adj. 1. of or relating to the *psyche. 2. relating to parapsychological phenomena. 3. describing a person who is allegedly endowed with extrasensory or psychokinetic powers.
Habitat: Native to Central Asia. Cultivated all over India.
English: Garlic.Ayurvedic: Lashuna, Rasona, Yavaneshta, Ugragandha, Ma- haushadh, Arishta.Unani: Seer, Lahsun.Siddha/Tamil: Ullippoondu, Vellaip- pondu.Action: Antibiotic, bacteriostatic, fungicide, anthelmintic, antithrom- bic, hypotensive, hypoglycaemic, hypocholesterolaemic. Also used for upper respiratory tract infections and catarrhal conditions.
Key application: As a supportive to dietary measures for elevated levels of lipids in blood; as a preventive measure for age-dependent vascular changes. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Also as an antimicrobial. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia). Garlic has been shown to be effective in respiratory infections and catarrhal conditions. (The British Herbal Compendium.)The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia indicates the use of the bulb as a brain tonic in epilepsy and psychic disorders.Heavy consumption of garlic prior to surgery led to increased clotting time or reduced platelet aggregation (in human case reports). Garlic tablets at a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduced platelet aggregation 59% compared with placebo in 80 patients (in human clinical study). (Francis Brinker.)Garlic cloves are high in sulphur- containing amino acids known as al- liin (no taste, no smell, no medicinal action). With crushing or chewing alli- in comes into contact with the enzyme alliinase. Alliinase, in less than 6 s, transforms alliin into allicin (strongly medicinal), which breaks down into a number of sulphur compounds including ajoene, vinyldithin and diallyl disulfide, and trisulfide. The antibiotic effect is attributed to allicin; hypogly- caemic effect to allicin and allylpro- phyldisulphide (also to S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide); anticarcinogenic activity to diallyl monosulfide; platelet aggregation inhibitory effect to diallyl-di- and tri-sulphides. Ajoene inactivated human gastric lipase, which is involved in digestion and absorption of dietary fats.Diallyltetra, penta-, hexa- and hep- tasulphides are potential antioxidants.Allium leptophyllum Wall. is equated with Vana Lashuna, Jangali Lahsun.Dosage: Bulb—3 g (API Vol. III.)... allium sativumHabitat: Throughout the plains of India in damp marshy areas.
English: Thyme-leaved Gratiola.Ayurvedic: Braahmi, Aindri, Nir- braahmi, Kapotavankaa, Bhaarati, Darduradalaa, Matsyaakshaka, Shaaluraparni, Mandukaparni (also equated with Centella asiatica Linn., synonym Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn. Umbelliferae, Apiaceae).Unani: Brahmi.Siddha/Tamil: Piramivazhukkai, Neerbrami.Folk: Jalaneem, Safed-Chammi.Action: Adaptogenic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, potent nervine tonic, anti-anxiety agent (improves mental functions, used in insanity, epilepsy), antispasmodic (used in bronchitis, asthma and diarrhoea).
Key application: In psychic disorders and as a brain tonic. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)B. monnieri has been shown to cause prolonged elevated level of cerebral glutamic acid and a transient increase in GABA level. It is assumed that endogenous increase in brain glutamine maybe helpful in the process oflearn- ing.The herb contains the alkaloids brahmine, herpestine, and a mixture of three bases. Brahmine is highly toxic; in therapeutic doses it resembles strychnine. The herb also contains the saponins, monnierin, hersaponin, bacosides A and B. Bacosides A and B possess haemolytic activity. Her- saponin is reported to possess car- diotonic and sedative properties. It was found, as in case of reserpene, to deplete nor-adrenaline and 5-HT content of the rat brain.An alcoholic extract of the plant in a dose of 50 mg/kg produced tranquil- izing effect on albino rats and dogs, but the action was weaker than that produced by chlorpromazine.Dosage: Whole plant—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. II.)... bacopa monnieriHabitat: Cultivated in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
English: Crown or Loxa Bark.Ayurvedic: Quinine.Unani: Al-keenaa, Kanakanaa.Action: Antimalarial, febrifuge, astringent, orexigenic, sapasmolytic. Also prescribed in amoebic dysentery, jaundice, atonic dyspepsia, night cramps. Sometimes causes gastric and intestinal irritation.
Key application: In peptic discomforts such as bloating and fullness, loss of appetite. (German Commission E.)The bark contains alkaloids quinine (2.35-4.42%); quinidine (1.44-2.56%); cinchonine (0.10-0.66%); cinchoni- dine (0.49-0.89%) and other alkaloids, quinamine, javanine (0.14-0.63%).The leaves contain quercetin, kaem- pferol and avicularin.Quinine is antimalarial; quinidine is antiarrhythmic and cardiac tonic, also used in psychic treatments.The bark shows potent inhibitory activity against polymorphonuclear leucocytes; the activity is attributed to the alkaloids of the bark. Cinchona may potentiate coumarin derivatives. In large doses, it is sedative to CNS and cardiac plexus.Quinine is toxic at over 3 g, quini- dine at 1 g.Related Cinchona sp.: C. calisaya Wedd. (Nilgiris and Sikkim); C. calisaya Wedd. var. ledgeriana How. (West Bengal, Khasi Hills and Tamil Nadu); and C. succirubra Pav. ex Klotz. (Nilgiris and Annamalis in Tamil Nadu, Sikkim and West Bengal).The bark of all the species contain quinine, quinidine, cinchonine and cinchonidine and exhibit antimalarial activity. The alcoholic extract of C. ledgeriana Moens ex Trimen bark exhibits antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria comparable to sodium penicillin. The extract, however, exhibits lesser activity than di- hydrostreptomycin sulphate against Gram-negative bacteria.... cinchona officinalisThe general term, psychoanalysis, is applied, in the ?rst place, to the method of helping the patient to recover buried memories by free association of thoughts. In the second place, the term is applied to the body of psychological knowledge and theory accumulated and devised by Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) and his followers. The term ‘psychoanalyst’ has traditionally been applied to those who have undergone Freudian training, but Freud’s ideas are being increasingly questioned by some modern psychiatrists.... freudian theory
Habitat: Native to tropical America; cultivated as an ornament in gardens in Mumbai, Pune and Belgaum.
English: Ololiuqui, Snake Plant.Action: Seeds—narcotic.
The psychic effect produced by the ground seeds have been ascribed to the presence of ergot-type alkaloids (up to 0.07%) found in embryo. Among the principal alkaloids identified in the seeds are: ergine, isoergine, elymo- clavine, lysergol and chanoclavine. Er- gometrine, clymoclavine, penniclavine and ergometrinine have also been reported. Ergine has been reported to be the most and lysergol the least effective.A glucoside, turbicoryn, isolated from the seeds, was found to have a CNS stimulant action. (Doses exceeding 31.6 mg/kg proved fatal to test animals in 5-10 min.)Ergine and isoergine are present in the leaves (0.03%, dry basis) and stems (0.01%, dry basis) but not in the roots.... rivea corymbosaAfter years of study in a remote Norfolk village he concluded there were 38 states of mind which, if corrected led to improvement of certain physical conditions. Being ‘psychic’, he claimed to feel the vibrations of plants and their reactions to his body when holding them in his hand; some causing pain, nausea, nervous excitability or producing a fever. He divined the ‘soul’ of a number of different plants, matching each to a particular state of mind.
It was claimed that destructive moods produced body toxins which lowered vitality and natural resistance. He prepared what are now known as the Bach Remedies from the petals of wild flowers with which he overcame depression, fear and abnormal mental states. He treated the attitude of mind, illness being a cleansing process of mind and body. Thus he became the first Holistic practitioner.
He ‘potentised’ remedies by immersing petals in fresh spring water in the sun and preserving. Though his cures are still regarded as ‘anecdotal’, the remedies enjoy world-wide recognition. Dr W.T. Garton writes: “Dr Bach’s remedies have the power to dispel gloom, anxiety, hate and fear, and with them go many of the physical ills which are the natural outcome of such frames of mind. The remedies are not a substitute for courageous living, but may enable us to better cope with life.”
The Bach Centre, Mount Vernon, Wallingford, Oxon, England. ... bach
Symptoms. Tired and apathetic. Muscle weakness. May hear voices and have terrifying hallucinations. Causes may be emotional, autotoxaemic, psychic disturbance or spirit possession.
Treatment. Central nervous system stimulants, antidepressants.
Alternatives. Ginkgo, Siberian Ginseng, Camphor, Horseradish, Prickly Ash bark, Gotu Kola, Kola. Yerbe mate tea.
Tablets/capsules. Prickly Ash, Thuja, Ginseng, Gotu Kola.
Formula. Ginkgo 2; Prickly Ash 1; Ginseng 1. Doses – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. In water or honey, thrice daily. Practitioner. Ephedra – 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; half-1 cup at bedtime. Ephedrine.
Note: Researchers have discovered a “biologic marker for the disease – an antigen called HLA.DR2 found in almost 100 per cent of narcoleptic patients”. The antigen appears in only 25 per cent of the general population. This unusual finding may also be evidence that the immune system is somehow involved in the onset of narcolepsy. (American Family Physician, July 1988) ... narcolepsy
Atopic eczema. Allergic eczema. May run in families together with hay fever, asthma or inflamed nasal membrane. May appear anywhere but prefers elbows, knees (flexures), ankles or face. Often seen in infants. May return again and again throughout adult life. Scratching exacerbates.
As regards babies, some paediatricians believe breast-feeding to be protective. A stronger case follows investigation into pollutants from the atmosphere or as additives in food. Industrial chemicals find their way into breast milk that may not be easily excreted but stored in fat.
Cow’s milk is particularly suspect because of exposure of the animal to herbicides and pesticides. For this reason, goat’s milk has met with some success in treatment of this condition, as has Soya milk. Now known that food plays an important part in effective treatment. Chief allergy-stimulators: dairy produce, eggs, cow’s milk. Each individual case must identify those foods that are responsible.
Seborrhoeic eczema leads to scaling of the scalp and redness of the ears, eyebrows, side of the nose and possibly armpits and groin.
Stasis eczema (or varicose eczema) may arise from varicose vein problems, usually limited to the lower third of the leg.
Discoid eczema has coin-shaped patches preferring extensor surfaces of arms and legs.
Contact eczema may be caused by washing-up detergents, etc. See: CONTACT DERMATITIS.
While emotional or psychic disturbance may worsen, eczema is seldom a psychosomatic disorder arising from stressful situations. Contact with water may worsen. Hairdressers and those allergic to dyes may require patch tests.
Eczema patients, especially atopic, have a metabolic deficiency of linoleic acid (a dietary fatty acid) to y-linolenic acid, which is found in Evening Primrose oil. Eczema may develop in bottle-fed babies due to absence of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in commercial powdered milk. GLA is present in Evening Primrose.
A cross-over trial in 99 patients (adults and children) by Bristol (England) dermatologists found Evening Primrose oil (Efamol capsules) produced an overall 43 per cent improvement in eczema severity: doses – 4 to 6 capsules twice daily (adults); 2 capsules twice daily (children). Lower doses were not effective.
Alternatives. Barberry, Bladderwrack, Blood root, Blue Flag root, Bogbean, Burdock, Clivers, Devil’s Claw, Echinacea, Figwort, Fringe Tree, Fumitory, Garlic, Guaiacum, Goldenseal, Mountain Grape, Gotu Kola, Nettles, Plantain, Poke root, Queen’s Delight, Red Clover, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras, Wild Indigo, Heartsease, Yellow Dock.
Tea. Combine herbs: equal parts: Gotu Kola, Clivers, Red Clover. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily, before meals (Dry eczema).
Formula: equal parts, Burdock root, Yellow Dock root, Valerian root. Dose. Liquid Extracts, 1 teaspoon. Tinctures, 1-2 teaspoons. Powders, two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon. Thrice daily, before meals. Practitioner: specific medication.
Dry eczema. Equal parts, tinctures: Yarrow, Dandelion, Calendula, Echinacea.
Weeping eczema. Combine tinctures: Barberry 1; Clivers 2; Echinacea 2.
Seborrhoeic eczema. Combine tinctures: Blue Flag root 1; Meadowsweet 2; Boneset 1.
Discoid eczema. Combine tinctures: Yellow Dock 2; Mountain Grape 1; Echinacea 1.
Varicose eczema. Combine tinctures: Echinacea 2; Calendula (Marigold) 1; Hawthorn 1.
Dosage for the above: One to two 5ml teaspoons in water thrice daily before meals.
Skin Care. May reduce necessity for steroid creams. It is best to avoid: lanolin and Coconut oil compounds that may contain coal tar. Wash in soft water (rain water) or water not containing chemical softeners.
Indicated: soothing softening herbal lotions, ointments or creams: Marshmallow, Chickweed, Comfrey, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera gel, Jojoba oil, Evening Primrose oil. For seborrhoeic eczema: Bran Bath or Bran Wash, twice weekly, soapless, followed by Rosemary shampoo. Vitamin E lotion or cream.
Note: A study carried out at the University of Manchester, England, found that children with eczema had significantly low levels of serum zinc than control-cases. (British Journal of Dermatology, 1984, 111, 597)
Evening Primrose oil. For Omega 6 fatty acids.
Diet. Gluten-free. Oily fish: see entry. Avoid cow’s milk, wheat products.
Supplements. Daily. Vitamins: A (7500iu). C (500mg). E (400iu). Bioflavonoids (500mg). Zinc (15mg). Betaine hydrochloride.
Note: The disorder may be due to a deficiency of essential fatty acids (EFAs) brought about by a deficiency of zinc which is necessary for EFA metabolism.
Chinese herbs. A study has shown herbal treatment to be far superior to placebo in clinical trials. British children with (dry) atopic eczema responded favourably to treatment which included the following herbs known as Formula PSE101.
Ledebouriella sesloides, Potentilla chinesis, Anebia clematidis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Peonia lactiflora, Lophatherum gracile, Dictamnus dasycarpus, Tribulus terrestris, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Schizonepta tenuifolia. Non-toxicity confirms their safety. (Sheeham M et al. “A controlled trial of traditional Chinese medicinal plants in widespread non-exudative atopic dermatitis”, British Journal of Dermatology, 126: 179-184 1992)
When 10 Chinese herbs were analysed by a team at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, it was revealed that no single active ingredient or herb was responsible for success. “It was a combination of all 10 herbs that gave the medicine its healing properties.” This is an example of the synergistic effect of combined plant remedies and supports the herbalist’s belief in use of the whole plant. ... eczema
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