Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 673 SKULLCAP (Scutellaria lateriflora L.) ++ Activities (Skullcap) — Anaphrodisiac (f; CRC); Antibacterial (f; PED); Anticonvulsant (f; APA); Antioxidant (1; PH2); Antiinflammatory (1; PH2); Antipyretic (f; CRC; PH2); Antispasmodic (f; APA; CRC; PH2; SKY); Antiviral (1; WAM); Astringent (f; CRC); Bitter (1; PH2); Diaphoretic (f; CEB; CRC); Diuretic (f; CEB); Emetic (f; DEM); Emmenagogue (f; CRC); Hypotensive (f; DAW); Nephrotonic (f; CRC); Nervine (1; CRC; PNC; WAM); Sedative (f; APA; PH2; SKY; WAM); Tonic (f; APA; CRC; PED; PH2); Tranquilizer (f; APA) Indications (Skullcap) — Addiction (f; APA; CRC); Alcoholism (f; APA; CRC); Anxiety (f; APA; HHB; SKY); Bacteria (f; PED); Bite (f; CEB); Cancer (f; JLH); Childbirth (f; CRC; DEM); Chorea (f; CRC; CAN; PH2); Cold (f; PED); Convulsion (f; APA; CEB; CRC); Cramp (f; APA; CEB; CRC; PH2; SKY); Delirium (f; CEB; CRC); Diarrhea (f; DEM); Dysmenorrhea (f; APA; CRC; DEM); Dysuria (f; CRC); Embolism (1; CAN); Epilepsy (f; APA; CAN; CRC; PH2); Fatigue (f; HHB); Fever (f; CEB; CRC; PH2); Headache (f; CRC); Hepatosis (f; TOM); Hiccup (f; CRC); High Blood Pressure (f; CRC; DAW); Hydrophobia (f; CRC); Hyperactivity (1; WAM); Hysteria (f; APA; CAN; CRC; PH2); Inflammation (1; PH2); Insomnia (f; APA; CRC; PH2; SKY; WAM); Malaria (f; CEB); Mastosis (f; DEM); Nephrosis (f; CRC; TOM); Nerve (f; CRC); Nervousness (f; APA; CAN; PH2; SKY; WAM); Neuralgia (f; CRC); Neurosis (f; CEB); Pain (f; DEM); Palsy (f; CRC); Rabies (f; APA; CEB); Rheumatism (f; TOM); Rickets (f; CRC); Smallpox (f; DEM); Snakebite (f; CRC); Stress (f; CAN; PH2); Stroke (1; CAN); Tetanus (f; CEB); Throat (f; DEM); Thrombosis (1; CAN); Trevor (f; CEB); Tumor (f; JLH); Virus (1; WAM); Water Retention (f; CEB) Dosages (Skullcap) — 1–2 g herb (PNC); 0.5 oz herb/pint water (CEB); 2–4 tbsp fresh herb (PED); 1–2 tsp dry herb/cup to ×/day (APA; SKY); 1–2 g dry herb, or in tea, ×/day (CAN; SKY); 3–6 g dry herb (PED); 4.5 g dry herb/22 ml alcohol/22 ml water (PED); 2–4 ml liquid herb extract (PNC); 2–4 ml liquid herb extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol) ×/day (CAN); 1–2 ml herb tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol) ×/day (CAN); 2–4 ml herb tincture ×/day (SKY); 1–2 droppers herb tincture (APA); 2–3 (429 mg) capsules ×/day (APA) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Skullcap) — Class (AHP) APA rating = (APA) No contraindications known (WAM) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) Reports of hepatotoxicity may be due to adulteration with germander, a black eye in itself (AHP) “There is no evidence to indicate that Scutellaria is toxic when ingested at normal doses” (AHP) The FDA has suggested that overdose of the tincture causes confusion, convulsions, giddiness, pulsar irregularities, and twitching (LRNP, January 1993) The USP, in its proposed monograph of valerian, note that preparations containing skullcap “caused hepatosis” (the preparation, not necessarily the valerian) Reported fatality in Norway possibly Scutellaria, or possibly Teucrium, a frequent adulterant CAN cautions that a mixed product (adulteration with Teucrium spp.) caused hepatotoxicity Because of traditional use to eliminate afterbirth and promote menstruation, and potential hepatotoxicity, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN) Clinical trials with scutellarin in 634 cases of cerebral embolism, cerebral thrombosis, and stroke paralysis showed an overall effective rate of more than 88%, following intramuscular, intravenous, or oral administration (CAN) S 674 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs SKUNK CABBAGE (Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Salisb ex W P C Barton) + Synonym: Dracontium foetidus L Activities (Skunk Cabbage) — Analgesic (f; CRC; DEM; GMH); Antispasmodic (f; CRC; PHR; PH2; PNC); Cicatrizant (f; GMH); Diaphoretic (f; CRC; PHR; PH2; PNC); Diuretic (f; FAD); Emetic (f; CRC; FAD); Emmenagogue (f; CRC); Expectorant (f; CEB; CRC; PHR; PH2; PNC); Hemolytic (1; CAN); Hemostat (f; CRC); Narcotic (1; CEB; CRC; GMH); Poison (1; CRC); Sedative (f; CAN; CRC; PHR; PH2); Sialagogue (f; CRC); Stimulant (f; CRC); Suppurative (f; CEB) S Indications (Skunk Cabbage) — Adenopathy (f; CEB); Asthma (f; CRC; PHR; PH2; PNC); Bleeding (1; CAN; CEB; CRC; DEM); Blister (f; CEB); Bronchosis (f; PHR; PH2; PNC); Bruise (f; CEB); Cancer (f; CEB; CRC); Catarrh (f; CEB; CRC); Childbirth (f; CRC; DEM); Chorea (f; CRC; GMH); Convulsion (f; CRC; DEM; FAD); Cold (f; CEB); Cough (f; CEB; FAD); Cramp (f; CRC; DEM; FAD; PHR; PH2; PNC); Dermatosis (f; CEB; CRC); Dropsy (f; CRC; GMH); Epilepsy (f; CRC; DEM; FAD; GMH); Fever (f; CRC; PHR; PH2; PNC); Fit (f; DEM); Headache (f; CEB; CRC); Heart (f; DEM); Herpes (f; CEB); Hysteria (f; CRC; GMH); Insomnia (f; CAN; CRC; PHR; PH2); Itch (f; CEB; CRC; FAD); Mastosis (f; CEB); Migraine (f; FAD; JAD); Nervousness (f; CAN; CRC; PHR; PH2); Pain (f; CRC; DEM; GMH); Pertussis (f; CAN; DEM); Prolapse (f; DEM); Rheumatism (f; CRC; FAD); Ringworm (f; CRC); Snakebite (f; CRC); Sore (f; CRC); Spasm (f; CRC); Swelling (f; CEB; CRC; DEM); Toothache (f; CEB; DEM; FAD); Ulcer (f; CEB); Uterosis (f; DEM); Water Retention (f; FAD); Womb (f; DEM); Worm (f; CRC); Wound (f; CEB; FAD; GMH) Dosages (Skunk Cabbage) — 0.5–1.0 g powdered root, in honey or in tea, ×/day (CAN); 10–20 grains powdered root (GMH); 0.5–1.0 ml liquid root extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol) ×/day (CAN); 2–4 ml root tincture (1:10 in 45% ethanol) ×/day (CAN) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 675 Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Skunk Cabbage) — Class 2d Oxalates may irritate GI and oral tract Fresh roots irritate mucosa Kidney stone sufferers should use with caution, if at all (AHP).“Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PHR; PH2) Overdose may cause queasiness and vomiting (PHR; PH2) CAN cautions against itch and inflammation Because it is reputed to affect the menstrual cycle, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN) Eating leaves can cause burning and inflammation Roots are believed to be toxic (FAD) Leaf extract is hemolytic Several Micmac Indians confided to me that they sniffed the root to relieve migraine One of the first flowers of spring, often melting the snow through the thermogensis of salicylic acid SLASH PINE (Pinus elliotii Engelm.) + Activities (Slash Pine) — Analgesic (f; DEM); Antiseptic (1; CRC); Expectorant (1; CRC); Insectifuge (f; CRC) Indications (Slash Pine) — Ache (f; DEM); Backache (f; DEM); Bronchosis (1; CRC); Catarrh (f; CRC); Cold (f; CRC); Dysuria (f; CRC); Enterosis (f; CRC); Gonorrhea (f; CRC); Hemorrhoid (f; CRC); Leukorrhea (f; CRC); Pain (f; DEM); Parasite (f; CRC); Psoriasis (f; CRC); Rheumatism (f; CRC; DEM); Sore (f; CRC; DEM); Ulcer (f; CRC); VD (f; CRC); Wound (f; CRC; DEM) SLIPPERY ELM (Ulmus rubra Muhl.) +++ Synonym: Ulmus fulva Michx Activities (Slippery Elm) — Antioxidant (1; CRC); Antiseptic (f; CRC); Antitussive (1; CAN); Astringent (1; APA; PED; WAM); Demulcent (2; APA; PH2; PNC; WAM); Depurative (f; DEM); Diuretic (f; CRC; GMH); Emollient (1; CRC; PH2; PNC); Expectorant (f; CRC; GMH; PED); Laxative (f; CRC; DEM); Vermifuge (f; CRC); Vulnerary (f; CRC; GMH; PED) Indications (Slippery Elm) — Abscess (f; CAN; FAD); Adenopathy (f; CRC; DEM; PH2); Bleeding (f; CEB; DEM); Boil (1; APA; CRC; GMH; PNC); Bronchosis (f; CRC); Burn (1; APA; FAD; GMH; PH2; WAM); Cancer (f; CRC; FEL; JLH); Carcinoma (f; CRC); Cardiopathy (f; GMH); Caries (f; CRC); Catarrh (f; CRC; DEM; GMH); Chilblain (f; CEB); Childbirth (f; CRC; DEM); Cholera (f; CEB); Cold (f; SKY); Cold Sore (1; APA); Colitis (1; APA; CAN; CRC; GMH); Conjunctivosis (f; CRC; DEM); Constipation (f; CRC; DEM); Cough (2; APA; FAD; HHB; WAM); Cramp (f; CEB; CRC); Crohn’s Disease (1; SKY); Cut (f; FAD); Cystosis (1; GMH; WAM); Dermatosis (1; APA; PH2; PNC; WAM); Diarrhea (1; APA; CAN; FAD); Duodenosis (f; PH2); Dysentery (f; CRC; FAD); Dyspepsia (1; FAD); Dysuria (f; CRC); Eczema (f; CRC); Enterosis (2; APA; CEB; GMH); Erysipelas (f; FEL); Esophagosis (2; APA); Felon (f; CRC; JLH); Fever (f; CRC); Fistula (f; FEL); Fracture (f; CRC; DEM); Gangrene (f; CRC); Gastrosis (2; APA; GMH; PHR; PH2; SKY); Gonorrhea (f; DEM); Gout (f; CRC; HH2; PH2); Heartburn (f; DEM); Hemoptysis (f; CEB; GMH); Hemorrhoid (f; CEB); Herpes (f; CRC; FEL); Infection (f; CEB); Inflammation (2; APA; CEB; WAM); Mastosis (f; DEM); Mucososis (f; CRC); Nephrosis (f; DEM; FEL); Ophthalmia (f; DEM); Pharyngosis (2; APA); Pleurisy (f; CRC; FAD; GMH); Pulmonosis (f; CRC; DEM); Quinsy (f; DEM); Rheumatism (f; CRC; HH2; PH2); Sore (1; APA; FEL); Sore Throat (2; APA; FAD; FEL; WAM); Stomach Distress (1; FAD; PNC); Stomatosis (2; APA); Strangury (f; FEL); Swelling (f; CEB; HHB); Synovosis (f; GMH); Syphilis (f; CRC; FEL); Tapeworm (f; CRC); Toothache (f; CRC; GMH); Tuberculosis (f; CRC; DEM; GMH); Tumor (f; CRC); Typhoid (f; CRC; GMH); Ulcer (1; APA; CAN; FAD); UTI (f; CRC; GMH); VD (f; CEB; CRC; DEM; FEL); Water Retention (f; CRC; GMH); Whitlow (f; CRC; JLH); Worm (f; CRC); Wound (1; APA; PHR; PH2; WAM) S 676 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs Dosages (Slippery Elm) — 1–3 tsp powdered herb/cup water 1–3 ×/day (APA); 1–2 g bark in tea 3–4 ×/day (SKY); 0.25–0.5 cup fresh bark (PED); 2–4 tsp dry bark (PED); tsp dry bark/4 cups boiling water (PED); 0.5–2 g powdered bark/cup 2–3 ×/day; g powdered bark in 500 ml decoction ×/day (CAN); 4–16 ml (1:8) powdered bark decoction ×/day (CAN; HHB); ml liquid bark extract (1:1 in 60% ethanol) ×/day (CAN); ml bark tincture ×/day (SKY); (340–500 mg) capsules as needed (JAD); (340 mg) capsules as needed (APA) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Slippery Elm) — Class (AHP) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) None known (CAN; WAM) While I consider slippery elm safer than coffee, LRNP (March 1991) says, “preparations of slippery elm had been used as abortifacients.” Perhaps they refer to Foster and Duke, who note slivers of bark being used mechanically to induce an abortion, sort of the herbal coat hanger Oleoresins from several elm species can cause dermatosis Pollen is allergenic (CRC; LRNP, March 1991) But even conservative CAN says, “it would appear to be non-toxic.” The copious mucilage of the inner bark justifies its use as antitussive, demulcent, and emollient (CAN) SLOE, BLACKTHORN (Prunus spinosa L.) ++ Activities (Sloe) — Antipyretic (f; EFS); Astringent (1; EFS; PHR; PH2); Cardiotonic (f; MAD); Depurative (f; EFS; MAD); Diaphoretic (f; HHB); Diuretic (f; MAD; HHB; PHR; PH2); Emmenagogue (f; EFS); Hemostat (f; EFS); Laxative (f; EFS; HHB; PHR; PH2); Vermifuge (f; EFS; HHB; MAD) Indications (Sloe) — Ascites (f; HHB); Asthma (f; HHB); Bleeding (f; EFS; HHB; MAD); BPH (f; MAD); Cardiopathy (f; MAD; PH2); Childbirth (f; HHB); Cold (1; PHR; PH2); Colic (f; HHB); Constipation (f; EFS; HHB; PHR; PH2); Cramp (f; PH2); Cystosis (f; HHB; MAD); Diarrhea (1; HHB; PHR; PH2); Dysentery (f; MAD); Dysmenorrhea (f; HHB); Dyspepsia (1; PHR); Dysuria (f; HHB); Edema (1; MAD); Enterosis (f; PHR; PH2); Epistaxis (f; HHB); Fever (f; EFS; HHB); Gas (f; PH2); Gastrospasm (1; PHR); Gingivosis (1; PHR; PH2); Gout (f; MAD); Headache (f; PH2); Heart (f; PH2); Hemorrhoid (f; MAD); Inflammation (2; KOM; PH2); Leukorrhea (f; HHB); Menorrhagia (f; MAD); Mucososis (f; PH2); Nausea (f; MAD); Nephrosis (f; EFS; MAD); Neurosis (f; MAD; PH2); Pharyngosis (2; KOM; PH2); Plethora (f; MAD); Prolapse (f; MAD); Proctosis (f; MAD); Pulmonosis (f; MAD); Respirosis (1; MAD; PHR; PH2); Rheumatism (f; MAD); Side Ache (f; MAD); Sore Throat (1; PHR; PH2); Stomachache (f; HHB); Stomatosis (2; KOM; PH2); Stone (f; MAD); Uterosis (f; MAD); Water Retention (f; MAD; HHB; PHR; PH2); Worm (f; EFS; HHB; MAD) S Dosages (Sloe) — 2–4 g fruit (KOM; PH2); 1–2 g flower or fruit, or 1–2 tsp as a tea, to ×/day (AHP); tsp flower (= g) in cold or hot tea (MAD) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Sloe) — Class 2d Not for long-term use Do not exceed recommended dose Cyanogenic glycosides present, as in many Rosaceae, in flowers and seeds, at least (AHP) None known (KOM) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) SMARTWEED (Polygonum hydropiper L.) ++ Synonym: Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach Activities (Smartweed) — Allergenic (1; FAD; HH2); Analgesic (1; DEM; PHR); Antibacterial (f; WOI); Anticapillary Fragility (1; FAD); Antifertility (1; HH2); Anti-implantation (1; MPI); Antimutagenic (1; HH2); Antirheumatic (f; PHR); Antiseptic (f; EFS); Carminative (f; DEP; EFS); Contraceptive (f; WOI); Diaphoretic (f; EFS); Diuretic (f; EFS; FAD; HH2); Emmenagogue (f; Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 677 PNC); Hemostat (1; PHR); Hypotensive (1; WOI); Insectifuge (f; WOI); Irritant (f; PH2); Larvicide (1; WOI); Litholytic (f; WOI); Myorelaxant (1; WOI); Piscicide (1; DEM; HH2; WOI); FNF); Rubefacient (f; EFS); Sedative (f; WOI); Stimulant (f; DEP; EFS; PNC); Tonic (f; DEP); Uterotonic (f; EFS); Vasoconstrictor (f; EFS); Vermifuge (f; DEP) Indications (Smartweed) — Amenorrhea (f; MAD; PNC); Angina (f; MAD); Arthrosis (f; DAA); Asthma (f; MAD); Bacteria (1; WOI); Bleeding (1; EFS; HH2; PHR; PH2); Bruise (f; HH2; PH2); Cancer (1; HH2; JLH; MAD); Cancer, leg (f; JLH); Cancer, mesentery (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Capillary Fragility (1; FAD); Chill (f; DEM; FAD); Cholera (f; MAD); Colic (f; DAA); Cough (f; MAD); Cystosis (f; HH2; MAD; PH2); Dermatosis (f; DEP; MAD; WOI); Diarrhea (f; DEM; PHR; PH2); Dropsy (f; DEM); Dysentery (f; MAD; PH2); Dysmenorrhea (f; FAD; MAD; PH2); Dyspepsia (f; DEM; PH2); Dysuria (f; DEM; FAD; MAD); Edema (f; JLH; MAD); Enterosis (f; MAD); Fever (f; DEM; EFS; FAD); Fibroma (f; JLH; MAD); Fistula (f; CEB); Gangrene (f; MAD); Gas (f; DEP; EFS); Gastrosis (f; DEM; HH2; MAD); Gonorrhea (f; MAD); Gout (f; HH2; PH2); Gravel (f; DEM); Headache (f; CEB; MAD); Hematuria (f; DEM; FAD); Hemoptysis (f; MAD); Hemorrhoid (f; FAD; HH2; MAD; PH2); High Blood Pressure (1; WOI); Induration (f; JLH); Inflammation (f; DEM); Insomnia (f; WOI); Itch (f; DEP); Jaundice (f; DAA; MAD); Leukorrhea (f; MAD); Metrorrhagia (f; MAD); Mucososis (f; HH2); Nephrosis (f; DEM; HH2; PH2); Nervousness (f; WOI); Pain (1; DEM; FAD; FNF; PHR; PH2); Rheumatism (1; FNF; PHR; PH2); Scabies (f; PH2); Scald (f; DEM); Sore (f; CEB; MAD); Sprain (f; PH2); Stomatosis (f; CEB); Stone (f; MAD; WOI); Strangury (f; DAA); Stroke (f; DAA); Swelling (f; DEM; JLH); Toothache (f; MAD); Uterosis (f; FAD); Uterrhagia (f; MAD; PH2); Varicosis (f; PH2); VD (f; PH2); Vomiting (f; PH2); Water Retention (f; EFS; FAD; HH2); Whitlow (f; JLH); Worm (f; DEP; PNC); Wound (f; MAD; PH2) Dosages (Smartweed) — 600–3750 mg herb fluid extract (MAD); tsp herb/cup ×/day (PHR; PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Smartweed) — Not covered (AHP) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) “Consumption of larger quantities of the fresh kraut (= herb) can cause gastroenterosis” (PH2) Plant is potentially allergenic (FAD) Extracts (Smartweed) — Extract LD50 = 464 mg/kg ipr mus (MPI) Contains 2000–3000 ppm silicic acid, 2000 ppm readily soluble (HH2) Alcoholic extract anti-implantation, IC60 = 200 mg/kg rat The Herbal PDR lists polygodial, an antihyperalgesic, which I translate as a pain reducing compound I myself have chewed it for toothache Like so many other anesthetic toothache compounds (e.g., spilanthin), this one, too, is a fish intoxicant Noting all the pesticidal activities, I’m not yet ready to give it a ++ Polygodial reportedly has activities also shared with the closely related phytochemical warburganal These are both hot pungent compounds, and probably explain the name smartweed SMOOTH LOOFAH, LUFFA (Luffa aegyptiaca Mill.) ++ Synonyms: Cucurbita luffa hort., Luffa cylindrica M Roem., L pentandra Roxb., Momordica cylindrica L., M luffa L Activities (Smooth Loofah) — Anticancer (1; KAP); Antileukemic (1; KAP); Antimelanomic (1; ABS); Antiribosomal (1; ABS); Antiseptic (1; DAA); Aperitif (f; KAP); Bitter (1; HHB); Carminative (f; DAA); Choleretic (f; KAP); Cytotoxic (1; ABS); Demulcent (f; KAP); Diuretic (f; HHB; KAP); Emetic (f; DEP; HHB; KAP; UPW); Emmenagogue (f; DAA); Expectorant (f; KAB; KAP); Hemolytic (1; JFM); Lactagogue (f; DAA; KAB; KAP); Laxative (f; DEP; S ...674 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs SKUNK CABBAGE (Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Salisb ex W P C Barton) + Synonym: Dracontium... in 25% ethanol) ×/day (CAN); 2–4 ml root tincture (1:10 in 45% ethanol) ×/day (CAN) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 675 Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Skunk Cabbage) — Class 2d... to me that they sniffed the root to relieve migraine One of the first flowers of spring, often melting the snow through the thermogensis of salicylic acid SLASH PINE (Pinus elliotii Engelm.) +