Latin Name

Common Name

Tibetan Formulation Use(s)

AyurVedic

Chinese Medicine

African Medicine

Notes; Grieve/European

Acacia catechu, (L.) Willd.

Catechu, Black Catechu. Cutch. Dark form is astringent; light is sweeter.

Epistaxis (35); pains in hips/upper body (35); "bad" blood in lower body, pain in upper region of back, difficulty breathing (148); Thangka: alleviates blood diseases-seng-ldeng

See Butea frondosa.

Huang: Er cha; promotes salivation, resolve phlegm, arrest bleeding and treat pyogenic infection; use peeled branch, stem; Hsu: NG.

A. senegal (gum arabic), as well albida, brevispica, macrothyrsa; senegal for dysentery, diarrhea, gonorrhea remedy (in Tanzania), anti-inflammatory; fruits, bark, latex. Applied externally for nodular leprosy (Gambia).

Mimosaceae. Extract, bark, wood, flowering tops, gum/latex used. Iwu: A. albida for childbirth, fever, coughs, diarrhea uses leaves, fruits. Grieve: High tannic acid content; infusions for nosebleed, uterine hemorrhage. External for boils, ulcers. Dentrifice.

Acalypha australis

A. australis L. is annual copperleaf

Thangka: remedy for fever associated with wounds and contagious fevers-chu-sho

NS-A. pennata Willd. leaves for indigestion, bleeding gums, snake-poison antidote; A. fruticosa Forsk. leaves for dyspepsia; A. hispida Burm. flowers for diarrhea; A. indica L. (syn. spicata, ciliata, canescana) leaves as laxative; contains alkaloids; expressed juice emetic for kids; various ext uses; cathartic, antihelmintic, expectorant, emetic, anodyne, hypnotic

Hsu: A. australis L. (tie xian cai) dried, whole plant used; bitter, astringent, neutral; cleanses heat, delivers water, kills intestinal parasites; used in dysentery, diarrhea, hemoptysis due to cough, hematochezia, functional bleeding, malnutrition, abdominal distention, dermatitis, eczema, incised wound bleeding. In vitro bacteriostatic effect against dysentery (but whether and how well in humans?)

NS-A. ciliata fruits, leaves for coughs, rituals, wound dressing; A. indicum-leaves as antihelmintic, eye inflammation; A. wilkesiana leaves as antimycotic, antibacterial, wound dressing. A. ciliata used with limited success for bilharzia; A. ornata frequently prescribed for skin infections (scabies)

Listed at Dharmapala site (noted as Thangka); not in Tsarong.

Aconitum balfourii, Stapf.

Deinorrhizum type (Stapf defined by root)

Dysentery, fever from inflammation, lungs, throat, flu inflammation (33); anti-inflammatory, analgesic (121); contagious or febrile disorders, flu (161)

The more powerful alkaloid, like A. ferox; very toxic. A. felconeris Stapf. leaves, seeds, roots used (Vatsnabh) as anodyne, antidiabetic, antiperiodic, etc.; large doses poisonous.

NS; Huang: A. brachypodum (yi zhi hao) as analgesic, activate blood circulation, reduce swelling; arthritis-not for pregnant or children.

NG

Ranunculaceae. Hsu: notes acontine alkaloids (incl. aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine, jesaconitine) are most toxic. Atisine and variants (napelline, songorine, ignavine, hyognavine, kobusine) are less toxic; aconite species often contain cardiotonic, hygenamine (dl-dimethyl-coclaurine)

Aconitum heterophyllum, Wall.

(Stapf-anthora type root)

Excess from eating greasy foods causing headache, bitter taste, fever/thirst, yellowish sclera, nausea, vomiting (26); febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, pain from throat, lung, eye inflammation (27)

Ativisha. Roots bitter, tonic, astringent, stomachic, antiperiodic, aphrodisiac. Atisine is alkaloid principle. Diarrhea, dysentery, acute inflammatory infections with cough or dyspepsia associated. Various decoctions based on use; different forms are toxic, some with potential remedies, others without (European form); strict supervision if using and with care; do not use old herbs; constituents lose potency; annual, biennial and perennial forms (Stapf). Aconitine, indaconitine and pseudaconitine are alkaloids with physiological activity.

NS; Huang: A. husnezoffi (cao wu or tsao wu) hypaconitine, acontine, aconine, mesaconitine and talatisamine. Analgesic, sedative; slows heart rate. Quite toxic-overdose causes parasthesia, dry mouth, bradycardia, coma (extreme)

NG

Ranunculaceae. Contains alkaloid atisine.

Aconitum spicatum, Stapf.

(Stapf. napellus type root)

Meat poisoning; difficulty swallowing (28); antihelmintic, treating sudden pains from inflammatory infections, intestinal parasites or microorganisms affecting head, tooth, anal region and skin (57)

Contains toxic alkaloid, bichaconitine; considered one of the Napellus types (biennial)

NS; Huang: pai-fu-tzu used as analgesic, tranquilizer but may be dried white root of Typhonium giganteum

NG

Ranunculaceae. Huang: low-dose aconitine stimulates heart function; higher doses depress. Roots must be processed (various ways; often including long boiling) to reduce toxicities. Grieve: notes that A. napellus Linn. is extremely toxic (Monkshood); whole plant is used but mostly root. Wash cold, slice long, let dry, collect in autumn; ointment used for neuralgia. Causes burning then numb tongue if not prepared.

Aconitum violaceum

(Stapf. napellus type root)

fever from inflammation, to help offset severe infection (117)

NS; p.31; A. napellus is also known as Monk's hood, aconite, wolf's bane

NS; Hsu: fu-tzu/wu-tou is A. carmichaelii Debx. hot, toxic; restores yang; arthralgia, analgesic, cardiotoinc. See 371/

NG

Ranunculaceae. Grieve: see previous entries

Aconitum sp.

--

Thangka: Monkshood as A. naviculare; alleviates blood diseases, cures poisoning -bong-nga dkar[-po]; A. lycoctonum (yellow wolfsbane) cures poisoning-bong-nga ser [-po]

see previous entries

see previous entries

NG

Listed at Dharmapala site; not in Tsarong.

Acorus calamus, Linn.

Sweetflag

Pacifies hot/cold disorders, for common cold (16); antihelmintic (57); stomach pains, parasites, tonsillitis (88); increase stomach heat, stomach pain, flatulence, vomiting, appetite loss, vertigo (138)

Vacha; rhizome used; for dyspepsia, flatulence, loss of appetite as infusion; hysteria, neuralgia; with licorice for cough, fever (esp. in kids) Ext. for rheumatism. Essential oil, acorin, bitter (choline) and calamine (useful in dysentery). Root/rhizome used.

Shui-chang-pu. Pungent, warm; heart/liver meridians; stomachic, analgesic, sedative, antifungal; diuretic.

NG

Aroideae. Grieve: NO Araceae; sweet sedge; root used; properties due to volatile oil, obtained from steam distillation; aromatic stimulant, mild tonic; bitter; carminative; increases appetite; tincture of oil also used in inhalations; may chew dry root for dyspepsia or infuse; used in ague.

Adhatoda vasica Nees ex Wall.

Malabar nut

General upper body pain, dry mouth, insomnia, sighing, dizziness, etc. (7); general rLung with fever causing dizziness or insomnia, painful breathing (8); Thangka: alleviates blood diseases-ba-sha-ka

Vasaka, vasa; leaves, roots, flowers, bark all used; a variety of bush; bitter with alkaloid vasicine, adhatodic acid. Root bark. Expectorant, diuretic, antispasmodic, alterative. Leaf/root decoctions used for asthma, cough, etc.

NG

NS; A. buchholzii as anti-inflammatory, fish poison, use fruits, whole plant.

Acanthaceae. Grieve primarily refers to uses in India; flowers, leaves roots, fruits as antispasmodic for asthma, intermittent fever; expectorant in bronchitis, phthisis

Adiantum pedatum, Linn.

(Maiden hair fern is the A. capillus-veneris variety)

Bad-kan sMug-po - to help recognize disorders and bring them back to source; balance bodily temp, increase appetite, control epistaxis, heal bad-kan, mKhris-pa; lethargy, thirst, stomach/liver pains; menorrhagia (151); see 174

Chronic catarrh; distinguished as separate from capillus-veneris which is used as expectorant, diuretic, emmenagogue (promote menses); for chronic cough. Whole plant antirheumatic, astringent, demulcent, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, pectoral, tonic; tea or syrup used for nasal congestion, asthma, sore throats, etc.; root decoction massaged into rheumatic joints; N. American Indians chew fronds, then apply them to wounds to stop bleeding; strong infusion of whole plant is emetic for ague, fevers; merits scientific investigation

NG

NG (or family)

Polypodiaceae; Grieve: A pedatum from Canada! A dainty little evergreen fern. Lots of tannin and mucilage. In France, syrup of fronds and rhizomes for pulmonary catarrhs. Demulcent with orange flower flavoring. She notes that species in India, Mexico (less powerful), Jamaica and Ethiopia use it similarly.

Aleuritopteris argentea Gmel.

--

Thangka: Inferior species compatible [which male fern]; alleviates meat poisoning, compounded poisons and faver caused by bile-cha-mthun gang du'-mo dman-pa

NG

NG

NG

Listed at Dharmapala site; not in Tsarong.

Allium sativum, Linn.

Garlic

Antihelmintic, hemorrhoids (34); minor ingredient mostly; Thangka: tranquillizes fevers asociated with wind-sgog-skya.

Rasonam (lacking one taste); lashuna; hot, stimulant, carminative, emmenagogue, antirheumatic, antihelmintic, alterative

Ta-suan; antihelmintic with warm property, pungent flavor. For acute or chronic gastroenteric diseases, dysentery, febrile diseases, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, whooping cough

Hypertension, diabetes, anti-inflammatory, diabetes and for respiratory infections (pneumonia); ext. in N. Nigeria for skin problems.

Inhibits Staphylococcus flavus (dysentery, pneumonia), antifungal effects and against Trichomonas vaginalis.

Amomum subulatum, Roxb.

Ceylon or Greater Cardamom

Component in 25 formulas; for kidney function (10); bad-kan sMug-po healing with sx of sour/watery vomitus, stomach/intestine inflammation, hematemesis, dry feces or diarrhea (46); vasodilator and nerve disorders like Parksinson's (59)

Seed oil as stomachic for post-choleric irritation; decoction used as gargle for gums; cheaper cousin of E. cardamomum.

NS-see E. cardamomum (pai-tou-kou); also Suo-sha, which are usually ginger variants; Yang-chun-sha is A. villosum which Huang refers to as sha ren--arrests diarrhea, prevents miscarriage

A. zingiber ref to see Zingiber officinalis.

Elletaria. Seeds and oil mostly used; see also Elettaria cardamomum

Angelica sp.

Angelica

Constituent in 8 formulae; tonifies body, promotes longevity (40); tonifies kidney, polyuria, seminuria (41); cold kidney, polyuria, seminuria (129); see also 131 re cold kidney

A. glauca used as cordial, stimulant in dyspepsia, constipation

Dang Gui or Tang-Kuei is A. sinensis, used to move blood, moisten intestines, regulate menses; diuretic, uterine-regulating and sedative effects noted; used traditionally for headache due to blood deficiency, chest/abdominal pain, constipation, amenorrhea, menorrhagia and bleeding

NG. Several members of this family are used in African traditions. See H. nepalensis and discussion of C. asiatica.

Umbelliferae. Grieve: Lengthy article, A. archangelica, Roots (medicinal), leaves (bitters), stems and seeds (flavoring) used; highly esteemed. Action is carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, tonic, expectorant

Aquilaria agollocha, Roxb.

Eaglewood or Aloewood

Mental unrest/lethargy; outer bark of herb mentioned as separate, additional ingredient (7, 8); Thangka: tranquilizes fevers asociated with wind; a-ga-ru

Stimulant, cholagogue, deobstruent; paste used for kids w/bronchitis; also in gout, rheumatism, stop vomiting and for snake-bite; fumigation acts as anodyne for surgical pain. Java-rusa-uda is a common confection used as a nervine tonic, for seminal debility, giddiness, leucorrhea

Chen Xiang, chen hsiang pungent, bitter flavor, mild, warm; qi descends, harmonizes middle warmer, supplements yang, disperses cold; trad use for asthma, vomiting, hiccoughs, epigastric pain, deficiency cold of waist and knees; in vitro effects upon typhus and dysentery bacteria; analgesic

NG

Chinese chen xiang may be A. lignum or A. sinensis; or even Excoecaria agallocha which is Euphorbiaceae family. Huang specifically refers to chen xiang as A. sinensis (Lour.) Gilg.; used as an antiemetic, to rest the stomach; promote qi circulation; also as a neuroleptic. Grieve has no mention of aquilaria, nor eaglewood or aloewood.

Areca catechu, Linn.

Betel-nut palm

All types of kidney disorders, tonifies seven bodily sustainers (lus-zung) (75); kidney tonic (76)

Nut for bowel complaints, as a vermifuge. Various pastes made for chewing for teeth and gums (w/tobacco makes things worse); tincture as a gargle; used for tape worms, hookworms (but may be that causes people to spit them out rather than kill)

Ta-fu-pi (da-fu-pi) uses dried fruit skin; contains tannin; pungent flavor, mild warm property; qi to descend; for chronic hepatitis, indigestion, edema, oliguria, diarrhea. Pin-lang-tzu (bing-lang-zi) is seed; chewed; vermifuge; arecoline paralyzes flatworms; stomachic, swelling, tenesmus

Fruits, leaves used as a tonic, laxative. Iwu notes arecoline's use in Alzheimer's disease. Arecaidine and guvacine may be GABA-uptake inhibitors and thus may explain potentially addictive nature of the herb. Long-term use may also increase cancer risk, possibly due to arecaidine.

Palmae. Constituents are alkaloids such as arecoline. Huang: refers to it as bing lang. May elevate CyP450 (does in mice; didn't say which); secretagogue; treats taeniasis (tapeworms). Used with nan gua zi (Cucurbita moschata). Dose is 80-100 g for adults, 50-60 for kids) decocted and on an empty stomach.

Arenaria capillaris

Grieve: common sandspurry is A. rubra

Minor constituent in F171, used for lung disorders, spitting blood

NG

NG

NG

Caryophyllaceae. Grieve notes that it is commonly used in bladder disorders and calculous diseases, cystitis.

Arenaria glanduligera

--

Lung inflammation, bloody sputum (9); minor ingredient in 4; Thangka: superior black arenaria alleviates fever of lungs - rtsva a-krong nag-po mchog; treatment of the lungs - a-krong

NG

NG

NG

Active ingredient (A. rubra) is a resinous, aromatic substance.

Aristolochia moupinensis

type of birthwort or snakeroot?

Minor ingredient in 14; controls excess blood to liver? (23); enlargement of liver (69); liver inflammation (71)

NS-mostly use A. bracteata or A. indica. Used variously for rheumatism, gout, snakebite; found in many cultures.

NS-A. fructus (ma-tou-ling, ma-dou-ling) may be A. contorta Bunge or A. debilis Sieb et Zucc. Clears lungs, controls cough, causes qi to descend, suppresses asthma; has expectorant effect and inhibits dermatophytes.

NS-Commonly found ingredient in treatments for diabetes and cough. Roots of A. albida are used as a stomachic, tonic, malaria/fevers, local analgesic and for guinea worm; A. petersiana used in dysentery, cough, fevers, snake bite.

Huang say A. debilis is qing mu ziang or ma dou ling; A. manshuriensis is mu tong (see Clematis) from genus Clematis or Akebia. Used as diuretic, to promote milk secretion. Popular combo includes mu tong with dan shu ye and gan cao. A. debilis or A. contorta, as ma dou ling used as bronchodilators and antibacterial; exepctorant. A. debilis described as qin mu xiang to promote flow of chi; currently used for hyper-tension, gastric spasm/pain; vasodilator. "Toxicity is low" altho GI effects have been noted (nausea, vomiting, constipation).

Artemisia nestita

--

Minor constituent in F34, used as antihelmintic, for hemorrhoids

NS-mentions A. vestita, Wall. (HK> Fl. Br. Id.) as one of a list of uninvestigated species of Artemisia.

NS-A. annua (qing hao su) for malaria; A. argyi (ai ye yu) for and A. capillaris (yin chen).

NS-A. afra for vermifuge, fevers; A. maciverae for fever, wound healing; A. ramosa for antihelmintic, colic, indigestion.

Compositae. Grieve: NS-see next entries.

Artemisia vulgaris, Linn.

Mugwort

Minor constituent in F171, used for lung disorders, spitting blood; Thangka: brown mugwort from Dzong-gyab alleviates fever of throat, lung diseases - tshar-bong smug-po

Antihelmintic, antiseptic, expectorant; Nadkarni refers to A. absinthum as mugwort which is inaccurate.

NS-see previous entry.

See previous entry

Compositae. See lac (second "Meat n Minerals" table) below. Grieve: leaves allowed to infuse in a cup of alcohol overnight may be used to treat poison ivy which is a variety of Rhus; however, some folks have a sensitivity to this!

Artemisia sp.

Mugworts…

Inferior artemisia (from Dzong-gyab) alleviates fever of the throat and lung diseases-tshar-bong dman pa; white artemisia [from Dzong-gyab] (same effect) tshar-bong dkar-po; "Small" mugwort cleanses serum, dropsy-mkhan-chung; "Black" artemisia is Artemisia hedinii Ostenf dispels diseases of bile, jaundice of the eyes in particular-zangs-rtsi nag-po; see Tanacetum.

See previous entries.

See previous entries.

See previous entries.

Compositae. Grieve: (cont'd from previous entry); leaves used as Wormwood, varieties of which include A. absinthum (Common); A. pontica (Roman wormwood) among others. Stimulant, slightly tonic properties, nervine, emmenagogue, diuretic, diaphoretic actions. Chiefly used as emmenagogue with Pennyroyal, Southernwood (A. abrotanum). Mugwort used to treat palsy, fits, epilepsy, Parkinson's (leaves); also for fevers; ague; stepped in baths.

Asparagus spinosissimus

A. officinalis is the common western vegetable.

Minor ingredient in 8; A. racemosus - for dysentery, inflammation, biliousness, epilepsy, ophthalmic diseases.

NS-A. racemosus is Shatavari; use the root; for cancer, convalescence, cough, herpes, ulcers; has antidarrhetic, refiregerant, diuretic, antidysenteric, nutritive, tonic, demulcent, galactagogue, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic and stomachic properties with A. officinalis, gonoclados, adscendens, sarmentosus as other species used.

NS-A. cochinensis is Tian dong which contains beta-sitosterol; effect on leukemia, lung cancer (animal/in vitro)

NS-A. africanus-hematuria, syphilis (Sudan), diuretic (leaves, roots), also used to treat psychosomatic disorder (evil spirits); A. buchananii - one of several herbs used for bilharzia; A. racemosus-anti-inflammatory, diuretic, laxative (leaves, fruits); A. setaceus -used for coughs

Grieve: diuretic and laxative; as well as for gravel and dropsy.

Aster souliei

Superior starwort

Minor component in F151; Thangka: Aster barbellatus / hedini / souliei Franch et al.; cures poisoning and contagious diseases-me-tog lug-mig mchog-gang-du'ang; Aster sp. inferior or water starwort cures different types of contagious diseases-de-ba dman-pa'am chu de-ba; "Lesser" starwort is Aster strachei / Heteropappus, alleviates contagious poison, brown phlegm and fever of the channels-lug-chung.

NS-A. trinervius for hemorrhage, malaria.

NS-Huang: A. ageratoides (hong guan yao); whole plant use; contains quercetin; antitussive, expectorant, antiasthmatic; Hsu:Asteris indici or A. lasioclada Hayata (ma-llan) to cool blood, dispel heat, for edema, jaundice, etc.-Kalimeris indica. A. tataricus is tzu-wan root or rhizome for cough, asthma, bloodly phlegm; bitter flavor warm property

NG. Lots in the Compositae family.

Compositae. Grieve: NG.

Astragalus yunnanensis

--

Diuretic (20); both hot and cold bladder disorders, diuretic, clears the urethra (43)

NS-A. hamosus Linn. has emollient, demulcent gum like tragacanth; A. multiceps Wall. seeds for colic, leprosy; A. sarcocolla, Dymock. gum as aperient; A. virus is A. gummifer using the gum.

NS-Huang: A. complanatus (sha yuan zi, milk vetch) for liver and kidney; sedative, calming effect; A. membranaceous (huang se) dried root for common cold, influenza; ext. for wound ulcers as ointment; also used to treat chronic glomeruli nephritis. Hsu: huang-qi is root derived from various species; important tonic; sweet, mild, warm; increases body wt in mice; diuretic; offsets nephritis in rats; cardiotonic.

NS-A. gummifer as mild laxative; leaves for wound healing; Tragacanth tree (gum is used as pharmacological suspension agent)

Leguminosae; Grieve: A. gummifer is tragacanth; gummy exudate is demulcent; used as a lozenge; mucilaginous; for burns. Huang: A. membranaceus contains saponins, coumarin, flavonoid derivatives, betaine, rhamnocitrin, astragalosides. Enhances LPS-induced macrophage expression of TNF; used for common cold, influenza; ointment used for wound healing.

Bambusa textilis

Bamboo (shavings)

Resin; also Phyllostachys sp.; febrifuge (25); pediatric for cough, fever, hepatomegaly, difficult breathing (49); ped. for infections, fever, diarrhea, coughing (50); anti-inflammatory and as above, cold sweat, wt. loss (51); promote appetite, balance hot/cold (52); as 52 and chronic cough (53); promotes appetite, bal. hot/cold and chronic cough, heart inflammation and 'hidden fever' (54). 65,72,74; Thangka: Bamboo pith of B. arundinacea Gamble for treatment of the lungs-cu-gan.

NS-B. arundinaceae, B. bambos Nadkarni notes B. arundinaceae, Retz. (Vamsha, Lochana) is B. apous, B. orientals, B. spinosa. Blue or white varieties used; have sweet taste. Tabashir, the white inner part of the stalk, contains 90% silica as hydrate or silicic acid and used as stimulant, astringent, febrifuge, tonic, cooling, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac. Leaves as emmenagogue, antihelmintic. Pickles, curry from shoots for appetite, digestion. Ext. leaf juice to expel parasites

Huang: NG; Hsu: B. caulis in Taeniis (chu-ju, zhu-ru) to remove heat, resolve sputum, expels fidgets; used for fever with irritability and fidgets, vomting, hemoptysis, epistaxis, convlusions in children; contains pentosan, lignin, cellulose, triterpene. Hsu: By contrast, B. concretio silicea (tien-chu-huang tian-zhu-huang is Phyllostachys nigra Munro var. henonis comes from the lump-shaped material in the joint stem and is used for kids with convlusions, febrile diseases.

NG

The green surface of the shoot is scraped until the white, inner part is left which is used for medicinal purposes. There are many different varieties but apparently, all are used similarly (Hsu). Most common in Chinese med. is

Berberis dictyophylla

B. aristata known as Indian or Nepal Barberry or Tree-Turmeric (a bush)

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, ureter inflammation, burning micturation, semen/blood discharge in urine (91)

B. vulgaris Linn. is berries of barberry; daruharidra, daruhaldi.

Coptis chinensis (huang lian) contains berberine. Injections slow heart rate altho lower doses may stimulate it; can be used instead of chloramphenicol for cholera; effects against C. albicans and MAI. Avoid vitamin B6 if using as antibacterial.

NG nor family noted in Iwu

Berberidaceae. Nadkarni: B. asiatica Roxb. is used for similar wide-ranging effects but whole root is used in fever, believed to be as strong as quinine; either species may be found in ras or rasaut (for conjunctivitis). Various formulae. B. lycium Royle. also used as febrifuge, carminative, gentle aperient. See Coptis teetoides

Berberis idaeopsis

True Barberry is B. vulgaris, Linn.

Thangka: Yellow flowers and fruits of Berberis asiatica cure diarhoea; skyer-pa chu-bzang; by contrast, skyer-pa´i bar-shun cures poisoning (also B. asiatica).

NS-B. vulgaris used commonly for bile & urinary disorders, stones, scarlet fever, rheumatism; diuretic, astringent, antibilious, refrigerant actions. Small doses, tonic; larger doses, purgative.

Huang: San ke zhen, ziao yeh gen is root of B. soulieana, B. wilsonae, B. poretti, or B. vernae. Anti-bacterial; promotes leucocytosis; effective choleretic. Lipoxygenase inhibitor; removing heat and dampness. Used to treat leucopenia related to cancer. Hsu: B. aregentianae Schneid (san-ko-chen or san-ke-zhen) for red dysentery, jaundice, sore throat, ocular irritation, external trauma. B. lignum or B. thunbergii DC (Megi in Japanese) for heat qi, intestinal parasites. Water decoction for eyes.

NG nor family noted in Iwu. Nadkarni notes that berberine played an important role in "old Egyptian medicine." Also in Arabic traditions. Iwu: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides contains berberine.

Berberidaceae Fruit contains malic, tartaric and citric acids. Roots/bark contain berberine, of course, the major constituent (found in goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis). A bitter, mildly toxic alkaloid. Used in leprosy, snake-bite; importantly for cutaneous leishmaniasis ("oriental sore")--berberine SO₄ injected around the sore. Chopra found no benefit in malaria.

Boerhavia diffusa, Linn.

also Tar vine

roots diuretic, emetic, expectorant, laxative, stomachic; used for asthma, edema, anemia, jaundice, ascites, anasarca, scanty urine and internal inflamation; also said to be an antidote to snake poisoning; alkaloid in roots shown experimentally to "produce a distinct and persistant rise in blood pressure plus marked diuresis".

Punarnava; red is raktpunaranava, white is Shweta punarnarva. Herb and root used. Tirtha: Red is bitter, cool, pungent; for nervous system, heart disease, skin problems, kidney stones, rat,snake bites; leaf juice for jaundice; vermifuge. White is laxative, diaphoretic for edema, anemia, heart disease, colic, cough, kidney problems as well as uses for red.

Nadkarni: notes white form is used in medicine; roots are bitter, stomachic, laxative, diuretic, expectorant, diaphoretic, emetic; root is further antihelmintic, purgative and febrifuge; white variety for edema, anemia, heart disease, cough and intestinal colic. Ointment for leprosy, skin diseases; appears beneficial for liver-related ascites.

Roots, leaves used for dysmennorhea, jaundice, asthma.

Punarvine is a mixture designed by Dr. Shashank Joshi (Bombay) for HIV treatment consists of Boerhaavia diffusa-50 mg; Beriberis aristata-50; Glycyrrhiza glabra-60; Phyllanthus emblicus-50; Terminalia chebula-50; Tinospora cordifolia-60; Trubulus terrestris-60; Swerti chirata-50; Withania somnifera-60 mg.

Brassica alba

--

See Sinapsis alba

--

--

--

See Sinapsis alba

Butea frondosa, Roxb. & Koen.

Bastard Teak, Kino

Anthelminthic, hemorrhoides (34)

Gum, seeds, flowers, bark and leaves used. Gum is astringent. Seeds laxative, antihelmintic. Leaves, flowers tonic, astringent, aphrodisiac, depurative, diuretic. Bark gum used like catechu but gentler; external seed powder for ringworm; herpes (Dhobis' itch); leaf juice or powder for boils, acne, boils, etc

NG-

NG-although many members of the family are used (including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Milletia, Physostigma venenosum, Pterocarpus and Mucuna pruriens). Pterocarpus erinaceus leaves, fruits used for skin diseases and fevers.

Papilionaceae. Grieve: Lists as Kino being Pterocarpus marsupium, Pterocarpus erinaceus or B. frondosa; N.O. Leguminosae. These are all varieties. Jamaican form is Coccoloba uvifera. Odorless, astringent flavor and chewed, make saliva bright red. Tannin; internally for diarrhea, dysentery, pyrosis. Externally as a gargle. See also eucalyptus, she notes.

Butea monosperma

--

Minor ingredient of F167

NS-B. superba Roxb.; gum also used.

NG

NG

Papilionaceae.

Caesalpinia bonducella, Roxb.

C. bonduc: Physic nut, fever nut, molucca bean, bonducella nut

Minor ingredient in several; kidney disorder (75, 76, 143, 164)

Antiperiodic, tonic, snakebite; C. bonduc Roxb. more often used. Bitter alkaloid bonducin. Seeds, nut, root, bark, leaves used. Poultices used for various conditions; different parts for internal use treat a variety of disorders.

Huang: NS-Dried leaf/stem of C. sappan L. (su mu) contains tetraacetyl-brazilin, proesapanin which are active against HCT-8 (human cancer cell line). Trad. use is activate blood flow, remove blood stasis, reduce swelling, relieve pain; Hsu:Sappan Wood (su mu) is dried heartwood; sweet, salty, neutral; for cardiac pain in women, amenorrhea; qi obstruction; anemia, carbuncle, ext/int trauma.

NS- C. pulcherrima used as febrifuge, antidiarrhea; from fruit, leaves.

Hsu: Notes ku-shih-lien is C. minax Hce. dried seed. C. sappan has sweet, salty flavor; neutral property and used for controlling bleeding, for cardiac pain in women, for anemia, carbuncle, trauma. Contains 2% brasilin. Shortens blood coag. time, low doses induce sleep while higher doses paralyze; inhibits various bacteria in vitro.

Cannabis sativa Linn.

Marijuana, Indian hemp

Minor ingredient in several; anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-rheumatic, pain relief in joints, sinus disorders, clears up itching (106); analgesic, reduce swelling (119)

Narcotic, stomachic, antispasmodic, analgesic, stimulant, aphrodisiac, sedative. Leaves, seeds, resin all used; ganja (narcotic), bhang (non-narcotic) and charas (resin; strong narcotic) are forms used. Bowel complaints, appetizers, nervous stimulants. powdered leaf for wounds; poultice for local inflammation, erilypsias, neuralgia, hemorrhoids. Bhang as aphrodisiac. Charas for insomnia. Many uses.

Huang: Huo ma ren is fruit used as mild laxative, again using the seed. Chinese pharmacopoeias do not mention hallucinogenic or other CNS effects. Contains cannabinol; high concentrations of muscarine in the seeds may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and, if the dose is too high, convulsions and coma.

Grieve notes that equal numbers of tops of male and female plants, bruised in mortar, express the juice and with an equal portion of alcohol, 1-3 drops every 2-3 hours will cure gonorrhea.

Hemp oil is reputed to have the best balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is not narcotic.

Caragana franchetiana

--

Minor ingredient of F148

NG

Huang: C. microphylla (jin gi er) or C. intermedia Kuang., C. franchetiana Koma. contains alkaloids and glucoside; used in folk medicine to lower bp and to support general body function, for chronic bronchitis; may cause dry mouth, hypersensitivity (itching), nausea, vomiting.

NG

Re C. jubata: "Antirheumatic, demulcent, vulnerary. Used in the treatment of boils, swellings, coughs, headaches and rheumatic arthritis"

Caragana jubata

Shag-spine

Minor ingredient of F35 (pain)

NG

See above.

NG

Grieve: NG

Carex sp.

--

Minor in F22 (deafness) and F24

NG

NG

NG

Cyperaceae. Grieve: NG. There are many species. German Commission E notes German sarsparilla is C. arenaria. Used for gout, joint inflammation; saponin content may result in local irritation. Dried underground parts used. Diaphoretic, diuretic. Claims not evaluated.

Carthamus tinctorius, Linn.

Safflower; Bastard Saffron, Wild saffron; Parrot seed

Used in many; transforms hot edema to cold (37); enlarged liver (69); liver inflammation, bad-kan sMug-po; blood from 'Bam which rises and causes pain in upper back (71); bleeding, as coagulant (78-9), kidney problems (80); liver trouble (81); fever (120); mind-increasing jewel (145); coughing, fever, pain (166)

Seeds are purgative; root is diuretic. Flowers for jaundice; oil for itch, rheumatic joints; for cooking; hot infusion of flowers for jaundice, diaphoretic, catarrh, muscular rheumatism; cold infusion as laxative, tonic. Oil used in cooking, etc.

Huang: Hong hua is dried flowers for contracting uterus (small doses); contains glycoside carthamin; stimulates heart at lower doses and inhibits it at higher doses; for blood circulation, remove blood stasis; for cerebral thrombosis (50% injection); 2 ml IM for neuralgic dermatitis.

NG

Hsu: pungent, mild, bitter flavor; warm; amenorrhea; trauma, pain due to stagnant blood; hypotensive effects noted in animal models; dilates coronary artery.

(or carui), Linn.

Caraway seed

Minor ingredient in 7; open channels to let rLung flow; pain in cerebral nerves; shaking of hands (103); balancing rLung, antiemetic, antinauseant (139)

C. carvi as stomachic, carminative. Cuminum cyminum, cumin or caraway seed; used for hoarse voice, dyspepsia, chronic diarrhea. Pastes are often made. Cumin seeds are larger, paler.

NG

NG

Umbelliferae. Grieve: Carminative; mild stomachic properties. 1-4 drops of essential oil on sugar for flatulence. For colic; one ounce of seeds infused 6 hours in cold water for infants (1-3 teaspoons).

Cassia tora

Cassia

Minor ingredient in 9; anti-inflammatory, analgesic (89, 119)

Grieve notes that many varieties are not as effective; the leaves of C. acutifolia are most effective as purgative but are often taken with cloves, ginger, cinnamon as correctives to the sometimes strong nausea senna can cause.

Hsu: Chueh-ming-tzu, jue-ming-zi. Sweet, bitter, salty flavor; cold. For liver heat, headache, optic atrophy, cataract, hyperemia, ocular swelling and pain; hypotensive, antifungal effects. Emodin, obtusifolin. Huang: say jue ming zi is C. obtusifolia; lowers cholesterol, anti-hypertensive, antibacterial, laxative; GI nausea, distension, loose bowels are side effects

NS-a variety of species are found in Africa. C. acutifolia used as purgative, antipyretic. mild laxative; pulverized leaves for burns. C. angustifolia leaf and pod infusion as laxative.

Hsu: notes C. acutifolia Delile, or angustifolia Vahl (fan-hsieh-yeh, fan-xie-ye, is extremely cold property; for food stagnancy, distension in chest, abdomen.

Chaenomeles lagenaria or C. speciosa

Chinese quince or Japanese quince

For Khris-pa without increasing Bad-kan (135); minor in other formulae.

NG

Huang: NG. Hsu: mu-kua, mu-gua; sour flavor, warm property; beriberi swelling, arthralgia, chronic cough; diuretic, antispasmodic, antibacterial and hemopoietic (malic acid)

NG

"The fruit is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent and digestive…decoction is used internally in the treatment of nausea, joint pains, cholera and associated cramps"

Chrysanthemum tatsienense

C. roseum is Persian pellitory

Lung inflammation, blood in sputum (9)

NS-C. coronarium and C. indicum essential oils used in treating gonorrhea.

NS-Hsu: C. indicum (yeh-chu-hua) has sweet, bitter; cold for hypertension related headache, dizziness; inflammation, tumor.

NG

Compositae. Grieve: NS; notes C. roseum Adam is a/k/a Pyrethrum roseum Bieb. from whence the insecticide.

Chrysosplenium nepalense

C.grayanum maxim is saxifrage

Minor ingredient in four. Thangka: The "kingly" species, among the six species of spleenwort / asplenium; soothes and purifies all diseases of bile in general; gYa´-gyi ma-rigs drug-las rgyal-po; species called "Queenly" soothes and purifies all diseases of bile in general-btsun-mo; "Golden" spleenwort (same effects) is gser; "Silver" is ngul; copper-colored is zangs; iron-colored, lcags

NG

NG

NG

Saxifragaceae. Grieve: NG

Cinnamomum camphora Nees.

Camphor

Minor in F106, F145; Thangka: suppresses fever in general-ga-bur

Nadkarni says see Camphoris officinarum: Bauh. Essential oils used; some variants (bhimseni kapur) highly prized; diaphoretic, skin and cardiac stimulant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, internally expectorant, sedative, aphrodisiac, narcotic, carminative. In large doses, anti-aphrodisiac.

Hsu: Chang-nao, zhang-nao; pungent flavor, warm property; poisonous. Essential oils 1%: d-camphor, alpha-pinene, camphene, phellandrene, cineol, safrol, eugenol. For pain/swelling in chest/abdomen, beriberi, dermatosis, dermatitis and scabies; toothache; trauma. Huang: Chang nao; antiemetic

NS

Lauraceae. Grieve: Laurel camphor or gum camphor; numbs peripheral sensory nerves. Combines with glucuronic acid. Used to help recovery from heart injury arising from infection, typhoid; prevents growth of pneumococci. Calming influence on hysteria, neuralgia, nervousness and for serious diarrhea; also has anti-inflammatory properties/for rheumatism. Spirit, tinctures and liniments used; sometimes injected.

Cinnamomum cecidodaphne Mcissn. or C. glaucescens

Nepal: sugandha kokila oil from berries

Minor in F7, F8; accumulation of rLung in life channel (Srog-rtza) causing anxiety, mental unrest, cerebral ischemia, pain (39)

NS

NS

NS

Just a note--the essential oil is a powerful microbicide but also extremely toxic/irritating and is thus rarely used.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Breyn.

C. cassia is cinnamon

Used in 27. Balances vitiated rLung in stomach, anti-emetic, antinauseant (139)

Tvak; Listed with C. cassia; for dyspepsia, diarrhea, flatulence, vomiting; strengthens gum, improves breath

Hsu: Kuei-chh, gui-zhi; aches, pains of amenorrhea, obstruction of chest; phelgm; cinnamaldehyde has antipyretic, tranquilizing, analgesic, stomachic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral (in vitro against influenza)

Spice for health food; carminative using bark, leaves.

Huang: twig; antibacterial and vasodilation from cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamyl acetate; gui zhi.

Clematis montana

C. recta is Flammula Jovis, Upright Virgin's Bower.

Minor in F100 and F138.

NS-Leaves generally used in various species but noted as toxic; C. trilobus leaves used for syphilis, scrofula, leprosy, chronic fever, snakebite.

NS-Hsu: C. florida is tieh-hsien-lien, tie-xian-lian, bitter, warm use for gout, jaundice, stroke syndrome, contusion externally. Root of C. chinensis Osbeck or C. mandshurica Rupr. is pungent, warm for rheumatism, gout, loin-knee-limb pain, apoplexy, migraine, edema; has a variety of in vitro effects.

NS-Leaf juice of C. grandiflora as vesicant, for headaches, skin diseases, rituals; C. hirsuta for leprosy, skin diseases, fevers.

Huang: notes mu tong is A. manshuriensis Kom, C. armandii or C. montana Buch.-Ham. or Akebia quinata. Decoctions of 9 g for intensive heat, to promote milk secretion and for acute urethritis, nephrotic edema, mammary gland obstruction.

Codonopsis convolvulacea

--

Minor in F115

NS

NS

NG

Campanulaceae. Grieve: NS

Codonopsis nervosa, (Chipp.) Nannf.

--

General lymphatic disorders, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antirheumatic, feet swelling, gout, paranasal sinusitis-pruritis, abscesses, leprosy (89) ; "The flowers are used in Tibetan medicine" sweet, astringent taste, cooling potency; analgesic, anti-inflammatory, used for pain, swollen joints of arthritis /gout, stiffening of ureters, paralysis due to cerebral ischemia

NS-C. ovata Benth. roots, leaves used for bruises, ulcers.

Hsu: tang-Shen, dang-shen is dried root of C. pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., tangshen, Oliv. C. nervosa (Chiff.) Nannf. or C. clematidea Clarke. sweet, warm. Splenic gastric weakness, to replenish qi, harmonize spleen, stomach, help thirst/appetite. Stomachic, increases RBC in rabbit; hypotensive effects.

NG

Huang notes it was used as ginseng substitute but contains nootropic and CV hypotensive effects; contains saponins, alkaloids; minimizes immunesuppressive effect of radiotherapy; delays hypersensitivity reactions.

Codonopsis ovata

Ludut in Punjab

Minor in F5.

Roots and leaves used for bruises, ulcers.

NS

NG

Campanulaceae. Grieve: NS

Commiphora camphora

Myrrh (C. molmol)

Febrifuge for many types of fever, gout, arthritis, Me-bal (67); dries blood serum, uric acid, joint pain and inflammation, skin eruptions (118); anti-inflammatory, analgesic, dries up uric acid, joint pain/itching/swelling which turn "reddish-brown" (119)

NS-see. C. mukul.

NS-Huang: C. myrrha is mo yao and resin is used which contains Z-guggulsterol and I, II, III guggul sterol as well as alpha-camphorene, myrcene. Activates blood flow, relieves pain, promotes tissue regeneration.

NS-C. africana exudate for chew sticks, stomachic, carminative, colds; rituals of Tuareg Arabs; C. erlangerana roots juice for stomach ache, gargle, expulsion of placenta; C. molmol exudate, stem bark for oral hygiene, stimulant, emmenagogue, wound dressing, purgative, snake bite; C. pilosa fruits, latex for toothache, fevers, sore throat, purgative.

Iwu: Nyamwezi use stem bark decoction as snake bite remedy. Wound dressing in east Africa.

Commiphora mukul, also Balsamodendron mukul Hook.

Gum Guggulu, Indian Bedellium, Salaitree

Minor ingredient in 28. Dysentery, fever from inflammation (33); pain, inflammation reduction, fever, welling gums, palate (113); anti-inflammatory (121); anti-inflammatory, analgesic, inflam. of eyes, nasal cavity, pus in ear (167)

Guggula. See Balsamodendron mukul; a/k/a B. agollocha. Notes family is Burseraceae. Used as an ointment, confection or plaster. Rarely may produce rash or kidney irritation, subsiding upon discontinuation. Cheaper myrrh substitute. Plater for ulcers; gargle for gums. Various mixtures for stomach, borborygmus trouble, dyspepsia; stim. appetite, digestion; stim. expectoration in TB and disinfects sputum

Nadkarni: Plasters for sores, hiccups, rheumatism. Guggula 5, Triphala 3, pipali 1 is common remedy

Inhibits platelet aggregation, increases catecholamine biosynthesis; lowers cholesterol in humans; activates thyroid gland.

Crassulaceae. Grieve: Mentions that this may be derived from C. roxburghiana, Balsamodendron mukul, B. roxhurghii or Amyris bdelium; moister than myrrh and comes in dark, reddish-brown masses. In Europe for plasters.

Coptis teetoides, Franch.

(See Thalictrum foetidum)

Minor in F36 (swelling, bruising); Thangka: Goldthread from Kham repairs damaged tendons, alleviates contagious diseases-myang-tsi spras khams-sogs; alleviates blood diseases-khrag-rkang.

Mamira, Mishamitita. C. teeta Wall. Bitter tonic for appetite (no tannic acid; removes flatulence. Used for jaundice, dyspepsia, fevers. Roots of Thalictrum foliolosum and Picrorhiza are cheaper substitutes, hard to distinguish.

Huang: C. chinensis huang lian contains principally berberine; used for dysentery, whooping cough, diphtheria; scarlet, typhoid fevers. Notes dried rhizome of C. deltoidea, teetoides CY Cheng and chinensis Franch are used.

Hsu: fidgets due to heat, abdominal pain; fullness in chest/abdomen, tenesmus hemoptysis, epistaxis, conjunctivitis, tumor, oral ulceration.

Ranunculacae. Grieve: Notes form is has higher percentage of berberia than any other drug; used as tonic, esp. for stomach. C. trifolia used as bitter; local application for thrush in children. Used for dyspepsia. Also a hypertensive agent; wound infections, septicemia an hepatitis are other uses. See Berberis

Coriandrum sativum, Linn.

Coriander

Minor in 20. Diuretic (20); swollen knees from 'Bam (36); bad blood, hoarseness, red eyes, dry mouth, etc. (92); for mKhris-pa (135); Thangka: alleviates phlegm associated with heat-u-su.

Dhanyak. Part used is fruit (aromatic, stimulant, carminative, stomachic, antibilious, refrigerant, tonic, diuretic, aphrodisiac), leaves (pungent, aromatic). To disguise taste of rhubarb and senna. Fruit decoction by muslims for eye-wash in conjunctivitis, smallpox. Used in many mixtures for vertigo, digestion, etc.

Hsu: Yuan-sui-tzu,yan-sui-zi; pungent,warm; indigestion, ext. for smallpox, measles; hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse (sponge with decoction).

NG

Grieve: Stimulant, aromatic, carminative. Too much may be narcotic. Lucknow curry powder is 1 oz ginger, 1 oz coriander seeds, 1 oz cardamom seed, 1/4 oz best cayenne and 3 oz. turmeric. Yum!

Corydalis meifolia

"Mountain" turkey corn

Minor in F89; for general lymphatic disorders, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, rheumatism, swelling feet; Thangka: relieves effects of poisoning, suppresses swellings of limbs-lug-ngal / mngal-'di rir-skyes-par stong-ri zil-pa

NS-C. govaniana, Wall.-see next entry.

NS-see next entry.

NG

Furmariaceae. Grieve: NS; alkaloids noted below may have narcotic action.

Corydalis sp.

cousin of Turkey corn

Minor ingredient in 9. Stomach inflammation w/sour, watery vomitus, cough, bad-kan sMug-po, hoarseness (47); bad-kan (77); Thangka: C. edalis Maxim (Lipidium latifolium) two species of turkey corn and dittander which grow anywhere; dry out serum from chest, mend skull fractures, secure cancellate bone tissue; alleviates dropsy-dar-ya-kan rigs gnyis gang-du´ang-mo; Superior turkey corn from Kham repairs ruptured blood vessels, alleviates acute pains of small intestine-rgu-drus mchog khams sogs.

Mentions C. govaniana, Wall. as plant of "genus" Furmariaceae; yellow juice used for eye-diseases; tonic, anitperiodic.

Huang: Used as analgesics. C. turtschaninovii bess f. yanhusu is yan hu so; C. decumbens (Thunb.) Pers. is xia tian wu; C. incisa (chuan duan chan cao) and C. thyrsiflora Prain is zhui hua huang gin) native of Tibet, used there for headache, to relieve pain.

Hsu: C. decumbens for hypertension hemiplegia, rheumatic arthritis, pelvic pain, poliomyelitis sequelae. Notes presence of tetrahydropalmatine, with analgesic and hypnotic action; bulbocapnine dilates blood vessels, counteracts adrenaline and acetylcholine.

Furmariaceae, altho Chinese texts place it in Papaveraceae family. Grieve: Notes similarity to Dicentra canadensis (Turkey corn) which contain alkaloids such as corycavine, bulbocapnine, corydine. Tonic, diuretic, alterative; Turkey corn often combined with stillingia, burdock or prickly ash.

Cremanthodium ellisii

--

Minor ingredient in F5.

NG

NG

NG. Also Grieve: NG.

Compositae. C. humile is Mingchenserpo (Bhutan)

Crocus sativus, Linn.

Saffron

Minor ingredient in F5; F67 (all types of fever, gout, arthritis, me-bal (inflam. skin disorder); F150.

Kum Kuma. Bitter, pungent taste; small doses in fever, melancholia, enlarged liver, spasmodic cough, asthma. As paste for headache, for bruises, hemorrhoids

Huang notes use of extract crocin for ethanol-induced learning/memory impairment. Fan hong hwa as anodyne, tranquilizing, emmenagogue.

Hsu: notes uterine-stimulating and vasoconstrictives effects documented.

Iridaceae. Grieve: Yellow stigmas of flowers are medicinal parts; carminative, diaphoretic (for children), emmenagogue; chronic hemorrhoids of the uterus.

Cucurbita pepo

Pumpkin seed; sweet white pumpkin

Minor ingredient in 3.

Seeds antihelmintic; leaves for burns. See Lagenaria vulgaris:. Pulp used as adjunct to purgative; leaves purgative. Oil from seeds of lettuce, pumpkin, watermelon and poppy for insomnia (rubbed on head). Leaves in decoction with sugar for jaundice.

Hsu: Nan-kua-tzu, nan-gua-zi is seeds of C. pepo, C. maxima Duch. or C. moschata Duch. var. melonaeformis Makino. Sweet, warm. harmonizes stomach/spleen; enhances qi flow; kills intestinal parasites; for diabetes, cestodiasis, ascariasis. Paralyzes flat-worm and inhibits schistosome growth.

Fruits, leaves; vegetable for soup, laxative; seeds as vermifuge; pulp used in burns, boils, inflammatory swellings

Huang: notes cucurbitine is active constituent that inhibits taenia egg, segments; for max effect, used with Areca catechu (bing lang). May reduce IgE, thus good for some allergic responses. Nausea and vomiting AE possible.

Cupressus sp.

-- (cedars)

Minor ingredient in F105

C. sempervirens, Linn.; wood as astringent; fruits antihelmintic.

Huang: NG; Hsu: NG

NG

Coniferae. Grieve: Notes that C. thujoides is the white cedar; can be poisonous; Thuja occidentalis, yellow cedar used as aromatic, astringent, diuretic. Thujone is found in Artemisia absinthum.

Cupressus torulosa

Himalayan cypress

Minor ingredient in 6.

NS-see previous entry.

Huang: NG; Hsu: NG

NG

Coniferae. Cupressaceae? Grieve: NS-see previous entry.

Curcuma longa, Linn.

Curcumin; Turmeric; Saffron (?-Nadkarni)

Opens channels (blood vessels, nerves) allowing rLung to flow; pain in cerebral nerves; radial artery stiffening, shaking hands (103); antipyretic, urethra inflammation, diuretic (168). Also in 105, 113; Thangka: cures poisoning- yung-ba.

Haridra, Gauri. Curry powders owes its aroma and taste to oil. Aromatic, stimulant, tonic, carminative. Int. rhizome juice is antihelmintic; ext. for bruises, leech bites. Mixed with cow's urine in some formulae for int/ext use; sometimes mixed with neem leaves, topically for ringworm, itching, eczema. Int. for jaundice, liver problems. Various takes for digestives, obstinate skin complaints. Choleretic and for liver.

Huang: C. aromatica (yu jin) may also be C. longa. Listed as choleretic and antihepatitis Trad use is to activate blood flow, remove blood stasis, promote qi circulation, relieve depression, remove heat from heart, normalize gallbladder fx, cure jaundice. Clinical efficacy against cervical cancer, leukemia. Ext. for chronic ulcers, scabies. C. zedoaria (e zhu). Hsu: Chiang-huang, jiang-huang. pungent, warm; for general pain, shoulder arthritis. Stimulates bile secretion, detoxifies liver, hypotensive (anesthetized dogs?), uterine-stim.

Anti-inflammatory, vermifuge, embrocation using rhizome. West Africa as antihelmintic, ointment for skin diseases; also as anti-inflammatory and eye wash for conjunctivitis. East Africa, powdered rhizome mixed with flour and applied to head for headache relief. Rhizome and juice in Mauritius as emmenagogue. Non-toxic. Lab studies show cortisone effects, antitumor, reducing cholesterol (rat model).

Grieve: Mild aromatic stimulant "rarely used in medicine." Once a cure for jaundice but now merely as a colorant, additive to curry and mustard (adulterant in the latter case). Curcumin is the yellowish coloring matter left after boiling in alcohol, filtering and drying, the remaining residue digested in ether, filtered and evaporated.

Cuscuta chinensis, Lamk.

(Dodder is C. europaea - Grieve a/k/a beggarweed, hellweed, strangle tare, scaldweed and devil's guts!)

Minor ingredient in F16.

C. chinensis Lamk. is a "parasitic twiner" (lives off of various other herbs). C. reflexa (dodder) seeds, stems, fruit used. Cold infusion of seeds as depurative and carminative for pains, stomach-aches. Seeds with sarsaparilla to purify blood; stems in decoction for constipation, flatulence, liver complaints and bilious affections. Externally for itch and other skin diseases. Fruits for fever and cough.

Huang: (tu sizi) contains glucosides, polysaccharides, resins; increases rate of turnover of lymphatic tissues, improves body immunity, increases blood sugar metabolism. Hsu: (tu-szu-tzu). Tonic; pungent, sweet, neutral. For impotence, nocturnal emission, loin or knee pain, tinnitus, dizziness, enuresis, diarrhea. Cardiotonic, hypotensive, uterine-stim, decreases spleen size.

Grieve note--Thyme-grown is preferred generally; that which grows on nettles seems better as diuretic, according to Culpepper.

Convulvulaceae. Grieve: C. epithymum, the lesser dodder, used medicinally. The genus members are parasites, usually attaching to thyme, furze, flax, nettles. Decoction of threads (stems) with ginger used for urinary complaints, kidney, spleen and liver diseases, laxative and for hepatic action (jaundice). Brazilian species used for hoarseness and spitting of blood, while powder is applied to wounds. Various species are identified by the plants which they parasitize (e.g., C. trifolia on clover, C. epilinum on flax) which may affect benefits conferred.

Cuscuta japonica

Japanese dodder

Minor ingredient in F16. Thangka: Golden dodder (C. sinensis) alleviates fever of channels associated with the lungs, liver, and fever caused by poisoning-gser-skud; a/k/a silver dodder or litchem; Inferior dodder is Cuscula sp./ Parmelia saxatitis (same effect) dman-pa.

NS-see previous entry

NS-see previous entry

NG

Sweet, pungent herb that acts mainly as a liver and kidney stimulant, the seed of Japanese dodder is aphrodisiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, enuresis, hepatic, tonic; decoction of seed for diarrhea, vaginal discharge, enuresis, backache, constipation and impotence; young shoots used for sore eyes.

Datura sp.

--

Subsides inflammation (e.g., throat, lungs, eyes), eases pain, controls spreading of fever, swelling of tongue, gums, palate (113)

Contains atropine, hyoscine, hyoscyamine. Most info. relates to D. alba (which Nad. refers to as thornapple)

Huang: D. tatula (yiang jin hua) listed as antiasthmatic with expectorant effects. Flower is part used.

See next entry.

Solanaceae. Grieve: see below.

Datura stramonium, Linn.

Thornapple (Jimson weed)

Pain in kidneys, lower regions of intestines; numbness of legs, inflammation of urethra, swelling testicles (164); Thangka: Datura [thornapple/jimson] from Yerpa is Datura metel / stramonium increases sexual drive-thang-phrom dkar-po yer-pa.

Lists this species but lengthiest description in D. alba Nees. (referred to as thornapple): Tinctures and poultices commonly used; overdose can cause severe narcotic poisoning. Narcotic, anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac. Leaves smoked for asthma. Juice of leaves for gonorrhea and hydrophobia (latter with lengthy, nasty treatment). Root boiled in milk for insanity but used as narcotic by thieves. Medicated ghee rubbed on genitals as aphrodisiac. seeds for skin diseases, lice. Various takes for cough, pneumonia, asthma.

Huang: man tu luo is dried leaf or seed or flower of D. metel L. Scopolamine. Cholinergic blocking agents. Spasmolytic, analgesic, antiasthmatic, antirheumatic. Hsu: D. albae flos is yang-chin-hua (described as either D. metal or D. starmonium); atropine, scop. both work on peripheral parasymp causing pupil dilation, preventing spasm. Used for pain, beriberi, snuff for asthmatic dyspnea, cough. Ext. for rheumatic pain.

Asthma, coughs, ext. applications using leaves. D. metel added to palm wine for narcotic effect, for nervous disorders, eye diseases (leaves). Also use D. fastuosa all of which are widely distributed in Africa. All yield atropine, hyoscine, and hyoscyamine.

Solanaceae. Grieve: dried leaves are not poisonous; notes there are 15 species of Datura. Found everywhere (except the Arctic regions), considered a weed many places. Antispasmodic, anodyne, narcotic. All parts are medicinal, but leaves are primarily used, sometimes seeds, to a lesser extent, roots. Similar action as belladonna, but more sedative to CNS; dilates pupils. Thus, helpful for spasmodic asthma, often smoked in cigarettes for this purpose, particularly using the leaves. Dry mouth, throat indicate too much has been used. Seed extracts (boiled in water, macerated in alcohol) for whooping cough, bladder spasm, asthma but remains a strong, risky poison. Poultice for rheumatism, neuralgia as well as hemorrhoids, fistula, abscesses, etc.

Delphinium brunonianum, Royle.

Larkspur

Lack of stomach heat, appetite, chest pains, emesis of sour, watery vomitus, halitosis, blurred vision, renal disorders, "cold" disorders, yellowing of sclera/skin (90); Thangka: relieves demonic possession by elemental spirits, as well as poisoning, contagious fever and external parasites-bya-rgod spos; D. kamaonense Huth is Himalayan variety of larkspur; stops diarrhea-bya-rkang rigs-lo-btsan; D. densiflorum is "red aconite" which cures poisoning-bong-nga dmar[-po].

Very poisonous; juice from leaves used to kill ticks. Leaves musky scented and offered to idols.

NG

NG

Ranunculaceae. Grieve: NS. D. consolida is larkspur; seed tinctures used for asthma, dropsy, to kill lice; expressed application of leaves to bleeding piles; juice of flowers for colic. Seeds can be too purgative, cause severe vomiting.

Delphinium viscosum

Indian larkspur

Minor ingredient in F138; Thangka: stops diarrhea; rgya gar bya-rkang or bya-rkang.

NS-see previous entry.

NG

NG

Ranunculaceae. Grieve: NS; D. staphisagria Linn. is lousewort (stavesacre); poisonous. Seeds as vermifuge, used as ointment; rarely int. use as it is violently emetic. Purge for dropsy. Int/ext as aconite for neuralgia; slows pulse respiration.

Dendrobium moniliforme

--

Minor ingredient in 6. (Chronic pulmonary disorders in F83.)

NS-D. macrael Lindl. Roots, stems used. Contains bitters and alkaloid. Cooling, mucilaginous, light; tonic for debility due to seminal discharges; whole plant in decoction with other drugs used similarly; also in snake bite.

Huang: NG. Hsu: Shih-hu, shi-hu is Dendrobii caulis; D. moniliforme (L.) Sw. is hi-ching-shih-hu; sweet flavor, mild, cold; impairment of body fluids due to fever, dry mouth, fidgets, thirst, deficiency fever after illness. Contains dendrobine, dendramine, N-methyl-dendrobium.

Hsu: other species D. hancockii, D. nobile, D. officinale, D. hercoglossum, D. pliactile, D. clavataum, D. monile each with Chinese designation and different constituents. Antipyretic, analgesic, stomachic.

Orchideae. Grieve: NG

Dracocephalum tanguticum

(dragon's head)

Minor ingredient in 14; transforms hot edema into cold (37); hot and cold bladder disorders, diuretic, clears urethra (43); controls emesis from bad-kan sMug-po, sets broken bones (48)

NS-D. moldavicum Linn seeds are demulcent; astringent, carminative, tonic; used as demulcent for fevers; plant is astringent, tonic, vulnerary.

Hsu: NG. Huang: NS-D. integrifolium (quao ye ging lan) yields essential oil as antitussive, expectorant, antiasthmatic.

NG

Labiatae. Grieve: NS; notes under Balsam of Gilead (Commiphora opobalsamum) that D. canariense is somewhat similar, but only because of the fragrance of the leaves.

Drosera peltata, Sm.

Roundleaf sundew

Minor ingredient in F22, F43.

Leaves used. Bitter, acrid, caustic flavor; used as a blister; cold infusions used; used to powder gold as antiseptic, tonic.

NS-D. burmanni Vahl. is chin-ti-lo, jin-di-luo; sweet, bland, cool; dispels heat, for dysentery, cough due to lung heat, sore throat, malnutrition in infants, purulent otitis media. Decoction of 6-15 g.

NS

Droseraceae. Grieve: NS-D. rotundifolia Linn, described as round-leaved sundew; leaves are used for whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma Bitter, acrid.

Drosera sp.

--

Minor ingredient in F43.

See previous entry.

See previous entry.

D. indica leaves used as anodyne, antiviral.

Droseraceae. Grieve: NS

Elettaria cardamomum, Maton.

Cardamom.

Heals kidney disorders; kidney stones, urinary tract blockage, tumors/stones from urinary-bladder (143); constituent in 65 formulae!

Ela. Seeds used as spice and for stomach complaints; carminative after diarrhea; adjunct to stimulants, bitters and purgatives. Compound equal parts cardamom seeds, ginger, cloves and caraway used as stomachic (.5 drachm dose in atonic dyspepsia); other formulae for digestive, vomiting, demulcent

Hsu: Pai-tou-kou, bai-dou-kou is dried seeds of either A cardamomum L. (E. cardamomum (L.) Maton) or A. kravanh Pierre e. Gagnep (Cambodia, Thailand); pungent, warm. Used for stomachache, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, indigestion. Inhibits proliferation of Shigella dysenteriae.

Grieve notes many varieties including Bengal cardamom (Amomum subulatum), Nepal cardamom (similar to Bengal), winged Java (A. maximum), Korarima (A. kararima), round or Siam, Madagascar (A. angustifolium) and bastard cardamoms (A. xanthioides)

Zingiberaceae (or Scitamineae). Grieve: Chiefly used as an additive or corrective, part of mixtures, often with cloves, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, caraway. Good for flatulence, colic, disorders of the head, improved digestion. See also Amomum subulatum

Embelia ribes, Burm.

Viranga; birang-I-kabuli

Antihelmintic, hemorrhoids (34)

Vidanga. Berries (fruit, seeds) antihelmintic, carminative, stimulant; pulp is purgative, leaves, root-bark used. Contains embelic acid, tannins, alkaloid (christembine). Powdered seeds to expel worms (esp. tapeworms)

Nadkarni: various takes used ext. for skin diseases, ringworm; leaves with ginger as gargle; fruit int. for piles; other combinations for headache; also used for scorpion sting, snake-bite.

NS-Leaves, stems, fruits of E. kraussi for teniacide, carminative; E. schimperi Vatke. leaves, stem bark for antispasmodic, antihelmintic, stomach disorders. Leaves as food in Uganda.

Iwu: Nigerians-antispasmodic stem bark. Fruit by Massai and Chaga as antihelmintic; E. kraussi used similarly by Zulu. Processing important to prevent toxalbumin toxicity.

Emblica officinalis

Amla berry; Emblic myrobalan, Indian gooseberry

Ingredient in 67! Dries "bad" blood; decreases high bp, reduces pain in liver, gallbladder from bp, hoarseness, redness of eyes, dry mouth or tongue, brown urine, balances menses flow (92)

Amalaki. Dried fruit (refrigerant, laxative, diuretic, stomachic, carminative), nut or seed, leaves, root, bark (astringent), flowers (cooling, aperient). Used in many formulae with all parts of the plant used. decoction or infusions of leaves, seeds;

Nadkarni (cont.): essential oil, confections, powders, pastes and pickles. Astringent extract like catechu from root by decoction, evaporation. For eyes, skin, head, ext.

Nadkarni (cont.): In various herbal blends for phthisis, febrifuge, as collyrium for eye complaints, to stop nausea and vomiting, purgative

Euphorbiaceae. Synonym is Phyllanthus emblica. Grieve: NG.

Entada scandens, Benth.

Pangra in Nepal

Minor ingredient in F4.

Also E. pusaetha or Acacia scadens. Seeds are emetic, irritant and a fish poison. Paste of seeds applied to inflammatory glandular swellings. Also for painful loins, joints, swollen hands and feet; seeds used as soap for hair.

Huang: NS-E. phaseoloides (L.) Merr. or guo gan long (dried stem has entageric acid) as antirheummatic and to promote collateral flow and relieve blood stasis.