For  several  months I've been searching for  medicinal  uses  of 
herbs  and plants found in the wild.  This article is  what  I've 
found  so  far.  The type of effects is listed  first,  then  the 
plants and appropriate recipes.


GAS       Sage tea.  Cover a heaping teaspoon of sage leaves with 
          one cup boiling water, let steep for five minutes until 
          you  have a  light to bright  yellow  brew.  Any darker
          is  to  bitter.   Drink  as  is or add a little  honey.
          Results in almost immediate  relief of gas pains.

          Sweet anise tea.  Cover one level teaspoon with one cup 
          hot  water  and  let  brew  for  10 minutes.  Naturally
          sweet  no  it shouldn't need any honey added.

          Other  herbs useful for getting rid of gas are:  cinna
          mon, basil, nutmeg, marjoram, bay, and mace.

COMMON    Horseradish.  Mixed half-and-half with catsup and served
 COLD     over shrimp is probably the tastiest way to get rid of a
          cold.   Serves to loosen  phlegm in  the head and chest, 
          helps  the body to sweat which  combats fever, very high 
          in Vit. C,     draws  blood  to  the  surface it touches 
          thereby aiding sore throats.

          Onion tea.  1/4 cup  onion chopped very fine.  Boil for
          3 - 4 minutes in 10 ozs. water.  Add a little sugar  to
          taste.  Great for infants with head colds.

 COUGH    Thyme.  1/2 cup  dried Thyme and pour one  pint boiling
MEDICINE  water over it.  Let sit for 20 minutes.  Strain off the
          dark  colored liquid and  add 1 1/2 cups  light colored
   &      honey to the dark liquid.  Gently heat untill the honey
          is disolved.  Put the syrup in a sterilized, capped off 
 UPSET    jar and  refrigerate.  Take  two tablespoons  at a time 
STOMACHS  several  times a day.   Acts as a cough  suppresant and 
          sooths upset stomachs.

          Ginger.  Two capsules full of powedred ginger are twice 
          as effective as Dramamine type pills.  You can also add
          two  freshly  grated tablespoons of Ginger to the above 
          cough medicine.  Acts as an expectorant.

STRESS    Rosemary.  If suffering from insomnia, a tea made form 
          this herb,  taken an hour before going to bed, beats a
          warm glass of milk any  day.    Has  a  mild  diuretic 
          property  so  it's  best not to take  this any  sooner
          before  sleeping.   Rosemary  has  also  been  used to
          relieve stress induced hgeadaches and migraines.





CONSTIPATION
          False  Solomon's  Seal  - The reddish-purple splotched 
          berries of this plant may be eaten with other fruit or 
          honey to aid the  problem  of  constipation.   Collect 
          berries in Mid-summer.


GENERAL   Cloves.  Oil of  cloves have been used to treat tooth-
          aches  and  can  be used to rub onto  sore muscles and 
          joints.  A teaspoon full in a cup of hot water makes a
          tea that stimulates and relives pain along the gastro-
          intestinal tract.

          Solomon's Seal  Reputed to correct all kinds of female
          problems, serve as a soothing bath for poison ivy itch
          and as a poultice for external infections and wounds.

          Shepperd's Purse  - Brewed as a tea, this plant may be 
          used  as  a  check  against  internal  hemoraging  and 
          hemorrhoids.  Stir a large teaspoon of leaves in a cup
          of boiling water for half an hour.   Drink two or more
          cold cups per day.

          Gooseberry - Crush 1 teaspoon of berries and add to a
          cup of hot water.  Helps reduce fevers.

          Capsicum  (cayenne  and  any  "hot" member  of the hot
          pepper family).   A  sprinkle  of capsicum in any warm 
          drink will warm the body faster than the drink itself. 
          Capsicum increases the circulation  of  blood  without
          speeding the heart.  This reaction makes a good stimu-
          lant, speeding up the body's natural immune  defense &
          aiding  recovery.   When  used  with other herbs, this 
          stimulant property helps other herbs to act faster.
 
          Cattail.   The  creeping  white roots can be dug up in 
          the  winter  and  used  as a treatment  for  diarrhea, 
          gonorrhea, and worms.

          Garlic.    Grind  the  bulbs  to  make a  potent anti-
          bacterial.   Consumption  of garlic has been  shown to
          help protect against Atherosclerosis.   Also  makes  a
          great insect and people repellent.           

          OAK. Oak bark tea provides an effective treatment  for
          sore throats, coughs and colds.   The  tannins  in the
          tea also dry and heal sores and rid  wounds of  excess
          secretions.

          Pine.  The pitch of the Pine tree is useful for disin-
          fecting and  protecting open sores.    Use  the  young
          shoots by  boiling them  and taking the tea to prevent 
          coughs and help relieve upset stomachs.


          Willow.  The  barks and roots contain a primal form of
          aspirin.  Use either chewed or brewed as a tea.

          Chamomile.   A  tea  made  from  this herb is good for 
          calming upset stomachs.   Can also be used as a mouth-
          wash.

BURNS     Aloe Vera.   The  gel  inside  the  leafs  provides  a 
          cooling medicinal salve.   Great for sunburns, cuts, &
          minor burns.

          Cattail.  Use the white starchy roots to make a salve 
          for dressing burns.   Pound the roots into a mush and 
          mix with animal fat  (lard or solid  vegetable shrtng
          should work just as well)

All the plant life  above either grow  wild or can be  found in 
most  grocery stores.   An excellent book to help identify wild 
plants  in  Missouri  is,  "EDIBLE  WILDS  OF  MISSOURI" by Jan
Phillips.  If  buying  in  a  store,  be  sure  you  get  fresh 
ingredients.  Some processed herbs do not have the  full effect
as if gotten fresh.   You may wish to start a small herb garden
at your house to have the ingredients on hand year round.

If anyone  has other  recipes for  herbal medicine, please send 
them to me.  My Address is:

                           P. O. Box 913
                           Moberly, MO 65270

Or leave a message on FREEDOM AMERICA Computer  Bulletin Board.
Phone (816) 263-8443 between 10:00pm and 10:00am 7 days a week.

Will WrightSelected Seneca Herbal Medicines
by R. H. Zander
Buffalo Museum of Science
Buffalo, New York

  The information on herbal medicines given below was taken from various
literature sources written over a long time span, including observations by
early explorers and missionaries, as well as that of ethnologists, both
amateur and professional. The list is far from complete. Present-day uses
of herbal medicines by the Seneca Iroquois may be different from that given
below, and may vary in individual use. The Seneca plant names represent
taxonomic concepts and entities not necessarily corresponding with
classifications on a phylogenetic basis. The Latin names thus only
approximate Seneca taxonomic constructs in the majority of cases.
  Until the relatively recent development of synthetic drugs, many Seneca
herbs were extensively used by white physicians. Uses of these are noted
for each after the word "official" if they have appeared in the
Pharmacopoeia of the United States or the National Formulary, otherwise,
after the notation of "White Medicine." Medicinal uses noted in the
collections of A. C. Parker at Albany, New York are given by Dr. Hope
Isaacs (6) and are here cited as "(Parker)." I thank Mrs. Rose Thompson of
Dewittville, New York, for bringing the important Skinner manuscript to my
attention.

  [Note: In this electronic version, certain of the diacritical marks are
omitted from the Seneca terms. Please see the original publication for
correct citations.]
  Acorus calamus. Sweet flag. O-weho-dah' (="pipe"). Old & New Worlds.
Powdered into water for stomach aches (7). Official - carminative,
stimulant, aromatic bitter tonic, flavoring (10).  
  Adiantum pedatum. Maidenhair fern. Deganyendaaji's (=black shins") (4).
N. Amer. Used as a hemostatic in women's disorders and for labor pains,
also as tea for coughs, chest ailments (4). White Medicine - stimulant,
expectorant, demulcent (9).  
  Amelanchier canadensis. Juneberry. Ha-doon (7). E. N. Amer. Infusion
given to lessen pain and control hemorrhage, in obstetrics (5,8).
  Apocynum androsaemifolium, A. cannabinum. Dogbane. N. Amer. "...for fiber
and bloody flux (Kalm)" (4). Official - cardiac stimulant, diuretic,
cathartic, diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant (10). Contains a caridac
glycoside, which increases blood pressure (9).
  Aralia nudicaulis. Sarsaparilla. Jo-wank-sis-ah (="little stalk") (2,7).
E. N. Amer.
  Aralia racemosa. Spikenard. Jo-wank-sis-jo-wah (="giant stalk") (2,7);
ge-wah-gen-goo-wah (7). Both species used in remedies for tuberculosis,
blood remedies, colds (4,7). Spikenard is also used to treat stomach
ailments and worms (7); indigestion, internal soreness, fevers (Parker);
cold blood in growing children, childhood bronchitis (6). Official - both
species used for stimulant and diaphoretic purposes (10).
  Arctium spp. Burdock. Onondowa'nes (="big comb") (5); -n ht(a)- (6).
Eur., Asia, introd. N. Amer. As a poultice for sore and painful areas (7).
For rheumatism and scrofula (Parker); carbuncles, boils, constipation (6).
Official - Arctium lappa used as a diuretic, diaphoretic (10).
  Arisaema triphyllum. Jack-in-the-pulpit, Indian turnip. ga'osha` (5).
Used for treating sore throat (6). Official - stimulant expectorant,
irritant, diaphoretic (10).
  Asarum canadense. Wild ginger. Da-u-dah-shah (7); oskwai'da` (4). E. N.
Amer. Taken as a tea for colds, fever, as a stomach tonic (7). Used for
sore throat (Parker) (6). Official - stimulant, carminative, tonic,
diaphoretic; contains antibiotic substances (10).
  Asclepias spp. Milkweed. Oo-nos-ga (7). N. Amer. For kidney trouble and
dropsy (Parker); diabetes, warts, hemorrhages (6). Official - roots
diaphoretic, expectorant, emetic, purgative (10).
  Betula nigra. Water birch. Da-yaa-go-ne-na-wen-yea (7). E. N. Amer. As a
tea for fever and other ills (7).
  Caltha palustris. Marsh marigold. Ga-no-wah-oos (7). N. Amer., Eur.,
Asia. Boiled young sprouts used to treat rheumatism and neuritis (8). Used
as a "preventative" (Parker) (6).
  Chimaphila maculata. Prince's pine. O-neh-das-sus (7). N. Amer., Eur.,
Asia. Tonic, blood purifier, stomach and kidney trouble (7). For kidney
trouble, weakness, nervousness, dyspepsia (Parker) (6). Official -
astringent, tonic, diuretic (10).
  Cichorium intybus. Chickory. Ga-sah-yen-da-qua (7). Eur., Asia, introd.
N. Amer. Entire plant used a poultice for a lame back. (7). White Medicine
- diuretic, tonic, stomachic, depurative (9).
  Cicuta maculata. Water hemlock. O n 'sh (3). E. N. Amer. Used as a
liniment for sprains and inflammations; also, as a poison for suicide
(4,11).
  Clintonia borealis. Corn lily. Thah-do-ah-oess-hah (7). E. N. Amer. Used
as a poultice for rupture; also, good for corns (7).
  Coptis trifolia. Goldthread. N. Amer. Used for sore throat, sore mouth,
poor appetite (Parker) (6). Official - tonic, stomachic (10).
  Cornus amomum. Kinnikinnik. N. Amer. Used as an emetic (4). White
Medicine - used for diarrhea, dropsy, dyspepsia, tooth powder (bark) (9).
  Cornus canadensis. Bunchberry. O-se-gwe-out-o-nah (7). Northern N. Amer.
Entire plant made into tea, taken for scarlet fever (7).
  Epigaea repens. Trailing arbutus. Ow-wen-oo (7). E. N. Amer. Used to
treat arthritis, backache (7). For weakness, malaria (Parker) (6).
  Euonymous atropurpureus. Wahoo. Oo-si-sta-oo-yen (7). E. N. Amer. For
colds, kidney problems, constipation, enuresis (Parker) (6). Official - a
mild purgative, with a mild cardiac action similar to that of digitalis
(10).
  Eupatorium perfoliatum. Boneset. Da-gah'-nay-yoh'-hon-toh. N. Amer. For
colds and fevers (4,5,11). For pneumonia medicine (2). Malaria,
rheumatism, colds, fever, digestive disorders (Parker); emetic, cathartic,
stimulant, diuretic (6). Official - stimulant, diuretic, emetic, cathartic
(10).
  Gaultheria procumbens. Wintergreen. (?O)jista; ke;a? (6). E. N. Amer. For
the blood, kidneys (4). For rheumatism, as a dressing (8). For bad blood,
colds (Parker); bad breath, dirty teeth, indigestion, sluggishness (6).
White Medicine - antiseptic, antirheumatic (9).
  Gentiana andrewsii. Closed gentian. O-a-e-da-ge-wah-ga (7). E. N. Amer.
Entire plant, taken as a tea, to treat yellow jaundice (7). Official -
species of the genus have been used as a bitter tonic (10).
  Geranium maculatum. Cranesbill. N. Amer. For summer complaint (4). White
Medicine - styptic, tonic, astringent (9).
  Gillenia trifoliata. Bowman's root. O-dick-deack-gwat-doh (7). E. N.
Amer. Root used as a remedy for gall bladder and gall stones (7). Official
- emetic (10).
  Hamamelis virginiana. Witch hazel. Takwasy :nih (6). E. N. Amer. For
pain, nervous upsets (Parker); for skin diseases, bad blood, arthritis,
rheumatism (6). Official - astringent, hemostatic (10).
  Hepatica spp. Hepatica, liverleaf. Ga-nuh, wen-da-gwa (7). E. N. Amer.
Entire plant used to treat stomach and liver ailments (7). For weakness
(Parker); constipation, children's fevers (6). Official - tonic, stimulant
(10).
  Impatiens biflora. Touch-me-not. E. N. Amer. For treating poison ivy
(Parker) (6).
  Inula helenium. Elecampane. A-wah-oh-son-ta (7); gawe' osoontha' (4).
Eur., Asia, introd. N. Amer. Root used for fever and lung trouble (7).
White Medicine - cough medicines, asthma, whooping cough, lung ailments,
skin diseases (9).
  Ipomoea pandurata. Man root, Old-man-of-the-earth. Och-ta-a-wah-neh (7).
E. N. Amer. Root used for catarrh, rheumatism, fever, burns, disordered
stomach (7). Official - a powerful cathartic (10)
  Iris versicolor. Blue flag. Da-ga-on-duh (7). E. N. Amer. Used a strong
cathartic (7). Official - cathartic, emetic, diuretic (10)
  Juglans cinerea. Butternut. Gu-nu-gwa (7); jo:nyo? (6); djonot'gwes (5).
E. N. Amer. For constipation (Parker); for boils, impetigo (6). Official -
a mild cathartic.
  Larix laricina. Tamarack, larch. Ga-nan-dens (7). E. N. Amer. "...given
to horses affected with the heaves" (7). White Medicine - bark is altera-
tive, laxative, diretic (9).
  Lobelia cardinalis. Cardinal flower. Gies-da-ga-ah (7). E. N. Amer. Roots
taken to reduce fever (7). White Medicine - emetic, expectorant, nauseant
(9).
  Mentha spp. Spearmint and peppermint. Geh-nuh-nos-ta (7). Eur., introd.
N. Amer. Both species used for headaches and stomach upsets, as a tea (7).
White medicine - carminative, stimulant (9).
  Mitchella repens. Partridgeberry. Oshaista 'wayas (5); oshaista' wa:ya:s
(1). N. Amer. Used to hasten labor (5,8). Official - astringent, tonic,
diuretic (10).
  Nepeta cataria. Catnip. Eur. introd. N. Amer. For children's complaints
(Parker) (6). Official - carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, tonic (10).
  Panax trifolium. Dwarf genseng. dj '(4). E. N. Amer. Used for weakness
(Parker); childbirth pains (6).
  Phytolacca americana. Pokeweed. O 'shea one ' ta  (="crimson leaves")
(5); os-hay-ya (7). E. N. Amer. Used for rheumatism (7). White Medicine -
emetic, alterative, purgative (9).
  Polygala senega. Seneca snakeroot. ?ohsikwe t?oti:nyos (6). E. N. Amer.
Used for snakebite, palsy, nervousness (Parker) (6). Official -
expectorant, cough medicine, stimulant, irritant, emetic, diuretic (10).
  Polygonatum biflorum. Soloman's seal. Da-ga-na-ya-hont-tah. (7). E. N.
Amer. Whole plant used as a poultice for broken bones (7).
  Prunus serotina. Wild cherry. A-------e------- (7); e:i? (1). E. N. Amer.
Used for sore chest, fevers, coughs (Parker); colds, sprains, strains,
diarrhea, dysentery (6). White medicine - bark is tonic, sedative (9).
  Rhus spp. Sumach. De-gin-da-e-hoo-da (7); o'tgo  da  (8);   otko?ta? (1).
Used for measles and sore throat (11). Used for sore throat (Parker);
sprains, strains, spinal paralysis, itch (6).
  Rubus spp. Blackberry. Oot-ga-sah (7); ?otka:sha? (1). Root used to treat
wounds (Parker); pneumonia, diabetes (6).
  Rumex spp. Yellow dock. E-jay-et (7). Root used to treat asthma (7).
Official - spp. used to treat skins diseases, also as alterative, laxative,
tonic (10).
  Sambucus canadensis. Elderberry. Otko?ta (6). E. N. Amer. Used to treat
bad blood and fever (Parker); skin erruptions, poisoning (6). For fever
(5). Official - mild stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic (10).
  Sanguinaria canadensis. Bloodroot. Oo-na-qua (7). E. N. Amer. Root used
to stop bleeding of fresh cuts, also to treat tuberculosis (7). As an
emetic (8). Used to treat impetigo (6). Official - stimulant, emetic,
tonic, alterative (10).
  Sassafras albidum. Sassafras. Ono'hsta?sh   (4). E. N. Amer. Used to
treat venereal diseases, rheumatism, as a diuretic, and as a tonic after
childbirth (4). Used to treat bad blood and colds (Parker) (6). Official -
carminative, stimulant, flavoring (10).
  Solidago spp. Goldenrod. Jitkw c ?  (6). Used to treat colds, fevers,
headaches (Parker); diabetes, gallstones, pneumonia (6). Official - S.
odora cited as stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic (10).
  Taraxacum spp. Dandelion. Odjissonda  (5); ga-je-son-don-ta (7). N.
Amer., Eur., Asia. Used as a tonic for the stomach and liver (7). Official
- root used as diuretic, tonic, mild laxative (10).
  Tilia spp. Basswood. O-o-sah (7). Used to treat kidney trouble (Parker)
(6).
  Tsuga canadensis. Hemlock. O-nen-da (7). E. N. Amer. Used to treat scurvy
and as a cold preventative (Parker) (6). Official - externally in a
plaster as counterirritant, also as an astringent (10).
  Typha spp. Cattail. Ge-gon-sas-senh-gen-saw-ah (7). Used as a remedy for
the gall (7).
  Ulmus rubra. Slippery elm. Oos-kah (7). E. N. Amer. Used in childbirth
(4). To treat weakness and throat disorders (Parker) (6). To treat
inflammations, blood poisoning (7). White Medicine - a demulcent in
diarrhea, dysentery; also, as a poultice for abscesses (9).
  Veratrum viride. Indian poke, False hellebore. Oos-kah-ah (7). E. N.
Amer. Used to treat catarrh (4). Official - hypotensive, cardiac
depressent, sedative (10).
  Veronicastrum virginicum. Culver's root. Och-ge-jo-wah (7). E. N. Amer.
Used in a tuberculosis remedy formula; also, as a laxative and to treat
rheumatism (7). Used as a cathartic (4). Official - cathartic, emetic,
alterative, for liver disorders (10).
  Vitis spp. Wild grape. Oo-nun-gwe-sa (7); oniung'wisa  (5);  o:ny kwi?sa?
(1). Used to treat poison ivy (Parker) (6).
  Zea mays. Maize, Corn. Ona'o  (5); on  ? (1). E. N. Amer. Smoke from the
burning husks used to facilitate delivery of the placenta in childbirth;
ashes of the cob were used to make a lye used to induce vomiting and to
treat cases of stomach worms and dyspepsia (5). Used to treat dysentery
(Parker) (6). Official - corn silk as diuretic, corn oil as a solvent, corn
starch as nutrient, demulcent, protective, absorbent (10).
                                References
  (1)  Chafe, W. L. 1963. Handbook of the Seneca Language. N. Y. State Mus.
& Sci. Serv. Bull. 388.
  (2)  Fenton, W. N. 1940. An herbarium from the Allegany Senecas. In Doty,
et al., eds., Historical Annals of Southwestern New York. New York.
  (3)  _____. 1941. Iroquois suicide: a study in the stability of a culture
pattern. Bur. Amer. Ethnol. Bull. 128, Anthropol. Pap. 14, pp. 79-137,
pls. 6-8.
  (4)  _____. 1942. Contacts between Iroquois herbalism and colonial
medicine. Ann. Rep. Smithsonian Inst. 1941: 503-526, 5 pls.
  (5)  _____, ed. 1968. Parker on the Iroquois... Syracuse, New York.
  (6)  Isaacs, H. 1972. Iroquois herbalism - the past hundred years.
Unpublished Mimeogr. Paper, Dept. Anthropology, State Univ. of New York at
Buffalo, 28 pp.
  (7)  Skinner, D. P. (Undated.) Seneca notes... Pennsylvania Historical
Survey, Federal Works Agency.
  (8)  Stone, E. 1934. Medicine among the Iroquois. Ann. Med. Hist., n.s.
6(6): 529-539, 6 figs.
  (9)  Uphof, J. D. T. 1968. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Cramer, Lehre.
  (10) Vogel, V. J. 1970. American Indian Medicine. Univ. Oklahoma Press:
Norman, Oklahoma.
  (11) Wallace, A. F. C. 1970. The death and rebirth of the Seneca. A. A.
Knopf, New York.
----
  This article was originally published as Notes from the Clinton
Herbarium, No. 5, March 1977, and is reprinted with permission of the
author.
                   ------------------------------------

HERBS AND HERBALISM:
The Medicine Plants
by Dan Salzler

  Traditional herbal medicines have been a part of civilization since the
time of early man. Early medicine men held important positions in tribal
communities as sages of wisdom as they blended herbal remedies with
religious beliefs.
  Although little is known about the actual beginnings of herbal medicine,
the earliest evidences come from China and India. Chinese Emperor Chin Nong
is thought to have written about herbs in a medicinal context about 2700
B.C. Later, Egyptian civilizations offered an extensive utilization of
herbs for medicinal purposes. Archeologists have found writings from about
2000 B.C. that list series of medicinal prescriptions. In later Egyptian
civilizations, Throth was believed to have kept an active file of herbal
formulas for healing and for maintaining general healthful vigor. Throth
was represented as holding the symbol of life in his left hand and a staff
with a serpent coiled around itself in his right hand - the symbol of
physicians today.
  The ancient Greeks advanced the use and knowledge of herbal medicine
through the works of men like Hippocrates (470-377 B.C.), the father of
medicine, who established a scientific system of medicine without the
inclusion of religious beliefs.
  Today, pharmaceutical medicines have taken the place of herbal remedies.
Accompanying this increased use has come a heightened awareness and fear of
the side effects of taking pharmaceutical medicines. In the not-too-distant
past, families relied on favorite home remedies to control small medical
problems and to prevent minor ailments from becoming chronic in nature.
For example, willow bark, which was used for thousands of years by the
American Indian as a pain killer and anti-inflammatory, was used by our
grandparents (or great-grandparents) who lived throughout rural America,
for the same purposes. It took nearly fifty years of research by a German
scientist to isolate the active compound and learn its chemical code. In
the lab it is known as salicylic acid (from Salix, the genus of the
willow); its discovery and synthesis earned a fortune for Bayer; we know it
today in a slightly modified form as aspirin.
  For generations, Grandma's chicken soup has been the home remedy for
colds, fever and stuffy nasal discomfort. Common folk swore by it, but for
years skeptics questioned this remedy as an old wives' tale until recent
findings offered a new evidence for the debate. Most chicken soup is
heavily seasoned with the herb thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Research has
discovered that thyme contains a substance known as thymol, which acts as a
decongestant. Although the debate about chicken soup continues, thymol, in
its natural or synthetic form, is found in most pharmaceutical
decongestant medicines on the market today.
  Legitimate herbal research is breaking new ground in areas of herbal
medicine from cancer to head colds. Leading universities of the world are
advancing our knowledge and understanding of herbs. Advance your knowledge
of this interesting area of herbalism by reading one of the following books
or others on the same topic: Herbally Yours by Penny C. Royal; Natural
Healing with Herbs by Humbart Santillo; Magic and Medicine of Plants edited
by Reader's Digest; Growing and Using the Healing Herbs by Weiss and Weiss.
-----
  Reprinted with permission of the author from the Cattaraugus County
Independent, Nov. 2, 1986. Dan Salzler is the owner of Herb Hollow Farm
located on Safford Road, East Otto, New York.
                   ------------------------------------

CLINTONIA
Magazine of the Niagara Frontier Botanical Society, Inc.  
An Affiliate of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences  
Vol. 3, Issue 3, May 5, 1988 
* * * Annual Meeting Issue * * *  
(Electronically Published Version: May 6, 1988)
NOTE TO USERS: This manual is best viewed by using a uniform-spaced font 
(such as Courier or Monaco) and setting a width of 80 characters.


HERBAL-MEDICAL CONTRAINDICATIONS  by Michael Moore

Synergistic and iatrogenic potentials when certain herbs are used 
concurrent with medical treatment or medical health care.

Copyright 1995 by Michael Moore.  Use it, share it, just don't sell it
or change it in any way (unless you get my permission)

THE REASON FOR THIS LIST:

A list of side-effects written by a toxicologist or a pharmacognosist 
will deal ONLY with potential problems that a particular constituent may
cause, and seldom treats a plant as a Gestalt.  
They don't understand HERBS.

A list of side-effects written by most herbalists will deal with side 
effects from over-dosage or adulteration, and will seldom consider the 
implications for drug or procedural medicine.  
They don't understand MEDICINE.

I feel fairly secure in both worlds, so this list of potential synergies
and contraindications is meant to honor BOTH approaches.  I am talking 
strictly to the working practitioner; these are PRACTICAL concerns, not
theoretical ones.

THE FOCUS OF THIS LIST:

My intent in this list is to wed both approaches:
A.  What herbs may present overt drug reactions.
B.  What herbs may present synergistic effects to
       1.  a person undergoing a particular metabolic stress
       2.  a person undergoing drug therapies
C.  What herbs have side-effects BUT that are frequently 
    used without adequate warnings, marketed with an anti-
    medical bias, or taken unwisely by those that feel NO
    herb can be harmful because it is natural.

PHILOSOPHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

     If you are used to viewing biologically active agents as analogs to
drugs, you need to suspend those standards when dealing with most herb 
preparations.  Some of these plants CAN be reduced to the pharmacology 
of specific constituents, and they are so noted.  The majority of 
potential reactions occur when an herb STIMULATES metabolic processes 
that are already in an excited state.  The usual models of drug toxicology
will fail to predict such reactions; these are NOT, strictly speaking, 
drug reactions, but often predictable idiopathic synergies.  Predictable, 
that is, if you are willing to view most herbs as multi-systemic wholistic
medicines, offering a "profile" of effects that can help OR aggravate, 
depending on the PERSON using them.
     Herbs should be free of side effects within their therapeutic
window and when used by a person whose constitution is complimented, 
not antagonized by the herbs.  Whether or not you accept any value to 
Botanical Medicine, this is Conventional Wisdom amongst herbalists.
Side effects from herbs are unwanted, both by herbalists wishing to 
strengthen, not denigrate homeostasis, and by skeptics who doubt any 
value to herbs except from placebo or accidental drug effects.  
     On the other hand, a careful evaluation of potential drug therapy 
starts with the basic understanding that drugs HAVE side effects at the
proper dose, and the value must be weighed against the detriment.  Most
possible problems I have listed will only occur in potentiated states,
and may be subtle enough to be ignored by Believers (Don't be so 
defensive!), magnified totally out of proportion by Skeptics (Don't be 
so judgmental!).  We all tend to be too isolated in our peer groups,
always preaching to our particular choir.
     Some physicians feel any self-treatment with biologically active 
agents is dangerous.  Many people consider this either professional 
arrogance or the attempt to stifle competition.  I have nearly always 
observed the attitude to derive from a very real concern; a physician's
biochemical tools are drugs.  By extension, docs may rightly presume that
any agent capable of promoting change probably has similar potential for 
side effects.  Carried to an irrational extreme, some medical folks 
feel that anything WITHOUT potential side effects is quackery.  This, of
course, leaves any alternative approach in a Catch-22 bind.
     There is little intrinsic danger in using herbs, since few have the
potential for DRUG side effects.  The side effects are usually 
idiosyncratic or idiopathic, and not predictable by drug standards.
This brings me back to why I have assembled this list.

NOTES:
 
[1]  Some of these plants are illegal, not from the pseudo-scientific 
rationale of law-inforcement (except Cannabis and Lophophora) but for the
practical legality that THEY AREN'T SAFE.  Nonetheless they still find
their way into personal use.  I have developed the libertarian attitude
that permeated 19th and early 20th century pharmacy: "Let them take what 
they want to...it's a Free Country.  If they don't know any better, let's
thin the herd!".  We, however, have a generation or two of people that 
EXPECT a warning label on everything, and that have come to doubt common
sense.  Of course many dangers in modern life do not warn by taste, smell
or appearance...radiation, pollution, etc.  Given this, plant drugs like
Yohimbe and even Ma Huang should, in my opinion, not be available in the
same marketplace as Peppermint and Sarsaparilla.  But they are.

[2]  Some of these herbs are only encountered in "ethnic" use, but, with
most ethnic groups suffering diminished coherence of tradition, a Wise
Woman or folk herbalist may not be around to give appropriate advice.

[3]  A few of these herbs are seldom encountered in the herb trade but 
rather are wildcrafted and used inappropriately.  Some of this may be MY
fault, since I write about the use of plants that are low-dosage
botanicals and presume that the reader has Common Sense...not always a 
reality.  Many of us distrust ANY authoritative limits...this anti-author-
itarianism may be encountered in the way some people use even sensible 
herb books.

[4]  Herbal Cure-Alls and thinly-veiled Phytopharmaceuticals are a growing
part of the health-food industry.  In Europe they are usually dispensed
under medical supervision; they have no place in American Standard
Practice but instead have entered the alternative health marketplace as 
"Herbs".  They are more concentrated, more refined, have little of the 
biochemical buffering or "fuzz" that whole plants offer, and are NOT 
metabolic tonics but substances intended for specific subclinical 
pathologies...Little Drugs if you will.  Their use is intended for 
conditions that have been medically diagnosed...not for self-treatment 
based upon sometimes inaccurate self-diagnosis.  It's one thing to take 
aspirin for a headache or use a bitter to trigger improved upper digestive 
function.  It's another thing to take proven immunostimulant or anti-
oxidant substances (even if derived from plants) if based on "I get sick 
a lot" or "I bet my liver needs cleansing".
     Not only is this an entirely new realm of potential iatrogenesis, but
it has a corruptive influence by my way of thinking.  It centralizes the
MARKETING of herbs into the hands of a few, but without offering guide-
lines for DIAGNOSIS.  And it seduces folks from the sensible heart of 
self-treatment...self-knowledge.
  
One-size-fits-all is not self-empowerment 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREGNANCY 
   TERATOGENIC/MUTAGENIC
   UTERINE VASOCONSTRICTORS 
   UTERINE VASODILATORS 
   CATHARTICS/SACRAL IRRITANTS
   OXYTOCIN SYNERGISTS
   OVERT DRUGS
   MISCELLANEOUS WlERDNESS
   MAY BE PRESENT IN MILK
NEUROENDOCRINE 
   SYMPATHOMIMETICS
   PARASYMPATHOMIMETICS
   ANTICHOLlNERGlC
   VASOPRESSOMIMETlC
   THYROID STlMULATlNG
   THYROID DEPRESSING
   ALDOSTERONE SYNERGISTS
   FLAVIN-MAO-INHIBITING
METABOLIC
   "ANABOLIC"
   ANTICOAGULANTS/"BLOOD THINNING"
   CYANOGENIC POTENTIAL
   ALLERGIC/ATOPIC POTENTIAL
   HYPO-HYPERGLYCEMIC (REACTIVE)
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM 
   CARDIOGLYCOSIDE POTENTIATING
   BRADYCARDIC/HYPOTENSIVE
   TACHYCARDIC
   HYPERTENSIVE POTENTIAL
PHARMACOKINETICS 
   HERBS THAT CAN ALTER LIVER METABOLlSM OF DRUGS
   HERBS THAT CAN ALTER GI ABSORPTION
   IMMUNOSTIMULANT HERBS THAT CAN RAISE WBC COUNT
HEPATIC
   HERBS THAT CAN ALTER SGOT/SGPT READINGS
   PYRROLIZIDINE ALKALOID HERBS
HERB-SPECIFIC PROBLEMS
   WITH MISCONCEPTIONS
   WITH HIDDEN or THRESHOLD EFFECTS
   LACKING ANY SOCIALLY REDEEMING VALUE
INDEX OF COMMON NAMES

/////////////////////////////////
PREGNANCY ///////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////

Some of these herbs are relatively harmless, but considering the highly
reactive state of pregnancy, and the fact that fetal growth is a 
template that can manifest pharmacokinetics VERY differently than for 
an adult, they are mentioned.  Others are obviously inappropriate 
because of their neuroendocrine, autonomic or vascular implications.
 
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PREGNANCY: TERATOGENIC/MUTAGENIC
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

PODOPHYLLUM.  (American Mandrake) 
BAPTISIA  (Wild Indigo)...theoretically

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PREGNANCY: UTERINE VASOCONSTRICTORS 
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ARCTOSTAPHYLOS  (Uva Ursi, Manzanita, Coralillo) if use is continued for
  more than 3-4 days
EPHEDRA VULGARIS  (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra)
USTILAGO  (Corn Smut) A feeble ergot analog
VINCA MAJOR  (Periwinkle) Idiosyncratic vasoconstrictor
VISCUM ALBUM (European Mistletoe) May incorrectly be American Mistletoe
  in commerce, a very vasoconstricting plant. 
XANTHIUM  (Cadillos, Cocklebur) More than 6-8 burrs a day can cause
  potential placental separation 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PREGNANCY: UTERINE VASODILATORS 
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACTEA RUBRA (A. arguta, Baneberry)
ALOE (Aloes Socrotine, etc.)
ANGELICA SINENSIS (Dong Quai, Tang Kwei)
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM (Dogbane, Canadian Hemp)
ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA (Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria)
ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONll (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio)
ARNICA (A. montana. A. cordifolia. A. latiflora. etc.)
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM (Wormwood)
ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA (Sagebrush)
ARTEMISIA VULGARIS (Mugwort. California Mugwort)
ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA (Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA (Pleurisy Root)
BRYONIA (Bryony)
CACALIA DECOMPOSITA (Maturin. Maturique)
CHAMAELIRIUM (Helonias. Unicorn Root )
CHENOPODIUM (Epazote. Wormseed)
CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA (Black Cohosh)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe. Yohimbe)
CROCUS (True Saffron, "Azafran")  Azafran is the usual name for Safflowers 
DAUCUS CAROTA (Carrot, Wild Carrot) The seeds.
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
FOUQUIERIA SPLENDENS (Ocotillo)
GALEGA (Goat's Rue)
HEDEOMA (American Pennyroyal, Poleo Chino)
IRIS VERSICOLOR, I. MISSOURIENSIS (Blue Flag)
JUNIPERUS (Juniper. Sabina, Sabino Macho, "Cedar")
LILIUM TIGRINUM (Tiger Lily)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote. Mescal Buttons)
PETROSELlNUM (Parsley)
PODOPHYLLUM (American Mandrake, May Apple)
POLYGALA SENEGA (Senega Snakeroot, Milkwort)
POLYMNIA UVEDALIA (Bearsfoot, Leafcup)
RUTA GRAVEOLENS (Rue, Ruda)
SANGUINARIA (Bloodroot)
SPIGELIA (Pink Root)
STILLINGIA SYLVATICA (Queen's Root)
TANACETUM (Tansy, Ponso, Tanse)
THUJA (Arbor Vitae, Flat, Red or Yellow Cedar)
TURNERA DIFFUSA (Damiana)
XANTHOXYLUM (Prickly Ash)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PREGNANCY: CATHARTICS/SACRAL IRRITANTS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ALOE (Aloes Socrotine. etc.)
CASSIA MARlLANDICA (American Senna)
CHENOPODIUM (Epazote, Wormseed)
HELIOPSIS LONGIPES (Raiz del Oro, Chilcuan)
IRIS VERSICOLOR, I. MISSOURIENSIS (Blue Flag)
LEPTANDRA (Veronicastrum, Culver's Root)
PODOPHYLLUM (American Mandrake)
RHAMNUS CALIFORNICA (California Buckthorn)
RHAMNUS FRANGULA (Buckthorn)
RHAMNUS PURSHIANA (Cascara Sagrada)
RHEUM (Chinese or Turkey Rhubarb)
SENNA (Cassia angustifolia, Te de Sena )

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PREGNANCY: OXYTOCIN SYNERGISTS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA (Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS (Shepherd's Purse, Bolsa de Pastor)
CAULOPHYLLUM (Blue Cohosh)
GOSSYPIUM (Cotton, Algodoncillo) Root Bark
LEONURUS CARDIACA (Motherwort)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops)
USTILAGO (Corn Smut)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PREGNANCY: OVERT DRUG PLANTS (and primary compounds)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACONITUM COLUMBIANUM (Aconite, Monkshood)
     Aconitine
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM (Dogbane. Canadian Hemp) 
     Feeble digitaloid
CHENOPODIUM (Epazote, Wormseed)
CINCHONA (Peruvian Bark. Quinine Bark)
     Quinines
CONVALLARIA (Lily of the Valley)
     Feeble digitaloid
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
     Yohimbine AND some reserpine relatives..an indole stew
DATURA (Jimson Weed. Toloache, Estramonio)
     Atropine effects
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra)
     Ephedrines
GARRYA (Silk Tassel, Cuauchichic, Quinine Bush)
     Garryine, Cuauachichicine - anti-cholinergics
GELSEMIUM (Yellow Jasmine)
     Gelsemine...an indole alkaloid and CNS irritant
HYOCYAMUS NIGER (Henbane)
     Atropine effects
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
NICOTIANA (Punche, Tobacco)
PEGANUM HARMALA (Syrian Rue)
     Harmine (indole alkaloid, MAO inhibitor)
PILOCARPUS (Jaborandi)
     Pilocarpine and other muscarinics
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops)
     Cytisine, sparteine (simultaneous Hypo-Hypertensives)
VERATRUM (Green, False or American Hellebore)
     Cardiac depressant

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PREGNANCY: MISCELLANEOUS WlERDNESS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACONITUM CARMICHAELI (CURED) (Fu-tse, Fo-tzu)
     Peculiar adrenergic, wrong in TCM, and biologically too potent.
ACORUS CALAMUS (Calamus, Sweet Flag)
     Mildly co-carcinogen (Eurasian strain), and may interfere with
     normal PG inter-reactions
AESCULUS CALIFORNICA (California Buckeye) see below
--AESCULUS GLABRA (Ohio Buckeye) see below
--AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM (Horse Chestnut)
     All stimulate myenteric plexus, with unpredictable vascular effects.
AMYGDALIS PERSICA (Peach Tree)
     Cyanogenic, unless prepared perfectly
ANEMONE HIRSUTISSIMA (Pulsatilla, Pasque Flower) anti-dopimergic
BAPTISIA (Wild Indigo Root) CAN mimic Scoparius
CORYDALIS AUREUS (Golden Smoke)
--DICENTRA CANADENSIS (Turkey Corn)
--DICENTRA FORMOSA (Bleeding Heart)
--ESCHSCHOLTZIA CALIFORNICA (California Poppy)
     Above four have mixed protopines
GINKGO BlLOBA (Maidenhair Tree) Many subtle effects, unpredictable
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (Licorice) Minerocorticosteroid effects
GUAIACUM OFFICINALE (Lignum Vitae, Guayacan)
     Unpredictable vasodilation, feebly muscarinic
HELENIUM HOOPESll (Yerba del Lobo) Contains PAs; potential liver irritant
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal) Mucosa stimulant, may age placenta
LARREA (Chaparral. Gobernadora, Hediondilla)
     Quirky anti-oxidant, w/hemolytic potential
LOMATIUM DISSECTUM (Leptotaenia) Too bioactive to chance
MARRUBIUM (Horehound, Marrubio) Mildly hypertensive under some conditions
MENTHA ARVENSIS (Brook Mint, Poleo) Has some Pennyroyal constituents
OPLOPANAX HORRIDUM (Echinopanax, Devil's Club)
--PANAX GINSENG (Asian Ginseng)
--PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM (American Ginseng)
     Above three are anabolic/hypothalamic
PHYTOLACCA (Poke) Idiosyncratic, poorly documented muscarinic effects
PRUNUS (Wild Cherry, Choke Cherry) Cyanogenic when gathered incorrectly
PTYCHOPETALUM (Muirapuama. Raiz del Macho)
     Idiosyncratic motor/sacral stimulant
SENECIO AUREUS (Life Root, Squaw Weed) May be unintentionally mixed with
     toxic Senecios
SILYBUM MARIANUM (Milk Thistle) May inhibit hepatocytes in excess; 
     pregnancy may unpredictably alter therapeutic window
SOLANUM DULCAMARA (Bittersweet Twigs) Too bioactive to risk
SYMPHYTUM (Comfrey) Some hybrids in commerce contain root PAs
TRlBULUS (Puncture Vine, Goat's Head) Ayurvedic Medicine advises not to
     use in pregnancy
VISCUM ALBUM (European Mistletoe) May be unintentionally adulterated with
     American Mistletoe: even if correct, it is too bioactive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PREGNANCY: MAY BE PRESENT IN MILK
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACORUS CALAMUS (Calamus. Sweet Flag)
AlLANTHUS ALTlSSIMA (Tree of Heaven)
ALLIUM SATIVUM (Garlic)
ALOE (Aloes Socrotine, etc.)
ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA (Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria)
ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONll (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio)
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM (Wormwood, Agenjo)
ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA (Sagebrush, Chamiso Hediondo)
ARTEMISIA VULGARIS (Mugwort, Altamisa)
CACALIA DECOMP0SITA (Maturin, Maturique)
CANNABIS SATIVA (Marijuana, Hemp)
CASSIA MARlLANDICA (American Senna, Te de Sena)
CHENOPODIUM (Epazote, Wormseed)
COMMIPHORA (Myrrh Gum, Mirra)
CONVALLARIA (Lily of the Valley)
DAUCUS CAROTA (Carrot, Wild Carrot) Seeds
DRACONTIUM (Symplocarpus, Skunk Cabbage)
FOUQUIERIA SPLENDENS (Ocotillo)
GALEGA (Goat's Rue)
GINKGO BILOBA (Maidenhair Tree)
JUNIPERUS (Juniper. Sabina, "Cedar")
LIGUSTICUM PORTERI (Osha, Chuchupate)
PlLOCARPUS (Jaborandi)
RHEUM (Chinese or Turkey Rhubarb)
SANGUINARIA (Bloodroot)
SENNA (Cassia angustifolia, Te de Sena )
RUTA GRAVEOLENS (Rue, Ruda)
TANACETUM (Tansy, Tanse, Ponso, "Altamisa")
THUJA (Arbor Vitae, Flat, Red or Yellow Cedar)
XANTHOXYLUM (Prickly Ash)

/////////////////////////////////
NEUROENDOCRINE //////////////////
/////////////////////////////////

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NEUROENDOCRINE: SYMPATHOMIMETICS w/PRIMARY CONSTITUENT
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACONITUM CARMICHAELI (CURED) (Fu-tse, Fo-tzu) ???
ACORUS CALAMUS (Calamus. Sweet Flag) ASARONE
CAFFEA ARABICA (Coffee) CAFFEINE
COLA NITIDA (Kola Nut) CAFFEINE
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe. Yohimbe) YOHIMBINE
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra) EPHEDRINE
GELSEMIUM (Yellow Jasmine) GELSEMINE
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons) MESCALINE
PEGANUM HARMALA (Syrian Rue) HARMINES
PAULLINIA (Guarana) CAFFEINE, HYPOXANTHINES
PTYCHOPETALUM (Muirapuama, Raiz del Macho) ???
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops) CYTISINE, SPARTEINE, etc.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NEUROENDOCRINE: PARASYMPATHOMIMETICS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

AESCULUS CALIFORNICA (California Buckeye)
AESCULUS GLABRA (Ohio Buckeye)
AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM (Horse Chestnut)
ANEMONE HIRSUTISSIMA (Pulsatilla, Pasque Flower)
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM (Dogbane, Canadian Hemp)
ARNICA (A. montana, A. cordifolia. A. latiflora. etc.)
ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA (Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA (Pleurisy Root)
BRYONIA (Bryony)
CACALIA DECOMPOSITA (Maturin, Maturique)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
IRIS VERSICOLOR, I. MISSOURIENSIS (Blue Flag)
LEPTANDRA (Veronicastrum, Culver's Root)
LOBELIA INFLATA (Lobelia, Indian Tobacco)
PHYTOLACCA (Poke)
PlLOCARPUS (Jaborandi)
PISCIDIA (Jamaica Dogwood, Jabin)
POLYGALA SENEGA (Senega Snakeroot, Milkwort)
SANGUINARIA (Bloodroot)
SOLANUM DULCAMARA (Bittersweet Twigs)
SPIGELIA (Pink Root)
VERATRUM (Green, False or American Hellebore)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NEUROENDOCRINE: ANTICHOLlNERGlC
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

DATURA (Jimson Weed, Toloache, Estramonio)
GARRYA (Silk Tassel, Cuauchichic, Quinine Bush)
HYOCYAMUS NlGER (Henbane)
SOLANUM DULCAMARA (Bittersweet Twigs)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NEUROENDOCRINE: VASOPRESSOMIMETlC
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
TRIBULUS (Puncture Vine, Goat's Head)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NEUROENDOCRINE: PITUITARY/HYPOTHALAMIC "POTENTIATING"
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

CENTELLA ASIATICA (Hydrocotyle asiatica, Gotu Kola)
OPLOPANAX HORRIDUM (Echinopanax, Devil's Club)
PANAX GINSENG (Asian Ginseng)
PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM (American Ginseng)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NEUROENDOCRINE: THYROID STlMULATlNG
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACONITUM CARMICHAELI (CURED) (Fu-tse, Fo-tzu)
CENTELLA ASIATlCA (Hydrocotyle asiatica, Gotu Kola)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NEUROENDOCRINE: THYROID DEPRESSING
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

CHLOROPHYLLIN (Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Chlorophyll "JJ")
LEONURUS CARDIACA (Motherwort)
LYCOPUS (Bugleweed)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NEUROENDOCRINE: ALDOSTERONE SYNERGISTS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (Licorice)
MARRUBIUM (Horehound, Marrubio)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NEUROENDOCRINE: FLAVIN-MAO-INHIBITING
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACONITUM CARMICHAELI (CURED) (Fu-tse, Fo-tzu)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
HYPERICUM (St. Johns Wort)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
PEGANUM HARMALA (Syrian Rue)

/////////////////////////////////
METABOLIC ///////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
METABOLIC: "ANABOLIC"
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ANGELICA SINENSIS (Dong Quai, Tang Kwei)
OPLOPANAX HORRIDUM (Echinopanax. Devil's Club)
PANAX GINSENG (Asian Ginseng)
PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM (American Ginseng)
PTYCHOPETALUM (Muirapuama, Raiz del Macho)
SMlLAX (Sarsaparilla)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
METABOLIC: ANTICOAGULANTS/"BLOOD THINNING"
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

BETULA (Birch)
CEANOTHUS (Red Root, New Jersey Tea)
CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM (Feverfew)
GINKGO BILOBA (Maidenhair Tree)
LEUCANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Oxe-Eye Daisy)
MELILOTUS (Sweet Clover)
POPULUS TREMULIODES (Aspen)
SALIX (Willow)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
METABOLIC: CYANOGENIC POTENTIAL
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

AMYGDALIS PERSICA (Peach Tree)
PRUNUS (Wild Cherry, Choke Cherry)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
METABOLIC: ALLERGIC/ATOPIC POTENTIAL
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ALLIUM SATIVUM (Garlic)
ASAFETIDA (Ferula asafetida, Devil's Dung, Stinkasant)
ASPIDIUM (Dryopteris filix-mas, Male Fern)
CAFFEA ARABICA (Coffee)
LINUM (Flaxseed)
PANAX GINSENG (Asian Ginseng)
PROPOLlS (Beehive scrapings, gathered from trees)
SOLANUM DULCAMARA (Bittersweet Twigs)
YUCCA (Amole, Spanish Bayonet)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
METABOLIC: HYPO-HYPERGLYCEMIC (REACTIVE)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
ACONITUM CARMICHAEL (CURED) (Fu-tse. Fo-tzu)
BERBERIS (Barberry)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal) 
MAHONIA (Oregon Grape, Berberis aquifolium)
PEGANUM HARMALA (Syrian Rue)

/////////////////////////////////
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM (CVS) /////
/////////////////////////////////

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
CVS: CARDIOGLYCOSIDE POTENTIATING
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

APOCYNUM CANNABINUM (Dogbane, Canadian Hemp)
ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA (Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
ASPIDOSPERMA (Quebracho Bark)
CONVALLARIA (Lily of the Valley)
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops)
VERATRUM (Green, False or American Hellebore)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
CVS: BRADYCARDIC/HYPOTENSIVE
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACONITUM COLUMBIANUM (Aconite, Monkshood)
ACTEA RUBRA (Baneberry, Yerba del Peco)
ANEMONE HIRSUTISSIMA (Pulsatilla, Pasque Flower)
ARNICA (A. montana, A. cordifolia, A. latiflora. etc.)
ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA (Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA (Pleurisy Root)
BRYONIA (Bryony)
CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS (Shepherd's Purse)
CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS (Selenicereus, Peniocereus, Night-Blooming Cereus)
CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA (Macrotys, Black Cohosh)
CRATAEGUS (Hawthorn)
ESCHSCHOLTZIA CALIFORNICA (California Poppy)
GARRYA (Silk Tassel, Cuauchichic, Quinine Bush)
LOBELIA INFLATA (Lobelia, Indian Tobacco)
PILOCARPUS (Jaborandi)
PRUNUS (Wild Cherry, Choke Cherry)
VERATRUM (Green, False or American Hellebore)
VINCA MAJOR (Periwinkle)
VISCUM ALBUM (European Mistletoe)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
CVS: TACHYCARDIC
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACONITUM CARMICHAEL (CURED) (Fu-tse. Fo-tzu)
COLA NITIDA (Kola Nut)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe. Yohimbe)
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
NICOTIANA (Punche, Tobacco)
PANAX GINSENG (Cured or Red Chinese, Korean)
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
CVS: HYPERTENSIVE POTENTIAL
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ACONITUM CARMICHAELI (CURED) (Fu-tse. Fo-tzu)
ASPIDOSPERMA (Quebracho Bark)
CINCHONA (Peruvian Bark, Quinine Bark)
COLA NITIDA (Kola Nut)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe. Yohimbe)
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra)
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (Licorice)
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
NICOTIANA (Punche. Tobacco)
PTYCHOPETALUM (Muirapuama, Raiz del Macho)
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops)

/////////////////////////////////
PHARMACOKINETICS (PhKs)
/////////////////////////////////

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PhKs: HERBS THAT CAN ALTER LIVER METABOLlSM OF DRUGS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA (Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria)
ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONll (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio)
ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA (Sagebrush)   
BERBERIS VULGARIS (Common Barberry)
CEPHALANTHUS (Button Bush)
CHELIDONIUM (Greater Celandine)
CHELONE (Balmony,. Turtlehead)
CHIONANTHUS (Fringetree)
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal)
IRIS VERSICOLOR, I. MISSOURIENSIS (Blue Flag)
LEPTANDRA (Veronicastrum, Culver's Root)
MAHONIA (Oregon Grape, Algerita)
PODOPHYLLUM. (American Mandrake)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PhKs: HERBS THAT CAN ALTER GI ABSORPTION
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

AESCULUS CALIFORNICA (California Buckeye)  
AESCULUS GLABRA (Ohio Buckeye)
AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM (Horse Chestnut)
ALOE (Aloes Socrotine, etc.)
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS (Uva Ursi, Manzanita, Bearberry)
CAPSICUM (Cayenne, African Bird Peppers)
CHLOROPHYLLIN (Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Chlorophyll "JJ")
EPHEDRA VIRIDIS (Mormon Tea, American Ephedra, Canutillo, Popotillo)
FRANGULA (Rhamnus frangula, Buckthorn)
MIRABILIS MULTIFLORUM (Maravilla)
PTELEA (Wafer Ash, Hop Tree)
RHAMNUS CALIFORNICA (California Buckthorn)
RHAMNUS FRANGULA (Buckthorn)
RHAMNUS PURSHIANA (Cascara Sagrada)
SENNA (Cassia angustifolia, Te de Sena )
YUCCA (Amole, Spanish Bayonet)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
PhKs: IMMUNOSTIMULANT HERBS THAT CAN RAISE WBC COUNT
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA (Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria )
ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONll (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio)
BAPTISIA (Wild Indigo Root)
COMMIPHORA (Myrrh Gum)
GUAIACUM OFFICINALE (Lignum Vitae, Guayacan)
POLYMNIA UVEDALIA (Bearsfoot, Leafcup)

/////////////////////////////////
HEPATIC /////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////


<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HEPATIC: HERBS THAT CAN ALTER SGOT/SGPT READINGS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ANAGALLIS (Scarlet Pimpernel)
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
LINARIA (Toad Flax. Butter-and-Eggs)
MAHONIA (Oregon Grape, Algerita)
SILYBUM MARIANUM (Milk Thistle)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HEPATIC: PYRROLIZIDINE ALKALOID HERBS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

CACALIA DECOMPOSITA (Maturin, Maturique)
CNICUS BENEDICTUS (Blessed or Holy Thistle) (if adulterated)
CYNOGLOSSUM OFFICINALIS (Hound's Tongue)
HELENIUM HOOPESll (Yerba del Lobo, Orange Sneezeweed)
SENECIO AUREUS (Life Root, Squaw Weed) (if adulterated)
SYMPHYTUM (Comfrey) (certain hybrids)

/////////////////////////////////
HERB-SPECIFIC PROBLEMS //////////
/////////////////////////////////

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HERBS WITH MISCONCEPTIONS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ALETRIS FARINOSA (Star Grass, "True" Unicorn Root) Confused with Helonias
     (Chamaelirium), an HCG agonist and reproductive stimulant.  Aletris
     is only a digestive stimulant
ANGELICA SINENSIS (Dong Quai, Tang Kwei)  NOT a source of exogenous 
     estrogen, it instead increases utilization of ENDOGENOUS estrogens
ARNICA (A. montana. A. cordifolia, A. latiflora. etc.) Unsafe for internal
     use, it can be confused with HETEROTHECA (Mexican Arnica)
CAPSICUM (Cayenne, African Bird Peppers) Not a tonic or immunostimulant,
     it acts as a peripheral vasodilator, increasing blood supply to the
     skin and mucosa.  It is NOT appropriate for active inflammation.
CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS (Selenicereus, Peniocereus, Night-Blooming Cereus)
     NOT a digitalis-like cardioactive, it moderates SA-AV depolarization
     and lessens adrenergic or drug tachycardia.  NOT for organic disease
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)  An especially pernicious herb
     with simultaneous sympathetic AND parasympathetic actions.  It will
     mimic vasopressin and can irritate the kidneys; it increases pelvic
     blood supply and can aggravate reproductive, GU, and descending colon
     irritations; it can irritate arterial endothelium and contribute to
     or cause vasculitis.  Lousy for the prostate, it CAN trigger a few
     and relatively useless erections, followed by rebound re-flaccidity.
DIOSCOREA VlLLOSA (Wild Yam) It has NO PROGESTERONE, or any other steroid
     hormone.  The first generation of synthetic steroids was made using
     diosgenin (from MEXICAN Yam) and the Marker Degradation Method.  By
     the mid-1950's stigmasterol (a soy-derived lipoid) took its place, 
     and other methods are now used.  It contains NO "precursors"...the
     only true human steroid precursor is low-density cholesterol OR some
     other steroid hormone.  Wild Yam creams usually contain synthetic
     Natural Progesterone.
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra) Although a useful and less
     edgy source of ephedrine, it is almost totally used these days as an
     "anorectic" or "safe" stimulant.  Most people view CNS stimulants by
     comparison with caffeine sources...a 3-4 hour buzz.  Ephedrine
     lasts 7-8 hours, is more adrenergic, and it is easy to overlap the
     doses without being aware of the vascular and pulmonary stress.  In
     addition, with extended serum levels, tolerance to CNS effects can be
     quick (although other effects stay somewhat level) and an individual
     can quickly creep up in dosage.  Dangerous in this context.
GINKGO BILOBA (Maidenhair Tree) A peripheral and cerebral vasodilator, it
     helps those with impaired circulation.  It is often sold, however, as
     an aid to "intelligence" and is often used by students when cramming
     for tests, etc.  Under these misguided uses it causes many headaches
HETEROTHECA (Camphor Weed, Mexican Arnica)  See ARNICA
HYPERICUM (St. John's Wort)  Several preliminary tests implicated it as an
     anti-viral for HIV.  These were overturned in subsequent tests but
     the reputation still lingers.  It IS useful for helping some of the
     CNS symptoms of AIDS, but because of it's antidepressant effects, NOT
     because it is antiviral.
LARREA (Chaparral, Gobernadora, Creosote Bush) It should not be considered
     as a liver irritant, despite several inexplicable cases.  It IS an
     hepatic depressant (excessive antioxidant activities) and CAN cause
     hemolytic-type responses if it is used well above it's therapeutic
     window.
LOBELIA INFLATA (Lobelia, Indian Tobacco)  Fresh preparations of this herb
     show broad, many-layered stimulus of adrenergic-suppressed parasympa-
     thetic functions.  Dry, but unheated Lobelia retains some of this
     function.  By the time it is used for tea ONLY the emetic alkaloids
     are still intact, and it has little other value.
PHYTOLACCA (Poke) Although useful (with a skillful touch) in depressed
     metabolism and edematous adipose tissues (the "Pillsbury Dough 
     Person" syndrome), it has NO fat-reducing effects, is easily toxic,
     and it's reputation comes from being used for hypothyroid, goitrous
     conditions 100 years ago...in the Goiter Belt.
SENECIO AUREUS (Life Root, Squaw Weed)  This native Eastern United States
     wildflower seems to be beneficial for functional hypoestrogenic
     states, and has a reliable place, at least in herbal therapy.  It is
     also fairly unique as a Senecio: it is devoid of toxic pyrrolizidine
     alkaloids.  MOST of the herb on the market, however, is either S.
     vulgaris or a similar Senecio.  I don't know how the confusion came
     about.  They are not particularly similar in appearance, but many
     otherwise reliable texts consider them interchangeable.  In fact they
     are VERY dissimilar in constituents.  The OTHER Senecios are VERY 
     high in the toxic group.  Know the plant or the picker, otherwise
     avoid this remedy and stick with something like Dong Quai.
SILYBUM MARIANUM (Milk Thistle) There are HUNDREDS of reliable biologic
     and medical studies that support this plant's seeds' value for
     Amanita mushroom poisoning, lessening the toxicity of heavy metals
     (if taken soon enough) and quickening CNS and hepatic regeneration in
     solvent or alcohol detox.  Like Ginkgo, however, you NEED a problem
     to get benefit.  Without an ongoing stress, using Silybum or it's
     extracted silymarins on general principle can actually depress normal
     liver function
VISCUM ALBUM (European Mistletoe) Without attempting to comment on the
     European use (from the Rudolph Steiner hospitals) of Mistletoe (I 
     don't know enough), the fact is that the dried herb is SOMETIMES not
     European but American Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.), a VERY different
     plant altogether (at least pharmacologically), with almost pernicious
     vaso-constrictive effects.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HERBS WITH HIDDEN or THRESHOLD EFFECTS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

CANNABIS SATIVA (Marijuana. Hemp) It can be a strong estrogen-synergist,
     shortening the estrus cycle in women, antagonizing testosterone in
     men (or being synergistic with adipose estradiols)...bad for any
     prostate condition.
DAUCUS CAROTA (Carrot, Wild Carrot)  Sometimes used as a contraceptive, it
     contains aromatics that, in large enough quantities, can exaggerate
     uterine inflammation.
EQUISETUM ARVENSE (Horsetail) If growing in areas downstream of commercial
     farming, inorganic nitrates are metabolized into abnormal nicotine-
     like alkaloids.
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal) A mucus-membrane stimulant, useful for congested
     and subacute stages, it can CAUSE inflammation if not needed, can
     prematurely age the placenta, and, since it is threatened in the wild
     and cultivation is still marginal, its use is rarely moral.
VALERIANA (Valerian)  The dried plant, used consistently for a period of
     time, can induce "Valerianism", a state of emotional lability similar
     to what was formerly encountered with bromide abuse.  The condition
     reverses quickly if the Valerian is stopped.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HERBS LACKING ANY SOCIALLY REDEEMING VALUE
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM (Wormwood)
CINCHONA (Peruvian Bark. Quinine Bark)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang. Chinese Ephedra)
GALEGA (Goat's Rue)
RUTA GRAVEOLENS (Rue, Ruda)
TANACETUM (Tansy)

POST NOTE: These opinions are mine; they reflect my experiences with
these plants, as a merchant, wildcrafter, author and teacher.  They are
not exhaustive, many are disagreed with by other herbalists, naturopaths
and those in pharmacy...I have enemies in ALL the camps.  
    Crudely put, there is no better method to "Brown Nose" a group of
medical professionals than by offering long lists of "Side Effects",
thereby confirming their worst fears about what herbs do.  The major 
medical journals (NEJofM and Lancet excluded) jerk the chains of readers
by offering ill-researched, anecdotal and slanderous "exposes" of herbs
and natural healing, using the shoddiest of peer-review procedures.  Not
only are there frequent REAL mistakes (wrong botany, pharmacy, etc.), but
the normally fastidious standards of medical reporting are completely
ignored in many of these articles.  It is as if the MEANS are unimportant, 
as long as the RESULTS meet political-medical preconceptions.
     Politics be damned; there are potential dangers mixing herbs and
medicine.  Unfortunately, as previously mentioned, they often have little
relationship to those that could be expected from purely chemical causes.
I am trying to be practical and realistic.  Although, as an herbalist, it
is obvious where my heart lies, I am making NO attempt to slant my list
towards either end of the Wholistic vs Medical dialectic.
     I am concerned about the patients.
     
     
SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF BOTANICAL MEDICINE
122 Tulane SE, Albuquerque, NM  87106
(505) 255-9215  
FAX (505) 268-0196



Michael Moore, Director
Donna Chesner, Administrator
