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The following is a basic Herbal Materia Medica of 15 herbs. Click on each of the headings to view the materia medica of that herb. Materia Medica 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Calendula officinalis 3.0 Gentiana luteum 4.0 Althaea officinalis 5.0 Taraxacum officinalis 6.0 Echinacea spp 7.0 Achillea millefolium 8.0 Inula helenium 9.0 Withania somnifera 10.0 Scutellaria laterifolia Botanical name: Scutellaria laterifolia Common name: Skullcap Appearance: Major phytochemical constituents: Flavonoids: Apigenin, hispidulin, luteolin, scutellarein, scutellarin. Iridoids: Catalpol. Volatile Oils: Limonene, terpineol, d-cadinene, caryophyllene, trans-b-farnesene, b-humulene. Other: Lignin, resin, tannin. (Anderson, et al., 1996, p.239). Therapeutic actions: Anti-convulsive, sedative. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.194). Traditional and historical uses: Epilepsy, chorea, hysteria, nervous tension. BHP specific: Grand mal. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.194). Traditionally used to eliminate placenta after birth. (Anderson, et al., 1996). Dosage: Three times daily: 1 - 2 g, or by infusion. 2 - 4 ml (1:1 Liquid extract in 25% alcohol). 1 - 2 ml (1:5 Liquid extract in 45% alcohol). (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.194). Contraindications: None. Safety considerations: Due to lack of information and concerns over possible hepatotoxicity, it is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation. (Anderson, et al., 1996). 11.0 Zingerber officinalis Botanical name: Zingerber officinalis. Common name: Ginger Appearance: Rhizome, orange in colour. Major phytochemical constituents: Camphene, phellandrene, zingiberene, zingiberol, eucalyptol, citral, borneol, linalool, methylheptenone, gingerol and nonyl alcohol. Esters of acetic and caprylic acid, a resin and shogaol. (Anderson, et al., 1996). Therapeutic actions: Carminitive, diaphoretic, spasmolytic. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.240). Traditional and historical uses: Colic, flatulent dyspepsia. BHP specific: Flatulent intestinal colic. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.240). Dosage: Three times daily: Dried rhizome 0.25 - 1 g, or by infusion or decoction. 1.5 - 3 ml weak tincture 0.25 - 0.5 ml strong tincture (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.240). Contraindications: High doses may interfere with cardiac, antidiabetic and anticoagulant medication. (Anderson, et al., 1996). Safety considerations: High doses should be avoided during pregnancy. (Anderson, et al., 1996). 12.0 Cratageus oxycantha Botanical name: Cratageus oxycantha. Common name: Hawthorn Appearance: Major phytochemical constituents: Amines: Phenylethylamine, O-methoxyphenethylamine, tyramine. Flavonoids: Flavanol, flavone, rutin, hyperoside, vitexin glycosides, orientin glycosides, procyanidins. Tannins: proanthocyanidins Other: Cyanogenetic glycosides, saponins. (Anderson, et al., 1996, p.157). Therapeutic actions: Cardiotonic, coronary vasodilator, and hypotensive properties. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.75). Traditional and historical uses: Cardiac failure, myocardial weakness, paroxysmal tachycardia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, Buerger’s disease. BHP Specific: Hypertension with myocardial weakness. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.75). Dosage: Three times daily: Dried fruit 0.3 - 1 g or by infusion. Liquid extract 1:1 in 25% alcohol. 0.5 - 1 ml Tincture 1:5 in 45% alcohol. 1 - 2 ml (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.75). Contraindications: Should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation. (Anderson, et al., 1996). Safety considerations: Should be used with caution if patients are taking existing cardiovascular therapies. (Anderson, et al., 1996). 13.0 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 14.0 Harpagophytum procumbens 15.0 Cimicifuga racemosa 16.0 Glycerrhiza glabra 17.0 Conclusion 18.0 References |