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Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
established. The West African species R. vomitoria is used as a sedative, aphrodisiac, and anticonvulsant in
traditional African medicine.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Sesame is principally used as food and flavoring agent in China, but it is also
taken to redress “states of deficiency,” especially those affecting the liver and kidneys. The seeds are
prescribed for problems such as dizziness, tinnitus, and blurred vision (when due to anemia). Because of their
lubricating effect within the digestive tract, the seeds are also considered a remedy for “dry” constipation. The
seeds have a marked ability to stimulate breast-milk production. Sesame seed oil benefits the skin and is used
as a base for cosmetics. A decoction of the root is used in various traditions to treat coughs and asthma. In
experiments undertaken using laboratory animals, sesame seeds have been shown to lower blood sugar levels
and also to raise the levels of stored carbohydrates (glycogen). The presence of various principles (sesamin and
sesamol) gives the oil, rich in unsaturated oils, an anti-oxidant property. The leaves are used in bladder and
kidney troubles and in Africa are administered to children for a variety of upsets including dysentery, diarrhoea
and wind. Eye and skin lotions are also prepared from the leaves, which are believed detoxicant.
Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis ) Shan Zhu Yu has been used for at least 2,000 years in Chinese herbal
medicine. An herb that “stabilizes and binds,” shan zhu yu is used principally to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and
unusually active secretions, including copious sweating, excessive urine, spermatorrhea (involuntary discharge of
semen), and premature ejaculation. Shan zhu yu is astringent, and like all herbs that suppress bodily fluids, it will
simply prolong or lead to a worsening of symptoms if used without tonic or detoxifying herbs It is, therefore, normally
used in combination with herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa and is an ingredient of the "Pill of eight ingredients"
which is used in China to "warm up and invigorate the yang of the loins". The fruit, without the seed, is decocted for
the treatment of arthritis, fever and a wide range of other ailments. It is used in the treatment of senile lumbago,
diabetes, cystitis, tinnitus etc. The fruit has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Bacillus dysenteriae and
staphococci. The bark is reputed to be an effective remedy for malarial fevers.
TCM: tonifies kidney and liver energy; nourishes semen-essence. Indicated for empty kidney-energy; deficient
liver-energy
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) The premier herb for women in Ayurveda, shatavari is similar to dong quai
in its action and effects, but is not a “connoisseur herb” like dong quai, so it’s not as expensive. Internally for
infertility, loss of libido, threatened miscarriage, menopausal problems, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, dysentery,
and bronchial infections. It increases milk, semen and nurtures the mucous membranes. It both nourishes and
cleanses the blood and the female reproductive organs. It is a good food for menopause or for those who have
had hysterectomies, as it supplies many female hormones. It nourishes the ovum and increases fertility, yet its
quality is sattvic and aids in love and devotion. Three grams of the powder can be taken in one cup of warm
milk sweetened with raw sugar. It’s especially good for pitta types. Externally for stiffness in joints and neck.
The most important herb in Ayurvedic medicine for women. Used internally by Australian Aborigines for
digestive upsets and externally for sores.
Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella): Leaf tea of this common European alien traditionally used for fevers,
inflammation, scurvy. Sheep’s sorrel is a detoxifying herb, the fresh juice having a pronounced diuretic effect.
It has been used as a liver stimulant and blood alterative that is useful in treating skin disorders and various
other metabolic imbalances. Fresh leaves considered cooling. The leaves poulticed (after roasting) are used for
tumors, wens, folk cancer remedy. Root tea used for diarrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding. The leaves are
mildly laxative and holds out potential as a long-term treatment for chronic disease, in particular that of the
gastrointestinal tract.
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris or Thlaspi bursa-pastoris) When dried and infused, it yields a tea
as a specific for stopping hemorrhages of the stomach, lungs, and especially of the kidneys. Its antiscorbutic,
stimulant and diuretic action caused it to be much used in kidney complaints and dropsy. Used to stop heavy
menstruation. A tincture made from the fresh herb and taken every hour or two is one of the most effective
hemostatics. To make a styptic solution, boil 3 oz of herb in two pints of hot water. Internal dose is 2 tsp every
four hours. To make a healing ointment, simmer for a half hour one heaping Tbsp of ground plaintain and
shepherd’s purse leaves in 4 oz of lard or suet. Strain into containers. An astringent herb, it disinfects the
urinary tract in cases of cystitis, and is taken for diarrhea. Because of its reputed stimulant, diuretic, and
antiscorbutic action, the weed has been much used in the treatment of numerous kidney complaints. Also for
hypertension and postpartum bleeding. Research suggests that the plant is anti-inflammatory and reduces
fever. The secret of Capsella’s blood-clotting ability is its content of vitamin K. For an almost instant arrest of
nosebleed, many people simply soak a cotton swab with the freshly expressed juice of shepherd’s purse and
insert it into the affected nostril. Many people take an infusion as a refreshing spring tonic, in the belief that it
relieves such circulatory disturbances as hypertension, varicose veins, arteriosclerosis and hemorrhoids.
European herbalists have found that a sitz bath infused with shepherd’s purse is particularly soothing for
hemorrhoid sufferers. Shepherd’s purse also plays an important role in a mixture recommended for
bed-wetting.
Shooting Star (Dodecatheon spp D hendersonii, D meadia) The leaf tea was employed by some northwestern
Indian tribes as a treatment for cold sores.
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