Warning many medicinal plants are
extremely toxic. Never use without consulting with your doctor.
Absinthe - Artemisia absinthium
Absinthe liqueur, made from this plant, was the first government banned
substance. It is also said that Van Gogh was addicted to the liqueur's
hallucinating effect.
Autumn
crocus - Colchicum autumnale
Used to alleviate the inflammation associated with gout.
Contains highly toxic
alkaloids!
Belladonna - Atropa
The juice of the berry placed in the eyes causes the eye to dilate.
Doctors have used to dilate the eyes in eye exams.
Bloodroot - Sanguinaria canadensis
Has been used as a expectorant and contained in some toothpastes.
Buckthorn - Rhamnus
Aged bark is a useful mild laxative.
Castor
bean - Ricinus communis
Oil used as a strong laxative. Seeds are highly toxic!
Clary-sage
- Salvia Sclarea
Mucilaginous seeds have been used to cleanse the eyes. Sometimes
used in perfume, soap, and lotions.
Coltsfoot
- Tussilago farfarara
One of the old herbal cough remedies.
Comfrey
- Symphytum officinale
Comfrey should be used externally only. Caution: Comfrey leaves contain
hepatotoxic alkaloids. Comfrey leaves are sometimes mistaken for foxglove
leaves. The most important constituent of comfrey is the mucilage, which it
contains in great abundance.
Coneflower
- Echinacea purpurea
Used for recurring respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Garlic - Allium sativum
Garlic is an effective antibiotic. It has been shown that garlic can reduce
high levels of cholesterol. For best results only fresh garlic should be
used.
Ginger - Zingiber officinal
It has been reported that ginger is an effective treatment for motion
sickness and nausea.
Grey
foxglove -
Digitalis lanata
The potent cardiac glycoside digoxin is derived from the leaves.
Hops - Humulus lupulus
Hops is used for its bitter taste and as a preservative in the
brewing of beer. Dried hops have some sedative properties.
Jimson
weed -
Datura metel
Plant contains toxic alkaloids. At one time
Jimson weed leaves were burned and the smoke inhaled to alleviate
bronchospasm.
Madagascar
periwinkle -
Catharanthus roseus Vinblastine sulfate is an alkaloid
extracted from Catharanthus, which has been very successful in the treatment
of childhood Leukemia and Hodgkin disease. Leurocristine, another isolated
alkaloid, is used in almost all combination chemotherapy regimens for
cancer.
Mayapple
-
Podophyllum peltatum
Podophyllum resin is used as a topical treatment for benign tumors.
Monkshood
-
Aconitum napelles
Aconitine is isolated from the monkshood rhizomes and is used as a local
analgesic. Monkshood is highly toxic if used
internally.
Nightshade
-
Solanum dulcamara
Nightshade contains the toxic alkaloid solanine and the amorphous
glucoside dulcamarine. Solanine acts narcotically; in large doses it
paralysis the central nervous system.
Oriental
poppy -
Papaver orientale
Plantago - Plantago psyllium
Many of the popular laxatives contain plantago seeds known in commerce as
psyllium. The mucilaginous seeds provide both lubrication as well as bulk.
Some studies have shown that plantago seed may lower cholesterol levels.
Pot
marigold -
Calendula
Extracts of Calendula are incorporated into soaps, ointments, and creams.
Studies have shown that Calendula can promote wound healing.
Purple
foxglove -
Digitalis purpurea
The potent cardiac glycoside digitoxin is
derived from the leaves.
Rauvolfia
-
Indian Snakeroot
Rose
apothecary -
Rosa officinalis
Rose petals contain essential oil, tannins, and glycosides. The
pleasant scent of rose oil is used in many medicinal ointments and creams.
Rue
- Ruta graveolens
Strong doses of rue may be toxic, never use during pregnancy . Rue contains
methyl ketoes, alkaloids and the flavoniod glycoside rutin. Rue has
sedative, and antispasmodic properties.
St.John's
wort -
Hypericum perforatum St.John's Wort is becoming
the most popular herbal remedy for depression, nervous unrest, and sleep
disturbances. It is being viewed as an alternative to synthetic medicines.
Research has also shown that St.John's Wort exhibits antiviral compounds
that may be useful in the treatment of AIDS- infected patients.
Valerian
-
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian has been used for hundreds of years as a mild tranquilizer and
sleeping aid.
Witch hazel - Hamamelis virginiana
Distilled witch hazel extract is made from the dormant twigs of the plant.
Many researchers believe that extract of witch hazel leaves would make a
much more effective astringent.
Yellow
foxglove -
Digitalis lutea |