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Herb Uses - C, D, E Herbs
monks used ephedra to promote calm concentration during meditation. In China, ephedra is popular for chills and
fevers, coughs and wheezing, and in combination with rehmannia is given to treat kidney yin deficiency. For asthma
use with almond; for “wind-cold” injury use with cinnamon; for allergic skin reaction use with mint and cicada moltings.
Ephedra is used principally in current Western herbal medicine as a treatment for asthma and hay fever, and for the
acute onset of colds and flu. It also helps to raise blood pressure, cool fevers, and alleviate rheumatism. The whole
plant contains many compounds—some active, some inert, which in combination seem to act synergistically. The
whole plant can be used at a much lower dosage than isolated constituents and it has significant therapeutic effects,
including dilating the bronchial airways and increasing blood flow to the skin. Unlike ephedrine, the whole plant rarely
gives rise to side effects. One study shows ephedrine helps smokers quit by decreasing cigarette cravings.
Ephedrine causes uterine contractions in laboratory animals. Pregnant women should not use it. Other women may
try it to initiate menstruation.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) The tiny seeds were used as an unspecified medicine by the Forest
Potawatomis. The Flambeau Ojibwas used the whole plant, soaked in warm water, to make a poultice to heal
bruises. The Omahas also made a poultice from some part of the four-point evening primrose. GLA is responsible for
many of the herb’s properties. It is an anticoagulant that is thought to reduce high blood pressure, prevent heart
attacks and guard against coronary artery disease. A 1981 clinical study at the St. Thomas Hospital in London gave
evening primrose oil to 65 women with premenstrual syndrome and 61% of the participants found their symptoms
completely disappeared and another 23% felt partial relief. There was noticeable improvement in the skin conditions
of 99 people with eczema when they were treated with evening primrose oil in a double-blind study. In another study,
the oil was found to improve dry and brittle nails and combines with zinc treatments, it helped acne and dry eyes, as
well as nails. In 1987, the Glasgow Royal Infirmary of Scotland saw improvement in 60% of its rheumatoid arthritis
patients who took a combination of evening primrose and fish oil instead of their regular drugs. A study by the
Highland Psychiatric Research Group at the Draig Dunain Hospital, Inverness, Scotland, found that evening primrose
encouraged regeneration of liver cells damaged by alcohol consumption. Other researchers think it may also prevent
alcoholic poisoning, hangovers, postdrink depression and alcohol withdrawal. It is thought to stop alcohol from
damaging brain cells by bolstering them with unsaturated fats. . A New York City hospital found that more than 10%
of overweight people tested with evening primrose oil lost weight. In another study, two-thirds of hyperactive children
studied responded favorably to the oil.
Evening primrose oil improved Parkinson’s-induced tremors in 55% of those who took the equivalent of 2
teaspoons a day for several months. Some studies suggest that GLA helps relieve symptoms of Raynaud’s disease.
In one study, EPO was massaged into the fingers of people with Raynaud’s disease and about half improved.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) Eyebright is similar, but much weaker in action, to golden seal when it comes to its
use as an eyewash. It contains astringent and antibiotic principles that are useful for cleansing the eye. Systemic
effects such as stimulation of the liver to release vitamin A are unfounded scientifically. It tightens the mucous
membranes of the eye and appears to relieve the inflammation of conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Its ability to counter
mucus means that it is often used for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses, and
nasal passages. It is helpful in acute or chronic inflammations, stinging and weeping eyes as well as over-sensitivity to
light. Although eyebright counters liquid mucus, it should be used guardedly for dry and stuffy congestion, which tends
to be made worse by the plant’s astringency.
Used internally it is a powerful anti-catarrhal and thus may be used in nasal catarrh, sinusitis and other
congestive states. In catarrhal conditions it combines well with golden rod, elder flower or goldenseal. In allergic
conditions where the eye are affected it may be combined with Ephedra. As an eye lotion it mixes with Goldenseal
and distilled witch hazel. Eyebright tea may be given internally at the same time. The mechanism of action is not yet
known.
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