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Herb Uses - A, B Herbs
Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara ) It is used mainly as an alterative internally for eruptic skin diseases and ulcers
including eczema, itchiness, psoriasis and warts. Externally a decoction of the twigs, applied as a wash, may also
help to lessen the severity of these conditions. It has a very cool energy and is useful for most inflammatory
conditions, including ulcerative colitis and inflammatory rheumatic diseases. It also is used for severe high fevers with
extreme excitability and acts as a cooling sedative for hysteria and anxiety as well as chronic jaundice. It was also
used for felons (inflammations of finger-end joints), hence the common name “felonwort” The herb may also be taken
to relieve asthma, chronic bronchitis and rheumatic conditions, including gout. Recent research indicates that
bittersweet contains a tumor-inhibiting agent, beta-solamarine, which may have some promise in treating cancer.
Black Catechu (Acacia catechu) Black Catechu is a powerful astringent used in chronic diarrhea, dysentery and
mucous colitis. It is also a clotting agent. It helps reduce excess mucus in the nose, the large bowel, or vagina. It
also treats eczema and hemorrhages. As a douche it is used in leucorrhea. As a mouthwash or gargle it is used in
gingivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. It may be used as an infusion, tincture, powder or ointment. A small
piece of cutch dissolved in the mouth is an excellent remedy for bleeding gums and canker sores. The power and
tincture are also applied to infected gums and have been used to clean the teeth. In Ayurvedic medicine, decoctions
of the bark and heartwood are used for sore throat. Research is that cutch has been shown to lower blood pressure,
its mechanism of action is thought to be bradykinin related and due to vasodilation.
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): Black cohosh root improves blood circulation and lowers blood
pressure and body temperature by dilating blood vessels and increasing peripheral circulation. The constituents
responsible for these actions are so resinous, the traditional virtues of this herb are best extracted by using hot
water and preferably alcohol on the fresh root. A central nervous system depressant, black cohosh directly
inhibits vasomotor centers that are involved with inner ear balance and hearing. One of the uses for black
cohosh recognized by doctors is for relief of ringing in the ears. The Native Americans knew that it encouraged
uterine contractions and used it to facilitate labor. It is also used to reduce the inflammation and muscular pain
of rheumatism and inflammatory arthritis, especially when it is associated with menopause and to treat
problems of the respiratory system. Chinese physicians use several related plants to treat headache, to ripen and
bring out skin rashes such as measles, diarrhea, bleeding gums and some gynecological problems.
Black cohosh has estrogenic effects, meaning it acts like the female sex hormone estrogen. This may
lend support to its traditional use for menstrual complaints. It is thought to reduce levels of pituitary luteinizing
hormone, thereby decreasing the ovaries’ production of progesterone. A German trial published in 1995,
revealed that black cohosh in combination with St. John’s wort was 78% effective at treating hot flashes and
other menopausal problems. Black cohosh is used to optimize estrogen levels perhaps by competing with
estrogen receptor sites when estrogen is overabundant but may promote estrogen production when estrogen is
low. It is the prime women’s tonic for any uterine condition involving inflammation, pain, or low estrogen. It
promotes fertility and softens the impact of menopause. Using black cohosh during menopause can reduce
intensity and frequency of hot flashes, support and ease the body’s changes, helps counteract menopausal
prolapses, improves digestion, relieves menstrual pain and irregularity, relieves headaches, relieves menopausal
arthritis and rheumatism.
Cimicifugin, the ranunculoside in black cohosh, exhibits antispasmodic and sedative properties in the
fresh root. When the root is cut or bruised, an enzyme is released which reacts with cimicifugin to produce
protoanemonine, which is unstable in water but, when dried, is readily oxidized to an anemonic acid which has
no physiological activity. The antispasmodic and sedative properties of black cohosh are only present in the
whole, fresh root. The dried, powdered black cohosh in common use today contains only the irritating
principles.
Black Haw: (Viburnum prunifolium): Black Haw has a very similar use to Crampbark to which it is closely related. It
is a powerful relaxant of the uterus and is used for dysmenorrhea and false labor pains. It may be used in threatened
miscarriage as well (often in combination with false unicorn root). Its relaxant and sedative actions explain its power in
reducing blood pressure, which happens through a relaxation of the peripheral blood vessels. It may be used as an
anti-spasmodic in the treatment of asthma. It improves circulation to the uterus and ovaries, and thereby promotes
nutrition to the pelvic area.
It treats all nervous complaints, including convulsions, hysteria and spasms. It also is used to treat palpitations
and hysterical fits. It is good for all painful affections including arthritic and rheumatic complaints.
If taken in the latter part of pregnancy, it helps promote normal uterine contractions and antagonizes irregular
ones. It prevents afterpains, post partum hemorrhage and helps ensure normal involution of the uterus. Other
benefits include relief of morning sickness and lowering of arterial blood pressure.
Black Hellebore (Helleborus niger ) The active constituents have an action similar to that of those found in
foxglove. Toxic when taken in all but the smallest doses, the acrid black hellebore is purgative and cardiotonic, expels
worms, and promotes menstrual flow. In the 20 th century, the cardiac glycosides in the leaves came into use as a
heart stimulant for the elderly. The herb has also been taken to stimulate delayed menstruation. Now considered too
strong to be safely used.
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) Medicinal Uses: Blessed thistle has been used as a treatment for liver
disorders, as well as menstrual problems. It seems to detoxify the liver. In many European countries blessed thistle
tablets are prescribed along with acetaminophen or aspirin to counterbalance the potential liver damage these drugs
can cause. Many women take blessed thistle to regulate their periods. It seems to stimulate the appetite and many
herbalists prescribe it to their anorexic patients. It is often combined with other herbs that are beneficial to the liver,
such as milk thistle, artichoke or red clover. The leaves are considered one of the best herbs for increasing mother’s
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