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Herb Uses - C, D, E Herbs
made into a strong decoction, or a strong infusion of the leaves and regular hourly or two hourly drinks taken
until the bleeding ceases. The root is stronger and more effective than the leaves. In the case of bleeding
piles the addition of distilled extract of Witch Hazel to the infusion or decoction will increase the
effectiveness. To aid in the cure of mucous colitis mix equal parts of comfrey leaves, agrimony herb,
cranesbill herb and marshmallow herb, use one ounce of the mixed herbs, make an infu9sion and take a
wineglassful at least three times daily.
The leaves moisten the lungs, help dissolve and expel mucus, soothe the throat, lowers fever, relieves
cough and treat asthma. It is applied externally as a poultice and taken internally to promote healing of
injured tissues and bones. The root is used to treat chronic lung diseases with dry cough and inflammation,
sore throat, pulmonary catarrh, stomach ulcers, and wasting diseases. It is excellent both internally and
externally for promoting the healing of sores, bones, muscles and other tissues, and is as powerful as some
of the best Oriental tonic herbs. Concurrent internal and external application has the most favorable effect on
the healing process.
Common Mallow: (Malva sylvestris): : Though less useful than marsh mallow, common mallow is an effective
demulcent. The flowers and leaves are emollient and good for sensitive areas of the skin. Mallow is beneficial
in the treatment of painful swellings and is used as a digestive and diuretic herb, as well as in the making of an
external lotion for acne. The leaves have the reputation of easing the pain of a wasp sting if rubbed on the
affected area. A certain cure for a cold was believed to be bathing the feet in a decoction of the leaves, flowers
and roots. Taken internally, the leaves reduce gut irritation, aids recovery from gastritis and stomach ulcers,
laryngitis and pharyngitis, upper respiratory catarrh and bronchitis and have a laxative effect. When common
mallow is combined with eucalyptus, it makes a good remedy for coughs and other chest ailments. As with
marsh mallow, the root may be given to children to ease teething. The fresh dried leaves are put into
decoctions; the root may be dried, but it is best fresh, if chosen when there are leaves growing from it.
Condurango (Marsdenia condurango) This bitter may be used in a whole range of digestive and stomach
problems. It will relax the nerves of the stomach, making it of use in the settling of indigestion where this is
affected by nervous tension and anxiety. Often used in South American folk medicine as a bitter and
digestive tonic, it is a specific treatment for nervous indigestion and anorexia nervosa. Its bitterness slowly
increases the appetite, as well as the stomach’s ability to process increased quantities of food. The herb is
also thought to stimulate the liver and pancreas, and may be taken for liver disorders. It also encourages
menstruation. The caustic white latex is applied to remove warts. Condurangogenins in condurango may
prove beneficial in countering tumors. The whole plant, however, does not seem to significantly alter cancer
development.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus ) Cornflower is still used in French herbal medicine as a remedy for the eyes.
The strained infusion is used as an eyewash, and the petals applied as a poultice. But opinions differ as to its
efficacy. The petals are also taken as a bitter tonic and stimulant, improving digestion and possibly supporting
the liver as well as improving resistance to infection. A tea made from the petals is used in diseases of the
urinary tract. The seeds have been used as a mild laxative for children. A decoction of the leaves is used to
treat rheumatic complaints.
Costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita (previous C. majus and Tanacetum balsamita): Rarely used today,
but was included in the British Pharmacopoeia until 1788 for its use treating dysentery and other digestive
problems. Early writers suggested the leaves to relieve headaches and gout pain, to increase menstruation, and
as a diuretic. It was also used for conditions of “excessive coldness.” Costmary is slightly astringent and
antiseptic on wounds and burns and was also used with other herbs in ointments for dry, itch skin and skin
parasites. Infuse the leaf as a tonic tea for colds, catarrh, upset stomachs and cramps, and to ease childbirth.
Add to a salve for burns and stings. It was at one time employed medicinally in this country, having somewhat
astringent and antiseptic properties, and had a place in our Pharmacopceia until 1788, chiefly as an aperient, its
use in dysentery being especially indicated. An ointment made by boiling the herb in olive oil with Adder's
Tongue and thickening the strained liquid with wax and resin and turpentine was considered to be very valuable
for application to sores and ulcers.
Costus (Saussurea lappa (S. costus): Kuth is used in the Ayurvedic and Unani Tibb traditions in India for its
tonic, stimulant, and antiseptic properties. The root is commonly taken, with other herbs, for respiratory system
problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. It is also used to treat cholera.
Couchgrass (Agropyron repens (Elymus repens) ) Couch grass is known in pharmacology as triticum (the
Latin name for wheat) because it contains the carbohydrate triticin. A gentle, effective diuretic and demulcent,
couchgrass is used for urinary infections, including cystitis, nephritis and urethritis. It also is useful for urinary
calculi, gall stones and jaundice, as well as gout and rheumatic complaints. It is a soothing herb that improves
excretion from kidneys and bowels, lowers blood cholesterol levels and even clears infection. It both protects
the urinary tubules against infection and irritants and increases the volume of urine, thereby diluting it. It can
be taken, usually with other herbs, to help treat kidney stones, reducing the irritation and laceration they cause.
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