Materials of Medicine
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Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus)Family: Myrtaceae Habitat/Botanical Description: The leaves are sword shaped, 10 – 15 cm long and about 3 cm wide. They are a blue green color, short stalked and rounded at the base with numerous transparent oil glands. The tree attains great heights (even more than 400’) and has a light brown bark and long swaying branches. Part Used: Leaves Active Constituents: Flavonoids, polyphenolic acids, volatile oil (eucalyptol) Medicinal Actions: Antimicrobial, antispasmodic, expectorant (relaxing) stimulant, stimulating Medicinal Uses: Eucalyptus is used most often as a stem inhalation and inhaled into the respiratory passages to reduce spasm and promote drainage from congested sinuses. Due to the anti-microbial action of the volatile oils, it also has an antiseptic action for any respiratory/sinus infection bacterial or viral. The oil may be used as a rubefacient, promoting circulation, and decongesting tissues. Eucalyptus oil is toxic if taken internally causing kidney irritation and damage, then CNS depression and respiratory paralysis. If used externally, Eucalyptus essential oil is a powerful antiseptic. The safest form for application is as an inhalant or if used in emollient or ointment form topically (think Vick’s Vaporub). It may also be added to muscle rubs to reduce inflammation and pain. It is considered to be cooling. In aromatherapy, it is used to promote mental clarity and alertness, reduce mental fatigue and is considered to be reviving, refreshing, energizing and stimulating. Contraindications: None Toxicity: The essential oil is toxic internally, causing damage to the renal glomerular and tubular structures. Drug Interactions: None Pharmacy: Steam Inhalation: 2 – 5 drops oil per 2 – 3 cups water 1 Tbl crushed leaves per 3 cups water Topical Oil: Eucalyptus 1 part: Carrier Oil 10 parts Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset)Family: Compositae or Asteraceae Part Used: Aerial parts (leaf, bud and flower) Active Constituents: Flavonoid (eupatorin), sequiterpene lactones, tannins, volatile oil Medicinal Actions: Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, emetic, laxative (aperient), stomachic Medicinal Uses: Influenza is the best known illness treated with Eupatorium. It became well known as a treatment during the epidemic of the early 1900's. It relieves the deep muscle and bone ache and the fever associated with flu. It is one of the most potent of the diaphoretics, and should always be given with extra fluid because of that action. Eupatorium may have some mucolytic action, lessening mucous production in flus or colds. This herb is normally used to treat acute conditions. It has exhibited anti-bacterial activity against E. coli and Staph aureus. Because of this, it is included in many urinary formulas. It is also a digestive bitter, stimulating HCl and aiding in digestion for hypochlorhydric patients. Large doses can be emetic. Traditionally, it was used by Plains Indians to treat aching joints and aid in the healing of broken bones. It tends to have an uplifting or opening action on the head area, so is useful in headaches that create a sense of dullness or heaviness along with the pain.
Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright)[ Family: Scrophulariaceae Habitat/Botanical Description: Grown in meadows and grassy areas throughout North America and Europe. It is a semi parasitic plant with a square leafy stem, that may be simple or branced. The leaves are opposite, ovate, downy, strongly ribbed and furrowed. The flowers are ancillary, solitary, abundant and inodorous with brilliant color that ranges from white to purple and yellow. Part Used: Aerial, gathered when blooming Active Constituents: Bitter principle, fatty acids, flavonoids (rutin, quercitin), glycosides (aucuboside, aucubin), nutrients (vitamin C, carotenoids, choline), oils, phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, ferulic acid), sterols, tannins, volatile oil Medicinal Actions: Anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, astringent, vasoconstrictor Medicinal Uses: Euphrasia is an efficient anti-catarrhal for the upper respiratory system and for the eyes. This is produced by the combination of anti-inflammatory and astringent actions of the herb. It is indicated for treatment of all types of eye infection and inflammation and to reduce the effect and shorten healing time for injuries to the eye or tissue around the eye. Congestive conditions of the eye with profuse lacrimation respond well to Euphrasia internally and externally as a poultice or eye wash. It is also an effective treatment for upper respiratory congestion and catarrh that may occur with allergies, colds, cough, hoarseness and sinus infection with headache. The specific indications for Euphrasia include profuse watery secretion with pain, burning, sneezing, acute inflammation or irritation. It may also be indicated to treat a cold that causes a secondary Otitis, due to blockage of the Eustachian tube. It may be used to treat any condition that includes congestion of the sinuses and nasal mucosa. It combines well with other herbs. Contraindications: None Toxicity: None Drug Interactions: None Pharmacy: Infusion: 1 tsp/cup water TID – 6 X day Tincture (1:5): 3 – 5 ml TID – QID Fluid Extract (1:2): 1 – 3 ml TID – QID Compress: 1 tsp. herb in 1-pint water, simmer 10 minutes, cool. Moisten compress in lukewarm liquid and place over eyes for 15 – 20 minutes.
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