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Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
Strychnine. The powdered seeds are employed in atonic dyspepsia. The tincture of Nux Vomica is often used in
mixtures - for its stimulant action on the gastro-intestinal tract. In the mouth it acts as a bitter, increasing appetite; it
stimulates peristalsis, in chronic constipation due to atony of the bowel it is often combined with cascara and other
laxatives with good effects. Strychnine, the chief alkaloid constituent of the seeds, also acts as a bitter, increasing the
flow of gastric juice; it is rapidly absorbed as it reaches the intestines, after which it exerts its characteristic effects
upon the central nervous system, the movements of respiration are deepened and quickened and the heart slowed
through excitation of the vagal center. The senses of smell, touch, hearing and vision are rendered more acute, it
improves the pulse and raises blood pressure and is of great value as a tonic to the circulatory system in cardiac
failure. Strychnine is excreted very slowly and its action is cumulative in any but small doses; it is much used as a
gastric tonic in dyspepsia. The most direct symptom caused by strychnine is violent convulsions due to a simultaneous
stimulation of the motor or sensory ganglia of the spinal cord; during the convulsion there is great rise in blood
pressure; in some types of chronic lead poisoning it is of great value. In cases of surgical shock and cardiac failure
large doses are given up to 1/10 grain by hypodermic injection; also used as an antidote in poisoning by chloral or
chloroform. Brucine closely resembles strychnine in its action, but is slightly less poisonous, it paralyses the peripheral
motor nerves. It is said that the convulsive action characteristic of strychnine is absent in brucine almost entirely. It is
used in pruritis and as a local anodyne in inflammations of the external ear. Internally, in minute amounts, for nervous
exhaustion, debility, and poor appetite (especially in the elderly and children). It is also used as a central nervous
system stimulant in chloroform or chloral poisoning, surgical shock, and cardiac arrest.
Suma (Pfaffia paniculata ) It increases energy, strengthens the immune system, fortified hormones (especially
estrogen), reduces tumors and cancers, regulates blood sugar. It is considered a near panacea in Brazil, which it is
called “Brazilian ginseng.” In herbal medicine in Ecuador today, Suma is considered a tonic for the cardiovascular
system, the central nervous system, the reproductive system, and the digestive system and is used to treat hormonal
disorders, sexual dysfunction and sterility, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, circulatory and digestive disorders, rheumatism,
and bronchitis. In European herbal medicine Suma is used as to restore nerve and glandular functions, to balance the
endocrine system, to strengthen the immune system, for infertility, menopausal and menstrual symptoms, to minimize
the side-effect of birth control medications, for high cholesterol, to neutralize toxins and as a general restorative tonic
after illness. In North and South American herbal medicine Suma root is used as an adaptogenic and regenerative
tonic regulating many systems of the body, as an immunostimulant, and is used to treat exhaustion resulting from
Epstein-Barr disease and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, hypoglycemia, impotency, arthritis, anemia, diabetes, cancer,
tumors, mononucleosis, high blood pressure, PMS, menopause and hormonal disorders and many types of stress.
Suma has also been called "The Russian Secret" because it is taken by Russian Olympic athletes to increase
muscle-building and endurance without the side effects associated with steroids. This action is attributed to the
anabolic agent, beta-ecdysterone as well as three novel ecdysteroid glycosides which are found in high amounts in
Suma. Suma is such a rich source of beta-ecdysterone, that it is the subject of a Japanese patent for the extraction
methods employed to obtain it from this root. Two other plant hormones found in Suma, sitosterol and stigmasterol,
are believed to encourage estrogen production and may account for it's use for menopausal symptoms.
Sumac (Rhus coriaria) In the Middle East, a sour drink is made from the fruit to relieve stomach upsets.
Sumac, Smooth (Rhus glabra) 19 th century American physicians frequently prescribed preparations made
from Sumac. The berries have refrigerant and diuretic properties, and are used in bowel complaints and febrile
disorders. A drug made from the dried ripe fruit is a component of gargles. The bark also has healing
properties. A dose of 1 teaspoonful of the bark decocted in boiling water and taken a mouthful at a time
relieves throat irritations. The bark may be boiled in milk and used as a healing wash for minor burns in the
absence of more potent remedies. The bark of the roots was simmered with lard and the resulting salve was
used to heal burns without leaving scars. Spirituous infusions of Sumac were rubbed on the limbs to relieve
rheumatism and aching muscles, and small balls of the gummy sap inserted into tooth cavities relieved the pain
of toothache. Decoctions in large doses are said to be cathartic in effect. The seeds are used as a styptic. All
parts of the plant yield tannin which is medicinally valuable and dyes which are used in the leather industry.
Sumbul (Ferula sumbul (syn Ferula suaveolens) ) A very effective nerve stimulant and tonic. The medicinal action
resembles that of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and the plant is used in the treatment of various hysterical conditions.
It is also believed to have a specific action on the pelvic organs and is used in treating dysmenorrhea and a wide
range of other feminine disorders. The root is also a stimulant to mucous membranes and is used in treating chronic
dysenteries, diarrhea, bronchitis and even pneumonia.
Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) The sundew has a long history of herbal use, having been popular for its fortifying
and aphrodisiac effects. Sundew may be used with great benefit in bronchitis and whooping cough. The presence of
plumbagin helps to explain this, as it has been shown to be active against streptoccous, staphylococcus and
pneumococcus bacteria. Sundew will also help with the infections in other parts of the respiratory tract. The plant is
used with advantage in the treatment of whooping cough, exerting a peculiar action on the respiratory organs. It is also
used in the treatment of incipient phthisis and chronic bronchitis. Its relaxing effect upon involuntary muscles helps in
the relief of asthma. In addition to the pulmonary conditions it has a long history in the treatment of stomach ulcers.
Commonly mixed with thyme in a syrup, sundew is a helpful remedy for coughs in children. The herb is also prescribed
for gastric problems. It has pigments that are active against a wide range of pathogens. Externally, the fresh juice is
directly applied to warts and corns to stimulate their removal.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Russian folk healers chop the head of a sunflower, soak the pieces in vodka and
soap chips in a sunny place for nine days, and then rub the mixture on the joints of rheumatic patients as a potent
liniment. In medical clinics, Russian doctors prepare decoctions of the seeds for jaundice, malaria, heart conditions,
diarrhea, and other ailments. The seeds, browned in the oven, and made into an infusion, make a widely used remedy
for whooping cough.
Sunflower, Woodland (Helianthus strumosus ) The sunflower has many common uses. Indians applied the
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