Hydrastis canadensis

Hydrastis canadensis [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/hydrastis-canadensis-goldenseal.html

Common name: 
Golden seal

(Hoffman, 1983, 198)

Latin binomial:
Hydrastis canadensis
(Hoffman, 1983, 198)

Family: 
Ranunculaceae

(Hoffman, 1983, 198)

Parts used:
Root and rhizome
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 234)

Active contituents:

• Alkaloids; Hydrastine, Berberine, Canadine
• Traces of essential oil
• Ressin
• Fatty oil

(Hoffman, 1983, 198)

Actions:

• Anti-catarrah
• Tonic
• astringent
• Laxative
• Muscular stimulant
• Oxytocic
• Bitter

(Hoffman, 1983, 198)

 

Indications:

• Used on the mucous membranes
• Digestive problems; Gastritis, septic ulcerations, colitis, loss of apeptite
• URT catarral
• Menorrhagia
• Haemorrhages
• Used during child birth
• Externally it is used for the treatment of eczema, ringworm, pruritis, ear ache and conjunctivitis

(Hoffman, 1983, 198)

Contraindications: 
Should be avoided during pregnancy due to the stimulating affects it can have on the muscles of the uterus.
(Hoffman, 1983, 198)

Dosage:

• Infusion: Poor 1 cup of boiling water over 1/2-1 teapsoon of the powdered herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes, drink 3 times daily. 
• Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of the tincture, 3 times daily. 

(Hoffman, 1983, 198)

Combinations:

• In stomach conditions it can be combined with Meadow sweet and Chamomile. 
• In uterine hemorrhages it is best combined with Beth root. 
• Externally it can be used as a wash for irritation and itching combining well with  Witch hazel. 
• As an ear drop it can be combined with Mullien.  

(Hoffman, 1983, 198)


References:

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.

Prunus serotina

Wild Cherry [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/trees/prunus_serotina.html 

Common name: 
Wild Cherry 
(Bone, 2003, p. 462) 

Latin binomial:
Prunus serotina
(Bone, 2003, p. 462) 

Family: 
Rosaceae 
(Bone, 2003, p. 462)

Parts used:
Dried Bark 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 234)

Active contituents:

• Cyanogenic glycosides including; Prunasin
• Gallitannins
• Resins
• Volatile oils
• Coumarins

(Hoffman, 1983, p.240). 

Actions:

• Anti-tussive
• expectorant
  
• astringent
• sedative
• digestive bitter  

 (Hoffman, 1983, p. 240)

 

Indications:

• Irritating and persistent cough
• whooping cough
• bronchitis
• Asthma
• pleurisy
• pneumonia
• tracheitis
• tuberculosis 
• Racking or exhausting cough of debility or convalescence 

(Hoffman, 1983, p.240)

Contraindications: 
None known 
(Bone, 2003, p. 462) 

Cautions:
None known
(Bone, 2003, p. 462) 

Dosage:
2.0- 4.5 ml of 1:2 Liquid extract, Dose per day*
15-30 ml of 1:2 Liquid extract, Dose per week*
(Bone, 2003, p. 462)

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.

Lobelia inflata

Lobelie inflata [Image]. [1990-2014]. Retrieved from: https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/lobelia/inflata/

Common name:
Lobelia
(Hoffman, 1983, p.206)

Latin binomial:
Lobelia inflata
(Hoffman, 1983, p.206)

Family: 
Campanulaceae
 (Hoffman, 1983, p.206)

Parts used:
Ariel parts 
 (Hoffman, 1983, p.206)

Active constituents:

• Alkoloids inlcuding lobeline, 
• Lobeidine, 
• Lobelanine, 
• Isolobelanine, 
• Bitter glycosides; volatile oil; 
• Resin; gum 

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 206) 

Actions:

• Repiratory stimulant, 
• Anti- asthmatic, 
• Antispasmodic
• Expectorant 
• Emetic

 (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206) 

Indications:

• Systemic relaxant  (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206)
• Has a depressant action on the CNS & ANS and on neuro-muscular action (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206)
• Bronchitis, asthma, bronchitis (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206)

Contraindications:

• Lobelia is potentially toxic and considered poisonous, particularly at high doses. According to secondary sources, all parts of the lobelia plant are potentially toxic. 
• Lobeline, a constituent of lobelia, can bind to nicotine receptors and cause adverse effects, including tachycardia, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and even death.
• Use cautiously in patients with asthma, as lobelia may have respiratory stimulant effects. 
• Use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, as lobelia may cause increased heart rate and hypotension.
• Use cautiously in patients taking CNS depressants, as lobelia may have sedative effects.
• Avoid in patients using nicotine, as concurrent use may cause additive effects.
• Avoid during pregnancy, as lobelia may induce emesis.
• Avoid with known allergy/hypersensitivity to lobelia, its constituents, or other plants in the Campanulaceae family.
• Scheduled for use in Australia 

(Costa, Giese,  Isaac, Kyomitmaitee,  Reynolds, Rusie Ulbricht, Zhou, 2013)

Cautions:
Same as contraindications*

(Costa, Giese,  Isaac, Kyomitmaitee,  Reynolds, Rusie Ulbricht, Zhou, 2013)  

Dosage:

• Scheduled: S2 (Pharmacy only) or S4 (medical practitioners) in Australia
• Therapeutic use: 0.5 – 1ml three times a day (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206.

Combinations: 
Cayenne, Grindelia, Sundew & Ephedra for Asthma  (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206) 


References: 
 
Costa, Giese,  Isaac, Kyomitmaitee,  Reynolds, Rusie Ulbricht, Zhou. (2013) Natural standards professional monograph. 

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.

Grindelia robusta

Grindelia robusta [Image]. [1990-2014]. Retrieved from: http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogl%C4%99dka_wielka

Common name:

Grindelia 

(Bone, 2003, p. 265)

Latin binomial:
Grindelia robusta
(Bone, 2003, p. 265)

Family: 
Asteraceae 
(Hoffman, 2003, p.555)

Parts used:
Ariel Parts
(Bone, 2003, p. 265)

Active constituents:

• Saponins
• Volatile oils
• Bitter alkaloids
• Resin
• Tannins 

(Hoffman, 1983, p.199)

Actions:
Expectorant, spasmolytic, bronchospasmolytic (Bone, 2003, p. 265)
Antispasmodic, hypertensive (Hoffman, 1983, p.199)

Indications:

• Asthma (Hoffman, 1983, p.199)
• Bronchitis (Hoffman, 1983, p.199)
• Upper respiratory catarrh (Bone, 2003, p.265) 
• Whooping cough (Bone, 2003, p.265)
• Dry, tickly or nervous cough (Bone, 2003, p.265)
• Cough associated with tachycardia  (Bone, 2003, p.265)
• Specific for Bronchial asthma associated with tachycardia (Bone, 2003, p.265)

Contraindications: 
None known
(Bone, 2003, p.265)

Cautions:
None known
(Bone, 2003, p.265)

Dosage:

• Liquid Extract 1.5-3ml 1:2 dose per day* (Bone, 2003, p.265)
• 10-20ml 1:2 Dose per week* (Bone, 2003, p.265)
• Dried Herb Equivalent 6-9g / day dried aerial parts- infusion* (Hoffman, 1983, p.199)

Combinations: 
In the treatment of asthmatic conditions it can be combined with Lobelia and pill bearing spurge (Hoffman, 1983, p.199). 

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (2003) Medical herbalism; the science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing arts press: Vermont. 

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.

Euphorbia hirta

Euphorbia hirta [Image]. [1990-2014]. Retrieved from: http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/euphorbia-hirta-asthma-weed.html 

Common name: 
Euphorbia, Pill bearing spurge
(Hoffman, 1983, p.217)

Latin binomial:
Euphorbia hirta 
(Hoffman, 1983, p.217)

Family: 
Euphorbiaceae
(Hoffman, 1983, p.217)

Parts used:
Aerial parts(Hoffman, 1983, p.217)

Active constituents:

• Flavonoids (including quercetin)
• Beta-sterol 
• Triterpenoids    
• Glycosides
• Tannin   
• Alkaloids (0.1%) 

(Hoffman, 1983, p.217)

Actions: 
Antiasthmatic, Expectorant, antispasmodic (Hoffman, 1983, p.217)
Antiprotozoal, spasmolytic (Bone, 2003, p.199)

Indications:

• Respiratory system (Bone, 2003, 199)
• Asthma (Hoffman, 1983, p. 217)
• Acute / Chronic Bronchitis (Hoffman, 1983, p. 217)
• Upper and lower respiratory catarrh (Hoffman, 1983, p. 217)
• Laryngeal spasm, laryngitis (Bone, 2003, p. 199)  
• Whooping cough (Hoffman, 1983, p. 217)
• Hayfever GIT (Bone, 2003, p. 199)  
• Dysentery, intestinal parasites, worms (Hoffman, 1983, p. 217)

Contraindications: 
None known
(Bone, 2003, p. 199) 

Cautions:
May cause nausea and vomiting 
 (Bone, 2003, p. 199) 
 

Dosage:
0.7 - 2.0 ml of 1:2 liquid extract- Dose per day* (Bone, 2003, p. 199)  
5-12 ml of 1:2 liquid extract- Dose per week* (Bone, 2003, p. 199)  

Combinations: 
For the treatment of asthmatic conditions it will combine well with Lobelia and grindelia   
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 217)

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.

 

Drosera longifolia

Drosera longifolia [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera_anglica 

Common name: 
Sundew 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)

Latin binomial:
Drosera longifolia
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)

Family: 
Droseraceae 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)

Parts used:
Entire plant 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)

Active contituents:

• Tannins
• Naphthaquinones (including plumbagin)
• Flavonoids
• Citric and malic acid

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)

 

Actions:

• Respiratory Spasmolytic / Relaxant to bronchial musculature 
• Demulcent
• Expectorant (relaxing)

(Hoffman, 1983, p.299)

Indications:

• Dry, tickly or nervous cough  (Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)
• Bronchitis and whooping couch (Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)
• Asthma (relaxing) (Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)
• Pertussis
• Gastric ulceration (Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)
• Specific for Chronic bronchitis with peptic ulceration or gastritis (Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)

Contraindications: 

• Avoid with known allergy/hypersensitivity to Drosera, its constituents, or members of the Droseraceae family.
• Insufficient available evidence to recommend. Data on the effects of Drosera on lactation are currently lacking in the National Institute of Health's Lactation and Toxicology Database (LACT-MED).

(Barker, Costa, Rychlik, Ulbricht, Weissner, Woods, 2013) 

Cautions:

• Use cautiously in patients; safety studies and studies longer than six months are currently not available.
• Avoid in patients who are allergic or hypersensitive to Drosera, its constituents, or members of the Droseraceae family.
• Avoid in children or in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of safety evidence.

(Barker, Costa, Rychlik, Ulbricht, Weissner, Woods, 2013) 

Dosage:
3-6ml 1:2 LE / day 
20-40ml 1:2 LE / week 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)

Combinations: 
Euphorbia, grindelia in the treatment of asthma (Hoffman, 1983, p. 229)


References:

Barker, Costa, Rychlik, Ulbricht, Weissner, Woods. (2013) Natural standard professional monograph.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.

Tussilago farfara

Tussilago farfara [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2007/04/tussilago_farfara.php

Common name: 
Coltsfoot
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)

Latin binomial:
Tussilago farfara
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)

Family: 
Asteraceae
(Burke, Giese, Tanguay-Colucci, Ulbricht, Varghese, Weissner, Windsor, Woods, 2013)
 

Parts used:
Dried flowers and leaves
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)
 

Active constituents:

Flowers:

• Mucin
• Flavenoids
• Rutin
• Carotene
• Taraxanthin
• Arnidiol
• Faradiol
• Tannin
• Essential oil

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)

Leaves: 

• Mucin
• Abundent tannins
• Glycosidal bitter
• Insulin
• Siyosterol
• Zinc 

 (Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)

Actions:

• Expectorant
• Anti-tussive
• Demulcant
• Anti catarrahal
• Diuretic

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)
 

Indications:

• Chronic or acute bronchitis
• Irritating coughs
• Whooping cough
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Cystitis
• Boils
• Assesses
• Suppurating ulcers

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)

Contraindications:

• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to insufficient evidence.
• Use cautiously when ingested orally. Due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, coltsfoot may potentially be toxic to the liver when consumed in large doses
• Avoid in patients with hypersensitivity to coltsfoot, its constituents, or other members of the Asteraceae family.

(Burke, Giese, Tanguay-Colucci, Ulbricht, Varghese, Weissner, Windsor, Woods, 2013)

Dosage:

• Infusion: Poor 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers or leaves and allow to infuse for 10-15 minutes, drink 3 times daily (Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)
• Tincture: 2-4 ml, 3 times daily (Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)

Combinations: 
In the treatments of coughs it may be used with While horehound and Mullein (Hoffman, 1983, p. 186)

References:

Burke, Giese, Tanguay-Colucci, Ulbricht, Varghese, Weissner, Windsor, Woods. (2013) Natural standard professional monograph.   

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.