolia Delile
Description: “Shrubby perennial with thin, hairy, divided leaves. In spring and summer, small tawny flowers are borne in axillary racemes, followed by straight pods up to 7cm long. H 1m, S 50-60cm” (Bown, 1995: 202).
Habitat: Subtropical; native to Arabia, Djibouti and Somalia (as above).
Harvest: “Leaves are picked before and during flowering; pods are collected in autumn when ripe” (Bown, 1995: 352).

Parts used: Leaves and Pods
Dosage: Preparations containing 10-60mg hydroxyanthracene glycosides, once daily (Bradley, 1992)

Action: STIMULANT LAXATIVE

Indications:
-Atonic/ Sluggish constipation;
-to ‘re-educate’ bowel, especially with change in diet (GT);
-“conditions in which easy defecation desirable, eg. anal fissure or haemorrhoids” (Bradley, 1992).

Safety: Should only be taken for short periods, max. 10 days (as above).

Contra-indications: Intestinal obstruction; inflammatory disorders of colon [eg. Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis]; appendicitis; abdominal pains of unknown cause; [children under 12]. During pregnancy and lactation use only after medical advice (as above).

Key Constituents (Wren, 1988):
-Anthraquinone glycosides:- In the leaf: sennosides A and B based on aglycones sennidin A and B and sennosides C and D (glycosides of heterodianthrones of aloe-emodin and rhein); also palmidin A, rhein anthrone and aloe-emodin glycosides, some free anthraquinones and others.
In the fruit: sennosides A and B and closely related glycoside sennoside A1.
-Napthalene glycosides
-Misc.: mucilage, flavonoids, volatile oil, sugars, resins, etc.

Pharmacology (Bradley, 1992): Anthraquinone glycosides not absorbed in upper gut but are converted by microflora of large intestine into active aglycones (mainly rhein anthrone), which in turn exert their laxative effect on colon: 1) stimulation of colonic motility -augmented propulsion -accelerated colonic transit (reduces opportunity for fluid absorption from faecal mass); and 2) an influence on fluid and electrolyte absorption/ excretion by colon, resulting in net fluid secretion. [Studies on rats suggest sennosides may be weak tumour promoters -AD handout]

Toxicology (Bradley, 1992): Long term use/ abuse may result in electrolyte losses, especially of potassium (may intensify action of cardiac glycosides), albuminuria and haematuria (excretion of protein and blood into urine), pigmentation of intestinal mucosa and impairment of intestinal nerves (myenteric plexus).

History: Use of Senna as laxative was introduced to Europe by Arab physicians in 9th and 10th centuries.

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Prescribe with carminative of high volatile oil content, eg. Fennel, to avoid griping.” (GT)

NB. Entry for Cassia angustifolia, Tinnevellian senna, in Priest and Priest, (1983: 96).

Acorus calamus L. Sweet Flag, Sweet Sedge

Family: Araceae
Description: “Semi-evergreen rhizomatous perennial, with lanceolate leaves, and a tangerine scent. A solitary spadix, with yellow-green flowers, appears in summer. H 30-150cm, S indefinite. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 73)
Habitat: Riverbanks and marshy places; native to N and E Asia and N America, naturalised in Europe.
Harvest: “Plants are lifted at any time, except during flowering. The required amount of rhizome is cut and the remainder replanted.” (Bown, 1995: 228)

Part used: Rhizome
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 0.5-2ml tds, Fluid Extract: 0.5ml tds, Dried: 1-2g tds (AD)

Actions:
-AROMATIC BITTER,
-SPASMOLYTIC,
-CARMINATIVE,
-anti-arrhythmic (regulates heartbeat),
-hypotensive,
-vasodilatory,
-anti-tussive (relieves cough),
-antibacterial,
-expectorant (Wren,1988)

Organ system: Digestive

Indications:
-Gastro-intestinal complaints, flatulence, colic, dyspepsia, peptic ulcers

Safety: Some concern over beta-asarone in volatile oil.
Contra-indications: None found

Key Constituents:
-Volatile oil [2-8% -GT], up to 96% beta-asarone (Wren, 1988)
-Bitter principles, incl. sesquiterpenes
-Mucilage; tannins; resin (GT)

Pharmacology: Studies in China have shown anti-arrhythmic, hypotensive, vasodilatory, anti-tussive, antibacterial and expectorant activity (Wren, 1988)

Toxicology: Isolated beta-asarone found to be carcinogenic in animals- preparations containing it banned in US. Not found in American variety which may be superior in spasmolytic activity. (Wren, 1988)

History: Specific name derived from Greek calamos for “a reed”. Traditional strewing herb, especially for church floors (one of charges of extravagance against Cardinal Wolsey); gathered at annual “gladdon harvest.” Crystallised tender slices of rhizome were popular in 18th century as medicinal lozenges for coughs, indigestion and against contagion. (Bown, 1995) Though no longer in official British Pharmacopoeia, still widely used, may be as proven itself worthy throughout history.

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“The spicy bitterness…bespeaks it as a strengthener of the stomach and head and therefore may fitly be put into any composition of that intention.” Culpeper (Grieve, 1985: 729)

Hypericum perforatum L. St. John’s Wort

Family: Guttiferae
Description: “Upright rhizomatous perennial, woody at the base, with blunt, linear-ovate leaves [with ‘perforated’ appearance when held to light]. Yellow, 5-petalled, gland-dotted flowers, 2cm across appear in summer. H 30-60cm, S 15-45cm.” Bown, 1995: 141.
Habitat: Light sandy or gravelly soil, preferably in sun; native to uncultivated ground, roadsides, woods, meadows and hedgerows in Europe and temperate Asia; ‘weed’ under statutory control in Canada and Australia.
Harvest: Between woody-stem and newer growth as flowering begins; may then get second growth. [AD]

Parts used: Aerial parts; flowering tops for ‘oil’ and cream;
Dosage: 1:5 2-4ml, FE 1-2ml, dried 2-4g daily;

Actions:
-ANTI-VIRAL,
-NERVINE,
-ANTI-DEPRESSANT,
-VULNERARY,
-ANTISEPTIC, (Mills and Bone, 2000);
-ANALGESIC (Mills, 1993);

Indications:
-“bruising to nervous system”; [AD questionnaire]
-Physiological afflictions of NS: spinal injuries, neuralgia, sciatica, ME [AD];
-Muscular rheumatism;
-Mild psychological disorders: excitability, menopausal anxiety and nervousness;
-Mild to moderate depression*; in combination for severe depression;
-SAD in addition to light therapy*;
-Menopause*;
-Aerobic endurance in athletes*;
-Treatment and prevention of acute and chronic infections caused by enveloped viruses, eg. cold sores, shingles**;
-Conditions requiring increased nocturnal melatonin levels, eg. circadium rhythm-associated sleep disorders**; alcoholism**; potential anti-cancer treatment**; (Mills and Bone, 2000)

External usage: Ointment and infused oil for the treatment of wounds, bruises and shingles (Mills and Bone, 2000). AD recommends infusion better for burns as oils tend to be ‘heating’.

Safety: Relatively safe, AD suggests good for treating nervous disorders in children.
Studies have shown fewer side effects in treatments in place of tricyclic anti-depressants, especially in elderly patients or those with pre-existing heart conditions. Also cannot be used to overdose.
Adverse effects with recommended dose are rare but should be used with caution following any signs indicating potential allergic reaction and with those with known photosensitivity; avoidance of excessive sunlight is advisable while taking high doses. (Mills and Bone)
Alison Broughton (see below) reports that most frequently noted side-effects were gastrointestinal irritation (0.6%), allergic reaction (0.5%), tiredness (0.4%) and restlessness (0.3%).

Contra-indications: Use during pregnancy and lactation not recommended “without professional advice”. Not suitable for treating severe depression (Mills andBone);

Interactions: Caution should always be exercised if patients already on orthodox medication and those prescribed should be monitored for any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as confusion, fever, shivering, muscle spasms. (Mills and Bone) Interaction with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as PROZAC, may produce too “speedy” effect.
Some studies indicate that it may lead to speeding up of liver metabolism via cytochrome P450 enzymes and may therefore affect the efficacy of other drugs. Of particular note are: CYCLOSPORINS (do not prescribe), AIDS drugs (avoid prescribing until further research), THEOPHYLLINE, CONTRACEPTIVE PILL and DIJOXIN. The latter should be safe as long as blood levels have been monitored on a regular basis. Re the Pill, while there have been very few indeed incidences of some breakthrough bleeding, no pregnancies have been reported. [AD]
People over-70 are at particular risk of drug interaction because of reduced metabolic capacity, reduced glomerular filtration rate and poor diet. For further details, see Broughton and Denham: Hypericum and drug interactions, EJHM vol 5, issue 2.

Key Constituents (Mills and Bone):
-NAPTHODIANTHRONES, 0.05-0.6% (usually up to 0.2%), including hypericin and pseudohypericin,
-Flavonoids,
-Phenolics, including hyperforin,
-Procyanidins,
-Essential oil;

Pharmacology: Collectively the napthodianthrones, hypericin and pseudohypericin, are known as ‘total hypericin’ (TH) and are responsible for the red colour of the extracts. They show restricted solubility in most solvents, but more than 40% is extractable from the crude herb when preparing a tea with water at 60-80 degrees. This increase in solubility suggests the possible presence of factors in the herb which modify the solubility of napthodianthrones.
The hypericins have been the focus of most anti-depressant research, exhibiting monoamine oxidase inhibition, inhibition of catechol-O-methyl transferase and selective inhibition of serotonin uptake at post-synaptic receptors. The flavonoid amentoflavone may also account for some antidepressant and sedative action as when isolated it has been shown to bind in vitro to the brain benzodiazepine receptors, with a similar but weaker action as diazepam. (Alison Broughton: The sunshine herb, EJHM: vol 4, issue 3)
Hyperforin exhibits potent antimicrobial activity and was attributed to the herb’s vulnerary activity. However, studies in vitro demonstrate it is also an active re-uptake inhibitor of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and gamma-aminobutyric acid [a naturally occurring tranquilizer]. (Broughton) All this would suggest that it is the synergy of the total constituents that is responsible for the herbs potency, rather than any one in isolation.
A wide variety of studies have demonstrated its anti-viral and antidepressant activities; anti-tumour, antibacterial, ‘alcoholism-support’ and wound healing activities also shown. See Mills and Bone p543-546.

Clinical trials: Success has been had in treating the symptoms suffered by HIV-positive patients. In another trial, patients showed stable or increasing CD4 counts and a high resistance to infection. For further details, see Mills and Bone. This antiviral activity may also prove efficacious in treating ME and viral hepatitis.
Many trials have been conducted to investigate its antidepressant and anti-anxiety activity. Mills and Bone conclude that ‘hypericum is a well-tolerated and effective alternative to standard anti-depressants in the treatment of mild to moderate depression, particularly when side effects with the drugs become intolerable to the patient.’ Helmut Woelk’s study (AD handout 30.1.01) concludes similarly that it is therapeutically equivalent to imipramine (a TCA) in treating mild to moderate depression but patients tolerate hypericum better.

Toxicology: Has very low toxicity (Mills and Bone).

History: Common name derives from the herbs flowering on St John’s day in midsummer or Penelope Ody suggests from the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, who used it to treat wounds on Crusade battlefields. It was believed that it could ward away evil spirits which led it to being hung above doorways and is in accordance with the translation of the Greek ‘to overcome hyper the apparition ikon’. Matthew Wood asserts it is the plant of The Little People.
The chemical study of Hypericum began in 1830 with the isolation of hypericin by Bucher, who named the compound hypericum red (Broughton).

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Use the infusion for anxiety, nervous tension, irritability or emotional upsets, especially if associated with the menopause or PMS.
Take the tincture for at least 2 months for longstanding nervous tension leading to exhaustion and depression. For childhood bedwetting, give 5-10 drops at night.” Penelope Ody, 1993: 68

“The indications for this plant are when there is nervous over-stimulation or excitation which may also involve pain, inflammation, etc., with the evidence of such trauma on the skin.” Dorothy Hall, 1998: 267

“ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND TISSUE HEALER; RELAXING RESTORATIVE;
…for the treatment of a number of conditions where tension and exhaustion combine. St John’s Wort has aspecific application for…the symptoms of menopausal syndrome, the hot flushes, night sweats, depression, fatigue, irritability , lack of concentration, fluid retention and so on, were recognised as symptoms of debility long before a hormonal factor was implicated. The modern practitioner still finds advantage in treating menopausal problems primarily as symptoms of depletion, requiring restorative and convalescent measures. St John’s wort seems to have an ideal balance of qualities for this task: it is even felt by many of those who use it to have a hormonal influence as well.” Simon Mills, 1993: 513

“Sedative nervine for muscular twitching and chloreiform movements -especially indicated for nerve injuries to the extremities and teeth/ gums. Promotes elimination of catabolic waste products.
Individual indications:
-Painful injuries to sacral spine and coccyx. Traumatic shock.
-Haemorrhoids with pain/bleeding.
-Facial neuralgia after dental extractions, toothache -massage face with diluted oil.
-Neurasthenia, chorea, depression.” Priest and Priest, 1983:80

“The neurophysiology of hunger and satiety is complex. The hypothalamus has appetite receptors that specifically react to hunger signals conveyed by neurotransmitters. Serotonin has been demonstrated to produce a feeling of fullness. High amounts of dopamine inhibit feelings of hunger. Low levels of serotonin and dopamine stimulate appetite and eating. Since Hypericum can enhance serotonin and dopamine activity, it may help normalise the brain biochemistry of some people who overeat.” Dr Harold Bloomfield, 1998: 90

“St John’s wort gets people on the high road to health by improving assimilation of food, and this promotes tissue cleansing. It is more of a tonic than a cleanser, but it is the appropriate cleanser when the patient is too weak to bear stronger medicines. It decongests the liver and removes mild tension that accompanies this. It harmonises the stomach, spleen, pancreas, liver and gallbladder, so that weak digestive organs are not pushed over by a too-strong action of the liver.” Herbalist Fred Siciliano quoted by Matthew Wood, 1997:313

Scutellaria lateriflora L. Virginian skullcap, mad dog skullcap

Family: Labiatae
Description: “Perennial with slender rhizomes and thin ovate-lanceolate toothed leaves. Blue, occasionally pink or white, flowers are produced in one-sided, mostly axillary racemes in summer. H 15-75cm, S to 45cm. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995)
Habitat: USA
Harvest: “Plants are cut when flowering.” (Bown, 1995)

Parts used: Aerial parts.
Dosage: 1:5 2-5ml, dried 5g daily;

Actions:
-DIFFUSIVE, STIMULATING AND RELAXING NERVINE (Priest and Priest,1983);
-SEDATIVE,
-ANTISPASMODIC,
-ANTICONVULSIVE (Wren, 1988);

Indications:
-nervous disorders
-Nervous tension (more antispasmodic than betony -GT)
-Hysteria, extreme over-reaction, (Wren, 1988);
-Nervous exhaustion,
-Neurasthenia eg. post-viral/ME state (GT),
-Insomnia (as part of combination, eg. with Passiflora) (Ody, 1993);
-Epilepsy (Bartram, 1998) NB Not as effective as diazepam treatment GT.

Safety: Its use over hundreds of years suggests it is both safe and effective. Recent suggestions of liver toxicity are probably based on toxicity of germander, which is occasionally sold as skullcap (Ody).
Overdose symptoms may include giddiness, stupor, confusion of mind, limb-twitching, intermission of pulse or ‘epileptic symptoms’ (GT).
Contra-indications: None known.

Key Constituents (Wren):
-Scutellarin, a flavonoid glycoside, and other flavonoids,
-Iridoids (bitter principle),
-Volatile oil and waxes,
-Tannins;

Pharmacology: Scutellarin has recently been discovered to stimulate not only the absorption and use of Vit B3 (which protects and gives resilience to the nervous system as a whole) but may also play a vital role in regulating the balance of the hormones, adrenaline and noradrenaline; an imbalance of the two often gives the impression of nervous distress which is in fact due to hormone disturbance.
The bitterness will stimulate gastric mucosa as well as tighten and tone various tissues. (Hall, 1998) Not generally deemed of much scientific interest although some previous research into its spasmolytic activity led to its inclusion in the BHC in the 1930s (GT).
Clinical trials: None found.
Toxicology: No studies found.

History: Name derived from Latin scutella, small dish, referring to the pouch-like appearance of the fruit’s calyx. Used by Native Americans for rabies and menstraul problems.

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Use an infusion, fresh if possible, to make a soothing tea for nervous exhaustion, excitability, overanxiety and premenstrual tension.
The tincture, best from the fresh herb, is a potent remedy for calming the nerves. Take 5ml or combine with 10 drops of lemon balm for nervous stress and depression.” Penelope Ody(1993: 98)

“Indicated for nervous irritation of the cerebrospinal nervous system.
-Functional nervous exhaustion, post-febrile nervous weakness.
-Chorea, hysteria, agitation and epileptiform convulsions -with Pulsatilla or Cimicifuga.
-Insomnia, nightmares, restless sleep -with Passiflora.” Priest and Priest (1983:80)

“A rebalancer of adrenal hormones, and of all the body processes that adrenal distress disturbs.” Dorothy Hall (1998: 280)

Salvia officinalis L. Sage

Family: Labiatae
Description: “Shrubby, evergreen perennial with much-branched stem and wrinkled, velvety, pale grey-green leaves, about 5cm long. Spikes of violet to purple, pink or white flowers, 1cm long, appear in summer. H 60-0cm, S 1m.” (Bown, 1995)
Habitat: Worldwide, especially in warmer temperate regions, favouring dry, sunny hillsides and open ground.
Harvest: Leaves are picked for immediate use.

Parts used: LEAVES
Dosage: 1:5 2-8ml, FE 1-4ml, dried 5-15g daily;

Actions:
-ASTRINGENT,
-STIMULANT,
-CARMINATIVE (Priest and Priest, 1983);
-ANTISEPTIC,
-SPASMOLYTIC (Wren, 1988);
-Possibly oestrogenic.
-Anti-hydrotic [anti-sweating, decreases saliva] (AD);

Indications:
-Hot flushes, night sweats as symptoms of menopause, or other debilitating sweating,
-Nervous exhaustion and weakness,
-Headaches due to tension,
-Weakness in sexual organs due to anxiety or worry (Brooke, 1992);
-Upper respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, sinusitis,
-Chest infections, asthma, glandular fever,
-Poor digestion,
-Period pains,
-To reduce milk-flow (AD);

External usage:
-As a gargle, for sore throats, tonsillitis;
-As a mouthwash for gingivitis, general mouth and gum problems;

Contra-indications: Pregnancy; Epilepsy; Children under 7yrs.

Key Constituents (Wren):
-Volatile oil, containing a- and b-thujone as major constits, about 50%, with camphor and others,
-Diterpene bitters,
-Flavonoids,
-Phenolic acids, including rosmarinic, caffeic and labiatic acids,
-Salviatannin, a condensed catechin.

Pharmacology: Rosmarinic acid is anti-inflammatory. Sage oil reported to be anti-microbial and antispasmodic in animals. (Wren)
Clinical trials: None found.
Toxicology: Non-toxic (Wren).

History: Salvia from Latin, “to be well”.

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Sage is also a kidney remedy; it is a diuretic and increases the flow of urine. It is antispasmodic and restorative to urinary tissue and can be used to great effect in water retention, sluggish kidneys, gout, rheumatism and cystitis. It is a strong antiseptic and can be used both internally and externally for infection and wounds.” Brooke (1992: 133)

“Carminative, stimulating astringent -especially suitable for weak, pale, atonic patients. Cold preparations check excessive perspiration from circulatory debility.
Individual indications:
-Gastric debility and flatulence.
-Night sweats.
-Sore, ulcerated throat -as a gargle with Tr Myrhh, or honey and raspberry vinegar.” Priest and Priest, p70.

Thymus vulgaris L. Common thyme

Family: Labiatae
Description: “Variable shrub with grey-green leaves and white to pale purple flowers in summer. H 30-45cm, S 60cm.” (Bown, 1995)
Habitat: Native to Mediterranean region.
Harvest: Whole plants and flowering tops are collected in summer as flowering begins; sprigs are picked during the growing season.

Parts used: AERIAL PARTS
Dosage: 1:5 2-5ml, dried 3-5g daily;

Actions:
-ANTISEPTIC,
-EXPECTORANT
-SPASMOLYTIC,
-CARMINATIVE (Wren);
-ANTIFUNGAL,
-STIMULATING TONIC (AD);
-RUBIEFACIENT [increases blood flow to an area] topically (Ody);

Indications:
-*Productive cough,
-Bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma,
-Catarrh or inflammation of the upper respiratory tract,
-Gastrointestinal disorders including dyspepsia, colic, flatulence and diarrhoea, especially in children,
-Dysmenorrhoea,
-As an adjunct in convalescence (Mills and Bone);

External usage:
-As a gargle for tonsillitis,
-As a mouthwash to reduce oral bacteria,
-Topically for fungal and bacterial skin disorders (Mills and Bone);

-Use 1-2 drops of ESSENTIAL OIL as an inhalation for sinusitis and sore throats,
-Add a few drops to antiseptic and antifungal ointments to increase potency eg. cellulitis (AD);

Safety: Thyme oil can irritate the mucous membranes, so always dilute well (Ody).
Thyme can cause occupational asthma which has been confirmed by inhalation challenges (Mills and Bone).
Contra-indications: Before going to sleep; ‘speedy people’ (AD);

Key Constituents (Mills and Bone):
-Volatile oil, (1-2.5%) containing monoterpenes incl. thymol (30-70%) and carvacrol (70%),
-Flavonoids, incl. apigenin,
-Phenolic acids incl. rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid;
-Triterpenoids including oleanolic and ursolic acids,
-Tannins (AD);

Pharmacology: Most activity thought due to thymol which is antiseptic and expectorant; also spasmolytic, along with carvacrol. The flavonoid fraction also been shown to have potent effect on smooth muscle of guinea-pig tracheas and ileum. (Wren)
Thyme oil’s antifungal activity is well-supported. Rosmarinic acid shown to have antiallergic and anti-inflammatory activity. Thyme oil also seen to inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis in vitro. For more details, see Mills and Bone p564-566.
The polyphenol constituents (phenolic acids and triterpenoids) have antioxidant actions (AD).

Clinical trials: Only *study above found.
Toxicology: LD50 of essential oil is 2.84g/kg in rats. Huge doses of thyme extract produced decreased locomotor activity and slight slowing down of respiration in mice. (Mills and Bone).

History: Thyme traditionally came to symbolise death, as with many sweet smelling plants, and the souls of the dead were thought to rest in the flowers. It is also used in many rituals by young women to ascertain their true love.
Under planetary rulership of Venus; with hot and dry qualities (Brooke).

Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“-Use an infusion for chest infections, stomach chills or irritable bowel.
-Use the tincture for diarrhoea associated with stomach chills or as an expectorant in chest infections.
-Use the infusion or diluted tincture as a gargle for sore throats.
-Dissolve 10 drops of ESSENTIAL OIL in 20ml of water, and apply to insect bites and infected wounds. Add 5 drops to bathwater for weakness and arthritic conditions.” Penelope Ody p104.

“As a germicide, it stands almost equal with garlic as an antiseptic. As a carminative, it ranks with chamomile. Even as an anti-inflammatory agent, it is strongly effective.
Thymol is especially effective against streptococcal infection in throat and progressing to kidneys…
Preventative treatment with thyme tea gargled and swallowed down should be health maintenance for all those who shout…or sing grand opera. For all of us , an occasional throat or laryngeal infection may occur or tonsillitis. Make a cup of thyme tea as soon as symptoms are noticed.” Dorothy Hall p289-290.

“…[Thyme] works particularly well for lung and kidney infections…It is a strong remedy andis best taken in short, sharp doses: that is for 7-10 days only at a time…and at the maximum, 3 consecutive weeks. If the infection has not cleared up by then, there are probably other factors that have not been addressed.
It is also the remedy of choice for cystitis, combined with bearberry. If taken, it will clear up the infection in 3-4 days with no need for antibiotics.” Elisabeth Brooke (Herbs, p79-80)