Description

Small, slender, evergreen shrub, growing to 1 ft (30 cm), with oval, dark green leaves, pink flowers, and round or slightly pear shaped red berries.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to eastern North America and northern Asia, cranberry thrives in acidic soils and in wet, boggy ground. It is widely cultivated in the northeastern U.S..

Parts Used

Berry (fruit).

Constituents

Cranberry contains tannins (catechins, proanthocyanidins, and polyphenols), flavonoids, and vitamin C.

History & Folklore

Best known for cranberry sauce, cranberry has traditionally been taken as a tart, acidic drink in Sweden. Cranberry was first cultivated in Britain in 1808 by the English botanist Joseph Banks, and in the U.S.—now the principal grower of cranberries—in the 1840s.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

A classic remedy for urinary tract infections, cranberry can be used both to prevent and to treat problems such as cystitis and urethritis. Taken as berries, juice, or extract, it will help to disinfect the urinary tubules and may be taken for problems associated with poor urinary flow such as enlarged prostate, as well as bladder infections. In cases of acute infection, cranberry is likely to work better in combination with herbs such as buchu (Barosma betulina) and uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). Cranberry may also be used long term to prevent the development of calcium carbonate urinary stones.

Research

Research published in 1994 found that cranberry juice reduced the need for antibiotics in women suffering from chronic urinary tract infection. It seems likely that cranberry works by making it more difficult for bacteria to cling to the urinary tract wall, and infection is therefore more easily flushed out. The proanthocyanidins and catechins are probably responsible for this action.

Cautions

In kidney disease, use only on professional advice.

Description

Perennial growing to 5 ft (1.5 m) from a large white or red bulb. Has a single flowering stem, a rosette of large basal leaves, and a dense spike of white flowers.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to southern Spain, the Canary Islands, and South Africa, squill is cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The bulb of the white (but not the red) variety is unearthed in late summer.

Part Used

Bulb.

Constituents

Squill contains cardiac glycosides (0.15–2.4% bufadienolides, including scillaren A), flavonoids, stigmasterol anthocyanidins, and mucilage. The cardiac glycosides are strongly diuretic and relatively quickacting. They do not have the same cumulative effect as those present in foxglove (Digitalis purpurea).

History & Folklore

Squill appears in the Egyptian Ebers papyrus (c. 1500 BCE). In Greece it was used by Pythagoras and Hippocrates in the 6th and 5th centuries BCE.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Squill is a diuretic, emetic, cardiotonic, and expectorant plant that finds use in a wide range of conditions. It makes a good diuretic in cases of water retention. Since its active constituents do not accumulate to a great degree within the body, it is a potential substitute for foxglove in aiding a failing heart. At low dosage, squill is an effective expectorant. At higher doses, the herb acts as an emetic. Squill is also used in homeopathic preparations.

Caution

Use only under professional supervision. Squill is toxic in excessive doses.

Description

Climbing vine growing to 100 ft (30 m) or more, with stems up to 8 in (20 cm) in diameter, large, glossy leaves, and sharp hooks (the “cat’s claws”).

Habitat & Cultivation

A native of tropical rain forests in the central and eastern Andes, especially Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, cat’s claw has also been found in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. Until recently, the root bark was the part most commonly used as medicine. However, by the early 1990s collection from the wild threatened the species’ survival. Only the stem bark, from ecologically sustainable sources, should be used.

Parts Used

Stem bark.

Constituents

Cat’s claw contains pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POA), tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOA) in one chemotype only, triterpenoid glycosides, sterols, flavonoids, and tannins, including epicatechin and proanthocyanidins.

History & Folklore

Known by the Ashaninka and other indigenous peoples of central Peru for its power in regulating illness, cat’s claw has been used since the earliest times to treat serious illness, from asthma and diabetes to arthritis and cancer. Native healers are able to distinguish between what are botanically identical plants, selecting those that have a low TOA content and are therefore most likely to prove effective in strengthening immunity.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Like Echinacea (echinacea spp.), with which it combines effectively, cat’s claw supports a weakened immune system, and can reinvigorate the body’s efforts to counter infection and inflammation. The herb’s antioxidant activity also helps to contain the widespread cellular damage that occurs in chronic degenerative disease.

Conditions that may benefit include infections such as chronic fatigue syndrome and HIV/AIDS; chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis; and asthma. Cat’s claw may also be taken to help prevent cancer, particularly breast cancer, and is useful in countering the damaging effects of chemotherapy.

Research

Investigations into the root and stem bark have established that cat’s claw has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-stimulant activity. The POAs and water extracts of the bark stimulate production of white blood cells and nonspecific immune resistance, and appear to inhibit tumor development and growth; extracts of the bark are strongly anti-inflammatory and may inhibit inflammatory gene expression.

Nevertheless, the bark’s medicinal activity probably results from the synergistic effect of several compounds, including the tannins. Clinical research in Peru indicates that cat’s claw may have use in the treatment for HIV and AIDS. Of the two types of cat’s claw, only the one containing POAs should be used as medicine, since the TOAs may suppress immune function. Cat’s claw has a contraceptive activity. A small-scale clinical trial in Brazil found that patients with advanced cancer had more energy and some improvement in quality of life when taking a cat’s claw extract.

Caution

Avoid taking Cat’s Claw during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Description

Climbing perennial growing to 33 ft (10 m). Has opposite lance-shaped leaves, thorns, and composite flowerheads.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to China and Southeast Asia, gou teng is cultivated in the southern and eastern provinces of China. The stems and thorns are collected in autumn and winter.

Parts Used

Stems, thorns.

Constituents

Gou teng contains indole alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoid, and polysaccharides.

History & Folklore

The first recorded use of gou teng in Chinese medicine is in the Miscellaneous Records (c. 500 CE).

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Gou teng is a sedative and antispasmodic, and is mainly used to ease symptoms such as tremors, seizure, spasms, headache, and dizziness. It is also prescribed for infantile convulsions. In Chinese herbal medicine it “extinguishes [internal] wind [gas] and stops tremors.” It is also used by the Chinese to reduce high blood pressure and excess liver “fire.”

Research

Chinese tests on laboratory animals indicate that gou teng lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and has notable sedative activity.

Related Species

Like gou teng, pale catechu (U. gambier) contains a constituent that lowers blood pressure. See also cat’s claw (U. tomentosa).

Caution

Take gou teng only under professional supervision.

Description

Stout upright plant growing to a height of 6½ ft (2 m). Has long, flat, narrow leaves rising parallel to the stem, a distinctive brown cylindrical head of female flowers, and straw colored male flowers immediately above.

Habitat & Cultivation

Cattail flourishes in marshes, swamps, and other freshwater sites in both temperate and tropical zones, and is cultivated. The pollen is shaken off the plant while it is in bloom.

Part Used

Pollen.

Constituents

Cattail contains isorhamnetin, pentacosane, and sterols.

History & Folklore

The pollen is highly inflammable and has been used in the manufacture of fireworks. The root is edible and has been eaten in times of famine. The young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked in spring, and are said to taste like asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). Although “bulrushes” (the British and Irish name for cattails) are mentioned in the Bible, it is likely the plant being referred to is actually Cyperus papyrus.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

In Chinese herbal medicine, the astringent pollen has been employed chiefly to stop internal or external bleeding. The pollen may be mixed with honey and applied to wounds and sores, or taken orally to reduce internal bleeding of almost any kind—for example, nosebleeds, uterine bleeding, or blood in the urine.

The pollen is now also used in the treatment of angina (pain in the chest or arm due to lack of oxygen to the heart muscle). In India, the dried pollen has been used for kidney stones, to treat nosebleeds and internal bleeding, as well as for painful menstruation. Cattail does not appear to have been used as a medicine in the European herbal tradition.

Research

Chinese research suggests that cattail pollen protects blood vessels from inflammation and acts as an immunosuppressant.

Caution

Do not take during pregnancy.

Description

Perennial twining climber with lance-shaped leaves and greenish flowers producing many flat seeds.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to the Indian subcontinent, asmatica grows wild on the plains of India. The leaves are gathered when the plant is in flower.

Parts Used

Leaves.

Constituents

Asmatica contains alkaloids (including tylophorine), flavonoids, sterols, and tannins. Tylophorine has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

History & Folklore

Asmatica has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to induce vomiting and expectoration, and to treat dysentery and rheumatic conditions.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Considered a specific remedy for asthma, asmatica may relieve symptoms for up to 3 months. It is also beneficial in cases of hay fever, and is prescribed for acute allergic problems such as eczema and hives. It holds potential as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and other immune system disorders. Asmatica may relieve rheumatoid arthritis, and may also be of value in the treatment of cancer.

Research

Extensive laboratory and clinical research in India has established that asmatica is an effective remedy for asthma. In the 1970s, a number of clinical trials showed that a majority of asthmatic patients taking the herb for just 6 days gained relief from asthma for up to a further 12 weeks. However, subsequent studies have failed to reproduce these results. The leaves produce side-effects including nausea and vomiting.

Caution

Take asmatica only under professional supervision.

Description

Perennial herb growing to 12 in (30 m). Has flowering stems with purple scales, yellow-gold flowers, and heart-shaped leaves.

Habitat & Cultivation

Indigenous to Europe and northern Asia, and naturalized in North America, coltsfoot is a common plant often found along roadsides and on verges and in open areas. The flowers are gathered in late winter, the leaves in summer.

Parts Used

Leaves, flowers.

Constituents

Coltsfoot contains flavonoids, about 8% mucilage (polysaccharides), 10% tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, vitamin C, and zinc. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids may have a toxic effect on the liver, but are largely destroyed when the parts are boiled to make a decoction. The polysaccharides are anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant. The flavonoids are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.

History & Folklore

For at least 2,500 years, coltsfoot has been taken as a cough remedy and smoked as a means to ease breathing. Dioscorides, a Greek physician of the 1st century CE, recommended it for dry coughs, and “for those who are unable to breathe except standing upright.”

Medicinal Actions & Uses

An effective demulcent and expectorant herb, coltsfoot is one of the most popular European remedies for treating chest problems. In Europe, the leaves are preferred to the flowers (which contain higher amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids), but in China the flowers are preferred. Both parts of the plant are taken as a decoction for chest conditions.

When used as a syrup or a medicinal cigarette, coltsfoot relieves asthma. This herb is used as a specific treatment for spasmodic coughs. It is particularly effective when used in combination with licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and wild cherry (Prunus serotina).

Research

Extracts of the whole plant have been shown to increase immune resistance. In a Chinese trial involving 36 patients suffering from bronchial asthma, 75% showed some improvement after treatment, but the anti-asthmatic effect was short-lived.

Cautions

Do not use coltsfoot flowers. Do not take the leaves for more than 3–4 weeks at a time. Do not take coltsfoot during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The herb is not suitable for children under 6. Coltsfoot is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.

Description

Evergreen tree growing to 100 ft (30 m). Has reddish-brown bark, short narrow needle leaves, and small male and female cones.

Habitat & Cultivation

Canada hemlock is native to eastern parts of North America, growing in woodland and marshy sites. The bark is collected from mature trees throughout the year.

Part Used

Bark.

Constituents

Canada hemlock contains volatile oil (with alpha-pinene, bornyl acetate, and cadinene), 10–14% tannins, and resin.

History & Folklore

Native Americans may have given Canada hemlock to the explorer Jacques Cartier in 1535. He and his crew, exploring the St. Lawrence river, had fallen sick with scurvy, but all made a quick recovery upon taking a decoction of leaves and bark. Many Native American peoples used the bark to treat wounds.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

The bark of Canada hemlock is astringent and antiseptic. A decoction may be taken to treat diarrhea, colitis, diverticulitis, and cystitis. Externally, Canada hemlock can be employed as a douche to treat excessive vaginal discharge, yeast infection, and a prolapsed uterus; as a mouthwash and gargle for gingivitis and sore throats; or as a wash to cleanse and tighten wounds.

Description

Climbing annual growing to 10 ft (3 m). Has straggling stems, rounded leaves, and orange to yellow trumpet-shaped flowers with a long spur.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to Peru, nasturtiums flourish in sunny sites. They are grown as an ornamental and as a salad herb. All parts of the plant are harvested in summer.

Parts Used

Flowers, leaves, seeds.

Constituents

Nasturtiums contain glucosinolates, sulphur glycosides, glucotropaeolin, flavonoids, spilantolic acid, and iodide. Glucotropaeolin is converted into mustard oils by gut bacteria and acts as an antibiotic within the urinary and respiratory systems.

History & Folklore

The nasturtium has long been used in Andean herbal medicine as a disinfectant and wound-healing herb, and as an expectorant to relieve chest conditions.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

All parts of the nasturtium appear to have antibiotic activity. An infusion of the leaves may be used to increase resistance to bacterial infections and to clear nasal and bronchial congestion—apparently the remedy both reduces congestion formation and stimulates the clearing and coughing up of phlegm. It can also prove useful in bacterial cystitis and it makes an effective antiseptic wash for external application.

The juice of the plant has been taken internally for the treatment of scrofula (tubercular infection of the lymph nodes). The piquant-tasting leaves and flowers (and juice) of nasturtium are high in vitamin C, and make a good salad vegetable, while the ground seeds have purgative properties.

Description

Attractive perennial with an erect stem growing to 16 in (40 cm). Has 3 wavy leaves and an unpleasant-smelling, 3-petaled, red to yellow flower.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to North America, bethroot grows in shady areas in woodlands. The rhizome is usually unearthed after the leaves have fallen in autumn.

Part Used

Rhizome.

Constituents

Bethroot contains steroidal saponins (such as trillin), tannin, resin, fixed oil, and a trace of volatile oil.

History & Folklore

Various Trillium species were used by Native Americans to aid childbirth, to treat irregular menstrual periods, period pain and excessive vaginal discharge, and, as a poultice, to soothe sore nipples.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Bethroot is a valuable remedy for heavy menstrual or intermenstrual bleeding, helping to reduce blood flow. It is also used to treat bleeding associated with uterine fibroids. Bethroot may also be taken for bleeding within the urinary tubules and, less commonly, for the coughing up of blood. It remains a valuable herb in facilitating childbirth. A douche of bethroot is useful for excessive vaginal discharge and yeast infections.

Caution

Do not take during pregnancy except under professional supervision.