Salve Health Dictionary

Chickweed is actually the basis for a refreshing and useful tea, which can be easily found in stores and has various benefits for the whole body. So don’t pass it by. Everything about Chickweed Tea With the botanical name of Stellaria media, Chickweed is also commonly known as star weed, star chickweed or satin flower. The chickweed weed has straight green stems, small star-like white flowers and blooms from March till October. It is commonly found all over the world. Chickweed is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and contains a number of other nutrients like mucilage, saponins, silica, vitamin A and B, fatty acids or other minerals as well. Chickweed tea is a great source of nutrition with many health benefits. How to brew Chickweed Tea For a tasty tea, you can combine either 1 teaspoon of dried plant or 2 tablespoons of fresh, finely chopped chickweed into 1 cup of boiling water. Don’t forget to wash and dry preferable freshly picked chickweed leaves. Allow the plant to steep into the boiling water for approximately 10 minutes then your tea is ready to be served. Chickweed Tea benefits Chickweed Tea has multiple medical benefits both internally and externally. Chickweed Tea is a diuretic, a mild laxative; it increases the body’s metabolism and reduces appetite. That makes it ideal for a weight loss diet. It calms the respiratory system ailments like asthma, bronchitis, cough or others associated to this. Chickweed tea has anti-inflammatory properties so it can reduce any inflammation and help to relieve pain, both internally and externally. It is also a blood purifier. Chickweed tea can also be used externally as wash, poultice, or salve with good results in alleviating any wounds, allergies or skin problems due to its detoxifying properties. Chickweed Tea Side effects Although chickweed tea is generally considered safe for adults’ consumption, side effects may occasionally include upset stomach, nausea or vomiting. Pregnant or nursing women should not drink chickweed tea, as there are not enough studies to show whether it is safe for pregnancy or for children. People with allergies to the daisy plant family should avoid chickweed tea. Chickweed contains nitrate so if you drink too much tea, you may experience symptoms of nitrate poisoning like weakness, headache, fainting, bluish fingers and lips and dizziness. So be sure to keep your moderation. Although it is recommended to include it in your lifestyle, you should not drink more than 2 or 3 cups of chickweed tea per day as it will lose its benefits.... chickweed tea

An eye-salve or eye-wash... collyrium

Plantain (Plantago major or P. lanceolata).

Plant Part Used: Leaf.

Dominican Medicinal Uses: Leaf: fresh juice or tea, orally, for liver disorders, vaginal infections, high cholesterol, stomach ache, menopausal symptoms, abortion; juice, externally, wound-healing; as a salve or poultice, externally, for headache, migraine and nausea.

Safety: Results of toxicity studies and published literature.

Clinical Data: Human clinical trials: bronchitis treatment (plant extract).

Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: antibacterial (leaf compound), antidiarrheal (leaf extract), chemopreventive (constituents), antinociceptive (seed and leaf extract), antitumor (leaf).

In vitro: antiviral, immuno-enhancing, laxative and gastroprotective (extracts and compounds).

* See entry for Llantén in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... llantén

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium).

Plant Part Used: Leaf, fruit.

Dominican Medicinal Uses: Leaves: decoction, orally, common cold, flu, headache; poultice or salve, externally, for headache, sinusitis. Fruit: juice, decoction, for diarrhea.

Safety: Considered safe if used appropriately.

Clinical Data: Human clinical trial: antifungal (essential oil).

Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vitro: antioxidant (constituent), insecticidal (fruit peel extract), relaxant (essential oil).

* See entry for Naranja agria in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... naranja agria

Pomade, salve or ointment; an oil-based preparation of medicinal plants for external application, often used for healing skin ailments, muscle pain or sinus conditions.... pomada

Butter pomade; a slightly solidified nut butter used externally as an ointment or salve; for example, made from peanuts (maní) or sesame seeds (ajonjolí).... pomada de manteca

Salve for rheumatic joints, stiff muscles, lumbago, backache and to prepare the spine or skeleton for manipulation as in osteopathy.

Ingredients: Cayenne pods 2oz (or Tincture Capsicum 60 drops); Camphor flowers quarter of an ounce; Peppermint oil 20 drops; Cajuput oil 50 drops; Eucalyptus oil 20 drops; Beeswax 2oz. Sunflower seed oil 16oz.

Method: Gently heat Sunflower seed oil. If Cayenne pods, are used: add pods, steep for one and a half hours. Stir. Strain. Over gentle heat add wax stirring gently until dissolved. Add other ingredients (including Tincture Capsicum if used), stirring well. Pour into jars while fluid. ... golden fire

A system of skeletal manipulation to restore balance and normality where there is structural derangement. A number of herbal lotions and massage oils assist the osteopath to relax muscles and prepare tissues for manipulation.

See: ROSEMARY AND ALMOND OIL. STIFF NECK SALVE. GOLDEN FIRE. ... osteopathy

If you like herbal teas, there are lots of types you can try - one of them is periwinkle tea. Like most herbal teas, it has a slightly bitter taste, but it also has important health benefits. Read to find out more about periwinkle tea! About Periwinkle Tea Periwinkle tea is made from the vinca plant, an herbaceous plant which can be found in Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. Vinca plant has long, trailing stems that grow near the ground, touching it. The branches can reach about half a meter in height. The leaves are evergreen and, opposite, the flowers are salverform, with 5 vilet (and sometimes white) petals connected together at the base. Two species of the plant are often cultivated as ornamental plants. However, in some parts of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, it has spread too much, becoming an invasive plant. Interestingly, it is said that the plant protects you from voodoo magic. Periwinkle Tea constituents Vinca plants have lots of constituents which are transferred to periwinkle tea, as well. Periwinkle tea is rich in alkaloids that come from the vinca plant. It has at least 86 different alkaloids. Some of them are: vincamine, vinpocetine, vinblastine, vincristine, alstonine, ajmalicine, leurocristine, and reserpine. How to prepare Periwinkle Tea For a cup of periwinkle tea, you need a teaspoon of dried herbs. Pour boiling water into the cup and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Once the steeping time is done, strain to remove the herbs and your cup of periwinkle tea is done. If the taste is too bitter for you, you can sweeten the tea by adding honey or fruit juice to your cup. Periwinkle Tea Benefits Thanks to the many constituents derived from the vinca plant, periwinkle tea has lots of important health benefits. Periwinkle tea plays an important role in the fight against cancer. It is often recommended in the treatment for leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, malignant lymphomas, neuroblastoma, Wilm’s tumor and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Drinking periwinkle tea will help lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure, as well as improve blood circulation. You can drink periwinkle tea during menstruation if you’ve got an excessive blood flow. It should help in such situations. This tea is also useful in treating diarrhea, colitis and diabetes. You can use periwinkle tea to treat mouth sores and bleeding gums; it acts as a good mouth rinse. It can help you with headaches and memory loss problems and it enhances your memory. It also has calming effects, helping you with anxiety and nervousness. Periwinkle tea can be used topically, as well. You can wet a cloth with tea and use it to stop wounds from bleeding. You can also put it on the skin to treat wasp stings or on the eye if you’ve got an eye infection. Periwinkle Tea Side Effects With so many health benefits, periwinkle tea has to have a few side effects too. Here are some which you have to be careful with. If you’ve got kidney, liver or lung diseases, you should avoid drinking periwinkle tea. Also you should not drink it if you’ve got low blood pressure, or if you’re constipated. Pregnant women shouldn’t drinkperiwinkle tea, as it may lead to birth defects or even miscarriages. Also, it is best to stay away from this tea if you’re breast feeding; even in this case, it might affect the baby. It is best to stop drinking periwinkle tea before a surgery. It can lower blood pressure and it might lead to problems during and after the surgery. Check with your doctor and make sure you’re safe to drink periwinkle tea after a surgery. It is also recommended that you not drink more than 4 cups of periwinkle tea. Besides the usual symptoms (low blood pressure and constipation) you might also get other symptoms: headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. Drinking periwinkle tea can help you a lot, with its many health benefits. Don’t forget about the side effects, though. As long as you make sure it’s safe to drink periwinkle tea, you can happily drink it!... enjoy periwinkle tea

Linn.

Family: Liliaceae; Agavaceae.

Habitat: Indigenous to southern United States; introduced into Indian gardens.

English: Adam's Needle.

Action: Rhizomes and leaves—used for the treatment of glandular and liver and gallbladder disorders; in bilious headaches accompanied by yellow tongue; in despondency and irritability. Root—tincture is used in the treatment of rheumatism; a poultice or salve is used in inflammations.

The leaves contain steroidal sapo- genins sarsasapogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin, diosgenin, kammogenin, yuccagenin, hecogenin, manogenin, mexogenin, chlorogenin and smila- genin. The rhizomes contain mainly sarsasapogenin.

Tincture of the herb is used in Homoeopathic medicine for bilious symptoms with headache.... yucca filamentosa

Strychnos nux-vomica

Loganiaceae

San: Karaskara;

Hin: Kajra, Kuchila;

Mal: Kanjiram; ;

Tam: Itti, Kagodi, Kanjirai Mar:Jharkhatchura;

Kan: Hemmushti, Ittangi;

Tel: Mushti, Mushidi; Ori: Kora, Kachila

Importance: It is a large deciduous tree, with simple leaves and white fragrant flowers.

Strychnos is highly toxic to man and animals producing stiffness of muscles and convulsions, ultimately leading to death. However, in small doses it can also serve as efficacious cure forms of paralysis and other nervous disorders. The seeds are used as a remedy in intermittent fever, dyspepsia, chronic dysentery, paralytic and neuralgic affections, worms, epilepsy, chronic rheumatism, insomnia and colic. It is also useful in impotence, neuralgia of face, heart disease, spermatorrhoea, skin diseases, toxins, wounds, emaciation, cough and cholera. Leaves are applied as poultice in the treatment of chronic wounds and ulcers and the leaf decoction is useful in paralytic complaints. Root and root bark used in fever and dysentery (Nadkarni, 1982; Kurup et al, 1979).

Distribution: The plant is distributed throughout India in deciduous forests up to 1200m. It is also found in Sri Lanka, Siam, Indochina and Malaysia.

Botany: Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. is a large tree belonging to the family Loganiaceae. Leaves are simple, opposite, orbicular to ovate, 6-11.5x6-9.5cm, coriaceous, glabrous, 5 nerved, apex obtuse, acute or apiculate, transverse nerves irregular and inconspicuous. Inflorescence is many flowered terminal cymes, 2.5-5cm across. Bracts (5mm) and bracteoles (1.5mm) small. Flowers are white or greenish white and fragrant. Calyx 5 lobed, pubescent and small (2mm). Corolla salver shaped, tube cylindrical slightly hairy near the base within and greenish white, tube much elongate than the lobes. Tube 7mm and lobes 2.5mm long. Lobes 5 and valvate. Stamens 5, filaments short, 0.1mm long. Anthers 1.5mm subexerted, linear oblong. Ovary 1.5 mm, pubescent, 2 celled, ovules one to many. Style 9mm, stigma capitate. Fruit is a berry, 5-6cm diameter, globose, indehiscent, thick shelled, orange red when ripe with fleshy pulp enclosing the seeds. Seeds 1-many, discoid, compressed, coin like, concave on one side and convex on the other, covered with fine grey silky hairs.

The leaf fall is during December (do not shed all the leaves at a time) and new foliage appears in February. Flowering is during March - April and fruiting during May - December. Fruits take about 8-9 months to mature.

Properties and activity: Strychnine and brucine are the most important and toxic alkaloids present in the plant. They occur not only in the seeds but also in roots, wood, bark, fruit pulp and hard fruit shells. The minor alkaloids present in the plant are vomicine, -colubrine, -colubrine, pseudostrychnine and N-methyl-sec-pseudobrucine (novacine). Loganin a glycoside is also present (Warnat, 1932; Martin et al, 1953; Guggisberg et al, 1966; Bisset and Chaudhary, 1974). Chatterji and Basa (1967) reported vomicine as the major constituent alkaloid along with unidentified alkaloid in leaves and identified another alkaloid kajine (N-methyl pseudostrychnine) from the leaves of very young plants.

Root bark of S. nux-vomica yeilded 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy strychnine, 4 hydroxy strychine, nor-macusine, a new alkaloid 12 , 13 dihydro-12 -hydroxy isostrychnine named protostrychnine (Baser et al, 1979) methoxy strychnine, and mavacurine (Guggisberg et al, 1966). Leaves and root bark also yeilded 11 new alkaloids. 10-hydroxy strychnine, 3-12-dihydroxystrychnine, 12-hydroxy–11- methoxy strychnine, 3-12-dihydroxy- 11-methoxy strychnine,12-hydroxy strychnine-N- oxide 12-hydroxy-11-methoxy strychnine- N-oxide-19,20–dihydro isostrychnine, 16 , 17 dihydro-17 -hydroxy isostrychnine, O- methyl-macusine B, 16-epi-o-methyl–macusine B and normelinone B (Baser and Bisset, 1982).

De and Datta (1988) isolated 5 tertiary indole alkaloids viz. strychnine, brucine, vomicine, icajine and novacine from S.nux-vomica flowers. Bisset et al (1989) isolated and identified two phenolic glycosides salidroside and cuchiloside – a compound consisting of salidroside and an attached xylose unit, from the fruit of S.nux-vomica.

Rodriguez et al (1979) isolated an indole alkaloid from the seeds of S. nux- vomica and identified as a 3-methoxy icajine. A new alkaloid 15-hydroxy strychnine has been isolated from the seeds and the structure of the alkaloid established by spectroscopic data (Galeffi et al, 1979). Cai et al (1990a) isolated 4 new alkaloids isobrucine, isobrucine N-oxide, isostrychnine N-oxide and 2 hydroxy–3-methoxy strychnine from the heat treated seeds of S. nuxvomica and the structure of the alkaloids were determined by 13 CNMR (Cai et al, 1994). Cai et al (1990 b) studied the changes in the alkaloid composition of the seeds during drug processing. Saily et al (1994) determined the mineral elements in Strychnos nux-vomica. Corsaro et al (1995) reported polysaccharides from the seeds of Strychnos species.

Seeger and Neumann (1986) reviewed the physico-chemical characteristics, occurrence, identification, utilisation, poisoning, toxicity, kinetics, differential diagnosis and therapeutic uses of strychnine and brucine. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Pencillium citrinum showed regular association with Strychnos seeds and effectively deteriorated the alkaloid content of the seeds (Dutta, 1988; Dutta and Roy, 1992). Nicholson (1993) described the history, structure and synthesis of strychnine which occur in the seeds of S. nux-vomica. Rawal and Michoud (1991) developed a general solution for the synthesis of 2- azabicyclo (3.3.1) nonane substructure of Strychnos alkaloids.

Villar et al (1984) and Hayakawa et al (1984) developed HPLC method for the analysis of strychnine and brucine. Graf and Wittliner (1985), Kostennikova (1986) and Gaitonde and Joshi (1986) suggested different methods for the assay of strychnine and brucine. Biala et al, (1996) developed new method for the assay of alkaloids in S. nux- vomica.

The seeds are bitter, acrid, alexeteric, aphrodisiac, appetiser, antiperiodic, anthelmintic, digestive, febrifuge, emmenagogue, purgative, spinal, respiratory and cardiac stimulant and stomachic. The bark is bitter, and tonic and febrifuge (Nadkarni, 1954; Kurup et al, 1979; Warrier et al, 1996).

The quarternery alkaloid from the root bark of the Sri Lankan plant exhibited muscle-relaxant activity (Baser and Bisset, 1982). Antimicrobial activity of indole alkaloid isolated from the Strychnos nux-vomica was studied by Verpoorte et al, 1983. Shukla et al (1985) evaluated the efficacy of Rasnadigugglu compound consisting of S. nux-vomica, on rheumatoid arthritis and found to be effective in reducing inflammatory oedoma and rheumatoid arthritis. It also exhibited analgesic activity. A compound Unani formulation containing S. nux-vomica significantly attenuated withdrawal intensity in morphine dependent rats (Zatar et al, 1991). Shahana et al (1994) studied the effect of Unani drug combination (UDC) having Strychnos nux-vomica on the abstinence syndrome in moderately and severely morphine dependent rats. The UDC strikingly suppressed the abstinence syndrome was seen to possess central depressant and analgesic action.

Melone et al (1992) reported brucine-lethality in mice. Panda and Panda (1993) and Satyanarayanan et al (1994) reported antigastric ulcer activity of nux vomica in Shay rats. Banerjee and Pal (1994) reported the medicinal plants used by the tribals of plain land in India for hair and scalp preparation and S. nux-vomica being used to cure alopecia (baldness) by the tribals. Tripathi and Chaurasia (1996) studied the effect of S. nux-vomica alcohol extract on lipid peroxidation in rat liver.... strychnine tree

Superficial infection of the skin of the feet by a fungus. Ringworm of the feet. Scaly lesions, sometimes with blisters. May be secondary infection from lymphadenitis or cellulitis – in which cases internal treatment would be indicated. Begins between the toes before spreading to plantar surface. Differential diagnosis. Eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis from shoes.

Symptoms. Itchy redness and peeling. Sore raw areas left after removal of patches of skin. Possible invasion of other parts of the body: fingers, palms. The fungus can be picked up walking bare-feet in sport’s clubs, schools or swimming baths. Worse in warm weather. Resistant to cleansing.

Treatment. Tablets/capsules. Echinacea, Thuja, Poke root.

Formula. Echinacea 2; Goldenseal 1; Poke root half. Mix. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Thrice daily before meals.

Topical. Alternatives:– Thuja lotion applied on lint or suitable material (1 teaspoon Liquid extract Thuja in 1oz (30ml) distilled extract of Witch Hazel. Wild Indigo salve (1 teaspoon Wild Indigo powder in 1oz (30ml) honey – store in screw-top jar.

Aloe Vera, fresh juice or gel.

Tea Tree oil: if too strong may be diluted many times.

Comfrey cream. Castor oil. Mullein oil. Houseleek.

Black Walnut: tincture or Liquid extract. Cider vinegar. Bran bath.

Night foot-wash. With water to which has been added a few drops of tincture Thuja, Myrrh, or Tea

Tree oil.

Light sprinkle of powdered Myrrh or Goldenseal in sock or shoe. ... athlete’s foot

Back pain may arise from different causes – from prolapsed disc to a diseased vertebra requiring hospital treatment. For specific treatments reference should be made to appropriate entries: rheumatism, arthritis, fibrositis, lumbago, osteoporosis, sciatica, myalgia, ‘slipped disc’, etc.

Pain in upper spine and right shoulder: investigate for gallstones. Thousands suffer chronic back pain because of an enzyme defect in the blood. Such defect is the cause of an inability to clear fibrin, a protein which repairs damaged tissue.

Alternatives:– “Whole in One” Tea. Mix, equal parts: Hops, Valerian, Buchu, 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water: infuse 15 minutes; 1 cup 2-3 times daily. Pinch Cayenne pepper enhances action. Decoction. Mix, equal parts: Valerian, Juniper, Black Cohosh. 2 teaspoons to each cup water simmered gently 20 minutes; half cup 2-3 times daily.

Powders. To alleviate low backache accompanying fluid retention. Dandelion leaf 60. Uva Ursi 15. Couch Grass 15. Buchu 10. Dose: half a teaspoon after meals thrice daily: children over 12 years. Tablets/capsules. Prickly Ash bark, Devil’s Claw, Juniper.

Tinctures. Mix, Juniper 2; Black Cohosh 1; Guaiacum quarter. 15-60 drops 2-3 times daily.

Topical. Analgesic cream, Olbas oil, Golden Fire, Stiff Neck Salve, Epsom salts soaks. Aromatherapy: mix essential oils, Rosemary 1 drop, Juniper 1 drop, Thyme 2 drops: add to 2 teaspoons Almond oil. After massage, wrap affected area with damp hot towel.

Diet. High fibre, low salt, low fat, Dandelion coffee.

Supplements. Vitamin B-complex, Niacin, Vitamins C, E. Dolomite. Evening Primrose oil capsules. Two Garlic capsules at night. Chiropractic. Osteopathy. ... backache

A system of skeletal manipulation to restore balance and normality in cases of structural derangement. A feature is their “high velocity: low amplitude thrust.” A number of herbal lotions and massage oils assist the Chiropractor to relax muscles and prepare tissues for manipulation. See: ROSEMARY AND ALMOND OIL. STIFF NECK SALVE, GOLDEN FIRE.

Chiropractors stress the importance of X-raying patients before applying manipulation. “Patients treated by chiropractors,” reported the Medical Research Council in the British Medical Journal, “were not only no worse off than those treated in hospital but almost certainly fared considerably better and maintained their improvement for two years.” ... chiropractic

 Redness and possible blistering caused by a sensitive substance such as chromium, nickel, other metals, rubber, paints, cosmetic materials, plants (primula), house dust mites, aerosols, deodorants, photocopying, dyes in clothing, etc. A patch test establishes diagnosis. A suspected irritant is applied to the skin and after two days its reaction is noted. If inflammation is present the test is positive. Symptoms may include vesicles with weeping, scaling, and presence of dropsy.

In a study of 612 patients attending the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, more than half of the women who had ears pierced reported skin reactions to metallic jewellery, while a third had sensitivity to nickel. (British Journal of Dermatology, Jan 1992)

Treatment. Remove article or cause of irritation. Garlic is claimed to be successful, either in diet or by capsule when the condition is caused by histamines. Other agents: Betony, Burdock leaves, Chickweed, Dandelion, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Plantain, Red Clover.

Internal. Burdock tea. Clivers tea.

Tablets/capsules. Garlic, Devil’s Claw, Blue Flag.

Topical. Avoid use of Calamine, if possible. Creams or salves: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Evening Primrose, Witch Hazel, Jojoba. All are alternatives to corticosteroids.

Tamus (Black Bryony) tincture. Distilled extract of Witch Hazel. ... dermatitis, contact

The second most common cancer in women. The alarming aspect of national health is the almost epidemic increase of cervical malignancy in younger women due to frequency of coitus, promiscuity, early coitus and contact with the herpes virus. All are mostly squamous cell carcinoma. Research studies have demonstrated a link between cigarette smoking and cancer of the cervix. (Dr Dan Hellberg)

Symptoms. Low backache, bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after ‘the change’. Abdominal swelling after 40 years of age. Sixty per cent of patients have no symptoms. Malodorous vaginal discharge. A positive cervical “pap” smear or cone-shaped biopsy examined by a pathologist confirms. Vaginal bleeding occurs in the later stages.

A letter in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests a strong link between increased risk of cervical cancer and cigarette smoking, nicotine being detected in the cervical fluids of cigarette smokers. This form of cancer is almost unknown in virgins living in closed communities such as those of the Church.

Conventional treatment is usually hysterectomy. Whatever treatment is adopted little ground is lost by supportive cleansing herbal teas. Mullein for pain.

Sponges loaded with powdered Goldenseal held against the cervix with a contraceptive cap can give encouraging results. Replace after three days. Vitamin A supplements are valuable to protect against the disease. The vitamin may also be applied topically in creams.

This form of cancer resists chemical treatment, but has been slowed down and halted by Periwinkle (Vinchristine) without damaging normal cells.

G.B. Ibotson, MD, reported disappearance of cancer of the cervix by infusions of Violet leaves by mouth and by vaginal injection. (Lancet 1917, i, 224)

In a study group of cervical cancer patients it was found that women with carcinoma in situ (CIS) were more likely to have a total Vitamin A intake below the pooled median (3450iu). Vitamin A supplementation is indicated together with zinc. (Bio-availability of Vitamin A is linked with zinc levels.) Vitamin A and zinc may be applied topically in creams and ointments.

Orthodox treatment: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hysterectomy. As oestrogen can stimulate dormant cells the surgeon may wish to remove ovaries also. Whatever the decision, herbal supportive treatment may be beneficial. J.T Kent, MD, recommends Thuja and Shepherd’s Purse. Agents commonly indicated: Echinacea, Wild Indigo, Thuja, Mistletoe, Wild Yam. Herbal teas may be taken with profit. Dr Alfred Vogel advises Mistletoe from the oak (loranthus europaeus).

Other alternatives:– Teas. Red Clover, Violet, Mistletoe, Plantain, Clivers. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water. Infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely.

Decoctions. White Pond Lily. Thuja. Echinacea. Wild Yam. Any one.

Tablets/capsules. Echinacea. Goldenseal. Wild Yam. Thuja.

Formula No. 1. Red Clover 2; Echinacea 1; Shepherd’s Purse 1; Thuja quarter. Mix. Dose: Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1-2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 1-3 teaspoons. Formula No. 2. Equal parts: Poke root, Goldenseal, Mistletoe. Mix. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons.

Diet. Women who eat large quantities of meat and fatty foods are up to four times the risk of those eating mainly fruit and vegetables.

Vaginal injection. 1. Strong infusion Red Clover to which 10-15 drops Tincture Goldenseal is added. Follow with tampon smeared with Goldenseal Salve.

2. Strong decoction Yellow Dock to which 10-15 drops Tincture Goldenseal is added. Follow with tampon smeared with Goldenseal salve.

If bleeding is severe douche with neat distilled extract of Witch Hazel.

Chinese Herbalism. See – CANCER: CHINESE PRESCRIPTION. Also: Decoction of ssu-hsieh-lu (Galium gracile) 2-4 liang.

Advice. One-yearly smear test for all women over 40.

Diet. See: DIET – CANCER.

Treatment by a general medical practitioner or hospital oncologist. ... cancer – womb

 Erythroderma. Redness and thickening of the skin which later peels off in layers (desquamation). Follows some chronic skin disorders: leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease or fungoid invasion. May involve the whole of the body.

Alternatives. Teas. Betony, Burdock leaves, Bogbean, Chickweed, Clivers, Dandelion, Gotu Kola, Ground Ivy, Figwort, Red Clover, Violet, Yarrow.

Cold tea. Barberry bark: one heaped teaspoon to each teacup cold water; stand overnight, drink 1 cup morning and evening next day (most effective).

Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag root, Burdock, Devil’s Claw, Echinacea, Garlic, Poke root, Queen’s Delight, Red Clover, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla.

Formula. Equal parts: Dandelion, Echinacea, Yellow Dock root. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Thrice daily before meals.

Topical. Alternatives to corticosteroids. Tamus tincture or salve – see Black Bryony. Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Comfrey, Evening Primrose, Jojoba, Thuja. Bran bath.

Diet. See: DIET – SKIN DISEASES. ... dermatitis, exfoliative

Red pepper. Chillies. Capsicum minimum Roxb. French: Piment capsique. German: Beisbeere. Italian: Peperone. Indian: Mirch. Malayan: Chabe-sabrong. Chinese: La-chiao. Bright red dried ripe pods. Powder known as Cayenne pepper.

Action: Regarded by the professional herbalist as the purest and safest stimulant known. Opens up every tissue in the body to an increased flow of blood.

Produces natural warmth, equalising the circulation in the aged. Stimulant and iron-bearer, it accelerates oxygenation of cells. Antiseptic. Antispasmodic for relief of pain. Carminative.

Prostaglandin antagonist and analgesic. (F. Fletcher Hyde, The Herbal Practitioner (Dec. 1977))

Well suited to persons of feeble constitution with poor circulation, lacking in energy and fear of the slightest draft. Hypothermia. Encourages the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids.

Uses: Poor digestion in the aged, wind, nervous depression, impotency. To increase gatrointestinal secretion and thus improve the appetite. A mere pinch (one-eighth teaspoon) of the powder may suffice. Practitioner: Official tincture Capsicum Fort BPC (1934). 1 part to 3 parts 60 per cent alcohol. Dose 0.06-0.2ml. (1-3 drops).

Preparations: An active ingredient of Life Drops: see entry. A few grains of red pepper on food at table aids digestion and improves circulation.

Home-tincture: 1oz bruised chillies or coarse powder to half a litre 60 per cent alcohol (Vodka, etc); macerate 7 days; shake daily, decant. 2 or more teaspoons in wineglass water. 1-2 drops of the tincture enhances action of most herbal agents and may also be taken in tea or other beverages for cold hands and feet, pale lips and small feeble pulse.

Tincture Capsicum Fort. 1934: dose, 0.06-0.2ml.

External use as a rubefacient, antiseptic or counter-irritant. As a warming lotion, cream or ointment for rheumatism, neuralgia, backache, lumbago.

Cayenne salve: vegetable oil (16), Beeswax (2), Tincture Cayenne (1). Melt oil and beeswax in a stone jar in oven on low heat; add Cayenne. Stir gently few minutes to produce smooth consistency. Pour into jars.

Case Records. “I was called in haste to a lady who was dying. I found her gasping for breath with no wrist pulse and very cold. Seven specialists had treated her and were positive nothing could be done. I gave her tincture Capsicum in one drop doses, often and persistently. The specials made all kinds of fun at me. The patient became well and strong at 80 years. I suggest that if Cayenne pepper had been given in all cases where whisky had been taken for relief, many of those who are now dead would be alive today.” (C.S. Dyer, MD)

External: “Capsicum has a peculiar action on bones of the external ear and mastoid process – abscesses round about and below the ear, and caries. It is frequently indicated in mastoid abscess. A girl seen in hospital with a constant temperature of about 100 degrees since a mastoid operation some years ago resulted in a normal temperature ever since.” (Dr M.L. Tyler)

Ingredient of: Peerless Composition Essence; Antispasmodic drops; Life Drops; Elderflower; Peppermint and Composition Essence. (Potter’s) ... cayenne

Herbs containing essential oils are sometimes used as inhalations. 1oz (30g) herb is infused in 2 pints (one and a quarter litres) boiling water for 15 minutes, strained, and the steam inhaled with the aid of a towel above the head. Soothing to irritable and sensitive mucous surfaces. Anti- microbial effects on colds, whooping cough, croup, laryngitis, coryza, asthma and early stages of fevers. To relieve spasm of bronchioles: Lobelia, Stramonium, Eucalyptus, Aloe Vera.

Important inhalants: Eucalyptus, Thyme, Hyssop, Rosemary, Lavender, Chamomile, Mint, Tea Tree. Aromatherapy offers oils of the above herbs: 6-12 drops floated on the surface of 2 pints boiling water after being allowed to stand 3 minutes. See: FRIAR’S BALSAM. TEA TREE.

Alternative method. In place of a basin use an aluminium hot water bottle into which boiling water is poured. Add few drops Friar’s Balsam, Olbas, or essential oil. Insert a large funnel into which the mouth and nose are placed to breathe the vapour. Stop up any free space in the neck of the bottle with a tissue. Camphorated oil. 4 teaspoons to litre boiling water. Inhale steam with aid of a towel over head.

Inhalant Salve for nasal congestion and frontal sinusitis. Oil Pine 1ml; Oil Eucalyptus 2ml; Oil Peppermint 2ml; Vaseline to 30 grams. Melt the Vaseline. Add oils. Stir until cold. For direct use or inhaled from boiling water. (F. Fletcher Hyde, FNIMH)

Note: Inhalation: also through a tissue, steam or air-diffuser. Odours act upon the sense of smell and influence mucous secretion of the respiratory organs. ... inhalations

Low back pain is responsible for loss of millions of working hours. Acute or chronic persistent pain in the sacroiliac, lumbar or lumbo-sacral areas.

Causes: referred pain from a disordered abdominal organ, displacement of pelvis, lumbosacral spine, slipped disc and lumbar spondylosis. See: LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROLAPSE.

Paget’s disease or lumbago not associated with sciatica (radiating pain down the back of the leg via the sciatic nerve).

Symptoms. Local tenderness, reduced range of movement, muscle spasm. Usually better by rest; worse by movement.

Differential diagnosis: exclude other pelvic disorders such as structural bony displacements, infection from other organs, carcinoma of the womb or prostate gland. Pain in the small of the back may indicate kidney disease or stone. See: KIDNEY DISEASE, GYNAECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS.

Frequent causes: varicosities of the womb and pelvis. These are identical to varicose veins elsewhere, venous circulation being congested. Pressure on a vein from the ovaries may manifest as lumbago – treatment is the same as for varicose veins.

Root cause of the pain should be traced where possible. As most cases of backache defy accurate diagnosis the following general treatments are recommended. For more specific treatments, reference should be made to the various subdivisions of rheumatic disorders. See: RHEUMATIC AND ARTHRITIC DISORDERS, ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, etc.

Alternatives. Barberry (commended by Dr Finlay Ellingwood), Black Cohosh, Bogbean, Buchu, Burdock, Celery, Devil’s Claw, Horsetail, St John’s Wort (tenderness of spine to the touch), White Willow, Wild Yam (muscle spasm).

Celery tea. Barberry tea. See entries.

Decoction. Formula. White Willow 3; Wild Yam 2; Juniper half; Valerian half. Prepare: 3 heaped 5ml teaspoons to 1 pint (500ml) water; simmer gently 15-20 minutes. Dose: 1 wineglassful (100ml or 3fl oz) thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, Devil’s Claw, Wild Yam, Ligvites.

Formula. Devil’s Claw 2; Black Cohosh 1; Valerian 1; Juniper half. Mix. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Action is enhanced where dose is taken in cup Dandelion coffee, otherwise a little water.

Practitioner. Tincture Black Cohosh 4; Tincture Arnica 1. Mix. Dose: 10-20 drops, thrice daily. Black Cohosh and Arnica are two of the most positive synergists known to scientific herbalism. Both are specific for striped muscle tissue. Common disorders of the voluntary muscles quickly respond. (James A. Cannon MD, Pickens, SC, USA)

Practitioner: alternative. Tincture Gelsemium. 10 drops to 100ml water; dose, 1 teaspoon every 2 hours. Topical. Castor oil pack at night. Warm fomentations of Lobelia and Hops. Warm potato poultice. Cayenne salve. Camphorated, Jojoba or Evening Primrose oil. Lotion: equal parts tinctures: Lobelia, Ragwort and St John’s Wort; mix: 10-20 drops on cotton wool or suitable material and applied to affected area. Arnica lotion. Wintergreen.

Chiropractic technique. Ice and low back pain. Patient lies on his stomach with two pillows under abdomen, the low back in an arched position. Apply ice-bag or packet of peas from the freezer on top of lumbar area; pillow on top to hold ice firm. Patient not to lie or sit on ice-pack.

Diet. Oily fish.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C (500mg); Vitamin D 500iu; Vitamin E (400iu). Dolomite. Niacin.

Supportives. Bedrest in acute stage. Diathermy. Spinal support. Relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension. ... lumbago