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Materia Medica
©
Chanchal Cabrera Msc, MNIMH, AHG
MATERIA
MEDICA FOR THE CARDIO-VASCULAR SYSTEM
| Diffuse circulatory
stimulants:
Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly
Ash)
Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
Myrica cerifera (Bayberry)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Central circulatory
stimulants:
Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)
Armoracea rusticana (Horseradish)
Arnica montana (Arnica)
Panax ginseng/quinquefolium (Ginseng)
Cerebral circulatory
stimulants:
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)
Centella/Hydrocotyl asiatica (Gotu kola)
Hypotensives:
Convalleria majalis (Lily of the
Valley)
Rauwolfia serpentina (Snake Root)
Veratrum album (White or European Hellebore)
Veratrum viride (Green or American Hellebore)
Crataegus oxycanthoides (Hawthorn)
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Viscum album (Mistletoe)
Olea europea (Olive leaves)
Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
Hypertensives:
Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)
Cytisus/Sarothamnus scoparius (Scotch Broom)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Panax ginseng/quinquefolium
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)
Claviceps purpurea (Ergot fungus)
Taxus baccata (Yew)
Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine)
Nicotine
Caffeine
Theophylline
Theobromine
Rubefacients:
Armoracea rusticana (Horseradish)
Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)
Brassica alba/nigra (White/Black Mustard)
Juniperus communis (Juniper)
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Cardiac tonics:
Crataegus oxycanthoides
(Hawthorn)
Urginea maritima (Squill)
Asclepias spp. (Milkweeds)
Nerium oleander (Oleander)
Apocynum cannabinum (Dogbane)
Cereus grandiflorus (Night Blooming Cactus)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Convalleria majalis (Motherwort)
Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)
Diuretics:
Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)
Juniperus communis (Juniper)
Armoracea rusticana (Horseradish)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Nerium oleander (Oleander)
Anticoagulants:
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Melilotus officinalis (Melilot)
Coumarouna odorata (Tonka beans)
Rubiaceae family eg. Galium aparine, Asperula odorata (Sweet
Woodruff) and Galium triflorum (Sweet-scented Bedstraw)
Coagulants:
Medicago sativa (Alfalfa)
Urtica dioica (Nettle)
Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)
Tnnins
Anti - atheroma agents:
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Tilia europea (Linden)
Arnica montana (Arnica)
Circulatory relaxants:
Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Diaphoretics
Blood vessel tonics:
Tilia europea (Linden)
Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)
Calendula officinalis (Marigold)
Bellis perennis (Daisy)
Fagopyrum esculentum (Buckwheat)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Crataegus oxycanthoides (Hawthorn) |
MATERIA
MEDICA FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
| Anthelmintics
Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy)
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Ruta graveolens (Rue)
Thuja occidentalis (Arbor-vitae)
Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern)
Juglans nigra (Black Walnut)
Pumpkin seeds
Alteratives
Arctium lappa (Burdock)
Rumex crispus (Yellow Dock)
Iris versicolor (Blue Flag)
Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree)
Taraxacum off. radix (Dandelion)
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Trifolium pratense (Red clover)
Fumaria officinalis (Fumitory)
Larrea divaricata (Chaparrel)
Antiemetics
Melissa off. (Lemon Balm)
Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile)
Ballota nigra (Black Horehound)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Anti-inflammatories
Chamomilla recutita (German
Chamomile)
Calendula off. (Marigold)
Salix alba/nigra (Black/White Willow)
Filipendula ulmaris (Meadowsweet)
Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw)
Antacids
Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag
Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile)
Filipendula ulmaris (Meadowsweet)
Erythrea centaurea (Centaury)
Anti-spasmodic
Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Valeriana off. (Valerian)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Humulus lupulus (Hops)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Carminative
Pimpinella anisum (Anise)
Foeniculum off. (Fennel)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Melissa off. (Lemon balm)
Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile)
Carum carvi (Caraway)
Rosmarinus off. (Rosemary)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Cinnamonum spp. (Cinnamon) |
Astringents
Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony)
Quercus robur (White/Red Oak)
Geranium maculatum (Cranesbill)
Potentilla spp. (Tormentil)
Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd's Purse)
Bitters
Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Gentiana lutea (Yellow Gentian)
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Centaurea erythrea (Centaury)
Juniperus communis (Juniper)
Most alterative herbs
Demulcents
Symphytum off. (Comfrey)
Althea off. (Marshmallow)
Ulmus fulvus (Slippery Elm)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Cholagogues &
Choleretics
Chelone glabra (Balmony)
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Fumaria officinalis (Fumitory)
All bitters and alteratives
Emetics
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Ipecachuana cephaelis (Ipecac)
Urginea maritima (Squills)
Liver tonics
All bitters, alteratives and
cholagogues.
Carduus marianus (Milk thistle)
Cynara scolymus (Artichoke)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Laxatives
Taraxacum off. radix (Dandelion
root)
Linum usitatissimum (Flax)
Rhamnus purshiana (Cascara)
Plantago psyllium (Psyllium/Ispaghula)
Arctium lappa (Burdock)
Rumex crispus (Yellow dock)
Rheum spp. (Rhubarb)
Sialagogues
All bitters
Echinacea spp.
Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly Ash)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Stomach tonics
Erythrea centaurea (Centaury)
Acorus calamus (Sweet flag)
Filipendula ulmaris (Meadowsweet) |
MATERIA
MEDICA FOR THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
| The Adrenal Glands: (Tonics
& Rebalancers)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Borago officinalis (Borage)
Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng)
Eleutherococcus sentocosis (Siberian ginseng)
Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng)
Withania somnifera (Ashwaganda)
The Thyroid Gland:
Fucus vesiculosis (Kelp)
Lycopus europeus/virginicus (Bugleweed)
Stachys sylvatica (Hedge woundwort)
Cereus grandiflorus (Nightblooming cactus)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Phytolacca spp. (Pokeroot)
Iris versicolor (Blue flag)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Verbana officinalis (Blue vervain) |
The Pituitary Gland:
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste berry)
Stachys betonica (Wood betony)
The Pancreas:
Galega officinalis (Goats rue)
Allium cepa (Onion)
Syzygium cumini/Eugenia jambolana (Jambul)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
General stimulants of
glandular activity:
Verbena off./hastata (Blue
vervain)
Foeniculum vulgaris (Fennel)
Phytolacca spp. (Pokeroot)
Borago off. (Borage) |
MATERIA
MEDICA FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
| Diaphoretics and sudorifics
Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset)
Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)
Sambucus niger (Elder)
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Nepeta cataria (Catnip)
Anti-inflammatories
Myrica cerifera (Bayberry)
Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile)
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devils Claw)
Calendula officinalis (Marigold)
Bupleurum falcatum (Chinese Thoroughwax)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam)
Immuno-modulators
Echinacea angustifolia/purpureum
(Echinacea)
Galium aparine (Cleavers)
Phytolacca decandra (Pokeroot)
Ligusticum porteri (Osha)
Viscum album (Mistletoe)
Usnea spp. (Usnea)
Astragalus membranceous (Milk vetch)
Grifolia frondosas (Chicken of the woods)
Auricularia auricula (Wood ear)
Cordyceps sinensis/ophioglossides (Deer fungus parasite)
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
Lentinus edodes (Shiitake)
Tremella mesenterica (Witch's butter)
Trametes versicolor (Turkey tails) |
Antimicrobials
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Commiphora mol (Myrrh)
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Origanum vulgare (Marjoram)
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Berberis aquifolium (Oregon Grape)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Armillaria mellea (Honey mushroom)
Lomatium dissectum (Lomatium)
Lavandula
Rosmarinus essential oils + many more
Thymus
Malaelucca
Grapefruit seed extract
Anti-catarrhals
Euphrasia nemorosa or spp.
(Eyebright).
Salvia officinalis (Sage)
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden seal)
Solidago virgaurea (Golden rod)
Plantago major/lanceolata (Plantain)
Glechoma hederacea (Ground ivy)
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Ephedra sinesis (Ma Huang)
Anti-allergenics
Chamomilla recutita (German
chamomile)
Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)
Astragalus membranaceous (Milk vetch)
Urtica dioica (Nettle) |
MATERIA
MEDICA FOR THE URINARY SYSTEM
| Anti-microbial herbs:
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Agathosma/Barosma betulina (Buchu)
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Juniperus communis (Juniper)
Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi (Bearberry)
Chimaphilla umbellata & spp. (Pipsissewa)
All phenolic volatile oil constituents
Tonic herbs:
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort)
Alchemilla/Aphanes arvensis (Parsley piert)
Parietaria diffusa (Pellitory of the wall)
Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy)
Plantago major/lanceolata (Plantain)
Anticatarrhal herbs:
Solidago virgaurea (Golden Rod)
Galium aparine (Cleavers)
Plantago major/lanceolata (Plantain)
Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) |
Lithotropic herbs:
Eupatorium purpureum (Gravel
root)
Rubia tinctoria (Madder)
Betula alba (Silver birch)
Apium graveolens (Celery)
Demulcent herbs:
Agropyron repens (Couch grass)
Althea off. (Marshmallow leaf or root)
Zea mays (Corn silk)
Anti-spasmodic herbs:
Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
Hyoscyamus niger (Henbane)
Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia) |
DIURETICS
A diuretic is a substance that will
increase the volume of urine produced, in healthy or unhealthy kidneys,
by promoting the excretion of salts and water.
Common allopathic diuretics include the
Thiazide group, frusemide, and spironolactone.
They are used to reduce oedema
especially in heart, liver or kidney disorders, to treat high blood
pressure, and occasionally to treat glaucoma.
In the folkloric tradition of healing
with herbs practically all herbs are classed as diuretics. This
erroneous opinion probably arose from the fact that any fluid taken in
volume will increase fluid output - in this sense even water can be
regarded as a diuretic. In fact, true herbal diuretics are considerably
more limited in number than this.
Herbal diuretics may work in 3
ways:
1)By irritating the kidneys so that
they try to flush away the offending substance. Armoracea rusticana and
Juniperus communis act in this way.
2)By osmotic pressure of unmetabolized
sugars being excreted in the urine. Agropyron repens & Zea Mays act
in this way.
3)By increasing the renal blood flow
and hence the glomerular filtration rate. Up to a certain point any
excess glomerular filtrate can be reabsorbed from the kidney tubules,
but if it is too high then the urine volume will increase. Herbs that
increase the cardiac output (eg. Convalleria majalis) and herbs that
stimulate peripheral circulation (eg. Zingiber officinalis, Achillea
millefolium, Crataegus oxycanthoides) act in this way.
Having said that, it is interesting to
note that the phytotherapist's most powerful diuretic does not act in
any of the above 3 ways. Taraxacum officinalis (leaves) appear to
contain an enzyme - like substance that acts on the kidneys to stimulate
overall functioning. Taraxacum has the added benefit of being very high
in potassium so, when using this herb as a diuretic, we never encounter
the problem of potassium deficiency that can occur with allopathic
diuretics.
MATERIA
MEDICA FOR THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Expectorants
These are herbs which help the body to
remove excess mucous from the lungs. Mucous and any inhaled particles
are normally voided from the lungs via the mucociliary escalator but
this self-cleansing mechanism can become impeded or overloaded if there
is an excessive amount of mucus or if the mucus is very thick and
sticky.
1) Excessive mucous production leading
to overloading of the removal mechanism and congestion in the lungs (eg.
bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia.) calls for stimulating
expectorants to increase the activity of the mucociliary escalator.
Most of this type of expectorant
contain saponins. These stimulate the digestive system, and
initiate a reflex action to stimulate the bronchial apparatus.
Inula helenium (Elecampane)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)
Marrubium Vulgare (White Horehound)
Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
Populus balsamifera (Balsam Poplar)
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)
Polygala senega (Snake Root)
Urginea maritima (Squill)
2) Production of a thick or sticky
mucous which is hard to remove (eg. in inflammation or
hypersensitivity), leads to an unproductive irritable cough and requires
soothing or relaxing expectorants. These generally derive their
action from the presence of mucilage. This relaxes the gut wall
and causes a spinal reflex to embryologically related areas (eg. lungs
and urinary system ) to both relax them and to encourage the production
of a thin loose mucous which is more easily voided.
Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot)
Althea officinalis (Marsh Mallow)
Plantago lanceolata (Plantain)
Symphytum officinalis (Comfrey)
Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)
Pulmonaria off. (Lungwort)
Angelica archangelica (Angelica)
Cetraria islandica (iceland Moss)
Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss)
Grindelia camporum (Gumweed)
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)
Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop)
Anti - microbials
Allium Sativum (Garlic)
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy root)
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Pimpinella anisum (Anise)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldeseal)
Echinacea spp.
Ligusticum porteri (Osha)
Lomatium dissectum (Lomatium)
Respiratory tonics
Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)
Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy)
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)
Plantago lanceolata/major (Plantain)
Pulmonaria off. (Lungwort)
Hyssopus off. (Hyssop)
Pilosella off. (Mouse-ear Hawkweed)
Anti-spasmodics and broncho -
relaxants
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Grindelia camporum (Gumweed/Tarweed)
Angelica archangelica (Angelica root)
Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)
Prunus serotina (Wild Cherry)
Datura stramonium (Thorn Apple)
Viburnum opulis (Cramp Bark)
Marrubium vulgare (White Horehound)
Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy root)
Drosera rotundifolia (Sundew)
Euphorbia hirta (Pill-bearing Spurge)
Symplocarpus foetidum (Skunk Cabbage)
MATERIA
MEDICA FOR THE MUSCULO-SKELETAL SYSTEM
| Alteratives:
Rumex crispus (Yellow dock)
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Phytolacca spp. (Pokeroot)
Arctium lappa (Burdock)
Urtica dioica (Nettle)
Fucus vesiculosis (Kelp)
Diuretics:
Apium graveolens (Celery)
Petroselinum crispum (Parsley)
Betula alba (Birch)
Anti-inflammatories:
Salix spp. (Willow)
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw)
Menyanthes trifoliata (Bogbean)
Guaiacum off. (Guaiacum)
Filipendula ulmaris (Meadowsweet)
Populus balsamifera (Poplar Balsam/Balm of Gilead) [topical]
Bupleurum falcatum (Chinese Thoroughwax)
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Scutalleria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam)
Circulatory stimulants:
Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)
Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly ash)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Myrica cerifera (Bayberry) |
Rubefacients:
Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Brassica alba/niger (Mustard)
Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
Juniperus communis (Juniper)
Analgesics:
Piscidia erythrina (Jamaica dogwood)
Valeriana off. (Valerian)
Arnica montana (Arnica)
Aconitum napellus (Aconite)
Gelsemium sempivirens (Yellow jasmine)
Immuno-regulators:
Echinacea spp.
Galium aparine (Cleavers)
Phytolacca decandra (Pokeroot)
Usnea spp.
Collagen tonics/regulators:
Crataegus oxy. (berries)
Vaccinium myrtillus (blueberries)
Yucca leaves
Bryonia dioica is specifically a tonic and strengthener of the
joint capsule. |
MATERIA
MEDICA FOR THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
| Tonics:
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's
Wort)
Avena sativa (Oats)
Turnera diffusa (Damiana)
Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)
Borago off. (Borage)
Stimulants:
Turnera diffusa (Damiana)
Cola vera (Kola)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Rosmarinus off. (Rosemary)
Avena sativa (Oats)
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh)
Viscum album (Mistletoe)
Centella/Hydrocotyl asiatica (Gotu kola) |
Relaxants:
Verbena off. (Vervain)
Avena sativa (Oats)
Lavandula off. (Lavender)
Humulus lupulus (Hops)
Melissa off. (Lemon Balm)
Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile)
Stachys betonica (Wood Betony)
Scutalleria lateriflora (Skullcap)
Valeriana off. (Valerian)
Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower)
Viburnum opulus (Cramp Bark)
Viscum album (Mistletoe)
Tilia europea (Linden)
Lactuca virosa (Wild Lettuce)
Borago off. (Borage)
Analgesics:
Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican
Dogwood) Gelsemium sempivirens (Yellow Jasmine)
Aconitum napellus (Aconite)
Arnica montana (Arnica)
Anemone pulsatilla (Pasque flower)
Lactuca virosa (Wild lettuce)
Eschscholzia california (Californian Poppy) |
MATERIA
MEDICA FOR THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
| Uterine Tonics:
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh)
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Rubus idaeus (Red raspberry)
Mitchella repens (Squaw vine or Partridge Berry)
Verbena officinalis (Vervain)
Lamium album (White dead nettle)
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden seal)
Hormonal balancers:
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste berry)
Chamaelirium luteum (False unicorn root)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai)
Verbena off. (Vervain)
Anti-spasmodics:
Viburnum prunifolium (Black haw)
Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile)
Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam)
Lamium album (White dead nettle)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Progestogenics:
Dioscorea villosa
Oestrogenics:
Trifolium pratense (Red clover)
Salvia officinalis (Sage)
Humulus lupulus (Hops)
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh)
Aletris farinosa (Unicorn root)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh)
Circulatory stimulants:
Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly
ash)
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Ovarian tonics:
Anemone pulsatilla (Pasque flower)
Chamaelirium luteum (False unicorn) |
Antiseptics:
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild indigo)
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Origanum marjorana (Marjoram)
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Decongestants:
Collinsonia canadensis (Stone
root)
Lamium album (White dead nettle)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Anodynes:
Anemone pulsatilla (Pasque
flower)
Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile)
Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)
Galactogogues:
Galega officinalis (Goat's rue)
Foeniculum officinalis (Fennel)
Verbena officinalis (Blue vervain)
Carduus benedictus (Blessed thistle)
Anti-galactogogues:
Salvia officinalis (Sage)
Oplopanax horridum (Devils Club)
Emmenagogues:
Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Ruta graveolens (Rue)
Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal)
Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy)
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Anti-virals/anti-fungals:
Calendula officinalis (Marigold)
Thuja occidentalis (Arbor vitae)
Commiphora molmol (Myrrh)
Tea tree oil
Astringents:
Alchemilla vulgaris (Ladies
mantle)
Capsella bursa pastoris (Shepherd's purse)
Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert) |
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