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George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. i1

L I f E :S T Y L E
 Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2018 with funding from
Kahle/Austin Foundation

https://archive.org/details/plantsthathealOOOOpamp
Plants
that

Heal
 Plants that

Heal
George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D.
Author of the 'Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants' and the ‘Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power'
published in English, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish

REVIEW AND HERALD®

PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
Copyright© 2004 by REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
55 W. Oak Ridge Drive
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Phone: (301) 393 3000
e-mail: info@rpha.org - www.reviewandherald.org

ISBN 0-8280-1863-4

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Editorial and Design by the editorial team of Safeliz S.L.

All drawings, images and pictures are owned by Editorial Safeliz S.L.

This magabook is an excerpt of the Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants,

ISBN 84-7208-157-5, published in two volumes.
Copyright© 1995 by Editorial Safeliz S.L.
Pradillo, 6 - Poligono Industrial La Mina
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the owners of the Copyright.

Notice to Readers: This magabook is designed to give information on the medicinal value of certain plants.
Although the recommendations and information given are appropriate in most cases, they are of a general
nature and cannot take into account the specific circumstances of individual situations. Any plant substance,
used externally or internally, can cause allergic reactions in some persons. The information given in this book is
not intended to take the place of professional medical care either in diagnosing or treating medical conditions.
Do not attempt self-diagnosis or self-treatment for serious or long-term problems without consulting a qualified
medical professional. Always seek a physician's advice before undertaking any self-treatment or if symptoms
persist. Neither the publisher nor the author can assume responsibility for problems arising from the mistaken
identity of any plant or from the inappropriate use made of it by readers. Advice is given in page 36 on the safe
use of medical herbs.

4
Meaning of Icons .6
Plants Pages: Description and Format.8
Testimony. 9
The Vegetal World .10
Types of Leaves .22
Anatomy of Leaves.24
Types of Roots .25
Types of Stems.26
Types of Inflorescences .27
Anatomy of a Flower.28
Guardians or Killers .30
Photosynthesis.32
Methods for Distilling Essences .33
The Art of Preparing Herbal Teas.34
Fomentations .35
Safe Use of Medicinal Herbs .36
Aromatherapy.38
Abortive Plants.42
Plant Toxicity.43 Table of
How To Obtain the Best Results From Plants.44
A Pioneer of Modern Phytotherapy.45 Contents
Medicinal Herbs in America .46
How the Properties of Plants Were Discovered.48
Plants for the Eyes: Cornflower.52
Plants for the Nervous System: Passion Flower.54
Plants for the Mouth: Clove Tree.56
Plants for the Throat: Sticklewort .58
Plants for the Heart: Hawthorn .60
Plants for the Arteries: Ginkgo.62
Plants for the Veins: Horse Chestnut .64
Plants for the Blood: Nettle .66
Plants for the Respiratory System: Eucalyptus.68
Plants for the Digestive System: German Camomile .70
Plants for the Liver and the Gall Bladder: Boldo .72
Plants for the Stomach: Cabbage .74
Plants for the Intestine: Flax.76
Plants for the Anus and the Rectum: Bramble.78
Plants for the Urinary System: White Birch.80
Plants for the Male Sexual Organs: Ginseng.82
Plants for the Female Sexual Organs: Mugwort .84
Plants for the Metabolism: Fucus.86
Plants for the Locomotive System: Devil’s Claw.88
Plants for the Skin: Aloe.90
Plants for Infectious Diseases: Echinacea.92

5
 Meaning of the Icons of Botanical Parts
Used in This Work
In this magabook there are a number of icons, symbols,
and tables which describe plants, body organs, and ailments.
We describe these icons on the following pages so the reader can be familiar
with them and interpret their meaning more easily.

Branches Young buds

Flower clusters
Fleshy leaves (upper part of
(for example, the plant)
Indian fig) Aments (small
hanging clusters of
Leaves of ferns little flowers)
(fronds)

Leaves of Flowers
fanerogamous plants
(typical leaves)

Peduncles (stalks)

Secretions (<
latex, resin, et
Fruits

Stem and tr
Rind

Wood, char
Seeds

Pods
Bark

Straw or bran

Tuber Rhizome
(underground
stem)

Bulb Root

Thallus
The whole plant
(vegetative part of The whole plant
except the root
algae and moss)

6
 Meaning of the Icons of Anatomical Parts
Used in This Work

Nervous system
Eye diseases
ailments
_Jr

Stimulant action
Oral
and tooth diseases

Ear, nose
Respiratory system and throat diseases
diseases

Exhaustion Heart diseases

and asthenia
(invigorating
action)

Arterial diseases
Diseases of
the liver and
the gall bladder
Blood diseases

Metabolic disorders
Digestive
system diseases
(as a whole)
Urinary system
diseases (kidneys
and urinary
bladder) Stomach diseases

Infectious diseases
(antibiotic action) Intestinal diseases

Anal and rectal

Female sexual diseases
organ diseases

Male sexual Musculo-skeletal

organ diseases system diseases
V: ...

Venous diseases Skin diseases

7
 Plant Pages: Description and Format

Free use: the plant has no side effects Icon Chapter title
or contraindications. of botanical
Icon of part used
plant use: fsee p. 6)
Caution use: it is a potentially toxic plant. Icon for the most important
It can be used with no risk, always medical application of
remembering the caution given. the plant
(see p. 7)

undesirable effects. In some cases, its use

is not recommended, and in other cases,
we only recommend the use of its
pharmaceutical extracts, carefully dosed
and under medical supervision.

Each of the different

forms of preparation
and use is given a
reference number. In
the main text, these
forms of preparation
and use are implied
by using this
number.

8
 T hroughout the ages, plants
have been used by humans as
drugs currently in use in one or more
countries.
a source of food, cosmetics and
The United States National Cancer In¬
medicines, and have provided raw mate¬
stitute (NCI) was established in 1937, its
rials for the construction of shelters and
mission being “to provide for, foster, and
the manufacture of clothing. The signifi¬
aid in coordinating research related to
cance of tropical forests in the mainte¬
cancer. ” The NCI has screened well over
nance of the earth’s ecological balance is
100,000 plant extracts for anticancer ac¬
only now being fully appreciated and un¬
tivity and over 30,000for anti-AIDS ac¬
derstood. There is an urgent need to con¬
tivity.
serve and use these resources in an envi¬
ronmentally sustainable and economical¬ The devel¬

ly beneficial manner. opment of clin¬

ically effective
Plants have served as the basis of so¬
anticancer
phisticated traditional medicine systems
for thousands of years in countries such as
China and India. These plant-based sys¬
tems continue to play an essential role in
health care. It has been estimated by the
agents such as
taxol, and the
discovery of
potential anti-
Testimony
AIDS agents
World Health Organization that about
such as michel-
80% of the world’s inhabitants rely main¬
lamine B, demonstrate the value of plants
ly on traditional medicines for their pri¬
as sources of potential new drugs, and
mary health care.
highlight the importance of conserving
Plant products also play an important these valuable resources.
role in the health care systems of the re¬
maining 20 percent of the population who
mainly reside in developed countries.
Analysis of data on prescriptions dis¬
pensed from commu¬
nity pharmacies in
the United States
Dr. Gordon M.
from 1959 to 1980
Cragg
indicates that about Natural Products Branch,
U. S. National Cancer
25 percent contained
Institute
plant extracts or ac¬
tive components de¬
rived from higher
plants. At least 119
chemical substances,
derived from 90 plant
species, can be consid¬
ered as important

9
 The vegetal world
d 'W" ~JT "T"hat a surprise! This piece made of innumerable little independent
1 /■ / of cork is formed by thou- units.
1/ \l sands of tiny cells, joined “Since these little cavities form cork, I
» » together. It resembles a will call them cells,” Hooke said. “Besides,
honeycomb!” said Robert Hooke, a famous the Latin word cellula means little cavity.”
seventeenth century English physicist, as¬
tonished by what he saw through his mi¬
croscope.
Cells: The Units of Life
His scientific spirit surprised him at what
others would not even have noticed.
Hooke had just discovered that living tis¬ When studying other plants under the
sues are not a uniform and continuous microscope, scientists noticed that not only
mass, such as stones or minerals, but a mass the bark of cork oak trees was formed by
cells. All living beings, vegetals and ani¬
mals, are formed by one or many grouped
cells.
Each cell is a life unit. It is the smallest
part of a living being that has its own life,
The Vegetal Cell that is to say, cells are born, get fed, grow,
reproduce themselves and die.
The size of cells generally varies in a
range between five and 50 microns (a thou¬
sandth of millimeter), which means that in
one millimeter there may be from 20 to
200 cells, depending on their size.
Some cells will only live for a few min¬
utes, continually being renewed, while oth¬
ers live as long as the living being of which
they are part.

Cell Constitution
Each and every cell is formed by:
• A nucleus, which keeps the genetic in¬
formation it has inherited, and in which
all its features are printed under the
guise of chromosome and genes. These
will be transmitted to the next genera¬
tion of cells.
• Cytoplasm, of viscous consistency, simi¬
lar to egg white, where all biochemical
processes take place.
• A cytoplasmic membrane, which com-

10
 By observing cork, which
comes from cork oak tree
bark, through the
microscope, Robert
Hooke discovered in the
seventeenth century that
living tissues are made of
tiny units called cells.
pletely surrounds the cell and filters in a
selective way all those substances which
may penetrate the interior.

Features of Vegetal Cells

Vegetal cells present two basic features
which cannot be found in animal cells:

1. A Cellulose Membrane
It is a thick cell wall, located outside and
around the cytoplasmic membrane and is
made of cellulose. It is like a porous case
which isolates and protects the cell, and re¬
mains when it dies, becoming a kind of sar¬
cophagus. Animal cells do not have any Vegetal cells differ from
such thick cellulose membrane, therefore animal cells in that they
are surrounded by a
when they die they rot and leave no re¬
thick cellulose wall
mains. which covers them, and
Adult cell membranes may contain oth¬ contain chloroplasts
er substances apart from cellulose: filled with chlorophyll.
Thus, cellulose (also
• Lignin in wood cells. called vegetal fiber) and
chlorophyll are the
• Suberin in suber, or cork cells.
most representative
• Pectin or cutin, in the cuticle which cov¬ substances of the
ers young stems and leaves. vegetal world.

Thus, what Hooke observed through the

microscope—cork—were not bark cells of
the cork oak tree, but their cases or cell
membranes, which remain after the cell
dies. Wood is also formed by the thick cel¬
lulose and lignin walls which once covered
the now-already-dead stem cells.

2. Plasts
This is another peculiar feature of vege¬
tal cells. Plasts are corpuscles located inside
the cytoplasm, which contain diverse col¬
oring substances. The most common ones
are chloroplasts, green-colored because of
their chlorophyll content.
Photosynthesis takes place inside the
chloroplasts. This is an extraordinary
chemical reaction where the inorganic
mineral substances of air and soil turn into
starch and other organic substances,
thanks to sunlight energy.

11
 Left: The huge sequoias of
the Californian forests are
regarded as being some of
the tallest trees on our
planet.

Right: The island of

Tenerife, Canary Islands,
houses several dragon trees
such this one, trees old up
to 5000 years.

Cells are fantastic chemical laboratories. An architect gives appropriate orders so

In each of them, despite their tiny size, that each and every one of the hundreds
thousands of chemical reactions take and even thousands of elements that form
place, and their result is the synthesis of the house goes to its appropriate place.
sugars (carbohydrates), lipids (fats), and When the building is finished, everyone
proteins, which either accumulate inside will acknowledge the work of the man who
the cell or flow outside it. designed the house and supervised the
work.
Alkaloids, essences and other active prin¬
ciples, also produced in vegetal cells, are However, very few people are conscious
stored inside cavities located in the cyto¬ of the admirable fact that the billions of
plasm which are called vacuoles. When “bricks,” that is to say, cells, that form a
these vacuoles break because of pressure plant or any other living being are per¬
exerted on any of the vegetable parts, the fectly disposed each one in its place, and
active principles they contain break free. all of them in good working order. Who
was the architect or engineer that designed
this? Who directed the work? Why do epi¬
dermic cells always gather in order to cov¬
Diversity of the Vegetal er leaves and stems? Why do hollow and
elongated cells join each other to form the
Kingdom vessels through which sap flows?

Vegetables are living beings made of veg¬

“These bricks are for building the outer etal cells. Some vegetables consist of a sin¬
walls, those for covering the inner rooms, gle cell (unicellular), such as bacteria and
those tiles are for the kitchen floor....” certain types of fungi and algae. Others

12
consist of many cells (multicellular), such
as common seaweeds and mushrooms, and
all superior vegetables or plants.

Size Diversity
The size of vegetables may range from a
few microns, such as microorganisms, to
more than 80 meters, such as the huge Cal¬
ifornian sequoias, and to even 150 meters
such as the giant Australian eucalyptus,
which are regarded as being the tallest
trees in the world. But there is a vegetable
which still exceeds diese sizes: the giant sar¬
gasso, a seaweed that may reach up to 300
meters.

Volume Diversity
As for volume, the biggest tree in the
world, and probably the oldest (it is sup¬
posed to be from 4000 to 5000 years old)
is the Cypress of Moctezuma, which grows
in the cemetery of Santa Maria de Tule, in
the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The Spanish
conquistador Hernan Cortes and his
troops camped under its immense, unique
crown with a diameter of 132 meters, in the
year 1519.

Habitat Diversity
Some plants grow in water, such as wa- The famous "Cypress of Moctezuma," also known as 'Tree of
Tule," grows in the beautiful Mexican state of Oaxaca. Ac¬
tercresses and water lilies; others grow in
cording to the information offered to visitors, it is 41.8 me¬
desert areas, such as the agave and the ters high and its gigantic trunk reaches 14 meters in diame¬
aloe; some of them grow in cold climates, ter. Its volume is calculated to be 816.8 cubic meters, weigh¬
such as blueberries and raspberry canes; ing 636.1 tons, and is thus the most voluminous tree in the
others grow in warm climates, such as the world (though not the tallest), and probably the heaviest
and most voluminous living thing on planet Earth (the
lavender and the fig tree; some in polar
largest whales do not exceed 150 tons in weight).
zones, such as moss and lichen; others in
Botanically it is an ahuehuete, a variety of cypress, of the
tropical areas, such as the avocado tree and
family of Taxodiaceae.
the guaiac.

Diversity of the Life Span

Vegetable life widely varies. Some bacte¬
ria live only for a few minutes; Bermuda
grass and other lawns mayjust live for a few
days when there is drought. However, fir

13
 size. Among them, the spirulin (an alga)
has outstanding medicinal properties.
When we eat it, we are consuming mil¬
lions of individual cells, all of them iden- j
deal. It is quite logical that we are unable i
to distinguish any different parts in these
living beings.

• Thallophytes are vegetables whose body

or thallus usually consists of muldple dif¬
ferent cells, yet similar to each other.
These plants do not have true tissues and
organs, nor roots, stems, leaves or flow¬
ers. This is demonstrated in algae, fungi
and lichens. The thallus of kelp, of Ice¬
land moss, of Irish moss, and of bladder
fucus, also called wrack, are used for
medicinal purposes.
The whole earth is an
immense garden, or at least • Embryophytes are superior vegetables,
that was the wish of its commonly known as plants. They consist
Creator. However, besides of millions of cells, and seventy or eighty
being ornamental, flowers classes may be observed in these vegeta¬
and plants, many of them
bles. Each type of cell specializes in cer¬
with medicinal properties,
greatly contribute to the trees live up to 800 years, and chestnut and tain functions, thus forming the diverse
welfare and health of olive trees can live for one thousand years. organs or parts of the plant: the root, the
humanity. stem, the leaves, the flowers, etc.
In a graveyard in Yorkshire, England,
there is a yew tree which is supposed to be
3000 years old. There are sequoias in Cali¬
Shape Diversity
fornia and baobabs in Africa which are
over 4000 years old. These venerable trees
The shape of vegetables also presents a
are still alive having witnessed the rise and
wide range of contrasts, varying from the
fall of great empires and civilizations, as
delicacy of a violet to the aggressiveness of
well as many different human works.
a cactus; from the simplicity of thyme to
However, the lifetime record is held by a the sophistication of an orchid. And what
dragon tree which grew in La Orotava Val¬ could we say about their color, about all die
ley, on the island of Tenerife, Spain. This different green tones of their leaves, all of
tree was uprooted in 1868 by a hurricane. them similar but not exactly the same?
In its trunk, more than 5000 rings were ob¬ What about the wide color range of flow¬
served (reflecting 5000 years of age!). No ers, which are made up of the entire light
other tree is known to have exceeded that spectrum?
age.
Have you ever seen an unpleasant plant?
In all of the immense richness of their
Structure Diversity:
shapes, colors and tones, each vegetable
From a Single Cell to Millions
keeps harmony, a charm and a balance of
• The simplest vegetables or schizophytes its own. Besides, many of them serve as
consist of a single cell of microscopic food and heal our diseases.

14
Diversity of Medicinal Properties concentrated in a single part of a plant,
for instance, only ginseng root contains
The great richness of the vegetal world
invigorating substances.
can be seen in the many medicinal sub¬
stances that plants synthesize; in a range • That each part of a plant produces dif¬
that goes from antibiotics, such as garlic ferent substances, and therefore has dif¬
and capuchin to heart-stimulants, such as ferent properties. On orange trees, the
cactus and foxglove, as well as sedatives flowers are sedative and the fruits are in¬
such as poppy and valerian, antirheumat¬ vigorating, while the orange tree bark
ics such as devil’s claw, energizing such as has digestive and appetizer properties.
ginseng and rosemary. Their scope of • That some parts of a plant produce med¬
properties practically meets all needs. icinal substances, while other produce
“Prairies and hills are the best pharma¬ toxic elements instead. This is the case
cies,” said Paracelsus, the renowned six¬ with the root of common comfrey, which
teenth century Swiss naturalist and physi¬ is an excellent cicatrizant (wound heal¬
cian. The WHO (World Health
ing agent) because of its content in alan-
Organization) considers as
toine, while its stem and leaves contain a a "medicinal herb" any
Only One Origin toxic alkaloid that makes these parts vegetable containing in
quite poisonous. one or more of its organs,
Are we conscious of the merit of our any substance that can be
house’s architect? Order cannot ever be used with therapeutical
born from chaos, even after millions of aims, or as raw material for
years. Pure chaos just gives birth to in¬ chemical-pharmaceutical
synthesis.
creasing disorder.
In order to cause and keep harmony, the
direct action of a Superior Intellect is need¬
ed. When penetrating deeper into the
study of the vegetal world, we cannot help
but acknowledge the action of the uni¬
verse’s Creator, who designed the “build¬
ings” (living entities) and distributed their
“bricks” (cells) in perfect order.

Parts of the Plants

Active substances are unequally distrib¬

uted among the diverse parts or organs of
a plant, because of the specialization of its
cells. Knowing that valerian has sedative
properties is not enough: we must know
which part of the plant should be used. In
some cases, all parts of a plant contain the
same active principles, and there is no dif¬
ference in which part we use. However, of
it, we may also find the following cases:
• That medicinal active ingredients are

15
16
I

Therefore, and according to what we

have said, you should know and be able to
identify each one of the parts or organs of
a plant.

The Root

The root is the organ in charge of ab¬

sorbing water and minerals from the soil,
and pumping them up to the leaves in or¬
der to feed the whole plant. All plants usu¬
ally produce starch, inuline and other sug¬
ars (also known as carbohydrates), which
are stored in the roots, as in the case of
chicory, artichokes, burdock, carline, dan¬
delion, echinacea, jalap, rhatany, and yel¬
low goatsbeard.

The root of other plants, however, also

synthesize alkaloids (for example, ipecac,
rauwolfia), glycosides (for example,
monkshood, hound’s tongue, echinacea,
saxifrage) or vitamins (such as carrots).

In some cases only the root bark is use¬

ful, because the active components are
more concentrated in it. This is the case of
the guava tree, common barberry, box¬
wood, and Newjersey Tea. The burdock ("Arctium
lappa" L.) is one of the
plants whose root is richest
The Rhizome in active components: it
contains antibiotic, diuretic
The rhizome is an underground stem and hypoglycemiant (which
which looks like a root, but actually grows diminish the level of sugar
The Tuber in the blood) substances.
horizontally instead of vertically. It also
stores carbohydrates and nutrients as well A tuber is an underground stem which
as active components. In many cases (bis¬ specializes in storing reserve substances,
tort, sweet flag, turmeric, witch grass, iris, for instance, that of the early purple or¬
[ female fern, rhubarb), the rhizome is pre¬ chid, whose tubers produce a medicinal
ferred to true roots. flour.

J
The Bulb The Bark
The bulb is an underground stem which The bark is a layer which covers the stem
consists of many overlaying layers. Sulphur and the roots. Many active substances are
essences (garlic, onion), aromatic sub¬ stored in it (common alder, cinnamon
stances (Madonna lily) or alkaloids (mead¬ tree, sacred bark, condurango, alder buck¬
ow saffron) can be found in bulbs. thorn, cinchona, oak tree, yaw tree, etc.)

17
 Bud
Each bud is a would-be branch, leaf or
flower. It contains essences and resins. Phy¬
totherapy uses, for instance, buds of the sil¬
ver birch, the fir tree, the black poplar and
the pine tree.

Leaves
The leaves are a kind of chemical labo¬
ratory for the plant, where photosynthesis
takes place. Photosynthesis is the whole set
of chemical processes by which the plant
produces complex chemical substances
front inorganic substances of the air and
the soil. The cells of leaves contain chloro¬
phyll, a substance that absorbs sunlight en¬
ergy, turning it into chemical energy.
The leaves produce most of the plant’s ac¬
tive components, especially alkaloids,
essences, glycosides and tannins. Therefore,
leaves are the most used parts of medicinal
herbs. Some of the most useful leaves in
phytotherapy are those of aloe, hazelnut
tree, boldo, Mexican damiana, foxglove,
bearberry, witch hazel, laurel, mistletoe,
chestnut tree, olive tree, grapevine and
Apart from beauty and a
fine scent, flowers provide bramble.
diverse active components
with medicinal action:
essential oils, alkaloids,
Flowers
pigments, and glycosides. Flowers are the reproductive organs of
plants. They contains many active compo¬
nents: essential oils (false acacia, Madonna
lily, capuchin, tansy, yaw tree), alkaloids
The Stem (poppy, sand spurry, passion flower), pig¬
ments (corn-flower, rose), glycosides (cac¬
The stem is a kind of highway connect¬
tus, calendula, hops, orange tree, black el¬
ing the root with the other parts of the
der), and many others.
plant. In some cases it contains active com¬
ponents (artichokes, sugar cane, spiked • Stigma. From some flowers, as in the case
alpinia, horsetail, ephedra, asparagus). of saffron or corn, only stigmas are used
Stems can be herbaceous (in so-called (stigmas are the upper parts of the fe¬
herbaceous plants) or woody (made of male reproduction organs of flowers,
wood) as in trees and shrubs. Wood is used called pistils).
because of its essences (camphor tree, cy¬ • Amentus. These are pendular bunches of
press, quassia, guaiac), besides serving as almost always unisexual flowers, those of
charcoal after being burnt (black poplar, hazelnut trees are an example of the
common beech). most used ones.

18
 Fruits contain, generally,
vitamins, mineral salts,
sugars and organic acids.
Some fruits, such as those
of the rowan ("Sorbus
aucuparia" L.) also contain
pectin, a vegetal fiber with
a laxative action, and
tannins with astringent
properties. The result of
such a combination of
active components is a
regulating and normalizing
effect for intestinal
digestion.

Fruits in which little leaves and flowers grow to¬

gether. These are used together (worm¬
The fruits are those vegetal organs which
wood, heather, wild marjoram, rosemary,
grow from flowers and cover seeds.
thyme, European golden-rod, and in gen¬
Fleshy fruits contain abundant organic eral all plants of the family of Labiatae).
acids, sugars and vitamins (common bar¬ When these clusters consist of flowers in
berry, bilberry, caimito, cherry, hawthorn, their main part, they are called flower
black elder, bramble). Others are dry clusters.
fruits, such as those of the Umbelliferae fam¬
ily, and contain essential oils (anise, cumin,
The Seed
parsley), while some are used because of
their latex (opium poppy). In each seed there is a future plant, as
well as one or two cotyledons containing
Berries are fleshy fruits which do not
nourishing substances. Seeds give sugars
have pits.
and lipids (hazelnut tree, oat, cocoa, corn,
chestnut), mucilages (fenugreek, flax, flea-
Stalks wort) and oil (opium poppy, flax, fever
Stalks, also called peduncles, are the plant, castor bean, grapevine).
parts which hold flowers, fruits, or leaves Cereal seeds are called grains.
(in this case called petioles) from a branch
or stem. Those of the cherry and Venus’
Secretions
hair are used in phytotherapy.
Secretions cannot be regarded as proper
parts of a plant, because they consist of liq¬
Clusters uid substances, more or less viscous, pro¬
Clusters are the upper parts of a plant duced by vegetables.

19
 Scientific Latin names of
plants are based on the Poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.)
binomial system of
Linnaeus. The first name
stands for the genus, and
the second for the species.
Common name Genus Species The botanist
Unlike the common name,
whose area is local, the
who classified it (Linnaeus)
scientific name is used
worldwide, and thus
facilitates understanding
among specialists of
different countries.
• Latex, milky in color and different from
sap (opium poppy, celandine, fig tree, The Names of the Plants
bitter lettuce, papaya).
• Resin, which is rich in balsamic essences
How can the great variety of plants in the
(fir tree, asafetida, copal tree, guaiac,
vegetal world be named in an orderly man¬
lentiscus, pine tree, etc.).
ner? And, how can they be classified? Ac¬
Only some of the 390,000 • Sap, which is the nutritive liquid of the
cording to the color of their flowers, to the
odd vegetal species on plant (silver birch, agave, grapevine).
shape of their leaves, or maybe to the
planet Earth have been
identified and classified. chemical substances they produce?
The vegetal world still
In ancient Greece, Aristotle, Theo¬
keeps many undisclosed
secrets! phrastus and Dioscorides thought about
some plant classification and naming sys¬
tems. Since then, other researchers and
scientists have also tried to establish a uni¬
versal system, however, with no success.
Thus, the increasing number of used
names and classifications made difficult
any exchange of experiences, data and
knowledge among botanists, pharmacists
and physicians from different regions and
countries.

In order to overcome this chaos, in 1753

the great Swedish naturalist and botanist
Carolus Linnaeus, introduced a name and
classification system for plants which has
obtained worldwide recognition and suc¬
cess. It is called the binomial system, be¬
cause it gives each species two names: the
first is the genus name, while the second is
the name of the species. Linnaeus had. like
Adam in Eden, the privilege of giving
names to all known plants. He used the
Latin language, which, being a dead lan¬
guage, would not allow any deformation in
names.

The common names of plants differ

from one language to another. Even in the
same linguistic region or area, plants are
given different names. However, their
Latin names, given by Linnaeus, remain

20
unchanged and were used worldwide. An
homage to this great observer of Nature is
the capitalized “L”, followed by a full stop
(“L.”) after the scientific name of many
medicinal herbs. This means that these
plants were named and classified by him.

The Classification of Plants

Linnaeus classified plants according to

the features of their reproduction organs.
However, as botany progressed, especially
by observation through microscope, the
original system of Linnaeus was modified
and improved till reaching its present
form.

Species and its Varieties

For each species there are
The unit for classification is the species,
many varieties.
which groups individuals with many simi¬ For instance, the species
lar features. Thus, the poppy (Papaver "Rosa gallica" L. (the rose)
rhoeas L.) is, for instance, a species. has more than 10,000
varieties, and each of these
All poppies in a wheat field are alike. produces roses with
However, when we compare poppies grow¬ different features.
ing, let us say in Spain, with those growing
in Mexico, we will notice some differences.
All of them are poppies, and belong to the
and the opium poppy {Papaver somniferum
same species, but they form different vari¬
L.) belong to the same genus, Papaver.
eties.
Both species produce similar alkaloids,
The varieties that any species may pre¬ though those of the opium poppy are
sent are a consequence of the kind of soil more active.
it grows in, of the climate and of the possi¬
ble hybridizations or cross-pollinations it
may have undergone. Its chemical compo¬
Family
sition is the same for all varieties, though Several genera are grouped in a family.
there may be differences in the concentra¬ For instance, the poppy and the opium
tion of active components. Thus, for in¬ poppy, along with the greater celandine
stance, the opium poppy that grows in Asia {Chelidonium majus L.) belong to the fami¬
and the Middle East produces a larger ly of Papaveraceae. All of them produce a la¬
amount of morphine than the European tex rich in more or less narcotic alkaloids.
variety.

Orders and Phylum

Genus Several families are grouped in an order,
Similar species are grouped in genera. the latter in classes, and classes are
For instance, the poppy {Papaver rhoeas L.) grouped in phylum.

21
 Types

According to Their Shape

Arrow-shaped
The shape of
Lanceolated these leaves
Heart-shaped
Its shape resembles
Its shape resembles a heart.
resembles a spear. an arrow.

Bilobulated
This type of leaf is cut into
two lobules.
Hand-shaped
This is a compound
leaf, in which the
divisions are shaped
like the fingers of a
Oval hand.
Ellipsoidal Shaped as
With shape of ellipse. an oval.

According to Their Nerve System

Parallelinerve
The nerves run parallel
along the leaf.

Penninerve
The nerves stem
from a central axis.

Curvinerve
The nerves
form a curve
along
Radial
the leaf.
The nerves stem as a radius
from a common center.

22
of Leaves

According to the Edges

Toothed Lobulated
Whole The border The border has cracks
The border is has tiny teeth. which form lobules.
straight.

Split
Divided
The cracks of the border
The cracks of the border
almost touch the central
reach the central nerve.
nerve.

According to the Position on the Stem

Petioled Alternated
These leaves join These are petioled leaves which grow
the stem by means one at a time along the stem.

Sessile
These leaves
do not have
petiole. When they
grow embracing
the stem their are
called decurrent
leaves.

'

23
 Anatomy of Leaves
Terminal bud
This is the growth organ of the stem.
From it the stem and leaves grow.

Limbus
The flat blade of the leaf. Its
upper part is called upperside
and the lower, underside.
Petiole
A small branch
which joins the
leaf and the stem

Apex
Nerves
The prolongation of the petioles,
through which the sap flows.
Underside

Leaves are plants' chemical laboratories. In them,

inorganic simple substances such as water, carbon
dioxide and certain minerals turn into organic
substances: carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and bud
other active elements. It's a growth organ located between
The synthesis of proteins begins in the root, the stem and the petiole. In Spring,
from the nitrogen the soil contains. a new leafed stem or a flower grows
from this bud.

Epidermis or cuticle
A layer which covers leaves to keep
them moist.

Microscopic Parenchyma
Formed by cells
Section containing Nerves
abundant They are
of a Leaf chlorophyll, which sap-conductive
give leaves their vessels.
green color.

Little holes located in the underside of the leaf, through which

carbon dioxide is absorbed and water vapor and oxygen eliminated.
Stomas are surrounded by lips which act as valves, opening and
closing to control the flow of gas, according to the plant's needs.

24
 _//y_

Types of Roots
Besides attaching the plant to the ground, the root absorbs nutrients and water
from the earth through tiny absorbent hairs located at the tips of its branches.

Common root Tuber root

It produces swellings called tubers,
in which carbohydrates, proteins and
other reserve nutrients are stored.

Turnip¬
shaped root
With a conic
shape, it also
stores reserve
nutrients.

Elongation region

Woody root
With gross, hard
ramifications.
Fasciculated root
The secondary roots grow
together at the base of the
stem and are all similarly
sized.

Bulb
The bulb is not
actually a root,
but an underground
bud which
consists of fleshy
leaves arranged in
superimposed layers.

Adventitious roots
Those which grow directly from an air stem or
an underground stem or rhizome.
 A

Types of Stems
The stem connects the root and the leaves,
and contains conductive vessels through which the sap flows.

stem
The cellulose which covers
the cells of woody stems
(trunks) is soaked with
lignin. Underground stem or rhizome
This substance gives This is a stem which grows underground. Though it resembles
the cellulose a root, actually it is not.
the thickness of the wood.

Herbaceous stem
A fragile stem, because
the cellulose covering
its cells is not soaked
with lignin. Chicory
Succulent and other annual
stem plants have
It is sizable,
spongy and
without leaves.
Climbing This stem stores
stem a high amount
This one of water, such
is not as the cactus
consistent and other
enough to desert plants.
keep itself
upright, thus
it grows on
other plants,
securing itself
by means of
tendrils.

Cane
An herbaceous stem,
cylinder-shaped
Creeping stem and hollow, with
It grows horizontally on the ground. well-marked nodes.

-w
26
I

>. ..//s<

Types of Inflorescences
Inflorescences are groups of flowers which grow
from a common peduncle.

Spiked
It consists of groups
of flowers growing
directly from the
stem.

Flowerheads
Flowerheads are
groups of small
flowers joined by
the same peduncle.
Flowerheads appear
to be a single flower,
however they consist
of many.

Corimbus
It consists of flowers
whose peduncles
grow from different
Aments points, however
A hanging spike, consisting reaching the same
of very small flower. height.

Compound
umbels
Umbels It consists of
Umbels consist of flowers whose several simple
peduncle grows from a common point. umbels.

27
 Anatomy

The flower is the

reproductive organ of
fanerogamous plants (with
flowers). These plants are
divided into two groups:
gymnosperms, whose seeds
are uncovered (with no fruit,
such as the pine tree and
other Coniferae) and
angiosperms, whose seeds
are covered by a more or less
fleshy fruit. The flowers of
angiosperm plants are the
largest and most beautiful.

Types of Flowers

Lip-shaped
The petals
form two lips,
an upper one
and a lower
one.

Rosaceous
The typical
flower of the
Bell-shaped Rosaceae plants,
Its corolla (the compound whose petals
of petals) resembles are disposed
a bell. radially.

28
of a Flower

Pistil or gyneceum
The female organ of the
flower. It consists of the
stigma (an ovary-surface
that receives pollen), the
style (the conduct through
which the pollen is
channelled) and the ovary
with one or several ovules
(germinative cells).

Stigma

androceum
The male organ Style
of the flower.
Each stamen
consists of a
filament and an Ovary
anther, where
pollen grains
grow. Ovule

A Grain of Pollen
The fecundation of flowers
In order for fecundation (fertilization) to take
place, to form the seed and then the fruit,
a grain of pollen must Fall on the stigma of
the flower. When the pollen and the flower
belong to the same species, the pollen
produces an elongation which goes down
the style to the ovary. There, the male pollen
chromosomes join the female ovule
Germinative nucleus chromosomes, thus forming
It contains the chromosomes the seed and the fruit.
with the plant's genetic Plants with flowers reproduce sexually.
information. This means that there are two parts,
male or female, which must join to give
birth to a new plant.
cover
 Guardians or Killers?
Endangered Plants

Plants are indispensable life agents of the Earth. All animals its killers. According to the International Union for Nature
and human beings depend on green plants for food, because Preservation, 20% of the 390,000 species all over the world
plants are the only living beings able to take advantage of (some 78,000) are endangered and may disappear. The
solar energy and which produce carbohydrates, proteins, Smithsonian Institution of the United States calculates that
fats, vitamins and other organic substances. out of the 20,000 different seed or flowering species living on
Plants make decisive contributions to the ecological bal¬ the continent of the United States, ten percent (some 2,000)
ance and to the preservation of the environment. They pre¬ have already disappeared, are endangered, or at risk.
vent soil erosion, store water and fertilize the ground. What are the causes of such vegetal species disappearing?
Plants are a very important source of medicinal substances. According to the Red Book of Endangered Vegetal Species,
Each one of the 390,000-odd vegetal species living on the published by the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain, these are
Earth is a different living form, with its own, unique genes. some of them:
When any species disappears or becomes extinct, there is • Forest fires.
an irreparable loss in mankind’s biological heritage.
• Tourist development of coasts and mountain lands.
Human beings, who should be the guardians of this biodi-
verse legacy conferred upon us by the Creator, often become • Water, soil and air pollution (because of farm herbicides).

"Forests appear before civilizations. Deserts follow civilizations."

Francois-Rene Chateaubriand (1768-1848), French author and politician.

Gathering, not Plundering

} • Gather only in those places

where this practice is al¬
lowed, never in natural or national
parks, nor in biological reserves.

• Respect protected species, for they

are endangered (get information from
the agriculture authorities of the area
first).

• Gather only small amounts of plants,

especially when they are not abundant.

• Gather, but do not kill or uproot the

plants if possible.

When we maintain and protect the

plants of our planet, we are helping
to cure and alleviate
many present
and future ill¬
nesses, among
other things.
• Amateurs gathering rare species.
• Building of dams, highways and roads.
Could we imagine how significant the loss of the Cinchona
trees in South American forests would have been, if they had
been razed by bulldozers before quinine, which prevents malar¬
ia, was discovered? What if those beautiful flowers of the fox¬
glove family had been prematurely gathered before the heart-
stimulant glycosides which have healed so many people with
heart disease had been discovered?
Let us all do our part to preserve vegetal species in the best
way. And if we go out gathering plants, let us bear in mind the
advice for gathering, not plundering.

The picture on the left shows the fantastic Iguazu Falls,

on the border between Brazil and Argentina. South Amer¬
ica houses the largest forests on the planet, a true vege¬
tal reserve which hides many botanical-medicinal secrets.
This is why the Amazon forest has been called "the largest
pharmacy in the world." Gentian ("Gentiana lutea"
L.) is one of many
endangered plants, so it
never must be picked.

According to the Holy Bible,

plants were the first to be
created and could thus exist
without animals and human
beings. However, animals and
human beings could never
survive without plants.
To respect and protect them
is one of our duties
as inhabitants of the Earth.

31
 ///,

Photosynthesis
The Chemical Basis of Life on Earth

Photosynthesis takes place in two phases:

First phase:
6 H2O + 6 CO2—>-C6Hi206 + 6 O2
Water + Carbon dioxide = Glucose + Oxygen
Second phase: Water (H2O)
+
n (C6H12O6) —►n (CeHioOs) + n (H2O)
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Several glucose molecules together = Starch + +
Several water molecules Sunlight

From two inorganic substances, water (which plants

absorb from the soil) and carbon dioxide (a gas which
is absorbed from the atmosphere), plants produce first
glucose and then starch, two organic substances that
are part of living beings. From the glucose, the miner¬
al nitrogen, and other soil elements, vegetables pro¬
duce all substances that form them through a complex
series of chemical reactions.
This formidable chemical reaction, photosynthesis, is
possible only due to chlorophyll, a green pigment which
is only found in green plants and acts as the catalyst
for the reaction.
Photosynthesis is the chemical basis of life on earth, Glucose + Oxygen
and though it seems quite simple, it has never been re¬
produced in a laboratory by any means. Thanks to pho¬
tosynthesis, simple elements become complex: inor¬ Starch
ganic substances become organic substances. In oth¬
er words: dead elements—from the soil and the at¬ + Nitrogen -» ^
mosphere—are transformed into living compounds—
Proteins
vegetables.

Functions of the Leaves

1. Production of sap from the 2. Production of oxygen and 3. Storage of nutrients such as
substances absorbed by the water vapor, as result of starch, sugars, vitamins,
root. photosynthesis. etc.

--
32
 _

Methods for Distilling Essences

• Distillation: It is done by means of a device called a has carried. There are also small amounts of essen¬
still. The water inside the still is heated to boiling point. tial oils present in suspension in the flower water. Flo¬
The volatile active ingredients of the plants which lie ral waters are used mainly to make perfumes, al¬
over the water are carried by the water vapor. That va¬ though research is currently examining their medici¬
por, which contains the active principles of the plants, nal applications.
passes through a refrigerating circuit where it cools
and condenses, forming a liquid. Once the process • Expression: The application of pressure on the ac¬
has ended, when steeping the distilled liquid, two frac¬ tive parts of the plant until the essence is extracted.
tions are separated by decanting the liquid into: This method is especially used to obtain the essences
of citrus rind (orange, lemon and tangerine).
- essential oil
(essence), which forms the upper lay¬
er because of its low density, and its insolubility in
• Extraction with solvents: The aromatic elements
water, and;
of plants are dissolved into a volatile solvent, which is
- floral water (hydrosol), which is the condensed wa¬ later evaporated, leaving a dry residue called absolute
ter vapor, along with the watersoluble substances it essence.

Vapor carrying
the essence

Cooling
water outlet

Plants
Distilled liquid
Cooling outlet
water ^'
intake

Boiling water

Essence

Heat

'Floral
water
fhydrosol)
outlet

Still for the Distillation of Essential Oils or Essences

 _ /s,_

The Art of Preparing Herbal Teas

1. Put the part of the
plant to be used in an
suitable container.
The plants may be
loose or placed into a
tea strainer or a small
bag. The usual
method is to first
introduce the plants,
and then pour water
over them, but this
can also be done the
other way round.

2. Blanch the plants

with almost boiling
water.

3. Drink the infusion after

letting it steep and cool
in a covered container
to avoid loss of active
ingredients through
evaporation.

34
 _

Fomentations
Method of Application

1. Prepare one or two liters of infusion or decoction of the 4. Cover these two cloths with a woollenblanket to main¬
plant. It is usually better if they are slightly more con¬ tain the heat. Wool preserves heat better, even when wet
centrated than usual (50 to 100 g per liter of water). From or soaked (picture ©). Care should be taken that the per¬
five to ten drops of essence of the plant may be also son is not burned.
added to one or two liters of hot water.
5. After three minutes, when the cloth begins to cool, soak
2. When the liquid is hot, soak a cotton cloth or towel (pic¬ it again in the hot liquid.
ture O). 6. The application of fomentations must take place for 15 to
3. Wring out the cloth, then apply it to the affected area, pro¬ 20 minutes. To finish, rub cold water on the affected
tecting the skin with another dry cloth (picture ©). area.

35
 Safe Use of Medicinal Herbs
The first step is to adopt a healthy lifestyle

Before applying any plant regularly or conti¬

nuously (as with any other medicine), one
must bear in mind the following points: 3. Use only weli-identified plants. It is recom¬
mended and safest to make sure that plants are bot¬
tled and correctly labelled under the auspices of a
pharmaceutical laboratory or professional.
The laws of many countries, including the European
Union, forbid the sale of medicinal herbs by peddlers.
1. Look for the causes of the disease, even when
symptoms seem to lack significance. Taking any plant
(as with any other medicine) with the sole aim of eas¬
ing or neutralizing certain symptoms may merely pro¬
duce a temporary healing.
However, when the cause of the symptoms is not at¬
tacked, the disease will continue to develop until it ap¬
pears with greater intensity, and then it may be too late
4. Avoid self-prescriptions. It is best that plants are
prescribed or recommended by a competent physician.
to cure it.
Notwithstanding, the health laws of most countries list
When a strange symptom appears, it is better to ask
certain plants which may be freely used without a med¬
for a professional medical diagnosis to be carried
ical prescription. In this case, we recommend respon¬
out, with scientific means and procedures. Only after
sible self-prescription: one decides which plants are
that can a medicinal herb based treatment or any oth¬
going to be taken, but in a responsible way. First, edu¬
er cure be safely applied.
cate yourself on the properties of the plants as well as
the precautions that their use requires.

2, Give up bad health habits. When disorders or

symptoms are due to unhealthy habits, or to an un¬
healthy lifestyle, treatment with plants will be less than
5. Be cautious when taking a plant for long peri¬
ods of time. As a rule, avoid the continuous use of any
useless, and it even may be harmful by masking certain
plant for more than two or three months. When the con¬
symptoms while their cause develops.
dition seems to require this, it is better to be informed
The first step to restoring health should be the adop¬ on possible undesirable side effects of the plant. Re¬
tion of a healthy lifestyle, and the avoidance of bad questing medical counsel is also advised.
habits. Taking mucolythic or expectorant plants to heal
bronchitis is useless if a person continues smoking or
breathing polluted air.
Most of the chronic diseases in developed countries
are directly related to poor eating habits and the con¬
sumption of toxic substances such as tobacco, alco¬ 6. Care must be taken with pregnant women and
holic beverages, and other drugs. with children. As with all medicines, extreme caution
is required when any medicinal herb is to be given to
pregnant women and children (see pages 101-102).

W'4T
36
 Practical
Cases 1. Look for the cause of the illness
John was a robust man, aged 55, who had never suf¬
fered serious illness. More than a year ago, he lost his
appetite, and certain foods, such as meat, made him
nauseous.
He prescribed for himself some plants that a neighbor
recommended. He was assured they were quite effec¬
tive in the recovery of appetite. During the first months
he improved. However later, though he had no pain, his
appetite did not improve, and he lost weight. Finally he
An adequate use of medicinal herbs, as decided to see a doctor.
well as the adoption of healthy life style An endoscopic exam of his intestine revealed that the
habits may prevent weakness of our bod¬ cause of his lack of appetite was stomach cancer. The
ies from evolving into open diseases. tumor was too large for successful surgical results.
This is a typical case of stomach cancer. Had John
consulted the cause of his symptoms when they ap¬
peared, the prognostic of his disease would have been
more favorable.

2. Avoid bad health habits

i Steve was a truck-driver, who spent many hours dri¬
ving. He suffered from hemorrhoids, which quite often
became swollen and bled.
Steve liked spicy
foods with chili
and pepper. He
seldom ate fruit.
When he ate
spicy meals, he
noticed that his
hemorrhoids worsened. He discovered some plants
recommended at a natural remedy store. Using them
in hip baths, he obtained much relief. He continued eat¬
ing spicy meals and taking hip baths.
Nonetheless, the hemorrhoids worsened and one day
he felt an intense pain which neither the plants nor any
other remedy could
alleviate. His doctor
sent him to a sur¬
geon: the diagnosis
was hemorrhoid
thrombosis, a very
painful complication
of hemorrhoids.
Had Steve adopted healthier eating habits, his hemor¬
rhoids would not have worsened, and the medicinal hip
baths he used would have been enough to improve and
even heal his ailment.
 Aromatherapy |l
The Therapeutical Use of Essential Oils (Essences)

The Power of Aroma

Before reaching the lungs and passing into the blood,
the molecules of the essence stimulate the olfactory
(smell) cells in the nostrils [1],
These cells are actually neurons, which through the
olfactory nerve send electric pulses with the coded
smelling message. The smell nerve [2] carries the
stimulus to different parts of the brain: the amygdala
and the hippocampus of the temporal lobe [3], where
scent memory lies; the thalamus [4], where emotions
lie, and overall, the hypothalamus [5], and, through¬
out it, the hypophysis [6], the regulating center of hor¬
mone production for the whole body.
The relationship between the olfactory nerve, the thal¬
amus, the hypothalamus, and the hypophysis could
explain the well-known regulative effects of aromas on
the neuro-hormonal system.

Aromatherapy, which literally means “treatment by means

of aromas,” is actually one of the methods of phytotherapy
(“treatment by means of plants”). The healing properties of
essential oils were known in ancient times, though only in
an empirical way. Today, we know the reason why essential
oils produce certain physiological effects on the body. How¬
ever, there is much research still needed on how certain
aromas influence the state of mind and even behavior.
In order to obtain good results, treatment with essential oils
must last from one to three weeks, applied in any of the fol¬
lowing four ways:
1. atmospheric diffusion
2. massaging the skin
3. essence baths
4. internal use
1. Atmospheric Diffusion
This is the most important way to take advantage of the
healing properties of essential oils. These can pass into the
air in several ways:
• By simple evaporation, by putting some drops on the
back of the hand or over a heat source, such as a heater,
and smelling the aroma. Also, a handkerchief or even a
pillow may be impregnated with some drops of essence.
• By means of an electric diffuser, a small device which
uses a vibrating mechanism to produce vaporization of
the essential oil it contains. It has the advantage of work¬
ing without heat, then the essence turns into vapor with¬
out undergoing the undesirable effects of heat. Ten to fif¬
teen minutes of work are enough to fill a room with mi¬
croparticles of vaporized essences.
(continued on next page)

The simple act of smelling the aroma of a

flower affects the hormonal balance, the
nervous system, the respiratory system,
and even our state of mind.

Essential oils are mainly

obtained by means of
distillation in stills,
as in the picture, which
belongs to the Aroma
and Perfume Museum
(La Cheveche de
Graveson-en-Provence,
yaffil France).
In order to produce
iffi a good essence, certain
■ > i,' degrees of art and
patience are required.
From one hundred kg of
eucalyptus leaves,
for instance, only two
liters of essential oil
are obtained.
 illisiif
Aromatherapy w
1 Create Your Own Environment
\ Using Essences

It is better to use only one essential oil at a time in¬

stead of mixing several of them.
Depending on the desired effects, some environ¬
ments may be created with one of the following
essences:
• Balsamic environment for cases of sinusitis, laryn¬
gitis and certain respiratory diseases, with essence
of eucalyptus, pine tree, thyme, or rosemary.
• Relaxed and sedative environment, for nervous¬
ness or insomnia, with essence of English laven¬
der or orange. Both essences are especially rec¬
ommended for nervous children who do not Fall
asleep easily.
• Stimulating environment, with the essence of
lemon, rosemary, peppermint or Winter savory.
• Antiseptic environment to prevent contagion in the
case of influenza or colds, with essence of thyme,
sage, eucalyptus, or cinnamon.
• An environment to repel mosquitos and other in¬
sects, with essence of balm or lemon verbena.
• Anti-tobacco environment, with the essence of
lemon verbena, geranium, sassafras or English Massage Using Essences
lavender.

Depending on the desired effect, massage using one

of the following essential oils:
• Stimulating massage, preferably in the morning,
after a cold shower, with essence of rosemary,
geranium, lemon or pine tree.
• Relaxing massage, applied at night after a hot
(continued from previous page) shower or bath, with essence of English lavender,
marjoram, camomile or orange.
2. Topical Application • Digestive massage, applied to the stomach after
Rubbing essential oil on the skin makes it penetrate, soak¬ every meal in order to avoid gases and digestive
ing the tissues and passing finally to the blood and lym¬ problems, with caraway, marjoram, or English
phatic system. The proper effect of the essential oil is en¬ lavender oil.
hanced by rubbing, which is when the results are notable. • Respiratory massage, applied to the chest and
When essential oils are applied by friction to the skin, the
back, and recommendable in case of colds, bron¬
following points should be remembered: chitis, asthma, and cold coughs, with essence of
• Massage the chest, the stomach, the back, the neck, the pine tree, eucalyptus, English lavender, rosemary
arms, and the legs. or cypress.
• Avoid any contact of the essential oil with the mucosa of • Analgesic massage, on the legs or the back, to al¬
eyes, mouth, and genitals. leviate muscular or joint aches, with essence of
rosemary, juniper, pine tree or marjoram.
• For normal application, 20 to 30 drops of essential oil are
enough. The oil must be applied to the hands of the per¬ • Circulatory massage, to improve the return of ve¬
son rubbing. nous blood in the case of varicose veins, swollen
legs, or cellulitis, with essence of cypress or lemon.
• In the case of sensitive skin, the essence may be dilut¬
ed by mixing it 50/50 with olive, wheat germ, or bitter al¬
mond oil.

'V
40
 Besides producing a
pleasant sensation of well¬
being, the inhalation of
essences (aromatotherapy)
may exert notable
medicinal actions: restore
sleep in cases of insomnia,
balance the nervous system
when dealing with
depression or fatigue,
increase breathing capacity,
and normalize blood
pressure, among
other things.

3. Baths with Essences

The essential oils mentioned in
previous treatments may be
also added to bath water. Three
to ten drops per bathtub are
used.
Essences are also added to the
water of vapor inhalations. In
this case, two or three drops are
enough.

4. Internal Use • Never take an essential oil for more than three weeks.

Though it is not the ideal method of application, essential

• Children under six should not take essential oils. They
should rather take hydrosols.
oils may be also taken orally as a complement to any of the
previous treatments. The same essence used for diffusion, • Essential oils should be taken in any of the following ways:
massage, or baths may be taken to reinforce its effect, but
- Pouring drops on the back of the hand.
it should be noted that:
- Pouring them on a spoon with honey.
• Essential oils are highly concentrated active principles,
consequently their doses must not be exceeded. Gen¬ - Pouring them into a glass with lukewarm water (never
erally these doses are one to three drops, three or four hot water, because the active components decompose
times a day. with heat).

41
 Abortive Plants
Warning: None of the so called abortive
plants suffice to produce an abortion.
There is an old sentence attributed to Hip¬
pocrates which reads: “There are no
abortive substances, but those which are
toxic for both the mother and the fetus.”

Provoking an abortion with any of these

plants requires such a high dose that they
will surely cause intoxication in the mother
with severe undesirable effects such as in¬
testinal colics, vomiting, nervous excita¬
tion, convulsions, etc. There have been
cases of pregnant women who have died
when trying to produce an abortion with
plants.

When we point out “abortion risk” in the

table of plants to avoid during pregnancy
(p. 43) we do not mean the plant is
abortive in absolute terms, but that it in¬
creases the risk of an abortion in women
who are already predisposed to it because
of any other reason, known or unknown.

Trying to produce an abortion

with toxic plants puts the
mother, as well as the fetus, at
a severe risk of death.

The Importance of Correct Dosage

For toxic plants (such as foxglove) the toxic dose is very close to the therapeutic dose, thus the margin of safety is very narrow. A
double dose of that recommended as therapeutic may provoke toxic effects, and a triple dose may cause death.
However, in non-toxic plants (such as thyme) one can take ten times the recommended dose without suffering significant symp¬
toms, as there is no fatal dose: no matter what the amount of plant is taken, as there is no risk of it causing poisoning.

Plant Used part Therapeutic dose Toxic dose Deadly dose

Foxglove (example of Dried leaves 2 g (vomiting, 3 g (cold sweat, convulsions, arrhythmias of the
1 g (daily)
toxic plant) powder bradycardia, diarrhea) heart, heart failure)
Thyme (example of 200 g (minor symptoms:
Flower clusters 20 g (daily) None
non-toxic plant) excitation, nausea)

42
 Sage

Plants to Avoid During Pregnancy

During pregnancy all toxic plants, as well as the following,

must be avoided.

Plant Reason
Alder buckthorn Laxative/purgative, produces pelvic congestion
Aloe Oxytocic, produces uterine contractions
Boldo Not proven, but it can affect the fetus
Boxwood Can produce vomiting and nervous irritation
Cascara sagrada Laxative/purgative, produces pelvic congestion
Coffee tree Decreases fetal growth
Fraxinella Emmenagogue, risk of abortion
Jalap Purgative and emmenagogue, risk of abortion
Licorice Produces hypertension and edema when used for long periods
Mugwort Emmenagogue, risk of abortion
Parsley Emmenagogue, risk of abortion
Pomegranate Toxic alkaloids, possible fetal alteration (bark)
Rhubarb Purgative, produces pelvic congestion Children, like pregnant
Saffron Risk of abortion when taken in high doses women, must be careful
when using any plant
Sage Oxytocic, contracts the uterus
or medicine.
Tansy Emmenagogue (tuyone), risk of abortion
Tinnevelly senna Purgative, produces uterine contractions
Watercress Risk of abortion
Wormwood Emmenagogue, risk of abortion

Prevention
Plant Toxicity
It is better to avoid poisoning rather than treat it. In or¬
der to avoid toxic reactions one must:
Accidents related to the use of diverse plants in general,
and with medicinal herbs particularly, are not rare. Chil¬ 1. Positively identify any plant before taking it. Be very
dren mostly suffer from this kind of poisoning, which may careful with plants other people give us, or that of al¬
be deadly. It is important to know how to prevent plant leged botanical experts.
poisoning, and how to act when the event occurs.
2. Weigh the dose of the plant to be administered.

Causes of Toxicity 3. Watch children when going to the countryside. Most cas¬
Plant toxicity usually occurs due to: es of poisoning occur in children who suck or chew on
flowers and plants.
• mistaking a poisonous plant for a medicinal one, or
• administering an excessive dose of a potentially toxic 4. Never plant toxic species in gardens, or in places where
plant. children may visit.

43
 How To Obtain the Best Results
From Plants
The best results are obtained by us¬
ing plants combined with other nat¬
ural agents that offer medicinal ac¬
tion, such as water (hydrotherapy),
the sea (talasotherapy), the sun (he¬
liotherapy), medicinal soils (geot¬
herapy), physical exercise and
healthy food based on vegetal prod¬
ucts.
Moreover, a healthy lifestyle is re-'
quired, which means avoiding to¬
bacco, alcoholic beverages, and oth¬
er drugs.
The combined action of all these
factors is a notable stimulant on the
defensive and health mechanisms of
the body, which will finally overcome
the disease.

In vegetal remedies, the active

components have the
advantage of being combined
with many other substances
that appear to be inactive.
However, these complementary
components give the plant
as a whole a safety and
efficiency much superior
to that of its isolated
and pure active components.
Furthermore, the efficiency of
medicinal herbs increases when
they are used within the frame
of natural revitalizing treatment.

44
 _ //, __

A Pioneer of Modern Phytotherapy

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth cen¬
turies, physicians still prescribed medicines
based on very energetic chemical sub¬
stances, some of which were recently dis¬
covered and at present are regarded as poi¬
sonous: calomel or mercuric cyanide (with
strongly purgative action), tartar emetic
(vomitive), strychnine (toxic excitant), or ar¬
senic salts (against syphilis and other infec¬
tious diseases).
The developments of the newly-born chemi¬
cal and pharmaceutical industry, both in
Europe and in the United States, had brought
about great social enthusiasm. The ongoing
discovery of more and more powerful new
medicines, though not less toxic, seemed to
promise a near future in which there was to
be a specific pharmacological product to treat
every disease.
Within that environment of pharmacological
euphoria, when all scientific interest was placed on chemically syn¬
thesized medicines, Ellen G. White, an outstanding American author
with great teaching and preventive ability, wrote: “There are simple
herbs that can be used for the recovery of the sick, whose effect upon
the system is very different from that of those drugs that poison the
blood and endanger life.” *
This pioneer of modern phytotherapy recommended the popular use
of certain medicinal herbs, advancing the current laws of most West¬
ern countries by more than 100 years, which allow the free use of cer¬
tain plants without medical prescription, such as hops infusion (seda¬
tive), foot baths with mustard (to clear the head), charcoal (because
of its detoxifying effect), and pine, cedar, and fir trees (for respirato¬
ry diseases).
Besides promoting the rational use of medicinal herbs as an alterna¬
tive to the aggressive medicinal remedies used at that time, Ellen G.
White emphasized a fact currently well-known in medical science,
which however was a real novelty a century ago: Health does not
come naturally, but through a healthy way of life, and especially, from
nutrition.
Today, her central idea about health is truer than ever: the intelligent
use of natural agents such as water, the sun, air, medicinal herbs,
healthy food, as well as the adoption of healthy habits (physical exer¬
cise, adequate rest, good mental health, and trust in God) may do
more for health than all powerful, chemically synthesized medicines or
aggressive treatments.
The adequate use of
* Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 288, Review & Herald Publishing Association,
medicinal plants, along
Washington D.C., 1958. with other healthy life style
habits, may prevent
our inherent body
weaknesses from
becoming manifested
diseases.

45
 Cocoa, a stimulant,
diuretic, and wound
healing agent.
Medicinal Herbs
Aloe, an excellent
healing agent for
wounds.

Corn, a
diuretic
meal.

Nasturtium,
an
antibiotic
plant.

One of the Mayan pyramids of Palenque [Chiapas, Mexico). The great native cul¬
tures of the American continent, such as the Mayan and the Aztec in Mexico, or the
Inca in Peru, attained expertise in the knowledge and applications of medicinal
herbs. The whole world has benefited from American medicinal herbs and vegeta¬
bles, such as the cocoa tree, aloe, corn, and nasturtium, besides others, such as the
tomato, or the potato.

"I request Your Majesty that no more physicians are ever al¬ It is evident that native medicine men knew well how to take
lowed to enter New Spain (Mexico), as there are already suf¬ advantage of the rich Mexican medicinal flora, a fact which
ficient medicine men there.” gave them a notable advantage over their Spanish col¬
leagues.
These were the words of the Spanish conquistador Hernan
Cortes to Emperor Charles, the first of Spain and the fifth of Medical science in general, and the use of medicinal herbs in
Germany, in 1522, after having been successfully treated by particular, were truly developed in the Aztec, Mayan and Inca
Aztec physicians of a head wound which Spanish physicians cultures, as well as among the North American natives.
were not able to heal. In Mexico, capital of the Anahuac region, large botanical gar-

w
46
 America Echinacea, a natural stimulant of
body defenses.

Goldenseal,
quite effective
against colds.

Witch hazel, which

A view of the Bryce Canyon (Utah, USA). North American natives knew and respected
invigorates the veins
the resources of nature, especially medicinal herbs. Modern scientific research has
and makes the skin
proved the effectiveness of many plants used by natives, such as echinacea, gold¬
more beautiful.
enseal, and witch hazel.

dens surrounded the Emperor’s palaces, in which plants from aloe, mandrake, rhatany, quassia, nasturtium, and many oth¬
the whole empire were grown. er medicinally interesting plants.
Dr. Jose Maria Reverte Coma, professor of history at the Uni-
During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, different
versidad Complutense of Madrid, recounts that in ancient
botanical expeditions left Europe in order to study the medi¬
Mexico there were different health science professionals:
cinal flora of America. Perhaps the most important of these
• The tlama-tepati-ticiti, general physicians who healed with expeditions was the one led by Jose Celestino Mutis in 1760.
plants, baths, diets, and purgative or laxative substances. The arrival of the new medicinal herbs brought about a truly
• The texoxo-tlacicitl, who were expert surgeons. enriching revolution in the Old World therapeutics. Cinchona
• The papiani-panamacani, who were herb experts. was to medicine what gunpowder was to war.

The Spanish explorers were astonished by the great diversi¬ At present, research on the healing properties of American
ty of new medicinal herbs—and food herbs—which the “New plants is still being conducted, based on the traditional uses
World” grew. that natives give to plants. The Amazon forest is an immense
Dr. Diego Alvarez Chanca, a Spanish physician who accom¬ pharmaceutical store for mankind, many of whose resources
panied Cortes on his first journey to America, was first to de¬ are still unknown. This is another reason why, apart from the
scribe the potato, cocoa, corn, cassava, copaiba, guaiac, and ecological and environmental ones, the rain forest must be
brazilwood. Other people discovered cinchona, sarsaparilla, preserved.

47
 How the Properties

The walnut tree. The

interior of its fruits resembles
a human brain. Actually,
walnuts contain phosphorus,
an important element in the
biochemistry of the brain
and nervous system.

The orange tree. Its

leaves have a little heart
on their base, and have
thus been recommended
for the treatment of heart
dysfunctions. Being a
sedative, they are
favorably effective for
many heart diseases.

Ancient civilizations believed that from the features of also accepted this theory of signs during more than two
plants they could discern their properties. This idea was thousand years. At present it seems just a historical anec¬
already put into practice at the time of Hippocrates (fifth dote with no scientific proof. However, it is interesting to
century b.c.): it was the so-called “theory of signs.” observe how some of its propositions have been scientif¬
Dioscorides himself was one of its fervent defenders. ically proven, for instance:
Paracelsus, a renowned Swiss physician and naturalist of
the sixteenth century, said: “Each and every vegetable is
• Walnuts are good for the brain, because they contain
considerable amounts of phosphorus and unsaturated
marked by nature, and to us, it is good for.”
fatty acids.

• Birchwort or aristolochia contains an alkaloid whose

The Theory of Signs oxytocic action causes uterine contractions.

Like many of his contemporary colleagues, the sixteenth • Sand spurry is a diuretic plant which favors the expul¬
century Spanish physician Andres de Laguna, who trans¬ sion of stones.
lated the De Materia Medica of Dioscorides into Spanish, • Henbane has analgesic properties.
believed that the duty of man was to discover the signs
that the Creator had printed on plants as a means to de¬ • Orange tree leaves are sedative, and are recommend¬
cipher their virtues. Other great botanists and physicians ed for invalids.

48
of Plants Were Discovered |l

Brier hip.
Its branches resemble
a dog's teeth, and thus
the plant was used
to heal the wounds
caused by dogs' and
wolves' bites. This alleged
healing action has not
Birchwort or aristolochia.
been proven.
Its flowers are similar to the
female genital organs (both
external and internal), thus
the plant has been used to
ease childbirth. We now
know that the oxytocic
substances it contains
stimulate uterine
contractions.

Of course, in many cases the theory of signs fails, in spite It would not have been difficult to prove the exaggerations
of being so attractive and suggestive. For instance: of Dioscorides, but ancient science was based more on
conjecture than research. Thus, for many centuries, physi¬
• The seeds of brier hip do not serve in the treatment of cians recommended bathing with common comfrey water
gall stones, despite their similarity in form. the day before marriage, for brides who wished to feign vir¬
• Clover leaves do not cure cataracts,
in spite of the white ginity when they were not virgins.
stain they have, which resembles a cataract halo.
From Intuition to Experiments
In other cases, the allegedly deduced properties of a plant
Nowadays, the advanced progress in chemical and phar¬
have been hyperbolized; for instance, the leaves of the
maceutical research makes intuition and the tradition the
common comfrey grow attached to its stem, and
theory of signs was based on unnecessary. However, the
Dioscorides deduced that the plant could be a powerful
use of medicinal herbs based on superstition and sorcery,
wound healing agent. He was not completely wrong: the
common comfrey contains alantoine, a substance which which still is alive in some social sectors, is greatly dis¬
couraged and even dangerous.
nowadays is present in many lotions. However, the enthu¬
siastic Greek scientist affirms that the root of the common The rational and scientific use of plants, based on chemi¬
comfrey, “when cooked with chopped meat, gather and fix cal and pharmacological research, is truly the only way to
the meat restoring its original form.” correctly use medicinal herbs.
 How the Properties
Brier hip. In the interior of its
fruit there are heavy seeds which
resemble gall stones. Moreover,
the surface of the fruit resembles
the bladder. Thus, the plant was
recommended for "stone illness"
(gall stones). Today, however, no
scientific data is available to
prove that the fruit or seeds of
the brier hip are effective in
fighting lithiasis.

Lungwort. Lungwort leaves

are in the shape of a lung.
People in ancient times used it
empirically to treat respiratory
diseases. We currently know
that lungwort contains
mucilage and alantoine, with
an emollient (soothing) effect
on the respiratory mucosal
membrane, as well as
saponins which act as
expectorants.

Black henbane. In ancient times, henbane

was used to ease the pain of toothaches,
because its fruits resemble a tooth, the calyx
being the tooth roots. Today its analgesic
and narcotic properties are well-known.

50
 _ //, _

of Plants Were Discovered (and 2|

The fig tree. Some people have

interpreted the image of hemorrhoids
in figs. No experimental data has
proven the effectiveness of figs
on hemorrhoids.

Water lily. Since it grows in cold

places, its use was recommended
to weaken sexual instinct (an
anaphrodisiac). It is currently
used for the same purpose.
Besides, people who defended
the theory of signs saw a symbol
of virginity in its white flowers.

^ ■

51
 Preparation and Use

Cornflower
A good remedy Internal use
for your eyes O Infusion. 20-30 g of young
flowers per liter of water. Have
one cup before each meal.

C ORNFLOWER covers the

golden grain prairies from
External use
Cornflower water. In order to
obtain it, preferably fresh flow¬
ers are decocted in a propor¬
late Spring onwards with its
tion of 30 g (2 tablespoons)
gracious blue flowers. From ancient
per liter of water. Boil for five
times, the seeds of crops have been
minutes. It is applied on eyes
mixed with cornflower seeds, and
when warm, in one of the fol¬
have been dispersed all over the
lowing ways:
world. Pliny the Elder, a first century
Roman naturalist, described the corn¬
© Compresses. Soak a
gauze and maintain it for 15
flower as “an annoying flower for
minutes over the affected eye,
reapers,” who surely tried not to cut it
twice or three times a day.
with their sickles and scythes. A few
other words have reached us from the © Eye bath. In an suitable
container, or simply wringing
classical writers about this delicate
out a soaked cloth over the af¬
plant.
fected eye. Cornflower water
Its medicinal virtues were discov¬ must fall from the temple to
ered by Mattioli, a sixteenth century the nose.
botanist who declared that “the blue
© Eye drops. A few drops of
flowers of the cornflower alleviate red¬
cornflower water into the eye,
dened eyes.” The healing virtues of three times a day.
the plant were due, according to Mat¬
tioli, to the combination of opposed
colors, blue versus red, in compliance
with the theory of signs.
At present, herbicides and selec¬
tion processes of crops are terminat¬
ing with cornflower as if it were an¬
Synonyms. Bluebottle, cyani,
other weed.
bachelor’s button, bluebonnet,
blue centaury.
Properties and indications. Flow¬ French. Bleuet.
ers contain andiocyanins and polyines, Spanish. Azulejo, aclano, ojeras.
Habitat. It mostly grows in crop fields
all over Europe, though It has reached
America as well. It is less frequent
in the southeastern regions of Europe.
Description. The plant belongs to the family of
the Compositae. It has a thin, stiff stem, which
grows up to 50 cm high. It has composite, bright
blue-colored flowers, and narrow leaves which
appear to be covered with a smooth
velvet layer.
Parts used. Flowers.

52
 Cornflower flowers many places this plant is given the
contain anthocya-
name of “bags-under-eyes.” People
nins, which have an¬
who wash their eyes with cornflower
tiseptic and anti-in¬
flammatory action. water obtain a limpid and shimmer¬
Their infusion pro¬ ing gaze, which flashes just like the
duces an improve¬ cornflower’s little blue flowers in
ment in the blood cir¬ golden wheat fields.
culation in the retinal
capillaries, besides These are the most important in¬
having appetizing dications of cornflower water.
and eupeptic effects.
• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the
mucous membrane that covers the
anterior part of eyes) (©,©,©). Eye
cleansing with cornflower water, as
well as eye drops, will help to elimi¬
nate eye secretions (sleep) and to
make eye congestion disappear.

• Blepharitis (inflammation of the

eyelids) and styes (little furuncles
which appear in the edge of the eye¬
lids) (©,©1. In this case, the applica¬
tion of cornflower water in compress¬
es or in eye baths is recommended.
whose action is antiseptic and anti¬ Cornflower water, obtained by
In ancient times, the cornflower
inflammatory, bitter substances which the decoction of its flowers, is pri¬ was supposed to clear and preserve vi¬
act as appetizers and eupeptics (that marily used in applications on the sion, although only that of blue-eyed
facilitate digestion), and also flavo- eyelids, due to its notable anti-inflam¬ people. Thus, in French this plant is
noids that have a mild diuretic effect. matory effect. called casselunettes (glasses-breaker).
Eye irrigation and baths with corn¬ Today we know that this was merely a
Flowers should be taken in infu¬ flower water ease itching and eye irri¬ myth, nevertheless we should re¬
sions before meals (Ol. It is better not tation, besides giving a fresh and member that cornflower is good for
to sweeten the infusions. smooth look to tired eyelids. Thus, in the eyes.

Compresses with
cornflower water
on the eyes reduce
eyelid weariness
and give a clear
and shiny gaze
to those who
use them.

53
 Passiflora
incarnata L.

Passion
Flower
An American anti-stress
plant

T HIS PLANT attracted the at¬

tention of European travellers
to the New World, who saw in
the diverse organs of its beautiful flow¬
ers the representation of the instru¬
ments used in the Crucifixion: whip, Synonyms. Maypops, passion vine.
nails and hammer. The plant was in¬ French. Passiflore, fleur de la passion.
Spanish. Pasionaria, granadilla, maracuya.
troduced in Europe and grown as an
ornamental vine, until in the late Habitat. Native to the southern United States and Mexico,
it is widespread in the tropical regions of Central and South
nineteenth century it was found to
America, mainly in the West Indies and Brazil. It grows on dry,
have a strong sedative effect on the protected areas. Naturalized in southern European
nervous system. Mediterranean countries.
Description. A woody-stern vine of the Passifloraceae family,
Properties and indications. The with beautiful white or red flowers, divided into three lobes.
FLOWERS and LEAVES of maypops (an¬ The fruit is oval, fleshy, orange-colored, and its seeds are black
other name for this plant) contain Parts used. Flowers, leaves and fruits.
small amounts of indole alkaloids,
flavonoids, diverse steroids and
pectin. It is not well known to which
of these substances the plant owes its
sedative, antispasmodic and narcotic
(inductive of sleepiness) actions,
though it is likely due to the combi¬
Preparation and Use
nation of them all. Its main indica¬
tions are:
Internal use
• Anxiety, nervousness, stress (Ol. The
passion flower acts as a mild anxiolyt¬ O Infusion. The ideal way to take passion flower is with an infusion of flow¬
ic, without the risk of addiction or de¬ ers and leaves, prepared with 20-30 g per liter of water, left to rest for two or
pendence. It is the ideal plant for three minutes before drinking. Two or three cups daily are recommended, if
desired they may be honey-sweetened. One more may be taken before bed¬
those people who are under nervous
time in the case of insomnia.
pressure. The Larousse Dictionary of
Healing Plants states that: “A gift which © In alcohol or drug-withdrawal treatment the infusion is more concen¬
comes from the ancient Aztec empire, trated (up to 100 g per liter), sweetened with honey. The dose depends on
the passion flower seems to be the the patient’s requirements.
most necessary plant in our civiliza¬
tion.”

54
• Insomnia Id. The plant induces
natural sleep, without drowsiness or Purple Passion Flower
depression on waking up. It may be
administered to children, given its
lack of toxicity.
In Brazil and the West Indies another species of Passiflora grows, the Passi-
• Diverse aches and spasms (Ol. Pas¬ flora edulis Sims. (= Passiflora laurifolia F. Vill.), which is a purple passion flower,
sion flower relaxes the hollow ab¬ with purple flowers (as its name indicates), also known as passionfruit. It is the
dominal hollow organs whose sudden best known species of the genus Passiflora in America.
contractions provoke colics or
Purple passion flower renders a sweet, somewhat acid fruit, whose truly “trop¬
spasms: stomach, intestines (intesti¬
ical” flavor is present in soft drinks made with its gelatinous flesh. The oil ob¬
nal colic), bile ducts and gall bladder
tained from its seeds is edible. However, it is not considered to be a true
(liver colics), urinary ducts (kidney
medicinal herb.
colic) and uterus (dysmenorrhea).
The use of the passion flower is rec¬
ommended for virtually any kind of
pain, even neuralgia.

• Epilepsy (Ol. As a complementary

treatment, passion flower helps dimin¬
ish the frequency and intensity of
epileptic crises.

• Alcoholism and drug-addiction I©!.

Some interesting experiments have
been conducted by administering
passion flower during the first days of
alcohol, heroin and other drug reha¬
bilitation treatments. This plant
makes the withdrawal symptoms (the
so-called “cold turkey”) more easily
tolerated and with less physical con¬
sequences on the body. Its sedative ac¬
tion allows better endurance for drug
consumption on alcoholics and drug
addicts, thus overcoming the anxiety
of abstinence. In these cases, the
plant must be used under medical su¬
pervision.

The FRUITS of the passion flower

(passionfruit) are rich in provitamin
A, vitamin C and organic acids. They
are refreshing and invigorating, and
are highly recommended for physical
tiredness, infectious diseases, and
febrile convalescence.

The Mayan pyramids in Palenque,

in the Mexican state of Chiapas,
are one of the best preserved ar¬
chaeological remains of the Mayan
civilization. Both Aztecs and
Mayans knew and used the beau¬
tiful flowers of maypops, whose
sedative effects on the nervous
system were discovered in Europe
in the nineteenth century.

55
 Eugenia
earyophyllata Thunb.

Clove Tree
Stimulant, disinfectant,
and analgesic

it OULD YOU give me a clove

■ so that I can put it in my
mouth?,” a messenger com¬
ing from the Island of Java asked one
of the guards of the Chinese emper¬
or’s palace in the third century B.C. Scientific synonym.
Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr.-Perry.
“Do you have a toothache, messen¬ Caryophyllus aromaticus L.
ger?”
French. Giroflier, bois a clous.
“No, I don’t. It is just the new em¬ Spanish. Ciavero, clavo de olor.
peror, who wants everyone to keep a Habitat. Native to the Moluccas and the Philippines, at present it is grown
clove in his mouth so that when we ad¬ in other tropical areas of Asia and America.
dress him, our breath is sweetened.” Description. Tree of the Mirthaceae family, growing from 10 to 20 meters high.
Those venerable Chinese physi¬ The cloves are the flower buds, gathered when becoming red. After drying them
under the sun, they acquire an ochre color.
cians of the Han dynasty (206 B.C. -
220 A.D.) mention in their writings the
Parts used. Dried flower buds.
properties of the clove tree, and espe¬
cially its ability to sweeten the breath.
However, until the time of great jour¬
neys in the sixteenth century, the

Preparation and Use

Warning
Internal use External use

O Infusion, with two or three

cloves per cup of water, drinking a © Mouth elixir. Rinses with a glass
Those people suffering from gastro¬ cup with each meal. of water to which some drops of
duodenal ulcer or gastritis must clove essence have been added. It
abstain from consuming cloves, both © Essence. One to three drops be¬ refreshes and disinfects the mouth.
as a medicinal plant and as a spice. fore each meal.
In high doses, it acts as an irritant © Spice. It must be sparingly used, © Toothache. In order to ease it,
on the digestive system, which is since a single clove is enough to apply a piece of clove, or a drop of
shown by nausea, vomiting, and spice a whole meal. clove essence, on the aching tooth.
stomach ache.

56
 A piece of clove, or a drop of
clove essence, can quickly
ease toothache. In local ap¬
plication, the clove essence is
an excellent antiseptic. In
clove tree, like many other spices, cloves, bringing them to Spain as a oral intake as an infusion, the
came to Europe from India in very precious treasure. Since then, the clove is a stimulant, an appe¬
tizer, and a carminative (helps
small amounts. This fact made spices farming of clove trees spread to all
expel gas).
more expensive and precious. Thus, tropical regions.
one of the main reasons Christopher
Columbus started his sea journey was
Properties and indications.
to look for a shorter route to the
Cloves contain 15 to 20% of essence,
spice-producing countries, and clove
mainly formed by eugenol, along with
was one of these spices.
small amounts of acetyleugenol, car-
Tropical spices were highly appre¬ iophilene, and metylamilcetone. This
ciated in Europe. The clove was per¬ essence is what gives the clove its aro¬
haps the most precious because, ac¬ ma, as well as its properties.
cording to the theory of signs (see p.
• Oral antiseptic and analgesic. The
48), it was regarded to be a powerful
essence of clove, used as an oil, is in¬
aphrodisiac. Herbalists and apothe¬
cluded in toothpastes, orally taken
caries of the Middle Ages and the Re¬
elixirs, and perfumes. Its antiseptic
naissance saw in cloves the represen¬
power is three times superior to that
tation of an erect penis, with the tes¬
of phenol. It is recommended in the
ticles at its base. Therefore, it was sup¬
case of stomatitis (inflammation of
posed to act on the male genitalia.
the mouth mucus membrane) or gin¬
Did Columbus know this before givitis (gum inflammation) (Ol. In lo¬
sailing west with his caravels? He cal applications, it can temporarily
probably did. Nevertheless, the Dis¬ ease toothaches caused by tooth de¬
coverer never found the land where cay (©I.
clove trees grew. The Portuguese sea¬
• General stimulant 10,0,01 of the
farer Ferdinand Magellan, along with
body, though much milder than cof¬
the Basque Juan Sebastian Elcano,
fee.
the first to travel around the world, OH
sailed on an expedition which in 1520 • Appetizer 10,0,0) (which stimulates
arrived at the Moluccas Islands, near the appetite), and carminative (elim¬ Chemical formula of eugenol, the main
China. On these islands they loaded inates intestinal gases). component of the clove essence.

57
 Agrimonia
eupatoria L.

Sticklewort
Internal use
Soothes and clears O Infusion or decoction with
the throat 20-30 g of flowers and leaves
per liter of water. Drink three or
four cups a day, sweetened with
honey if desired.

External use
© Mouth rinses and gargles,
with a concentrated decoction
(100 g per liter), boiling until it
reduces its volume to a third.
Sage and linden may be added
to this decoction. Sweeten with

S TICKLEWORT belongs to the

Rosaceae family, which consists of
50 g of honey.
© Compresses applied direct¬
ly on the wounds, soaked in this
concentrated decoction, without
more than 2000 species among sugar.
which are some of the most beautiful
plants. However, unlike other plants
of this botanical family, the sticklewort
is a plant with quite an insipid ap¬
pearance, and is not exactly outstand¬
ing based on its attractiveness. Of
course, as in many other matters,
beauty and efficiency do not always go
together.
Sticklewort has been known and
used since ancient times.
Mithridates Eupator, physician and Synonyms. Cockleburr, agrimony.
king of the Pontus (132-63 B.c.) wide¬
French. Aigremoine.
Spanish. Agrimonia.
ly used this plant, and gave it his fam¬
Habitat. Common in hedges, forest
ily name: eupatoria.
borders, and slopes in warm climates.
Dioscorides and other Greek It grows all over Europe and
botanists and physicians applied it in in South America.
compresses to war wounds. Avicenna, Description. Herbaceous plant
the famous Arabic medieval physi¬ of the Rosaceae family, growing
cian, also used this plant. from 40 to 60 cm high, with upright
stems, and yellow flowers growing
at the end of these, in racemes.
Properties and indications. The The seeds of its fruits are covered
plant contains flavonoids, essential with small thorns which stick to clothes
oils, and mainly tannins, to which it and to the fur of animals.
owes most of its medicinal effects. Aarts used. The leaves and the flowers.
Tannins act on skin and mucous
membrane as astringents, forming a
layer of coagulated proteins over
them, upon which micro-organisms
can longer act. This fact is also the ba¬
sis for skin tanning.

58
 Gargles done with the liq¬
uid of a sticklewort decoc¬
tion clear and soothe the
throat.

The infusion of sticklewort has an membrane, it is very useful in the fol¬ Singers and public speakers can
interesting antidiarrheic effect. It is lowing disorders: take great advantage of this medicinal
also a vermifuge (expels intestinal herb, which soothes and dears the
• Mouth sores 101, applied in rinses. throat.
worms) and is slightly diuretic (Ol.
• Throat afflictions 101: acute and • As a cicatrizant (01 in torpid wounds,
However, the greatest therapeutic use chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and sores, and varicose ulcers of the legs.
of this plant is when it is applied exter¬ laryngitis (aphonia). Gargles render It is applied by putting compresses
nally. good results in some cases, making soaked in a sticklewort decoction on
the inflammation and irritation of the the affected area. The sores then dry
Due to its astringent and anti-in¬ throat mucous membrane disappear out, and in this way cicatrization is en¬
flammatory effects on the mucous in a few days. couraged.

59
 Crataegus
monogynaJacq. 3

Hawthorn Synonyms. May bush, May tree,

quickset, thorn-apple tree,
Strengthens the heart whitethorn.
French. Aubepine, epiniere.
and calms the nerves Spanish. Espino bianco,
espino albar.

«TT OW DO YOU manage to

I-1 breed such agile and
A A strong goats?” a Greek
peasant asked his neighbor, in the first
century. “The Summer is already end¬
ing, and in the dry and rocky fields of
the Mediterranean lands there does
not seem to be much food for such
mammals.”
Habitat. Common in all forests
“I’ll tell you the secret. Have you of Europe, and naturalized in
seen those spiky shrubs, with red America.
berries? Try making your goats eat Description. Spiky shrub
some, and in a few days you will notice of the Rosaceae family,
growing from two to four
the results.”
meters high. Deciduous,
Indeed, the neighbor’s goats be¬ three or five-lobulated
came stronger than ever before. They leaves; white, aromatic
never seemed to tire, climbing the flowers; red berries.
slopes under the heat of the Greek Parts used. The flowers
Summer. Perhaps this shepherd’s ex- and the fruits.

Warning
Preparation and Use

Internal use er concentration of active compo¬

In high doses (12 to 15 times more O Infusion with 60 g of flowers
nents, they are also effective, and a
than recommended) it may produce handful may be eaten three times a
(some four tablespoonfuls) per liter
bradycardia (slowing of the heartbeat of water. Fresh flowers are more ef¬
day.
rate) and respiratory depression. fective than dried ones. Drink three
With the recommended doses there or four cups daily. © Dry extract: The recommended
are no undesirable side effects. dose varies from 0.5 to 1 g, three
© Fresh fruits:

I
Though with a low- times a day.

60
 Other Hawthorn
Species

The Crataegus oxyacantha L., is a

species of hawthorn which coexists
with the Crataegus monogyna L.,
the components of both species
being practically similar. The dif¬
ference is that the berries of the
oxyacantha have two or three
seeds, while those of the monogy¬
na only have one.

The flowers and fruits of the hawthorn are one of the most ef¬
fective vegetal remedies for the treatment of tachycardia, hyper¬
tension, and other heart dysfunctions with a nervous cause.

perience was known by Dioscorides, etc.) which enhance its cardiotonic ef¬ es the amount of blood in the coro¬
an acute observer, brilliant botanical, fect. The whole plant, due to the nary arteries, and fights their
and outstanding physician, who rec¬ properties of the compound of these spasm, which causes angina pec¬
ommended this plant to give strength substances, is: toris. It is a good vasodilator of
to the body and to heal several afflic¬ coronary arteries.
• Cardiotonic IO,©,©l: A property at¬
tions. Maybe its scientific name Cratae¬ The cardiotonic and antiarrhyth-
tributed mainly to flavonoids, which
gus arises from such an episode, since mic effect of hawthorn is similar to
inhibit (prevent) the action of ATPase
in Greek language it means “strong that obtained with foxglove, which it
(adenosyne-tri-phosphatase), an en¬
goats.” can substitute with favorable results
zyme which catalyzes the splitting of
Hawthorn has always been highly ATP, the substance that serves as a (except in acute cases). Hawthorn
appreciated as a remedy. However, source of energy for cells, including lacks the toxicity and the accumula¬
the empirical knowledge of it, which those of the heart muscle. When im¬ tive risk typical of foxglove.
was based upon its effects on goats, peding the destruction of ATP, cells • Balancing of blood pressure
could not be scientifically proven un¬ have more energy, thus there is an in¬ !©,©,©!: Hawthorn has a balancing ef¬
til the nineteenth century. Jennings crease of the contractile strength of fect on blood pressure, since it de¬
and other American physicians of that the heart, as well as a regulation of its creases it in hypertensive people, and
time studied the cardiotonic proper¬ beat rate. Hawthorn has the following increases it in hypotensive people. Its
ties of the hawthorn. indications: balancing action on hypertension is
At present, hawthorn is well-recog¬ -Coronary insufficiency (heart weak¬ evident and rapid, achieving more
nized as a medicinal herb, and is part lasting effects than with other syn¬
ness), with or without dilatation of
of many phytotherapeutical prepara¬ thetic anti-hypertensives.
its cavities, due to myocarditis or
tions. myocardiopathy (inflammation or • Sedative effect on the sympathetic
degeneration of the heart muscle), nervous system (sympatheticolytic ef¬
Properties and indications: Main¬ valve lesions or recent myocardial fect) IO,©,©l. It is useful in those per¬
ly its flowers, but also its fruits, contain infarction. sons suffering from nervousness that
diverse flavonic glycosides, chemically shows itself through a sensation of
-Arrhythmia (disorders of the heart¬
polyphenols, to which it owes its ac¬ heart oppression, tachycardia, breath¬
beat rate): extrasystole (palpita¬
tion on the heart and the circulatory ing difficulty, anxiety, or insomnia. It
tions), tachycardia, atrial fibrilla¬
system as well as triterpenic deriva¬ is one of the most effective anxiolytic
tion or blocking.
tives, and several biogenic amines plants (which eliminate anxiety)
(trimethylamine, choline, tyramine, -Angina pectoris: Hawthorn increas¬ known.

61
 Ginkgo biloba L.
__ = ^
J

Preparation and Use

Ginkgo
Internal use
Eases circulatory O Infusion with 40-60 g of
disorders leaves per liter of water. Drink
up to three cups daily.

External use
© Compresses with the
same infusion, though slightly
more concentrated (up to 100
g per liter), applied on the
hands or feet with circulatory

I T IS THE SIXTH of August, 1945.

All around lie the burnt ruins of
problems.
© Poultices of mashed
leaves, applied on the affect¬
Hiroshima. The Japanese city has ed area.
just been destroyed by the first atom¬ © Hand and foot baths with
ic bomb. In what was formerly a park, an infusion of up to 100 g of
a majestic ginkgo has burnt down into ginkgo leaves per liter of wa¬
powder. ter. Apply warm or lukewarm,
once or twice daily.
To the astonishment of the sur¬
vivors, in the Spring of 1946, after the The best results are obtained
devastation, when the city is still in ru¬ combining oral intakes, with
ins, a bud grows from the carbonized external applications.
trunk of the ginkgo. The old tree
grew again, and became the beautiful
tree we may see today in the center of
the rebuilt Hiroshima.
The long-lasting life and endurance
of this Asian tree seems to harmonize
with its virtue of helping humans to
confront the disorders of age. Synonyms. Maidenhair tree.
French. Ginkgo, noyer du Japon.
For more than 4000 years, Chinese
Spanish. Ginkgo, arbol de oro.
medicine has used ginkgo poultices to
Habitat. Native to China, Japan and
fight annoying chilblains. Its notable Korea, it is now widely used as
properties have been the focus of an ornamental tree in parks and
much scientific research, and at pre¬ public avenues in some warm
sent it is contained in several pharma¬ regions of Europe and America.
ceutical preparations. Description. Tree of
the Gingkoaceae family, growing up
Properties and indications. The
to 30 meters high. It is dioic
(with different male and female
leaves contain flavonoid glycosides,
plants), with deciduous, thick,
chercitine, luteoline, catechines, elastic leaves that when young are
resins, essential oil, lipids, and some divided into two lobules. Its fruit is
substances of the terpenic group a yellow berry, which is edible when
which are inherent in ginkgo: bilob- fresh, but nauseating when too ripe.
alid and gingkolids A, B, and C. Parts used. The leaves.
As is usual in phytotherapy, the
medicinal properties of the plant are
brought about by the compound ac-

62
 Baths with an infusion of ginkgo leaves
activate blood circulation in the arms
and legs. Hand baths are very effective
against chilblains.

tion of all its components, and its ef¬

fects cannot be attributed to any spe¬
cific component.
Ginkgo acts on the entire circula¬
tory system, improving arterial, capil¬
lary and venous blood circulation.
• Vasodilating action. It increases per¬
fusion (blood flow), decreasing pe¬
ripheral resistance in small arteries. It
also partially counteracts the disor¬
ders of arteriosclerosis.
• Capillary protection action. It di¬
minishes the permeability of blood
vessels, reducing edema (accumula¬
tion of liquid in the tissues).
• Venous stimulation. It strengthens
the walls of veins, decreasing the ac¬
cumulation of blood in them, and
easing blood return.
These are its indications:
• Cerebral blood insufficiency IOI
(lack of blood flow into the brain)
which manifests itself through verti¬
go, cephalalgia, ringing in the ears,
loss of balance, memory disorders,
and somnolence, among other symp¬
toms. Those who use ginkgo say that
“it clears the head.”
• Vascular brain accidents IOI (throm¬
bosis, embolism, etc.). It accelerates
recuperation and improves the mo¬
bility of the pauents.
• Arteriopathy in the legs (loss of
blood flow in legs) {0,©.©,01: Ginkgo
allows patients to walk longer dis¬
tances without suffering pain. • Varicose veins, phlebitis, tired legs, with external applications in poul¬
maleolar edema (swollen ankles) tices, compresses, hand and foot
• Angiopathy (blood vessel disorders)
IO,©,©,OI. baths.
and vaso-motor disorders (0,©,©,0):
Reynaud’s syndrome, blood vessel In the circulatory afflictions of Ginkgo is well-tolerated, and does
weakness, acroparesthesia (numbness arms and legs, it is recommended that not present undesirable side effects,
in hand and feet), chilblains. the oral intake of ginkgo is combined nor does it raise blood pressure.

63
 Amculus f\ ;
hlppocaatanum L. t

Preparation and Use

Horse
Chestnut Internal use
O Decoction, with 50 g of
young leaves bark and/or seeds
The remedy for veins per liter of water, drinking two or
three cups a day.
par excellence
©Dry extract. 250 mg, three
times a day.

External use

T HIS BEAUTIFUL tree was

brought to Austria from Con¬
© Compresses with a bark de¬
coction, applied on the hemor¬
rhoids or the varicose ulceration,
stantinople, and from there for 5-10 minutes, three or four
taken to other Western European times a day.
countries by the gardener of the em¬ OSitz baths with this decoc¬
peror Maximillian in the early seven¬ tion, for hemorrhoids and
teenth century. At that time, many prostate afflictions.
new plants were coming to Europe © Bath. Prepare a decoction
from “the Indies” (America), and this with half a kilogram of ground
tree was thought to be just another seeds per liter of water, boil for
plant, and given its similarity with five minutes. Then prepare a hot
chestnuts, it was called horse chest¬ bath adding this decoction to the
nut. Later on, it was proven to be na¬ bathtub water. This will soothe
tive to Greece and Turkey. and cleanse the skin better than
any other soap or synthetic soap
Its name of hippocastannum (the
cream.
Latin term for horse chestnut) brings
to mind that the Turkish people gave
this plant to their old horses in order
to ease coughs and asthma from
which old horses frequently suffer.
The fruit of this tree has a sour
taste, and people should understand
from it that these fruits are not edible.
Poisoning has occurred, mainly in
children who have eaten great
amounts.

Synonyms. Buckeye, Spanish chestnut.

Warning French. Marronnier d'lnde.
Spanish. Castaho de Indias.
Habitat. Common tree in parks and avenues in Europe and America,
it is also found growing wild in mountainous forests.
Description. Deciduous tree, of the Hippocastanaceae family, with an attractive
The seeds, that is to say, the chest¬
appearance and many leaves, growing up to 30 meters high, and living for as many
nuts, must not be eaten since they years (up to 300) as the chestnut tree. Palm-shaped, large, toothed leaves growing
are toxic. Children must be closely in groups of five to nine. Its flowers are white, and gather in clusters. Its fruits are big,
watched because they may mistake with a spiked coverage that contains one or two seeds resembling true chestnuts.
these fruits for true chestnuts. Parts used. The seeds and the bark of young branches.

s_-

64
 The horse chestnut is a
beautiful tree, from whose
bark and seeds a glycoside
called sculine is extracted.
This natural substance forms
part of many pharmaceutical
preparations due
to its stimulating effects
on blood circulation.

Properties and indications. The -Capillary protection. It strengthens • Thrombophlebitis, varicose ulcera¬
bark of young branches and the seeds the cells that form the wall of cap¬ tion in the legs (©,©,©1.
(chestnuts) contain several active illary vessels, decreasing their per¬
components of great medicinal value. meability, and promoting the elim¬ • Hemorrhoids. Eases the pain and
ination of edema. reduces their size I©,©,©).
/Aesculin. A coumarinic glycoside
which exerts a powerful action on the /Triterpenic saponins (seine) with • Prostate. It is very effective for con¬
venous system and on blood circula¬ anti-inflammatory and anti-edema ac¬ gestion and hypertrophy of this
tion in general. Aesculin is part of tion, which are abundant, mainly in gland, both taken as infusion or ex¬
many pharmaceutical preparations, the seeds. tract, and applied in sitz baths
since no synthesized substance has su¬
I©,©,©). It reduces the size of in¬
perseded the effects of this vegetal / Catechic tannins, with astringent
flamed prostate, and eases the expul¬
product. The properties of aesculin and anti-inflammatory action.
sion of urine.
are:
This plant is very useful for all kind
-Venotonic. It strengthens the vein of venous disorders, especially in the The FLOUR of horse chestnuts is es¬
wall, and as a consequence, the following cases: pecially rich in saponins, and it is thus
veins contract and blood overflow used in cosmetics and in the soap in¬
decreases, especially in the lower • Varicose veins in the legs, venous in¬ dustry 101. It is a true vegetal soap,
extremities. sufficiency, swollen legs I©,©,©). soothing and protecting the skin.

65
 Urtica dioica L. m \
Preparation and Use
Nettle
In order to calm those people
A plant that defends who are afraid of this plant, it
may be said that after 12 hours
itself... of being gathered, its stinging
and defends us effect disappears, and the plant
acquires a velvet-like touch.

Internal use
O Fresh juice. The best way
to take advantage of its medic¬
inal properties, especially of its

I T IS A PITY that nettles are avoid¬

ed by so many people, and are
depurative effect. It is obtained
by pressing its leaves or putting
it in a blender. Drink half to one
glass in the morning, and an¬
even regarded as a weed. If only
other one at noon.
they knew how many virtues this al¬
© Infusion with 50 g per liter
legedly aggressive plant keeps!
of water, steeping for 15 min¬
The nettle is one of the prima don¬ utes. Drink three or four cups
nas of phytotherapy. Its peculiar hairs daily.
make it known, even by blind people,
thus one of its common names is External use
born: herb of the blind. © Lotion, applying the juice
Dioscorides already praised it in onto the affected skin area.
the first century A.D., and his Spanish © Compresses, soaked in the
translator, Andres de Laguna, a Span¬ juice and applied onto the af¬
ish physician of the sixteenth century, fected area. Change them three
says about nettle leaves, among other or four times a day.'
things, that “they may excite people ©Nose plugging. Soak a
towards lust.” How could these sting¬ gauze in the nettle juice, then
ing leaves be able to excite sexual ap¬ plug it into the nostrils.
petites?

© Urtications
Synonyms. Common nettle,
common stinging nettle,
great stinging nettle, stinging nettle.
French. Ortie.
Spanish. Ortiga mayor.
Habitat. Growing world-wide,
the plant prefers humid places close
With a freshly gathered bunch of to populated areas.
nettles, gently hit the skin of the joint Description. Vivacious plant of
affected by the inflammatory or the Urticaceae family, growing
rheumatic disorder (knee, shoul¬ from 0.5 to 1.5 meters high. Both the stems, square-shaped,
der, etc.). Then a revulsive effect and the leaves are covered by stinging hairs.
takes place, which attracts the blood Its green-colored flowers are very small.
to the skin, decongesting the inter¬ Parts used. The whole plant, especially its leaves.
nal tissues.

66
o A Good Food
• Antianemic. It is used in anemia
caused by lack of iron or by loss of
blood !©,©). The iron and the chloro¬
phyll that the nettle contains stimu¬
The nettle is consumed raw in salads, late the production of red blood cells.
in omelettes, in soups, or simply The nettle also suits convalescence,
boiled as any other vegetable. It is a malnutrition, and exhaustion cases,
perfect substitute for spinach, even due to its invigorating and recovering
more tasty because it is less sour. effects.
Nettles are a good source of pro¬
• Vasoconstrictor (contracts blood
teins: when fresh they contain from
six to eight grams per 100 g, and vessels) and hemostatic (stops hem¬
when dried, from 30 to 35 g (a simi¬ orrhage), especially recommended
lar percentage of that of soya, one of for uterine IO,©l and nasal hemor¬
the legumes with higher amount of rhage (©1. It is very useful for women
proteins). with excessive menstruation. We have
to insist that any abnormal hemorrhage
must be checked out by a physician.

• Digestive. It renders good results in

digestive disorders caused by atony or
Nettles contain a high insufficiency of digestive organs
amount of iron, which, IO,©l. Nettles contain small amounts
with the chlorophyll of secretin, a hormone that is pro¬
they contain, explains
duced by certain glands of our intes¬
their antianemic action.
tine, and which stimulates the secre¬
tion of pancreatic juices and the
motility of both the stomach and the
gall bladder. This explains the fact
that nettle eases the digestion and im¬
proves the assimilation of food.

Messegue states that the Latin poet vegetal world, whose chemical com¬ • Astringent. It has been successfully
of the first century A.D., Caius Petron- position is very similar to that of he¬ used to calm the strong diarrhea
ius, recommended to men who want¬ moglobin, red-coloring our blood. caused by cholera (©I. nettles are use¬
ed to increase their virility to be They are rich in mineral salts, espe¬ ful in all types of diarrhea, colitis, or
whipped “with a bunch of nettles on cially those of iron, phosphorus, mag¬ dysentery.
their lower stomach and their but¬ nesium, calcium, and silicon, which • Hypoglycemic. Nettle leaves de¬
tocks.” Urtication, or rubbing with make them diuretic and depurative. crease the level of sugar in the blood,
fresh nettles, was practiced by ancient They also contain vitamins A, C, and a fact which has been checked out in
Greeks. Besides its effects on sexuali¬ K, formic acid, tannin, and other sub¬ many patients 10,01. Though it can¬
ty, it renders excellent results to peo¬ stances that have not been already not substitute insulin, it allows a de¬
ple suffering from rheumatism and studied. The compound of these sub¬ crease in the antidiabetic medicine
arthrosis who have guts enough to stances make the nettle one of the dosage.
perform it. plants with most medicinal applica¬
tions. • Galactogene. It increases the milk
Properties and indications. The secretion of breast-feeding women
hairs of the nettle contain histamine IO,©,©), thus being recommended
• Depurative, diuretic, and alkalin-
(1%) and acetylcholine (0.2-1%), while breast-feeding.
both substances also produced by our izant. Recommended for rheumatic
afflictions, gout, arthritis, kidney • Emollient. Due to its soothing ef¬
body, and which take active part on
stones, urinary sand, and as a rule fect, it is recommended in chronic af¬
the circulatory and digestive systems
whenever a depurative and diuretic flictions of the skin, especially
as transmitters of the nervous pulses
action is required (©,©1. The nettle eczema, eruptions, and acne (0,01. It
of the autonomic nervous system.
has a notable ability to alkalinize the is also used for hair loss 101. Nettles
Some ten milligrams of these sub¬
blood, easing the expulsion of meta¬ clean, regenerate, and makes skin
stances are enough to provoke a skin
bolic acid waste related to all these af¬ more beautiful 10,01. Better results
reaction.
flictions. The internal use of the plant are achieved if besides using it in lo¬
The leaves contain plenty of can be combined with urtications on cal applications is also employed in
chlorophyll, the green coloring of the the affected joint. orally l©l.

67
 Plants for the
Respiratory System
Eucalyptus
globulus Labill.

Preparation and Use

Eucalyptus
Excellent against
Internal use
bronchial afflictions
O Infusion with two large leaves
per cup of water (20-30 g per
liter). Steep for ten minutes in a
covered jar. Drink three cups a
day, sweetened with honey.
© Essence. Administer from
four to ten drops daily.
N THE MID-NINETEENTH cen¬
tury, the eucalyptus was brought External use
to Europe and America from Aus¬ © Vapor baths on the chest and
tralia and Tasmania, where it grows up the head, as described on next
to 100 m high. It is one of the tallest page.
trees known, with some examples
reaching 180 m high.
The eucalyptus grows quickly, and
absorbs a huge amount of water from
the soil, thus being used to drain
marshy lands and preventing anophe¬
les (which transmits malaria) from re¬
producing.
However, this beautiful tree takes
its toll on the soils where it is planted.
It acidifies the soil and does not allow
other plants to grow around it.

Properties and indications. Its

LEAVES contain tannin, resin, fatty

Synonyms. Blue gum.

French. Eucalyptus.
Warning Spanish. Eucalipto.
Habitat. Grown and naturalized
in warm regions of Europe and
America, in wet, marshy soils.
Description. Tall tree, growing
Never exceed the doses recom¬ up to 100 m high in Australia,
mended for internal use (both infu¬ though only to 30 m high in
sion and essence), since high doses Europe. It belongs to the
may produce gastroenteritis and Myrtaceae family, with smooth,
hematuria (blood in the urine). How¬ light colored trunk, and
ever, recommended doses will not evergreen spear-shaped leaves.
produce any side effects. Parts used. The leaves and the
charcoal made from its wood.

V. J
 acids, and mainly essences in which its membrane, the eucalyptus helps in
active components concentrate. This regenerating damaged cells, easing
essence contains cyneol or eucalyptol, the expulsion of mucus, and alleviat¬
terpene hydrocarbons, pynene, and ing coughs. This is one of the most ef¬
alymphatic and sesquiterpene alco¬ fective plants known for bronchial and
hols. The expectorant, balsamic, anti¬ pulmonary afflictions.
septic, bronchidilator, and mild The CHARCOAL of eucalyptus is a
febrifuge and sudorific properties of valuable remedy for these two cases:
the eucalyptus are caused by this
• Accidental poisoning caused by tox¬
essence.
ic substances, meals in bad condition,
The eucalyptus is recommended in poisonous mushrooms, etc. It acts as a
the case of all respiratory system dis¬ universal antidote.
orders, especially in bronchial ca¬
• Colitis, diarrhea, intestinal flora
tarrh, asthma, and acute and chronic
dysfunction, or intestinal fermenta¬
bronchitis IO,©,©l.
tion. It adsorbs the toxin which patho¬
Due to its antiseptic and balsamic logical micro-organisms produce. Its
actions on the bronchial mucous effects are fantastic.

Several Effective Applications of the Eucalyptus

Vapor Baths Eucalyptus charcoal can be mixed with

olive oil until a paste is formed. This is
These are the best method to take ad¬ a traditional remedy to clean the di¬
vantage of all properties of the euca¬ gestive tract for indigestion, diarrhea,
lyptus. In a bowl with boiling water, or intestinal fermentation.
place a handful of eucalyptus leaves,
or from four to six drops of its essence Charcoal has rendered surprising re¬
per liter of water. The person must sit sults in the case of persistent halito¬
The flower of eucalyptus
down, with a bare torso and the head sis (bad breath) caused by intestinal
over the bowl so that the vapor reach¬ fermentations. Take from one to three
es the chest and head. The bath should spoonfuls, 15 to 30 minutes before
last from five to ten minutes, three or Charcoal meals.
four times a day.
Charcoal has many medicinal properties,
especially because of its adsorption pow¬ Essence Against Coughs
This vapor, as well as the evaporated er. Both taken and applied on the skin,
eucalyptus essence, acts in two ways. it has a great ability to retain toxins and
Dissolve two spoonfuls of honey in half
germs, as well as the liquid which inflam¬
• Directly on the chest skin, favoring a glass of water, then add two or three
mation produces.
the elimination of toxins through the drops of eucalyptus essence. Drink in
skin and alleviating lung congestion. Charcoal must be finely ground in order to the case of coughs caused by pharyn¬
produce the most effective action. gitis or laryngitis (throat infections), tra¬
• Inhaled into the bronchi. To the anti¬ From five to ten g, dissolved in water, can cheitis, bronchitis, or bronchial catarrh.
septic, balsamic, and expectorant be drunk from four to six times a day. In
properties of the essence, the mucous an emergency, one can also directly eat a Up to five cups daily can be taken, how¬
effects of the water vapor are added, piece of charcoal. It may be found in phar¬ ever the recommended dose for chil¬
then breaking down the bronchi mucus macies, both charcoal powder and pills or dren should not exceed two or three
and easing its elimination. capsules. cups a day.

69
 Matricaria
_ _-_ _L.
chamomllla
: : 7. 1

German
Camomile Internal use
O Infusion with 5-10 g of
The digestive infusion flower heads per liter of water
par excellence (5-6 flower heads per cup).
Drink from three to six hot
cups daily.

External use

W HEN TALKING
herbal teas, many people
about
© Eye, nose, or anal wash¬
ing, with a slightly more con¬
centrated infusion (up to 50 g
of flower heads per liter of wa¬
immediately think about ca¬ ter). Steep for 15-20 minutes,
momile. We could say that camomile and strain well before using.
makes The Herbal Tea par excellence. © Baths. Add to the water of
“Bring a cup of camomile infusion a bathtub from two to four
to this patient before taking the saline liters of concentrated infusion.
solution away,” the surgeon says to a These lukewarm baths have
nursing student. a strong relaxing and sedative
effect.
Both of them are facing a teenage
patient who has undergone surgery © Compresses with the
because of a perforated acute appen¬ aforementioned concentrated
infusion, applied on the af¬
dicitis. His digestive process has been
fected skin area.
stopped due to the peritonitis (in¬
flammation of the peritoneum, the © Friction with camomile
membrane covering the interior of oil. Prepare the camomile oil
the abdomen and its organs) pro¬ by heating for three hours in
duced by the appendicitis. a double boiler 100 g of flower
heads in half a liter of olive oil.
“Doctor, why do you always recom¬
Strain the mixture and keep in
mend a camomile infusion for post¬ a bottle.
operative patients?” the would-be
nurse asks after the visit has finished.
“For many years I have been stick¬
ing to the rule of beginning oral diet
French. Camomille allemande.
for post-operative patients with a Spanish. Manzanilla.
camomile infusion. My masters taught
Habitat. Common in grasslands, unfarmed
me so. Camomile stimulates the peri¬ soils, and roadsides all over Europe,
staltic movements of the intestine, as well as in warm regions of America.
thus recovering the digestive func¬
tions which have been stopped by Description. Herbaceous plant of
peritonitis.” the Compositae family, which grows
“How do we know that the ca¬ from 20 to 50 cm high, with very branched
stem, and daisy-like flowers which gather
momile has been useful?”
in flower heads of about two centimeters
“You may have observed that every in diameter. It has a characteristic
day, when I pay visits to patients, I ask aroma, and sour flavor.
all of them whether they have broken Parts used. The flower heads.
wind. It may seem bizarre, however it
is the best sign that the intestine is
working properly again.”

70
A
Other Uses of Camomile

• Against insects. Little bags of

camomile in the wardrobe make
moths and other insects go away.
• Relaxing. When adding a cam¬
omile infusion to the bath water.
• Hair cosmetic. Brown or blonde
hair, when washed with a
camomile infusion, becomes
brighter and more beautiful.

A cup of camomile after meals is a good and healthy

habit both for young and old people alike.

“Oh, now I understand,” the stu¬ camomile helps expel because of its and conjunctivitis, has been proven.
dent finishes. carminative properties IOI. Actually, It is recommended for healing acute
the action of camomile is that of reg¬ allergic crises, as well as being an on¬
Properties and indications. The ulating and balancing the functions going treatment in order to prevent
most important active component of of the intestine. them. The best results are obtained
camomile is its essence, whose main • Eupeptic. An infusion of camomile when combining internal applica¬
components are camazulene (with is recommended for bloated or upset tions (herbal teas) IOI with external
anti-inflammatory properties), and stomach. It alleviates the nausea and ones (eyedrops, nose irrigations) 101.
bisabolor (with sedative properties). vomiting, and softly stimulates the ap¬ • Healing agent, emollient, and anti¬
It also contains coumaric and flavon- petite (Ol. All sour camomile species septic. In external applications,
ic substances, as well as a invigorating have a stronger eupeptic action. camomile renders good results for
bitter principle. The plant has many
• Emmenagogue. This plant stimu¬ washing any wound, sore, and skin in¬
properties which have been proven by fection 101. The camazulene has been
lates menstrual functions, normaliz¬
scientific research.
ing its amount and regularity, as well proven to be effective against he¬
• Sedative and antispasmodic. It is as alleviating menstrual aches. molytic streptococcus, golden staphy¬
useful for stomach and intestinal Dioscorides called it Matricaria, from lococcus, and Proteus. A camomile in¬
spasms caused by nervousness or anx¬ the Latin word matrix (womb). fusion is an adequate eyedrop for eye
iety (0,01. It is also used in any type of bathing in the case of conjunctivitis or
colic, and especially in the case of liv¬ • Febrifuge and sudorific. Given that eye irritation 101. It is also used as an
er and kidney colic, because of its re¬ it raises the temperature and pro¬ anti-inflammatory, applied in com¬
vokes perspiration, it is recommend¬
laxing and sedative properties 10,01. presses on eczema, rashes, and other
ed for people with a fever, especially
• Carminative and intestinal invigo¬ skin afflictions 101. Anal cleansing
children IOI.
rating. Although it may seem to be a with an infusion of camomile reduces
paradox, camomile also stimulates • Analgesic. Camomile eases head¬ the inflammation of hemorrhoids 101.
the movements of the digestive tract. aches and some cases of neuralgia IOI.
• Antirrheumatic. The oil of camo¬
It is thus recommended for post-op¬ • Antiallergic. Some calming proper¬ mile is used for massage in lumbago,
erative patients and for those who suf¬ ties of camomile on allergic reactions, stiff neck, bruises, and rheumatic
fer from excess of gas, which such as asthma, and allergic rhinitis aches 101.

71
 Plants for the Liver
and Gall Bladder
Peumus boldus
Molina

Boldo
Normalizes the function
of the gall bladder

B OLDO IS ONE of the medici¬

nal plants most used in prepar¬
ing medicines for the treatment
of liver and gall bladder diseases.
There are several medicines, labora¬
tory produced, in whose composition
boldo is an essential part. This plant
has some properties that could never
be achieved by any chemically synthe¬ Preparation and Use
French. Boldo. Spanish. Boldo.
sized product.
Habitat. The plant grows wild in
It is a highly appreciated plant in Chile and Andean areas of South
Chile. Native Andean Indians used America. It is cultivated in Italy and
boldo because of its stomachic and di¬ North Africa. Internal use
gestive properties. It can be currently Description. Tree or shrub of the O Infusion with 10-20 g of leaves
found in pharmacies and herb shops
Monimiaceae family, growing up per liter of water. Drink a cup be¬
to 5 m high, with elliptic, rough
of Europe and America, and still with fore meals, up to four daily.
leaves, and white or yellowish
its primitive Araucanian name. flowers. The whole plant gives © Dry extract. One gram, three
an aroma similar to that or four times a day, before meals.
of peppermint.
Parts used. The leaves.

Warning

Never exceed the prescribed dose (four cups a day) since in high
doses boldo has narcotic and anesthetic properties, acting on the cen¬
tral nervous system. These effects only occur when taken in high dos¬
es, and never with those doses recommended here.
OH Even though its effect on the fetus have not been proven, pregnant
women should abstain from this plant.
The chemical formula of boldine, the
most important alkaloid of boldo.

72
 A magnificent view of the Paine Towers (Chile). Boldo is native to the mountainous Andean areas of South
America, though at present it is being cultivated in Italy and North Africa. By increasing bile production,
the boldo activates liver and gall bladder functions. The consumption of boldo has proven to improve skin
eczemas. This is likely to occur since the plant promotes the disintoxicant function of the liver.

Properties and indications. The ommended for hepatic congestion culi). Boldo, thus, prevents the bile
leaves of boldo contain around 20 al¬ and biliary dyskinesia (disorders in from forming new stones, or those ex¬
kaloids which are derived from gall bladder functions), and biliary isting to grow.
aporfine, the most important of colic (0,01. • Eupeptic (eases digestion) and ap¬
which is boldine, making 25-30% of petizer. Boldo is recommended for
the whole. They also contain essential Boldo is also useful for biliary lithi- bloated stomach and slow digestion,
oil, which gives the plant its typical asis (gall stones), as well as to alleviate lack of appetite, and bad breath
smell. In this essential oil there are eu- digestive discomfort and the sensa¬ (sour) 10,01.
calyptol, ascaridol, and cymol. The tion of distension after meals, quite
characteristic of this ailment 10,01. • Mildly laxative, probably as a conse¬
leaves also contain several flavonoicls
Actually, boldo is not able to dissolve quence of the higher flow of bile in
and glycosides (boldoglycine).
gall stones, or to provoke their expul¬ the intestine, which this plant pro¬
The most outstanding properties vokes 10,01.
sion. However, it has been proven that
of boldo are as follow: Boldo is usually taken in association
boldo produces changes in the chem¬
• Choleretic (increases the bile pro¬ ical composition and the physical with other choleretic and cholagogue
duction in the liver), and cholagogue properties of the bile. Hence, it makes plants (artichoke, rosemary) or laxa¬
(promotes the emptying of the gall bile more fluid, and less lithogenic tive (alder buckthorn, tinnevelly sen¬
bladder). Hence, boldo leaves are rec¬ (which tends to form stones or cal¬ na, etc.).

73
 BrasM?M$lcssl-
^___ ___
* -

Cabbage
Heals skin
and peptic ulcers

C ELTS AND ROMANS cultivat¬

ed cabbage, the vegetable par ex¬
cellence. Cabbage has been
used for more than two thousand
years as a food as well as a medicine.

Properties and indications. Cab¬

bage leaves are rich in chlorophyll,
and thus in magnesium. They also
contain a sulphured substance similar
to that contained in mustard, as well
as mineral salts, vitamins (mainly vita¬ French. Chou. Spanish. Col.
mins C, A, and probably U), mucilage, Habitat. Native to Europe,
and an antiulceration factor still not where it grows wild along the
identified. Cabbage is relatively rich in English Channel, Atlantic, and
also western Mediterranean
sugars or carbohydrates (7 %) and
coasts. The plant is cultivated
proteins (4 %), however it contains a all over the world.
Description. Plant of the
Cruciferae family, with large,
divided, fleshy leaves,
and without heart.
Parts used. Leaves.

Preparation and Use

Internal use raw leaves (previously mashed with

O Fresh plant juice. Drink from half a cylindrical bottle or a rolling pin), or
a glass to one glass (100-200 ml), with cooked leaves, mixed with bran
three or four times daily, before each so that the mixture becomes more
meal, on an empty stomach. compact.
Cabbage leaves can be also heated
When cabbage is continuously External use with an iron, and then applied with a
consumed for long periods, it can Band-Aid on the skin, as shown on
have antithyroid effect, and © Poultices, prepared either with next page.
even produce goiter.

74
 Raw cabbage leaves are
heated with an iron and
then applied to the skin
as if they were a
quite low amount of fats (0.4 %). It • Antianemic, antiscorbutic, and hy¬ poultice. They have
has the following properties: poglycemic (in diabetic people, it de¬ wound healing and
creases the level of sugar in the vulnerary properties.
blood) IOI. Skin wounds and sores
• Antiulceration. Internally used, cab¬ difficult to heal, as well
bage juice is recommended for gas- • Diuretic, depurative, and when tak¬ as eczema and even
tro-duodenal ulcer, which cabbage is en with empty stomach, vermifuge acne, will improve
able to heal (Ol. In his work Health IO). noticeably with the
application of cabbage
Through Nutrition, Dr. Schneider men¬
• Cicatrizant (healing agent) and vul¬ leaves.
tions experiments through which the
nerary. Cabbage, when applied as
cicatrizing (wound healing) ability of
poultices, heals infected wounds, vari¬
fresh cabbage juice has been proven
cose and torpid ulcers, eczema, fu¬
on gastro-duodenal ulcers. After four
runcles, and acne I©).
or live days drinking a glass of juice
before each meal, stomach aches dis¬ • Anticancerous. There is evidence
appeared. After three weeks, the ulcer that cabbage can act as a preventive in
was healed. This antiulcerative action the formation of cancerous tumors
is likely to be due to the still not well- IOI. This is likely due to its content of
known vitamin U. carotene (vitamin A).

75
 Linum
usitatissimum
_____ _ _ L.
: :

Flax
Soothes the skin Internal use

and the mucosa O Decoction of 30 g of seeds per

liter of water, boiling for five min¬
utes. Drink two or three cups dai¬
ly, sweetened with honey if de¬
sired.

F OUR THOUSAND years ago,

flax was already cultivated in
©Cold extract. Steep for 12
hours a spoonful of seeds per
glass of water. Drink two or three
Mediterranean countries in or¬ glasses of the liquid every day.
der to obtain textile fibers, and 2500
© Seeds. Whole seeds can be
years ago as a medicinal herb. Hip¬ taken, chewed (a spoonful every
pocrates recommended it as an emol¬ 12 hours).
lient in the fifth century B.C.
External use
Properties and indications. Flax
© Poultices. Ground linseed (lin¬
seeds contain high amounts of mu¬
seed flour) is added to boiling wa¬
cilage and pectin, which give the plant ter until forming a thick paste.
emollient and laxative properties, as From 30 to 40 g of linseed flour are
well as mineral salts and fats with a usually required per liter of water.
high biological value (essential unsat¬ When applying the poultice, it is
urated fatty acids). Its applications advisable to protect the skin with
and indications are the following: a cold cloth to avoid burns.
• Chronic constipation. Flax lubri¬ © Lotions with linseed oil. Ap¬
cates the digestive tract, making the ply directly on the affected skin
feces softer. Moreover, it regenerates area.
the intestinal flora, regulating the pu¬
trefaction and fermentadon process¬
es IO.©,©l. Its effect is thus evident,
since in the case of intestinal putre¬
faction, feces lose their putrid odor.
Scientific synonym. Linum humile Miller, Linum
• Gastritis, duodenitis, and gastro-
humile Planch., Linum crepitans (Boenn.) Dum.
French. Lin.
Spanish. Lino.
Habitat. Native to the Middle East, it is cultivated
in many countries of warm climate areas all over
Europe and the Americas.
Description. Herbaceous plant of
the Linaceae family, growing from
40 to 80 cm high, with an upright stem
and elongated, narrow leaves. Its flowers
are light blue in color, with five petals,
and its fruit is a globe-like capsule
The oil contained in linseed flour be¬
with ten brown seeds.
comes rancid quite easily, then pro¬
Parts used. The linseed (flax seeds).
duces skin irritation. Therefore, re¬
cently prepared flour is better for
preparing the poultices.

76
 Hot poultices of linseed flour are
a traditional remedy which has
proven its resolvent, sedative,
and anti-inflammatory properties.
They are very useful in treating
abscesses, furuncles, and insect
bites. They are also employed for
of painful menstruation,
kidney or intestinal colic,
and bronchitis.

All over the Mediterranean coast¬

line of the Iberian peninsula, and
in the Canary Islands grows a
species called wild flax (Linum
angustifolium S.), with similar
properties to those of cultivated
flax.
Cathartic flax (Linum catharticum
L.) grows in Mediterranean coun¬
tries. Its laxative effect is more
intense.
In North America, prairie flax or
Rocky Mountain flax (Linum
lewisii L.) grows, another variety
of flax.

duodenal ulcer. It presents an anti-in¬

flammatory and emollient action,
which promotes the regeneration of
the harmed digestive mucosa. Flax
seeds should be taken in a decoction
as complement of any specific treat¬
ment for these processes.
• Inflammation of the respiratory
and urinary ways: especially bronchi¬ must be consumed by those people bites, abscesses, and furuncles
tis and cystitis, due to its emollient wanting to gain weight or those suf¬ lOl.They have resolvent, antispas-
and soothing effect on the mucosa fering from malnutrition 101. modic, sedative, and anti-inflamma¬
IQ,©,©). tory properties, besides retaining heat
Poultices of linseed flour are ap¬
for a long time.
Flax SEEDS (linseed) can also be plied whenever constant heat is re¬
used as a food. They are especially rec¬ quired: colds and bronchitis, men¬
ommended for diabetes, due to their strual pain, chronic aches of the ab¬ Linseed oil is used as a skin sooth¬
low content in sugars, and its high domen (whether kidney or gall blad¬ ing product for eczema, dried skin,
content in proteins and fats. Linseed der aches), intestinal spasms, insect mild burns, and dermatosis 101.

77
 Plants for the
Anus and the Rectum
Rubus
fruticosus L.
___ J

Bramble Preparation and Use

Improves hemorrhoids Internal use

and stops diarrhea O Decoction with 30-50 g of

young buds and/or leaves per liter
of water, boiling for ten minutes.

D IOSCORIDES recommended
bramble leaves for the treat¬
Drink up to three cups daily.
©Young buds in Spring. They
can be directly eaten, and provide
ment of hemorrhoids many a healing action when touching the
years ago. Its fruit, blackberries, have oral mucosa.
been used for many ages as food, be¬ ©blackberry juice. Drink it
ing an excellent natural sweet for freshly made, the dose being from
both children and adults. one to three glasses daily.
Around one hundred varieties of © Syrup. Prepared by adding to
brambles are known, all of them with the juice, two times its weight of
the same properties. sugar, preferably brown sugar,
then heating until it is completely
Properties and indications. dissolved.
Leaves and young buds of brambles Both blackberry juice and syrup
contain a high amount of tannin, are usually mixed with the decoc¬
which give the plant astringent and tion in order to improve the effects
hemostatic properties. The fruit con¬ and enhance the latter’s flavor.
tains, besides tannin, sugars, (glucose
and levulose), provitamin A, vitamin External use
C, and organic acids (citric, lactic, suc¬ © Decoction slightly more con¬
cinic, oxalic, and salicylic). Their in¬ centrated (50-80 g per liter) than
dications are as follows: the internally used one. Apply it in
• Hemorrhoids. A decoction of both the form of compresses, sitz
LEAVES and YOUNG BUDS of brambles baths, rinses, and gargles.
is applied locally in sitz baths or com- © Poultices made with mashed
leaves. Apply them on the affect¬
ed skin area.

o Bramble Buds Against

Tobacco
Synonym. European blackberry.
French. Ronce noire.
Spanish. Zarza, zarzamora.
Habitat. Widely spread all over Europe,
Smokers wanting to give up their
usually growing by roadsides, slopes and field
noxious habit may try a new way
borders. It has been naturalized to America.
to stop smoking. Put between
your lips a young bud of bram¬ Description. Thorny shrub of the Rosaceae family,
growing up to 4 m high, with white or pink flowers,
ble, and slowly suck it.
5 petals each. The fruit consists of several small drupes,
The slightly sweet and sour fla¬ dark purple or black in color, with a seed inside each one.
vor of these buds creates a cer¬ Parts used. The leaves, young buds,
tain aversion towards tobacco, and the fruit (blackberries).
and decreases the desire for a
cigarette, at least while the bud
is held in your mouth.

78
The upper picture clearly
shows the right way to take
a sitz bath for hemorrhoids,
with a decoction made from
leaves and buds of bramble.
Gentle massage with a bath
glove on the lower stomach
helps improve blood
circulation in the pelvis,
which also helps heal
hemorrhoids.
The lower picture shows the
delicious blackberries which
are so attractive to children
and adults.

presses in order to reduce their in¬

flammation and prevent them from
bleeding 101.
• Diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and coli¬
tis, because of their notable astrin¬
gent properties. The YOUNG BUDS
and LEAVES lOl are more astringent
than the FRUIT (0,01, however all of
them are usually consumed together to
enhance their effects and take advan¬
tage of the flavor of the fruit. Chil¬
dren suffering from diarrhea can take
blackberry juice in spoonfuls I©1, or
the syrup made with this juice IOI.
• Febrile diseases. The juice of the
FRUIT (blackberries) is refreshing
and invigorating, thus being recom¬
mended for weakened people or
those suffering from febrile diseases
101.
• Oral and pharyngeal afflictions.
Both a decoction of LEAVES and
YOUNG BUDS IOI, young green buds
101 and the FRUITS (01, have benefi¬
cial effects on mouth sores, as well as
for gingivitis (gum inflammation),
stomatitis (inflammation of the oral
mucosa), pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.
• Skin wounds, ulcers, and furuncles.
Apply compresses or baths with the
decoction 101, or poultices with
mashed LEAVES 101. These will help
with healing.

79
 Betula alba L.
I_J

>

Preparation and Use

White Birch
Internal use
A good remedy
O Infusion with 20-50 g of leaves
for kidney colic and/or buds per liter of water.
Drink up to one liter daily. As its
flavor is slightly sour, it can be
sweetened with honey or brown
sugar. When adding 1 g of sodium
bicarbonate the effectiveness of
white birch herbal teas is en¬
hanced, since its active compo¬
nents are better dissolved in alka¬
line environments.
© Decoction of bark, with 50-80

I N SPITE of the delicate appear¬

ance of this tree, its name evokes
g per liter of water. Boil until the
liquid reduces to a half. Drink two
or three cups daily, sweetened
with honey.
punishment applied in olden
© Sap. Take it after dissolved in
times to naughty pupils. Its fine, elas¬
water (in a proportion of 50 %) as
tic branches have been historically
a soft drink. Avoid its fermentation.
used to whip rebellious youths. And
still today, in northern countries, peo¬
External use
ple use white birch branches to lash
their legs and arms to activate blood © Compresses on the skin, with
circulation in the skin. the same infusion described for in¬
ternal use.
The great Renaissance Italian
physician and botanist Mattioli chris¬
tened it as “the nephritic tree of Eu¬
rope.”
This tree has many applications. Its
wood, and especially its charcoal, is
Scientific synonyms.
excellent. Its bark is waterproof, and
Betula verrucosa Ehrh.,
with it, ancient shepherds made jars Betula pendula Roth.
and even covers for snowshoes.
Synonyms. Silver birch,
canoe birch, paper birch.
Properties and indications. The French. Bouleau [blanc],
LEAVES and the BUDS of the white birch Spanish. Abedul.
tree contain mainly flavonoids (miric- Habitat. It grows in the mountains of northern
itrine and hyperoside), which give Spain and Europe, as well as in Canada,
them notable diuretic properties (elim¬ where it forms extensive forests, and in other
cold and mountainous areas of
ination of liquids); as well as bitter
North America.
components, catechic tannins, and es¬
Description. Fine deciduous tree of the Betulaceae family.
sential oils. Their applications are as
The whiteness of its bark, which comes off in fine sheets,
follow: is the main feature of this tree. It has young hanging branches
• Edema. They help to eliminate liq¬ (after those it is named Betula pendula), with small nodes which gave birth to
uids retained in the body, especially
other of its scientific names: Betula verrucosa.
Male and female flowers grow
for renal or heart insufficiency fOI.Un¬
on the same tree.
like other chemical diuretic sub¬
Parts used. The leaves, the buds, the sap, and the bark.
stances, white birch leaf infusions do
not provoke the loss of huge amounts

80
 Many women, prior to menstruation, suffer from fluid retention, which caus¬
es swollen legs, abdomen, and breasts. Infusions made with leaves and buds
of the white birch tree, with diuretic properties but not de-mineralizing, are an
ideal remedy to heal this discomfort.

of mineral salts via urine, nor do they can even dissolve calculi. The use of due to the amount of tannin they
irritate kidney tissues. On the con¬ infusion is recommended both for contain (Ol.
trary, they are able to regenerate it nephritic colic attack (kidney colic)
and reduce its inflammation, produc¬ and, in a ongoing way, to avoid the
The white birch tree BARK, like
ing a decrease of the amount of albu¬ formation of calculi.
that of the willow tree and of the cin¬
min eliminated through urine for • Depurative. Leaves and buds of the chona tree has febrifuge properties.
nephrosis and renal insufficiency. white birch tree have depurative It is taken as a decoction to decrease
• They are also successfully used for properties on the toxic substances on fever I©1.
pre-menstrual syndrome (Ol. When the blood, such as uric acid. Hence,
taking this herbal tea some days be¬ herbal teas made with them are rec¬
At the beginning of Spring, before
fore menstruation, the volume of ommended for gout or arthritis (Ol.
leaves grow, by cutting a branch or
urine increases, and the swelling of • Skin afflictions. Due to their depu¬ making a hole in its trunk, the white
tissues decreases, especially that of the rative properties, when internally used birch tree can provide several liters of
legs, the abdomen, and breasts. they are recommended to cleanse the delicious SAP per day. This sap has the
• Kidney calculi. Infusions made with skin from impurities in the case of same properties we have described
leaves and buds of the white birch chronic eczema and cellulitis (Ol. when talking about leaves, as well as
tree promote the elimination of urine • Wounds and sores. Externally ap¬ being a pleasant drink 101. Northern
sands and prevent the formation of plied, as compresses, these leaves European villagers drink it to achieve
kidney stones (Ol. It has been proven and buds have antiseptic and healing a complexion as white and clean as
that in some cases, these herbal teas properties for wounds and sores, the bark of the tree.

81
 Panax ginseng
C.A. Meyer

Ginseng
Internal use
Not a dope... O Ginseng is usually presented
but it works! as pharmaceutical preparations
(extract, capsules, liquid, etc.). The

G INSENG ROOT has been con¬

tinuously used for more than
usual dose is 0.5-1.5 g of root
powder per day, in a single or sev¬
eral intakes.

4000 years in China due to its Ginseng action is slow but accu¬
invigorating properties. mulative. Ginseng effects will be
noticeable after two or three
It was introduced in Europe during
weeks of treatment.
the eighteenth century, and has been
We recommend that you take gin¬
the issue of many scientific studies due
seng continuously for a period of
to its extraordinary virtues.
time (a maximum of two or three
Its scientific name of Panax comes months), and stop for one or two
from the Greek words pan (all) and months before a starting a new
axos (healing). For Chinese people, treatment.
ginseng is a true panacea, able to heal
a wide range of afflictions. Its aphro¬
disiac effects have given it a wide pop¬
ularity in Western countries, in which
stress, tobacco, alcohol, and other
drugs have become a continuous ag¬
gression to sexual performance.

Properties and indications. The

active components of ginseng root are
so chemically complex that it has not
Scientific synonyms.
been possible to synthesize them up
Panax schinsegn Nees.
to now. They are called ginsenosides,
and chemically these are steroid gly¬
French. Ginseng.
Spanish. Ginseng.
cosides from the group of triterpenic
Habitat. Native to mountainous
saponins. Therapeutic properties of
and cold areas of Korea, China,
ginseng are due mainly to these sub¬ and Japan, where it is widely
stances, but are also enhanced by oth¬ cultivated.
er components: minerals and trace Description. Plant of the
elements, the most outstanding being Araliaceae family, growing from
stdphur, manganese, germanium, 20 to 50 cm high. Its flowers
magnesium, calcium, and zinc; vita¬ grow in groups of five. It has
mins Bi, Ba, Be, biotin, and pan¬
purple flowers, which give birth
to small fruits (berries). The root
tothenic acid; phytosterol, enzymes,
is fleshy, greyish or white in
and other substances as well. color, from 10 to 15 cm large,
Ginseng has a wide range of effects and an average of 200 g weight.
on the body (Ol. Parts used. The root after five
years of age.
• Invigorator. Ginsenosides increase
physical performance and endurance.
This is not due to any excitant prop¬
erties, such as in cocaine, coffee, tea,
or other drugs, but to an improve¬
ment of metabolic processes. Ginseng

82
 • Anemia. Ginseng is especially useful
Types of Ginseng to recover blood loss after donation
or bleeding.
• Sexuality disorders. Impotence, fe¬
There are several ginseng varieties: • American ginseng (Panax quinque- male frigidity, hormonal insufficien¬
folium L.), native to northeastern Unit¬ cy, male or female sterility.
• Red or Korean ginseng (Panax gin¬ ed States and southeastern Canada. It
seng C. A. Meyer), which is the all- grows wild in oak and beech tree forests.
known ginseng, the richest in active
components, and the one illustrated on • Eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus
the previous page. senticosus Maxim.), also called Russian
or Siberian ginseng, which is cultivated
• Chinese ginseng (Panax repens with medicinal goals, and has similar
Max.), which is cultivated in China and properties to those of the Korean gin¬
Southeast Asia. seng.

speeds up the enzymatic process of • Cardiovascular system. Ginseng has

glycogenesis (production of glycogen vasorregulating properties, balancing
on the liver from sugar), and glyco- blood pressure.
genolysis (production of sugar from • Reproductive system. Ginseng pro¬
the stored glycogen); decreases the motes spermatogenesis (increases the
concentration of lactic acid in mus¬ production of spermatozoids); stimu¬
cles, which causes stiffness, because of lates sexual glands (both male and fe¬
a better sugar metabolism; increases male) and increases hormone pro¬
the production of ATP (adenosine- duction; it increases sexual capability,
triphosphate), a substance of great improving both frequency and quality
energetic capabilities for cells; en¬ of male erection, and promoting fe¬
hances the use of oxygen by cells; in¬ male genital organs excitation. It is not
creases protein synthesis (anabolic ef¬ a true aphrodisiac substance, since its
fect); stimulates hematopoiesis action does not consist in arousing sex¬
(blood production) in the bone ual desire, but in improving function Ginseng is a general invigorator
medulla, especially after bleeding. All and capabilities of genitalia. of our body, besides improving
these biochemical effects have been sexual capabilities.
Indications for using ginseng are
experimentally proven. Therefore,
the following:
ginseng invigorates but does not excite or
provoke addiction, since it increases en¬ • Physical exhaustion. Asthenia
ergy production on cells. (weakness), easy fatigue, lack of ener¬
gy, convalescence from diseases or
• Nervous system. It has antidepres- surgery.
sive and anxiolytic properties (elimi¬
• Sports training. Ginseng is not one
nates anxiety). Ginseng promotes
of the listed doping substances for¬
mental performance, increasing con¬
bidden in sports.
centration and memory capabilities. Excessive doses can produce
• Stress, psychosomatic disorders. nervousness.
• Endocrine system. Ginseng has anti¬ (Gastritis, colitis, migraine, asthma, Do not associate it with coffee or
stress properties due to its “adapto- palpitations). tea, since it can produce nervous
genic” properties, because it increas¬ excitation, nor with medicines con¬
• Psychological exhaustion, depres¬
es adaptation capabilities of the body taining iron, because this mineral
sion, anxiety, insomnia. Ginseng is
to physical or psychological efforts. interferes chemically with the active
very useful for students during exam¬
Research conducted on animals has components of ginseng, decreas¬
inations.
proven that both hypophysis and ing its effects.
suprarenal glands are stimulated with • Premature aging, senility.
ginseng. • High or low blood pressure.

83
ArteffiOMityffiiQaris L.|
m

Preparation and Use

Mug wort
Internal use
Regulates menstruation O Infusion with 20-30 g of
and increases appetite flower clusters or ground root
per liter of water. Drink from two
to four cups daily.
© As a vermifuge, that is,
when dealing with intestinal
parasites, the patient must drink

M UGWORT WAS already used

by the ancient Greeks.
a cup on an empty stomach,
and two more before every
meal, for three days. Repeat
another cycle one week later.
Dioscorides, the father of
phytotherapy, talked about this plant
in the first century A.D. Andres de La¬
guna, a famous Spanish physician of
the sixteenth century, who worked in
the Netherlands, Bologna, Rome, and Other Artemisia
Venice, said of this plant that “it is
Species
called Artemisia, from the name of the
goddess Artemis, also called Diana,
since like the goddess, the plant helps In tropical areas of the Amer¬
women in labor, without ever failing icas there are several species
and varieties, very similar to
Mugwort has always been a plant
common mugwort, which
used because of its effects on the fe¬
have the same properties,
male genitals.The French medical
such as the Artemisia dracn-
school, with its characteristic finesse,
culuoides Pursh., which is cul¬
said as early as during the Renaissance tivated in North America,
that “mugwort turns women into flow¬ where it is called false tar¬
ers again,” meaning the effects of the ragon.
plant on menstruation.

Synonyms. Artemisia, common mugwort,

felon herb, sailor’s tobacco.

o
French. Armoise.
Spanish. Artemisa.
Habitat. Very common in all kind of soils of
Mugwort Baths Europe and warm climate areas of America.
Description. Vivacious plant of the Compositae
family, similar to wormwood but taller
(60-120 cm high). Its stem is reddish in color,
and its leaves are silver on their undersides.
Each flower chapter is formed
For menstruation disorders, it by 10-12 small flowers, yellow or reddish in color.
is useful to employ a combination
Parts used. The leaves and the flower clusters,
of oral intake of this plant with
in summer, and the root in Fall.
hot water baths to which some
handfuls of mugwort are added.

V. y

84
 Mugwort promotes menstruation, in some cases of amenorrhea flack of
menstruation) caused by functional reasons.This plant is especially rec¬
ommended for women suffering from irregular menstruation or dys¬
menorrhea (menstrual pain), since it helps normalize the menstrual cycle.

Properties and indications. • Appetizer and cholagogue. Because

The whole plant contains an essence of its bitter component, it has the fol¬
whose main component is eucalyptol lowing properties: increases appetite,
or cyneole, as well as small amounts of stimulates the emptying of the stom¬
Warning thujone, tannin, mucilage, and a bit¬ ach (recommended for gastric ptosis)
ter component. Its properties are as promotes digestion, and normalizes
follows: the function of the gall bladder. It
also has mild laxative properties (Ol.
Like wormwood, mugwort can have • Emmenagogue. It can produce
undesirable effects on the nervous menstruation in the case of amenor¬
• Vermifuge. It produces expulsion of
system when the recommended dos¬ rhea (lack of menstruation) due to
intestinal parasites. It is especially ef¬
es are widely exceeded, or when it functional disorders. The plant also
fective against oxyuridae (©I. In Cen¬
is taken for more than ten days. has the properties of normalizing
tral America, this plant is widely used
Pregnant women must abstain from menstrual cycle and easing menstru¬
because of this action.
taking mugwort, since it is likely to al pain (dysmenorrhea) (Ol.
have abortifacient properties. Breast¬ In ancient times it was applied as This plant was formerly used as a
feeding women must also abstain
poultices on the stomach of women sedative, to treat epilepsy and Parkin¬
from taking this plant because it gives
suffering from difficult or prolonged son’s disease. However today it is no
milk a bitter flavor.
labor. At present, fortunately we have longer used. We have no proof of its
better remedies to accelerate labor. effectiveness in these cases.

85
 Fucus
vesiculosus L.

Fucus
Fights obesity
and cellulitis

A LGAE ARE water plants with

chlorophyll or other coloring
Synonyms. Sea ware, wrack, bladder fucus.
French. Varech vesiculeux. Spanish. Fucus, sargazo vejigoso.
Habitat. Rocks and beaches on the European Atlantic coast, from Norway
substances, whose size vary to the Iberian peninsula, where it is especially abundant in Galician rias.
from micro-organisms (unicellular al¬ Description. Algae of the Fucaceae family, brown in color, whose thallus is formed
gae) to the size of an earth plant (mul¬ by tape-shaped sheets which stick by their base to underwater rocks. These sheets
ti-cellular algae). In China and Japan, contain air bladders (aerocysts), which keep the plant upright. The reproductive
system of the algae is located in its apex.
algae have been used as food for
many centuries.
Parts used. The thallus (the body of the algae).

Phytotherapists of past centuries,

when observing the bladders of fucus,
filled with air (floats), thought that, Preparation and Use
according to the theory of signs, it
could be useful against diseases such
as mumps and scrofula (an inflam¬
mation of neck ganglion, often Internal use anorexigen action (which reduces
caused by tuberculosis). appetite).
O Fresh alga. It is taken as a veg¬
Modern scientific research has etable, though its flavor is not en¬ In other cases, fucus can be taken
proven fucus usefulness in these af¬ joyable for everybody. with meals, or after them.
flictions, but the main discovery has
© Decoction or infusion of fucus External use
been some interesting properties
dry extract, with 15-20 g per liter of
which make fucus a highly recom¬
water. Drink three or four cups dai¬ © Compresses soaked in the liq¬
mended algae when used against obe¬ uid resulting of the decoction, then
ly-
sity and cellulitis, both ailments com¬ applied hot on the affected areas,
mon among the inhabitants of the de¬ @ Powder. It is taken in the form two or three times a day, during 10-
veloped world. of capsules. The usual dose is 0.5- 15 minutes.
2 g, 1-3 times a day.
© Poultices prepared with the
Properties and indications. Fu¬
In the case of weight loss diets, fresh alga, previously heated in a
cus, or bladder fucus, when dry, con¬
fucus must be taken in any of the bowl with water. Apply hot on the
tains 65% sugar, among which the al-
listed ways, fifteen minutes before affected skin area during 10-15
ginic acid is remarkable (12-18%), as meals. This way, it exerts a greater minutes, three or four times daily.
well as fucoidin (a mucilaginous poly¬
saccharide). Fucus also contains 15%
mineral salts, especially iodine, potas-

86
sium, and bromine; 5% of proteins, Because of its content in organic the skin as compresses I©1 or poul¬
and l%-2% fat, as well as vitamins A, iodine, it is used as a complementary tices I©), bladder fucus has soothing
B, C, and E. Fucus is likely to contain treatment of hyperthyroidism, whether and anti-inflammatory properties,
small amounts of vitamin B12 since it associated or not with goiter. In these
promotes the elimination of chlo¬
is frequently polluted by microscopic cases, medical advice is required. Fu¬
rine salts, and helps reduce the vol¬
algae which are the true producers of cus can be taken orally in any of its
ume of adipose tissues. All these ac¬
this vitamin. Therefore, fucus is very preparations (©,©,©1, and applied in
promising for people who want to fol¬ compresses soaked in its decoction on tions make fucus a very useful plant
low a strict vegetarian diet. the throat IO). to treat cellulitis, wrinkles, stretch

Fucus has antiscurvy, nourishing, • Emollient. Externally applied on marks, and skin flaccidity 10,01.
remineralizing, depurative, and mild¬
ly laxative properties, but it mainly
acts as a weight loss plant, an anticel¬
lulite, and an invigorating of the thy¬
roid. Its basic applicauons are the fol¬
lowing:

• Absorbent and anorexigen (calms

the sensation of hunger). Alginic
acid and its salts (alginates), as well
as the other mucilages contained in
fucus, can absorb water up to six
times their own weight. Because of
this property, they increase in volume
when in the stomach, and produce a
full sensation. Therefore, fucus is a
very useful remedy in treating obesi¬
ty caused by bulimia (excess of ap¬
petite) IO,©,©I.

• Digestive. Fucus absorbs gastric

juices, decreasing acidity. It is recom¬
mended to treat gastritis and esophag-
ic reflux, hiatal hernia, and other
causes of pyrosis or hyperacidity
(O,©.©).

• Nourishing, remineralizing, and an¬

tiscurvy. Bladder fucus provides min¬
eral salts, vitamins, proteins, and oth¬
er nourishing substances, which pre¬
vent, during long-lasting weight loss
diets, malnutrition states or lack of
these basic substances IO.©.©).

• Mild laxative. The antiobesity prop¬

erties of fucus are enhanced by its
mild laxative and emollient effect due
to its high content of mucilage
(©,©,©!.

• Thyroid invigorating. This alga

contains a high concentration of iodine
and organic iodine salts: 150 mg per
kilogram of algae (in order to obtain
the same amount we would need
3,000 of seawater liters). Iodine is re¬
quired by thyroid to produce tyro¬
sine, a hormone which promotes the
burning of the nourishing substances By decreasing appetite, by its laxative properties, and by accelerating the metabo¬
we eat, thus activating metabolism. lism, fucus achieves an effective weight-losing action which lacks any side effect.

87
 Devil's Claw
Powerful
antirrheumatic

“It NT R. MENHERT! Do you re-

\/| member that severely
JL
▼ JL wounded soldier who the
German physicians said they could
not cure?” the native asked his master. French. Harpagophytum. purple flowers similar to those of
“Of course I remember him. Poor Spanish. Harpagofito. foxglove. The fruit grow at soil level, and
are woody with hooks.
boy, he has died for sure!” Habitat. Native to South Africa, on the The primary root is a long tuber of which
“But no, Mr. Menhert! He was nearby areas to the Kalahari Desert, secondary roots, similar to peanuts,
in current Namibia. It grows grow. These have a very sour flavor,
healed with a plant the medicine men
in argillaceous and sandy soils. and are the medicinal part of the plant.
applied to him!”
Description. Vivacious plant of the
“Oh, yes? I have to know which Pedaliaceae family, which has single Parts used. The secondary roots.
plant that is!”
The location was South Africa, near
the Kalahari Desert, north of the Riv¬
er Orange. It was 1904, and the Hot¬
tentot uprising against German colo¬
nization had just broken out. Menhert
Preparation and Use
was a German settler who worked
hard on his farm, and kept good rela¬
tions with natives.
Internal use We recommend that you take infu¬
“I will ask the medicine men to
sions of pharmaceutical prepara¬
show me that plant which is able to
O Infusion. The usual dose is 15 tions of devil’s claw before meals.
heal such severe wounds,” Menhert g (a spoonful) of root powder per
thought. “I am sure it is unknown in half a liter of water. Steep for half
External use
Europe.” an hour to one hour. Drink three or
However, the Hottentot medicine four cups per day. © Compresses or fomentations
soaked in the infusion described for
men did not reveal to him their se¬
© Capsules. Due to its sour flavor, internal use, though it is better to
cret. Therefore, the settler managed
it is also available as capsules con¬ prepare it more concentrated. Ap¬
to train a dog to follow the medicine
taining root powder. Three or four ply directly on the affected skin
men and locate the plant. Once Men¬
should be swallowed daily. area, several times.
hert gathered a certain amount of the
plant’s roots, which was later identi¬
fied as Harpagophytum procumbens, he

88
 Devils claw is a
successfully proven
anti-inflammatory and
antirrheumatic plant
which, when taken
in therapeutical doses,
is completely free
of undesirable side
effects. Therefore,
it is being used more
and more all the time.

sent the roots to Germany for further uric acid in the blood. Its indications achieved when simultaneaously com¬
analysis. are the following: bining internal and external applica¬
Since then, the prestige of this tions of devil’s claw (01.
• Anti-inflammatory and antir¬
plant has been increasing. At present rheumatic. Devil’s claw is especially • Depurative. This plant promotes the
it is one of the most effective remedies recommended for rheumatic aches elimination through urine of acid
phytotherapy has in order to treat caused by arthrosis. Very good results metabolic waste, like uric acid, which
rheumatic afflictions. are obtained for cervical, lumbar, hip, is the causative agent of gout and of
and knee arthrosis. This has been many cases of arthritis (inflammation
Properties and indications. Since confirmed by clinic research. After of the joints) 10,01].
the early twentieth century, the root of two or three months of treatment, ar¬
the devil’s claw has been deeply ana¬ ticular motility improves significative- • Antispasmodic. It has a relaxing ef¬
lyzed in depth, mainly in German lab¬ ly, and pain disappears. The plant has fect on spasms or intestinal colic, irri¬
oratories, being the object of much re¬ proven useful for all kinds of articular table bowel, and biliary and renal col¬
search. More than 40 active substances rheumatism IO,©l. ic 10,01.
have been discovered in this root,
Unlike many anti-inflammatory • Hypolipemic. Devil’s claw reduces
among which the most outstanding
medicines, devil’s claw root does not the level of cholesterol in the blood,
are monoterpenic glycosides of the iri-
produce irritant effects on the digestive and regenerates the elastic fibers
doid group (glycoiridoid), harpagine,
system. It completely lacks any side ef¬ which make arterial walls, being thus
harpagide, and procumbide. The essential for arteriosclerosis 10,01.
fect when taken in therapeutic doses.
plant owes to these substances its anal¬
gesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti- Antirrheumatic properties of dev¬ • Cicatrizant. When externally applied,
spasmodic properties. Devil s claw also il’s claw are produced both when it is this plant is an excellent cicatrizant
has wound healing properties, and de¬ taken orally 10,01 and when it is ap¬ (heals wounds) for all kind of wounds
creases the level of cholesterol and plied externally 10,01. Best effects are and skin sores 101.
 Plants for the Skin

Aloe vera
(L.) Webb.

Aloe Preparation and Use

Invigorates,
soothes the skin,
and heals wounds
Internal use
O Bitter aloes. It is used as pills,
and pharmaceutically made. As

I T WOULD BE good if you could

conquer the Island of Socotora in
a laxative or purgative substance,
bitter aloes act slowly, thus have
to be administered at night to
achieve effects the next day.
the Indian Ocean,” Aristotle said
to his disciple the great King and con¬ ©Aloe gel or juice. Take 1-2
spoonfuls, three or four times a
queror Alexander the Great. “There,
day, dissolved into water, fruit
where date palms and incense grow,
juice, or milk.
there is a plant called aloe which
grows all over the land.”
External use
“I appreciate dates and incense,
© Compresses with aloe juice.
but tell me, Master Aristotle, what do
Keep them for the whole day,
you want aloe plants for?”
soaking them with juice every
“Your Majesty, botanists, physicians, time they get dry. At night, olive oil
and wise men in this noble city of or an hydrating cream can be ap¬
Athens have concluded that there is plied, since aloe juice dries the
no better healing substance than aloe skin.
gel. The soldiers of our Army who fall © Lotion with aloe juice. Apply
wounded in the war, will find in aloe two or three times a day on the af¬
the best of remedies.” fected skin area. It is recom¬
“This is very interesting, Aristotle. I mended that you combine its use
want my soldiers to have the best of with that of some emollient
treatments. But tell me, how have you (soothing) such as olive oil.
concluded that aloe is a good cica- © Creams and ointments, and
trizant?” other pharmaceutical prepara¬
tions based in aloe. These usual¬
“It has been easy, Your Majesty! We
ly include an emollient or hydrat¬
have observed that, when any of the
ing substance.
fleshy leaves of aloe is cut, there is a
quick healing on its own surface, with
the aim of keeping the precious juice Scientific synonym.
it contains from getting lost. Natural Aloe barbadensis Miller.
logic tells us that if the plant is able to Synonyms. Barbados aloe,
regenerate the surface of its own Curacao aloe.
French. Aloes.
leaves successfully, it will also heal the
Spanish. Aloe.
wounds of humans who will be treat¬
Habitat. Native to southern Africa, however spread to hot and desert regions of
ed with the plant.”
America (Central America and the West Indies), and Asia.
At present, we know that aloe be¬ Description. Plant of the Liliaceae family, growing up to three or four meters high,
longs to the group of xeroid plants, through growth of its central axis or stem. It has fleshy, lanceolated, spiked leaves,
which close the stomas of their leaves and red or yellow flowers according to its variety, which hang from a large stem.
after any cut or wound in them. Thus,
they avoid loss of moisture.
Indeed aloe has been used to heal
the wounds of many people through¬
out history. Greek soldiers, Roman

90
emperors, and warriors from many substances, such as polysaccharides, depurative and invigorating proper¬
countries have been treated with this glycosides, enzymes, and minerals. It ties. It is used as a digestive, and in
plant. contains acemanan, an immunostimu- the treatment of gastro-duodenal ul¬
Some centuries after Alexander lating substance which increases de¬ cer (01.
the Great and Aristotle, a very special fenses. Unlike bitter aloes, aloe gel ACEMANAN contained in aloe juice
soldier died on a great battlefield. does not have laxative properties. has been scientifically proven to be
Like others, he also had aloe applied In local applications, aloe can exert able to stimulate the defenses of the
to his wounded and bruised body, but beneficial effects in many cases. The body 101. Internally used, it activates
after he had died. The soldier was Je¬ most important are the following: the lymphocytes, a kind of cell whose
sus, the Saviour and freedom fighter • Wounds, whether clean or infected. main function is that of destroying
of mankind, an endless warrior Aloe juice is applied as compresses cancer cells, as well as those which
against evil. About Jesus we can read 101, though the aloe flesh can be also have been infected by the AIDS virus.
in 1 Peter 2: 24, the following words, put directly on the wound. It pro¬ Research is being conducted on us¬
“By means of his wounds we have motes the cleaning of the wound and ing acemanan to treat both modern
been healed.” The body of Jesus was accelerates its regeneration, while re¬ plagues; however without any defini¬
treated with aloe and myrrh, accord¬ ducing the scar. tive results up to now.
ing to what is told in John, chapter 19.
• Burns. Aloe gel orjuice is applied as
Three days later, he arose from death.
compresses for two days after the
burn has taken place 10). For first de¬
Properties and indications. From
gree burns, two or three days of treat¬
the fleshy leaves of aloe, two main
ment will suffice. In more severe cas¬
products are obtained: bitter aloes,
es, we recommend you consult the doc¬
and aloe gel.
tor. Aloe manages to accelerate skin
BITTER ALOES. When cutting the regeneration in the burned area, as
surface of the aloe leaves, no matter well as reduce scarring to a minimum.
which aloe species, a viscous, yellow
Good results have been achieved
juice with bitter flavor flows out. It is
with skin burns caused by ionizing ra¬
concentrated under the sunlight or
diations, as well as from radiodermi-
by evaporation, and becomes a shape¬
tis (an affliction of the skin caused by
less mass of dark brown color and
nuclear radiation). It is said that dur¬
very bitter flavor, called bitter aloes.
ing World War II, some inhabitants of
Bitter aloes contain from 40 to Hiroshima and Nagasaki who sur¬
80% resin, and up to 20% aloin, an vived the atomic bombs healed their
anthraquinonic glycoside which is its radiation-caused burns by applying
Warning
active component. Based on the daily aloe flesh directly on the burned ar¬
dose, bitter aloes have diverse appli¬ eas.
cations lOl.
• Skin afflictions. Aloe juice, applied
• Up to 0.1 g it has appetizer, stom¬ from lotion, has a favorable effect on Aloe gel or juice can produce al¬
achic, and cholagogue properties, psoriasis and skin eczema, as well as lergic reactions when applied on
promoting digestion. on acne, athlete’s foot (fungal infec¬ the skin. One out of every 200 peo¬
tion), and herpes (Ol. We recommend ple is allergic to aloe. If after some
• From 0.1 g it has laxative and em-
you take aloe orally also to enhance
minutes of applying drops of aloe
menagogue properties (increases
juice on the skin there is a slight
menstrual flowing). its effects 101.
reddening and itching, you are al¬
• With a dose of 0.5 g (the maximum In children, a lotion with aloe juice lergic to aloe, and will have to look
per day) it has strong purgative and is used to treat eczema caused by dia¬ for another remedy.
oxytocic properties (it provokes uter¬ pers, and to alleviate itching and pro¬
Bitter aloes must not be used by
ine contractions). mote skin healing for diseases such as
pregnant women, nor during
measles, rubella (German measles), menstruation, since it produces
ALOE GEL or JUICE. It is obtained
and chicken pox IO,©l. congestion of the pelvic organs and
from the flesh of its leaves, which give
an almost transparent sticky juice, • Skin beauty. Aloe revitalizes skin, uterine contractions. It is advised
giving it better endurance, smooth¬ against for those people suffering
with no flavor. This juice is responsi¬
ness, and beauty. When applied to the from hemorrhoids (it makes them
ble for the fame aloe gel has been ac¬
skin, it improves the appearance of bleed). It must not be given to chil¬
quiring for the last few years, espe¬
scars and cracks. It is also used for nail dren. Never exceed the dose of
cially because of its healing properties
and hair care 10,01. 0.5 grams per day.
on the skin. This juice is formed by a
complex mixture of more than 20 When taken orally, aloe juice has

91
 f.
Echinacea m
| angustifolia D.C. 1 P

Preparation and Use

Echinacea
Heals and prevents Internal use
by increasing defenses O Decoction with 30-50 g of
ground root per liter of water.
Drink from three to five cups daily.
© Pharmaceutical prepara¬
tions. Echinacea is usually pre¬
sented in several forms: fluid ex¬

T HE NATIVES of the American

states of Nebraska and Missouri
tract, tincture, capsules, etc. In
any case, carefully follow the in¬
structions.

used the root of echinacea to External use

heal infected wounds and snake bites. © Compresses with the same
By the late nineteenth century, Dr. dediction used internally.
Meyer, a medical researcher, discov¬ © Lotions with the liquid of the
ered its properties while living among aforementioned decoction.
the Indians. From then onwards, echi¬
© Pharmaceutical prepara¬
nacea has been the focus of many sci¬
tions: creams, ointments, and
entific studies, which revealed the other.
many virtues of this plant, as well as its
active mechanisms.
At present, echinacea is part of sev¬
eral pharmaceutical preparations, and
it is one of the plants about which a
higher number of scientific studies has
been performed.

Properties and indications. The

composition of the root of echinacea
is highly complex. Many active sub¬
stances have been identified, and
French. Rudbeckie [a feuilles etroites],
could be classified according to the
Spanish. Equinacea.
following guidelines:
Habitat. Native to North America,
• Essential oil. It consists of more than it grows on plains and sandy river
20 components, among which the banks, mainly in the great Mississippi
geranil-isobutirate (61 %) is impor¬ River Valley. It is cultivated as
a medicinal plant in Central Europe.
tant; it also contain terpenes (pinene,
thujone, and others), and cys-1,8-pen- Description. Plant of the Compositae
family, whose hollow stems grow up
tadecadien, a substance which, in vit¬
to one meter high. It has elongated,
ro, has oncolytic properties (is able to hairy, narrow leaves, and mauve
destroy tumoral cells). The essential flowers which grow on the tip of
oil seems to be responsible for the im¬ the stems, and are quite exuberant.
mune stimulation (increase of de¬ Parts used. The root.
fenses).
• Echinacoside. A glycoside formed by
glucose and ramnose, which has a
strong antibiotic effect on several
germs, especially on the golden
staphylococcus.

92
a Cancer Treatment

The use of echinacea renders

good results to correct leukopenia
(decrease of the number of leuko¬
cytes) and the decrease of de¬
fenses which radiation or chemi¬
cal therapy for cancer treatment
causes in the human body.

• Polyacetylene, which kill bacteria tion tissue, which is responsible for fections, especially when these are
and fungi. wound healing; stimulates the repro¬ frequent (preventive effect); for ty¬
• An inhibiting factor for hyaluron- duction of fiberblasts, which are basic phoid fever; in all septicemia (blood
idase, which is an enzyme produced cells of the connective tissue and are infection) for any reason (gynecolog¬
by many bacteria. Hyalurofiidase responsible for the regeneration of ical, urinary, biliary, etc.) (O,©).
breaks hyaluronic acid (which is a ba¬ tissues and scar formation.
It has been applied in the treat¬
sic component of the connective tis¬ • Antitoxic. It sdmulates the purifying ment of AIDS, combined with other
sue), allowing the spread of patho¬ process of the liver and kidneys, remedies, with promising results.
genic germs. By inhibiting this en¬ through which toxic and foreign sub¬
• Skin lesions. Due to its anti-infec-
zyme, echinacea stops the spread of stances flowing into the blood are neu¬
tious, healing, and tissue regenerative
germs throughout the tissues. tralized and eliminated.
properties, it is recommended for ab¬
• Resin, inulin, and vitamin C. • Antibiotic and antiviral. This action scesses, infected wounds or burns, fol¬
As frequently happens in phy¬ has been experimentally proven in liculitis, infected acne, skin ulcers, in¬
totherapy, the extract of the plant (of vitro (in a test tube). However, the cluding varicose ulcers, psoriasis, der¬
its root, in this case) is much more ac¬ property of stimulating defenses is matosis, and eczema I©,0,01. In these
tive than any of its active components more important in vivo (in the body). cases it is applied both internally and
when isolated. This is due to the in¬ • Anticancerous. It is able to destroy externally IO,©l.
teraction among its components, malignant cells (an effect which has • Snake and insect bites. Due to its an¬
when some of them enhance the ac¬ been only proven in vitro up to now). titoxic properties, it neutralizes (par¬
tion of others. Also there may be Hence, the clinical applications of tially) the poison, and prevents it
some unidentified active compo¬ this plant are the following: from spreading. It must also be ap¬
nents. plied internally (O,©) and externally
• Infectious diseases in general. The
The basic properties of echinacea (0,0,0).
best antibiotic will fail when our
are the following: body’s defenses do not cooperate in • Prostate afflictions. It reduces con¬
• Immunostimulant. It increases the the fight against infecdon. Echinacea gestion of the prostate, and also pre¬
defense mechanisms, with a general acts on the field, that is to say, on the vents the frequent urinary infections
non-specific stimulation both in the body suffering from the infection, which occur due to the incomplete
humoral activity (antibody produc¬ rather than destroying the causative emptying of the urinary bladder
tion, activation of the complementary agents. This means that its action is (O.©).
system) and in the cell immunity slower, and perhaps less spectacular • Malignant tumors. Though up to
(phagocytosis: destruction of micro¬ than that of antibiotics; however in now its antitumor properties have
organisms by leukocytes). It produces many cases it renders best results in been only experimentally proven in
an increase in the number of leuko¬ the middle and long term. It has pre¬ vitro, there are enough reasons to
cytes in the blood. ventive and healing actions, and lacks think that this plant can have a bene¬
• Anti-inflammatory. It prevents the the side effects antibiotics have. ficial action on cancerous tumors.
progression of infections, by inhibit¬ It is recommended, among other While awaiting for new research, it
ing the enzyme hyaluronidase, pro¬ cases, for children’s infectious dis¬ must be used only as a complementary
duced by many bacteria species. It eases, influenza, sinusitis, tonsillitis, treatment of other antitumor treat¬
also promotes the growth of granula¬ and acute and chronic respiratory in¬ ments (O,©).

93
 Books on Health
Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
2 Volumes
This is a complete, up-to-date, and scientific
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Encyclopedia of Health and Education

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Encyclopedia of Foods and their Healing Power

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1,278 pages in three volumes, hardcover.

For more information, write: Home Health Education Service, PO Box 1119, Hagerstown, MO, 21741-1119
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Health Power Secret Keys Winning
Choices you can make Character-build ing Gives teens
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Before there were drugs, there was nature.

Most people in the world get their medicine from field and
forest. Now you can too, thanks to this treasury of valuable
information about nature's pharmacy. Full of gorgeous
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The earth is a garden. Let it heal you.

George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D., is doctor of medicine

and surgery at the University of Granada in Spain. He is
a board-certified general and digestive surgeon, and a
specialist in health education, UNED University, Spain.
He is a member of the International Union of Food
Science and Technology, Ontario, Canada, and a fellow
in the Royal Microscopical Society, Oxford, England.
After practicing his specialty for 15 years, Dr. Pamplona-
Roger now focuses on medical research and health
education. He has been published in many health journals, and has also
written Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power; Encyclopedia of
Medicinal Plants; and New Lifestyle: Enjoy it! ^

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