118 B Handbook of Medicinal Herbs Indications (Brewer’s Yeast) — Acne (2; PH2); Anorexia (2; PH2); Bacteria (1; PH2); Constipation (f; PH2); Dermatosis (f; PH2); Dyspepsia (2; PH2); Eczema (2; PH2); Furuncle (2; PH2); Immunodepression (1; PH2); Infection (f; PH2); Itch (f; PH2) Dosages (Brewer’s Yeast) — g/day (PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Brewer’s Yeast) — Not covered (AHP) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) Overdoses may cause allergy (exanthema, itch, Quinck’s disease, urticaria), gas, and in susceptible people, migraine (PH2) May be hypertensive if administered simultaneously with MAO-Inhibitors BRITISH ELECAMPANE (Inula britannica L.) ++ Synonym — Inula japonica Thunb Activities (British Elecampane) — Antiviral (1; PH2); cAMP-Phosphodiesterase-Inhibitor (1; PH2); Depurative (f; PH2); Emetic (f; PH2); Secretolytic (f; PH2) Indications (British Elecampane) — Cough (f; PH2); Diaphragmosis (f; PH2); Herpes (1; PH2); Infection (1; PH2); Nausea (f; PH2); Pulmonosis (f; PH2); Urethrosis (f; PH2); Virus (1; PH2) Dosages (British Elecampane) — 3–9 g flower in decoction in sealed sachet (PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (British Elecampane) — Not covered (AHP) “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) Sesquiterpene lactones with exocyclic methylene groups often irritant and sensitizing (PH2) BROCCOLI (Brassica oleracea L var italica Plenck) +++ (Asparagus Broccoli, Cape Broccoli, Heading Broccoli, Sprouting Broccoli, Winter Broccoli) If broccoli is the master antioxidant, kale is a contender, challenging “anything you can do, I can better.” According to JNU, kale has seven times more beta-carotene than broccoli, ~11 times more lutein, more vitamin K (one-half cup cooked kale providing 600% of the daily value), and the highest ORAC score of any veggie Activities (Broccoli) — Antiatherosclerotic (1; SN159:391); Antibacterial (1; WO2); Antimaculitic (1; JNU); Antinitrosaminic (1; JNU); Antinyctalopic (1; JNU); Antiproliferant (1; JNU); Antioxidant (1; JN126:2098); Antiradicular (1; JN126:2098); Antiretinitic (1; JNU); Antitumor, breast (1; PS131:95; JNU); Antitumor, colon (1; ACN71:575; JNU); Antitumor, lung (1; JNU); Antitumor, skin (1; JNU); Antiviral (1; JNU); Detoxicant (1; JNU); Estrogenic (1; JNU); GlucuronidaseInhibitor (1; M11); Goitrogenic (1; WO2); Hypocholesterolemic (1; JNU); Prooxidant (1; JAF44:2096); Quinone-Reductase-Inducer (1; PS131:95) Indications (Broccoli) — Atherosclerosis (1; SN159:391); Bacteria (1; WO2); Cancer, bladder (1; JNU); Cancer, breast (1; JNU); Cancer, cervix (1; JNU); Cancer, colon (1; JNU); Cancer, liver (1; JNU); Cancer, lung (1; JNU); Cancer, prostate (1; JNU); Cancer, skin (1; JNU); Cardiopathy (1; SN159:391); High Cholesterol (1; JNU); Maculosis (1; JNU); Nyctalopia (1; JNU); Papilloma (1; JNU); Stroke (1; JNU); Tumor, breast (1; PS131:95; JNU); Tumor, colon (1; ACN71:575; JNU); Tumor, lung (1; JNU); Tumor, skin (1; JNU); Virus (1; JNU) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 119 Dosages (Broccoli) — Food farmacy; eat some almost every day, but don’t overdo it Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Broccoli) — Not covered (AHP; KOM; PH2) In huge quantities, glucosinolate/isothiocyanate containing crucifers might upset the thyroid And in huge doses, hard to get dietarily, indole-3-carbinol might stimulate breast cancer rather than prevent it, because it does so at levels reasonably attainable through dietary consumption of crucifers (Brassicaceae) BROMELAIN (from Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) + See Pineapple Activities (Bromelain) — Antiaggregant (2; KOM); Antibacterial (1; BGB); Antiedemic (2; BGB; KOM); Antiinflammatory (1; APA; BGB); Antitumor (1; BGB); Digestive (1; APA); Fibrinolytic (1; BGB); Proteolytic (1; APA) Indications (Bromelain) — Bacteria (1; BGB); Burn (1; BGB); Cancer (1; APA; BGB); Diarrhea (1; APA; BGB); Dysmenorrhea (f; APA); Dyspepsia (1; BGB); Edema (2; BGB; KOM); Exocrine Hepatic Insufficiency (f; BGB); Inflammation (1; APA; BGB); Nasal Parasinusosis (2; KOM); Pain (1; APA); Swelling (2; APA; BGB; KOM); Thrombophlebitis (f; APA); Tumor (1; BGB); Ulcer (1; APA); Varicosis (f; APA); Wound (1; APA; BGB) Dosages (Bromelain) — 250–500 mg ×/day (APA); 80–320 mg bromelain/day (KOM) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Bromelain) — Contraindications: some people may be allergic to Bromelain Side effects: allergy, diarrhea, GI problems (KOM) May augment antiaggregant or anticoagulant activity of other blood thinners (KOM) May increase blood and urinary levels of tetracyclines (KOM) This is the only case of Fleming et al., missing a Blumenthal et al Commission E–approved drug, the American food plant, pineapple, with its proteolytic bromelain, a very active compound indeed BROOKLIME (Veronica beccabunga L.) ++ Activities (Brooklime) — Alterative (f; EFS); Antipyretic (f; FEL); Antiscorbutic (f; FEL); Aperitif (f; EFS; WOI); Depurative (f; EFS); Diuretic (f; EFS; PH2); Emmenagogue (f; FEL); Litholytic (f; WOI) Indications (Brooklime) — Amenorrhea (f; FEL); Anorexia (f; EFS; WOI); Bladder Stone (f; WOI); Bleeding (f; HH2); Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, anus (f; JLH); Condyloma (f; JLH); Constipation (f; PH2); Cough (f; FEL); Cystosis (f; WOI); Dermatosis (f; HH2; WOI); Dysentery (f; HH2; PH2); Dyspepsia (f; FEL); Fever (f; FEL); Gallstone (f; HH2); Gingivosis (f; PH2); Hepatosis (f; PH2); Odontosis (f; HH2); Proctosis (f; JLH); Pulmonosis (f; HH2; PH2); Scrofula (f; EFS; HH2); Stone (f; WOI); Swelling (f; JLH); Water Retention (f; EFS; PH2); Whitlow (f; JLH) Dosages (Brooklime) — Food farmacy; shoots eaten like cress (JAD) Decoction may be eaten freely (FEL) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Brooklime) — Not covered (AHP) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD) LD50 (unspecific extract) 681 mg/kg ipr mouse (HH2); 1000 mg/kg ipr rat (HH2) B 120 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs BROOM CORN (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) ++ B Synonym — See USDA (GRIN) for long list of synonyms Activities (Broom Corn) — Antiabortive (f; BIB); Aperitif (f; KAB); Aphrodisiac (f; KAB); Cyanogenic (1; WOI); Demulcent (f; BIB; KAB; PH2; WOI); Depurative (f; KAB); Diuretic (f; BIB; KAB; WOI); Emollient (f; BIB); Stomachic (f; LMP); Vermifuge (f; WBB) Indications (Broom Corn) — Anorexia (f; KAB); Biliousness (f; KAB); Bleeding (f; BIB); Bronchosis (f; JFM); Burn (f; JLH; TOM); Cancer (f; JLH; KAB); Congestion (f; JFM); Cough (f; JFM); Cystosis (f; FEL; KAB); Debility (f; BIB); Dermatosis (f; WBB); Diarrhea (f; JFM; WBB); Dyspepsia (f; PH2); Dysuria (f; BIB; KAB); Eczema (f; WBB); Epilepsy (f; BIB); Flu (f; BIB); Goiter (f; JFM); Hemorrhoid (f; KAB); Malaria (f; WBB); Mastosis (f; WBB); Measles (f; BIB; JFM); Nephrosis (f; BIB; KAB; TOM); Pulmonosis (f; JFM); Stomachache (f; BIB); Swelling (f; WBB); Tuberculosis (f; BIB; WBB); Water Retention (f; BIB; KAB; WOI); Worm (f; WBB) Dosages (Broom Corn) — Decoct tbsp powdered toasted seed (JFM); decoct oz seed/quart water for cystosis (FEL) Molasses, derived from the seeds, was used with sulfur as a spring tonic in rural Alabama (TOM) I remember my dad and mom talking about it, but don’t know that they ever tonified me therewith Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Broom Corn) — Not covered (AHP) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD) Cyanide poisoning can occur in grazing animals overgrazing the foliage, especially wilted foliage (WOI) BROWN KELP (Macrocystis pyrifera C Agardh) ++ Activities (Brown Kelp) — Antiobesity (f; PH2) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 121 Indications (Brown Kelp) — High Blood Pressure (f; PH2); Obesity (f; PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Brown Kelp) — Not covered (AHP; KOM) “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD) Not for use in thyropathic-prone families; more than 300 µg/day may cause hyperthyroidism If the alga contains 0.3% (between the 0.1 and 0.5% cited by PH2), then a gram of wet alga (assuming 90% water) would give you that flagged dangerous dose (300 µg/day) BRUSSELS SPROUTS (Brassica oleracea L var gemmifera Zenker) +++ Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower are lightly colored lightweights compared to heavyweights broccoli, the “master antioxidant,” and kale, the challenging contender But vary your crucifer like you vary your fruits, nuts, whole grains, and herbs Activities (Brussels Sprouts) — Antiatherosclerotic (1; SN159:391); Antimaculitic (1; JNU); Antinitrosaminic (1; JNU); Antinyctalopic (1; JNU); Antiproliferant (1; JNU); Antioxidant (JN126:2098); Antiradicular (JN126:2098; Antiretinitic (1; JNU); Antitumor, breast (1; PS131:95; JNU); Antitumor, colon (1; ACN71:575; JNU); Antitumor, lung (1; JNU); Antitumor, skin (1; JNU); Antiviral (1; JNU); Detoxicant (1; JNU); Estrogenic (1; JNU); Glucuronidase-Inhibitor (1; M11); Goitrogenic (1; WO2); Hypocholesterolemic (1; JNU); Prooxidant (1; JAF44:2096); QuinoneReductase-Inducer (1; PS131:95) Indications (Brussels Sprouts) — Atherosclerosis (1; SN159:391); Cancer, bladder (1; JNU); Cancer, breast (1; JNU); Cancer, cervix (1; JNU); Cancer, colon (1; JNU); Cancer, liver (1; JLH; JNU); Cancer, lung (1; JNU); Cancer, prostate (1; JNU); Cancer, skin (1; JNU); Cardiopathy (1; SN159:391); Hepatosis (f; JLH); High Cholesterol (1; JNU); Maculosis (1; JNU); Nyctalopia (1; JNU); Papilloma (1; JNU); Sclerosis (f; JLH); Stroke (1; JNU); Tumor, breast (1; PS131:95; JNU); Tumor, colon (1; ACN71:575; JNU); Tumor, lung (1; JNU); Tumor, skin (1; JNU); Virus (1; JNU) Dosages (Brussels Sprouts) — Food farmacy; eat some almost every day but don’t overdo it Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Brussels Sprouts) — Not covered (AHP; KOM; PH2) In huge quantities, glucosinolate/isothiocyanate-containing crucifers might upset the thyroid And in huge doses, hard to get dietarily, indole-3-carbinol might stimulate breast cancer rather than prevent it, because it does so at levels reasonably attainable through dietary consumption of crucifers (Brassicaceae) BUCHU (Agathosma betulina (P J Bergius) Pillans) + Synonym — Barosma betulina (P J Bergius) Bartl & H L Wendl., Hartogia betulina P J Bergius, Parapetalifera betulina (P J Bergius) W Y Young PH2 treats B betulina, B crenulata, and B serratifolia as “Short Buchu,” but PH2 data in FNF were more specific to B betulina Activities (Buchu) — Adaptogen (f; VAG); Antiseptic (1; APA; CAN; CRC; PH2; VVG); Antispasmodic (f; VAG); Aperitif (1; VAG); Carminative (1; CRC; VAG); Digestive (f; APA); Diuretic (1; APA; CAN; CRC; PH2; VVG); Laxative (1; VAG); Panacea (f; WBB); Stimulant (f; CRC; WBB); Stomachic (f; CRC; WBB); Tonic (f; APA); Urinary Antiseptic (1; APA; CAN; VVG) Indications (Buchu) — Adenopathy (f; PH2); Anorexia (1; VAG); Bruise (f; APA; CRC; VVG; ZUL); Calculosis (f; CRC; WBB); Cardiopathy (f; APA); Catarrh (f; CAN; CRC; WBB); Chole- B 122 B Handbook of Medicinal Herbs cystosis (f; CRC); Cholera (f; CRC; WBB); Cold (f; VAG); Constipation (1; VAG); Cramp (f; VAG); Cystosis (1; APA; CAN; CRC; PH2; VAG); Dropsy (f; CRC; WBB); Dyspepsia (f; VVG); Flu (f; VAG); Gas (1; CRC; VAG); Gastrosis (f; VVG); Gout (f; CRC; PH2; WBB); Hangover (f; VAG); Hematuria (f; CRC; WBB); High Blood Pressure (f; APA); Inflammation (f; APA); Kidney Stone (f; APA); Nephrosis (f; VVG; ZUL); Pain (f; ZUL); PMS (f; APA); Prostatosis (1; CAN; CRC; PH2; VAG; WBB); Rheumatism (f; CRC; PH2; VVG; WBB; ZUL); Stomach Problem (f; VVG); Urethrosis (1; CAN; CRC; WBB); UTI (1; APA; PH2; VVG; ZUL); VD (f; APA); Water Retention (1; APA; CAN; CRC; PH2; VVG); Wound (1; APA; VVG) Dosages (Buchu) — tsp leaf/cup water up to several ×/day (APA); 10–30 drops extract in water or juice (APA); 1–2 g dry leaf as tea, ×/day (CAN); 2–4 ml leaf tincture (1:5 in 60% ethanol) (CAN); 2–4 ml leaf tincture (PNC); 4–8 ml concentrated leaf infusion (PNC); 2–4 ml liquid leaf extract (PNC); 0.3–1.2 ml liquid leaf extract (1:1 in 90% ethanol) (CAN) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Buchu) — Class 2b, 2d “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) Contraindicated in nephrosis (AHP) Commission E reports it contains irritating EO with diosphenol and pulegone (AEH) Pulegone is hepatotoxic The volatile oil is an irritant to the GI tract and the kidneys (CAN) Because of the irritant oil, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN) BUCKWHEAT (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) +++ Synonym — F saggittatum Gilib., F vulgare Hill Activities (Buckwheat) — Antiatherosclerotic (f; PHR); Anticapillary Fragility (1; PHR; PH2); Anti-CVI (f; PHR); Antiedemic (1; PHR; PH2); Emollient (f; KAB) Indications (Buckwheat) — Atherosclerosis (f; PHR; PH2); Cancer, colon (1; ABS); Capillary Fragility (1; PHR; PH2); Colic (f; DAA); Chill (f; DAA); CVI (1; PHR; PH2); Congestion (f; HHB); Dermatosis (f; PH2); Diarrhea (f; DAA); Eczema (f; HHB); Edema (1; PHR); Headache (f; PH2); Hepatosis (f; PH2); Itch (f; HHB; PH2); Swelling (1; PHR; PH2); Varicosis (1; PHR; PH2) Dosages (Buckwheat) — Taken orally in teas, as an extract (PHR), or eaten as food I view it as food farmacy But as with peanuts, some people can be fatally allergic to the plant Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Buckwheat) — Not covered (AHP) None reported when properly administered (PHR) Not covered by AHP or Commission E Rutin underlies much of the activity Not covered in most of my books, more food than medicine But it is clearly a safe food pharmaceutical for most people (note caveats) Intake of large quantities can cause phototoxic doses in grazing animals (PHR) I know one chemist’s wife was almost killed eating noodles in Japan made of buckwheat flour So some people can have fatally anaphylactic reactions to buckwheat There are some similarities between the globulins in buckwheat and those in pea and soy Phototoxic fagopyrine may cause fagopyrism in sheep and swine, inducing cramps, dermatosis, and nausea (HHB) BUGLE (Ajuga reptans L.) + Activities (Bugle) — Antipyretic (f; EFS); Astringent (1; PHR); Carminative (f; CRC; EFS); Deobstruent (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CRC); Hemostat (f; CRC; EFS); Narcotic (f; CRC); Stomachic (f; CRC; EFS); Tonic (f; EFS); Vulnerary (f; CRC) Indications (Bugle) — Angina (f; MPG); Biliousness (f; CRC); Bleeding (f; CRC; EFS; MPG); Cancer (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Cholecystosis (f; PHR); Diarrhea (f; MPG); Fever ... (HH2); 1000 mg/kg ipr rat (HH2) B 120 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs BROOM CORN (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) ++ B Synonym — See USDA (GRIN) for long list of synonyms Activities (Broom Corn) —.. .Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 119 Dosages (Broccoli) — Food farmacy; eat some almost every day, but don’t overdo... KELP (Macrocystis pyrifera C Agardh) ++ Activities (Brown Kelp) — Antiobesity (f; PH2) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 121 Indications (Brown Kelp) — High Blood Pressure (f; PH2); Obesity (f; PH2) Contraindications,