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Herb Uses -O, P, Q Herbs
for Insulin, but V. major has long been used by herbalists for this purpose. Vincristine, a major chemotherapy agent for
leukemia, and vinblastin (for Hodgkin’s disease) are derived from the plant. The anti-cancer constituents are very
strong and should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner. Use as a fluid extract. It
has also been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat wasp stings (India), stop bleeding (Hawaii), as an eyewash
(Cuba), and to treat diabetes (Jamaica); contains the alkaloid alstonine which can reduce blood pressure.
Madder (Rubia tinctorium ) Madder is still grown as a medicinal in central Europe and west Asia. The root
eliminates and prevents the formation of kidney and bladder stones, increases bile production and menstruation, and
is a laxative. It is especially useful in urinary tract afflictions in which the system has become alkaline. Powdered root
is wound-healing, often used for skin ulcers. Two ounces of the root can be boiled in six quarts of water and added to
the tub to make a bath that will heal the skin. The red coloring agent is so potent that it turns the urine red and
eventually even stains the bones, although no health problems are associated with these phenomena. Infusions of
leaves and stems treat constipation, diarrhea and bladder disorders. It has a marked effect on the liver and has been
found useful in jaundice. A madder poultice encourages wound healing. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine in east India
and considered an important “blood-purifying” herb that “cleans” the body by improving liver functions. Used for many
pitta-type bleeding conditions. Homeopathically used to treat anemia and ailments of the spleen.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris (A pedatum North American variety)) Medicinal Uses: Used by
Western herbalists to treat coughs, bronchitis, excess mucus, sore throat, and chronic nasal congestion. The plant
also has a longstanding reputation as a remedy for conditions of the hair and scalp. It may be used as an infusion.
Native American sometimes chewed the leaves of the plant to stop internal bleeding. An extract of the plant has
diuretic and hypoglycemic activity in animals. It needs to be used fresh as it’s highly sensitive to time and heat. Can
be used in a poultice (raw and crushed), directly applied to a wound or scalded and infused for several minutes for a
topical poultice to treat eczema, suppurating infections and wounds. In the form of a hair lotion, it stimulates hair
growth. In a tea (1 plant in 1 cup water), it is excellent in treating coughs and chronic skin disorders. In the case of
poor blood circulation, take 3 cups daily. A tincture is also a good choice as an effective concentrated preparation: 2/3
oz in 1 cup alcohol.
Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas (Syn Aspidium filix-mas)) : One of the most effective of all “worm herbs,” male
fern root, or the oleo-resin it yields, is a specific treatment for tapeworms. It acts by paralyzing the muscles of the
worm, forcing it to relax its hold on the gut wall. Provided that the root is taken along with a nonoily purgative like
scammony or black hellebore, it will flush out the parasites. The roots are added to healing salves for wounds and
rubbed into the limbs of children with rickets. It is also good for sores, boils, carbuncles, swollen glands and epidemic
flu. It inhibits bleeding of a hot nature and is combined with cedar leaves for uterine bleeding. With other alteratives
like honeysuckle, forsythia and dandelion it treats toxic blood conditions. Fern tincture should be prepared in new
batches every year.
Mallow, Common (Malva sylvestris): Though less useful than marsh mallow, common mallow is an effective
demulcent. The flowers and leaves are emollient and good for sensitive areas of the skin. Mallow is beneficial in the
treatment of painful swellings and is used as a digestive and diuretic herb, as well as in the making of an external
lotion for acne. The leaves have the reputation of easing the pain of a wasp sting if rubbed on the affected area. A
certain cure for a cold was believed to be bathing the feet in a decoction of the leaves, flowers and roots. Taken
internally, the leaves reduce gut irritation, aids recovery from gastritis and stomach ulcers, laryngitis and pharyngitis,
upper respiratory catarrh and bronchitis and have a laxative effect. When common mallow is combined with
eucalyptus, it makes a good remedy for coughs and other chest ailments. As with marsh mallow, the root may be
given to children to ease teething. The fresh dried leaves are put into decoctions; the root may be dried, but it is best
fresh, if chosen when there are leaves growing from it.
Marjoram, Sweet (Origanum majorana) Has digestive, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic and diuretic
properties. Marjoram tea aids digestion, increases sweating and encourages menstruation. In tests, it inhibits
viruses such as herpes 1 and is an antioxidant that helps preserve foods containing it. As a steam inhalant, marjoram
clears the sinuses and helps relieve laryngitis. Particularly helpful for gastritis and a weak tea is good for colic in
children. The plant is also sometimes made into an herb pillow for rheumatic pains.
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) Dr. Withering described a case in which a large bouquet of marsh marigolds
brought into the sickroom of a spasmodic girl stopped her fits. The cure was presumed a result of whatever the
flowers exude. Since then, the infusions have also been used to prevent fits. A decoction of the herb has been used
for dropsy and in urinary affections. The root tea induces sweating, is an emetic and an expectorant. The leaf tea is a
diuretic and a laxative. Ojibwas mixed tea with maple sugar to make a cough syrup that was popular with colonists.
The syrup was used as a folk antidote to snake venom. The plant contains anemonin and protoanemonin both with
marginal antitumor activity. It has also been used to treat warts: a drop of the leaf juice was applied daily until the wart
disappeared. The Chippewa applied the dried powdered and moistened or fresh root of cowslip twice daily to cure
scrofula sores.
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis): Used whenever a soothing effect is needed, marsh mallow protects and soothes
the mucous membranes. The root counters excess stomach acid, peptic ulceration, and gastritis. It reduces the
inflammation of gall stones. Marsh mallow is also mildly laxative and beneficial for many intestinal problems, including
regional ileitis, colitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome Marshmallow’s ability to bind and eliminate toxins
allows the body to cleanse itself. For this reason, it is added to arthritis, laxative, infection, female tonic, vermifuge and
other cleansing formulas. Taken as a warm infusion, the leaves treat cystitis and frequent urination. Marsh mallow’s
demulcent qualities bring relief to dry coughs, bronchial asthma, bronchial congestion, and pleurisy. The flowers,
crushed fresh or in a warm infusion, are applied to help soothe inflamed skin. The root is used in an ointment for boils
and abscesses, and in a mouthwash for inflammation. The peeled root may be given as a chewstick to teething
babies. The dried root contains up to 35% of mucilage, 38% of starch and 10% of pectin and sugar. Extracts have to
be made with cold water if they are to contain the mucilage and not the starch, the latter dissolving only in hot water. If
marsh mallow is to be used for gargling rather than taken internally as a tea, the starch will be of additional benefit.
Marsh mallow root is very high in pectin. Taking pectin is an effective way to keep blood sugar levels down. The root
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