Materials of Medicine

Larrea tridentata, Larrea divaricata (Chaparral, Creosote Bush)

Alkaloids, flavonoids (flavone and flavonol aglycones, dihydroflavonol), quercitin bioflavonoids, protein, resins (Guaiuretic acid lignins including NGDA-nordihydroguaiuretic acid)

Anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-neoplastic, anti-oxidant, choleretic, hypolipidemic, anti-rheumatic

The resin of the plant contains the constituent NGDA that has the anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. The NGDA is both an anti-oxidant, inhibiting the cyclooxygenase and causing a reduction in the prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis. It also inhibits lipoxygenase, again reducing leukotriene synthesis. NDGA has also been shown to reduce histamine and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis from lung tissue and inhibiting the contractile response within lung parenchyma. Another contributor to the anti-inflammatory action of the plant is its ability to act as an anti-oxidant. It thereby stabilizes cell membranes, reducing lipid peroxidation inside the cell. It also lowers serum levels of LDL and VLDL.

Traditionally, Larrea has been used as an immune support and anti-neoplastic. It is used to treat many skin conditions like acne, warts, impetigo, and folliculitis. It has also been used as an anti-neoplastic, especially for melanoma and breast cancers that have broken through to the surface of the skin. This theory has not been born out in some in-vivo studies. NDGA has been shown to protect the chromosome from damage by tumor promoting substances.

Larrea is also bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal and has been used to treat any infectious condition. Frequent dosing is necessary for this action to occur.

It has traditionally been used as a hepatoprotective, however there are some recent reports of spontaneous cases of hepatitis caused by taking Larrea. It should not be used with patients who have liver damage, hepatitis or renal damage.
Contra-indications:

Larrea should not be used in pregnancy, lactation, active hepatitis, hepatic or renal damage. Because of the alkaloids contained in the plant, it should not be taken for more than 8-12 weeks at a time. Taking it for a period of time, discontinuing it for half the time it was taken and then repeating seems to be a safe dosing schedule. Symptoms and liver enzymes should be monitored on a regular basis.

Ligusticum porteri (Osha)

Furanocoumarins, monoterpenes, volatile oils

Anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, diaphoretic

Native Americans used this herb to enhance stamina and protect against illness. Ligusticum is a potent anti-viral, especially indicated for viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. It has immunomodulating , mucolytic and diaphoretic effects. It is also used when residual symptoms of a cough, cold or flu continue to linger. Ligusticum is also indicated for use when a patient has repeated respiratory illnesses occurring in a short period of time. It also alleviates nausea that can accompany a viral illness. It is said to decrease the possibility of secondary bacterial infection due to a local antiseptic effect on the mucous membranes. It is used topically to treat bacterial infections and can be added to sinus lavage formulas.

Mentha piperita/Mentha spicata/Mentha viridis (Peppermint, Spearmint)

Mentha is cultivated throughout the world. There are both black mint, which has violet-colored leaves and stems and a high volatile oil content, and white mint, with green leaves and a milder taste. It is a perennial, growing up to 50 cm tall, quadrangular stems that terminate with a flower spike composed of whorls. The leaves have short petioles, are opposite, ovate to lanceolate with jagged edges. They are rough textured and slightly paler in color on the under side of the leaf. M. Piperita is a hybrid of Mentha spicata and Mentha aquatica (Water Mint).

The Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with Mentha at feasts and adorned tables with sprays of leaves. The cooks used them to flavor sauces and wines. It is listed in the Icelandic Pharmacopoeias of the thirteenth century, came into general use in the medicine of Western Europe in the mid-eighteenth century.

Caffeic acid (rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (apigenine-, diosmetin-, luteolin glycosides, free lipophile methoxylized flavone ), volatile oil (alpha- and beta-pinene, isomenthone, limonene, menthofurane, menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, neomenthol, pulgeone, transabinene hydrate)

The volatile oils and flavonoids give Mentha its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and smooth muscle relaxing abilities. Mentha spicata has a lower content of the volatile oils than piperita, so is more gentle and easier to tolerate for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Analgesic, anti-emetic, anti-microbial, anti-pruritic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-tussive, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, sedative

Mentha is both a diffusive stimulant and relaxant. It is a good smooth muscle relaxer, effective at

Reducing the gas, cramping and bloating associated with IBS. It also is effective in treatment of gastroenteritis, nausea, and emesis. In the treatment of IBS, it may be beneficial to use enteric-coated Mentha to enhance the direct application of constituents to the effected muscle groups. There are some people who will experience exacerbations of GERD from Mentha piperita, and for them Mentha spicata is a better choice. There are some who find that Mentha pip will reduce symptoms of gastric pain, nausea, eructation, and heartburn by reducing gastric emptying time. Mentha piperita has been tested on patients with Cholelithiasis and it both reduces the cholesterol index of bile and the size of the gallstones.

In the nervous system, it is a gentle and mild agent, reducing anxiety and enhancing circulation to all the extremities, including the brain. When applied topically to the temples, it both reduced tension and alleviated the pain of the headache. It is also a good febrifuge and frequently added to teas for this purpose.

Many of the active constituents are also eliminated through the urinary tract, making it a good addition to urinary formulas and teas as a flavoring agent. It will stimulate the release of suppressed urine. It is very beneficial as an addition to the teas for treatment of UTI in children.

When applied topically, it is a valuable anodyne, both cooling and warming, stimulating circulation to the effected area. It is especially beneficial for pain arising from nervous inflammation like neuralgia. It enhances the anodyne capability of Gaultheria (Wintergreen), and is often added to topical ointment and oil. An example of this would be Licrogel, from Scientific Botanicals, which is an ointment for the treatment of Herpetic eruptions that contains Glycyrrhiza and Mentha. It can be swished and swallowed as a tea or tincture for aphthous stomatitis and cuts in the mouth, pharyngitis and cough.

Infusion: 1 tsp/cup water, steep 10 minutes to maximize presence of essential oils, TID or more

Tincture (1:5): 3 – 5 ml TID

Fluid Extract (1:1): 1 – 4 ml TID

Inhalation: 1 Tbl/bowl of hot water or 5 drops essential oil, make a tent and inhale vapor

Topical: Poultice, or infused oil (3 Tbl. Crushed fresh herb added to 8 oz. Olive or safflower oil, cover and keep for 2 – 3 days, strain and store oil for use away from heat and light).