25.02.03
Digitalis is another name for the common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. It belongs to the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae (in the order Lamiales). Foxglove is a biennial, often grown as an ornamental plant due to its violet flowers. The first year of growth produces only the long basal leaves, while in the second year the erect leafy stem 2-5 feet tall develops.
Digitalis purpurea extract containing cardiac glycosides for the treatment of heart conditions was first described by William Withering. A group of pharmacologically active compounds are extracted mostly from the leaves of the second year's growth, and in pure form are referred to by common chemical names such as digitoxin or digoxin, or by brand names such as Lanoxin, or Purgoxin.
Digitalis is a classic example of a drug derived from a plant formerly used by folklorists and herbalists: herbalists have largely abandoned its use because of its narrow therapeutic index and the difficulty of determining the amount of active drug in herbal preparations.
Digitalis purpurea extract containing cardiac glycosides for the treatment of heart conditions was first described by William Withering. A group of pharmacologically active compounds are extracted mostly from the leaves of the second year's growth, and in pure form are referred to by common chemical names such as digitoxin or digoxin, or by brand names such as Lanoxin, or Purgoxin.
Digitalis is a classic example of a drug derived from a plant formerly used by folklorists and herbalists: herbalists have largely abandoned its use because of its narrow therapeutic index and the difficulty of determining the amount of active drug in herbal preparations.
21.02.03
The species used in medicine are Bryonia dioica and Bryonia alba. The genus to which they belong is a family of herbaceous vines, climbing by means of tendrils. The species, of which there are about 50, are found in most parts of the Old World. They are distinguished from the allied plants of the natural order Cucurbitaceae, by having the flowers monoecious, or occasionally dioecious, the 5 stamens united into 3 bundles, and the fruit globular and berry-like.
Bryonia dioica belongs to the section of the genus Bryonia, with palmately lobed leaves. It is common among the hedges and in the borders of woods in Europe, especially in the calcareous soil of some parts of England, where it is quite ornamental. Bryonia has been used in medicine throughout sections of Europe for a great many years, and occupied a conspicuous place in the London Dispensatory, published in 1653. It is vulgarly known as snakeweed, devil's turnip, parsnip turnip, and bastard turnip. The root, the part employed, is from 2 to 4 inches in diameter, and about 2 feet in length, although occasionally larger.
It is fleshy, and when wounded, yields a milky juice. Internally it resembles the root of Phytolacca decandra, maintaining the similarity when sliced and dried. Bryonia seems to be a valuable heart tonic in weak and delicate individuals, who, by overwork and nervous excitation bring on a depressed and irregular heart-action (heart-strain); and even in organic heart troubles when exposure and rheumatic twinges bring on the cardiac paroxysm, bryonia, with rest in bed, is asserted to powerfully and rapidly influence the condition for good.
Bryonia should not be forgotten in ordinary indigestion, where the food lies heavily, as if a stone were in the stomach. Ordinary jaundice is often cured with it, and in typhoid fever, as soon as pulmonic complications ensue, the patient should be put upon bryonia. Bryonia should never be given in large doses.
Bryonia dioica belongs to the section of the genus Bryonia, with palmately lobed leaves. It is common among the hedges and in the borders of woods in Europe, especially in the calcareous soil of some parts of England, where it is quite ornamental. Bryonia has been used in medicine throughout sections of Europe for a great many years, and occupied a conspicuous place in the London Dispensatory, published in 1653. It is vulgarly known as snakeweed, devil's turnip, parsnip turnip, and bastard turnip. The root, the part employed, is from 2 to 4 inches in diameter, and about 2 feet in length, although occasionally larger.
It is fleshy, and when wounded, yields a milky juice. Internally it resembles the root of Phytolacca decandra, maintaining the similarity when sliced and dried. Bryonia seems to be a valuable heart tonic in weak and delicate individuals, who, by overwork and nervous excitation bring on a depressed and irregular heart-action (heart-strain); and even in organic heart troubles when exposure and rheumatic twinges bring on the cardiac paroxysm, bryonia, with rest in bed, is asserted to powerfully and rapidly influence the condition for good.
Bryonia should not be forgotten in ordinary indigestion, where the food lies heavily, as if a stone were in the stomach. Ordinary jaundice is often cured with it, and in typhoid fever, as soon as pulmonic complications ensue, the patient should be put upon bryonia. Bryonia should never be given in large doses.
17.02.03
The common daisy is very popular with young children for the raw material of daisy chains. It first appears in early spring and continues blooming all through summer and into autumn. In May these robust little flowers are usually at their very best. The daisy is an amazingly tenacious plant and can be very difficult to eradicate from lawns and golf greens. Once very common in meadows, daisies are still one of the most abundant of wildflowers wherever fertilisers and weedkillers are not extensively applied to fields.
Daisy is useful for coughs and catarrh, and for all conditions that manifest in these forms, Daisy may be used freely and safely. It has a reputation of value in arthritis and rheumatism as well as in liver and kidney problems. Due to its astringency it is also useful for diarrhea.For respiratory catarrh it may be used with Golden Rod or Coltsfoot.
Daisy is useful for coughs and catarrh, and for all conditions that manifest in these forms, Daisy may be used freely and safely. It has a reputation of value in arthritis and rheumatism as well as in liver and kidney problems. Due to its astringency it is also useful for diarrhea.For respiratory catarrh it may be used with Golden Rod or Coltsfoot.
15.02.03
A bee is removed from a jar or hive with tweezers, held over an area of the body, which it then stings. The number, sites, and frequency of the stings depend on the patient and the problem. A simple tendonitis might just take a few stings, perhaps 2-3 at a session for 2-5 sessions. A more chronic problem like arthritis can take 2-3 times per week, several stings at a time, for 1-3 months. Multiple sclerosis takes months to respond, though sometimes patients feel more energetic after a few times. MS patients who use bee venom insist that one must keep it up 2-3 times per week for 6 months in order to give it a full trial.
Apitherapy, the medicinal use of honey bee products, has been practiced since ancient times. In the modern world honey bee venom has found wide uses in treating arthritis and other inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Honey bee venom contains at least 18 active substances. Melittin, the most prevalent substance, is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents known. Adolapin is another strong anti-inflammatory substance. Apamin inhibits complement C3 activity, and blocks calcium-dependent potassium channels, thus enhancing nerve transmission.
Other substances, such as Compound X, Hyaluronidase, Phospholipase A2, Histamine, and Mast Cell Degranulating Protein (MSDP), are involved in the inflammatory response of venom, with the softening of tissue and the facilitation of flow of the other substances. Finally, there are measurable amounts of the neurotransmitters Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Seratonin. Bee Venom therapy can be useful in a wide variety of medical situations. Arthritis and other systemic inflammations. Bee venom therapy can be useful in both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, helping with both pain and swelling. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid nodules can lessen in size.
Acute and chronic injuries. Bursitis, tendonitis and other areas of injury respond well to bee venom therapy. In this case, the effect is probably a local anti- inflammatory effect, involving the humoral and cellular immune responses to a foreign protein. Chronic back and neck pain may respond, as can other aches and pains. Scar tissue. Keloids and other scar tissue are broken down and softened by the substances in the venom, and can flatten out and fade in color. Internalscar tissue, such as adhesions from previous surgery, may respond to treatment over the area.
A bee is removed from a jar or hive with tweezers, held over an area of the body, which it then stings. The number, sites, and frequency of the stings depend on the patient and the problem. A simple tendonitis might just take a few stings, perhaps 2-3 at a session for 2-5 sessions. A more chronic problem like arthritis can take 2-3 times per week, several stings at a time, for 1-3 months. Multiple sclerosis takes months to respond, though sometimes patients feel more energetic after a few times. MS patients who use bee venom insist that one must keep it up 2-3 times per week for 6 months in order to give it a full trial.
Side effects of bee venom therapy are generally limited, since the inflammation, swelling, itching, etc. are desired effects. However, the risk of an anaphylactic allergic reaction to bee venom is real, and it is always wise to have a bee sting allergy kit on hand. Fortunately, most "bee" sting allergic reactions are actually to yellow jackets or wasps. Honey bee venom does not necessarily cross-react, and some studies show honey bee stings to account for less than 5% of all adverse stinging insect reactions. In addition, many people who have had severe local reactions to bee stings, which an apitherapist would consider a positive effect, are incorrectly considered to have allergy to bees.
Apitherapy, the medicinal use of honey bee products, has been practiced since ancient times. In the modern world honey bee venom has found wide uses in treating arthritis and other inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Honey bee venom contains at least 18 active substances. Melittin, the most prevalent substance, is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents known. Adolapin is another strong anti-inflammatory substance. Apamin inhibits complement C3 activity, and blocks calcium-dependent potassium channels, thus enhancing nerve transmission.
Other substances, such as Compound X, Hyaluronidase, Phospholipase A2, Histamine, and Mast Cell Degranulating Protein (MSDP), are involved in the inflammatory response of venom, with the softening of tissue and the facilitation of flow of the other substances. Finally, there are measurable amounts of the neurotransmitters Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Seratonin. Bee Venom therapy can be useful in a wide variety of medical situations. Arthritis and other systemic inflammations. Bee venom therapy can be useful in both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, helping with both pain and swelling. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid nodules can lessen in size.
Acute and chronic injuries. Bursitis, tendonitis and other areas of injury respond well to bee venom therapy. In this case, the effect is probably a local anti- inflammatory effect, involving the humoral and cellular immune responses to a foreign protein. Chronic back and neck pain may respond, as can other aches and pains. Scar tissue. Keloids and other scar tissue are broken down and softened by the substances in the venom, and can flatten out and fade in color. Internalscar tissue, such as adhesions from previous surgery, may respond to treatment over the area.
A bee is removed from a jar or hive with tweezers, held over an area of the body, which it then stings. The number, sites, and frequency of the stings depend on the patient and the problem. A simple tendonitis might just take a few stings, perhaps 2-3 at a session for 2-5 sessions. A more chronic problem like arthritis can take 2-3 times per week, several stings at a time, for 1-3 months. Multiple sclerosis takes months to respond, though sometimes patients feel more energetic after a few times. MS patients who use bee venom insist that one must keep it up 2-3 times per week for 6 months in order to give it a full trial.
Side effects of bee venom therapy are generally limited, since the inflammation, swelling, itching, etc. are desired effects. However, the risk of an anaphylactic allergic reaction to bee venom is real, and it is always wise to have a bee sting allergy kit on hand. Fortunately, most "bee" sting allergic reactions are actually to yellow jackets or wasps. Honey bee venom does not necessarily cross-react, and some studies show honey bee stings to account for less than 5% of all adverse stinging insect reactions. In addition, many people who have had severe local reactions to bee stings, which an apitherapist would consider a positive effect, are incorrectly considered to have allergy to bees.
14.02.03
Deadly nightshade
Deadly Nightshade is a well-known, hardy perennial shrub with the scientific name Atropa belladonna. Also known as belladonna, it is native to Europe and has become naturalized in parts of North America. Its genus is named after Atropos, one of the Three Fates. Belladonna comes from the Italian word for beautiful woman. There, women used a chemical from the plant to dilate their pupils because they thought it made them look prettier.
Despite its name, deadly nightshade is not a particularly poisonous plant. This does not, however, mean that the plant is harmless or safe to ingest. It is a member of the nightshade family. Technically speaking, it is not a "true" nightshade because it does not contain solanine. The plant has dull green leaves. Its flowers are either purple or pink, which yield shiny black berries. It is a small shrub, and can grow to be about one metre tall.
It is relatively easy to grow from seeds. Because of its name, it is not common as a garden plant. It is a weed in some places. It is hard to eliminate once it becomes established. According to practicioners of witchcraft, nightshade is ruled by Hecate and can turn into an old hag on Walpurgis Night. It is also used in flying ointments. Of the twelve recipes for flyng ointments, six call for deadly nightshade.
All parts of the plant, especially the berries, contain the extremely toxic alkaloid atropine. The approximate lethal does for an adult is three berries, though fewer can be fatal. Symptoms of belladonna poisoning are the same as those for atropine and include dilated pupils, nausea, tachycardia, hallucinations, blurred vision, loss of balance, a feeling of flight, staggering, a sense of suffocation, paleness followed by a red rash, husky voice and confusion.
Fatal cases have a rapid pulse that turns feeble. The antidote is the same as for atropine. The plant is the most important source of atropine. In Europe, it is cultivated for that reason. Occasionally, the plants are used for recreational purposes, though this is dangerous for obvious reasons.
12.02.03
Aloes is a medicinal substance used as a purgative and produced from various species of aloe, such as A. vera, vulgaris, socotrina, chinensis, and perryi. Several kinds of aloes are distinguished in commerce--Barbadoes, Socotrine, hepatic, Indian, and Cape aloes. The first two are those commonly used for medicinal purposes. Aloes is the expressed juice of the leaves of the plant. When the leaves are cut the juice flows out and is collected and evaporated. After the juice has been obtained, the leaves are sometimes boiled, to yield an inferior kind of aloes.
The lign-aloes is quite different from the medicinal aloes. The word is used in the Bible (Numbers 24:6), but as the trees usually supposed to be meant by this word are not native in Syria, it has been suggested that the Septuagint reading in which the word does not occur is to be preferred. Lign-aloe is a corruption of the Latin lignum-aloe, a wood, not a resin. Dioscorides refers to it as agallochon, a wood brought from Arabia or India, which was odoriferous but with an astringent and bitter taste. This may be Aquilaria agallochum, a native of East India and China, which supplies the so-called eagle-wood or aloes-wood, which contains much resin and oil.
The lign-aloes is quite different from the medicinal aloes. The word is used in the Bible (Numbers 24:6), but as the trees usually supposed to be meant by this word are not native in Syria, it has been suggested that the Septuagint reading in which the word does not occur is to be preferred. Lign-aloe is a corruption of the Latin lignum-aloe, a wood, not a resin. Dioscorides refers to it as agallochon, a wood brought from Arabia or India, which was odoriferous but with an astringent and bitter taste. This may be Aquilaria agallochum, a native of East India and China, which supplies the so-called eagle-wood or aloes-wood, which contains much resin and oil.
10.02.03
A perennial that produces onions. It has a variety of uses. People use it in the house to prevent mildew. Doctors recommend the onion for some vitamins and to arose the appetite, but Allium cepa is commonly known for its culinary purposes. (salads and flavoring). The Proliferum group produces bulbils in the inflorescence which is one common way of propagating these plants.
The other two groups of Allium Cepa are the Cepa group in which single onions are produced with no bulbils in the inflorescence, also called common onions, and the Aggregatum group which does not produce bulbils but produces lateral bulbs, also known under the name Shallots.
The other two groups of Allium Cepa are the Cepa group in which single onions are produced with no bulbils in the inflorescence, also called common onions, and the Aggregatum group which does not produce bulbils but produces lateral bulbs, also known under the name Shallots.
28.01.03
Agaricus is famous in ear remedies because of its skin affections and peculiar sensations in auricle. Agaricus is the best remedy for chilblains, because in its proving the skin becomes red and inflamed with burning and itching. Sensation of cold needles piercing the skin, as if it is frozen, is one of the most important symptoms of Agaricus. All these skin manifestations may be seen in auricle, which is the indication for prescription of Agaricus whether they are due to frostbite or not. As is seen, Agaricus is mostly an external ear remedy.
The Fly Agaricus is an important homeopathic remedy for chilblains and nervous disorders in which jerking, twitching, trembling, and itching are predominant, for example in epilepsy, and chorea. It is also given for delirium tremens associated with alcoholism and for the effects of senile dementia, or when there is marked dizziness, an impulse to fall backward; redness and puffiness of the face without heat, and an increase in appetite. Those who need Agaricus are sensitive to the cold, particularly when ill.
The Fly Agaricus is an important homeopathic remedy for chilblains and nervous disorders in which jerking, twitching, trembling, and itching are predominant, for example in epilepsy, and chorea. It is also given for delirium tremens associated with alcoholism and for the effects of senile dementia, or when there is marked dizziness, an impulse to fall backward; redness and puffiness of the face without heat, and an increase in appetite. Those who need Agaricus are sensitive to the cold, particularly when ill.
27.01.03
Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is used to treat spider veins and varicose veins. An inherited weakness in the structure of veins, much more common in women than in men, predisposes a person to varicosities when veins are subjected to increased pressure over time. The best preventive measures are avoidance of prolonged standing, frequent elevation of legs when seated, and conscientious use of elastic support stockings if standing is necessary.
Conventional medical and surgical treatments are very invasive and often not successful. Horsechestnut is a promising alternative, primary used as a topical application. It is sometimes sold under the name escin. This herbal remedy is much better known in Europe than in America, but creams containing it are becoming available here. (European doctors also prescribe escin internally, but because of potential toxicity only topical use is recommended.)
Conventional medical and surgical treatments are very invasive and often not successful. Horsechestnut is a promising alternative, primary used as a topical application. It is sometimes sold under the name escin. This herbal remedy is much better known in Europe than in America, but creams containing it are becoming available here. (European doctors also prescribe escin internally, but because of potential toxicity only topical use is recommended.)
26.01.03
Aconite, also known as aconitum, is a genus of plants belonging to the natural order Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family, commonly known as aconite, monkshood, or wolfsbane, and embracing about 60 species, chiefly natives of the mountainous parts of the northern hemisphere. They are distinguished by having one of the five blue or yellow coloured sepals (the posterior one) in the form of a helmet; hence the English name monkshood. Two of the petals placed under the hood of the calyx are supported on long stalks, and have a hollow spur at their apex, containing honey. They are handsome plants, the tall stem being crowned by racemes of showy flowers.
Aconitum napellus, common monkshood, is a doubtful native of Britain, and is of therapeutic and toxicological importance. Its roots have occasionally been mistaken for horseradish. The aconite has a short underground stem, from which dark-coloured tapering roots descend. The crown or upper portion of the root gives rise to new plants. When put to the lip, the juice of the aconite root produces a feeling of numbness and tingling. The horseradish root, which belongs to the natural order Cruciferae, is much longer than that of the aconite, and it is not tapering; its colour is yellowish, and the top of the root has the remains of the leaves on it.
Many species of aconite are cultivated in gardens, some having blue and others yellow flowers. Aconitum lycoctonum, wolfsbane, is a yellow-flowered species common on the Alps of Switzerland. The roots of Aconitum ferox supply the famous Indian (Nepal) poison called bikh, bish, or nabee. It contains considerable quantities of the alkaloid pseudaconitine, which is a very deadly poison. Aconitum palmatum yields another of the celebrated bikh poisons. The root of Aconitum luridum, of the Himalayas, is said to be as virulent as that of A. ferox or A. napellus.
As garden plants the aconites are very ornamental, hardy perennials. They thrive well in any ordinary garden soil, and will grow beneath the shade of trees. They are easily propagated by divisions of the root or by seeds; great care should be taken not to leave pieces of the root about owing to its very poisonous character. Aconite has been ascribed with supernatural powers relating to werewolves and other lycanthropes, either to repel them or in some way induce their lycanthropic condition.
Aconitum napellus, common monkshood, is a doubtful native of Britain, and is of therapeutic and toxicological importance. Its roots have occasionally been mistaken for horseradish. The aconite has a short underground stem, from which dark-coloured tapering roots descend. The crown or upper portion of the root gives rise to new plants. When put to the lip, the juice of the aconite root produces a feeling of numbness and tingling. The horseradish root, which belongs to the natural order Cruciferae, is much longer than that of the aconite, and it is not tapering; its colour is yellowish, and the top of the root has the remains of the leaves on it.
Many species of aconite are cultivated in gardens, some having blue and others yellow flowers. Aconitum lycoctonum, wolfsbane, is a yellow-flowered species common on the Alps of Switzerland. The roots of Aconitum ferox supply the famous Indian (Nepal) poison called bikh, bish, or nabee. It contains considerable quantities of the alkaloid pseudaconitine, which is a very deadly poison. Aconitum palmatum yields another of the celebrated bikh poisons. The root of Aconitum luridum, of the Himalayas, is said to be as virulent as that of A. ferox or A. napellus.
As garden plants the aconites are very ornamental, hardy perennials. They thrive well in any ordinary garden soil, and will grow beneath the shade of trees. They are easily propagated by divisions of the root or by seeds; great care should be taken not to leave pieces of the root about owing to its very poisonous character. Aconite has been ascribed with supernatural powers relating to werewolves and other lycanthropes, either to repel them or in some way induce their lycanthropic condition.
