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Herb Uses -F, G, H Herbs
immunostimulant, helping to maintain resistance to acute viral and other infections.
Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger ) The official preparation of Henbane is obtained from fresh or dried leaves, flowering
tops and branches of the biennial form of the plant. Internally henbane has been used for asthma, whooping cough,
motion sickness, Meniere’s syndrome, tremor in senility or paralysis, and as preoperative medication. Externally it has
been used for neuralgia and dental and rheumatic pain. It was added to laxatives to prevent griping, and to
antiasthma and herbal cigarettes. Its sedative and antispasmodic effect makes it a valuable treatment for the
symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, relieving tremor and rigidity during the early stages of the illness. Henbane also
has been used to treat asthma and bronchitis, usually as a “burning powder” or in the form of a cigarette. Applied
externally as an oil, it can relieve painful conditions such as neuralgia, sciatica, and rheumatism. Henbane reduces
mucus secretions, as well as saliva and other digestive juices. One of henbane’s active components, hyoscine, is
sometimes used as a substitute for opium. Hyoscine is commonly used as a preoperative anesthetic and in motion
sickness formulations.
Henna (Lawsonia inermis ) Used mainly within Ayurviedic and Unani medicine. The fruits have been thought to
stimulate the menstrual function. In powdered form, the leaves have been utilized both internally and externally to
treat various skin diseases, including leprosy, fungal infections, acne and boils. In Arabic medicine the powder was
employed in the treatment of jaundice, though there it is unlikely the henna benefited the patient at all. In India the
leaves were made into an astringent gargle. An infusion or decoction of the leaves is used for diarrhea and
dysentery.
Extracts of henna leaves have been shown to act in a manner similar to ergot with respect to inducing uterine
contractions. So it’s possible that extracts of the plant could induce menstruation and be effective emmanagogues.
The topical application of two chemical components of this shrub, lawsone and dihydroxyacetone, has been reported
ultraviolet light for people with chlorpromazine-induced light sensitivity. Experimentally, a water extract of the leaves
inhibited gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Antitumor activity in experiments with mice tends to support
folkloric uses of henna as an anticancer agent.
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) or Houseleek: Internally used for shingles, skin complaints, and
hemorrhoids. The juice from the leaves of houseleeks have astringent and cooling properties, applied as an ointment
to reduce fevers and relieve the pain of burns, scalds, inflammations, shingles, ulcers, ringworm, gout, headache,
sunburn, inflamed or itching skin, and bee stings. The juice was also an effective treatment for corns and warts on the
hands and feet. The leaves have been chewed to relieve toothache, and the juice has been sniffed to stop
nosebleeds. Simply pick one of the large outer leaves, squeeze it between forefinger and thumb and apply to the
affected part. The juice mixed in equal parts with wine expels worms. Externally it is used to soften corns, as well as
to reduce inflamed glands. The juice, mixed with water in a proportion of 1:2, is used for conjunctivitis, or as a gargle.
Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum): In the past Herb Robert was used mostly in veterinary medicine, especially
fore the treatment of blood in the urine and infectious diseases. An application for melancholy and sadness was
recommended. It stimulated the metabolism. It is now occasionally employed in much the same way as American
cranesbill as an astringent and wound healer. More investigation is needed as according to one authority it is also
effective against stomach ulcers and inflammation of the uterus, and it has potential as a treatment for cancer. To
treat chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal trace, try administering Herb Robert in the form of a medicinal wine.
A simple one is made by filling a large jar half and half with freshly plucked, chopped Herb Robert and a good red
wine. Let the mixture stand for two weeks before straining it into a corked bottle. Sip by snifter before meals. For
external applications, the freshly pressed juice of Herb Robert is best. You can either apply the juice directly to the
area being treated or use it In compresses. Herb Robert is available as “Herba Geranii Robertiani and the
homeopathic mother tincture “Geranium robertianum is prepared from the fresh flowering plant.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa, rosa-sinensis): In African folk medicine, the drug is considered spasmolytic,
antibacterial, chologogic, diuretic and anthelmintic. Aqueous extracts of hibiscus flowers are said to relax the muscles
of the uterus and to lower the blood pressure. The tincture is good for minor stomach and intestinal disorders. Used
for kidney and reproductive system problems due to heat. Effective for menstrual difficulties, especially excessive
bleeding. Helps purify blood. Good for the heart. Improves skin complexion and promotes hair growth. Dosage is
10-30 drops 3 times per day.
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. sanctum) ) An infusion of the leaves is a quick remedy for bronchitis and colds
and an infusion of the seeds is an excellent diuretic. A decoction of the roots is thought to relieve malarial fever.
Leaves are diaphoretic, antiperiodic, bronchitis, gastric & hepatic disorders etc. A tea prepared with the leaves of O.
sanctum is commonly used in cough, cold, mild, indigestion, diminished appetite and malaise. Anthelmintic, deodorant,
stimulant, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, blood purifier, useful in skin diseases, antipyretic particularly in malarial
fevers. Externally applied on chronic non healing ulcers, inflammation, skin disorders, useful in nausea, pain in
abdomen, worms, allergic rhinitis, all types of cough, respiratory disorders. It acts as a powerful mosquito repellent.
In a 1997 study at M.S. University of Baroda, India, 17 NIDDM patients were supplemented with 1 g basil leaf
per day for 30 days. Ten NIDDM patients served as controls, receiving no supplementation. All subjects were taking
antidiabetic medications and did not change their diets. Holy basil lowered fasting blood glucose 20.8 percent, total
cholesterol 11.3 percent and triacylglycerols 16.4 percent. 18 I recommend 1­4 g of dried leaf daily. . It is said that
eating Holy basil along with other foods will relieve stomach problems including cramps and digestive disorders.
The ethanolic extract of the leaves exhibited a hypoglycemic effect in rats and an antispasmodic effect in
isolated guinea pig ileum. Tulsi extract was administered to 20 patients with shortness of breath secondary to tropical
eosinophia in an oral dosage of 500 mg TID and an improvement in breathing was noted. The aqueous extract
showed a hypotensive effect on anesthetised dogs and cats and negative inotropic and chronotropic activity (reduces
the force and rate, respectively) on rabbit's heart. Antibacterial activity has been shown against Staphlococcus aureus
and Mycoplasma tuberculosis in vitro as well as against several other species of pathogens including fungi. The plant
has had general adaptogenic effects in mice and rats and has been shown to protect against stress-induced ulcers.
The leaf extract was found to protect guinea pigs against histamine and pollen induced asthma. Adaptogenic activity of
Ocimum sanctum is reported in rats & mice.
Recent research studied the effect of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi)on experimental cataract in rats and rabbits by
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