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Herb Uses - A, B Herbs
for painful joints or soft tissue swellings, applied locally as a poultice or fomentation. The spring twigs bay be boiled
and drunk for indigestion and “spring” fevers.
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca ) : Apricot fruit is nutritious, cleansing, and mildly laxative. They are a valuable addition
to the diet working gently to improve overall health. A decoction of the astringent bark soothes inflamed and irritated
skin. Although the kernels contain highly toxic prussic acid, they are prescribed in small amounts in the Chinese
tradition as a treatment for coughs, asthma, and wheezing, and for excessive mucus and constipation. An extract from
the kernels, laetrile, has been used in Western medicine as a highly controversial treatment for cancer. The kernels
also yield a fixed oil, similar to almond oil that is often used in the formulation of cosmetics. Chinese trials show that
apricot kernel paste helps combat vaginal infection. The flowers are tonic, promoting fecundity in women. The inner
bark and/or the root are used for treating poisoning caused by eating bitter almond and apricot seeds (which contain
hydrogen cyanide). Another report says that a decoction of the outer bark is used to neutralize the effects of hydrogen
cyanide. The decoction is also used to soothe inflamed and irritated skin conditions. It is used in the treatment of
asthma, coughs, acute or chronic bronchitis and constipation. The seed contains 'laetrile', a substance that has also
been called vitamin B17. This has been claimed to have a positive effect in the treatment of cancer, but there does not
at present seem to be much evidence to support this.
Arbutus, Trailing (Epigaea repens ) Regarded as one of the most effective palliatives for urinary disorders.
Especially recommended for the aged. It is of special value when the urine contains blood or pus, and when there is
irritation. It is one of the most effective remedies for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, bladder stones and particularly acute
catarrhal cystitis. A good remedy in cases where there is an excess of uric acid. In extreme and nauseating backache,
result of the crystalline constituents of the urine not being properly dissolved and washed out of the tubules. We think
of it when the urine is heavy and dark, brick dust sediment, irritation and congestion of the kidneys, renal sand and
gravel in bladder. In hemorrhage or cystitis, result of irritation of the solids in the bladder it is an excellent remedy.
Must be drunk freely, preferably well diluted in hot water. Infusion is a good form to take it in; but the tincture may be
given in 5 to 10 drop doses in 1/2 a cup of hot water. May also be taken in cold water when desirable. Use in the same
way as uva-ursi and buchu.
Areca Nut (Areca catechu ) Mainly used in veterinary medicine to expel tapeworms. Internally, used in traditional
Chinese medicine, to destroy intestinal parasites, and for dysentery and malaria (seeds); as a laxative in constipation
with flatulence and bloating, and a diuretic in edema rind). The nut is chewed as a mild intoxicant. The dried areca
nut is powdered and used as a dentifrice, forming the basis of many tooth powders in India and China. Ayurveda
recommends burning the areca nut to charcoal and mixing this with a quarter part of powdered cinnamon to produce
an excellent tooth powder. It also suggests a decoction made from the areca root as a cure for sore lips. It moves chi
downward and removes food stagnation, helps digestion. It has mild toxic properties and should be taken with a
purgative such as castor oil.
Arnica (Arnica montana): Used externally, Arnica promotes the healing of wounds contracted through blows,
punctures, falls and cuts. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, relieves pain from injuries and promotes tissue
regeneration. One can clean wounds, abscesses, boils and ulcers with diluted Arnica tinctures and dress them with a
compress soaked in the same solution. For contusions, sprains, bruises, bursitis, arthritis and inflammation of the
lymphatic vessels, apply packs of diluted Arnica tincture. To relieve headaches and visual disturbances due to
concussion, apply such compresses around the head and neck. To prepare packs and washes, dilute one tablespoon
of Arnica tincture in a cup of boiled water (or where sensitivity is suspected, double the water). The tincture made from
the flowers is only used externally, whereas the tincture made from the roots is used internally for cases of hematoma
and inflammation of the veins. Arnica also improves the circulation. Arnica flowers are sometimes adulterated with
other composite flowers, especially Calendula officinalis, Inula brittanica, Kragapogon pratensis, and Scorzonera
humilis. For tender feet a foot-bath of hot water containing 1/2 oz. of the tincture has brought great relief. Arnica has
been shown to be an immuno-stimulant, as both the sesquiterpene lactone helenalin and the polysaccharide fraction
stimulate phagocytosis. Sesquiterpene lactones are known to have anti-inflammatory activity and their biological
effects appear to be mediated through immunological processes. As helenalin is one of the most active, this might help
account for the use of Arnica for pain and inflammation.
Arnica has been used for heart problems (as it contains a cardiotonic substance), to improve circulation, to
reduce cholesterol and to stimulate the central nervous system. But the internal use should only be done under
supervision. It displays astonishing stimulating, decongesting and relaxing properties. The heart is both stimulated in
deficient conditions and relieved in excess ones, depending on the case presented.
For sprains and strains, arnica promotes healing and has an antibacterial action; causes reabsorption of internal
bleeding in bruises and sprains. Apply as a cream to the affected area, or soak a pad in diluted tincture and use as a
compress. Take homeopathic Arnica 6x every 1-2 hours. Do not use on broken skin; use only homeopathic Arnica
internally.
Clearing heat in the sense of both deficiency heat and fire toxin is one of its strengths. In Yin deficiency
syndromes with either low fever or hot flushes, it matches up well with the likes of hawthorn, rehmannia, mistletoe and
valerian.
Arrach (Chenopodium olidum) An infusion of the dried leaves is used in the treatment of hysteria and nervous
troubles connected with women's ailments.
Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorrhiza sagittata) The root of the plant is sometimes used as an expectorant and
mild immunostimulant. Native Americans used the sticky sap as a topical antiseptic for minor wounds. Medicinally,
the Indians used the large coarse Balsamroot leaves as a poultice for burns. The roots were boiled and the solution
was applied as a poultice for wounds, cuts and bruises. Indians also drank a tea from the roots for tuberculosis and
whooping cough. As an antibacterial the tincture may be applied to infections and hard to heal wounds. The tincture of
the root and bark may be used internally or externally for bacterial problems. Perhaps the most common use for
arrowleaf balsamroot is as an immune system enhancer. Use the tincture as you would Echinacea, taking 1 tsp. twice
daily to strengthen the immune system.
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) Hospitals formerly employed arrow root in barium meals given prior to X-raying
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