tennessee common herbs and uses

8/3/2019 Tennessee Common Herbs and Uses

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T e n n e s s e e C o m m o n H e r b s a n d U s e s P a g e | 1

Ground ivy (minty smell) is stated to possess mild expectorant, anticatarrhal,astringent, vulnerary, diuretic and stomachic properties. Traditionally, it has beenused for bronchitis, tinnitus, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, cystitis, gastritis, andspecifically for chronic bronchial catarrh.

DosageDosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended instandard herbal reference texts are given below.

Dried herb 24 gas an infusion three times daily.

Liquid extract 24 mL (1:1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily

Side-effects, Toxicity: There is a lack of clinical safety and toxicity data forground ivy and further investigation of these aspects is required. Druginteractions:None documented. Contra-indications, Warnings: Ground ivyis contra-indicated in epilepsy although no rationale for this statement has beenfound. Excessive doses maybe irritant to the gastrointestinal mucosa and should beavoided by individuals with existing renal disease.

Milk thistlefruits traditionally, have been used for disorders of the liver, spleenand gall bladder such as jaundice and gall bladder colic. Milk thistle has also beenused for nursing mothers for stimulating milk production, as a bitter tonic, forhaemorrhoids, for dyspeptic complaints and as a demulcent in catarrah andpleurisy.It is stated to possess hepatoprotective, antioxidant and cholereticproperties.The leaves have also been used for the treatment of liver, spleen andgall bladder disorders and as an antimalarial, emmenagogue and for uterinecomplaints. Milk thistle leaf preparations are available today, although mostresearch has been conducted with preparations of the fruit since the leaf does notcontain the pharmacologically active component silymarin.


Fruit Crude drug 12

15 g daily in divided doses (equivalent to silymarin 200

400mg daily).

Herb Approximately 1.5 g of finely chopped material as a tea, two or three cupsdaily.

Side-effects, Toxicity: Data from drug monitoring studies involving more than 3500 patients, including one studyinvolving 2637 patients with various types of chronic liver disease treated with silymarin (Legalon) (560 mg/day) foreight weeks, have indicated that the frequency of adverse effects with silymarin is approximately 1%. Adverse effectsare mainly transient, non-serious, gastrointestinal complaints.It is stated that silymarin may occasionally produce a

mild laxative effect. Drug interactions:None documented. Contra-indications, Warnings: Nonedocumented.


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Mistletoeis stated to possess hypotensive, cardiac-depressant andsedative properties. Traditionally, it has been used for high blood pressure,arteriosclerosis, nervous tachycardia, hypertensive headache, chorea andhysteria.Modern use of mistletoe preparations is focused on use as atreatment and as an adjuvant treatment in cancer. Clinical studies ofmistletoe preparations have assessed mistletoe preparations as a treatment,

or as an adjunctive treatment, in patients with different types of cancers. Asmall number of other clinical trials have been conducted involving patientswith chronic hepatitis C infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)infection and respiratory infections.

DosageDosages for oral administration (adults) recommended in standard herbal reference texts for the traditional uses aregiven below.

Dried leaves26 g as an infusion three times daily.

Liquid extract13 mL (1:1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily.

Tincture 0.5mL (1:5 in 45% alcohol) three times daily.

Infusion 40120mL (1:20 in cold water) daily.

Soft extract0.30.6 mL (1:8 infusion or tincture) three times daily.

Side-effects, Toxicity: The MHRA has received a total of four reports of suspected adverse drug reactions(ADRs) associated with Iscador preparations up to 2004. These reports described 12 suspected ADRs, includinghepatitis and abnormal liver function (two reports), myalgia, dizziness, wheezing, cough, hoarseness, abdominal pain,pyrexia, urticaria (one report) and a suspected interaction (one report).The MHRA has received one furthersuspected ADR report of arteritis associated with a multi-ingredient product containing mistletoe (no further details

available at the time of writing). Causality in these cases has not been established. Drug interactions:In view ofthe documented pharmacological activities of mistletoe, whether or not there is potential for clinically importantinteractions between mistletoe and other medicines with similar or opposing effects, such as existing cardiac,immunosuppressant, hypo/hypertensive, antidepressant and anticoagulant/coagulant therapies, should be

considered. Contra-indications, Warnings: Mistletoe is contra-indicated in cases of known allergy to mistletoepreparations, acute inflammatory conditions and high fever, and chronic progressive conditions, such as tuberculosis.Increases in body temperature can occur following mistletoe injection.

Parsleyis stated to possess carminative, antispasmodic,diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, antirheumatic andantimicrobial properties. Traditionally, it has been used forflatulent dyspepsia, colic, cystitis, dysuria, bronchitic cough inthe elderly, dysmenorrhoea, functional amenorrhoea, myalgiaand specifically for flatulent dyspepsia with intestinal colic.

DosageDosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional usesrecommended in standard herbal reference texts are givenbelow.

Leaf/root24 g as an infusion.

Seed1

2 g.Dried root24 g or by infusion three times daily.

Liquid extract24 mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily.

Side-effects, Toxicity: Chronic and excessive consumption of fresh parsley (170 g daily for 30 years) has beenassociated with generalized itching and pigmentation of the lower legs in a 70-year-old woman. Drug interactions:None documented. Contra-indications, Warnings: Parsley may cause a photoactive reaction, especiallyfollowing external contact, and may aggravate existing renal disease.


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Passionfloweris stated to possess sedative, hypnotic,antispasmodic and anodyne properties.Traditionally, it hasbeen used for neuralgia, generalized seizures, hysteria,nervous tachycardia, spasmodic asthma, and specifically forinsomnia.The German Commission E approved internal use fornervous restlessness.Passionflower is used in combination with

valerian root and lemon balm for conditions of unrest, difficultyin falling asleep due to nervousness. Passionflower is usedextensively in homeopathy.

DosageDosages for oral administration (adults) recommended in olderstandard herbal reference texts for the traditional uses aregiven below.

For restlessness and resulting irritability and insomnia, and nervous tension 0.51 g of dried plant equivalent threetimes daily;48 g herb daily. Modern standard herbal reference texts recommend the following dosages for oraladministration (adults).

For tenseness, restlessness and irritability with difficulty falling asleep: 0.52 g of drug three to four times daily; 2.5 gof drug as an infusion three to four times daily; 14mL of tincture (1:8) three to four times daily.

Side-effects, Toxicity: In a randomised, double-blind study in which 36 patients with generalized anxiety disorderreceived P. incarnata extract (Passipay; Iran) 45 drops daily (no further details of preparation provided), or oxazepam30 mg daily, for four weeks, no statistically significant differences in the overall frequency of adverse effects wasobserved between the two groups (p = 0.831).Impairment of job performance occurred more frequently in the

oxazepam group, although this only just reached statistical significance (p = 0.049). Drug interactions:Nonedocumented. Contra-indications, Warnings: None documented.

Red cloveris stated to act as a dermatological agent, and to possessmildly antispasmodic and expectorant properties. Tannins are known topossess astringent properties. Traditionally red clover has been used forchronic skin disease, whooping cough, and specifically for eczema andpsoriasis.

Dosage

Dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommendedin standard herbal reference texts are given below.

Dried flowerhead 4 g as an infusion three times daily.

Liquid extract 1.53.0 mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily.

Tincture 12mL (1 : 10 in 45% alcohol) three times daily.

Side-effects, Toxicity: Urticarial reactions have been documented. Drug interactions:None documented.Contra-indications, Warnings: In view of the oestrogenic constituents, excessive ingestion should be avoided.


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Burdockis stated to possess diuretic and orexigenicproperties. It has been used for cutaneous eruptions,rheumatism, cystitis, gout, anorexia nervosa, and specificallyfor eczema and psoriasis.

Dosage

Dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional usesrecommended in older and contemporary standard herbalreference texts are given below.

Dried root 26 g by infusion three times daily.

Liquid extract 28 mL (1:1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily.

Tincture 812mL (1:10 in 45% alcohol) three times daily.

Decoction 500mL (1:20) per day.

Pharmacological Actions:The roots and leaves of burdock plants not yet flowering are stated to possessdiuretic, hypoglycaemic and antifurunculous properties. A burdock extract (plant part not stated) was reported tocause a sharp, long-lasting reduction in the blood sugar concentration in rats, together with an increase in

carbohydrate tolerance and a reduction in toxicity. Side-effects, Toxicity: No relevant data documented.

Drug interactions:None documented. Contra-indications, Warnings: No relevant data documented.

Wild carrot (aka bird's nest, bishop's lace, and (US) Queen Anne's lace)is stated to possess diuretic, antilithic, and carminative properties. Traditionally, ithas been used for urinary calculus, lithuria, cystitis, gout, and specifically for urinarygravel or calculus.


Dried herb 24 g as an infusion three times daily.

Liquid extract 24 mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily.

Side-effects, Toxicity: None documented. Drug interactions:Nonedocumented. Contra-indications, Warnings: None documented.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Daucus_carota_May_2008-1_edit.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Daucus_carota_May_2008-1_edit.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Daucus_carota_May_2008-1_edit.jpg


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Wild lettuceis stated to possess mild sedative, anodyneand hypnotic properties. Traditionally, it has been used forinsomnia, restlessness and excitability in children, pertussis,irritable cough, priapism, dysmenorrhoea, nymphomania,muscular or articular pains, and specifically for irritablecough and insomnia.

Food UseWild lettuce is not used in foods, although the relatedspecies L. sativa(see figure below) is commonly used as asalad ingredient.

DosageDosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional usesrecommended in older and contemporary standard herbaland pharmaceutical reference texts are given below.

Dried leaves 0.53.0 g as an infusion three times daily.

Liquid extract 0.53.0 mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three timesdaily.

Lactucarium (dried latex extract) (BPC 1934) 0.3

1.0 gthree times daily.

Soft extract (BPC 1934) 0.31.0 g three times daily.

Side-effects, Toxicity :No side-effects documented for L.virosa. However, there is a lack of clinical safety and toxicitydata for wild lettuce and further investigation of theseaspects is required.Wild lettuce contains sesquiterpenelactones which are potentially allergenic. Occupationaldermatitis has been documented for L. sativa together withan urticarial eruption after ingestion of the leaves.The milky

sap of L. sativa is reported to be irritant.Contra-indications, Warnings: Over dosage may producepoisoning involving stupor, depressed respiration, coma andeven death. Wild lettuce may cause an allergic reaction insensitive individuals, in particular those with an existingsensitivity to other members of the Asteraceae/Compositae

family. Drug interactions: None documented. However,the potential for preparations of wild lettuce to interact with other medicines administered concurrently, particularlythose with similar or opposing effects, should be considered.
http://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/wild-lettucehttp://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/wild-lettucehttp://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/wild-lettuce


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Willowis stated to possess anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antipyretic,antihidrotic, analgesic, antiseptic and astringent properties. Traditionally it hasbeen used for muscular and arthrodial rheumatism with inflammation and pain,influenza, respiratory catarrh, gouty arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, andspecifically for rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic connective tissue disorderscharacterised by inflammatory changes. The German Commission E approved

internal use for diseases accompanied by fever, rheumatic ailments andheadaches.


Dry bark 13 g as a decoction three times daily corresponding to 60120 mg totalsalicin daily.

Liquid extract 13 mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily.

Side-effects, Toxicity:Clinical safety and toxicity data for willow are limitedand further investigation of these aspects is required. Minor adverse effects

including stomachache, nausea, dizziness, sweating and rash have been reported for willow. Side-effects and signs

of toxicity normally associated with salicylates, such as gastric and renal irritation, hypersensitivity, blood in thestools, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting, may occur. Salicin is documented to cause skin rashes.Contra-indications,Warnings: Precautions associated with salicylate therapy are also applicable to willow. Therefore individuals withknown hypersensitivity to aspirin, asthma, active peptic ulceration, diabetes, gout, haemophilia,hypoprothrombinaemia, kidney or liver disease should be aware of the possible risks associated with the ingestion of

willow. Drug interactions:Drug interactions listed for salicylates are also applicable to willow and include oralanticoagulants, methotrexate, metoclopramide, phenytoin, probenecid, spironolactone and valproate. Concurrentadministration of willow with other salicylate-containing products, such as aspirin, should be avoided. Irritant effects ofsalicylates on the gastrointestinal tract may be enhanced by alcohol, and barbiturates and oral sedatives have beendocumented to enhance salicylate toxicity as well as masking the symptoms of overdosage.

Witch hazelis stated to possess astringent, antihaemorrhagic andanti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, it has been used fordiarrhoea, mucous colitis, haemorrhoids, haematemesis,haemoptysis, and externally for external haemorrhoids, bruises and

localised inflamed swellings. The German Commission E approveduse for minor skin injuries, local inflammation of skin and mucousmembranes, haemorrhoids and varicose veins.

DosageDosages for oral (unless otherwise stated)administration (adults) for traditional usesrecommended in older and contemporary standardherbal and pharmaceutical reference texts aregiven below. While doses for oral administrationare given in older literature, modern use of witchhazel is by topical application.

Dried leaves 2 g as an infusion three times daily.

Hamamelis Liquid Extract 24mL (1:1 in 45%alcohol) three times daily.

Hamamelis Water for local application, undiluted or 1:3 dilution for external use.

Decoction 510 g in 250mL water for compresses.

Side-effects, Toxicity: The volatile oil contains safrole, a known carcinogen (see Sassafras), but in amounts toosmall to cause concern. Stomach irritation may occur in susceptible patients after oral treatment. Four of 1032patients tested reacted to an ointment containing 25% witch hazel extract, but two of these patients were sensitive to

wool fat in the ointment base. Drug interactions:None documented. Contra-indications, Warnings: Nonedocumented.


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Yarrowis stated to possess diaphoretic, antipyretic, hypotensive,

astringent, diuretic and urinary antiseptic properties. Traditionally, it

has been used for bruises, swellings, strains, fevers, common cold,

essential hypertension, amenorrhoea, dysentery, diarrhoea, and

specifically for thrombotic conditions with hypertension, including

cerebral and coronary thromboses.

DosageDosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional usesrecommended in standard herbal reference texts are given below.

Dried herb 24 g as an infusion three times daily.

Liquid extract 24 mL (1:1 in 25% alcohol) three timesdaily.

Tincture 24mL (1:5 in 45% alcohol) three times daily.

Side-effects, Toxicity: Allergic reactions to yarrow (e.g. dermatitis)have been documented, and positive patch tests have been produced

in individuals sensitised to other plants.An instance of yarrow teacausing a generalised eruption in a sensitised individual was reportedin 1929. The allergenic properties of some sesquiterpene lactones arewell documented, although none of those present in yarrow arerecognised sensitisers.Yarrow has been suspected of being aphotosensitiser, although extracts have been reported to lack

phototoxicity and to be devoid of psoralens, compounds with known photosensitising properties. Contra-indications, Warnings: Yarrow may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals, especially those with anexisting hypersensitivity to other members of the Asteraceae/ Compositae. Drug interactions:None documented.Pregnancy and lactation: Yarrow should not be taken during pregnancy.

Black Medick Weed water extracts (infusions) have shown

antibacterial properties against mycobacteria; considered a

soothing herb. Good for stomach issues.

Herb: Black Medick

Latin name: Medicago lupulinaFamily:Leguminosae

Medicinal use of Black Medick:Aqueous extracts of the plant have antibacterial properties against micro-organisms. The plant i s lenitive.

Habitat of the herb:Grassy places and roadsides, often occurring as a garden weed on acid and calcareous soils.

Edible parts of Black Medick:Leaves - cooked. Used as a potherb. A nutritional analysis is available. Seed - cooked. Parched and eaten orground into a powder. The seed is said to contain trypsin inhibitors. These can interfere with certain enzymesthat help in the digestion of proteins, but are normally destroyed if the seed is sprouted first.

Other uses of the herb:A good green manure plant, it is fairly deep rooted, has good resistance to "Clover rot" but it is not very fastgrowing. It can be undersown with cereals, succeeding even in a wet season.

Propagation of Black Medick:Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in situ. The seed can also be sown in situin autumn. Green manure crops can be sown in situ from early spring until early autumn. (the la ter sowings arefor an over-wintering crop)

Cultivation of the herb:Grassy places and roadsides, often occurring as a garden weed on acid and calcareous soils.

Known hazards of Medicago lupulina:None known

tennessee common herbs and uses

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