Everything Herbal - Main Page - PS-Survival.com

Herb Uses - C, D, E Herbs
applied to the face for tic douloureux particularly where there is some motor paralysis, and for aigre: a temporary
paralysis of the face, neck, or arms that is attributed to bad night air or drafts. The powdered root or seeds can be
used as a poultice for sore muscles and joints, having a mild rubifacient effect.
Cowslip (Primula veris (syn Primula officinalis)) Cowslip is an underused but valuable plant. The root is strongly
expectorant, stimulating a more liquid mucus and thus easing the clearance of phlegm. It is given for chronic coughs,
especially those associated with chronic bronchitis and mucous congestion. The root is also thought to be mildly
diuretic and antirheumatic, and to slow blood clotting. The leaves have similar properties to the root but are weaker in
action. The flowers are believed to be sedative, and are recommended for overactivity and sleeplessness, particularly
in children. Cowslip flowers’ antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties make them potentially useful in the
treatment of asthma and other allergic conditions. The flowers are also used in salves for sunburn and dry skin.
The essential oils can soothe the mind and nerves. A tea from Cowslip flowers often alleviates a tension
headache, defeats insomnia and prevents nightmares. The high content of saponins present in the root and calyx
gives cowslip demulcent and expectorant qualities. This makes it a good cough remedy especially when phlegm is
present. The flowers with the calyx removed are used to treat migraines and kidney and bladder conditions. With the
calyx, they are used as a demulcent and expectorant tea for cough and bronchitis. Cowslip taken as a tea can
influence the metabolism and flush out uric acid accumulations. For rheumatic pains, nerve pain, and weak muscles
cowslip oil can be rubbed on the affected areas. The finely chopped root can be put through a garlic press and the
juice strained out. It promotes vigorous sneezing, stimulating the mucous membranes and beneficial for chronic
rhinitis and nasal stuffiness. Cowslip leaves are used in wound poultices.
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus): Crampbark is effective at relieving any over-tense muscle, whether smooth
muscle in the intestines, airways, or uterus, or striated muscle in the limbs or back. It may be taken internally or
applied topically to relieve muscle tension. The herb also treats symptoms arising from excess muscle tension,
including breathing difficulties in asthma, and menstrual pain caused by excessive contraction of the uterus..
For night cramps and back pain, lobelia is often mixed with crampbark. The herb also relieves constipation,
colic, and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as the physical symptoms of nervous tension. Useful as a
protection against threatened miscarriage. Its astringent action gives it a role in the treatment of excessive blood
loss in periods and especially bleeding associated with the menopause. In some cases of arthritis, where
joint weakness and pain have caused muscles to contract until they are almost rigid, crampbark can bring
remarkable relief. As the muscles relax, blood flow to the area improves, waste products such as lactic acid are
removed and normal function can return. Crampbark is commonly used in treatments for high blood pressure
and other circulatory conditions.
It is a specific remedy for pains in the thighs and back and a bearing-down, expulsive pain in the uterus,
whether during pregnancy and childbirth or during menstruation. Crampbark combines well with bearberry for bladder
infections with painful cramping and frequent urination with little passed.
For the relief of cramp it may be combined with Prickly Ash and Wild Yam. For uterine and ovarian pains or threatened
miscarriage it may be used with Black Haw and Valerian. For bladder infections with painful cramping combine with bearberry.
Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus): Used traditionally within Ayurvedic and Unani Tibb herbal
medicine to help reduce inflammation and is prescribed for bronchitis and asthma. It is reputed to very effective
as a treatment for coughs. An old gardener told me that it is often referred to as "pokok asthma". The fresh
leaves are pounded and the extracted juice mixed with water. An alternative method recommended is to boil a
sprig in water with honey thrown in for added measure.
Cubeb (Piper cubeba): Cubeb and its oil are carminative, diuretic, stimulant and antiseptic and were employed
as genito-urinary antiseptics and especially for clearing up gonorrhoea. Extract of cubeb is also expectorant,
being helpful in pulmonary infections such as bronchitis. The powder from dried and crushed cubebs is added
to cigarettes for the relief of asthma. Oil of cubeb is a constituent of some throat lozenges and is useful for
urinary ailments and acts as an antiseptic against gonorrhea. Used for indigestion, catarrh, bronchitis, coughs,
and lung problems. Cigarettes made of cubeb are said to help with hay fever, asthma, and pharyngitis.
Composite herbal drugs containing P.cubeba as one of the ingredients are clinically effective in the treatment of
cough. Alcoholic extract of the drug shows antibacterial activity against Micrococcus pyrogens var. aureus. Oil
of cubeb is effective against influenza virus and Bacillus typhosus.
Culantro (Eryngium foetidum (E. antihystericum) ) In Carib medicine as a cure-all, and, specifically for epilepsy, high
blood pressure, and fevers, fits, and chills in children. In Suriname's traditional medicine fitweed (culantro) is used against fevers
and flu. It is used as a tea for diarrhea, flu, fevers, vomiting, diabetes and constipation. In India the root is used to alleviate
stomache.
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum): : Cumin seed is used for diarrhea and indigestion. Specific for headaches
caused by ingestion. Hot cumin water is excellent for colds and fevers and is made by boiling a teaspoon of
roasted seeds in 3 cups of water. Honey can be added to soothe a sore throat. It is supposed to increase
lactation and reduce nausea in pregnancy. Used in a poultice, it relieves swelling of the breast or the testicles.
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_CDE.htm (13 of 19) [5/17/2004 9:22:59 AM]