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Herb Uses - C, D, E Herbs
ointment called Unguentum geneste, 'goud for alle could goutes,' etc. The seed was also used in a plaster for
broken limbs. A decoction of the plant was regarded in the Ukraine as a remedy for hydrophobia, but there's
not much scientific evidence on this use.
-E-
Elder: (Sambucus nigra): Key actions: Flowers: expectorant, reduces phlegm, circulatory stimulant, promote
sweating, diuretic, topically anti-inflammatory; Berries: promote sweating, diuretic, laxative; Bark: purgative, promotes
vomiting, diuretic; topically--emollient. The berries help coughs, colic, sore throats, asthma and flu. A pinch of
cinnamon makes the tea more warming. The berries have also been taken for rheumatism and erysipelas. They are
mildly laxative and also help diarrhea.
The flowers are infused for fevers, eruptive skin conditions such as measles and severe bronchial and lung
problems. The infusion is relaxing and produces a mild perspiration that helps to reduce fever. The flowering tops
tone the mucous linings of the nose and throat, increasing their resistance to infection. They are prescribed for chronic
congestion, allergies, ear infections and candidiasis. Infusions of the flowering tops and other herbs can reduce the
severity of hay fever attacks if taken for some months before the onset of the hay fever season. A classic flu remedy
is a mixture of elderflower, yarrow and peppermint teas.
By encouraging sweating and urine production, elder flowering tops promote the removal of waste products
from the body and are of value in arthritic conditions.
The specific compounds in elder flowers have not been well established for the diuretic and laxative
properties. The compound sambuculin A and a mixture of alpha- and beta-amyrin palmitate have been found to
exhibit strong antihepatotoxic activity against liver damage induced experimentally by carbon tetrachloride.
The bark’s energetics are bitter and toxic. Only bark that has been aged for a year or more should be used or
cyanide poisoning may result. The Western species are more toxic. This herb has two compounds that are
active against flu viruses. It also prevents the virus from invading respiratory tract cells. A patented Israeli drug
(Sambucol) that contains elderberry is active against various strains of viruses. It also stimulated the immune system
and has shown some activity in preliminary trials against other viruses, such as Epstein-Barr, herpes and even HIV.
Elecampane (Inula helenium): European scientists have discovered elecampane contains a chemical, alantolactone,
that helps expel intestinal parasites and is better than santonin and less toxic (1 teaspoon of root to a cup of water,
bring to boil and simmer 20 minutes, drinking up to 3 cups a day). It is also anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and
fungicidal adding to its potential therapeutic action in the intestine.
All chronic lung conditions such as bronchitis and asthma are helped by it. It is generally mixed with other lung
herbs (often white horehound, coltsfoot, pleurisy root and yarrow). It is a constitutional treatment for general catarrhal
conditions such as chronic pulmonary affections that have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, wheezing in the
lungs, a specific for whooping cough in children, pneumonia, diseases of the breast and malignant fevers, hepatic
torpor, dyspepsia and the feeling of stitches in the side caused by the spleen. It’s warming for a cold, wet cough. It
doesn’t suppress the cough, but increases expectoration.
Elecampane produces an active principle called helenin, which is antiseptic and antibacterial, making the root
useful in salves and surgical dressings. Elecampane contains an essential oil that consists primarily of sesquiterpene
lactones. The root also contains the complex carbohydrate inulin. This starchy material swells and forms a slippery
suspension when mixed with digestive fluids. The inulin soothes the lining of the digestive tract and provides the
benefits of viscous fiber. It also apparently elicits a sympathetic expectorant response to mucous membranes of the
respiratory system.
A bitter-aromatic tonic, elecampane root increases appetite and promotes digestion. Europeans with
indigestion still sometimes sip on a cordial made by infusing the roots, sugar and currants in white port. In Russia, the
whole root is preserved in vodka to store it for winter use. Soluble in alcohol and partially in water. Used in China for
certain cancers. Wash used for facial neuralgia, sciatica. Experimentally, tea strongly sedative to mice.
Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) Has been used for centuries beginning with the Mayans. By the middle of
the 18 th century, medicinal use of the plant was firmly established in the US. Mexican mothers steep epazote in milk
and sugar to rid their children of intestinal parasites, especially roundworms and hookworms. Helps prevent
flatulence. The ingredient ascaridol is a powerful worm expellent. The Catawba made a poultice from the plant, which
they used to detoxify snake bite and other poisonings. It has also been used as a digestive remedy, being generally
taken to settle colic and stomach pains. Wormseed leaves have antispasmodic properties. A decoction of the leaves
or of the whole plant brings relief to a variety of gastrointentinal problems. Its muscle-relaxing action has led to its use
in the treatment of spasmodic coughs and asthma. The plant also has external uses. Juice expressed from the whole
herb is applied as a wash for hemorrhoids. In addition, the whole plant is thought to have wound-healing properties.
Dose: of the oil, 4-20 drops with honey, or molasses, for children according to age. The infusion of the tops and
pulverized seeds, 1 teaspoonful to 1 cupful of boiling water; steep 15 min. administer in wineglassful amounts. To
expel worms: omit the evening meal, give the prescribed dose and again in the morning before breakfast, followed by
a herbal cathartic; repeat for three days to make sure the larva is expelled. Was official in the US Pharmacopeia for
more than a century, from 1820-1947.
Ephedra (Ephedra sinica and E. vulgaris) Ephedra’s active constituents are strong central nervous system
stimulants, more powerful than caffeine but less potent than amphetamine. Ephedrine itself opens the bronchial
passages, thus acting as a bronchodilator, stimulates the heart, and increases blood pressure, metabolic rate, and
perspiration and urine production. It also reduces the secretion of both saliva and stomach acids. Traditional Zen
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