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The following is a basic Herbal Materia Medica of 15 herbs. Click on each of the headings to view the materia medica of that herb. Materia Medica 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Calendula officinalis 3.0 Gentiana luteum 4.0 Althaea officinalis 5.0 Taraxacum officinalis 6.0 Echinacea spp 7.0 Achillea millefolium 8.0 Inula helenium 9.0 Withania somnifera 10.0 Scutellaria laterifolia 11.0 Zingerber officinalis 12.0 Cratageus oxycantha 13.0 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Botanical name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Common name: Bearberry, Uva Ursi. Appearance: Small evergreen shrub with leathery obovate to spatulate leaves with an entire margin. It has small red blossoms and small red drupes. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.29; Fintelmann & Weiss, 2000, p. 223). Major phytochemical constituents: Arbutin, methylarbutin, ericolin, ursone, flavonoids - quercetin & isoquercetin, allantoin, tannins, ursolic acid, phenolic acid, uvaol, volatile oil and resin. (McCormick & Willard, 1992. p. 141). Therapeutic actions: Diuretic, Urinary antiseptic, Astringent. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.30). Traditional and historical uses: All inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract. Cystitis, urethritis, dysuria, pyelitis, lithuria. BHP Specific: Acute catarrhal cystitis with dysuria and highly acidic urine. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.30). Dosage: Three times daily: Dried leaves 1.5 - 4 g or by infusion. Concentrated Infusion B.P.C. (1934) 2 - 4 ml Liquid extract 1:1 in 25% alcohol. 1.5 - 4 ml (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.30). Contraindications: None. Safety considerations: Uva ursi has been found to be safe in normal quantities, but it could be toxic at high doses. (McCormick & Willard, 1992. p. 142). Due to the high tannin content, Uva ursi should not be taken long term. (Fintelmann & Weiss, 2000). 14.0 Harpagophytum procumbens Botanical name: Harpagophytum procumbens. Common name: Devils claw Appearance: Herbaceous plant with large bulbous roots. It has bright red flowers and a woody fruit that has barbed claw-like hooks. (Fintelmann & Weiss, 2000, p. 250). Major phytochemical constituents: Iridoid glycosides - harpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide. Phytosterols, unsaturated fats, triterpenes, flavonoids and free acids. Therapeutic actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, sedative, duiretic. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.111). Traditional and historical uses: Rheumatism, arthritis, gout, myalgia, fibrositis, lumbago, pleurodynia. BHP Specific: Rheumatic disease. (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.111). Dosage: Three times daily: Dried tuber 0.1 - 0.25 g. Liquid extract 1:1 in 25% alcohol 0.1 - 0.25 ml Tincture 1:5 in 25% alcohol. 0.5 - 1 ml (British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983, p.111). Contraindications: None. Safety considerations: None. 15.0 Cimicifuga racemosa Botanical name: Cimicifuga racemosa. Common name: Black cohosh Appearance: Major phytochemical constituents: Therapeutic actions: Traditional and historical uses: Dosage: Contraindications: Safety considerations: 16.0 Glycerrhiza glabra 17.0 Conclusion 18.0 References |