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Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
Scammony Root (Ipomoea orizabensis ) One of the most effective purgatives known producing copious watery
evacuations. In large doses it causes considerable pain, and its preparations should not be used by those suffering
from gastric or intestinal inflammation.
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) Not used much by medical herbalists today, scarlet pimpernel has diuretic,
sweat-inducing, and expectorant properties. As an expectorant, it was used to stimulate the coughing up of mucus
and help recovery from colds and flu. It has been used to treat epilepsy and mental problems for 2,000 years, but
there is little evidence to support its efficacy. A tincture prepared from the fresh plant is used to treat skin eruptions and
ulcers, also as a cholagogic and diuretic. The whole herb can be taken internally or applied externally as a poultice. An
infusion is used in the treatment of dropsy, skin infections and disorders of the liver and gall bladder.
Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris ) Scot's pine has quite a wide range of medicinal uses, being valued especially for its
antiseptic action and beneficial effect upon the respiratory system. It may be used in cases of bronchitis, sinustitis or
upper respiratory catarrh, both as an inhalant and internally. It may also be helpful in asthma. The stimulating action
gives the herb a role in the internal treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. Scots pine branches and stems yield a thick
resin, which is also antiseptic within the respiratory tract. It is a valuable remedy in the treatment of kidney, bladder
and rheumatic affections, and also in diseases of the mucous membranes. Externally it is used in the form of liniment
plasters and inhalers. The leaves and young shoots are antiseptic, diuretic and expectorant. They are used internally
for their mildly antiseptic effect within the chest and are also used to treat rheumatism and arthritis. There is a tradition
of adding the twigs to bath water to ease nervous debility and sleeplessness, as well as aiding the healing of cuts and
soothing skin irritations. The seeds are used for bronchitis, tuberculosis and bladder infections. A decoction of the
seeds may be applied to suppress excessive vaginal discharge.
Screwpine (Pandanus odoratissimus) Screwpine is restorative, antihydrotic, deodorant, indolent and
phylactic, promoting a feeling of wellbeing and acting as a counter to tropical lassitude. A useful adjunct to
oral hygiene as a breath sweetener, it is also used in local ritual, its sweetness symbolizing man’s better
qualities. Externally used as a poultice for boils (leaf bud)
Scurvy Grass (Cochlearia officinalis ) The young plant, which has a general detoxicant effect and contains a wide
range of minerals is taken as a spring tonic. Like watercress, it has diuretic properties and is useful for any condition
in which poor nutrition is a factor. It can be used in the form of a juice as an antiseptic mouthwash for canker sores,
and can also be applied externally to spots and pimples. Blood purification cures use it as an essential ingredient. An
infusion of 8 parts leaves, 3 parts alcohol and 3 parts water, concentrated to two-thirds of its original volume, is an
effective remedy for toothache when used on a cotton ball. The fresh leaves are used in the treatment of rheumatics,
dropsy, white fluor (vaginal discharge) and constipation.
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Sea buckthorn berries are very high in vitamin C. They have been used
to help improve resistance to infection. The berries are mildly astringent, and a decoction of them has been used as a
wash to treat skin irritation and eruptions. Medicinal uses of sea-buckthorn are well documented in Asia and Europe.
Investigations on modern medicinal uses were initiated in Russia during the 1950's. Preparations of sea-buckthorn oils
are recommended for external use in the case of burns, bed sores, and other skin complications induced by
confinement to a bed or treatment with X-ray or radiation. Internally, sea-buckthorn is used for the treatment of
stomach and duodenal ulcers. In the United Kingdom and Europe sea-buckthorn products are used in aromatherapy.
Research in the late 1950's and early 1960's reported that 5-hydroxytryptamine (hippophan) isolated from
sea-buckthorn bark inhibited tumor growth. More recently, clinical studies on the anti-tumor functions of sea-buckthorn
oils conducted in China have been positive. Sea-buckthorn oil, juice or the extracts from oil, juice, leaves and bark
have been used successfully to treat high blood lipid symptoms, eye diseases, gingivitis and cardiovascular diseases
such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Sea-buckthorn was formally listed in the "Pharmacopoeia of
China" in 1977. The tender branches and leaves contain bioactive substances which are used to produce an oil that is
quite distinct from the oil produced from the fruit. Yields of around 3% of oil are obtained. This oil is used as an
ointment for treating burns. The fruit is astringent and used as a tonic. The freshly-pressed juice is used in the
treatment of colds, febrile conditions, exhaustion etc. The fruit is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially
in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty
acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of
cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers. The juice is also a component of many
vitamin-rich medicaments and cosmetic preparations such as face-creams and toothpastes. A decoction of the fruit
has been used as a wash to treat skin irritation and eruptions.
Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) Sea holly is used as a diuretic. It is prescribed as a treatment for cystitis
and urethritis, and taken as a means to alleviate kidney stones. It is unlikely that the herb actually dissolves
established stones, but it probably helps retard their formation. Sea holly is also used to treat enlargement or
inflammation of the prostate gland, and may be of benefit in treating chest problems. It will ease colic due to
urinary problems as well as reducing hemorrhage.
Sea Wormwood (Artemisia maritima) These flower heads are especially effective against Ascaris lumbricoides,
which are nematode worms similar to earthworms, white in color, that frequently infest the intestine of children. These
flowers have also proven effective against other intestinal parasites. Its medicinal virtues are similar to wormwood, A.
absinthum, though milder in their action. It is used mainly as a tonic to the digestive system, in treating intermittent
fevers and as a vermifuge
Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera ) The fruits have been used to reduce fever. The roots have been used to treat
diarrhea. The bark yields an extract known as “Jamaica kino,” used to treat dysentery. A gum from the bark is used for
throat ailments.
Sedge (Cyperus rotundus ) Important in traditional Chinese medicine and also used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Bittersweet herb that relieves spasms and pain, acting mainly on the digestive system and uterus. Internally used for
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