Everything Herbal - Main Page - PS-Survival.com

Herb Uses - A, B Herbs
dysentery, while the fragrant juice is used as an appetizer, for curing stomach disorders, and for purifying the blood.
Bael’s astringent leaves are taken to treat peptic ulcers. A decoction of leaves is a favorite remedy for ailments that
often occur during seasonal changes—fevers, influenza, fatigue. The tree’s most unusual application is for earache.
A piece of dried root is dipped in the oil of the neem tree an set on fire. Oil from the burning end is dripped into the ear
(not recommended to try)
Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica ) Bai Zhi has been used for thousands of years in Chinese herbal medicine where it is
used as a sweat-inducing herb to counter harmful external influences. The pungent, bitter bai zhi is used for frontal
headaches and aching eyes, nasal congestion, and toothache. Like its cousins angelica and Chinese angelica, it is
warming and tonic, and it is still given for problems attributed to “damp and cold” conditions, such as sores, boils, and
ulcers affecting the skin. Bzi zhi also appears to be valuable in treating the facial pain of trigeminal neuralgia. Small
quantities of angelicotoxin, one of the active ingredients in the root, have an excitatory effect on the respiratory center,
central nervous system and vasculomotor centre. It increases the rate of respiration, increases blood pressure,
decreases the pulse, increases the secretion of saliva and induces vomiting. In large doses it can cause convulsions
and generalized paralysis.
Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala ) Bai Zhu is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has traditionally
been used as a tonic for the digestive system, building qi and strengthening the spleen. The rhizome has a sweet,
pungent taste, and is used to relieve fluid retention, excessive sweating, and digestive problems such as diarrhea and
vomiting. It is also used in the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, and edema. It is often
used in conjunction with other herbs such as Codonopsis tangshen and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Combined with Baical
skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) it is used to prevent miscarriage.
Baical Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) The root is used. Indications: ailments of “full” and “hot” excess:
oppression in chest, thirst with no desire for water, dysentery and diarrhea, jaundice, body heat, irritability, blood in
stool and sputum, nosebleeds. Clinical tests in China found it improved symptoms in over 70% of patients with chronic
hepatitis, increasing appetite, improving liver function and reducing swelling. Other studies show it reduces
inflammation and allergic reactions. These effects are due to the flavonoids. It is also likely that Baical skullcap may
help venous problems and fragile capillaries. The herb may be useful for problems arising from diabetes, including
cataracts. In Chinese medicine it is prescribed for hot and thirsty conditions such as high fevers, coughs with thick
yellow phlegm, and gastrointestinal infections that cause diarrhea, such as dysentery. It is also given to people
suffering from painful urinary conditions. It is now used for allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, and
nettle rash, although its anti-inflammatory action is most useful for digestive infections. It is a valuable remedy for the
circulation. In combination with other herbs, it is used to treat high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, varicose veins and
easy bruising. Applied to the skin, it treats sores, swelling and boils. It appears to be useful for circulatory problems
that arise from diabetes. The seed is used to cleanse the bowels of blood and pus.
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorum) It loosens phlegm, stops cough in both hot and cold conditions, aids the
elimination of pus in the upper parts of the body, is effective for sore throat, lung abscess, and loss of voice. It has an
ascending energy and is sometimes added in small amounts to formulas to direct the therapeutic action of other herbs
to the upper parts of the body.
Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) In Indian herbal medicine, balloon vine root is used to bring on
delayed menstruation and to relieve backache and arthritis. The leaves stimulate local circulation and are applied to
painful joints to help speed the cleaning of toxins. The seeds are also thought to help in the treatment of arthritis. The
plant as a whole has sedative properties. It has been prescribed for years by European skin specialists and family
doctors. In a study of 833 patients with eczema, better than 4 out of 5 subjects reported improvement or remission of
symptoms (inflammation, swelling, scaling, blisters/vesicles, dry skin, itching, burning and pain). This small and
delicate wiry climber can be used to treat piles, rheumatism, nervous disorders and chronic bronchitis. A paste of the
leaves is a dressing for sores and wounds. Crushed leaves can also be inhaled to relieve headaches and the seeds
used to relieve fever and body aches. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of itchy skin. Salted leaves
are used as a poultice on swellings. The leaf juice has been used as a treatment for earache.
Balmony (Chelone glabra) It is believed to be an appetite stimulant, and some herbalists prescribe the dried plant in
an infusion to treat anorexia. Balmony is a very bitter herb with a tea-like flavor that acts mainly as a tonic for the liver
and digestive system. It also has anti-depressant and laxative effects. It is used internally in the treatment of
consumption, debility, diseases of the liver, gallbladder problems, gallstones etc. It is also used to relieve nausea and
vomiting, intestinal colic and to expel worms. Externally, it is applied as an ointment to inflamed tumors, irritable ulcers,
inflamed breasts etc. It Is beneficial for a weak stomach and indigestion, general debility, constipation, and torpid liver,
it also stimulates the appetite, and in small doses is a good tonic during convalescence. In addition, balmony is an
effective antheimintic. Externally, it is used for sores and eczema. The ointment is valuable to relieve the itching and
irritation of piles.
Balmony is an excellent agent for liver problems. It acts as a tonic on the whole digestive and absorptive
system. It has a stimulating effect on the secretion of digestive juices, and in this most natural way its laxative
properties are produced. Balmony is used in gall stones, inflammation of the gall-bladder and in jaundice. It stimulates
the appetite, eases colic, dyspepsia and biliousness and is helpful in debility. Externally it has been used on inflamed
breasts, painful ulcers and piles. It is considered a specific in gall stones that lead to congestive jaundice.
Herbalists consider this herb a useful remedy for gastro-intestinal debility with hepatic torpor or jaundice.
Dyspeptic conditions attending convalescence from prostrating fevers are often aided by it, and should be studied
particularly for vague and shifting pain in the region of the ascending colon.
Kings Dispensatory describes it as being tonic, cathartic, and anthelmintic. Especially valuable in jaundice and
hepatic diseases, likewise for the removal of worms, for which it may be used in powder or decoction, internally and
also in injection. Used as a tonic in small doses, in dyspepsia, debility of the digestive organs, particularly when
associated with hepatic inactivity, and during convalescence from febrile and inflammatory diseases. It is valuable after
malarial fevers as a tonic and to unlock the secretions when checked by quinine. Recommended in form of ointment
as an application to painful and inflamed tumors, irritable and painful ulcers, inflamed breasts, piles, etc. Kings gives
the following specific indications: Gastro-intestinal debility, with hepatic torpor or jaundice; worms.
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm (9 of 16) [5/17/2004 8:54:28 AM]