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Herb Uses -O, P, Q Herbs
Its infection-fighting ability makes lomatium valuable as a mouthwash and gargle for oral and throat
infections, as a douche for bacterial and viral infections or candida, as a skin wash for infected cuts or wounds, and in
many other first- aid situations .
Both tea and tincture forms are commonly used. For acute bacterial or viral infections, 2.5 ml of the tincture
diluted in water can be used three to four times daily. A painful, itchy full-body rash that can persist for days occurs
frequently when the crude tincture is used. It seems to occur more commonly with the strong, fresh-root preparation
and disappears when treatment stops
Long Dan Cao (Gentiana scabra) The root is a bitter, cooling, anti-inflammatory herb that stimulates the appetite and
digestion, increases blood sugar levels and potentiates the sedative and analgesic properties of other herbs. Internally
used for liver disorders, eye complaints related to liver disharmony (such as conjunctivitis), acute urinary infections,
hypertension with dizziness or tinnitus and tantrums in children. Included in many Chinese patent remedies for “liver
heat.” It is also used in the treatment of jaundice, leucorrhoea, eczema, conjunctivitis, and sore throat.
Loofah (Luffa cylindrical ) In Chinese medicine, the inner skeleton of the dried fruit is used to treat pain in the
muscles and joints, chest, and abdomen. It is prescribed for chest infections accompanied by fever and pain, and is
used to clear congested mucus. Loofah is also given to treat painful or swollen breasts. Research indicates the fresh
vine has a stronger expectorant effect than the dried fruit. Dried fruit fibers are used as abrasive sponges in skin care
to remove dead skin and stimulate the peripheral circulation. .
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ) The entire plant is used in medicine. The Sacred water lotus has been used in the Orient
as a medicinal herb for well over 1,500 years. The leaf juice is used in the treatment of diarrhea and is decocted with
liquorice (Glycyrrhiza spp) for the treatment of sunstroke. A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of
premature ejaculation. The flowers are recommended as a cardiac tonic. A decoction of the floral receptacle is used in
the treatment of abdominal cramps, bloody discharges etc. The flower stalk is used in treating bleeding gastric ulcers,
excessive menstruation, post-partum hemorrhage. The stamens are astringent and used in treating urinary frequency,
premature ejaculation, hemolysis, epistasis and uterine bleeding. A decoction of the fruit is used in the treatment of
agitation, fever, heart complaints etc. The seed is used in the treatment of poor digestion, enteritis, chronic diarrhea,
insomnia, palpitations etc. The plumule and radicle are used to treat thirst in high febrile disease, hypertension,
insomnia and restlessness. The root starch is used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery etc, a paste is applied to
ringworm and other skin ailments. It is also taken internally in the treatment of hemorrhages, excessive menstruation
and nosebleeds. The roots are harvested in autumn or winter and dried for later use. The root nodes are used in the
treatment of nasal bleeding, hemoptysis, hematuria and functional bleeding of the uterus. The plant has a folk history
in the treatment of cancer, modern research has isolated certain compounds from the plant that show anticancer
activity. The leaves, which have antipyretic and refrigerant properties, are used against symptoms of summer-heat,
such as headache, respiratory congestion, chronic thirst, and dark scanty urine. The peduncle relieves stomachaches,
calms restless fetus, and controls leukorrhea.
Lovage (or Ligusticum levisticum) Although no extravagant cures were attributed to lovage, medieval physicians
and country folk claimed it alleviated a host of maladies. Fresh juice from the plant squeezed into the eyes relieved
conjunctivitis, and an infusion brewed from the seeds and dropped into the eyes remedied redness and dim vision.
Applied to the skin, this decoction was supposed to remove freckles. People gargled with it, used it as a mouth wash,
and drank it to mitigate pleurisy and flatulence.
Boils, carbuncles and other pustules were treated with hot poultices of lovage leaves. A tea made from the
leaves was said to promote menstrual discharge, soothe bronchitis and bring comfort in the early stages of diptheria.
Drinking the dried and powdered roots in a medium of wine, water or oil was held to improve the functioning of the
lymphatic system, reduce obesity and flabbiness through diuretic action, and remedy colic, jaundice, urinary troubles
and stomach disorders. Main ingredient in many European diuretic preparations and is added to urinary tract
formulas. Can irritate kidneys, so it is not suggested when an infection is present but Commission E suggests making
a tea with 2-4 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water and drinking it once a day for treating kidney stones.
Also used to promote menstruation and to ease migraine headaches.
The colonists in New England found an additional use for the dried root. They nibbled bits of it in church to
chase away the weariness caused by long and tedious sermons. Also in the New World, the Shakers grew lovage and
sold it for medicine and flavoring much like the monks did centuries earlier. The Pennsylvania Germans dried its
hollow stems to use as natural drinking straws. A stimulating cordial called lovage was once popular at public houses
and inns. It was flavored with lovage, but was made primarily from tansy and yarrow. Oil extracted from lovage roots
was used in tobacco blends, perfumes and bath cologne. Has been employed as a mouthwash for soothing tonsillitis
and mouth ulcers.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) Lungwort has been used primarily for lung problems, especially in cases of
bronchitis and laryngitis, and to reduce bronchial congestion. The silica it contains restores the elasticity of lungs, and
made it an appropriate remedy when tuberculosis was common. Major ingredient in the English “Potters Balm of
Gilead Cough Mixture.” As a poultice, it helps enlarged thyroid, burns and tumors and reduces swelling and
inflammation from injuries and bruises. Potential use as a yin tonic. An astringent, lungwort treats diarrhea, especially
in children, and eases hemorrhoids. Its properties are similar to those in comfrey. Both contain allantoin, which
promotes wound-healing action.
-M- HERBS
Mace (Myristica fragrans): Carminative, stimulant, and tonic, mace aids the digestion, is beneficial to the circulation
and is used to mollify febrile upsets and in Asia to relieve nausea. Mace butter is employed as a mild counter-irritant
and used in hair lotions and plasters. As with nutmeg, large doses of mace can lead to hallucination and epileptiform
fits, myristin being poisonous, but dangerous doses are unlikely to be taken in the course of everyday use. Taken in a
toddy, it was a cure for insomnia, but prolonged over-indulgence is now avoided as addictive.
Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca rosea) In 1923, considerable interest was aroused in the medical world by the
statement that this species of Vinca had the power to cure diabetes, and would probably prove an efficient substitute
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