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Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
digestive problems related to blocked liver energy and menstrual complaints including gas, bloating, food stagnation,
colds caused by food congestion, depression and moodiness. It is like Bupleurum in its power to regulate liver chi.
An essential oil in the tubers has antibiotic activity and has been shown to arrest the growth of Micrococcus
pyrogenes. The plant is rated 8th amongst 250 potential antifertility plants in China. The plant is used in the treatment
of cervical cancer
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) All above-ground parts of the plant are useful. It can be used fresh, or dried for
later use. Make it into a tincture, an infusion, or an ointment for topical use. Internally, selfheal has been used
in Western medicine for hemorrhage and to decrease excessive menstruation. Externally in Western medicine,
used for minor injuries, sores, burns, bruises, sore throat, mouth inflammations, and hemorrhoids (whole plant).
The juice of a crushed stem or two will soothe nettle stings, minor bouts with poison ivy, insect bites and
stings. Because it contains the compound rosmarinic acid, it is used for treatment of Graves Disease as it helps
suppress thyroid hormone production. Self-heal contains substances that are diuretic and act against tumors.
Lab tests indicate it may also be antibiotic, hypotensive and antimutagenic in action. In making an oil infusion
let the plants wilt for a full day to increase the shelf life of the oil. Research: A 1993 Canadian study regarding
HIV-1 found that a purified extract of Selfheal was able to significantly inhibit HIV-1 replication with very low
toxicity. The extract was able to inhibit HIV-1 in both lymph and blood. Although prunellin was unable to
prevent HIV-1 infection when cells were pretreated with the purified herbal extract, the virus’ ability to cause
infection was dramatically decreased when it was saturated with prunellin. The purified extract was also able to
block cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1. Moreover, the extract was also able to interfere with the ability of
HIV-1 to bind to CD4 cells. The researchers suggest that the purified extract antagonizes HIV-1 infection of
susceptible cells by preventing viral attachment to the CD4 receptor.
TCM: Indications: jaundice: sore and swollen eyeballs; over-sensitivity to light; headache and dizziness; gout;
scrofula; high blood pressure. In Chinese medicine it is often combined with Dendranthema x grandiflorum for
headaches, high blood pressure, mumps, mastitis, conjunctivitis and hyperactivity in children related to liver
energy problems (flowers). Chinese research shows the herb to have a moderately strong antibiotic actions
against a broad range of pathogens, including the Shigella species and e. coli strains of which can cause enteritis
and urinary infections. Studies also indicate that self-heal has a mildly dilating effect on the blood vessels,
helping to lower blood pressure. In China, self-heal is taken on its own or with Chrysanthemum for fevers,
headaches, dizziness, and vertigo, and to soothe and calm inflamed and sore eyes. It is thought to cool “liver
fire” resulting from liver weakness, and is prescribed for infected and enlarged glands, especially the lymph
nodes of the neck.
Seneca Snakeroot (Polygala senega) It has excellent expectorant effects which may be utilized in the treatment of
bronchial asthma, especially where there is some difficulty with expectoration. The root has a stimulant action on the
bronchial mucous membranes, promoting the coughing up of mucus from the chest and thereby easing wheezing. It
has a general power of stimulating secretion, including saliva. It may be used as a mouthwash and gargle in the
treatment of pharyngitis and laryngitis. A tea made from the bark has been drunk in order to bring about a
miscarriage.
Senna (Cassia senna (Senna alexandrina) Also c. acutifolia (Alexandrian and Khartoum), C. angustifolia
(Indian or Tintoum), C. marilandica (American)) Senna has always been specifically used for constipation.
It is particularly appropriate when a soft stool is required, for example, in cases of anal fissure. The sennosides
irritate the lining of the large intestine, causing the muscles to contract strongly, resulting in a bowel movement
about 10 hours after the dose is taken. They also stop fluid from being absorbed from the large bowel, helping
to keep the stool soft. As a cathartic, senna can cause griping and colic, and is therefore normally taken with
aromatic, carminative herbs that relax the intestinal muscles. Leaves are stronger in action than the pods and
are not as commonly used. Senna pods, or the dried, ripe fruits, are milder in their effects than the leaflets, as
the griping is largely due to the resin, and the pods contain none, but have about 25 per cent more cathartie acid
and emodin than the leaves, without volatile oil. From 6 to 12 pods for the adult, or from 3 to 6 for the young or
very aged, infused in a claret-glass of cold water, act mildly but thoroughly upon the whole intestine. Similar in
action to cascara sagrada, their slightly differenct chemistry does produce a few differences in action. Whereas
cascara is not activated until it reaches the intestines, senna glycosides are readily released by microflora of the
stomach and it is about two thirds more active a laxative than cascara. The pods are made into tablets and other
preparations. Senna is very unpleasant tasting and it is best to combine senna pods with aromatic, carminative
herbs to increase palatability and reduce griping, e.g. cardamom, ginger or fennel.
TCM: Indicated for Wind or bilious colics; a laxative for non-inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract.
To clear heat in the liver and brighten the eyes; to moisten the intestines and move feces.
Serpentwood (Rauvolfia serpentina) The root is the source of the drug reserpine, which is widely prescribed for
high blood pressure and as a tranquilizer. Although reserpine has been successfully synthesized, natural versions are
less expensive and therefore more desirable. As a result, high-volume collection of R. serpentina is depleting the plant
as a natural resource. The root has a pronounced sedative and depressant effect on the sympathetic nervous
system. It is also used for insomnia, hyperglycemia, hypochondria, mental disorders like anxiety and certain forms of
insanity. It does not have to be administered in critical dosages, there are rare side effects, it’s non-habit-forming,
without withdrawal symptoms. It is a slow-acting remedy, and it takes some time for its effect to become fully
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