The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

On to the constituents of elecampane.

Alantolactone (Sesquiterpene lactone, Essential oil) has hypotensive, hyperglycemic (in large doses), and hypoglycemic properties. It is also highly antibacterial and fungicidal and used as an anthelmintic in Europe and the UK. Hoffman shares that it can cause contact dermatitis but is an expectorant, cholagogue, and urinary tract antiseptic; stimulates intestinal secretion and kills liver fluke which is a breed of parasitic worms (Petersen, 2018, p. 101; Hoffman, 2003, p. 70).

Helenin/Elecampane camphor is highly antiseptic and bactericidal. More soluble in alcohol than water. This is a mixture of alantolactone and isoalantolactone and is antibacterial and antifungal.  (Petersen, 2018, p. 101; Hoffman, 2003, p. 70; Ganora, 2009, p. 68).

Isoalantolactone (Sesquiterpene lactone, Essential oil) has high bactericide and fungicide properties (Petersen, 2018, p. 101).

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The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

On to the constituents of elecampane.

Alantol (Volatile oil)

Alantolactone

Dihydroalantolactone (Sesquiterpene Lactone, Essential Oil):

Helenin/Elecampane camphor

Inulins are composed mainly of fructose. They are found in many foods, including the processed food created by the industry. They ferment in the colon for that healthy microbiome. They are antitumor, anitmicrobial, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antiosteoprotic, improve mineral absorption and balance. Some of these have a lack of enough studies to fully state they are FACT but these are traditional uses (Hoffman, 2003, p. 45).

Isoalantolactone (Sesquiterpene lactone, Essential oil)

Phytosterols: mean there is a hydroxyl group attached to the C3 and an extra methyl or ethyl in the side chain. This is what differentiates it from an animal sterol (phyto meaning plant). Ganora says these are soluble in oil. She says these are good for cholesterol, blood lipids, and reduce blood-soluble vitamins in the blood. These are good for enlarged prostates and some are anti-carcinogenic.  These also are believed to be responsible for sexual and hormonal toning activities. The major phytosterols which may come up later are beta-sitosterol, campestrerol, and stigmasterol (Hoffman, 2003, p. 83, 143; Ganora, 2009, 44, 46, 64, 69, 91, 92, 134, 145).

Polysaccharides (Mucilage) activate the macrophages which initiates the body’s defenses against pathogens and cancer cells (Hoffman, 2003, p. 544).

Resins are not water-soluble and need either alcohol or oil to extract the constituents.  The older the sample, the harder it is to extract.

Sesquiterpene lactones: these can kill sheep and goats - are highly irritating to their nose, eyes, and gastrointestinal tracts. Other lactones break down the toxins through metabolism. These can help with cancer but can also be cytotoxic so they are often avoided (Hoffman, 2003, p. 70, 174, 199, 370).

Sesquiterpenes (in volatile oil): Constituents are often classified based on structure and this particular one makes that hard...  There are over 200 structure types. The 3 main structures are acyclic, monocytclic, and bicyclic. Some of these act as pheromones for communication between plants. Some provide a defensive role (Hoffman, 2003, p. 67).

Sterols (Aglycone Glycosides) are often used to imply phytosterols in these books. They need to be careful, though because sterols are found in animals while the same molecule can be called a phytosterol because it is found in a plant. calling it a sterol when it's in a plant can cause confusion (Ganora, 2009, p. 92, 93).

Triterpenoid saponins have 30 carbons with 3-5 sugars attached and are generally anti-inflammatory while some are adaptogenic. They can also be antioxidant and vascular toning (Hoffman, 2003, p. 79; Ganora, 2009, 142).

Volatile oil: Volatile just means they evaporate more quickly than other substances. If it says "volatile", you want to use the plant as fresh as possible and try not to warm it up in any way (Ganora, 2009, p. 52, 57, 61, 134, 139). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oils are what is extracted from the plant to make essential oils and are made of a lot of compounds, sometimes as much as 100 (p. 14).
 
Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the class I attended.

There was only one action in this herb that has not been previously discussed.  I got the herbarium uploaded yesterday.  I will get the indications list updated today when I can.

My children helped me try out my grain grinder today.  It was great fun until they each took turns dumping my grain on the floor...  Love and Light!

On to the actions of elecampane.

Aperitive means laxative

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The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

There was a lot of information on this herb but a lot of it was repetitive.  Since it's safe for children, this is a good one to have around to handle those colds!  Love and Light!

On to elecampane.

Constituents: Inulin, essential oil (several sesquiterpenes lactones(antiseptic properties) including alantolactone, isoalantolactone, and dihydroalantolactone), helenin/elecampane camphor, calcium, potassium, sodium, and resin (Petersen, 2018, p. 101). Hoffman (2003) says sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone(helenalin), isoalantolactone), polysaccharides (inulin), Sterols, resin (p. 560). Chevalier (2016) says inulin, volatile oil (alantol, sesquiterpenes (alantolactone)), triterpene saponins, and phytosterols (p. 107).

Therapeutic Actions: Alterative, anthelmintic (vermicide), antiasthmatic, antiascorbutic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperitive, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic (mild), emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nutritive, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, and vulnerary (Petersen, 2018, p. 101). Hoffman (2003) says expectorant, antitussive, diaphoretic, hepatic, warming, and antimicrobial (p. 560). Clark (2011) says antiseptic, diaphoretic, respiratory tonic, and expectorant (p. 37). Tierra (1998) says expectorant, antiemetic, and warming (effects lung, spleen, stomach, liver, large intestine) (p. 320). Chevallier (2016) says expectorant, soothes cough, increases sweating, mildly bitter, eliminates worms, and antibacterial (p. 107). Ulbricht (2010) says antifungal, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and expectorant (p. 307).

Indications: Chronic respiratory issues with digestive complaints, anthelmintic for roundworm, threadworm, hookworm, and whipworm. Bronchial complaints, asthma, bronchitis, cough, cystitis, diabetes, delayed menstruation, gastritis, inflammation, inflamed gums, loss of appetite, neuralgia, sciatica, skin diseases, sluggish liver, water retention, worms, and wounds (Petersen, 2018, p. 101, 102). Hoffman (2003) says irritating bronchial coughs, catarrh, emphysema, asthma, tuberculosis, pneumoconiosis, and chronic cough (p. 560). Clark (2011) says irritating coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough and is gentle enough for kids (p. 37). Tierra (1998) says bronchitis, coughing, shortness of breath, congestions, pleurisy, and ascites (p. 320). Chevallier (2016) says tuberculosis, MRSA, respiratory tonic, chest infections, almost all chest conditions, debilitation, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, stimulates appetite, relieves dyspepsia, treats worms, tonsillitis and helps counter infection when combined with other herbs (p. 107). Ulbricht (2010) says food flavoring, coughs, colds, and bronchial ailments (p. 307).

Safety: Do not use during pregnancy or lactation. Large doses may cause diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis. The US allows the sale of this for flavoring for alcohol only. Can cause contact dermatitis and interfere with treatments for hypoglycemia and hypertension (Petersen, 2018, p. 102). May irritate allergies in people with allergies to this family (Hoffman, 2003, p. 560). Clark (2003) says contact dermatitis is a possibility.  Large doses can cause diarrhea, spasms, vomiting, and paralysis so do not exceed the recommended dosage (p. 38). Tierra (1998) says not for tuberculosis or inflammatory cough (p. 320). Clark (2015) says not to use while breastfeeding (p. 71). Gardner (2013) says there is potential for allergic reaction, to include contact dermatitis, for those who are allergic to other plants in this family. There is mixed science but the editors feel this herb is safe for pregnancy and lactation, even used in china to prevent miscarriages with the pregnancy is threatened (p. 474).

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For those curious of my growing progress, in the front, the middle 2 are spearmint and peppermint.  The spearmint is wrapped around my avocado tree.  My tree HAD many leaves but my son ripped one them my daughter removed all of the rest.  I'm hoping there is enough green left to keep the tree alive and for more leaves to grow.  She even snapped off the trunk that was growing just above the leaves.  Rosemary is in the back left and thyme is in the back right.

I was unable to get a post out yesterday.  I am in the process of researching elecampane and hope to post it tomorrow.  As many of you know, I have been working on my spiritual development and I have recently been pushed to learn Runes. Fortunately, I have the books so I just need to study so that is cutting into my time with my herbs but it will make me a well-rounded healer in the end. This has been an incredible ride and I would not have missed any of this for anything!  Love and Light!

The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

On to the constituents of dong quai.

Psoralen (Coumarin, also called furocoumarins though this is not correct) is photo-sensitizing and is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo.  It also works against the pathogen that causes tuberculosis.  In these treatments, the patient is exposed to this constituent then exposed to UV light (Petersen, 2018; Hoffman, 2003, p. 96, 209-10; Ganora, 2003, p. 111). (Dong quai)

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

On to dong quai constituents.

Angelol (Coumarin):

Bergapten (also known as 5-methoxypsoralen) (Coumarin) has been used to treat vitiligio and psoriasis and is phototoxic in lime peel extracts and essential oils. Petersen adds it can cause photosentization and is carcinogenic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 95, 210; Petersen, 2018).

Carvacrol (Volatile Oil): is in many plants of the Lamiaceae family. It is a strong antiseptic and has anti-fungal and anthelmintic properties as well (Hoffman, 2003, p. 65; Ganora, 2009, p. 135).

Coumarins inhibit aggression but are considered weak.  They are phytoestrogenic.

Essential Oils are steam soluble. These are often the active compounds in the plant but even more so, they are often needed to activate the other constituents of the plant for a synergistic effect (Ganora, 2009, p. 19, 43, 45, 46, 51, 68 ,109, 134, 137, 139).

Ferulic Acid (Polyphenolic Acid) increases phagocytosis (Hoffman, 2003, p. 152).

Isosafrole is carcinogenic (Petersen, 2018).

Ligustilide (Essential Oil):

N-butylidene phthalide (Essential Oil):

Osthol (Coumarin) may inhibit platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction. May also cause hypotension (Petersen, 2018).

Phytosterols: mean there is a hydroxyl group attached to the C3 and an extra methyl or ethyl in the side chain. This is what differentiates it from an animal sterol (phyto meaning plant). Ganora says these are soluble in oil. She says these are good for cholesterol, blood lipids, and reduce blood-soluble vitamins in the blood. These are good for enlarged prostates and some are anti-carcinogenic.  These also are believed to be responsible for sexual and hormonal toning activities. The major phytosterols which may come up later are beta-sitosterol, campestrerol, and stigmasterol (Hoffman, 2003, p. 83, 143; Ganora, 2009, 44, 46, 64, 69, 91, 92, 134, 145).

Polyacetylenes (Sesquiterpese lactone glycosides) are alcohol-solvent between 40-60% (Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 64, 85, 97, 98). Petersen (2018) adds they are anti-microbial (p. 169).

Polysaccharides (Mucilage) activate the macrophages which initiates the body’s defenses against pathogens and cancer cells (Hoffman, 2003, p. 544).

Psoralen (Coumarin):

Safrole (Phenylpropanoid, Essential Oil, Terpenes) is found in the essential oil. Some science claims this is carginogenic but when a sassafras tea with the constituent is consumed, it's not. The amount of the constituent probably plays a role here (Ganora, 2009, p. 109).

Sesquiterpenes (in volatile oil): Constituents are often classified based on structure and this particular one makes that hard...  There are over 200 structure types. The 3 main structures are acyclic, monocytclic, and bicyclic. Some of these act as pheromones for communication between plants. Some provide a defensive role (Hoffman, 2003, p. 67).

Volatile oil: Volatile just means they evaporate more quickly than other substances. If it says "volatile", you want to use the plant as fresh as possible and try not to warm it up in any way (Ganora, 2009, p. 52, 57, 61, 134, 139). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oils are what is extracted from the plant to make essential oils and are made of a lot of compounds, sometimes as much as 100 (p. 14).

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The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

On to dong quai actions.

Sedative hematonic: Simply means it cleans the blood while also being a sedative.

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The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

This was an interesting herb to research because it had three different common names which were used in my library. I was amazed by the amount of data on this herb as well as the level of science.  This is another herb that should be a dear friend to most females.  Love and Light!

On to dong quai.

Constituents: Essential oil (ligustilide, n-butylidene phthalide), phytosterols, ferulic acid, coumarins (angelol, angelicone, osthol, psoralen, bergapten), volatile oil. Osthol may inhibit platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction. May also cause hypotension. Psoralen and bergapten are photosensitizing.  Bergapten, safrole, and isosafrole are carcinogenic. Low molecular weight polysaccharide shows anti-tumor properties.  There is conflicting research on phytoestrogenic activity (Petersen, 2009, p. 60-1). Clark (2011) says this is a good source of Vitamin E (p. 187). Chevallier (2016) says voliatile oil (ligustilide, sesquiterpenes, carvacrol), coumarins, phytosterols, polyacetylenes, and ferulic acid (p. 63).

Therapeutic Actions: Anticoagulant, stimulant, anti-platelet, relaxant (Petersen, 2018, p. 62). Griffin (1997) calls this a sedative hematonic (p. 220). Clark (2015) says it is a uterine and menstrual stimulant (p. 70). Chevallier (2106) says tonic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, thins blood, and promotes menstrual flow (p. 63). Bown (1995) says female tonic for the reproduction system and liver, mild laxative, sedative, anti-bacterial, and painkiller (p. 238).

Indications: Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, blood deficiency, purify the blood, hypertension, constipation, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, kidney disease, nerve pain, coronary hypertension, allergy attacks, and liver protection. Topically used for premature ejaculation.  It has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years with the “yin” profile. Also used for menstrual cramps, irregularity, retarded flow, weakness, infertility, and menopause. Can also help with rheumatism, ulcers, anemia, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis (Ganora, 2009, p. 58-9, 62). Tierra (1998) mentions dang gui (different spelling in Chinese) and chuan xiong combined promote blood circulation. On page 150, he says there are four combinations.  The first being by itself where it is called sovereign (remember, Chinese medicine works differently) and is used as a blood tonic. The second has been mentioned already. The third is assistant with peony root which is also for toning the blood.  The fourth is assistant with rehmannia root to nourish blood and yin. He continues on page 399 anemia and gynecological problems are also helped with this herb. Griffin (1997) says the Chinese use it for blood building and a female tonic. The cooked root is good for the endocrine system, improved circulation, lower blood pressure, energy, constipation, PMS, menstrual irregularity, menopausal symptoms, and female longevity (p. 220). Groves (2016) says estrogen deficiency which includes help in the first portion of the menstrual cycle, being too thin, anemic, and light bleeding. Fertility issues and anxiety may be included here. It also fortifies iron levels. For women, this is nourishing, energy, and vitality (p. 250). Chevallier (2016) says regulates uterine contractions hence its effectiveness on period pain. It also normalizes the function of the heart and thins blood. Use it for “deficient blood”, anemia, pale complextion, palpitations, lowered vitality, regulating the menstrual cycle, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, circulation, including in the stomach and cold hands/feet, abscesses and boils (p. 63). Bown (1995) says menstrual, postpartum, menopause issues, and anemia. Acupuncture for pain, neuralgia, angina, and arthritis (p. 238). Heinerman (1996) says it stimulates uterine contractions in an orderly fashion which reduces the pain of cramps without having an estrogenic effect. It helps with all gynecological problems caused by “deficient, poor quality, or stagnant blood”. Using decoctions or alcohol extracts, it lowers blood pressure and consuming it demonstrated less plaque in arteries than the control subjects had. The pain it treats is in acupuncture but not for acute pain like sprains, infections or tumors (p. 208-9).

Safety: Not safe during pregnancy of breastfeeding.  It may be an issue with conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.  It does not have generally regarded as safe status in the US but is widely available as a supplement and is safe as a food additive (Petersen, 2018, p. 62). Tierra (1998) says not to put more than 3 grams in soup for men, 6 grams for women (p. 399). Clark (2015) says not to use during pregnancy or nursing (p. 70). Gardner (2013) says not to use within seven days of surgery due to a bleeding risk. There is a potential interaction between this herb and warfarin.  Do not take with anti-coagulant drugs.  There was no genotoxicity discovered and at extreme doses, there is a potential for damage to kidneys but the amount to get to that point is very high (p. 65). Ulbricht (2010) says not to use while pregnant or lactating. It may increase bleeding so do not use with anti-coagulant or anti-platelet drugs. It may cause photosensitivity and it may effect heart medication (p. 299). Heinerman (1996) says not to use if pregnant, with excess menstruation, fever, fast pules, diarrhea, or abdominal distension (p. 201).

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The image above is from the lesson I attended.

The next herb will be dong quai if I can find enough information on it.  Wish me luck! Love and Light!

On to the constituents of devil's club.

Falcarinol (Polyene, Polyacetylenes): This may have chemoprotective actions abs be cytotoxic to human cancer cells as well as potentially antifungal and antibacterial (Ganora, 2009, p. 97). (Carrots, Celery, Devil’s Club, Fennel, Ginseng, Ivy, Parsnip, Parsley, Tomato Leaves)

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