Hydrastis canadensis Ranunculaceae Names: Orange Root, Yellow Root. Habitat: Native to North America, it was used extensively by Native Americans as an herbal medication and clothing dye. Its medicinal use centered around its ability to soothe the...
Grindelia spp. Compositae Names: Gum Plant, Gum Weed, Tar Weed. Habitat: The USA and S. America Collection: The aerial parts are collected before the flower buds open. They are dried as soon as possible in the sun. Part Used: Dried aerial parts...
Trigonella foenum-graecum Papilionaceae Names: Foenugreek Habitat: North Africa, India, cultivated worldwide. Part Used: Seeds. Constituents: Volatile oil, containing3-hydroxy-4, 5-dimethyl-2-furanone, dihydrobenzofuran, dihydroactinidiolide...
Agropyron repens Graminaceae Names: Twitchgrass, Quickgrass, Doggrass. Habitat: Grows in many parts of the world, and all too frequently ingardens. Collection: The rhizome should be unearthed in spring or early autumn. Wash it, carefully dry in sun...
Chamaelirium luteum Liliaceae Names: Starwort, Helonias Root. Habitat: USA Collection: The underground parts are unearthed in the autumn. Part Used: Dried rhizome and root. Constituents: Saponins; the glycosides chamaelirin and helonin, basedon...
Viburnum opulus Part Used: Dried bark. Constituents: Hydroquinones; arbutin, methylarbutin and traces of free hydroquinone Coumarins, such as scopoletin and scopoline Tannins; mainly catechins. Actions: Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, nervine...
Foeniculum vulgare Part Used: The seeds. Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present. Pharmacologically important constituents include volatile oil, major...
Geranium maculatum Part Used: The rhizome. Constituents: Tannins including gallic acid, with the level being highest just before flowering. Actions: Astringent, anti–haemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary. Indications: American Cranesbill...
Tanacetum parthenium Part Used: Leaves. Constituents: Volatile oil, containing pinene and several pinene derivatives, bornylacetate and angelate, costic acid, b-farnesine and spiroketalenol ethers Sesquiterpene lactones; the major one being...
Bellis perennis Compositae Collection:The flowers may be picked between March and October. Part Used: Fresh or dried flower heads. Constituents: Saponins Tannin Essential oil Flavones Bitter principle Mucilage. Actions: Expectorant, astringent...
David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMH