Curcuma longa

PLANT NAME : Curcuma longa

COMMON NAMES : ' OLENA ("yellow") [Hawai'i]; Tumeric [English]; Açafrão-Da-Índia [Portuguese]; Achirilla [Colombia]; Ago, Ango [Samoan, Tongan];.Azafrán De La India [Spanish]; Cu nghe (fresh), Bot nghe (dried) [ Vietnam]; Dilaw [Tagalog]; 'Ena. [Marquesas]; Geelwortel [Holland]; Gelbwurz [Germany]; Gurkemeie [Norway]; Gurkemeje [Denmark]; Gurkmeja [Sweeden]; Haldi [Hindi]; Halodhi [Assami]; Halud [Bengali]; Haridra, Gauri [India]; Hsanwen [Burma]; Kanghwang [Korea]; Keltajuuri [Finland]; Kha min [Thailand]; Klacze kurkumy [Poland]; Kunyit [Malaysia]; Kurcum [Arabia]; Manjal [Tamil]; Manjano [Swahili]; Re'a. [Tahiti]; Renga [Cook Islands]; Romiet [Khmer]; Safran Des Indes [French]; Tœrmerik [Iceland]; Ukon [Japan]; Yuquilla [Costa Rica]; Yu Jin ("constrained gold" - tuber), Jiang Huang ("ginger yellow" - rhizome) [China]; Zholty imbir [Russia]

FAMILY : Zingiberaceae

CATEGORY : Herbs That Invigorate Blood

PROPERTIES : Acrid, bitter. In China the tuber (Yu Jin) is considered cool, and the rhizome (Jiang Huang) is considered warm.

STATUS IN HAWAI'I : Polynesian introduction. No pest factor.

MERIDIAN AFFINITIES : Stomach, Spleen, Liver

PHARMACEUTICAL NAMES : Tuber Curcumae / (Rhizoma) Curcumae Longae

WESTERN FUNCTIONS : Alexeteric [India]; alterative [India]; anodyne [India]; antheimintic [India]; anti fungal [India]; anti-arthritic [India]; antibacterial [India]; antibilious [Chinese]; anticoagulant [Research]; antihelmintic [India]; anti-infectious [Research]; anti-inflammatory [Research]; anti-mutagenic [Research]; antioxidant [Research]; antiperiodic [India]; anti-pyretic [India]; antitumour [Research]; antiviral [India]; aromatic [India]; balsamic [Chinese]; blood cleanser (juiced internal) [Hawai'i, India]; carminative [India]; cholagogue [Brazil, China, India]; depurative [Nepal]; digestiveaid; diuretic [Malaya]; emollient [India]; escharotic; eyecleanser [India]; fumitory; hemostat [China, Hawai'i]; increases intelligence, wisdom, maturity (red on third eye) [India]; lactagogue [Java]; liverprotective [Research]; maintains balance of intestinal flora [India]; metabolism regulator; stimulant [India]; stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes.; stomachic [China]; thermogenic [India]; tonic [India, Malaya]; uterine-stimulant; vulnerary [Philippines]

TRADITIONAL CHINESE ENERGETIC FUNCTIONS:

Invigorates Blood and removes Blood stagnation (rhizome and tuber), invigorates menstrual blood (rhizome), moves Qi & stops pain (rhizome and tuber), clears Hot Phlegm in the Heart channel and Cools the Blood (tuber), expels Wind and leads to the shoulder (rhizome)

OTHER ENERGETIC FUNCTIONS : Decreases Kapha and Vata, increases Pitta.

COMMON MEDICINAL USES : 1) Liver disorders 2) Digestive aid 3) Shoulder pain 4) Sinus and ear problems.

MEDICINAL USES:

COSMETIC

Beauty care treatments [ India]; skin dye [ India]; to remove excess hair (topical) [Research]

CARDIOVASCULAR

Anemia [ India]

Angina pain

Capillary fragility; poor circulation [ India]

DERMATOLOGICAL

Acne pimples [ Hawai'i, India]

Dermatitis, eczema, fungus, itching, psoriasis, rash, & warts [ India]; athlete's foot (paste topical); dermatosis [ Nepal]; impetigo (paste topical)

Diabetic wounds (topical after debridment) [ India]

DIGESTIVE

Abdominalpain (tuber) [ China]; Crohn's disease [ India]; diarrhea [Malaya]; dysentery (fights protozoan parasites) [ Brazil, India, Malaya, Research]; ulcerative colitis [ India]

Hemorroids [ India];

Indigestion, gas, low appetite, obesity [ India];

Added to high-protein meal to benefit digestion and prevent gas. [ India]

ENDOCRINE

Diabetes [ India]

HEAD AND THROAT

Conjunctivitis [ India, Java]; eye infections [Arabia]; eye problems, purulent ophthalmia, sore eyes [ India]

Earaches (juice topical) [ Hawai'i]

Hoarse voice [ India]; inflammation of the tonsils or throat congestion (chewed raw) [ Hawai'i]; pharyngitis, tonsillitis [ India]

Nose growths or odors (juiced topical) [ Hawai'i]; sinusitis [ India]

HEPATIC

Alcohol or acetaminophin induced liver damage (preventive) [ India]; chronic hepatitis [ India]; hepatosis [Malaya]; jaundice and liver problems [ China, India, Java]

Specific for gall bladder infection due to suspected staphylococcus [ India]

INFECTION

Abscess [ India, Java]; chronic sores (tuber topical and internal) [ China]; infections andnon-healing wounds [ Arabia, India]; sores [ Malaya]

Common cold [ China, Hawai'i, India, Java]; fever [ India];

Chronic strep [ India]; tuberculosis [ Hawai'i]; HIV [ India, Research]; smallpox [ Brazil]; tuberculosis [ Hawai'i]

LYMPHATIC

Hodgkin's disease

MUSCULOSKELETAL / TRAUMA

Arthralgia, arthritis, & traumatic arthritis [ India]; bursitis [ China, India]; fibromyalgia; shoulder pain (rhizome) [ China]; sore muscles

Bruising, pain & swelling from trauma (tuber & rhizome, topical and internal) [ Arabia, Brazil, China, Malaya]; wounds [ Arabia, Brazil, India, Java]

Cat scratches [ India];

NEUROLOGICAL

Alzheimer's disease; epileptic seizures (tuber) [ China]; multiplesclerosis

ONCOLOGY

Breast tumors; lung tumors; lymphoma [ India]; skin tumors; stomach tumors

PARASITES

Scabies [ India, Java]

PEDIATRIC

Chickenpox; colic [ Brazil, China]; infant rashes

PSYCHOSPIRITUAL

Anxiety & agitation (tuber) [ China]; hysteria (from "inhaling fumes" - huffing?) [ India]

REPRODUCTIVE

Lack of menses (rhizome) [ China, India, Malaya]; menstrual pain (rhizome or tuber) [ China]

Gonorrhea [ Brazil, Malaya];

RESPIRATORY

Asthma, bronchial asthma, bronchitis [ Arabia, Hawai'i, India]; catarrh [ Brazil]; chestcongestion [ China]; coughs [ Arabia, India]

Hay fever

URINARY

Edema [India]; gravel [Java]; kidney failure [India]; urogenital disorders [India, Malaya]; white blood cells in the urine [Java]

VETERINARY

Used in Trinidad and Tobago for ruminants having endoparasites .

Also for injuries and pregnancy-related conditions in animals.

OTHER MEDICINAL USES

Chest, flank, or abdominal pain (rhizome or tuber) [ China]; colic from use of cathartics [Michael Moore]; insect bites [ India]; leech bite [ Brazil]; parturition [Java];

USE AS FOOD: A major component of curry powder. Sometimes used as an adulterant of mustard.

OTHER USES:

* Used to make yellow-orange dyes in ancient Greece and to color kapa cloth in Hawai'i.

* Used with sandal wood paste in pre-marital bathing rituals.

* In India it is used to stretch the ligaments to benefit the practice of yoga.

ESSENTIAL OIL : Perfume component.

PLANT PART USED : Tuber and rhizome

CONSTITUENTS

It contains powerful antioxidant phytonutrients known as curcuminoids. The active constituent is curcumin, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation by reducing histimine levels and possibly increasing natural adrenal corticoids. Although curcumin is not soluble in water, it is suspected that its' metabolites may be therapeutically active and responsible for its' medicinal effects .Other constituents include volatile oils 4-14% (turmerone, atlantone, zingiberone), sugars, resins, protein, vitamin C, & minerals.

TOXICITY

Known to be safe in low and moderate doses. Some sources state that curcumin is not toxic to humans up to 8,000 mg/day orally for 90 days. In mice, 100 mg/kg/day for 90 days dose of C. longa ethanol extracts had no serious side effects.Toxicity studies in rats have demonstrated

that turmeric is without side effects in doses up to 5g/kg

CAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

Not in pregnancy.

May be hepatotoxic in mice at cancer-prevention doses. (Mice are more susceptible than rats.) [Research]

Not with acute jaundice, hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, or gall stones. (Note: in China, the tuber Yu Jin is considered cooling and is used for Damp Heat jaundice... your call....)

High doses may aggravate the GI system. Not with gastric ulcers or hyperacidity.

In China the tuber is not used with Eugenia caryophyllata (Ding Xiang).

Will stain anything within reach.

ENERGETIC CAUTIONS : Not in excess pitta. Not with Liver or Gall Bladder Heat (see "Cautions", above.)

POSSIBLE DRUG INTERACTIONS: May potentiate aspirin, Coumadin (Warfarin), Persantin, or Heparin

PREPARATION OF MEDICINE

Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol]. Infused, decocted, prepared fresh, dried and powdered

For increased absorbtion, some naturopaths recommend taking Tumeric with Bromelain 20 minutes before meals; or, with essential fatty acids, lecithin, or fish oil during meals. Juice should be refrigerated and used within two weeks. (If you chew on it raw and look at your mouth in a mirror... you'll be suprised... )

DOSAGE

In formula 5 - 10 grams in decoction

Consider using 1,200 mg/day of dry, powdered curcumin in divided doses.

1 teaspoon of powder in water or juice..

CLINICAL COMBINATIONS

* With Azadirachta indica (Neem) paste topical for scabies [Research]

* Antifungal with aloe vera [ India]

* Tuber with Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao), Cyperus rotundus (Xiang Fu) Bupleurum chinense (Chai Hu) or Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui), for menstrual pain. [ China]

* Rhizome with tuber for torso pain.

* Tuber with Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan Shen) chest pain from heart disease.. [ China]

* Tuber with Desmodium styracifolium (Jin qian cao) for urinary stones.. [ China]

TRADITIONAL COMBINATIONS

* Juice snorted with Alaea (Iron Oxide) & Pa'akai (Sea Salt) for sinusitis. (An experience you will never forget...)

* Internally with honey for vaginal discharge, or topical for bruise, sprains, or itch. [ India]:

* With milk internally to tonify the skin. [ India]

* Topical for bruises or sprains (crushed rhizome): With rum, salt, Siparuna guianensis (leaves), Justicia pectoralis (leaves) [Creole]. Or with honey or Aloe gel [ India]

* Rhizome with Cinnamomum cassia (Rou Gui) for painful menses and post partum pain. [ China]

* Rhizome with Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi), Cinnamomum cassia (Gui Zhi), Ledebouriella divaricata (Fang Feng) or Notopterygium incisum (Qiang Huo) for shoulder pain. [ China]

RANGE : Hawai'i , India, China, Philippines, Java, Malaya, Nepal, Brazil

HABITAT : Wet, shady, rich soil.. Up to 3000' in Hawai'i

GATHERING : Any time.

PROPAGATION & CULTIVATION : 'Olena dies back in winter, so mark where you've planted it if you want to partake during Makihiki (winter) season.

RESEARCH

* Curcumin is immunostimulatory in mice

* Smokers who used Tumeric daily for one month had less urinary excretion of mutagens than did controls.

* Of 150 medicinal herbs tested, Curcuma longa was among the 6 best in terms of binding to progesterone and estradiol receptors in human breast cancer .

* A lipopolysaccharide isolated from Turmeric may stimulate immune system activity and prevent tumor formation.

* Inhibits a harmful eicosanoid (PGE-2), a chemical which promotes cancer

* May inhibit squamous cell carcinoma and gall-stone formation

* Curcumin shares similar liver protection characteristics with silymarin.

* Activates heme synthesis in the liver & cytochrome P-450 detoxification.

* Curcumin increases the production of glutathione, and may be useful for conditions of

"impaired detoxification".

* Extract lowers cholesterol and bilirubin.

* Curcumin is neuroprotective for ethanol-induced brain damage in mice. (Give Mickey another round...)

* Creates faster closure of wounds

* Ischemia induced damage is reduced by pretreatment with curcumin in cats.

* May inhibit "LTR" (long terminal repeat) sequence in HIV, which is important for viral functioning.

* In Trinidad, the Indian population eats large amounts of Tumeric in curry while the African population does not. Persons of African descent in Trinidad are 10 times more likely to have HIV than persons of Indian descent. This may be due to genetics or it may be dietary.

NOTES 'N QUOTES

* 'Olena is listed in an Assyrian herbal written around 600 BC.

* Tumeric is native to India and Indonesia. India, which produces and consumes almost all of the whole world's Tumeric has a history of use dating back almost 4000 years.

* In India, Tumeric is stored in 20' deep pits and can last as long as 3 to 4 years.

* It is thought to bestow the energy of the Divine Mother, cleanse the chakras, and is considered a symbol of prosperity in Ayurvedic medicine.

* Tumeric juice used as a " tikal" (orange dot) on the third eye is thought to increase intelligence, maturity, and wisdom.

* Traditionally in Hawai'i, 'Olena was thougt to have much Mana (spiritual power) and was mixed with Pa'akai (Sea Salt) and sprinkled with a La'i (Cordyline fruiticosa) leaf in ceremonies to purify people and homes.

* In the 1870's, turmeric was used to test the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of substances. Alkaline substances would turn the orange tumeric powder brown.

* A potent snakebite antivenom is made in Brazil from Curcuma longa.

* Marco Polo described the similarities of Turmeric to Saffron in 1280.

* "Roots: Curcumœ. Of Turmerick, hot in the third degree, opens obstructions, is profitable against the yellow jaundice, and cold distemper of the liver and spleen, half a dram being taken at night going to bed in the pulp of a roasted apple, and if you add a little saffron to it, it will be the better by far." - - Nicholas Culpepper

* A paste is used to plug radiator leaks in cars.

* And just in case you were wondering... Curcuma longa is believed to ward off snakes, ghosts, evil spirits and used as a paste to repel crocodiles. (It is not yet known if it repels telemarketers.)

Green Tea

( Latin name: Camellia sinensis, Other name: Chinese Tea )

A Remedy For

Although Green Tea has not been officially recognized as a medicinal agent, it is known to be effective against diarrhea and upset stomach, while boosting mood and energy. Used as a mouthwash, it fights cavities and plaque. There's also increasing evidence of its ability to fend off certain types of cancer, particularly cancer of the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, breast, lung, and pancreas.

What It Is; Why It Works
Green Tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system, and tannins, which combat diarrhea. Taken in moderation, it settles the stomach and has mild stimulant effects. In excess, it can cause insomnia and digestive problems.
   Green Tea's cancer-fighting properties have been verified in two recent studies. In China, researchers found that as tea consumption increased, the risk of cancer declined. Women who drank the most tea enjoyed a 33 percent reduction in the risk of colon cancer, a 43 percent reduction in the risk of rectal cancer, and a 47 percent reduction in the risk of pancreatic cancer. In Japan, a study of 472 breast cancer patients revealed a significant drop in the rate of recurrence among those drinking 5 or more cups of Green Tea daily.
   Green and black tea come from the same plant and differ only in their method of production. Green Tea is dried for a shorter time, and is heated sooner to prevent fermentation. Green Tea is produced in China and Japan; black tea comes from India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. The plant is also cultivated in Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Malawi, and Argentina.

Avoid If...
Take Green Tea cautiously if you have a weak heart, kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, a susceptibility to spasms, or a tendency to anxiety or panic attacks.

Special Cautions
If you have a sensitive stomach, Green Tea may cause acid stomach, stomach irritation, and poor appetite. Intake of large quantities can lead to constipation or diarrhea. Adding milk to the tea will usually eliminate these side effects by reducing the potency of the tannins.

Possible Drug Interactions
Green Tea interferes with absorption of alkaline medications. If you are taking any medicines, check with your doctor before taking Green Tea.

Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Because of its caffeine content, you may want to restrict your intake of Green Tea to no more than 5 cups daily during pregnancy. Although most studies show no harm to the developing baby, some evidence links slower fetal growth to daily intake of 400 milligrams or more of caffeine (6 or more cups of tea). Excessive caffeine intake may also increase the risk of late first or second trimester miscarriage.
   Nursing mothers should drink little, if any, Green Tea because, like other beverages containing caffeine, it can cause sleep disorders in infants.

How To Prepare
To prepare as a beverage, steep a teabag or teaspoon of tea for 3 to 10 minutes. When taking Green Tea for diarrhea, allow extra time. The longer Green Tea brews, the stronger its antidiarrheal effect.
   Commercial extracts of Green Tea are available in tablet and capsule form.

Typical Dosage
The usual recommendation is 3 to 4 cups of tea a day. If you are taking Green Tea extract, a dosage of 300 to 400 milligrams is typical. Because potency may vary, follow the manufacturer's instructions whenever available.

Overdosage
Doses of 300 milligrams of caffeine (about 5 cups of tea) can cause restlessness, tremors, and exaggerated reflexes. The first signs of outright poisoning are vomiting and abdominal spasms.
   It's impossible to drink enough tea to be fatal. However, regular daily intake of excessive doses (1,500 milligrams of caffeine, or 25 cups of tea) will result in irritability, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and headache.

STYRAX JAPONICUS ( Japanese Snowbell)

 INTRODUCTION

Japanese Snowbell is a small deciduous tree that slowly grows from 20 to 30 feet in

height and has rounded canopy with a horizontal branching pattern (Fig. 1). With lower branches removed, it forms a more vase-shaped patio-sized shade tree. The smooth,

attractive bark has orange-brown interlacing fissures adding winter interest to any landscape. The white, bell-shaped, drooping flower clusters of Japanese Snowbell are quite showy in May to June.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Scientific name: Styrax japonicus

Pronunciation: STY-racks juh-PAWN-ih-kuss

Common name(s): Japanese Snowbell

Family: Styracaceae

USDA hardiness zones: 6 through 8A

Origin: not native to North America

Uses: container or above-ground planter; large parking lot islands (> 200 square feet in size); wide

tree lawns (>6 feet wide); medium-sized parking lot islands (100-200 square feet in size); medium-sized

tree lawns (4-6 feet wide); recommended for buffer strips around parking lots or for median strip plantings in the highway; near a deck or patio; trainable as a standard; small parking lot islands (< 100 square feet in size); narrow tree lawns (3-4 feet wide); specimen; sidewalk cutout ( tree pit); residential street tree; no proven urban tolerance

Availability: grown in small quantities by a small number of nurseries

DESCRIPTION

Height: 20 to 30 feet

Spread: 15 to 25 feet

Crown uniformity: symmetrical canopy with a regular (or smooth) outline, and individuals have more or less identical crown forms

Crown shape: round; vase shape

Crown density: moderate

Growth rate: slow

Texture: medium

Foliage

Figure 2. Shaded area represents potential planting range.

Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. 3)

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: entire; serrate; sinuate

Leaf shape: elliptic (oval); oblong

Leaf venation: banchidodrome; pinnate

Leaf type and persistence: deciduous

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches; less than 2 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: red; yellow

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: white

Flower characteristics: showy; spring flowering; summer flowering

Fruit

Fruit shape: oval; round

Fruit length: .5 to 1 inch; < .5 inch

Fruit covering: fleshy

Fruit color: green

Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; inconspicuous and not showy; no

Significant litter problem; persistent on the tree

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: droop as the tree grows, and will require pruning for vehicular or pedestrian clearance beneath the canopy; routinely grown with, or trainable to be grown with, multiple trunks; showy trunk; no thorns

Pruning requirement: needs little pruning to develop a strong structure

Breakage: resistant

Current year twig color: green

Current year twig thickness: thin

Culture

Light requirement: tree grows in part shade/part sun;

tree grows in full sun

Soil tolerances: clay; loam; sand; slightly alkaline;

acidic; well-drained

Drought tolerance: moderate

Aerosol salt tolerance: moderate

Soil salt tolerance: poor

Other

Roots: surface roots are usually not a problem

Winter interest: tree has winter interest due to unusual form, nice persistent fruits, showy winter trunk, or winter flowers

Outstanding tree: tree has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more

Invasive potential: little, if any, potential at this time

Pest resistance: no pests are normally seen on the tree

USE AND MANAGEMENT

Styrax species is an excellent small patio tree where the flowers and interesting bark can be viewed up close; however, the flowers attract tremendous numbers of bees and one should be cautious about approaching the plant at that time. Japanese Snowbell

also makes a wonderful addition to the mixed shrubbery border. Due to its small stature and vase- shape, it can make a nice street tree where overhead space is limited. The fruit is somewhat showy and may cause a small litter problem for a short time in the fall. Fall leaf color is unreliable. Snowbell prefers a peaty, acid soil that is moist but not

waterlogged. In colder areas (USDA hardiness zone 5), locate this tree in an area protected from winter winds. Plants grow better with a couple hours

of shade in USDA hardiness zones 7 and 8 but full sun is fine in the North. Cultivars include: ‘Carillon’ is hardy only to zone 6, grows about one-foot per year and has a

weeping habit, can be staked to encourage weeping habit; ‘Crystal’ - upright to fastigiated habit, black green foliage, crisp white flowers with purple pedicels (zone 5); ‘Issai’ - cold hardy to zone 6, grows faster that species and roots easily; ‘Pink Chimes’- pink flowers, cold hardy to zone 6. Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer. Seeds eventually germinate but exhibit a double dormancy.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases of major concern. Ambrosia beetle can attack and lead to further decline of stressed plants.

Feverfew - Tanacetum parthenium

Other Common Names: Altamisa De Castilla, Amargosa, Featherfoil, Midsummer Daisy, Manzanilla, Matricaria, Varadika, Tanacetum parthenium

Range: Colombia; Dominican Republic; Mexico; S.E. Europe to Asia; Spain; Turkey; USA; Venezuela

Habitat: Mountain scrub, rocky slopes, walls, waste places and a weed of gardens, avoiding acid soils.

Feverfew (a corruption of Febrifuge, from its tonic and fever-dispelling properties) is a composite plant growing in every hedgerow, with numerous, small, daisy-like heads of yellow flowers with outer white rays, the central yellow florets being arranged on a nearly flat receptacle, not conical as in the chamomiles. The whole plant has a strong and bitter smell, and is particularly disliked by bees.

Feverfew has gained a good reputation as a medicinal herb and extensive research since 1970 has proved it to be of special benefit in the treatment of certain types of migraine headaches and rheumatism. It is also thought of as a herb for treating arthritis and rheumatism.

The leaves and flowering heads are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aperient, bitter, carminative, emmenagogue, sedative, stimulant, stings, stomachic, vasodilator and vermifuge. The plant is gathered as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use. Use with caution, the fresh leaves can cause dermatitis and mouth ulcers if consumed. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women.

A tea made from the whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, colds, fevers etc. It is said to be sedative and to regulate menses. An infusion is used to bathe swollen feet.

Applied externally as a tincture, the plant is used in the treatment of bruises etc.

Chewing 1 - 4 leaves per day has proven to be effective in the treatment of some migraine headaches.

The dried flower buds are a source of an insecticide. They are said to have the same properties as pyrethrum (obtained mainly from T. cinerariifolia). Steep 1 cupful of the dried flowers in one litre of hot soapy water for an hour. Strain, then allow to cool slightly before use.

EXTRA INFORMATION

Botanic Name Tanacetum parthenium (Chrysanthenum parthenium)

Common Name Feverfew, Pyrethrum parthenium, Featherfew, Featherfoil, Flirtwort, Bachelors buttons

Family Asteracea

Parts Used Herb

Habitat Dry soils, waste places, road sides. Introduced from Europe, feverfew is now a common garden plant. It can be cultivated in all regions of Australia and New Zealand.

Constituents Sesquiterpene lactones (including parthenolide, canin, artecanin, epoxyartemorin)

Sesquiterpenes (including camphor, beta-farnesene, and germacrene)

Monoterpenes

Spiroketal enol ether polyines

Actions Migraine prophylactic , Anti-inflammatory , Vaso-dilatory , Relaxant

Digestive bitter , Uterine stimulant

Applications Migraines of the vasoconstrictive type , Prophylaxis of

migraines,Arthritis in the active inflammatory stage , Vertigo, tinnitus

and other head,disorders relieved by heat , Sluggish mentrual flow and

congestive ,dysmenorrhoea , After labour to hasten cleansing and

toning of the womb

Dosage Medium dose herb Tablet 50 – 200 mg daily

Combinations  

C/I Cautions Pregnancy . Occasional side effects such as mouth ulceration or gastric

disturbances have been observed in 6 – 15% of users usually in the

first week of use.There are no known adverse affects in long-term

consumption.

BHP S/I Round or threadworm infestations in children