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Herb Uses - C, D, E Herbs
ancient times, caper poultices have been used to ease swellings and bruises and this led to the belief that rutin
had properties affecting the permeability of the blood capillaries; such as reducing their fragility though clinical
evidence is inconclusive
Caper Spurge (Euphorbia lathyrus) Caper spurge is so violent a purgative that it is rarely if ever used in
contemporary herbal medicine. Caper spurge seeds were commonly employed, but an oil extracted from them
was also used in very small doses (the oil is highly toxic). In the past, the milky latex of caper spurge was used
as a depilatory and to remove corns and warts, but is too irritant to be used safely.
Caraway (Carum carvi): Caraway water is well known for its carminative effect, particularly for babies. This
property of the seeds has been known and used from ancient times until today. Caraway is also used as a
flavoring for children’s medicines. It is a good digestive and stomachic. Other properties it is believed to have
are: antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetitive, emmenagogic, expectorant and galactagogic (stimulates the
secretion of bile). It was used in cases of dyspepsia, diarrhoea and even hysteria. Dioscorides is quoted as
recommending pallid girls to take a tonic of caraway oil. Modern researchers have discovered that two
chemicals (carvol and carvene) in caraway seeds soothe the smooth muscle tissue of the digestive tract and help
expel gas. Antispasmodic, which appear to be present in caraway, soothe not only the digestive tract but other
smooth muscles, such as the uterus, as well. Thus, caraway might relax the uterus, not stimulate it. Women
may try it for relief of menstrual cramps. For a pleasant-tasting infusion that might help aid digestion, relieve
gas or menstrual cramping, use 2-3 teaspoons of bruised or crushed seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep 10-20
minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. If you prefer a tincture, take ½-1 teaspoon up to three times a day.
Low-strength caraway infusions may be given to infants for colic and gas.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): : Its digestive properties have made it popular as an after-dinner
infusion, and it acts as a breath freshener when chewed. It is used in India for many conditions, including
asthma, bronchitis, kidney stones, anorexia, debility and weakened Vata. The herb has a long-lasting reputation
as an aphrodisiac. Cardamom treats gastralgia, enuresis (involuntary urination), warming, antimucus stimulant
to add to lung tonics.
Cardamom is very high in cineole, a potent expectorant compound and a central nervous system
stimulant. In cases of emphysema, add a teaspoon or two of powdered cardamom to fruit juice or tea.
In Chinese medicine it: 1) increases the Qi and replenishes deficiency; restores the lungs, spleen and
nerve and generates strength; lifts the spirit and rids depression; 2) Warms and invigorates the stomach and
intestines; frees spasms and dries mucous damp; awakens the appetite, settles the stomach and quells vomiting;
3) Stimulates the lungs, expels phlegm and clears the head; 4) antidotes poison and resolves contusion.
Carline Thistle (Carlina acaulis ) Internally for fluid retention, liver, gall bladder, and prostate problems, bronchitis, and skin
complaints, such as acne and eczema. It is used in the form of an infusion to treat stomach and liver disorders, edema and urine
retention. Decoctions are applied externally to bathe skin disorders, fungal infections and wounds and are used as an antiseptic
gargle. The dried and chopped roots, soaked in wine, stimulate digestion and soothe the nerves. Wine extract of 40-50 g of
powdered roots/1 litre wine acts as a vermifuge. Take a wine glass twice daily. A water extract produces the same effect in 50/50
mixture with vinegar. Swedish bitters contains the root of the carline thistle, which possesses bacteriostatic properties and acts on
the stomach as well. The root is antibiotic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, mildly diuretic, emetic in large
doses, febrifuge and purgative in large doses. The plant was at one time in great demand as an aphrodisiac, it is used nowadays in
the treatment of spasms of the digestive tract, gall bladder disorders, dropsy etc.
Canadian Sweetgale (Comptonia peregrina) ...The leaves were boiled by Indians to make a poultice that was tied to
the cheek to relieve toothache. A decoction of the plant was used to treat diarrhea, rheumatism, colic, and weakness
following fever. A tea made from the leaves and flowering tops is used as a remedy for diarrhea, headache, fevers,
catarrh, vomiting of blood, rheumatism etc. The infusion has also been used to treat ringworm. The leaves have also
been used as a poultice for toothaches, sprains etc. A cold water infusion of the leaves has been used externally to
counter the effect of poison ivy and to bathe stings, minor hemorrhages etc.
Carob (Ceratonia siliqua): Carob pods are nutritious and, due to their high sugar content, sweet-tasting and mildly laxative.
However, a decoction of the pulp is also antidiarrheal, gently helping to cleanse and relieve irritation within the gut. It arrests
vomiting in infants. These appear to be contradictory effects, but carob is an example of how the body responds to herbal
medicines in different ways, according to how the herb is prepared and according to the specific medical problem. The bark is
strongly astringent and a decoction of it is taken to treat diarrhea.
Carrot, Wild (Daucus carota): This vegetable is a wonderful cleansing medicine. It supports the liver, and
stimulates urine flow and the removal of waste by the kidneys. The juice of organically grown carrots is a
delicious drink and a valuable detoxifier. Carrots are rich in carotene, which is converted to vitamin A by the
liver. This nutrient acts to improve night blindness as well as vision in general. The raw root, grated or
mashed, is a safe treatment for threadworms, especially in children. Wild carrot leaves are a good diuretic.
They have been used to counter cystitis and kidney stone formation, and to diminish stones that have already
formed. The seeds are also diuretic and carminative. They stimulate menstruation and have been used in folk
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