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Herb Uses I, J, K- Herbs
Kino (Pterocarpus marsupium ) The strongly astringent kino tightens the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal
tract. It can treat chronic diarrhea and relieve the irritation caused by intestinal infection and colitis. Although its taste
is unpleasant, this herb makes a good mouthwash and gargle. It is widely used in Asia as a douche for excessive
vaginal discharge. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the plant produced a significant reduction in the blood sugar
level in rabbits. The decoction of bark has significant effect on scrum cholesterol in hyper- cholesterolemic rabbits.
Propterols, isolated from the plant, show antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria. Epicatechin was tested
for antidiabetic activity in albino rats; it protected against alloxan-induced diabetes Kino is almost entirely soluble in
alcohol and entirely in ether and partly in water.
Knapweed (Centaurea nigra ) A medieval wound salve. Used to soothe sore throats and bleeding gums. Also acts
as a diuretic.
Knotweed, Common (Polygonum aviculare) It has been used in the treatment of chronic urinary tract infections. It
is claimed to be useful in the prevention of the formation of renal calculi. It stops bleeding and alleviates colics and
catarrhs (usually combined with silverweed and ribwort plantain). It is an ingredient in many herbal teas. It operates in
the basal metabolism as an adjuvant in diabetic, expectorant and antidiarrheic preparations. It is used to treat
bronchitis with bleeding. It is used for pulmonary complaints since its silicic acid content helps strengthen connective
tissue within the lungs. It is also used in combination with other herbs to treat rheumatic conditions, gout, and skin
disease. It is regarded as a “blood purifying’ remedy. Knotgrass has also been used to treat inflammations of the
mucous membranes of the intestinal tract and has been useful in cases of flatulence and biliary insufficiency.
Externally it has been used to treat sore throats and vaginal inflammation. Dosage is a decoction of the root from
10-20g to 2 glasses of water, half a glass 3 times a day. Can be used for douches, compresses, rinses. Alcoholic
extracts prevent the crystallization of mineral substances in the urine and are antiphlogistic, bacteriostatic and diuretic.
Research is being done on the efficacy of the plant in reducing the fragility of blood capillaries, especially in the
alimentary canal.
In the Chinese tradition, knotgrass is given for intestinal worms, to treat diarrhea and dysentery, and as a
diuretic, particularly in cases of painful urination. Chinese research indicates that the plant is a useful medicine for
bacillary dysentery.
Knotweed, Japanese (Polygonum cuspidatum) In China, the root was used medicinally to treat menstrual and
postpartum difficulties.
Kousso (Hagenia abyssinica) Purgative and anthelmintic; One dose is said to be effective in destroying both kinds of
tapeworms, the taenia solium and bothriocephalus latus; but as it possesses little cathartic power the subsequent
administration of a purgative is generally necessary to bring away the destroyed ectozoon. The dose of the flowers
when powdered is from 4 to 5 1/2 drachms, macerated in 3 gills of lukewarm water for 15 minutes; the unstrained
infusion is taken in two or three doses following each other, freely drinking lemon-juice or tamarind water before and
after the doses. It is advisable to fast twenty-four or forty-eight hours before taking the drug. The operation is usually
safe, effective, and quick, merely causing sometimes a slight nausea, but it has never failed to expel the worm.
Occasionally emesis takes place or diuresis, and collapse follows, but cases of this sort are extremely rare. It is said in
Abyssinia that honey gathered from beehives immediately the Kousso plants have flowered is very effective in
teaspoonful doses as a taenicide, its effect being to poison the worms. As a medicine it is very apt to be adulterated,
owing to its high price; therefore it is advisable to buy it in its unpowdered state.
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) Indicated for colds, fever and chills with attendant aches in shoulders, neck and back; dry
throat and stomach. The root is good for most external, acute conditions and is particularly useful in relieving stiff neck
and muscular tension due to “wind-heat” injury, as well as in treating colds, flu, headache and diarrhea. Because of
its mild tonic properties and its ability to replenish body fluids, it may be used for the treatment of diabetes and
hypoglycemia. Plant has long been used in Chinese medicine to treat alcohol abuse and has recently been publicized
as a potentially safe and effective treatment. The chemicals daidzin and daidzein in both roots and flowers suppress
the appetite for alcohol. For measles it is often used in combination with sheng ma. Chinese studies indicate that
kudzu increases cerebral blood flow in patients with arteriosclerosis, and eases neck pain and stiffness.Roots: counter
poisons; induce sweating; treat fever, vomiting, dysentery, diarrhea, chicken pox, influenza, diabetes, typhoid fever,
excessive gas in the system. Dry pan roasted, it is very good for spleen deficient diarrhea and loose bowls. Flowers:
treat excessive influence of alcoholic drinks, dysentery, gas in the intestine. Vine (without the leaves): treats coughs,
general weakness
Kumarou (Pomaderis kumarahou) Kumarahou is a traditional Maori remedy that has been used to treat a wide
range of illnesses. Its most common use is as a remedy for problems of the respiratory tract, such as asthma and
bronchitis. However, it has also been used in the treatment of indigestion and heartburn, diabetes, and kidney
problems. Kumarahou is considered to be a detoxifier and “blood cleansing” plant, and is used to treat skin rashes
and sores, including lesions produced by skin cancer. High in anti-oxidants, protects liver from lipid peroxidation.
Adaptagenic activity increases performance, speed and stamina.
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