408 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs INDIAN or HIMALAYAN RHUBARB (Rheum australe D Don) + Synonym: Rheum emodi Wall ex Meisn Activities (Indian Rhubarb) — Alexeteric (f; KAB); Aperitif (f; HH2; KAB); Astringent (f; DEP; KAB; SUW); Bitter (f; KAB); Cardiotonic (f; MBB); Diuretic (f; KAB; KAP); Emmenagogue (f; KAB; KAP); Laxative (f; DEP; KAB; KAP; MBB; SUW); Stomachic (f; KAP); Tonic (f; DEP; KAB; SUW) Indications (Indian Rhubarb) — Alcoholism (f; MBB); Anorexia (f; HH2; KAB); Asthma (f; KAB; KAP; MBB); Atony (f; WOI); Biliousness (f; KAB); Bronchosis (f; KAB; KAP); Bruise (f; KAB); Catarrh (f; KAP); Cirrhosis (f; MBB); Constipation (f; DEP; KAB; KAP; MBB; SUW); Coryza (f; KAB; KAP); Dermatosis (f; KAP); Diarrhea (f; SUW); Duodenosis (f; KAP); Dysentery (f; KAB; KAP); Dyspepsia (f; WOI); Encephalosis (f; KAB); Enterosis (f; HH2; KAP); Fever (f; KAB; KAP); Gas (f; MBB); Gastrosis (f; HH2); Hemorrhoid (f; KAB); Hepatosis (f; MBB); Jaundice (f; KAP); Lumbago (f; KAB; KAP); Neurasthenia (f; MBB); Ophthalmia (f; KAB); Pain (f; KAB); Water Retention (f; KAB; KAP) I Dosages (Indian Rhubarb) — 0.2–1 g (HHB; HH2); 5–20 g (KAP) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Indian Rhubarb) — Not covered (AKP; KOM; PH2) Probably contains oxalates and anthraquinones, and deserves the same cautionary notes as the Chinese and European species Maybe so, maybe not Here I read in an Indian book more than 100 years old regarding the Himalayan Rhubarb, “It is less active and has often been pronounced worthless” (DEP) And WOI (1972) warns about things that were not even warned about by conservative AHP, “Its use is prohibited for patients suffering from gout, rheumatism, epilepsy, and uric acid problems” (WOI) Conservatively, here are the warnings for the more dangerous species Viz Class 2b, 2c, 2d Beware of anthraquinones, oxalates, and tannins (AHP) Commission E reports for bark, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of anthranoid laxatives (AEH) CAN cautions that the anthraquinones are laxative and irritate the GI tract Because of the anthraquinones, nonstandardized preparations should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation (CAN) “Anthraquinones may be secreted into breast milk.” Also contraindicated in arthrosis, hemorrhoids, and nephropathy (CAN), intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown causes, any enterosis (appendicitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome), hemorrhoids, nephropathy, menstruation (AHP), and urethrosis (CAN) Not for use in cases of diarrhea or abdominal pain Discontinue use if diarrhea or watery stools occur Consult a health care provider in cases of pregnancy or lactation Not for long-term use, use more than 8–10 days, or overdosage (AHP, CAN) Rhubarb leaves, high in oxalic acid, should not be eaten (CAN) One case of anaphylaxis following ingestion reported (CAN) Contains 4–11% stilbene derivatives, which pose such risks that the herb “can no longer be recommended” (SHT) While widely used, anthranoid-containing laxatives can be habit-forming; some contain compounds suspected of being cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, and even tumorigenic Epidemiological studies in Germany reveal that abusers of anthranoid laxatives have a three times higher rate of colon carcinoma (AEH) INDIAN SARSAPARILLA (Hemidesmus indicus (L.) W T Aiton) + Synonym: Periploca indica L Activities (Indian Sarsaparilla) — Alterative (f; DEP; SUW; WOI); Antibacterial (1; MPI); Antidote (1; KEB); Antiedemic (1; MPI); Antiinflammatory (1; MPI); Antiseptic (1; KEB); Antiviral (1; MPI); Aperitif (f; DEP; SKJ; SUW); Demulcent (f; DEP; SUW; WOI); Depurative Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 409 (f; DEP; KEB); Diaphoretic (1; KEB; SUW); Hypertensive (1; MPI); Immunodepressant (1; KEB); Lactagogue (f; SKJ); Tonic (f; DEP; WOI) Indications (Indian Sarsaparilla) — Anorexia (f; DEP; SKJ; SUW); Arthrosis (1; KAP; MPI); Bacteria (1; MPI); Biliousness (f; DEP); Bite (f; SUW); Candida (f; DEP); Conjunctivosis (f; DEP); Cough (f; DEP); Debility (f; DEP); Dermatosis (f; DEP; KEB); Diarrhea (f; DEP); Dyspepsia (f; DEP); Dysuria (f; SKJ); Edema (1; MPI); Escherichia (1; MPI); Fever (1; KEB; MPI; SKJ; SUW); Gravel (f; DEP; WOI); Infection (1; MPI); Inflammation (1; MPI); Leprosy (1; KEB); Leukorrhea (f; DEP; SUW); Low Blood Pressure (1; MPI); Rheumatism (f; DEP; SKJ; SUW); Salmonella (1; MPI); Scrofula (f; DEP); Shigella (1; MPI); Snakebite (f; SUW); Staphylococcus (1; MPI); Sting (f; SUW); Stomachache (f; SKJ); Strangury (f; DEP); Swelling (1; DEP; MPI); Syphilis (f; DEP; SKJ; SUW); Ulcer (f; KEB); Urogenitosis (f; DEP); UTI (f; SKJ); VD (f; DEP; SKJ); Virus (1; MPI) Dosages (Indian Sarsaparilla) — 1–4 g powdered root (KAP); 28–56 ml root decoction (f; KAP); 3–6 ml (1:2) extract/day (KEB) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Indian Sarsaparilla) — Class (AHP) Not covered (KOM) Though mildly immunodepressant, “very safe and non-toxic” (KEB) INDIAN STRAWBERRY (Duchesnea indica (Andrews) Focke) ++ Synonym: Fragaria indica Andrews, Potentilla indica (Andrews) Th Wolf Activities (Indian Strawberry) — Circulostimulant (f; DAA; FAD) Indications (Indian Strawberry) — Abscess (f; FAD); Boil (f; FAD); Bug Bite (f; FAD); Burn (f; FAD); Cachexia (f; DAA); Cancer (f; DAA); Cough (f; FAD); Dermatosis (f; FAA); Eczema (f; FAD); Laryngosis (f; FAD); Pulmonosis (f; FAD); Rheumatism (f; FAD); Ringworm (f; FAD); Snakebite (f; DAA); Sting (f; FAD); Stomatosis (f; DAA); Swelling (f; DAA); Tonsilosis (f; DAA); Trauma (f; FAD); Tuberculosis (f; DAA); Whitlow (f; DAA) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Indian Strawberry) — Not covered by Commission E or AHP, and no medicinal information, even in The Wealth of India Fruits often described as poisonous I have eaten hundreds, and find the word insipid more accurate Reported to contain emodin (rare in rose family), chrysophanic acid, and phytosterols (DAA) INDIAN VALERIAN (Valeriana jatamansi Jones) ++ Synonyms: Nardostachys jatamansi (Jones) DC., Patrina jatamansi (Jones) D Don, Valeriana wallichii DC Activities (Indian Valerian) — Alexeteric (f; KAB); Amebicide (1; WOI); Analgesic (1; WOI); Antibacterial (1; HH3); Antiperiodic (f; KAB); Antiseptic (1; WOI); Antispasmodic (1; HHB; HH3; KAP); Aphrodisiac (f; KAB); Astringent (f; KAB); Bitter (f; KAB); Carminative (1; HHB; KAP; SKJ; WOI); CNS-Depressant (1; HH3); Depurative (f; KAB); Diuretic (f; KAB); Emmenagogue (f; KAB); Hypnotic (f; KAB); Insectifuge (1; WOI); Sedative (1; KAP; SKJ; WOI); Stimulant (f; KAP; SKJ; WOI); Stomachic (f; KAP); Tonic (f; SKJ; WOI); Tranquilizer (1; WOI) Indications (Indian Valerian) — Alopecia (f; HH3); Ameba (1; WOI); Arthrosis (f; KAB); Bacteria (1; HH3; WOI); Bite (f; KAB); Cancer (f; JLH); Chorea (f; KAP); Colic (f; HH3); Convulsion (f; KAB; KAP); Cramp (1; HHB; HH3; KAP); Debility (f; KAP); Dysuria (f; SKJ; WOI); Epilepsy (f; HH3; KAB); Escherichia (1; HH3); Gas (1; HHB; KAP; SKJ; WOI); Gleet I 410 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (f; KAB); Head (f; KAB); Gastrosis (f; KAP); Hepatosis (f; HH3; KAB); Hypochondria (f; WOI); Hysteria (f; HH3; WOI); Induration (f; JLH); Infection (1; WOI); Insomnia (1; HH3; KAP; SKJ; WOI); Nephrosis (f; HH3; KAB); Nervousness (1; KAP; SKJ; WOI); Neurosis (f; KAP; WOI); Ophthalmia (f; KAB; JLH); Pain (1; KAB; WOI); Senility (f; KAP); Shell Shock (f; KAP); Snakebite (f; KAB); Splenosis (f; HH3; KAB); Staphylococcus (1; HH3); Syncope (f; KAB); Water Retention (f; KAB) Dosages (Indian Valerian) — 1–3 g (KAP); 150–200 mg mixed valepotriates (HH3) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Indian Valerian) — Class (AHP) Said to be a good substitute for V officinalis (KAB) INDIGO (Indigofera tinctoria L.) ++ Synonym: I sumatrana Gaertn I Activities (Indigo) — Allergenic (1; CRC); Antibacterial (f; WBB); Antidote, arsenic (f; WBB); Antipyretic (f; CRC; WBB); Antiseptic (f; CRC; WBB); Antispasmodic (f; CRC); Astringent (f; CRC); Deobstruent (f; CRC); Emetic (1; CRC); Larvicide (f; CRC); Laxative (f; CRC; WBB); Nematicide (1; CRC); Nervine (f; CRC); Pediculicide (1; CRC; WBB); Stimulant (f; CRC); Stomachic (f; WBB); Vermifuge (1; CRC; WBB) Indications (Indigo) — Asthma (f; CRC; WBB); Bacteria (f; WBB); Bite (f; CRC); Blennorrhea (f; CRC); Boil (f; CRC); Bronchosis (f; CRC); Bruise (f; CRC); Cancer (1; CRC); Cancer, colon (f; JLH); Cancer, lung (1; ZUL); Cancer, ovary (f; JLH); Carcinoma (1; ZUL); Constipation (f; CRC; WBB); Cramp (f; CRC); Dysentery (f; CRC); Dysuria (f; CRC); Enterosis (f; JLH); Epilepsy (f; CRC); Fever (f; CRC; WBB); Gonorrhea (f; WBB); Gravel (f; CRC); Headache (f; WBB); Heart (f; WBB); Hemorrhoid (f; CRC); Hepatosis (f; CRC; WBB); Hydrophobia (f; CRC); Ichthyosis (f; CRC); Induration (f; JLH); Inflammation (f; CRC); Lice (1; CRC; WBB); Nephrosis (f; CRC; WBB); Neurosis (f; CRC); Palpitation (f; WBB); Pertussis (f; WBB); Pulmonosis (f; WBB); Scabies (f; CRC); Snakebite (f; WBB); Sore (f; CRC); Splenosis (f; CRC; WBB); Sting (f; CRC); Stone (f; CRC); Syphilis (f; CRC; WBB); Toothache (f; CRC); Tuberculosis (f; WBB); Tumor (1; CRC); Ulcer (f; CRC); VD (f; CRC; WBB); Worm (1; CRC; WBB); Wound (f; JLH; WBB); Yaw (f; CRC) INTOXICATING MINT (Lagochilus inebrians Bunge.) + Activities (Intoxicating Mint) — Antispasmodic (f; CRC); Hallucinogen (f; CRC); Hemostat (f; CRC); Hypotensive (f; CRC); Intoxicant (f; CRC); Narcotic (1; CRC); Sedative (f; CRC); Tranquilizer (f; CRC) Indications (Intoxicating Mint) — Allergy (f; CRC); Bleeding (f; CRC); Cramp (f; CRC); Dermatosis (f; CRC); Glaucoma (f; CRC); High Blood Pressure (f; CRC); Insomnia (f; CRC); Nervousness (f; CRC); Neurosis (f; CRC) IPECAC (Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot.) Stokes) + Synonyms: Callicocca ipecacuanha Brot., Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Brot.) Tussac Activities (Ipecac) — Amebicide (1; APA; HH2; PHR); Analgesic (f; APA); Antacid (f; WO2); Antiemetic (1; PH2); Antiinflammatory (1; APA); Antinauseant (f; APA); Antispasmodic (1; EFS; PHR; PH2); Aperitif (1; APA; WO2); Cholagogue (f; EFS); Cytotoxic (1; HH2); Diaphoretic (f; Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 411 APA; WO2); Digestive (f; APA); Emetic (2; HH2; PHR; PH2; WO2); Expectorant (1; APA; HH2; PHR; PH2; WO2); Hemostat (f; EFS); Insecticide (f; WO2); Rubefacient (1; WO2); Sialagogue (1; WO2); Sternutator (1; WO2); Tachycardic (f; WO2); Toxic (f; EFS) Indications (Ipecac) — Abscess (f; WO2); Alcoholism (f; WO2); Ameba (1; APA; HH2; PHR; PH2); Anorexia (1; APA; WO2); Asthma (f; PH2); Bilharziasis (f; WO2); Biliousness (f; WO2); Bleeding (f; EFS; PH2); Bronchosis (1; APA; PHR; PH2; WO2); Constipation (f; WO2); Cough (1; PHR); Cramp (1; EFS; PHR; PH2); Croup (2; PHR; PH2); Diarrhea (1; APA); Dysentery (1; PHR; PH2); Enterosis (f; PH2); Fever (f; APA; WO2); Flu (f; APA); Gastrosis (f; PH2); Gonorrhea (f; WO2); Guinea Worm (1; WO2); Hemorrhoid (f; WO2); Hepatosis (f; WO2); Inflammation (1; APA; PH2); Leukoderma (1; WO2); Morning Sickness (f; APA); Mucososis (f; PH2); Pain (f; APA); Pertussis (1; APA; WO2); Poisoning (2; APA); Pulmonosis (f; JFM); Pyorrhea (f; WO2); Sore (f; WO2); Sore Throat (f; WO2); Vomiting (1; PH2); Worm (1; WO2) Dosages (Ipecac) — Emetic dose = 15 ml; (AHP); 0.4–1.4 ml ipecac syrup (AHP); 0.25–1 ml root tincture (APA); 0.25–1 ml liquid root extract (APA; PNC); 25–100 mg powdered ipecac (PNC) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Ipecac) — Class 2b, 2d Contraindicated in patients with cardiac problems Not for long-term use May cause nausea and vomiting (AHP) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages when used as an expectorant” (PH2) Allergenic and myopathogenic after prolonged dosing (PHR) Toxic doses may lead to convulsions, corrosion of GI mucous membranes, hypotension, respiratory dysfunction, shock, tachycardia, and maybe even coma (PHR) Cephaeline is more irritant and almost twice as toxic as emetine (WO2) Ironically, while used primarily as a nauseant to induce the vomiting of poisons, in low doses the herb serves as an antinauseant, and folklorically, even in morning sickness (APA) IRISH MOSS (Chondrus crispus Stackhouse) +++ Activities (Irish Moss) — Antiaggregant (1; HHB); Antiinflammatory (1; APA); Antitussive (f; PH2; PNC); Catabolic (f; PED); Demulcent (f; APA; LAF; PH2); Edemagenic (1; LAF); Expectorant (1; PH2; PNC); Gastroprotective (1; APA); Hypotensive (f; APA); Immunosuppressant (1; APA); Laxative (f; APA); Secretory (1; PH2); Secretolytic (1; APA) Indications (Irish Moss) — Adenopathy (f; PED); Bronchosis (f; APA; LAF; PH2); Catarrh (1; HHB); Cholecystosis (f; PNC); Cold (1; APA); Constipation (1; APA; PH2); Cough (1; APA; LAF; PED; PH2); Cystosis (1; HHB); Debility (f; PED); Diarrhea (1; APA; HHB; PH2); Dysentery (1; APA); Dyspepsia (1; APA); Eczema (f; PED); Enterosis (1; APA; LAF); Epistaxis (f; PED); Fatigue (f; PED); Gastrosis (1; APA; PH2); High Blood Pressure (f; APA); High Cholesterol (1; LAF); Inflammation (1; APA); Mucososis (1; APA); Nephrosis (f; PNC); Phthisis (f; HHB); Psoriasis (f; PED); Respirosis (1; APA; HHB); Tuberculosis (f; APA; HHB; LAF; PH2); Ulcer (1; APA; LAF; PH2) Dosages (Irish Moss) — Few sources list dosages; 1.5/cup alga tea (HHB; PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Irish Moss) — Not covered (AHP; KOM) No hazards with oral administrations, but injections can trigger problems (PHR; PH2) The mucilage in Irish Moss swells when it contacts liquid, forming a mucilaginous coating that protects the stomach lining, reduces gastric secretions, and promotes healthy, bulky stools The mucilage also protects mucous membranes in respiratory ailments Carrageenan is hypocholesterolemic, and proinflammtory if injected I 412 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs IVY (Hedera helix L.) + I Activities (Ivy) — Allergenic (1; APA; CRC; PH2); Amebicide (1; BGB; PNC); Analgesic (1; APA; BGB); Antibacterial (1; APA; PH2); Anticancer (1; BGB); Antiexudative (f; PH2); Antileishmanic (1; BGB); Antimelanomic (1; BGB); Antipyretic (f; BGB; PNC); Antiseptic (1; APA; CRC); Antispasmodic (2; APA; KOM; PH2; PIP); Aphrodisiac (f; CRC); Astringent (1; CRC); Contraceptive (f; CRC); Cytotoxic (f; BGB; PH2; PNC); Diaphoretic (f; CRC); Emetic (1; CRC); Emmenagogue (f; CRC); Expectorant (2; APA; KOM; PH2; PIP); Fungicide (1; APA; BGB; PH2; PNC); Hemolytic (1; CRC); Irritant (2; KOM; PH2); Laxative (f; CRC; BGB; PNC); Litholytic (f; MAD); Molluscicide (1; BGB; PH2; PNC); Mucoirritant (2; KOM); Narcotic (f; CRC); Parasiticide (1; BGB); Pediculicide (f; CRC); Protisticide (1; APA); Secretolytic (BIS); Sedative (1; APA; BGB); Stimulant (f; CRC); Trichomonicide (1; BGB); Vasoconstrictor (f; CRC); Vasodilator (f; CRC); Vermifuge (f; BGB; CRC; PH2; PNC) Indications (Ivy) — Ameba (1; BGB; PNC); Amenorrhea (f; APA); Arthrosis (f; APA); Bacteria (1; APA; PH2); Bronchosis (2; APA; PHR; PIP); Burn (f; APA; MAD; PHR); Cacoethes (f; JLH); Callus (f; JLH; MAD; PHR; PH2); Cancer (1; BGB; CRC; JLH); Cancer, breast (f; JLH); Cancer, lymph (f; JLH); Cancer, nose (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Catarrh (2; KOM; MAD; PH2; PIP); Cellulitis (f; PHR; PH2); Cholecystosis (f; PH2); Constipation (f; CRC; BGB; PNC); Corn (f; JLH; MAD); Cough (2; APA; CRC; PHR); Cramp (2; APA; KOM; MAD; PH2; PIP); Dermatosis (1; APA); Dysentery (f; CRC); Dysmenorrhea (f; APA); Favus (1; MAD); Fever (f; BGB; CRC; PNC); Fungus (1; APA; BGB; PH2; PNC); Gout (f; MAD; PHR; PH2); Headache (f; JLH; MAD); Hemoptysis (f; CRC); Hepatosis (f; PHR; PH2; PNC); High Blood Pressure (1; CRC); Hydrocephaly (f; MAD); Induration (f; JLH); Infection (1; APA; BGB; PH2; PNC); Inflammation (2; BGB; KOM; MAD; PH2); Insomnia (1; APA; BGB); Intoxication (f; BGB; CRC); Jaundice (f; CRC; MAD); Leishmaniasis (1; BGB); Leukorrhea (f; MAD); Lice (1; CRC); Liver Fluke (1; PNC); Malaria (1; CRC; MAD); Melanoma (1; BGB); Menorrhagia (f; MAD); Mucososis (f; MAD); Mycosis (1; APA; BGB; PH2; PNC); Nervousness (1; APA; BGB); Neuralgia (f; PHR; PH2); Pain (1; APA; BGB); Parasite (1; APA; BGB; PHR; PH2); Pertussis (1; APA; BIS); Phlebitis (f; PHR; .. .Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 409 (f; DEP; KEB); Diaphoretic (1; KEB; SUW); Hypertensive (1; MPI); Immunodepressant... Epilepsy (f; HH3; KAB); Escherichia (1; HH3); Gas (1; HHB; KAP; SKJ; WOI); Gleet I 410 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (f; KAB); Head (f; KAB); Gastrosis (f; KAP); Hepatosis (f; HH3; KAB); Hypochondria... PH2); Aperitif (1; APA; WO2); Cholagogue (f; EFS); Cytotoxic (1; HH2); Diaphoretic (f; Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 411 APA; WO2); Digestive (f; APA); Emetic (2; HH2; PHR; PH2; WO2); Expectorant