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Herb Uses - A, B Herbs
the gastro-intestinal system. When mixed with hot water, the root starch of this plant becomes gelatinous and serves
as an effective demulcent to soothe irritated mucous membranes. Used in much the same way as slippery elm. It
helps to relieve acidity, indigestion, and colic, and it exerts a mildly laxative action on the large bowel.
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Studies have shown that blood cholesterol levels dropped after eating artichoke. An
anticholesterol drug called cynara is derived from this plant. In 1940, a study in Japan showed that artichoke not only
reduced cholesterol but it also increased bile production by the liver and worked as a good diuretic. This make
artichoke useful for gallbladder problems, nausea, indigestion, and abdominal distension. It has been found that
globe artichoke contains the extract cymarin, which is similar to silymarin. Researchers discovered that this extract
promotes liver regeneration and causes hyperaemia. It was also found that an artichoke extract caused dyspeptic
symptoms to disappear. The researchers interpreted the reduction in cholinesterase levels to mean that the extract
effected fatty degeneration of the liver. In 1969 a team of French researchers patented an artichoke extract as a
treatment for kidney and liver ailments. Although the leaves are particularly effective, all parts of the plant are bitter.
A Mediterranean home recipe uses fresh artichoke leaf juice mixed with wine or water as a liver tonic. It is also taken
during the early stages of late-onset diabetes. It is a good food for diabetics, since it significantly lowers blood sugar.
In France it has been used to treat rheumatic conditions.
Asafetida (Ferula assa-foetida): Asafetida is said to have antispasmodic properties. It has been used in the past to
treat hysteria and was sometimes taken as a sedative. In India it is prescribed to treat flatulence and bronchitis. It
also has carminative, expectorant, laxative and sedative properties. Asafetida acts as a local stimulant to mucous
membrane, particularly that of the alimentary canal and therefore is a remedy of great value as a carminative in
flatulent colic and a useful addition to laxative medicine. There is evidence that the volatile oil is eliminated through
the lungs which has been found useful for whooping cough, asthma, and bronchitis, as well as for croup and flatulent
colic in infants. It was formerly used as a sedative for hysteria, infantile convulsions, and spasmodic nervous
conditions. Some researchers have suggested that asafetida may help lower blood pressure and increase the amount
of time it takes for blood to clot. Like garlic, asafetida has been hung around the neck to ward off colds and other
infectious diseases, but its only real effect seems to be its ability to keep other people and their colds at arm’ length.
Owing to its vile taste it is usually taken in pill form, but is often given to infants per rectum in the form of an emulsion.
The powdered gum resin is not advocated as a medicine, the volatile oil being quickly dissipated. Asafetida is
admittedly the most adulterated drug on the market. Besides being largely admixed with inferior qualities of Asafetida,
it has often red clay, sand, stones and gypsum added to it to increase the weight.
Asarabacca (Asarum europaeum ) : a strong emetic. It has been substituted for Ipecac to produce vomiting. The
French use it for this purpose after drinking too much wine. A little sniffed up the nostrils induces violent sneezing and
a heavy flow of mucus. This has caused it to be used to remedy headache, drowsiness, giddiness, catarrhs, and other
conditions caused by congestion. Asarabacca has been a component in many popular commercial medicinal snuffs.
Asarabacca has been extensively investigated, both chemically and pharmacologically. It is rich in flavonoids.
The leaves contain a highly aromatic essential oil that contains constituents that verify the value of extracts as an
errhine (for promotion of nasal secretion). Based on human experiments, the expectorant properties of both the roots
and the leaves are quite good. In Rumania, human experiments where infusions of asarabacca were administered to
people suffering pulmonary insufficiency, the preparations were said to have a beneficial effect on the heart condition,
including a diuretic effect. From the types of irritant chemical compound known to be present in this plant, one would
expect that catharsis would result from ingestion of extracts prepared from asarabacca. However, it is violent in its
action.
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) decoctions made from the bark and leaves are a gentle laxative. Taken regularly, the ash
is said to prevent the recurrence of bouts of malaria and is a substitute for quinine. It is also said to be excellent for
treatment of arthritic conditions. The seeds, including their wings, have been used as a carminative.
Ashwagandha: Practitioners of Ayurveduc medicine, the traditional medicine of India, regard this root as the Indian
answer to ginseng for the male libido. Some reference do not recommend on a daily basis but others do. It is
considered to reduce vata and kapha. It is mainly used in the West as a restorative for the elderly and the chronically
ill. For such regenerative purposes, it can be taken as a milk decoction to which may be added raw sugar, honey,
pippali and basmati rice. As such, it inhibits aging and catalyzes the anabolic processes of the body. It is a good food
for weak pregnant women, it helps to stabilize the fetus. It also regenerates the hormonal system, promotes healing of
tissues, and can be used externally on wounds, sores, etc. Five grams of the powder can be taken twice a day in
warm milk or water, sweetened with raw sugar.
By reducing overactivity and encouraging rest and relaxation, withania is useful in countering the debility that
accompanies long-term stress. Its high iron content makes it useful for anemia. Withania has been widely researched
in India. Studies in 1965 indicated that the alkaloids are sedative, reduce blood pressure, and lower the heartbeat
rate. Research in 1970 showed that withanolides, which are similar to the body’s own steroid hormones, are
anti-inflammatory. They also inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The herb may be of use in chronic inflammatory
diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and as a cancer preventative. Trials in 1980 indicated that withania
increases hemoglobin levels, reduces graying of hair, and improves sexual performance. It also helps recovery from
chronic illness.
Traditional use: acne, adrenal disorders, age spots, anemia, anorexia, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis,
cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammatory diseases, convalescence, debility, depression, diabetes mellitus,
diarrhea, edema, endometriosis, failing memory, fatigue, frigidity, hyperlipemia, hypertension, immunodeficiency,
impotence, indigestion, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, poor attention span, ulcer
Asmatica (Tylophora asmatica) Considered a specific remedy for asthma, asmatica may relieve symptoms for up
to 3 months. It is also beneficial in cases of hay fever, and is prescribed for acute allergic problems such as eczema
and nettle rash. The plant holds potential as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and other immune system
disorders. Asmatica may relieve rheumatoid arthritis and may also be of value in the treatment of cancer. Extensive
laboratory and clinical research in India has established that asmatica is an effective remedy for asthma. In the 1970s,
a number of clinical trials showed that a majority of asthmatic patients taking the herb for just 6 days gained relief from
asthma for up to a further 12 weeks. However, the leaves do produce side effects The plant’s alternative name,
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