Description

Spiny deciduous tree growing to approximately 26 ft (8 m). Has oblong, bluntly toothed leaves, clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers, and reddish-brown or black oval fruit.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to China, Japan and Southeast Asia, the jujube is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the Mediterranean. The fruit is collected in early autumn.

Part Used

Fruit.

Constituents

Jujube contains saponins, bioflavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, volatile oil, mucilage, vitamins A, B₂, and C, in addition to calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It contains 20 times more vitamin C than citrus fruit.

History & Folklore

Used in Chinese herbal medicine for at least 2,500 years, jujube has a pleasant, sweet taste and high nutritional value. It is mentioned in the Classic of Odes, a 6th-century BCE anthology of Chinese poetry.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Jujube is both a delicious fruit and an effective herbal remedy. It aids weight gain, improves muscular strength, and increases stamina. In Chinese medicine, jujube is prescribed as a qi tonic to strengthen liver function. Mildly sedative and anti-allergenic, it is given to reduce irritability and restlessness. It is also used to improve the taste of unpalatable prescriptions.

Research

In Japan, jujube has been shown to increase immune-system resistance. In China, laboratory animals fed a jujube decoction gained weight and showed improved endurance. In one clinical study, 12 patients with liver ailments were given jujube, peanuts, and brown sugar nightly. In 4 weeks, their liver function had improved.

Related Species

The sedative Z. spinosa is used in Chinese medicine to “nourish the heart and quieten the spirit.”

Description

Deciduous climber with erect stems, tendrils, palm-shaped leaves, clusters of small, pale green flowers, and bunches of fruit (grapes) that vary in color from green to black.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to southern Europe and western Asia, grapes are cultivated in warm temperate regions throughout the world for their fruit and to produce wine. The leaves are collected in summer, the fruit in autumn.

Parts Used

Leaves, fruit, seeds, sap.

Constituents

Grapes contain flavonoids, tannins, tartrates, inositol, carotenes, choline, and sugars. The fruit contains tartaric and malic acids, sugars, pectin, tannin, flavone glycosides, anthocyanins (in red leaves and red grapes), vitamins A, B₁, B₂, and C, and minerals. The anthocyanins reduce capillary permeability.

History & Folklore

Nicholas Culpepper in 1652 extolled the virtues of the grape vine, describing it as “a most gallant tree of the sun very sympathetical to the body of man, and that’s the reason spirit of wine is the greatest cordial amongst all vegetables.”

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Grape leaves, especially the red leaves, are astringent and anti-inflammatory. They are taken as an infusion to treat diarrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, and uterine hemorrhage, as a wash for mouth ulcers, and as a douche for vaginal discharge. Red leaves and grapes are helpful in the treatment of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and capillary fragility.

The sap from the branches is used as an eyewash. Grapes are nourishing and mildly laxative and they support the body through illness, especially of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Because the nutrient content of grapes is close to that of blood plasma, grape fasts are recommended for detoxification. The dried fruit (raisins or currants) is mildly expectorant and emollient, with a slight effect in easing coughs. Wine vinegar is astringent, cooling, and soothing to the skin.

Research

Grape-seed extract has potent antioxidant and circulatory-protective activity. It appears to normalize blood pressure and heart rate, working best as a preventative, anti-aging remedy that supports healthy circulation. One study found grape-seed extract reduced leg swelling in healthy women required to sit for long periods of time at work. Recent studies also indicate that grape-seed extract can be useful in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.

Description

Parasitic evergreen shrub that forms bunches up to 10 ft (3 m) across on host trees. Has narrow leathery leaves, yellowish flowers in clusters of 3, and sticky, round, white berries.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to Europe and northern Asia, European mistletoe grows on host trees, especially apple trees (Malus species). It is harvested in autumn.

Parts Used

Leaves, branches, berries.

Constituents

Mistletoe contains glycoproteins, polypeptides (viscotoxins), lectins, flavonoids, caffeic and other acids, lignans, acetylcholine, and, in the berries, polysaccharides. Viscotoxins inhibit tumors and stimulate immune resistance.

History & Folklore

In Norse mythology, a mistletoe bough was used to slay Balder, the god of peace. The plant was subsequently entrusted to the goddess of love, and kissing under it became obligatory.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

European mistletoe is chiefly used to lower blood pressure and heart rate, ease anxiety, and promote sleep. In low doses it also relieves panic attacks and headaches, and improves the ability to concentrate. The plant is also prescribed for tinnitus and epilepsy. It may be used to treat hyperactivity in children. In anthroposophical medicine, extracts of the berries are injected to treat cancer.

Research

European mistletoe’s efficacy as an anticancer treatment has been subject to significant research. There is no doubt that certain constituents, especially the viscotoxins, exhibit an anticancer activity, but the value of the whole plant in cancer treatment is not yet fully accepted.

Caution

European mistletoe, and especially the berries, is highly toxic. Take only under professional supervision.

Description

Annual, biennial, or perennial plant growing to 15 in (38 cm). Has lobed, oval leaves and handsome violet, yellow, and white pansy-type flowers.

Habitat & Cultivation

Heartsease is native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate regions of Asia, and has become naturalized in the Americas. It thrives in many habitats, from grasssy mountainous areas to coastal sites, and is also cultivated as a garden plant. The aerial parts are gathered in summer.

Parts Used

Aerial parts.

Constituents

Heartsease contains saponins, flavonoids, salicylates, mucilage, gums, and a resin.

History & Folklore

K’Eogh wrote in his 1735 Irish Herbal that heartsease flowers “cure convulsions in children, cleanse the lungs and breast and are very good for fevers, internal inflammations and wounds.”

Medicinal Actions & Uses

In Western herbal medicine, heartsease is used as an anti-inflammatory and purifying herb and is taken for skin conditions such as eczema. An infusion also makes a useful wash for itchiness. Being expectorant, heartsease is used to treat bronchitis and whooping cough. The plant’s established diuretic action makes it useful for treating rheumatism, cystitis, and difficulty in passing urine.

Research

Recent research has found that heartsease has potential anticancer properties. It promoted programmed cell death (apoptosis) and inhibited blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), both important anticancer effects. A clinical trial in children with asthma found that heartsease syrup helped to control dry irritable cough alongside prescribed medication for asthma.

Description

Creeping perennial growing to 6 in (15 cm). Has toothed oval leaves, and attractive, violet-blue or white flowers with a 5-petaled corolla.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to much of Europe and Asia, sweet violet is a common wayside plant also found along roadsides and in woodlands. The flowers and leaves are collected in spring, the root in autumn.

Parts Used

Flowers, leaves, root.

Constituents

Sweet violet contains phenolic glycosides (including gaultherin), saponins (myrosin and violin), flavonoids, an alkaloid (odoratine), and mucilage.

History & Folklore

In classical myth, sweet violet was associated with death, but classical physicians also knew it as an effective emetic and cough remedy. The 17th-century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper stated that: “All the violets are cold and moist while they are fresh and green, and are used to cool any heat or distemperature of the body either inwardly or outwardly.”

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Sweet violet flowers and leaves have a gentle expectorant and demulcent action and they induce light sweating. They are often used as an infusion or syrup for treating coughs, chest colds and congestion. They are used in British herbalism to treat breast and stomach cancer. The root is a much stronger expectorant and, at higher doses, is emetic.

Research

Iranian researchers investigated the use of two drops of sweet violet essential oil applied to the nostrils as a remedy for insomnia. The study, which lasted a month, found positive improvements in sleep measurements in those using the oil. A 2015 study of children with asthma concluded that sweet violet syrup helped to reduce symptoms of dry irritable cough.

Related Species

The related dog violet (V. canina) has approximately the same uses as sweet violet. The Chinese V. yedoens is prescribed for hot swellings and tumors, mumps, and abscesses. See also heartsease (V. tricolor).

Description

Fleshy perennial growing to 32 in (80 cm). Has glossy oval leaves and bright, white to red 5-petaled flowers.

Habitat & Cultivation

Thought to be a native of Madagascar, this herb is now common in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is cultivated commercially as a garden ornamental. The herb and root are gathered in summer.

Parts Used

Aerial parts, root.

Constituents

Madagascar periwinkle contains over 70 different indole alkaloids, including vinblastine, vincristine, alstonine, ajmalicine, leurocristine, and reserpine.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

This plant is used in folk medicine in the Philippines as a remedy for diabetes. In the Caribbean, the flowers are used as a soothing eyewash.

Research

Madagascar periwinkle’s traditional use as a treatment for diabetes has led to extensive investigation into its properties. Vincristine and vinblastine are powerful anticancer agents, and are two of the most important medicinal compounds found in plants in the last 40 years. Vincristine is a standard treatment for Hodgkin’s disease, and vinblastine for childhood leukemia. While extracts from Madagascar periwinkle have been shown to lower blood-sugar levels, simple preparations of the whole plant may not be effective.

Caution

Take Madagascar periwinkle only under professional supervision.

Description

A mainly ground-hugging evergreen shrub arching to 18 in (45 cm). Has rooting stems, shiny elliptical leaves, and 5-petaled, violet-blue flowers.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to Europe, lesser periwinkle grows in along roadsides and woodland borders. It is also cultivated as a garden plant. The leaves are gathered in spring.

Parts Used

Leaves.

Constituents

Lesser periwinkle contains about 7% indole alkaloids (including vincamine, vincine, and vincaminine), a bisindol alkaloid (vincarubine), and tannins. Vincamine increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.

History & Folklore

In his Herbarium, the 2nd-century CE Roman writer Apuleius describes lesser periwinkle’s virtues “against the devil sickness and demoniacal possessions and against snakes and wild beasts.” He also specifies the rituals used in harvesting the herb: “This wort thou shalt pluck thus, saying, ‘I pray thee, vinca pervinca, thee that art to be had for thy many useful qualities… outfit me so that I be shielded and ever prosperous and undamaged by poisons and by water.’ When thou shalt pluck this wort, thou shalt be clean of every uncleanness, and thou shalt pick it when the moon is nine nights old.”

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Lesser periwinkle is employed as an astringent and blood-staunching herb. Its astringency makes it a useful mouthwash for sore throats, gingivitis, and mouth ulcers. Its staunching ability is effective against internal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, and nosebleeds. Since vincamine was discovered in the leaves, lesser periwinkle has been used to treat arteriosclerosis and for dementia due to insufficient blood flow to the brain.

Related Species

Greater periwinkle (V. major) also has similar astringent activity. See also Madagascar periwinkle (V. rosea).

Caution

Do not take during pregnancy.

Description

Deciduous shrub growing to 16 ft (5 m). Has serrated oval leaves, clusters of white flowers, and blue-black berries.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to central and southern North America, black haw grows in woodland. The branch bark is stripped in the spring or autumn, the root bark in the autumn only.

Parts Used

Bark, root bark.

Constituents

Black haw contains coumarins (including scopoletin and aesculetin), salicin, 1-methyl-2,3-dibutyl hemimellitate, viburnin, plant acids, a trace of volatile oil, and tannin.

History & Folklore

The Catawba people used black haw bark to treat dysentery. In the 19^th century, the bark was considered to be a uterine tonic, and a decoction was commonly used to help arrest hemorrhage of the uterus.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Black haw is antispasmodic and astringent, and is regarded as a specific treatment for menstrual pain. Echoing its 19th-century applications, the bark is also used to treat other gynecological conditions, such as prolapse of the uterus, heavy menopausal bleeding, morning sickness, and threatened miscarriage. Black haw’s antispasmodic property makes it of value in cases where colic or other cramping pain affects the bile ducts, the digestive tract, or the urinary tract.

Related Species

The closely related V. rufidulum was used by the Menominee people to treat cramps and colic. See also cramp bark (Viburnum opulus).

Caution

People who are allergic to aspirin should not take black haw.

Description

Creeping hairy perennial growing to 20 in (50 cm). Has oval leaves and darkly veined lilac flowers.

Habitat & Cultivation

A common wild plant in Europe and North America, speedwell is most often found on heaths and in dry grassy places. It is picked in summer.

Parts Used

Aerial parts.

Constituents

Speedwell contains iridoid glycosides (including aucubin), acetopenone glucosides, and flavonoids (including apigenin and scutellarin).

History & Folklore

Speedwell was formerly considered a useful diuretic and expectorant. It was much used to treat congestion, coughs and chronic skin conditions. It was also given to counter nervous exhaustion due to excessive mental activity or concentration. However, in 1935, the French medicinal plant specialist Leclerc stated that “the infusion has no more virtue than the hot water used to prepare it.”

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Speedwell is now considered to have only a slight therapeutic effect. It is little used today.

Description

Upright biennial growing to 6½ ft (2 m). Has slightly hairy, gray-green, oval to lance shaped leaves, and spikes of bright yellow flowers.

Habitat & Cultivation

Mullein is native to central and southern Europe and western Asia. It is now also naturalized in many other temperate regions. Mullein grows on open uncultivated land and along roadsides. The leaves and flowers are collected during the summer.

Parts Used

Leaves, flowers.

Constituents

Mullein contains mucilage, flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, volatile oil, and tannins.

History & Folklore

Mullein was once credited with magical as well as medicinal virtues. John Gerard, a 16th-century herbalist, expressed doubts about the former: “there be some who think that this herbe being carryed aboute one, doth help the falling sickness… which thing is vaine and superstitious.” However, he did affirm mullein’s value as a cough medicine.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Mullein is a valuable herb for coughs and congestion, and is a specific treatment for tracheitis and bronchitis. The leaves and the flowers may be used as an infusion to reduce mucus formation and stimulate the coughing up of phlegm.

Mullein combines well with other expectorants such as coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Applied externally, mullein is emollient and makes a good wound healer. In Germany, the flowers are steeped in olive oil, and the resulting fixed oil is used as a remedy for ear infections and hemorrhoids.