medicinal
Toxic Medicinal Herbs Parents Must Avoid
November 3, 2011 | 
Author 
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
Some herbal remedies ought not to be taken if there is a pre-existing kidney, liver or heart condition, or if an individual is diabetic. For example, Juniper should not be taken by those with inflamed kidneys and Rhubarb not by individuals with urinary conditions and kidney stones and uroliths.
Professional guidance should always be sought if there is any question about the toxicity of a plant or about the interactions of herbal remedies with other medicines that are currently being taken. Guidance should be sought if there is any doubt about the safety of a herbal treatment for a child.
Compared to synthetic drugs very few herbal remedies have been clinically screened in a scientific way for both their beneficial and potentially harmful properties. It is hence inadvisable for expecting mothers to take any herbal reme’dy aside from very mild herbal teas (for example, Chamomile) and those prescribed by a qualified medical or herbal practitioner.
The collection and processing of medicinal plants are closely supervised and the resulting medications are prescribed meticulously by qualified professional medical personnel.
Some highly toxic plants provide such important medicines (alkaloids and glycosides primarily) that they are cultivated commercially for the pharmaceutical industry (such as, Ergot Fungus, Deadly Nightshade, Foxgloves and Opium Poppy). A selection of extremely toxic medicinal plants is listed below; keep in mind we have used what we consider the best known name, but for regional and language differences have also incorporated the scientific (Latin) name.
Bittersweet solanum-dulcamara
These herbs should NEVER be collected and prepared for use in the home:
- Biting Stonecrop Sedum acre
- Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara
- Black-berried Bryony Bryonia alba
- Box Buxus sempervirens
- Bulbous Corydalis Corydalis cava
- Castor-oil Plant Ricinus communis
- Christmas Rose Helleborus niger
- Cowbane Cicuta virosa
- Crown Vetch Coronilla varia
- Deadly Nightshade Atropa belladonna
- Erect Clematis Clematis recta
- Ergot Fungus Claviceps purpurea
- False Acacia Robinia pseudoacacia
- False Helleborine Veratrum album
- Forking Larkspur Delphinium consolida (= Consolida regalis)
- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
- Hedge Hyssop Gratiola officinalis
- Hemlock Conium maculatum
- Hemp Cannabis saliva
- Henbane Hyoscyamus niger
- Iranian Poppy Papaver bracteatum
- Ivy Hedera helix
- Laburnum Laburnum anagyroides
- Large Yellow Foxglove Digitalis grandiflora
- Lily-of-the-Valley Convallaria majalis
- Lesser Periwinkle Vinca major
- Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum
- Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas
- Meadow Saffron Colchicum autumnale
- Mezereon Daphne mezereum
- Monkshood Aconitum napellus
- Opium Poppy Papaver somnifertim
- Thornapple Datura stramonium
- Wild Lettuce Lactuca virosa
- Woolly Foxglove Digitalis lanata
- Yellow Pheasant’s Eye Adonis vernalis
- Yew Taxus baccata
Yellow Pheasant's Eye adonis vernalis
If plant poisoning is suspected, medical attention needs to be sought straight away.
For commercial cultivation, increased yields of the medicinally active substances are obtained by breeding varieties with a continuous, high concentration of the desired substances or by special preparation techniques.
Occasionally the poisons occur only in certain elements of the plant — the leaves, fruits or rootstock. For example, the flowers of Forking Larkspur are not poisonous, but the other parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, are very toxic.
A curious aspect of poisonous plants is that the concentration of toxic substances in them is not consistent; it varies according to such factors as the locality, the time of year, the time of day, the temperature and whether it is damp or dry, sunny or overcast.
Remember also that the everyday Potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber is normally quite harmless, as long as it is not green (when green it is poisonous), but the flowers and young leaves are toxic.
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Meadowsweet – Herb for Sore Tummies
ROSACEAE Filipendula ulmaria (syn. Spiraea ulmaria)
Appearance
The small, creamy-white, fragrant flowers are arranged in a terminal corymb. The flowers have reflexed hairy sepals and numerous long stamens.
A perennial herb with a short, pink rhizome and a tough, erect, branched and leafy stem. The stem leaves are alternate, odd-pinnate, doubly serrate, dark green above and usually white-felted below; the stipules are broadly cordate and conspicuous.
The fruit, a one-seeded follicle, is spirally twisted. The scent of the leaves is quite different from that of the flowers.
History
Meadowsweet has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times and it remains popular as a herbal remedy to this day. It was in the flowerheads that salicylic acid was first discovered in 1839. It was from this substance that aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) was later synthesized.
The common name, Meadowsweet, is said to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon word medu (= mead) because the plant was once used to flavour the drink made from fermented honey.
Usage
- The flowers, and sometimes the young leaves and rhizomes, are used medicinally. All parts contain the glycosides gaultherin and spiraein, traces of an alkaloid (helio-tropine), tannins, a yellow pigment, vanillin and free salicylic acid, produced by the splitting of gaultherin and citric acid. These substances give the plant antipyretic, weak antispasmodic, astringent and antirheumatic properties.
- The flowers are used in an infusion to treat influenza, and to alleviate headache and rheumatic and arthritic pain.
- Meadowsweet is gentler on the stomach than aspirin and it is one of the most effective herbal remedies for gastritis and peptic ulcers.
- Both the leaves and flowers are also strongly diuretic and are used to treat certain bladder and kidney disorders.
- The fresh root is used in homeopathic preparations.
Growth Characteristics
Meadowsweet is common in damp woods and meadows, in fens and by riversides throughout Europe, including the British Isles.
Flowering time: June to September
Lovage – Herbal Remedy with a Sting in the Tail
UMBELLIFERAE/APIACEAE Levisticum officinale
Appearance
All of the parts of the plant are strongly fragrant. A perennial herb with a strong, hollow, angled and branched stem and substantial, long-stalked, bi- or tri-pinnate leaves with shiny dark-green leaflets. The stem leaves are less divided. The smallish greenish-yellow flowers are structured in a compound umbel. The fruit is a yellow-brown, ovoid dual achene with winged ribs.
History
Lovage is probably a native of the Mediterranean zone but it is now naturalized all over Europe in meadows and other grassy places in many regions of Europe.
Lovage was available to the classical Greeks who chewed the fruit to assist digestion and to ease flatulence; the plant has remained a preferred herbal option.
It enjoyed a reputation in a number of European states as an aphrodisiac, thus possibly its popular name. Most likely though the name Lovage is derived from an old English word loveache, from the much earlier Latin name ligusticum, after Liguria in Italy where the herb grew in abundance.
It is regularly grown as a garden herb and is commercially grown on a small scale for medicinal uses in various countries
Usage
- The roots of two- or three-year plants or the flowering stems (collected before flowering) are employed medicinally. Their ingredients incorporate an essential oil with terpineol and butyl phthalidine as its most important components, furanocoumarins, sugars, esters of organic acids and resin. These elements impart Lovage stomachic, carminative, cholagogic, diuretic, mild expectorant, antidiaphoretic and anti-rheumatic properties.
- In herbalism an infusion is used mainly to relieve flatulence, as an appetizer, for dropsy and urinary disorders, rheumatism and nervous exhaustion.
- A hot infusion can be used as an inhalant and if added to bathtub water, it possesses a cleansing and deodorizing effect on the skin.
- If taken internally in excess Lovage may cause feelings of nausea and vertigo.
ABOVE ALL, LARGE DOSES SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN BY WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT OR BY INDIVIDUALS WITH KIDNEY DISEASES.
Growth Characteristics
Flowering period is July to August in the Northern hemisphere.
Hops For Clear Beer
CANNABACEAE Humuluslupulus
Appearance
A perennial climbing herb with a branched rhizome, lengthy roots along with a extensive, leafy, angled stalk which twins in a clockwise direction. The leaves are opposite, palmately three- to f ive-lobed and coarsely serrate.
The green flowers are dioecious: the male flowers are in drooping, axillary panicles; the tiny female blossoms are clustered in stalked, ovoid, cone-like spikes or strobiles (hops) with continual, sizeable, overlapping bracts. The bracts become papery once the fruiting head is ripened. The fruit is an achene encased in the perianth.
All elements of the plant are somewhat hairy.
History
Hops were useful to clear, preserve and also flavour beer since the Middle Ages but it was not until the 16th century that the process was introduced into Britain by Flemish immigrants. Only the female plants are produced commercially; the cones must not be pollinated. The origin of the generic name, Humulus, is uncertain; it may originate from the Latin word humus (= ground), a reference possibly to the rich soil in which Hop thrives.
Usage
The plant is still probably among the most useful of herbal remedies.
- The cones or strobiles are used medicinally. Once dried out they have a spicy aroma along with a bitter taste. The constituents incorporate a resin with bitter compounds (primarily humulone and lupulone), oestrogenic substances and an essential oil with humulene. These substances give Hop mild sedative, hypnotic, stomachic, diuretic and weak antiseptic properties.
- An infusion is used in herbalism for digestive conditions, nervous irritability, to induce sleep and as an antiaphrodisiac (in men).
- The most effective way of using hops for insomnia is in pillows.
- A tincture of the fresh cones is commonly used in homeopathy.
- The distilled essential oil is contained in some perfumes. Young shoots and immature leaves can be added to salads.
Growth Patterns
Flowering time: July to September
Hops grow in hedges and thickets throughout Europe, often from cultivation. In the British Isles hops grow wild in a number of parts of England and Wales and have been imported into Scotland and Ireland
Daisy Has the Answers
COMPOSITAE/ASTERACEAE Bettisperennis
Appearance
The lone flowerheads contain white to pinkish, ligulate ray-florets as well as yellow, tubular disc-florets that shut in the evening. Bees find the flowers highly appealing. Ail parts of the plant are sparsely hairy. The fruit is an oval, downy achene without a pappus.
The common name, Daisy, is made up of the Anglo-Saxon name daeges eage (= day’s eye), a reference to the plant’s resemblance to a ‘small sun’ since it opens and folds mornings and evenings.
History
Daisy is very common in the wild and in home gardens around the world. The generic name, Bellis, is said to originate from the Latin word bella (= beautiful) or from a dryad called Belidis.
The plant was at one time a preferred treatment for wounds and chest ailments and is even now incorporated into various contemporary herbal handbooks.
Usage
- Young fresh leaves may be used raw in salads or perhaps put into soups.
- In herbal medicine it is usually utilised as an infusion.
- Daisy makes an appealing addition to tea mixtures.
- Externally it can be found in compresses and bathtub preparations to treat skin disorders, wounds and bruises.
- A decoction from the fresh leaves is employed for the samel purposes.
- The flowerheads are utilized medicinally. The primary ingredients are saponins, an essential oil, tannins, mucilage, flavones and a bitter compound, these all give Daisy astringent and expectorant qualities.
- It has a useful influence on gastritis, enteritis and diarrhoea, and infections of the upper respiratory system.
Growth Characteristics
The basal rosette of spathulate, bluntly serrate leaves stands up adequately to competition from other plants, such as grasses, and from spring onwards Daisy successively produces several generations of blossoms.
A perennial herb of grassland in addition to weeds in lawns.
Dandelion – Humble Multihealer
BORAGINACEAE Symphytum officinale
Appearance
In early spring hollow scapes are produced. These are terminated by solitary heads of multiple yellow ligulate florets encompassed by two rows of involucral bracts, the inner onces erect, the outer ones spreading.
A perennial herb with a protracted taproot and a basal rosette of oblong entire or toothed or even strongly pinnately divided leaves.
All parts of the plant incorporate lactiferous ducts; the latex is non-poisonous.
As soon as the flowers have faded the head turns into a ball of lengthy, ribbed, spiny achenes, with a pappus of white hairs at the end of a long stem or ‘beak’.
History
The common designation, Dandelion, is a corruption by means of the French dent de lion (lion’s tooth) of the medieval Latin name dens leonis, after the serrated edge of the leaves.
Usage
It is one of the most useful of medicinal herbs as all portions of the plant work well and safe to use; it is thought to be among the finest herbal remedies for kidney and liver complaints.
Although the root is the most active part, the roots, flowering stems, leaves (gathered before flowering) and flowerheads are all used medicinally. The elements include things like the terpenoid bitter substances taraxacin and taraxacerin, a glycoside, sterols, amino acids, tannins, inulin (up to 25 per cent), mineral substances, rubber (caoutchouc) and provitamin A, vitamins B and C (in leaves). These ingredients give Dandelion stomachic, cholagogic, nutritive and robust diuretic properties. It is used in an infusion to invigorate the desire for food, assist digestive function, for biliary and liver disorders, dropsy, rheumatism and arthritis.
- The pressed juice from the stalks or leaves is an efficient treatment for warts.
- The fresh young leaves can be eaten uncooked as a spring salad.
- The blossoms contain carotenoids and triterpenes. They are used, boiled with sugar, for coughs.
- They can be made into an outstanding wine.
- The roots, dried out, roasted and ground, produce a caffein-free coffee alternative.
Growth Characteristics
Flowering time is April to October in the Northern hemisphere and September to April in the Southern hemisphere.
Dandelion, a native of European countries, is a common weed of grassland, home gardens and waste places on nitrogen-rich soils.
Yellow Water Lily – Beware the Poison
Yellow Waterlily , Brandy Bottle
Nyymphaeaceae nuphar lutea
Description
The substantial yellow blossoms , which have a scent of liquor and are pollinated by insects , grow on long stalks above the water’s surface . The petals are considerably smaller compared to the sepals . The fruit is a fleshy , flask-shaped capsule , which includes air bladders in its body tissues making sure that it will remain afloat for some time .
A perennial aquatic botanical herb with a strong creeping rhizome having long-stalked , widely ovate to cordate , robust , leathery leaves that drift on the water’s surface area .
History
The plant has actually received its unconventional designation , brandy bottle , due to the contour of the seed capsules as well as the vaguely alcoholic odour of its blooms. The generic name – nuphar – originates from the ancient latin word nenuphar for a waterlily , which in turn is a corruption of the arabic ninufar as well as Sanskrit nilot-pala with yet another water plant , the Indian blue lotus ( nelumbo nucifera ). And yes, it can be confusing!
Usage
The rhizomes are employed medicinally – they comprise tannins, glycosides, alkaloids ( nupharine , nupharidine ) together with other elements which are currently being researched for their physiological effects. In minimal doses these ingredients possess a cardiotonic effect so they are included in some medical preparations recommended by doctors on the continent .
They influence the core neurological system and in large amounts they can cause paralysis .
Yellow waterlily is not employed in herbal remedies however tinctures are employed is homeopathy .THIS MUST BE MADE USE OF EXCLUSIVELY UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION ; IT IS NEVER RECOMMENDED FOR SELF-MEDICATION .
It is usually farmed for the pharmaceutical industry on the continent .
Growth Pattern
Yellow Waterlily is protected in many countries , although not in the British Isles where it continues to be quite common , particularly in the southern and eastern regions. It grows across Europe and Asia in nutrient-rich , still or gently moving water .
Flowering season : June to September
Liver Cleansing Herbal Teas
The advent of springtime brings joy to us all. New blossoms and leaves appear, the world seems to wake up and rejuvenate itself and mankind shakes itself and finds joy in all hearts. Well, not really. But close!
For me,spring is also a time to rid myself of the body toxin legacy that heavy wintreous food has helped build up. The time for a liver cleanout is at hand. A new season is nigh and rejuvenation starts with the liver. You know the old saying:”Is life worth living? Well it depends on the liver.” Emotion and energy are, after all, largely chemically and glandularly driven, so lets give the liver an oil change for the new season.
These simple teas will certainly give you a boost, but CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FIRST. A friend of mine gets ill from licorice; My nephew is in danger of dying if he has peanut products. (He is a six foot four farmer who can labor all day in the hot sun.) So exercise care.
Try any of these combinations for cleansing your jaded liver:
- Combo 1:
Yellow dock root, dandelion root, licorice root, red sage, sarsaparilla, hyssop, pau de arco (ipe roxo), milk thistle seed, parsley leaf.
- Combo 2:
Fennel seed , fenugreek, flax seed, peppermint, licorice root, burdock.
(Mix in equal parts except for licorice root and burdock. Add just a pinch of these 2.)
- Combo 3:
Scratweed (aka. goosegrass, cleavers), dandelion, chickweed, parsley root, nettles, oregon grape root, burdock root, butternut skin, peppermint, red clover, fennel, licorice.
You can add a teaspoon of extract of milk thistle seed to all the above as an additional boost for the liver. One of my friends jokes that his liver is now so healthy that they will have to bear it to death after he dies.
You can make most of these teas yourself or perhaps choose a premade one at the local health store. What I do is buy a 1/2 or 1 ounce of every herb. Then I combine a single full tablespoon of every herb into a mason jar. Shake it up and its ready to go.
Benefits derived from the individual herbs and remedies listed:
- Fennel seed – white cell formation, acid/alkaline balancing
- Red clover – blood purifier
- Licorice – adrenal stimulation
- Cleavers – anti-infection
- Oregon grape root – cleansing, building
- Nettles – rich in minerals
- Dandelion – cleansing and strengthening ·
- Fenugreek – helps to eliminate toxins and mucus
- Yellow dock root – cleansing, white cell formation
- Burdock root – purifying
- Pau de arco – cleansing, white cell formation
- Peppermint – body cleanser and toner
- Milk thistle seed – cleansing, building
To prepare the tea.
Boil 1 1/4 cup of filtered water in a sterile container. Add 1 heaped tablespoon of chosen for herbal mixture. Allow to draw for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink when cool enough.
Take a cup before breakfast and a cup before dinner for up to 2 months.
Stevia – The Sweetest Thing
Sweetleaf, Sweet Leaf or Sugarleaf - Stevia rebaudiana (Asteraceae)
History
Stevia or Sweet Leaf occurs naturally in Sub tropical regions of North And South America. It has been popular for many years because of its sweet leaves, extracts of which can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. Recently stevia has gained some fame as low carbohydrate low sugar alternative with the added attraction of a minimal effect on blood glucose.
Stevia is named after Spanish physician/botanist Pedro Jaime Esteves. (Thus Stevia) The genus embraces some 240 species of plants native to South, Central and North America. Naturally occurring leaves of the plant have 30–45 times the sweetness of cane sugar and may be be consumed fresh or placed in infusions, teas or culinary concoctions.
Much controversy exists regarding the 1991 banning of stevia by the FDA. There is awealth of claims and counter claims – so if you are interested look it up. However people in many developed countries legally use stevia either as extracts or as a naturally occurring product.
Usage
Research has revealed possible benefits in treating high blood pressure and obesity. It’s negligible effect on blood glucose makes it attractive as a natural sweetener to persons on a carbohydrate-controlled diet.
In some countries, stevia has been used as a sweetener for decades or centuries. Japan began growing and using stevia in 1971 in opposition to conventional non-cane sugar sweeteners; today stevia has more than one-third of the Japanese sweetener market. World wide usage is increasing gradually in all forms, but there are still bans in various regions.
Modern medical research has produced positive results in treating hypertension and obesity. Tradition bound tribes of Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil have used stevia as a sweetener in teas for treating heartburn and other ailments.
Propogation
Commercial enterprises plant cloned stevia to speed up propogation. Stevia does produce seeds naturally, but only a small percentage germinate. Home growers are advised to obtain seedlings from specialised herb nurseries.
Turmeric – Go for Gold
The ancient medical science of Ayurveda is based on the principle of preventing diseases. It directs us to resist the diseases through our food habits and life styles. The same principle was suggested by Hippocrates when he wrote “Let your food be your medicine”.
A very well known spice in Ayurveda not completely understood by the public is Turmeric; Over the last few years, there has been increasing interest in turmeric and its medicinal properties. The medicinal qualities of turmeric is utilised in almost all Ayurvedic preparations related to liver and skin disorders.
This herb has occupied the shelves of every Indian kitchen for over 5000 years where it is considered the king of the kitchen and is is used daily in cooking. Apart from its culinary virtues, it is also used daily as a beauty aid and as a dye.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) belongs to the Zingiberacae branch of the ginger family and is a perennial plant that grows 3 to 5 feet high in SE Asian tropical regions. In India it is grown all over but specially in Bengal, Bombay and in Tamilnadu.
Ayurveda’s appreciation of the medicinal qualities and color of turmeric is evident through the various names of turmeric specified in ancient texts of ayurveda:
- Haridra – enhancer of body complexion.
- Kanchani – looks like gold .
- Nisha – imparts beauty by enhancing complexion which is as beautiful as full moon night
- Gowri – yellow in color
- Krimighni – works as a Antibacterial and antihelmenthic.
- Yoshit priya – used in Gynecological disorders.
In Hindi turmeric is known as haldi.
The rhizomes or roots of this plant are used as medicine and for other purposes. The rhizomes are boiled, dried and then powdered. This powder is used for a multiplicity of purposes and virtues.
The active chemical component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels. Curcumin protects the liver, reduces cholesterol, and prevents internal blood clotting thereby preventing heart attacks and liver tissue damage.
Turmeric is very safe, but special precautions should be taken in persons who have gall stones, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice. Ayurveda describes the qualities of turmeric as light and dry. It has pungent and has a bitter taste. It is widely used in skin, respiratory and liver disorders and it purifies blood and enhances the complexion.
Medicinal properties of turmeric.
Liver
Ayurveda recommends this powdered golden herb root to purify blood and prevent clotting. It is extensively used to protect the liver from toxins and microbial. Turmeric increases the secretion of bile and also promotes the free flow of bile. This herb can be used to overcome toxic effects of alcohol on liver. It reduces cholesterol and protects the heart.
Take half a teaspoon of turmeric with warm water to rejuvenate and expel toxins out of the liver.
Respiratory system
One spoon of turmeric boiled in milk should be consumed with a spoon of pure ghee (clarified butter) for as a beneficial treatment for conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and coughing. This gives relief and acts as an anti tussive to get rid of congestion in the lungs.
Anti-ageing
The antioxidant properties of turmeric promotes a good complexion and increases vitality. It reduces inflammation in joints, protects the heart, reduces cholesterol and is an aid to good health.
Diabetes
Turmeric is widely used in ayurvedic preparations for diabetes. It lowers the blood sugar and increases metabolism.
Uterus
Turmeric initiates a regular menstrual cycle and reduces menstrual cramps.
Skin
Blood nourishes the skin and it is known fact that pure blood always keeps the skin glowing and radiant. Turmeric purifies blood, nourishes skin and gives it a healthy natural glow and radiance. A traditional face pack in India consists of flour, pure turmeric powder, milk and honey. This reduces any inflammation of the skin, smoothes it and prevents many skin ailments.
Stomach and Intestines
Turmeric enhances digestion, normalizes metabolism and expels unwanted intestinal parasites
On Wounds
Turmeric accelerates the healing process and reduces pain and inflammation. A thick paste of turmeric applied on wounds acts as an excellent antibiotic and anti-inflammatory.
Yogis
Turmeric purifies and cleans the body. It is a tailor-made herb for yogis. It increases the flexibility of muscles, reduces inflammation in muscles and joints and helps to perform yoga with confidence and added pleasure.
Is this not a wonderful treasure nature has stored for us in this golden herb?
As always, seek medical opinion prior to embarking on any turmeric based treatments and use in moderation even then.
