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Herb Uses - A, B Herbs
minor viral and bacterial infections by stimulating white blood cells to destroy disease-causing microorganisms
more effectively. In Germany, physicians currently use boneset to treat viral infections, such as colds and flu.
One study shows boneset is mildly anti-inflammatory, lending some support to its traditional use in treating
arthritis.
Taken in small doses it often gives relief very quickly. It reduces fever and clears up mucous build-up
in the lungs. It gently empties any toxins which may be stored in the colon. It relaxes the joints and eases the
terrible pain which often accompanies the flu. Some people have found it to be very useful for their
rheumatism. Boneset is dual in action, depending on how it is administered, when cold a tonic, when warm
emetic diaphoretic. It is extremely bitter to the taste and is disliked by children, but in these cases a thick syrup
of boneset, ginger and anise is used by some for coughs of children, with good results.
The flavonoids and the sesquiterpene lactones in the essential oil appear to work together in an as yet
undetermined fashion to produce the antipyretic and diaphoretic effect. The essential oil also irritates mucous
membranes resulting in its expectorant effect. The irritation may also stimulate peristalsis.
Besides the bitter and aromatic components of the herb, it contains the mucilaginous polysaccharride
inulin which could mitigate the harshness of the herb. Tannins are also present which tone inflamed tissue. One
study also mentions the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These are apparently of the same chemical class as
the hepatoxic alkaloids found in comfrey. Flavonoids have even shown some antitumor properties.
Borage (Borago officinalis): Medicinal: Poultices from the leaves are used to cool and soothe inflammations.
In Latin America, a borage tea is drunk for lung problems. With its high mucilage content, borage is a
demulcent and soothes respiratory problems. Its emollient qualities make it helpful for sore and inflamed
skin—prepared either as freshly squeezed juice, in a poultice, or as an infusion. The flowers encourage
sweating, and the leaves are diuretic. The seed oil is particularly rich in polyunsaturated fats and is superior in
this respect to evening primrose oil. Borage seed oil is used to treat premenstrual complaints, rheumatic
problems, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions. Gamma linoleic acid (GLA) which is found in borage
seed oil (also evening primrose and black currant oils) is used to reduce inflammation, boost immunity and help
maintain cell membranes in painful inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Research has also
shown that GLA supplements can help recovering alcoholics stay sober and slow down the damage that alcohol
is known to cause to brain and liver cells. To help with Raynaud massage the oil into the fingers.
Broom (Sarothamnus scoparius (Cytisus scoparius) The ingredient sparteine reduces the heart rate and the
isoflavones are estrogenic. Broom is used mainly as a remedy for an irregular, fast heartbeat and to treat cardiac
edema. The plant acts on the electrical conductivity of the heart, slowing and regulating the transmission of the
impulses. Broom is also strongly diuretic, stimulating urine production and thus countering fluid retention, often in
combination with uva ursi or dandelion. Since broom causes the muscles of the uterus to contract, it has been used to
prevent blood loss after childbirth. Both tips are seeds are soluble in water and alcohol. It is also used for acute
constipation.
Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata) The leaves are used locally for antiseptic purposes and to ward off
insects. In western herbalism, the leaves are used for infections of the genito-urinary system, such as cystitis,
urethritis and prostates. Internally used for urinary tract infections (especially prostates and cystitis), digestive
problems, gout, rheumatism, coughs, and colds, often combined with Althaea officinalis. Externally used in traditional
African medicine as a powder to deter insects and in a vinegar-based lotion for bruises and sprains.
Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus (R. frangula) ) Buckthorn bark treats stubborn constipation, liver congestion,
dropsy, hemorrhoids, colic and obesity. It is milder than its near relative cascara. It has a generally calming effect on
the gastrointestingal tract and may be used for an extended period of time for chronic constipation. It also is good for
treating ulcerative colitis and acute appendicitis. Taken hot, it will induce perspiration and lower fevers. It is used with
alterative formulas in small amounts, since its mild laxative effect helps eliminate toxins and treat conditions such as
gallstones, itching, lead poisoning, parasites, skin diseases and worms. In ointment form it is very effective in treating
warts and various skin problems.
Burdock (Arctium lappa): Western herbalists have long used burdock for its demulcent action, both externally
and internally, and for its alterative effects on the blood and urinary system. During the Middle Ages, remedies
for kidney stones contained burdock in the belief that a stony character in a medicine would cure the stony
ailment.
The Chinese find it more valuable as a healer of hot (yang) conditions. It enters the liver meridian and
benefits spleen deficiency. Its diaphoretic and diuretic properties make it valuable for eliminating excess
nervous energy, sweating out toxins, and cooling the heat of infections. They also use it for colds, flus,
measles, and constipation. The Chinese also consider burdock to be a strengthening aphrodisiac.
The most popular western use of burdock root is as a primary herb in blood purifier formulas. It is also
used to cleanse the body of uric acid and other residues that accumulate from rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.
Seeds are sometimes used for skin problems. The shredded leaves have also been folded into egg whites and
applied as a skin dressing to accelerate healing. Tests confirm that it kills both bacterial and fungal
infections. French herbalists have used the fresh root to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics because it
contains the easily digestible starch “inulin”. It is also believed, but not proven, that the root regenerates liver
cells and stimulates the gallbladder. Burdock is used in many parts of the world in herbal cancer treatments,
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