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Herb Uses - C, D, E Herbs
Couch grass is also thought to dissolve kidney stones as far as possible, and in any case will help to prevent
their further enlargement. Both an enlarged prostate and prostates will benefit from a couch grass decoction
taken over the course of several months. In German herbal medicine, heated couch grass seeds are used in a hot
and moist pack that is applied to the abdomen to sooth peptic ulcers. Juice from the roots of couch grass has
been used to treat jaundice and other liver complaints. The herb is used in various tea mixtures to stimulate the
metabolism and harmonize its processes. Extracts of couch grass have exhibited antibiotic effects on a variety
of bacteria and molds. It is said to clear damp heat in the lower warmer, according to Traditional Chinese
Medicine.
Country Mallow (Sida cordifolia): Roots, leaves, seeds and stems all used with each part having a different
therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for the maximum benefits. Sida cordifolia has been used
for over 2,000 years to treat bronchial asthma cold & flu, chills, lack of perspiration, headache, nasal
congestion, aching joints and bones, cough & wheezing, and edema. In Western terms, Sida cordifolia is
considered to have diaphoretic, diuretic, central nervous system stimulating and anti-asthmatic activity. The
stem of this plant contains a number of active compounds, including small amounts of an essential oil, and most
important, 1-2% alkaloids composed mainly of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, with ephedrine ranging from
30-90%, depending on the source. Sida cordifolia extract contains 0.8% to 1.2% of the alkaloid ephedrine. Sida
cordifolia contains lesser quantities of alkaloids than Ma-Huang, and therefore is regarded as a weaker stimulant
on cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Furthermore, Sida cordifolia contains other bronchodilating
principles which Ma-Huang does not have…..in particular vasicinone, vasicine, and vasicinol. It is used by
Ayurveda physicians as an antipyretic in febrile and infectious diseases. Sida cordifolia is also useful in the
treatment of chronic broncho-pulminary conditions characterized by bronchospasm and cough. This is one the
most often used Ayurvedic herbs because it simultaneously balances all three laws of the physiology (Vata,
Pitta, Kapha), a rare effect. Bala is primarily known for giving stamina or inner strength. It helps balance proper
amounts of the male hormone, testosterone, and increases sexual desire. Bala has a Vrishya effect, meaning that
it enhances the quality and quantity of reproductive fluids (Shukra Dhatu) for conception of healthy offspring. It
builds general immunity (the word Bala can actually be translated as immunity). It is a good Rasayana (overall
tonic and longevity enhancer). Bala is a good tonic for the lungs. Bala contains five of the six tastes, a very rare
property indicating that it provides nourishment of all aspects of nature's intelligence (the five Mahabhutas).
NOTE: As with most single herbs, Bala should always be taken in balanced combinations with other herbs, to
prevent aggravation of any existing congestion. It is also an herb containing a low level of amines that help
stimulate the thermogenesis process. Anticonvulsant and antipyretic activities of the plant have been observed.
Studies done on rats suggest S. cordifolia has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity. Antiprotozoal
activity against E histelytica and anti-heimintic activity against H. nana and A. galli has also been demonstrated.
Anticancer activity was seen against human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (in tissue culture) and lymphoid
leukaemia and Sarcoma 180 in mice. A decoction of the root with ginger is given by Ayurvedic physicians in
intermittent fever. It is also administered in fever accompanied by rigour. The powdered root bark is
administered with milk and sugar as treatment for urinary urgency and leucorrhoea. The seeds are used to treat
urinary infections. They are also believed to be aphrodisiac. The rejuvenating actions of this herb extend to the
nervous, circulatory, urinary and reproductive systems. It is helpful in all types of nervous system disorders
including: paralysis, insanity, hemiplegia, stiff neck, tinnitis, headache, sciatica, inflammation of nerves, and
neuralgia. Bala has the chemical characteristics of Ephedrine and is therefore a cardiac stimulant and is useful in
certain types of heart disease. Bala has a diuretic effect and is useful in urinary problems including cystitis.
Being cooling and astringent, it is used for inflammations and bleeding disorders. It may be used for bleeding
hemorrhoids, hematuria, chronic dysentery, chronic fevers, and healing of wounds. Bala is very effective used
topically as a medicated oil. The popular Mahanarayan oil contains this herb. It can be used for sore muscles
and sore joints. It helps with the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.
Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum (H lanatum) Used mainly in a poultice for boils and other skin problems.
The dried powdered roots have been used on the gums to relieve discomfort from loose teeth, and all over the body to
treat fever. Mixed with available fats or oils, the dried powdered roots have been rubbed on affected parts to treat
rheumatic pains and heart palpitations. Sometimes the roots have been boiled and the liquid rubbed on for these
treatments. The root has been taken internally for colic, gas, diarrhea, indigestion, and for asthma.
Cow parsnip is a remedy for the stomach and nervous system. The root, which loses most of its acridity upon
drying and should not be used fresh is made into a tea (a teaspoon to a cup) and drunk for nausea that is of a
persistent nature but does not progress to vomiting, as well as for acid indigestion or heartburn. In New Mexico, it is
often used for the gas and indigestion that accompanies a hiatus hernia, particularly in older women. The seeds are
equally effective and if tinctured (fresh or dry), even a few drops on the tongue can settle the most unsettled stomach.
Although not as antiseptic as oil of cloves, the seed tincture is a good temporary analgesic when applied to a sore
tooth and is far less irritating the gums. The root or seeds act as an antispasmodic to the intestinal tract and will help
quiet tenesmus or cramping of the large intestine and the lower tract and will help quiet tenesmus or cramping of the
large intestine and the lower section of the small intestine. It can sooth a spastic colon caused by mucous membrane
inflammations but is less effective when it is of a distinctly nervous origin. It may help bronchial spasms and will both
increase menstrual flow and relax uterine cramps. In New Mexico a strong tea is made from the dry or wilted roots
and poured into the bath water of a recently paralyzed person. This is repeated once a day until some nerve function
has returned or the therapy has brought to apparent relief. Also, in northern New Mexico, a poultice or strong tea is
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