Habitat: Damp woods and other shady places.

Action: Antiseptic and expectorant.

Sodium valproate has widespread metabolic effects and may have dose-related side-effects. There has been concern over severe hepatic or pancreatic toxicity, but such adverse effects are rare. Other adverse effects include digestive upsets, drowsiness, muscle incoordination and skin rashes. Rare reports have been given of behavioural disturbances, with occasional aggression. Initiation and withdrawal of treatment should always be slow. Patients should reduce their alcohol intake; any other drugs they are taking that are metabolised by the liver should be carefully monitored.... sodium valproate

Habitat: Found in many damp places such as low-lying meadows and woods, about the banks of rivers and lakes, and in marshy, swampy ground generally.

Action: Nervine and antispasmodic.

(2) The process by which air is puri?ed and circulated in domestic, occupational, industrial, and other settings. Ideally, the air we breathe should be of the right temperature and humidity, and free of dust, smoke, pollen, and other contaminants. Ventilation aims to produce such an atmosphere. Air-conditioning is frequently used in hospitals, o?ces, and other

public places. Special ?lters may be used to reduce the risk of airborne infections and allergies (see ALLERGY), but poorly maintained and contaminated systems may result in outbreaks of serious disorders, such as LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE. Sterilisation of air is rarely required, but ultraviolet light is sometimes used to kill pathogenic organisms. (See also ASTHMA; BRONCHITIS; HUMIDIFICATION.)... ventilation

Most experiments are carried out on specially bred mice and rats. Fewer than 1 per cent are done on cats, dogs, non-human primates, farm animals, frogs, ?sh and birds. Control on experiments has recently been strengthened.

The great majority of animal experiments are done without anaesthesia because feeding experiments, taking blood, or giving injections does not require anaesthetics in animals any more than in humans. Universities in Britain are responsible for fewer than one-?fth of animal experiments; commercial concerns and government institutions are responsible for most of the rest. Tests on cosmetics account for under 1 per cent of all animal work, but are necessary because such materials are often applied with great frequency – and for a long time – to the skin of adults and infants.

The use of tissue cultures and computer models instead of live animals are methods of research and investigation that are being increasingly used. There is, however, a limit to the extent to which infection, cancer, or drugs can be investigated on cultures of tissue cells. Computerised or mathematical modelling of experiments is probably the most promising line of development.... vivisection

Causes Vomiting is brought about by stimulation of this nervous centre, and in most cases this is e?ected through sensations derived from the stomach itself. Thus, of the drugs which cause vomiting, some act only after being absorbed into the blood and carried to the brain, although most are irritants to the mucous membrane of the stomach (see EMETICS); various diseases of the stomach, such as cancer, ulcer and food poisoning act in a similar way. Stimulation – not only of the nerves of the stomach, but also of those supplying other abdominal organs – produces vomiting; thus in obstruction of the bowels, peritonitis, gall-stone colic, renal colic, and even in some women during pregnancy, vomiting is a prominent symptom.

Severe emotional shock may cause vomiting, as may acute anxiety and unpleasant experiences such as seeing an accident, suffering severe pain or travel sickness.

Direct disturbance of the brain itself is a cause: for example, a blow on the head, a cerebral tumour, a cerebral abscess, meningitis. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that may arise from local disease of the gastrointestinal tract, but they are also associated with systemic illness – for example, DIABETES MELLITUS or kidney failure (see KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF) – and also with disturbances of labyrinthine function, such as motion sickness and acute labyrinthitis.

Treatment The cause of the vomiting must be sought and treatment directed towards this. Symptomatic treatment for vomiting can be dangerous since accurate diagnosis of the cause may be hindered. If antinauseant drug treatment is indicated, the choice of drug depends on the cause of the vomiting.

Granisetron and ondansetron are 5hydroxytryptamine (5HT3) antagonists valuable in the treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic CHEMOTHERAPY or RADIOTHERAPY and prevention and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting. Prochlorperazine is valuable in the treatment of severe nausea, vomiting, VERTIGO and disorders of the LABYRINTH of the EAR, although extrapyramidal symptoms may occur, particularly in children, elderly and debilitated patients.

Vomiting may occur after surgical operations and this is due to the combined effects of analgesics, anaesthetic agents and the psychological stress of operation. Various drugs can be used to prevent or stop post-operative vomiting.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in pregnancy. Drugs are best avoided in this situation as they may damage the developing FETUS. Simple measures, such as the taking of food before getting up in the morning and reassurance, are often all that is necessary.... vomiting

Treatment. Because of plastic surgery deformities are now seldom seen, yet herbalism may still have a case in the absence of conventional drugs.

Teas. Elecampane. Gotu Kola.

Red Clover compound.

Arthur Barker. Liquid Extract Echinacea 1oz; Liquid Extract Queen’s Delight half an ounce; Tincture Goldenseal 30 drops. Syr Senna 2oz. Distilled, or pure spring water to 8oz. Dose: 1 dessertspoon after meals.

Topical. Marshmallow and Slippery Elm poultices or ointment. Oil of Mullein. Aloe Vera. Castor oil packs. ... lupus vulgaris

Habitat: The alpine Himalayas of Sikkim, Nepal, the adjoining parts of southern Tibet, between altitudes of 3,000 m and 4,800 m. Ayurvedic: Prativishaa, Shyaamkan- daa, Patis. Folk: Bikhamaa.

Action: Root—antiemetic, antidiar- rhoeal, antirheumatic, antiperiodic.

A researcher has suggested a link between the vaccine and AUTISM, but massive studies of children with and without this condition in several countries have failed to ?nd any evidence to back the claim. Nonetheless, the publicity war has been largely lost by the UK health departments so that vaccine rates have dropped to a worryingly low level.

(See IMMUNISATION.)... mmr vaccine

The organs from which the portal vein collects the blood are the large and small intestines, the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and gall-bladder.... portal vein

In cases of prolongation of the ?rst stage of labour, the ventouse may be used to accelerate dilatation of the cervix – provided that the cervix is already su?ciently dilated to allow application of the cup. The ventouse cannot be applied to the breech or face; in urgent cases of fetal distress the operation takes too long, and forceps delivery is preferred. There is some doubt about its safety when used on premature babies; many obstetricians feel that forceps delivery reduces the risk of intracranial haemorrhage. The vacuum extractor, while resulting in a slower delivery than when forceps are used, has a lower risk of damage to the mother’s birth canal. (See PREGNANCY AND LABOUR – Some complications of labour.)... vacuum extractor

5: VITAMINS).... vegetarianism

(e.g. from pressure by a tumour) can be detected.... ventriculography

Verah, Veera, Verra, Viera, Vira, Veira, Vyra, Vere, Vara, Verla, Verka, Verasha, Vjera... vera

Habitat: Waste places and on roadsides, particularly near buildings.

Action: Nervine, tonic, emetic and sudorific.

(2) A penis-shaped, battery-driven device used by women to attain sexual stimulation and climax.... vibrator

Pathway of light from the eye to the brain Light enters the EYE by passing through the transparent cornea, then through the aqueous humour ?lling the anterior chamber. It then passes through the pupil, through the lens and the vitreous to reach the retina. In the retina, the rod and cone photoreceptors detect light and relay messages in the form of electrochemical impulses through the various layers of the retina to the nerve ?bres. The nerve ?bres carry messages via the optic nerve, optic chiasma, optic tract, lateral geniculate body and ?nally the optic radiations to the visual cortex.

Here in the visual cortex these messages are interpreted. It is therefore the visual cortex of the BRAIN that ‘sees’.

Visual acuity Two points will not be seen as two unless they are separated by a minimum distance. This distance is such that the objects are so far apart that the lines joining them to the eye enclose between them (subtend) an angle of at least one minute of a degree. This amount of separation allows the images of the two points to fall on two separate cones (if the light from two points falls on one cone, the two points would be seen as a single point). There are many tests of visual acuity. One of the more common is the Snellen test type. This is made up of many letters of di?erent size. By conventions the chart is placed 6 metres away from the patient. Someone able to see the lowest line at this distance has a visual acuity of 6/4. If they are only able to see the top letter they have 6/60 vision. ‘Normal’ vision is 6/6.

Colour vision ‘White light’ is made up of component colours. These can be separated by a prism, thereby producing a spectrum. The three cardinal colours are red, green, and blue; all other colours can be produced by a varying mixture of these three. Colour vision is a complex subject. The trichromat theory of colour vision suggests that there are three types of cones, each type sensitive to one of the cardinal colours. Colour perception is based on di?erential stimulation of these cone types. The opponent colour theory suggests that each cone type can generate signals of the opposite kind. Output from some cones can collaborate with the output from others or can inhibit the action of other cones. Colour perception results from these various complex interactions.

Defective colour vision may be hereditary or acquired, and can occur in the presence of normal visual acuity. HEREDITARY DEFECTIVE COLOUR VISION is more common in men (7 per cent of males) than women (0·5 per cent of females). Men are affected, but women convey the abnormal gene (see GENES) to their children. It occurs because one or more of the photopigments of the retina are abnormal, or the cones are damaged. Red-green colour defect is the most common. ACQUIRED DEFECTIVE COLOUR VISION is the result of disease of the cones or their connections in the retina, optic nerve or brain – for example, macular disease, optic neuritis. Col-our vision can be impaired but not lost as a result of corneal opaci?cation or cataract formation (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF).

TESTS OF COLOUR VISION These use specially designed numbers made of coloured dots surrounded by dots of confusing colour (e.g. plates).... vision

GVH disease can usually be prevented by administration of immunosuppressant drugs. If the disease develops, it can be treated with corticosteroid drugs and immunosuppressant drugs such as ciclosporin In some cases, however, it can be difficult to control.... graft-versus-host disease

Before the vaccine was generally available, Hib infection was a common cause of bacterial meningitis and epiglottitis in children.... hib vaccine

It usually results from thrombosis in the affected vein, and is more common in people who have glaucoma.

Retinal vein occlusion may cause visual disturbances, glaucoma, or blindness.... retinal vein occlusion

It is sometimes removed and used to bypass a blockage in blood vessels of the heart (see coronary artery bypass).... saphenous vein

The woman is given a course of fertility drugs to stimulate release of eggs from the ovary. This is followed by ultrasound scanning to check the eggs, which are collected by laparoscopy immediately before ovulation. They are then mixed with sperm in the laboratory. Two, or sometimes more, fertilized eggs are replaced into the uterus. If they become safely implanted in the uterine wall, the pregnancy usually continues normally.

Only about 1 in 10 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization achieves pregnancy at the 1st attempt, and many attempts may be needed before a successful pregnancy is achieved. Modifications of the technique, such as gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), are simpler and cheaper than the original method. in vivo Biological processes occurring within the body. (See also in vitro.)... in vitro fertilization

Varices develop as a consequence of portal hypertension.

Blood in the portal vein, passing from the intestines to the liver, meets resistance due to liver disease.

The increased blood pressure causes blood to be diverted into small veins in the walls of the oesophagus and stomach.

These veins may become distended and rupture, causing vomiting of blood and black faeces.

There are usually other symptoms of chronic liver disease.

To control acute bleeding, a balloon catheter may be passed into the oesophagus to press on the bleeding varices.

The varices may be treated with an intravenous injection of vasopressin and/or by injection, via an endoscope, of a sclerosant that seals off the affected veins.... oesophageal varices

The manoeuvre occurs naturally when an attempt is made to breathe out while holding the vocal cords tightly together.

This happens, for example, at the beginning of a sneeze.

When performed deliberately by pinching the nose and holding the mouth closed, the manoeuvre can prevent pressure damage to the eardrums (see barotrauma).... valsalva’s manoeuvre

Varices is the plural of varix.

A vein affected by varices is called a varicose vein.... varices

It is caused by an abnormally fast heart-rate due to serious heart disease, such as myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathy.

It may last for a few seconds or for several days.

Diagnosis is confirmed by ECG.

Emergency treatment is with defibrillation and an antiarrhythmic drug.... ventricular tachycardia

This may be due to various conditions such as certain adrenal tumours, polycystic ovary (see ovary, polycystic) and some other ovarian cysts, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.... virilization

The visual fields normally extend outwards over an angle of about 90 degrees on either side of the midline of the face, but are more restricted above and below, especially if the eyes are deep-set or the eyebrows are prominent.

The visual fields of the 2 eyes overlap to a large extent, giving binocular vision.

Partial loss of the visual field may occur in glaucoma or stroke.... visual field

Vitamin A is absorbed by the body in the form of retinol. This is found in liver, fish-liver oils, egg yolk, dairy produce, and is added to margarines. Carotene, which the body converts into retinol, is found in various vegetables and fruits.

Vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries. In most cases, it is due to malabsorption. Vitamin A deficiency may also result from long-term treatment with certain lipid-lowering drugs. Deficiency is common in some developing countries due to poor diet. The first symptom of deficiency is night blindness, followed by dryness and inflammation of the eyes (see xerophthalmia), keratomalacia, and eventually blindness. Deficiency also causes reduced resistance to infection, dry skin, and, in children, stunted growth.

Prolonged excessive intake of vitamin A can cause headache, nausea, loss of appetite, skin peeling, hair loss, and irregular menstruation. In severe cases, the liver and spleen become enlarged. Excessive intake during pregnancy may cause birth defects. In infants, excessive intake may cause skull deformities, which disappear if the diet is corrected.

The drug tretinoin (a derivative of vitamin A) is used to treat severe acne.... vitamin a

The main dietary sources are fruits and vegetables. Considerable amounts of vitamin C are lost when foods are processed, cooked, or kept warm.

Mild deficiency of vitamin C may result from a serious injury or burn, major surgery, the use of oral contraceptives, fever, or continual inhalation of carbon monoxide (from traffic fumes or tobacco smoke). It may cause weakness, general aches, swollen gums, and nosebleeds. More serious deficiency is usually caused by a very restricted diet. Severe deficiency leads to scurvy and anaemia.

If the daily dose of vitamin C exceeds about 1g, it may cause nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, or kidney stones

(see calculi, urinary tract).... vitamin c

Good sources include oily fish, liver, and egg yolk; vitamin D is also added to margarines. In the body, vitamin D is synthesized by the action of ultraviolet light on a particular chemical in the skin.

Deficiency may occur in people with a poor diet, in premature infants, and in those deprived of sunlight. It can also result from malabsorption. Other causes include liver or kidney disorders and some genetic defects. Prolonged use of certain drugs, such as phenytoin, may also lead to deficiency. Deficiency in young children causes rickets; long-term deficiency in adults leads to osteomalacia.Excessive intake of vitamin D may lead to hypercalcaemia and abnormal calcium deposits in the soft tissues, kidneys, and blood vessel walls.

In children, it may cause growth retardation.... vitamin d

The vitreous humour consists almost entirely of water.... vitreous humour

Dietary deficiency is rare; deficiency is most common in people with malabsorption, certain liver disorders, and in premature infants. It leads to the destruction of red blood cells, which eventually leads to anaemia. In infants, deficiency causes irritability and oedema.

Prolonged excessive intake of vitamin E may cause abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhoea.

It may also reduce intestinal absorption of vitamins A, D, and K.... vitamin e

Dietary deficiency rarely occurs.

Deficiency may develop in people with malabsorption, certain liver disorders, or chronic diarrhoea.

It may also result from prolonged treatment with antibiotics.

Newborns lack the intestinal bacteria that produce vitamin K and are routinely given supplements to prevent deficiency.

Vitamin K deficiency may cause nosebleeds and bleeding from the gums, intestine, and urinary tract.

In rare, severe cases, brain haemorrhage may result.

Excessive intake of vitamin K is not known to cause harmful effects.... vitamin k

Treatment is by manipulation back into position of any displaced bones, followed, if necessary, by surgical restoration of blood flow in the forearm.

If there is permanent deformity, physiotherapy may help to restore function.... volkmann’s contracture

Treatment depends on the cause. A combination of drugs applied to the vulva and good hygiene is usually recommended. A biopsy may be taken, if there are skin changes, to exclude the slight possibility of vulval cancer. (See also vulvovaginitis; vaginitis.)... vulvitis

walking Movement of the body by lifting the feet alternately and bringing 1 foot into contact with the ground before the other starts to leave it. A person’s gait is determined by body shape, size, and posture. The age at which children first walk varies enormously.

Walking is controlled by nerve signals from the brain’s motor cortex (see cerebrum), basal ganglia, and cerebellum that travel via the spinal cord to the muscles. Abnormal gait may be caused by joint stiffness, muscle weakness (sometimes due to conditions such as poliomyelitis or muscular dystrophy), or skeletal abnormalities (see, for example, talipes; hip, congenital dislocation of; scoliosis; bone tumour; arthritis). Children may develop knock-knee or bowleg; synovitis of the hip and Perthes’ disease are also common. Adolescents may develop a painful limp due to a slipped epiphysis (see femoral epiphysis, slipped) or to fracture or disease of the tibia, fibula or femur.

Abnormal gait may also be the result of neurological disorders such as stroke (commonly resulting in hemiplegia), parkinsonism, peripheral neuritis, multiple sclerosis, various forms of myelitis, and chorea.

Ménière’s disease may cause severe loss of balance and instability.... vulvovaginitis

Habitat: Throughout India, up to an altitude of 1,300 m.

Action: Expectorant (used in bronchial, asthmatic and pulmonary affections), antispasmodic, febrifuge.

Habitat: All along the Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim between altitudes of 1,800 and 2,700 m.

Action: Astringent, demulcent, expectorant, antitussive, stimulant, emmenagogue. Fonds used in chronic catarrh (as an ingredient of cough and bronchial medicines); also in cold imposthumes of uterus, hard swellings and hard tumours of spleen, liver and other viscera.

Habitat: Peninsular India.

Action: Stembark and fruit— antiepileptic.

Habitat: Cultivated as a garden ornamental; runs wild at many places in Jammu region.

Action: Antispasmodic in renal colic, bronchial asthma, whooping cough (used by Unani physicians), vasodilator (in angina pectoris).

Habitat: Western Himalayas at 2,100-3,000 m.

Action: Leaf—haemostatic. Essential oil—antibacterial, antifungal (in 1:1000 dilution).

Habitat: The hilly regions of India, also in Mount Abu in Rajasthan, in western Ghats, and from Konkan southward to Kerala.

Action: Leaf—emmenagogue, menstrual regulator, nervine, stomachic (in anorexia and dyspepsia), an- thelmintic, choleretic, diaphoretic.

Habitat: Throughout plains of India.

Action: See B. diffusa.... boerhavia verticillata

Habitat: Subalpine and temperate Himalayas, at altitudes of 1,8003,750 m.

Action: Diuretic, anthelmintic, stomachic, antiscorbutic, (leaves are rich in vitamin C 130 mg/100 g). Pulverised herb is used as an agent for stimulating spermatogenesis.

Habitat: Punjab, Western Peninsula and Assam. Also cultivated in gardens.

Action: Buds—a decoction is given in piles (also used against tumours), haematuria, menorrhagia. Dried buds are used in diarrhoea, dysentery, worm infestation, piles and tumours. Root— carminative, used in dyspepsia and flatulence (a decoction is reported to prevent obesity). Bark—astringent, anthelmintic; used externally in scrofula and skin diseases. Seeds—possess human blood agglutinating activity. Leaf— antifungal.

A pre-vaccination tuberculin test is necessary in all age-groups except newborn infants, and only those with negative tuberculin reactions are vaccinated. Complications are few and far between. A local reaction at the site of vaccination usually occurs between two and six weeks after vaccination, beginning as a small papule that slowly increases in size. It may produce a small ulcer. This heals after around two months, leaving a small scar. (See IMMUNITY; TUBERCULIN.)... bcg vaccine

Habitat: Distributed in Northwestern Himalayas.

Action: Root and bark—used for ailments of gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, kidney and urinary tract, respiratory tract, also as a febrifuge and blood purifier.

Habitat: Native to Mediterranean region; cultivated in North India, Maharashtra and South India.

Action: Leaf—used in burns and bruises, also for diseases of spleen and liver. Tuber and seed— expectorant. Leaf and seed— diuretic. Leaf, tuber and seed— anti-inflammatory. Seed oil— analgesic.

Habitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan at altitudes of 1,400-4,000 m, in Khasi Hills and hills of South India.

Action: Wound healing, expectorant, antiseptic, astringent, haemostatic, antispasmodic. Leaf- used in piles; and as a cooling herb for fevers.

Habitat: Cultivated throughout India on sandy river beds, up to an altitude of 1,500 m.

Action: Pulp—cooling and refreshing, a rich source of pectin, carotenoids, surcose (as major sugar). Fruit juice is prescribed in strangury and urinary complaints, also in hepatic congestion and intestinal catarrh. Seeds—cooling, purgative, diuretic, demulcent (used in urinary infections). Leaves— febrifuge. The pericarp is given in diarrhoea.

Habitat: Native to Sri Lanka. Now under cultivation in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Action: Leaves—cooling and carminative, used for indigestion, dyspepsia, dysentery, also for ulcers, bleeding disorders, dermatitis.

Habitat: Tropical regions of India from Himalayas to Sri Lanka.

Action: Juice of leaves—used for biliousness, dyspepsia, blood impurities, scabies and impetigo, both internally and externally.

Habitat: Central and Eastern Himalayas, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa.

Action: Leaves—used in aphthae. Root—genitourinary tract disinfectant; used in scalding of urine, also in foetid discharges.

Habitat: The temperate Himalaya from Kashmir to Nepal to 2,7004,700 m.

Action: Whole plant—cardiac and respiratory depressant, emetic, diuretic, anthelmintic. Seed— insecticidal. Used in skin eruptions. Powdered flowers, mixed with mustard oil, are used for destroying lica.

Habitat: North-western Himalaya up to 1,350 m, in Punjab, South India, ascending to 2,400 m on Nilgiris. Also planted as a hedge plant in Northern India.

Action: Leaves—anti-inflammatory and antibacterial (used in the treatment of swellings, burns, wounds), febrifuge, embrocation of leaves is applied to sprains. Bark— astringent and anti-inflammatory. Aerial parts—hypoglycaemic.

Habitat: Konkan and Maharashtra, also in Bengal and Assam.

Action: Root and tender stalks— emetic and expectorant, cause sneezing, used in colds, sinusitis, and biliousness. Leaves—used as an application to boils and abscesses.

Treatment As the disease can be neither prevented nor cured, treatment is supportive, with strict anti-infection procedures essential as human-to-human transmission can occur via skin and mucous-membrane contacts. Incubation period is 5–10 days. Fever with MYALGIA and headache occur initially, often accompanied by abdominal and chest symptoms. Haemorrhagic symptoms soon develop and the victim either starts to improve in the second week or develops multi-organ failure and lapses into a coma. Mortality ranges from 25 to 90 per cent.... ebola virus disease

Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region; now cultivated mainly in Punjab, Assam, Maharashtra and Vadodara (Gujarat).

Action: Carminative, stomachic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, anti-inflammatory, diuretic. Relieves bloating, nausea, settles stomach and stimulates appetite. Also used in amenorrhoea and enuresis.

Habitat: On the shores of the United Kingdom, North Atlantic Ocean, North Pacific Coast of America; as a weed; found in Indian Ocean on the Manora Rocks. Allied species—F. distichus Linn., and F nodosus Linn. (Included in Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants, CSIR, also in its second supplement.) F. nodosus is found in India along sea shores.

Action: Weed—one of the richest source of minerals, chiefly iodine, sodium, manganese, sulphur, silicon, zinc and copper. Effective against obesity, antirheumatic. Stimulates circulation of lymph. Endocrine gland stimulant. Allays onset of arteriosclerosis by maintaining elasticity of walls of blood vessels. Mild diuretic, bulk, laxative, antibiotic. High sodium content may reduce effectiveness of diuretics.

Habitat: Hills of Deccan Peninsula and parts of western and central India.

Action: Febrifuge, bitter tonic.

Habitat: Throughout India on the hills.

Action: The plant is used as a substitute for Fumaria parviflora.

Habitat: Kashmir, Lahul and other west Himalayan regions, at altitude of 2,000-3,000 m

Action: Herb—diuretic, used for kidney stone, gravel, gout. Used topically for poorly healing wounds.

Habitat: Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Action: Root—antidiarrhoeal. Root and bark—used in genitourinary infections, syphilis and smallpox.

Habitat: Cultivated as food crop in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Action: Barley—nutritive and demulcent during convalescence and in cases of bowel inflammation and diarrhoea. Protects immune system.

Habitat: Native to China. Fruits imported from China and IndoChina.

Action: Carminative (used for colic), stimulant, diuretic. Also used in rheumatism.

Habitat: Throughout warmer parts of India, except the north-western arid region.

Action: Diuretic. Used in strangury, urethral discharges.... ipomoea vitifolia

Habitat: In swamps. Native to America and Canada.

Action: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, cholagogue, laxative, diuretic, antiemetic, blood and lymph purifier, alterative for sluggish conditions of liver, gallbladder and glandular system.

Habitat: Native to North America; introduced into India.

Action: The berries in decoction are diaphoretic and emmenagogue like those of common juniper; leaves are diuretic. Red cedar oil is used in the preparation of insecticides. Small excrescences, called cedar apples, are sometimes found on the branches. These are used as an anthelmintic. (Yellow Cedar is equated with Thuja occidentalles.)

Medical Dictionary

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Habitat: Sub-Himalayan tract and outer Himalayas, in North-east and Central India, eastern coast of Deccan Peninsula.

Action: Bark—used in the treatment of gout.... miliusa velutina

Habitat: Native to Europe. Imported into India.

Action: Mild sedative, hypnotic, (once used as a substitute for opium), anodyne, expectorant.

Habitat: Throughout India.

Action: Pulp—purgative, emetic. Leaf—used in jaundice.

• Lemon VerbenaTea strengthens the nervous system.
• Alleviates colon and stomach spasms.
• Helps reduce fever.
• Acts as a cough remedy.
• Helps with digestion.
• Calms menstrual cramps.

• Make sure you do not suffer from any allergies, since Lemon Verbena Tea can cause skin irritation in some people.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women must avoid drinking Lemon Verbena Tea and other herbal teas.
• Drinking large amounts of Lemon Verbena Tea may irritate the kidneys. Avoid drinking this tea if you suffer from kidney stones or any other kidney problems.

Habitat: Throughout India in ponds, tanks, ditches, as a weed common in rice fields.

Action: Leaves—juice is given for coughs. Roots—prescribed for stomach and liver complaints.

Normal values for a 60 kg man are (in ml):

Total lung capacity (TLC) The volume of air that can be held in the lungs at maximum inspiration.

Tidal volume (TV) The volume of air taken into and expelled from the lungs with each breath.

Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) The volume of air that can still be inspired at the end of a normal quiet inspiration.

Expiratory reserve volume (ERV) The volume of air that can still be expired at the end of a normal quiet expiration.

Residual volume (RV) The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal expiration.

Vital capacity (VC) The maximum amount of air that can be expired after a maximal inspiration.

Functional residual capacity (FRC) The volume of air left in the lungs at the end of a normal quiet expiration.... lung volumes

Habitat: Native to Europe and Central Asia; also found in Kashmir

Action: Expectorant, cholagogue; bitter tonic for stomach and liver, antispasmodic. Used for bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, hard cough with little phlegm; also for cardiac extrasystols.

Habitat: Native to Africa; introduced into India.

Action: Leaves—febrifugal. Used as a remedy for coughs and fevers. Oil—antiseptic.

Action: Expectorant, laxative, stomachic, cholagogue, alterative, antistress. Used in cough, bronchitis, catarrh, loss of appetite, dyspepsia; and in skin diseases.

Habitat: Moist meadows in Great Britain. Found in the Himalayas, Bihar, Assam, Pune (Maharashtra), Annamalai and Shevaroy hills (South India); up to an altitude of 2,700 m.

Action: Fern—antiseptic, styptic, vulnerary, detergent, emetic. The mucilaginous and astringent decoction of the fern is used in angina in Reunion. An ointment, prepared by boiling the herb in oil or fat, is used for wounds.

Habitat: Throughout the greater part of India.

Action: In homoeopathy, a tincture made from the flowers and wood, is given for diarrhoea and splenomegaly.

For a diagnosis of PVS to be made, the state should have continued for more than a prede?ned period, usually one month. Half of patients die within 2–6 months, but some can survive for longer with arti?cial feeding. To assess a person’s level of consciousness, a numerical marking system rated according to various functions – eye opening, motor and verbal responses – has been established called the GLASGOW COMA SCALE.

The ETHICS of keeping patients alive with arti?cial support are controversial. In the UK, a legal ruling is usually needed for arti?cial support to be withdrawn after a diagnosis of PVS has been made. The chances of regaining consciousness after one year are slim and, even if patients do recover, they are usually left with severe neurological disability.

PVS must be distinguished from conditions which appear similar. These include the ‘LOCKED-IN SYNDROME’ which is the result of damage to the brain stem (see BRAIN). Patients with this syndrome are conscious but unable to speak or move except for certain eye movements and blinking. The psychiatric state of CATATONIA is another condition in which the patient retains consciousness and will usually recover.... persistent vegetative state (pvs)

Habitat: Maharashtra, Karnataka.

Action: Root—use for obstinate skin diseases and pruritus; also for disinfecting genitourinary tract and for promoting conception. Alocasia indica and Eulophia nuda are also known as Maanakanda in Indian medicine. Alocasia indica is used in Siddha medicine as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic herb.... remusatia vivipara

Action: Bean—diuretic, hypotensive, resolvent, regulates blood sugar. Used for water retention; albuminuria, especially of pregnancy; premenstrual tension.

Habitat: Native to eastern Mediterranean region, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries; cultivated in North India.

Action: The kernel is used as a cardiac and brain tonic; flowers are included in prescriptions for leucorrhoea; husk is used against dysentery and as astringent in stomatitis and tonsillitis.... pistacia vera

Habitat: Temperate Himalayas and Manipur.

Action: Used in Tibetan medicine for treating emaciation, senility, pulmonary affections. The rhizomes is valued as salep.

Habitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at 3,3004,800 m.

Action: Rootstock—astringent, antidiarrhoeal, antileucorrhoeic, antiseptic, antiperiodic. Used in haemoptysis; also for gleet. A decoction is used as a gargle for sore throat and spungy gums, as a lotion for ulcers.... polygonum viviparum

Habitat: Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan and in Khasi and Jaintia hills at 1,500 m.

Action: Root—powder used for killing leeches. Flowers—eaten in salad.

Habitat: Sub-Himalayan region.

Action: Plant—anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, vermifuge, emetic. Used only externally.

Habitat: Orissa throughout South India and Gujarat.

Action: Root—astringent, febrifuge, antirheumatic. A decoction or powder is used for biliousness and diarrhoea. Used as a substitute for Desmodium gangeticum (Shaalaparni) in South India.

Habitat: Throughout Himalayas, Khasi and Jaintia Hills, hills of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, and the Nilgiris.

Action: Ripe fruit—purgative, emetic. Given in the affections of spleen. (Purgative action not found in the bark.)

Habitat: Native to South-west Asia and North Africa; cultivated all over India, especially in Tripura, West Bengal and Bihar.

Habitat: Throughout India as a weed of cultivated fields of wheat and barley. Also cultivated in gardens for ornament.

Action: See S. officinalis. The mucilaginous sap of the plant is febrifugal and used in chronic fevers. It is a mild depurative and used in the treatment of furuncles and scabies.... saponaria vaccaria

Habitat: North-Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of 1,800-3,900 m.

Action: Roots—used as a nervine sedative. Oil—sedative, analgesic, hypotensive.

Habitat: Throughout hotter parts of India.

Action: Fruits and flowers—used for burning sensation in micturition. Leaves—juice, used for diarrhoea; poultice applied to cuts and bruises. Root bark—used for leucorrhoea and genitourinary affections.

Habitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir eastwards and in Khasi Hills, up to 3,000 m.

Action: Anticatarrhal, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic to mucous membranes.

Habitat: Cultivated throughout warmer parts of India.

Action: Grains—demulcent, diuretic. A confection of grains and Foeniculum vulgare seeds is used as a galactagogue. Sorghum is inferior to wheat.

Habitat: Tropical India up to an altitude of 360 m.

Action: Nervine tonic and a potent CNS stimulant.

Habitat: Cultivated in gardens in the hills.

Action: Bark, leaves and capsules— used as antipyretic, especially in chronic malaria, and as vermifuge. Leaf extract—antipyretic.

Habitat: Native to Europe; found as an escape in some parts of Kashmir.

Action: Plant—anthelmintic, bitter tonic, emmenagogue. Used for migraine, neuralgia and nausea; as a lotion for scabies. Toxicity depends upon thujone content of the part used. Tansy oil is used as a liniment for gout and rheumatism.

Habitat: Gujarat to Karnataka, both on the hills and the coasts, and in the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu up to 1,200 m.

Action: Root—applied to fistula; also administered in leprosy.

Habitat: Throughout India, as a weed.

Action: Roots—used for cough, asthma and other respiratory disorders; for jaundice, liver and spleen diseases (increases bile flow). Mucilaginous sap—used in scabies.

Vaetild, Vaetilde, Vaetildha, Vaetildhe... vaetilda

Habitat: UK, Europe and North America. (About 21 species of Vaccinium are found in India.)

Action: Astringent, diuretic, refrigerant.

Valdah, Valida, Velda, Vada, Vaida, Vayda, Vaeda... valda

Valdiss, Valdys, Valdyss... valdis

Valentinah, Valentine, Valenteena, Valenteana, Valentena, Valentyna, Valantina, Valentyne, Valentia, Valentya, Valtina, Valentijn, Valyn, Val, Valle... valentina

Valara, Valera, Valaria, Valeriana, Veleria, Valora... valeria

Habitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan.

Action: Used as V. jatamansi.... valeriana pyrolaefolia

Valeri, Valeree, Valerey, Valery, Valarie, Valari, Vallery, Valeraine, Valere, Valerye, Valaree, Vallerie, Valleri, Valka, Vairy, Valry, Vallirie, Valorie, Val, Valle... valerie

Valkry, Valkri, Valkrie, Valkree, Valkrea, Valkreah, Valki, Valkie, Valkee, Valkea, Valkey, Valky, Valkeah, Valkrey... valkyrie

Habitat: Western Himalayas, Kashmir at Sonamarg at 2,4002,700 m.

Action: Rhizome and roots— sedative, hypotensive, cardiotonic; depressant on CNS, antispasmodic; used for hysteria, neurosis, nervousness, hypochondriasis.

Habitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan at altitudes of 1,200-3,60 m and in the Khasi and Jaintia hills between 1,500 and 1,800 m.

Action: Used as V. jatamansi and V officinalis.

Habitat: Karnakata and the Nilgiris.

Action: Used as a substitute for valerian.... valeriana dubia

Habitat: Native to Eurasia. (V officinalis auct. non Linn. is found in Kashmir at Sonamarg at 2,4002,700 m)

Action: Tranquillizer, hypnotic, a natural relaxant to higher nerve centres. Used for nervous tension, sleeplessness, restlessness, palpitation, tension, headache, migraine, menstrual pain, intestinal cramps, bronchial spasm.

Habitat: Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan, above 3,000 m, and Khasia Hills.

Action: Rhizomes and roots— used as a substitute for Valeriana officinalis; prescribed as a remedy for hysteria, nervous unrest and emotional troubles, and as a sedative.

Habitat: Throughout India; cultivated in gardens.

Action: Latex—applied to old wounds and sores (mildly irritant). Bark—astringent. Seeds—cardiac tonic.

Habitat: Hydrophyte; throughout India.

Action: Plant—stomachic, refrigerant, demulcent. Also used in leucorrhoea and spermatorrhoea.

Valsalva’s manoeuvre is involuntarily performed when a person strains to open his or her bowels: in these circumstances the passage of air to the lungs is blocked by instinctive closure of the vocal cords in the LARYNX. The resultant raised abdominal pressure helps to expel the bowel contents. The manoeuvre is also used in the study of cardiovascular physiology because the rise in pressure in the chest restricts the return of venous blood to the right atrium of the HEART. Pressure in the peripheral VEINS is raised and the amount of blood entering and leaving the heart falls. This drop in cardiac output may cause the subject to faint because the supply of oxygenated blood to the brain is reduced.... valsalva’s manoeuvre

Vandah, Vande, Vandana, Vandi, Vandetta, Vandella, Vannda, Vanditta... vanda

Vandany, Vandaney, Vandanie, Vandanee, Vandania, Vandanya... vandani

Habitat: West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

Habitat: From Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal, extending southwards to Kerala.

Action: Roots—antipyretic, antiinflammatory, tranquilizer, tonic to liver, laxative. Used in rheumatism, lumbago, inflammations; diseases of the nervous system; diseases of the abdomen, dyspepsia; bronchitis, chest diseases. Roots form a constituent of medicated oils, used externally on rheumatic swellings and neurological affections. Root is also used in the treatment of fractures.

Habitat: Kerala.

Action: Flowers—dried flowers are powdered and given for asthma, consumption, also for mood-swings and psychosomatic bursts.

Action: Fruits—refrigerant and cholagogue; used in biliary complaints and hepatic congestion. Dry fruits—narcotic; used in dysentery.

Synonym: Lindernia cordifolia (Colsmann) Merrill.

Habitat: The Himalayas up to 1,2001,700 m and throughout India.

Action: Used for sexually transmitted diseases and urethral discharges.

Varah, Varia, Varra... vara

TUBERCULIN PURIFIED PROTEIN DERIVATIVE (TUBERCULIN PPD) is the active principle of OT (see above), and is prepared from the ?uid medium on which the Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been grown. It is supplied as a liquid, a powder, or as sterile tablets. The liquid contains 100,000 units per millilitre, and the dry powder contains 30,000 units per milligram. It is distributed in sterile containers sealed so as to exclude micro-organisms. It is more constant in composition and potency than OT.

Uses The basis of the tuberculin reaction is that any person who has been infected with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis gives a reaction when a small amount of tuberculin is injected into the skin. A negative reaction means either that the individual has never been infected with the tubercle bacillus, or that the infection has been too recent to have allowed of sensitivity developing.

There are various methods of carrying out the test, of which the following are the most commonly used. The Mantoux test is the most satisfactory of all, and has the advantage that the size of the reaction is a guide to the severity of the tuberculous infection: it is performed by injecting the tuberculin into the skin on the forearm. The Heaf multiple puncture test is reliable: it is carried out with the multiple puncture apparatus, or Heaf gun. The Vollmer patch test, using an impregnated ?lter paper, is useful in children because of the ease with which it can be carried out.... varieties

Varinah, Varyna, Vareena... varina

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation ADRENALINE (epinephrine) is given intravenously in cardiac arrest, and other drugs used include ATROPINE and CALCIUM.... vasoconstrictor sympathomimetics

Habitat: Peninsular India, from Kanara to Trivandrum and in Coorg.

Action: Resin—astringent, antibacterial, antidiarrhoeal, emmena- gogue. Used for chronic bronchitis, piles, skin eruptions, ringworm, scrofula, tubercular glands, ulcers, wounds, boils; urinary discharges; amenorrhoea; gonorrhoea and syphilis. Bark—antidysenteric. Oil and resin—antirheumatic. Resin enters into a number of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ointments. Leaves—juice is applied to cure burns. Orally administered to prevent vomiting.

Structure While of similar structure to an artery, veins have much thinner walls, with much less muscular tissue. Furthermore, most veins have one-way VALVES to ensure that the blood ?ows in the right direction. These are most numerous in the legs, then the arms, with few in the internal organs.

Chief veins Four pulmonary veins open into the left atrium of the heart, two from each lung. The superior vena cava returns the blood from the head, neck, and arms; while the inferior vena cava returns blood from the legs and abdomen. The large basilic vein that runs up the inner side of the upper arm is the vein usually opened in blood-letting (see VENESECTION). The great saphenous vein is of special interest, because of its liability to become distended or varicose. Within the abdomen, the inferior vena cava receives branches corresponding to several branches of the aorta, its largest branches being the hepatic veins, which return not only the blood that has reached the liver in the hepatic arteries, but also blood which comes from the digestive organs in the PORTAL VEIN to undergo a second capillary circulation in the liver.

There are several connections between the superior and inferior cava, the most important being three azygos veins that lie upon the sides of the spinal column, the veins on the front of the abdomen, and some veins that emerge from the abdomen at the navel and connect the portal system with those of the inferior and superior vena cava. (See also CIRCULATORY SYSTEM OF THE BLOOD.)... veins

Varicose veins are dilated tortuous veins occurring in about 15 per cent of adults – women more than men. They most commonly occur in the legs but may also occur in the anal canal (HAEMORRHOIDS) and in the oesophagus (due to liver disease).

Normally blood ?ows from the subcutaneous tissues to the super?cial veins which drain via perforating veins into the deep veins of the leg. This ?ow, back towards the heart, is aided by valves within the veins. When these valves fail, increased pressure is exerted on the blood vessels leading to dilatations known as varicose veins.

Treatment is needed to prevent complications such as ulceration and bleeding, or for

cosmetic purposes. Treatment alternatives include injection with sclerosing agents to obliterate the lumen of the veins (sclerotherapy), or surgery; in the elderly or un?t, an elastic stocking may su?ce. One operation is the Trendelenburg operation in which the saphenous vein is disconnected from the femoral vein and individual varicose veins are avulsed. (See also VASCULITIS.)

Thrombosis Thrombosis occurs when blood, which is normally a liquid, clots within the vein to form a semisolid thrombus (clot). This occurs through a combination of reduced blood ?ow and hypercoagulability (a reduced threshold for clotting). The most common site for this to occur is in the deep veins of the leg, where it is known as a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).

Predisposing factors include immobility (leading to reduced blood ?ow), such as during long journeys (e.g. plane ?ights) where there is little opportunity to stretch one’s legs; surgery (leading to temporary post-operative immobility and hypercoagulability of blood); oestrogen administration (low-dose oestrogen oral contraceptives carry a very low relative risk); and several medical illnesses such as heart failure, stroke and malignancy.

Deep-vein thrombosis presents as a tender, warm, red swelling of the calf. Diagnosis may be con?rmed by venogram (an X-ray taken following injection of contrast medium into the foot veins) or by ultrasound scanning looking for ?ow within the veins.

Prevention is important. This is why patients are mobilised and/or given leg exercises very soon after an operation, even major surgery. People should avoid sitting for long periods, particularly if the edge of the seat is hard, thus impeding venous return from the legs. Car drivers should stop regularly on a long journey and walk around; airline travellers should, where possible, walk round the aisle(s) and also exercise and massage their leg muscles, as well as drinking ample non-alcoholic ?uids.

Diagnosis and treatment are important because there is a risk that the clotted blood within the vein becomes dislodged and travels up the venous system to become lodged in the pulmonary arteries. This is known as PULMONARY EMBOLISM.

Treatment is directed at thinning the blood with ANTICOAGULANTS, initially with heparin and subsequently with WARFARIN for a period of time while the clot resolves.

Blocked super?cial veins are described as super?cial thrombophlebitis, which produces in?ammation over the vein. It responds to antiin?ammatory analgesics. Occasionally heparin and ANTIBIOTICS are required to treat associated thrombosis and infection.... veins, diseases of

Velvete, Velvette, Velvett, Velvit, Velvyt, Velveta, Velvetta, Velouette... velvet

Ventanah, Ventanna, Ventane, Ventanne... ventana

Habitat: Throughout India in hotter parts, usually climbing on trees.

Action: Stem bark—powdered and mixed with sesame oil, externally applied to skin diseases and sprains. Root bark—used for atonic dyspepsia, mild fever and debility. Sap—used for the treatment of deafness.

Habitat: Maharashtra and South India.

Action: Root bark—carminative, stomachic, febrifuge; used in atonic dyspepsia, debility and skin diseases. The plant is used against scabies.

Venis, Venys, Vynys, Venusa, Venusina, Venusia... venus

Habitat: North Kanara, forests of Malabar, Annamalai and Travancore, up to 1,200 m.

Action: Wood—extract in oil is used for rheumatic swellings and skin diseases. Root—used for biliousness.

Veradise, Veradys, Veradisa, Verdissa, Veradysa, Veradyssa, Veradisia, Veraditia... veradis

Habitat: The temperate regions of northern hemisphere; introduced in Jammu and Kashmir for cultivation.

Action: Rhizomes and roots— cardiac depressant, hypotensive. (Contraindicated in cardiac disease. Large doses cause bradycardia.) Used in the treatment of convulsions, headache, neuralgia, inflammatory affections of respiratory tract; and as sedative. Formerly used for high blood pressure, especially associated with toxemia of pregnancy.

Verdah, Verdea, Virida, Verdy, Verdey, Verde, Verdi, Verdie, Verdee... verda

Verenese, Verennase, Vyrenase, Vyrennase, Vyrenese, Verenace, Vyrenace... verenase

Habitat: Temperate Himalayas, Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.

Action: Herb—soothing and relaxant for irritable respiratory conditions (asthma, emphysema, tracheitis), pectoral demulcent, antispasmodic, mild sedative.

Habitat: The Himalayas, Khasi and Lushai Hills, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Action: Plant—nervine, antidepressant, anticonvulsant; prescribed in liver and gall bladder complaints (spasm of the bladder and strangury), nervous and menstrual disorders; also for bronchitis, asthma and febrile affections.

Habitat: West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Western Ghats.

Action: Bark—febrifuge. The bark is chewed as a substitute for betel leaves.... vernonia javanica

Habitat: Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar.

Action: Roots—used for articular rheumatism.... vernonia roxburghii

Habitat: Tropical Himalayas from Kumaon to Sikkim; Bihar and Central India.

Action: Herb—used for dysmen- orrhoea, and for the treatment of wounds and ulcers. Flower-heads— ascaricidal.

Habitat: Distributed throughout India. Common in waste places and road side.

Action: Plant—febrifuge, diaphoretic (infusion of herb, combined with quinine, is used against malaria). Used as a specific herb for leucor- rhoea, dysuria, spasm of bladder, strangury and for haematological disorders, as a blood purifier and styptic. Also used in asthma. Seeds—anthelmintic, antiflatulent, antispasmodic; used in dysuria, leucoderma, psoriasis and other skin diseases. Roots—anthelmintic; decoction used for colic.

Habitat: The Aka hills of Arunachal Pradesh, as a weed.

Action: Leaves and roots— decoction used in colds and fevers. Young plants—used for the treatment of convulsions in children.

Habitat: Western Himalayas and Kashmir at 2,700-3,600 m.

Action: Antiscorbutic, blood purifier, alterative, diuretic. Used for scurvy, scrofulous affections, swollen piles, lithiasis, skin diseases, burns, ulcers.

Vesperah, Vespira, Vespeera, Vesperia, Vesper... vespera

Habitat: A perennial grass, cultivated chiefly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh., Punjab and the West Coast.

Action: Root—infusion used as refrigerant, febrifuge, diaphoretic; stimulant, stomachic, antispasmod- ic, emmenagogue, astringent, blood purifier. Used in fevers, colic, flatulence, vomiting, spermatorrhoea and strangury. Root oil—used in obstinate vomiting, colic and flatulence.

Vevilah, Veveela, Vevyla, Vevilla, Vevylla, Vevylle, Vevyle, Vevillia... vevila

Habitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan at altitudes of 1,200-3,300 m.

Action: Bark—used in menorrhagia and metrorrhagia.... viburnum cotinifolium

Habitat: Khasi hills at altitudes of 900-1,800 m.

Action: Leaves—astringent, antispasmodic. Juice used in menorrhagia and as a sedative (a substitute for American Viburnum bark) in uterine disorders, and in post-partum haemorrhage. See Viburnum coriaceum and V. opulus.... viburnum foetidum

Habitat: The Himalayas from Punjab and Bhutan at altitudes of 1,200-2,500 m, also in the Nilgiris.

Action: The root and stem bark— antispasmodic, uterine sedative.

Habitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at altitudes of 3,000-4,000 m.

Action: Bark—astringent; contain 13.1% tannin on dry basis.... viburnum nervosum

Habitat: Native to North America. Dried bark imported into India.

Action: Used as a diuretic and as a uterine sedative in functional uterine disorders.

Habitat: Native to eastern and central USA. (Experimental cultivation in the Nilgiri hills.)

Action: Uterine sedative (used in the treatment for threatened miscarriage, under strict medical supervision. Spasmolytic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Used after childbirth to check bleeding and pain, also in dysmen- orrhoea.

Habitat: Native to North Africa; commonly grown in North Western India.

Action: Fresh beans—cooked alone or with meat, are prescribed in Unani medicine for cough, also for resolving inflammations. Externally, the bean and flowers are used as a poultice for inflammations, warts and burns.

Victoriah, Victorea, Victoreah, Victorya, Victorria, Victoriya, Vyctoria, Victorine, Victoreana, Victoriana, Victorina, Victoryna, Victoreena, Viktoria, Vicktoria, Viktorina, Vyctoria, Vyktoria, Vyctorina, Vyktorina, Vyctoryna, Vyktoryna, Victoryn, Vyctorine, Vyctoryn, Vyktorine, Vyktoryn, Vyktoryne, Vitoria, Vicki, Vickie, Vicky, Vickey, Vikki, Vicka, Vika, Victriv, Victriva... victoria

Vidah, Veeda, Vieda, Vyda, Vidett, Vidette, Videtta, Videte, Videta, Videlle, Vidella, Videll, Videle, Videla... vida

Vienne, Vienette, Vienetta, Venia, Venna, Vena, Vennia... vienna

Habitat: Throughout the drier parts of India, ascending to an altitude of about 1,800 m in the Himalayas.

Action: Plant—used for contraception.

Habitat: Native to South America; grown in pools in botanic gardens.

Action: Seed—refrigerant, cooling to the nervous system. Pond Lily root—externally, astringent, antiscrofulous. An infusion is used as a gargle for ulcers in the mouth and throat.

Habitat: Native to Europe. Found in the Himalayas, West Bengal and Palni Hills.

Action: Astringent, antihaemor- rhagic, hypotensive. Used to treat menorrhagia and leucorrhoea.

Habitat: Grown in Indian gardens as an ornamental.

Action: Astringent and circulatory stimulant (contain alkaloid vin- camine). Used for gastric catarrh, chronic dyspepsia; restlessness, headache, dizziness, and for the prevention of premature aging of brain cells, as a geriatic support.

Habitat: West Bengal and throughout greater part of India, as a weed.

Action: Plant—oncolytic (tumour- resolving). A decoction of the dried plant boiled in oil is used in the treatment of lumbago.

Habitat: Native of West Indies; commonly grown in Indian gardens.

Action: Cytotoxic.

Habitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at altitudes of 1,800-3,000 m.

Action: Leaves—laxative, emollient. Flowers—antiseptic, pectoral, diaphoretic. Root—emetic.

Habitat: Punjab, Western Rajasthan, Gujarat.

Action: Root—emetic. Used as a substitute and adulterant of ipecac. The herb is sold in the market as

Action: Expectorant, anti- inflammatory, diaphoretic, antipyretic, diuretic. Used for catarrhal and pulmonary affections, also for diseases of liver and intestines.

Habitat: Native to Europe; cultivated in Kashmir.

Habitat: The Himalayas, Eastern and Western Ghats.

Action: Dried flowers—used for coughs and colds. Herb— bruised and applied to ulcers; also prescribed in syphilis and scrofula. (In Chinese medicine, recommended against cancerous growths.)... viola patrinii

Habitat: Kashmir to Sikkim and Nilgiri hills at 1,500-2,100 m.

Action: Uses same as those of V odorata. A medicinal oil of Unani medicine, Roghan-e-Banafashaa, is prepared from the plant. Flowers, as tea, are used for treating headache.

Habitat: Kashmir at 1,200-2,400 m.

Action: Plant—pectoral, bechic; used in chest troubles. Stem, leaf and flower—applied to foul sores and wounds.

Habitat: Native to Europe; grown as an ornamental.

Action: Herb—anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, expectorant, diuretic, antirheumatic, alterative. Used for bronchitis, rheumatism, chronic skin disorders and for preventing capillary haemorrhage when under corticosteroid therapy. Root— antidysenteric; used as a substitute for Cephaelis ipecacuanha.

Habitat: Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal between 1,200 and 2,700 m (a semiparasitic plant).

Action: Vasodilator, cardiac depressant, tranquiliser, stimulates the vagus nerve which slows the pulse, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, immune enhancer, antineoplas- tic. Used for hypertension and tachycardia, as a nervine tonic.

Virendrah, Vyrendrah, Virindra, Virendria... virendra

Viridiss, Viridys, Viridyss, Vyridis, Vyridys, Vyrydys, Virdis, Viridissa, Viridia, Viridianai, Viridiani, Viridiana... viridis

Habitat: Most parts of India; a superparasite in Western India on Loranthus sp. which itself is parasitic on Eugenia sp.

Action: Plant—febrifuge, aphrodisiac. Paste is applied to bone fractures.

Habitat: Sikkim, a parasite of Strychnos nux-vomica tree.

Action: Properties more or less similar to Strychnos nux-vomica. Used as a substitute for strychnine and brucine. (The plant is also parasitic on Albizia amara, A. odoratissima, Pongamia pin- nata and Ziziplus oenoplia.)... viscum monoicum

Habitat: Bihar, West Bengal and Kerala. (The plant parasitizing Strychnos nux-vomica tree are used in Indian medicine.)

Action: Used as a substitute for nux-vomica. Poultice of leaves is used for neuralgia; ashes of the plant for the treatment of skin diseases.... viscum orientale

Defects in the visual ?eld (scotomas) can be produced by a variety of disorders. Certain of these produce speci?c ?eld defects. For example, GLAUCOMA, some types of brain damage and some TOXINS can produce speci?c defects in the visual ?eld. This type of ?eld defect may be very useful in diagnosing a particular disorder. The blind spot is that part of the visual ?eld corresponding to the optic disc. There are no rods nor cones on the optic disc and therefore no light perception from this area. The blind spot can be found temporal (i.e. on the outer side) of the ?xation point. (See also EYE.)... vision, field of

Habitat: Throughout Deccan Peninsula.

Action: Roots—febrifuge, astringent.

Habitat: Mediterranean region; South-West Asian countries, up to Pakistan. (Seeds are imported from Iran.)

Action: Dried ripe fruit—acts on the anterior pituitary gland, reducing FSH and increasing LSH; stimulates production of progesterone by reducing oestrogen; used as a substitution therapy in primary and secondary corpus luteum deficiency. Used for premenstrual syndrome, for regulating hormones in amenorrhoea and for bleeding between periods; also as a galactagogue and to assist bust development.

Habitat: Throughout India in the warmer zones; ascending to 900 m in the North-western Himalaya.

Action: Seeds—prescribed in spermatorrhoea, and for promoting spermiogenesis (in Unani medicine). Also given as a rejuvenating tonic for retarding old age and for retaining and promoting virility. (in Ayurvedic medicine). Leaf—anti-inflammatory, analgesic; removes foetid discharges and worms from ulcers. Flowers—astringent, febrifuge, antidiarrhoeic; prescribed in liver complaint. Oil— applied to sinus, scrofulous sores.

Vivekah, Vivecka, Vyveka, Viveca, Vyveca, Vivecca, Vivika, Vivieka, Vivyka... viveka

Habitat: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and South India.

Action: Leaves and bark—used in malarial and black water fevers. Leaves—antibacterial.

Habitat: Throughout India in tropical and subtropical regions.

Action: Leaves—febrifuge, antibacterial, anthelmintic, cytotoxic. Extract of the leaves showed inhibitory action against Mycobac- terium tuberculosis. Leaves used as poultice in rheumatism, inflammations and sprains. Root and flowers—febrifuge. Root—expectorant. Fruit—used in amenorrhoea.

Habitat: A woody, shrubby vine, cultivated in Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for edible fruits.

Action: Dried fruits, seedless— nourishing and invigorating. Used in prescriptions for cough, respiratory tract catarrh, subacute cases of enlarged liver and spleen; and in alcohol-based tonics (Aasavs).

Habitat: Indonesia; cultivated in Indian gardens.

Action: Latex—used for treating fistula, pustules and tumours.

Voice This has three varying characteristics: loudness, pitch, and quality or timbre. Loudness depends on the volume of air available and therefore on the size of the chest and the strength of its muscles. Pitch is determined by larynx size, the degree of tenseness at which the vocal cords are maintained, and whether the cords vibrate as a whole or merely at their edges.

In any given voice, the range of pitch seldom exceeds two and a half octaves. Typically, the small larynx of childhood produces a shrill or treble voice; the rapid growth of the larynx around PUBERTY causes the voice to ‘break’ in boys. Changes in the voice also occur at other ages as a result of the secondary action of the SEX HORMONES. Generally speaking, the adult voice is bass and tenor in men, contralto or soprano in women. Timbre is due to di?erences in the larynx, as well as to voluntary changes in the shape of the mouth.

Speech Rapid modi?cations of the voice, produced by movements of the PALATE, tongue and lips. Infants hear the sounds made by others and mimic them; hence the speech centres in the BRAIN are closely connected with those of hearing.

Defects of speech See below, and also SPEECH DISORDERS. MUTISM, or absence of the power to speak, may be due to various causes. LEARNING DISABILITY that prevents the child from mimicking the actions of others is most common; in other cases the child has normal intelligence but some neurological disorder, or disorder of the speech organs, is responsible. Alternatively, complete DEAFNESS or early childhood ear disease may be the cause. STAMMERING is a highly individual condition, but is basically a lack of coordination between the di?erent parts of the speech mechanism. (See also main entry on STAMMERING.) DYSPHASIA is the inability to speak or understand speech, most commonly following brain disease, such as STROKE. APHONIA or loss of voice may be caused by LARYNGITIS or, rarely, a symptom of conversion and dissociative mental disorders – traditionally referred to as HYSTERIA. It is generally of short duration.... voice and speech

Habitat: All over India, except West Bengal and eastwards.

Action: Plant—deobstruent, aperient, febrifugal, styptic. Used for disorders of the liver. The mucilage is used in coughs.

Volvah, Volvya, Volvaa, Volvae, Volvai, Volvay, Volvia... volva

Vondah, Vonde, Vondana, Vondi, Vondetta, Vondella, Vonnda, Vonditta, Vondia... vonda

Vondrah, Vondria, Vondrea, Vondreah, Vondrya... vondra

Vonnah, Vona, Vonah, Vonnia, Vonnya, Vonia, Vonya, Vonny, Vonney, Vonnie, Vonni... vonna

Vulpyne, Vulpina, Vulpyna... vulpine

Aloe Vera, Balm, Boneset, Burdock, Echinacea, Elderflowers, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Goldenseal, Liquorice, Marjoram, Pulsatilla, Queen’s Delight, St John’s Wort, Thuja, Wild Indigo, Yarrow. ... anti-virals

As the Vegan diet is deficient in Vitamin B12 which may lead to anaemia, supplements are available. Some Vegan products have this vitamin added.

Their rule is to combine legumes with other cereals, seeds or nuts at the same meal. The combination is claimed to be equal to one animal based. ... diet - vegan

Haemophilus vaccine (HiB) This vaccine was introduced in the UK in 1994 to deal with the annual incidence of about 1,500 cases and 100 deaths from haemophilus MENINGITIS, SEPTICAEMIA and EPIGLOTTITIS, mostly in pre-school children. It has been remarkably successful when given as part of the primary vaccination programme at two, three and four months of age – reducing the incidence by over 95 per cent. A few cases still occur, either due to other subgroups of the organism for which the vaccine is not designed, or because of inadequate response by the child, possibly related to interference from the newer forms of pertussis vaccine (see above) given at the same time.

Meningococcal C vaccine Used in the UK from 1998, this has dramatically reduced the incidence of meningitis and septicaemia due to this organism. Used as part of the primary programme in early infancy, it does not protect against other types of meningococci.

Varicella vaccine This vaccine, used to protect against varicella (CHICKENPOX) is used in a number of countries including the United States and Japan. It has not been introduced into the UK, largely because of concerns that use in infancy would result in an upsurge in cases in adult life, when the disease may be more severe.

Pneumococcal vaccine The pneumococcus is responsible for severe and sometimes fatal childhood diseases including meningitis and septicaemia, as well as PNEUMONIA and other respiratory infections. Vaccines are available but do not protect against all strains and are reserved for special situations – such as for patients without a SPLEEN or those who are immunode?cient.... yellow fever vaccine is prepared from

Lesions may appear on face, neck and chest. Worse in winter, better in summer. Acne vulgaris has blackheads (comedones) that distinguish it from acne rosacea. Studies show low zinc levels. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia records Poke root singularly effective. Medicines containing iodine and bromine (Kelp) should be avoided. Dr Edward Frankel, Los Angeles, warns against use of Vaseline which, through build-up of bacteria, may cause pustular reaction.

Alternatives. Teas. Agrimony, Alfalfa, Burdock leaves, Chamomile, Dandelion, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Heartsease, Hibiscus, Marigold petals, Mate tea, Nettles, Redbush (rooibos), Rose Hip, Violet, Wood Betony.

Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag, Dandelion, Echinacea, Queen’s Delight, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Poke root, Devil’s Claw, Goldenseal.

Formula. Echinacea 2; Blue Flag 1; Poke root half. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily before meals. Evening Primrose oil. Success reported.

Maria Treben. Nettle tea.

French traditional. Horse radish vinegar.

Greek traditional. Marigold petal poultice.

Topical. cleanse lesions with distilled extract of Witch Hazel or fresh lemon juice. Follow with Marshmallow and Slippery Elm ointment, dilute Tea Tree oil, Evening Primrose oil, Jojoba or Aloe Vera gel. Thyme Lotion (Blackmore’s).

Aromatherapy. Sandalwood oil. Or Lavender and Tea Tree oils.

Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. Low fat, low carbohydrate. Avoid chocolate, cow’s milk, sugars and drinks that induce facial flushing. Raw fruit and vegetables.

Supplements. Vitamins A, B-complex, B6, C, E. Chromium, Selenium, Zinc. ... acne, vulgaris

In the absence of sterile dressings and modern hospital amenities, powdered vegetable charcoal has an ancient reputation as an astringent dressing. It absorbs bacterial toxins and is useful for chronic bowel discharge. Powdered charcoal dressings were used during World War I. Rubbed in lard, was used for purulent foul discharging wounds to neutralise smell and promote healing.

Other indications: relaxed veins, stomach tense and full of wind, constant belching. For weak and cachetic individuals where vital powers are weak.

Available in biscuits, tablets and capsules for its purifying properties and as an aid to digestion. Tablets containing a high sodium content should be avoided. ... charcoal, vegetable

Greater incidence of the condition is found in women. By interfering with the hormone balance The Pill raises the female body to a constant state of false pregnancy. This affects the character of vaginal secretions and favours growth of fungi. Oestrogens in contraceptive pills create a tissue climate conducive to Candida. Vaginal deodorants and scented soaps irritate. Because of its effect upon the Fallopian tubes it is a common cause of infertility.

Symptoms. Vulva itching, soreness, white discharge of watery to cheesy consistency. Urination painful, recurring cystitis, irritability, premenstrual and menstrual problems, anxiety, heartburn and dyspepsia. Alternatives. Teas. Agnus Castus, Balm, Barberry bark, Chamomile, La Pacho (Pau d’arco), Sage, Thyme.

Tablets/capsules. Agnus Castus, Goldenseal, Pulsatilla, Poke root, Thuja, Garlic, La Pacho.

Tincture Thuja. 15-30 drops in water, once daily.

Tinctures. Combination for the average case. Echinacea 30ml; Calendula 15ml; Goldenseal 15ml; Ladysmantle 15ml. Dose: one 5ml teaspoon thrice daily. (Brenda Cooke MNIMH, Mansfield, Notts) Topical. Tea Tree oil pessaries/cream. Alternative:– (1) Impregnate tampon with plain yoghurt and insert into vagina. Or: inject with spermicidal cream applicator or cardboard tampon applicator 2-3 teaspoons yoghurt into vagina 2-3 times daily. The theory is that the lacto-bacilli in the yoghurt competes with the candida and finally reduces it to normal levels.

(2) 2-3 teaspoons Distilled Extract Witch Hazel to cup of water for cooling antiseptic lotion.

(3) 1-2 drops Eucalyptus oil well-shaken in 4oz (120ml) Distilled Extract Witch Hazel. Reputed to kill colonies of candida albicans and allay irritation.

(4) Aloe Vera gel.

(5) Capricin.

(6) Cloves are anti-fungal and may be chewed.

(7) Calendula and Hydrastis pessaries.

Avoid surgical spirit antiseptics. A smear of Olive oil or yoghurt or No 3 above to allay irritation. Frequent washing, hot baths and use of soap at first soothe, but later exacerbate. Use water only. When washing, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading spores from bowel. No smoking.

Diet. Gluten-free, low fat, high fibre.

Acidophilus. A large mixed salad once daily. Cooked vegetables, seafood, Vitamin A foods. Replace salt with Celery, Garlic or Kelp powders. All meats, game and chicken to be from animals raised on steroid-free fodder. Replace alcohol with fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Eggs.

Reject: Dairy products (butter, cheese, milk). Brewer’s yeast. Foods and drinks with which yeast has been associated: bread, beer, homemade wines. Dried fruit, mushrooms, monosodium glutamate, pickles and preserves, smoked fish and meats, foods known to be allergic to the patient, sugar, syrup, sweeteners, chocolate, puddings, pastry, white flour products.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu, Vitamin C 200mg. Zinc. ... candida, vaginal

Action: detoxifier, antiseptic, anti-catarrhal, bitter, stomachic, antimicrobial.

Uses: Often successful against staphylococcal and streptococcal infection (impetigo, etc). High blood pressure, dizziness, overweight, chronic headache, chronic fatigue, chronic lack of stomach acid in old age, diarrhoea, mucous colitis, diverticulosis, Crohn’s disease, nausea, vomiting, red-brick deposit in the urine. For shingles, to alleviate itching and burning: apply neat to skin, two-hourly day or night. The neat vinegar applied, freely, for ringworm, varicose veins, and burns to remove smarting. To prevent night sweats, wipe down with neat vinegar.

Dosage is an individual matter. 1, 2 or 3 teaspoons to glass of water at each meal is helpful for destroying harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and to maintain good general health. ... cider vinegar

Cause: a virus spread by field mice, rats and other rodents. Incubation period: 2-3 weeks.

Symptoms: fever, headache, backache, severe nervous prostration, low blood pressure, red patches on skin, failure of kidneys, high protein levels in urine. Small red or purple spots indicate bleeding beneath the skin.

Treatment. Traditional. Ayurvedic:– Gotu Kola, Juniper. Dr Mattiolus regards Juniper as a preventative of the pestilence.

To be treated by or in liaison with a qualified medical practitioner. HARPAGOPHYTUM. See: DEVIL’S CLAW. ... hantaan virus

Failure of the left ventricle may occur in cases of pericarditis, disease of the aortic valve, nephritis or high blood pressure.

Left ventricular failure is often of sudden onset, urgent, and may manifest as “cardiac asthma”.

Causes: blood clot, anaemia, thyroid disorder, coronary disease, congenital effects, drug therapy (beta blockers, etc), and to fevers that make heavy demands on the left ventricle.

Symptoms: breathlessness, wheezing, sweating, unproductive cough, faintness, bleeding from the lungs, palpitation. Cardiac asthma at night: feels he needs air; better upright than lying flat. Exertion soon tires. Sensation as if heart would stop. Blueness of lips and ears from hold-up in circulation of the blood through the lungs. Frequent chest colds. Awakes gasping for breath. Always tired. Cold hands and feet. Symptoms abate as compensation takes place. ‘Cream and roses’ complexion. The failure of left ventricle soon drags into failure of the right ventricle.

Right ventricular failure leads to congestive heart failure, with raised venous pressure in neck veins and body generally, causing oedema, ascites and liver engorgement.

Treatment. Agents to strengthen, support, and eliminate excess fluids from the body. BHP (1983) advises four main remedies: Hawthorn, Motherwort, Broom and Lily of the Valley. The latter works in a digitaloid manner, strengthening the heart, contracting the vessels, and lessening congestion in the lungs. Tinctures. Hawthorn 2; Stone root 1. Lily of the Valley 1. Dose: 15-45 drops thrice daily.

Broom tea. 2 teaspoons flowers, or 2-3 teaspoons tops and flowers, in cup water brought to boil and simmered one minute. 1 cup freely.

To remove fluid retention in the lungs, diuretics are indicated; chief among which is Dandelion root because of its high potassium content to prevent hypokalaemia. Dandelion coffee. As urinary excretion increases, patient improves.

Vitamin E. Not to be taken in left ventricular disorders.

Diet. See entry: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION.

UK Research. Researchers found that left ventricular failure was reduced by a quarter when patients were given magnesium intravenously for the first 24 hours after admission to the coronary care unit. They conclude that it should be given before any other heart therapy is commenced, and that patients should receive regular infusions if no other drug treatment is used. (The Lancet, 2.4.1994). This supports the use of magnesium sulphate (Epsom’s salts) by a past generation of herbal practitioners for the condition. ... heart – left ventricular failure (lvf)

Mitral disease leads to heart failure either by a narrowing of the orifice (stenosis) or a regurgitation blocks the passage of blood from the left atrium (auricle) to the left ventricle. The left atrium enlarges (hypertrophies) in an effort to counter the impediment. Real compensation – increased thrust of the blood – is provided by the right ventricle. In order to overcome a mitral impediment the right ventricle has to enlarge.

Sooner or later the right ventricle cannot enlarge any further and general heart failure sets in. Though caused primarily by a lesion of the mitral valve, it may be secondary to left ventricular failure (LVF), thyroid disorder (thyrotoxicosis), pericarditis, congenital heart disease, or any disease which weakens ventricular muscle.

Venous congestion and back pressure of RVF leads to congestion and accumulation of fluid in the lungs, cough and spitting of blood, painful swelling of the liver, nausea, loss of appetite and severe wasting.

Where the right ventricle fails to move the blood forward as it arrives from the systemic circulation, generalised dropsy sets in. Congestion of the kidneys leads to reduced urinary excretion and presence of albumin in the urine.

The picture is well known to the cardiac practitioner: blueness of the skin, congestion of the brain circulation with sleeplessness and delirium. Soon the tension of water-logged tissues results in pain and extreme anxiety. Feet are swollen and ankles pit on pressure; chest cavities fill with fluid and the abdomen swells (ascites).

Alternatives. Cardio-tonics would be given to strengthen the ventricle and diuretics to correct fluid retention: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn, Motherwort, Broom. BHP (1983).

Due to rheumatic fever: Hawthorn.

High Blood Pressure: Mistletoe.

Effort Syndrome: Motherwort.

Tinctures. Combine, Lily of the Valley 2; Hawthorn 2; Motherwort 3. Dose: 1 teaspoon thrice daily after meals.

Diet. Low salt, low fat, high fibre. Restricted fluids, vegetarian protein foods, yoghurt. See also: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION.

Supplements. Potassium (bananas), Vitamin B6.

General. Stop smoking. Correction of overweight. Complete bed-rest with legs raised above level of the abdomen and patient propped-up to relieve difficult breathing. ... heart – right ventricular failure (rvf)

Five viruses that attack the liver as their primary target have been identified.

They cause hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E.... hepatitis, viral

Since 1542 there have been many attempts to expunge this law from the Statute Book. A formidable attack was launched by the Pharmacy and Medicines Bill, 1941, which was fought so vigorously by a Mr Montgomery and Mrs Hilda Leyel that herbalists won the concession to continue the right to practise. ... henry viii

Constituents: cardioactive glycosides, flavonoid glycosides.

Action: increases force of the heart, regularises the beat for distension of the ventricles. Restores an irritable heart. Increases size and strength of the pulse; slows down a rapid feeble pulse; restores regular deep breathing. Is a secondary diuretic which eliminates fluid retained in the tissues (oedema), leaving no depression or depletion of potassium. Cardiac stimulant. Mild gastric tonic.

Uses: Left ventricular failure, mitral insufficiency, sense that “the chest is held in a vice”. Congestive heart failure, endocarditis, cardiac dropsy with swollen ankles, cardiac asthma, renal hypertension. Effective in painful and silent ischaemic episodes. Bradycardia.

Combines well with Motherwort and Selenicereus grandiflorus for heart disease BHP (1983). With Echinacea and Poke root for endocarditis. Never combine with Gotu Kola. (Dr John Heinerman, Texas, USA)

Preparations: Maximum dose: 150mg dried leaf. Thrice daily.

Tea: 1 teaspoon shredded leaves to each cup water gently simmered 10 minutes. One-third of a cup. Liquid Extract BPC 1934: dose: 0.3-0.6ml (5 to 10 drops).

Tincture BHP (1983): 1:5 in 40 per cent alcohol; dose – 0.5 to 1ml (8 to 15 drops).

Juice. Fresh leaves passed through a juicer. 3-5 drops thrice daily.

Contra-indicated in high blood pressure. Sale: Pharmacy Only. ... lily of the valley

Treatment: directed towards stomach, liver and alimentary canal.

Teas: Centuary, Holy Thistle, Meadowsweet, Wormwood, Balmony, Agrimony, Chiretta.

Formula. Tea: equal parts, Agrimony, Meadowsweet, Dandelion root. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.

Decoction. 1 teaspoon Barberry bark steeped overnight in large cup cold water. One-third cup before meals, thrice daily.

Formula. Equal parts: Meadowsweet, Fringe Tree, Echinacea. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Diet. See: DIET – GENERAL DIET. ... muscae voltantes

Mild fever, rash, and malaise may occur after vaccination. In 1 per cent of cases, mild, noninfectious swelling of the parotid glands develops 3–4 weeks after vaccination. There is no evidence for a link between and Crohn’s disease or autism.... mmr vaccination

These people include health workers, contacts of people who have tuberculosis, and immigrants (including children) from countries with a high rate of tuberculosis.

Infants born to immigrants in this category are immunized, without having a tuberculin test, within a few days of birth.

The vaccine is also recommended for children aged 10–14 years for whom the test is negative.... bcg vaccination

between about 400 and 700 nanometres. Different wavelengths produce sensations of violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red when they fall on the retina and stimulate nerve signals, which are processed in the brain.

As light falls on the retina, it strikes light-sensitive cells called rods and cones. The rods can detect all visible light, but only the cones can distinguish colour. There are 3 types of cones: red-sensitive, blue-sensitive, and green-sensitive. Each responds more strongly to a particular part of the light spectrum. Because the cones are most concentrated in a central area of the retina called the fovea, colour vision is most accurate for objects viewed directly and is poor at the edges of vision. When light hits a cone, it causes the cone to emit an electrical signal, which passes to the brain via the optic nerve. Colour perception requires a minimum level of light, below which everything is seen as shades of grey. (See also colour vision deficiency; eye; perception; vision.)... colour vision

Protection against pertussis and tetanus gradually wanes. In adults, pertussis is mild but can be transmitted to children. Since tetanus is serious at any age, boosters are recommended at the time of any dirty, penetrating injury if there has not been a vaccination in the past 10 years.

Reactions to the diphtheria and tetanus parts of the vaccine are rare.

The pertussis vaccine often causes slight fever and irritability for a day or so.

More serious reactions are extremely rare and include seizures and an allergic reaction, which may lead to sudden breathing difficulty and shock.

Permanent damage from the vaccine is even rarer.

Doctors are now agreed that for most children, the benefits of outweigh the minimal risk from the vaccine.

The pertussis element of the vaccine should not be given to children who have reacted severely to a preceding dose of the vaccine, or who have a progressing brain abnormality.... dpt vaccination

Any of the 4 heart valves may be affected by stenosis (narrowing), which causes the heart to work harder to force blood through the valve, or by incompetence or insufficiency (leakiness), which makes the valve unable to prevent backwash of blood. These defects cause characteristic heart murmurs.

Heart-valve defects may be present at birth (see heart disease, congenital), or they may be acquired later in life. The most common congenital valve defects are aortic stenosis and pulmonary stenosis. Acquired heart-valve disease is usually the result of degenerative changes or ischaemia affecting part of the heart and leading to aortic stenosis or mitral incompetence. Rheumatic fever can cause mitral stenosis, mitral incompetence, aortic valve defects, tricuspid stenosis and tricuspid incompetence. The heart valves may also be damaged by bacterial endocarditis.

Heart-valve disorders commonly lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, or symptoms resulting from reduced blood supply to body tissues.

Heart-valve defects may be diagnosed by auscultation, chest X-ray, ECG, or echocardiography and may be corrected by heart-valve surgery.... heart valve

A diagnosis is made by doppler ultrasound scanning.

Treatment depends on the site and extent of the clots.

Small clots may not need treatment if they are confined to the calf and the patient is mobile.

Otherwise, anticoagulant drugs or thrombolytic drugs are given.

If there is a high risk of a pulmonary embolism, thrombectomy may be performed.... thrombosis, deep vein

The vacuum extraction instrument consists of a suction cup connected to a vacuum bottle. The suction cup is placed on the baby’s head in the birth canal, and the vacuum machine sucks the baby’s scalp into the cup. The obstetrician draws the baby out of the mother’s vagina by gently pulling on the cup with each uterine contraction.

The baby is born with a swelling on the scalp, but this disappears after a few days, usually without treatment.... vacuum extraction

Discharge may be abnormal if it is excessive, offensive-smelling, yellow or green, or if it causes itching. Abnormal discharge often accompanies vaginitis, and may be the result of infection, as in

candidiasis or trichomoniasis, or may be due to a foreign body, such as a forgotten tampon, in the vagina.... vaginal discharge

The pain may occur with breathlessness and palpitations.

The cause is thought to be narrowing of the coronary arteries by muscular spasm in their walls.

Treatment with calcium channel blockers or nitrates is usually effective.... variant angina

Vasodilation under the skin occurs in response to hot weather and increases heat loss from the body.... vasodilation

Vasodilator drugs include ACE inhibitors, alphablockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrate drugs, and sympatholytic drugs.

They are used to treat disorders in which abnormal narrowing of blood vessels reduces blood flow through tissues, impairing the supply of oxygen.

Such disorders include angina pectoris and peripheral vascular disease.

Vasodilators are also used to treat hypertension and heart failure.

All vasodilator drugs may cause flushing, headaches, dizziness, fainting, and swollen ankles.... vasodilator drugs