Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 393 Rheumatism (f; PH2); Rhinosis (f; DEM); Ringworm (f; FAD); Snakebite (f; DEM); Sore Throat (f; PHR; PH2); Sprain (f; DEM); Stomachache (f; DEM); Sunburn (f; DEM); Swelling (f; PH2); Tumor (f; FAD); Uterorrhagia (f; PHR); Uterosis (f; PH2); UTI (f; PHR; PH2); VD (f; DEM); Water Retention (f; FAD); Worm (f; PHR); Wound (f; DEM) Dosages (Horseweed) — cups tea/day or tsp liquid shoot extract (PH2); 0.01–0.25 ml EO (PNC) Food farmacy (tops consumed as food by Miwok Indians) (DEM) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Horseweed) — Class (AHP) None recorded (PHR) “Hazards and/or side effects not recorded for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) May cause dermatosis (FAD) HOTTENTOT FIG (Carpobrotus edulis (L.) L Bolus) +++ Synonym: Mesembryanthemum edule L Activities (Hottentot Fig) — Antibacterial (1; VVG); Antiseptic (1; ZUL); Antiviral (1; VVG); Astringent (1; VVG); Diuretic (1; VVG); Fungicide (1; VVG); Hemostat (1; VVG); Laxative (1; ZUL); Vasoconstrictor (1; VVG) Indications (Hottentot Fig) — Allergy (f; ZUL); Bacteria (1; VVG); Bleeding (1; VVG); Burn (f; VVG; ZUL); Candida (1; ZUL); Constipation (1; ZUL); Diabetes (f; ZUL); Diphtheria (f; ZUL); Dysentery (1; VVG); Earache (f; VVG); Eczema (f; ZUL); Fungus (1; VVG); Infection (1; VVG; ZUL); Mycosis (1; VVG); Parturition (f; ZUL); Ringworm (f; ZUL); Sore Throat (1; VVG; ZUL); Sprue (f; ZUL); Stomatosis (1; VVG); Toothache (f; VVG); Vaginosis (1; VVG); Virus (1; VVG); Water Retention (1; VVG); Wound (1; VVG) HOUND’S TONGUE (Cynoglossum officinale L.) XXX Activities (Hound’s Tongue) — Analgesic (f; HHB; PH2; PNC); Antispasmodic (f; EFS); Antitumor (1; DAA); Antitussive (f; PHR); Astringent (f; EFS; PNC); Carcinogenic (1; PH2); Curare (1; HHB); CNS-Paralytic (1; HHB); Demulcent (f; EFS; PNC); Emollient (f; EFS); Expectorant (1; PH2); Hemostat (f; EFS); Hepatotoxic (1; PH2); Poison (1; PH2); Sedative (f; HHB; PHR); Vulnerary (f; PH2) Indications (Hound’s Tongue) — Adenopathy (f; JLH); Bleeding (f; EFS); Bronchosis (f; KOM); Bug Bite (f; HAD); Cancer (1; DAA; FNF; JLH); Cancer, anus (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, face (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, gland (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, lip (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, skin (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; JLH); Cold (f; HAD); Condyloma (f; JLH); Cough (f; HAD; HHB; PH2); Cramp (f; EFS); Dermatosis (f; KOM); Diarrhea (f; KOM; PH2); Enterosis (f; KOM); Gastrosis (f; KOM); Hemorrhoid (f; HAD); Induration (f; JLH); Insomnia (f; HHB; PHR); Myalgia (f; KOM); Nervousness (f; HHB; PHR); Neuralgia (f; EFS; KOM); Neurosis (f; KOM); Pain (f; HHB; PH2; PNC); Proctosis (f; JLH); Sore (f; HHB); Splenosis (f; JLH); Trauma (f; KOM); Tumor (1; DAA); Wart (f; JLH); Wen (f; JLH); Wound (f; PHR; PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Hound’s Tongue) — Not covered (AHP) Hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic, should under no circumstances be taken internally (PHR) Use not recommended due to toxic PAs (PNC) Though I use the KOM abbreviation, where there is no “2,” the indication was unapproved by Commission E, usually with the boiler plate disavowal, “The effectiveness of the herb for the claimed applications is not documented.” Commission E has rejected therapeutic use of Cynoglossum officinale because PAs are present and because therapeutic usefulness has not been sufficiently documented PAs are toxic to humans, with liver damage with cirrhosis and ascites, or seneciosis, or veno-occlusive disease (VOD), reported in almost all cases of severe or fatal intoxications, from intakes of 0.5 to 3.3 mg/kg (AEH1) Cynoglossine paralyzes peripheral nerve endings in frogs Consolicine and consolidine paralyze the CNS, and is three times more potent than cynoglossine (PHR) H 394 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs HOUSELEEK (Sempervivum tectorum L.) + Activities (Houseleek) — Alterative (f; EFS); Antioxidant (1; PH2); Antipyretic (f; EFS); Antiseptic (f; PH2); Antispasmodic (f; EFS); Astringent (f; EFS; PH2); Depurative (f; EFS); Diuretic (f; PH2); Hemostat (f; EFS); Hepatoprotective (1; PH2) H Indications (Houseleek) — Adenopathy (f; JLH); Amenorrhea (f; PH2); Angina (f; HH3); Aphtha (f; MAD); Bite (f; PH2); Bleeding (f; EFS); Burn (f; PH2); Callus (f; JLH); Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, breast (f; JLH); Cancer, epithelioma (f; JLH); Cancer, gland (f; JLH); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cancer, nose (f; JLH); Cancer, skin (f; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; JLH); Cancer, thigh (f; JLH); Cancer, tongue (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Carcinoma (f; JLH); Cirrhosis (f; MAD); Condyloma (f; JLH); Conjunctivosis (f; MAD); Corn (f; PH2); Cramp (f; EFS); Cystosis (f; MAD); Deafness (f; PH2); Dermatosis (f; JLH; PH2); Diaphragmosis (f; MAD); Diarrhea (f; PH2); Dysentery (f; MAD; PH2); Dysmenorrhea (f; MAD; PH2); Earache (f; MAD); Enterosis (f; WOI); Epilepsy (f; MAD); Erysipelas (f; MAD); Fever (f; EFS; PH2); Glossosis (f; JLH); Headache (f; HH3; PH2); Hemorrhoid (f; HH3); Hepatosis (f; JLH); Induration (f; JLH); Infection (f; PH2); Inflammation (f; JLH; PH2); Itch (f; PH2); Malaria (f; MAD); Mastosis (f; JLH; PH2); Mucososis (f; PH2); Mycosis (f; HH3; PH2); Neuralgia (f; PH2); Nipple (f; PH2); Ophthalmia (f; HHB); Rhinosis (f; JLH); Sclerosis (f; JLH); Scrofula (f; MAD); Sore (f; PH2); Sore Throat (f; HHB); Splenosis (f; JLH); Sting (f; PNC); Stomatosis (f; PH2); Swelling (f; PH2); Tonsilosis (f; PH2); Toothache (f; HH3); Uterosis (f; JLH; PH2); Wart (f; JLH); Water Retention (f; EFS; PH2); Wound (f; PH2); Worm (f; PH2; WOI) Dosages (Houseleek) — cup infusion every hours (PH2); steep 15 g in liter water for 10 minutes for topical and gargle (PH2); use expressed juice as eardrop (PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Houseleek) — Not covered (AHP).“Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) HUANG QI (Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch ex Link) Bunge) ++ Synonym: Phaca membranacea Fisch ex Link Regrettably, PH2 hints that tragacanth and an American species, Astragalus australis, might be involved in their huang qi concept Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 395 Activities (Huang Qi) — Adaptogen (1; KEB; WAM); Aldose-Reductase Inhibitor (1; MAB); Antiaggregant (1; BO2); Antianginal (2; MAB); Antibacterial (1; DAA; LAF; MAB; WAM); Antidiaphoretic (f; KEB); Antiedemic (1; LAF); Antifatigue (f; MAB); Antihypoglycemic (1; LAF); Antiinflammatory (1; LAF; WAM); Antimetastatic (1; BO2); Antimutagenic (1; KEB); Antinephrotic (1; LAF); Antioxidant (1; AKT; MAB; PH2); Antipyretic (f; MAB); Antiretroviral (1; MAB); Antiseptic (1; MAB; PED); Antispasmodic (f; PED); Antitumor (1; KEB); Antiviral (1; KEB; PH2; WAM); Bitter (f; PED); cAMP-Genic (1; MAB); Cardiotonic (2; AKT; KEB); Carminative (f; PED); Cerebroprotective (1; AKT); CNS-Stimulant (1; AKT); Diuretic (2; FAY; KEB; PH2); Enterotonic (1; AKT); Fungicide (1; LAF); Glutathionigenic (1; AKT); Glycogen-Sparing (1; AKT); Hepatoprotective (1; AKT; KEB; LAF; PH2); Hypoglycemic (1; DAA; LAF); Hypotensive (1; DAA; KEB; FAY; MAB); Immunostimulant (2; FAY; PH2; SKY; WAM); Interferonigenic (1; AKT; FAY; MAB); Interluekingenic (1; BO2); Leukocytogenic (2; KEB); Memorigenic (1; KEB; LAF; PH2); Natriuretic (1; MAB); Pectoral (f; DAA); Peristaltic (1; PH2); Phagocytotic (1; AKT; KEB); Positive Inotropic (1; KEB); Pulmonotonic (f; AKT); Saluretic (1; KEB); SOD-Genic (1; AKT); Tonic (f; FAY); Vasodilator (1; FAY; MAB) Indications (Huang Qi) — Amenorrhea (f; PH2); Anasarca (f; DAA); Angina (2; AKT; KEB; PH2); Anorexia (f; FAY); Autoimmune Disease (1; MAB); Arthrosis (f; DAA); Bacteria (1; DAA; LAF; MAB; WAM); Bronchosis (1; DAA); Cancer (1; FAY; KEB; SKY); Cancer, lung (f; PH2); Cardiopathy (1; AKT; KEB; PH2); Cervicosis (1; MAB); CFS (1; KEB); Chemotherapy (1; FAY; MAB); Cold (2; KEB; LAF; WAM); Cramp (f; PED); Debility (1; DAA; FAY); Diabetes (1; DAA; LAF; PED); Diarrhea (f; MAB); Dyspnea (1; AKT; PH2); Dysuria (f; DAA); Edema (f; DAA; PED); Encephalosis (1; MAB); Fatigue (1; FAY; MAB); Fever (f; KEB; MAB); Fibrosis (f; PH2); Flu (1; FAY; KEB; WAM); Fungus (1; LAF); Gas (f; PED); Hepatosis (1; AKT); Herpes (1; MAB; SHB); High Blood Pressure (1; DAA; KEB; FAY; MAB); HIV (1; KEB; LAF); Immune Dysfunction (1; LAF; SKY); Immunodepression (2; FAY; PH2; SKY; WAM); Infection (1; PED; LAF; MAB); Infertility (1; KEB); Inflammation (1; LAF; MAB; WAM); Ischemia (1; AKT); Leukopenia (1; MAB); Metastasis (1; BO2); Mycosis (1; LAF); Myocardosis (1; AKT; MAB; PH2); Nephrosis (2; AKT; FAY; KEB; LAF; PH2); Night Sweats (f; DAA); Pain (1; AKT); Palpitation (f; MAB); Paralysis (f; MAB); Proctocele (f; DAA); Prolapse (f; DAA; KEB); Proteinuria (1; AKT); Puerperium (f; MAB); Pulmonosis (f; DAA; PH2); Respirosis (f; DAA); Sore Throat (1; SKY); Splenosis (f; DAA); Swelling (1; LAF); Tumor (1; KEB); Ulcer (1; KEB; PED); Urethrosis (f; PED); Uterorrhagia (f; MAB); Uterosis (f; DAA); Viral Hepatosis (1; KEB); Virus (1; AKT; KEB; MAB; PH2; WAM); Water Retention (2; FAY; KEB; PH2) Dosages (Huang Qi) — 2–4 tbsp fresh root/day (PED); 1–3 g root/day for long-term use (AKT); 10–30 g root/day (MAB); 9–15 g sliced root (FAY); 3–6 g dry root/day (PED); 4.5 g dry root:22 ml alcohol/23ml water (PED); 2–6 g dry root/day or 4–12 ml fluid extract (1:2) (KEB); 9–30 g/day to 69 g in cancer (BO2); 3–5 ml tincture ×/day (SKY); (500 mg) capsules/day; (400 mg) capsules ×/day; 2–3 tablets or 500 mg capsules/day (SKY) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Huang Qi) — Class (AHP) No side effects reported but “pregnant women should check with their practitioners before using.” Do not use with fever or during pregnancy (WAM) High (more than 30 g day) doses may induce high blood pressure, increased heart rate, insomnia, overstimulation, and/or palpitations (BO2) No botanist knows all the species of Astragalus, and some very toxic ones look pretty much like the innocuous ones Some may contain dangerous levels of selenium Extracts (Huang Qi) — Bitter extracts are antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, immunostimulant, phagocytotic (PED) Antiviral activity perhaps synergistically due to enhanced immunity and possible enhanced interferon production Oral doses or nasal sprays protect mice from parainfluenza type Prophylactic against common cold Also effective against Coxsackie B myocardial infec- H 396 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs tions In vitro augments interferon response and acts synergistically with administered interferon (KEB) (perhaps making it useful in viral hepatosis) At 200 mg/kg root extract (that would be 20 g in me) increases human urine output by 64% and sodium excretion by 14.5%; this could be useful in cardiac patients, and it is demonstrated effective in angina pectoris (KEB) At levels of 1.25 mg/ml aqueous extracts increases 16% the incidence of aberrant cells in vitro (MAB) LD50 astragalus = 39,800 ipr mouse (MAB), LDlo = >100,000 mg/kg orl rat (BO2) HU-ZHANG, MEXICAN BAMBOO (Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr.) +++ Synonym: Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc., Reynoutria japonica Houtt H Activities (Hu-Zhang) — Antiaggregant (1; LAF); Antialzheimeran (1; COX; FNF); Antiarthritic (1; COX; FNF); Antibacterial (1; LAF); Anticancer (1; COX; FNF); Antihistaminic (1; LAF); Antiinflammatory (1; COX; FNF); Antioxidant (1; COX; LAF); Antitussive (1; LAF); Antiviral (1; LAF); COX-2 Inhibitor (1; COX; FNF); Diuretic (1; DAA; FNF); Emmenagogue (1; DAA; FNF); Gonadotropic (1; DAA); Glutathionigenic (1; COX; FNF); Hepatoprotective (1; LAF); Hypotensive (1; LAF); Hypotriglyceridemic (1; LAF); Lipolytic (1; LAF); PTK-Inhibitor (1; LAF); Stomachic (f; DAA); Vasodilator (1; LAF) Indications (Hu-Zhang) — Abscess (1; DAA; FNF); Alzheimer’s (1; COX; FNF); Amenorrhea (f; DAA; LAF); Appendicitis (1; DAA; LAF); Arthrosis (1; COX; FNF); Athlete’s Foot (f; LAF); Bacteria (1; LAF); Boil (1; DAA; FNF); Bronchosis (1; LAF); Bruise (1; DAA; FNF); Burn (f; DAA; LAF); Cancer (1; COX; FNF); Congestion (f; DAA); Cough (f; LAF); Coxsackie (1; LAF); Cramp (f; DAA); Dermatosis (f; LAF); Dysmenorrhea (1; DAA; FNF); Edema (1; COX; DAA); Favus (f; LAF); Fever (1; COX; DAA; FNF); Flu (1; LAF); Gonorrhea (f; LAF); Gout (f; DAA); Hepatosis (1; DAA; LAF); Herpes (1; LAF); High Blood Pressure (1; LAF); Hyperlipemia (f; LAF); Infection (f; LAF); Inflammation (1; COX; FNF); Jaundice (1; DAA; LAF; FNF); Leukocytopenia (f; LAF); Lymphadenosis (1; COX; DAA; FNF); Pain (1; COX; LAF); Pleurisy (1; DAA; FNF); Snakebite (1; DAA; FNF); Sore (f; LAF); Virus (1; LAF); Water Retention (1; DAA; FNF) Dosages (Hu-Zhang) — Having eaten the young shoots, which I consider food farmacy, and would not hesitate myself to take this at levels suggested for Fo Ti: 4–5(–16) g dry root or 8–16 (–40 ml fluid extract) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Hu-Zhang) — Not covered (AHP; KOM; PH2) As the best source of resveratrol, a COX-2 inhibitor, this herb shares many of the activities of the so-called miracle aspirin See also Fo-Ti, which shares many chemicals with Hu-Zhang HWEMA (Corynanthe pachycera K Schumann) + Activities (Hwema) — Analgesic (1; PH2); Anesthetic (1; PH2); Antiacetylcholinesterase (1; HDN); Antiadrenergic (1; HDN); Antidote (f; HDN); Antiserotonin (1; HDN); Antispasmodic (1; PH2); Aphrodisiac (1; HDN); Astringent (1; HDN); Bitter (1; HDN); CNS-Active (1; PH2); CNSStimulant (1; HDN); Convulsant (1; PH2); Curare (1; HDN); Hypoglycemic (1; HDN); Hypotensive (1; PH2); Piscicide (1; HDN); Sedative (1; HDN); Sympatholytic (1; HDN); Vasodilator (1; HDN) Indications (Hwema) — Cardiopathy (f; HDN); Cold (f; PH2); Cough (f; HDN); Cramp (1; PH2); Diarrhea (1; HDN); Diabetes (1; HDN); Fever (f; HDN; PH2); High Blood Pressure (1; PH2); Insomnia (1; HDN); Leprosy (f; PH2); Malaria (f; HDN; PH2); Nephrosis (f; HDN); Nervousness (1; HDN); Pain (1; PH2) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 397 Dosages (Hwema) — 200 mg dry extract 1–4 ×/day (PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Hwema) — Not covered (AHP; EFS; KOM) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) Overdoses potentially toxic, with convulsions and dyspnea Stem bark is hypotensive and sedative (HDN) Corynanthine has twice the aphrodisiac effect on dogs as yohimbine, yet is 10–17 times less piscicidal as yohimbine (HDN) HYDRANGEA (Hydrangea arborescens L.) ++ Synonyms: Viburnum alnifolium Marshall, V americanum Mill Activities (Hydrangea) — Alterative (f; CRC); Antiallergic (f; APA); Antibacterial (f; CRC); Antiemetic (f; DEM); Antiinflammatory (f; PED); Antilithic (f; CAN); Bitter (f; PED); Diaphoretic (f; CRC); Diuretic (1; APA; FAD; PHR; PH2); Emetic (f; APA; DEM; FAD); Laxative (f; APA; CRC; FAD; PED); Litholytic (f; MAD); Narcotic (f; CRC); Poison (f; CRC); Sialagogue (f; CRC); Stimulant (f; DEM); Stomachic (f; CRC); Tonic (f; CRC) Indications (Hydrangea) — Adenopathy (f; CRC; JLH); Allergy (f; APA); Bacteria (f; CRC); Bile (f; DEM); Bladder Stone (f; APA; PHR; PH2); Bronchosis (f; FAD); Burn (f; APA; DEM; FAD); Calculus (f; CAN; CRC; PED); Cancer (f; APA; CRC); Cancer, tongue (f; JLH); Catarrh (f; CRC); Cholecystosis (f; FAD); Constipation (f; APA; CRC; FAD; PED); Cystosis (f; CAN; CRC; MAD); Diabetes (f; CRC; MAD); Dropsy (f; CRC); Dysmenorrhea (f; CRC); Dyspepsia (f; APA; CRC); Fever (f; CRC); Gallstone (f; DEM); Gastrosis (f; DEM); Gleet (f; CRC); Gravel (f; CAN; CRC); High Blood Pressure (f; DEM); Incontinence (f; CRC; MAD); Infection (f; APA); Inflammation (f; PED); Kidney Stone (f; APA; PHR; PH2); Metastasis (f; CRC; JLH); Mucososis (f; CRC); Myalgia (f; APA; FAD); Myosis (f; DEM); Nephrosis (f; CRC; MAD; PNC); Pain (f; CRC; MAD); Prostatosis (f; APA; CAN; CRC; MAD); Rheumatism (f; CRC); Sore (f; DEM); Sprain (f; APA; FAD); Stone (f; CAN; FAD; MAD); Swelling (f; DEM); Thirst (f; MAD); Tumor (1; CRC; DEM; FAD); Ulcer (f; DEM); Urethrosis (f; CAN; MAD; PHR; PH2); Urinary Calculi (f; CAN); Vomiting (f; DEM); Water Retention (1; APA; FAD; PHR; PH2); Wound (f; APA; FAD); X-Ray (f; CRC) Not covered by Commission E (KOM) Dosages (Hydrangea) — g root (AHP); 2–4 g root, or in tea, ×/day (CAN); tbsp fresh root (PED); 1.5 g dry root (PED); 1.5 g dry root:7 ml alcohol/8 ml water (PED); 2–4 ml liquid root extract (APA; PNC); 2–4 ml liquid root extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol) ×/day (CAN); 2–10 ml root tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol) ×/day (CAN); tsp liquid extract every 3–4 hours for urinary incontinence (MAD) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Hydrangea) — Class 2d Not for prolonged use Do not exceed recommended dose Cyanogenic properties (AHP) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD) CAN cautions regarding GI irritation and dermatosis Overdoses may cause tightness in chest and vertigo Hydrangin may cause gastrosis and enterosis And the cop-out clause In view of the “lack of” data, use during pregnancy and lactation, and excessive use should be avoided (CAN) Extract is nontoxic in animals (PNC) Hydrangenol is allergenic (PHR; PH2) Flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin (widespread in other herbs) are said to be diuretic, to inhibit tumor formation, and to reduce inflammation Synthesized hydrangeol derivatives are reportedly antiallergic, inhibiting hyaluronidase activity and histamine release (CAN) H ...394 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs HOUSELEEK (Sempervivum tectorum L.) + Activities (Houseleek) — Alterative (f; EFS);... American species, Astragalus australis, might be involved in their huang qi concept Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 395 Activities (Huang Qi) — Adaptogen (1; KEB; WAM); Aldose-Reductase Inhibitor... Prophylactic against common cold Also effective against Coxsackie B myocardial infec- H 396 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs tions In vitro augments interferon response and acts synergistically with administered