Subject: Alt.folklore.herbs - medicinal herb FAQ (v.1.19) Part 4/7
Date: 22 Mar 1996 21:30:50 GMT
Summary: Frequently asked questions with answers, a general
 introduction to and a resource list for medicinal herbs.

Posting-Frequency: monthly (on or about 20th)
Version: 1.19

==========
2.2.1  Herbs for mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs - continued
from part 3/7
-----
AND NOW YOU'RE BITTEN...
-----
From EderChiro@aol.com:
Use lavender oil (small drop) applied directly on mosquito bites.

From: HeK
Lush Stellaria media does the trick, too - just roll into a ball and
let the juice drop onto your bite(s).

-----
From Noel Gilmore (ngilmore@gate.net):
Allow me to pass on my husband's rather simplistic (and annoying)
  remedy to keep mosquito bites from itching and swelling...DON'T SCRATCH
  'EM.  For years I suffered all summer while he did not and he would
  always tell me it was because he disciplined himself not to scratch.
  Last year we went to the Yucatan jungle for vacation and I couldn't
  bear to cover myself from head to toe each day with repellent, so I
  asked him to help me remember not to scratch, and I have to admit it
  worked!

From Tim Keenan (tkeenan@uoguelph.ca) to above :
As someone who has lived and worked on the arctic tundra and in the
  boreal forest for decades, I have to agree...I never use DEET or any
  other repellent.  If the bugs are so thick I can't breath without
  inhaling them, I use a "SkeeterGuard" fine-mesh net jacket, with a net
  hood that zips across the throat.  Otherwise, I hit 'em if I feel 'em.
  If I don't feel 'em, I hardly ever develop any reaction. If I have a
  reaction, usually if I get bit somewhere where the skin is thin (over a
  wrist bone, etc.) I generally ignore it and it goes away.  I never get
  a bump _unless_ I scratch.
This goes for black flies, too.  I think the best answer is to get bit
  early and often, and you will become acclimatized to it.
Rubbing and scratching causes all sorts of local histamine response,
  which really aggravates the situation.

From Lane@monty.rand.org (Janis Lane) to above:
I have been getting TERRIBLE spider bites.  The doctor told me that I
  was having a chemical reaction (arm was burning hot and swollen).  He
  told me the SAME thing..."do NOT scratch".  I stopped scratching and it
  seems that the bites are not swelling but are just turning to bruises.
  Any suggestions for THIS?

From Sharon Rust (ntlor@primenet.com) to above:
For spider bites I have used fresh papaya and when I haven't had the
  fresh stuff papaya - pineapple enzymes, these work for bee and wasp and
  scorpion stings as well. I chew up the enzyme tablet to make a paste
  and stick it on the bite , the papaya I just stick a chunk on . When I
  use to live where plantain (Plantago rotundifolia, or lanceolata) grew I
  used it for bites, it seemed to work on bee, spider and mosquito
  bites.
To use plantain I would get a fresh leaf and chew it up with my front
  teeth, taking care not to swallow the juices and then stick this wad of
  chewed up plant on the bite(s). When my daughter and niece stepped into
  a swarm of yellow jackets luckily it was in a field filled with
  plantain, I started chewing up and applying the plantain to my daughter
  and my sister-in-law did the same for her daughter, the bites on my
  daughter were disappearing but my niece was getting no relief, so when
  I was finished with my daughter's bites, I started applying plantain to
  my nieces, the ones that I worked on were also disappearing , the key
  was that my sister-in-law was swallowing the juices released from the
  plant and I was not. I suppose you could use a blender or something but
  most of the time I feel that this is the fastest and simplest way to
  treat a bite.

==========
2.2.2  Herbs for migraines
-----  by Eugenia Provence, EProvence@aol.com

What are migraines?  A whole variety of headaches associated with
vascular constriction and dilation make up the unpleasant world of
migraines.  The two most common are classic migraine and common
migraine.  They may first appear in childhood, but usually in the late
teens or early twenties.  More women than men are subject to them, and
they frequently end after menopause.

Classic migraines start with warning signs (called the aura by medical
folks).  Before the headache begins, you may temporarily lose some of
your vision, see flashing lights and feel very strange altogether,
maybe even feeling a burning sensation or muscle weakness.

The pain usually begins on one side of the head, but can spread.  The
headache may take hours to develop and several days before it goes,
leaving a desire to sleep (replacing the desire to die!).  You may
experience nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.

I've had only one of this kind and never want another.  I thought I
was losing my vision (along with my wits and my lunch).  Other
symptoms may include muscle numbness, tingling, scalp tenderness,
dizziness, dry mouth, tremors, sweating and chilliness.

Common migraines don't begin so dramatically, but a few hours or days
before onset, you may feel tired, depressed (or paradoxically) have a
burst of energy, be anxious or feel hyper.  The common migraine may
begin more slowly and last longer than the classic type.  Except for
the aura, the symptoms are the same.

What causes migraines?  The exact range of mechanisms producing
migraines isn't well understood, but is believed to be an upset in
serotonin metabolism that causes dilation of cerebral arteries,
followed by vascular spasm in extra-cranial blood vessels.

Migraine triggers are as varied as the individuals afflicted by them.
About 70% of sufferers have family histories of migraine.

Food triggers are common, and can be nearly anything.  Some of the
most frequent food triggers are anything aged, canned, cured, pickled
or processed or that contain tyramine or nitrites.  Aged cheese,
bananas, caffeine, chicken livers, MSG, alcohol (especially red wine,)
yeast products (including bread), chocolate, red meat, shellfish are
common, but the list is extensive and individual.  Try eliminating
these first.  If that doesn't work, see if you are sensitive to
citrus, lentils, nuts, any kind of green beans or peas, vinegar or
yogurt.

Stress, strong emotional reactions and fatigue may be triggers, in
addition to compounding the symptoms.  Weather or altitude changes may
contribute to them.  There's a hormonal trigger for some women,
causing migraines prior to or during menstruation or when using birth
control pills or estrogen replacement therapy.  There seems to be an
association with sluggish liver function from eating too much fatty
food or heavy drinking.

How can they be prevented or treated?  If you can catagorize your
migraines as being related to physical stress or emotional upheaval,
stress reduction techniques, meditation and biofeedback have been
found to be helpful, as have acupuncture and bodywork.  Chiropractic
or Osteopathic treatment may help if there is a structual problem in
the neck.  Again, it's very individual and complex issue, and you may
need the assistance of a professional conventional or complementary
practioner.

HERBAL THERAPIES:

--To ease pain, David Hoffmann suggests that at the first sign of
attack equal parts of Black Willow, Meadowsweet, Passion Flower,
Valerian and Wood Betony may be helpful.

--For migraine associated with stress, use equal parts of Hawthorne
berries, Lime Flowers, Wood Betony, Skullcap and Crampbark.

--Nervine tonics, such as Oats and Skullcap are appropriate long-term
therapy, accompanied by Siberian Ginseng as an adaptogen.

--Massage Lavender oil into the temples at first sign of an attack.

--If the migraine is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, Chamomile,
Meadowsweet or Peppermint may help.

--If migraine is associated with hormonal problems, long-term
treatment should include herbs to try to balance the hormonal system.
Vitex, Black Cohosh, or Wild Yam may be useful.

--European herbalists emphasize the importance of liver support in
migraine treatment.  Herbs like Burdock, Dandelion root or Milk
Thistle would be ideal.

The following delicious Migraine Tea from Ana Nez Heatherly of
Gatesville, Texas, appears in the July 1995 Mother Earth News.  She
prepares a cold infusion of:
    6 parts Rosemary leaves     4 parts Peppermint leaves
    4 parts Lemon Balm leaves   4 parts Sweet Violet
    3 parts Feverfew          1/2 part sweet Violet Flowers

-----
Please also check the 'Feverfew and migraine' -entry (2.1.9) above.

==========
2.2.3  Herbs for vivid dreams
-----
From Colette Gardiner, on mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) as a dream
enhancer:

There's quite a bit of info out there about this topic, probably recently
discussed on this list as well. I've used it to induce more vivid dreaming
for years and have seen strong effects in many people. Some people have
been known to wake up in the night cursing loudly and toss the pillow
across the room, they were dreaming so vividly. A bundle of it hanging
near your head at night works as well as a pillow of the cut and sifted
stuff available in stores. It's also useful as an incense or in incense
blends before any divinatory work such as tarot, rune reading etc. Just
take a small amount of the dried herb and toss it on top of a wood stove
or on a small charcoal disc that's been lit (available in magic stores
or sometimes in catholic supply stores). Mostly I'd recommend simply
getting some and trying it out for yourself. I've heard a lot of stories
over the years from students who've used it.

Other herbs for vivid dreams:
Plantain- Plantago majus or P. lanceolata - tea in evening.
Watercress - Ingested at daybreak to increase dreams that evening.
Peppermint - Mentha spp. burned as an incense at sunset and thru the evening
for visionary dreams.

-----
From Dennis McClain-Furmanski (dynasor@infi.net):

Calea zacatechichi (Dream Herb) is a shrub from the Chiapas region of
Mexico, related to the mint family. It has been used by the Chontal
people as a divinitory for many years. Traditional use as a tea brings
about a drowsy dream state, in which answers to questions are revealed
and lost objects are located.

Clinical testing in double blind studies have been shown to induce
sleep and vivid dreaming, with the subjects reporting profound meaning
in the dreams.

Preparation is almost invariably as a tea. However, zacatechichi is
intensely bitter and soapy tasting and little can be done to mask the
taste (though mixture with the sweetener herb Stevia or preparation by
taking Miracle Berry which makes everything taste sweet sound like
reasonable suggestions). My experience has been to mix a rounded
teaspoon of zacatechichi with an ounce of kava kava and preparing it
as normal kava. The berries/seeds seem to have more effect, though the
leaf material itself is potent.

Little empirical or pharmacologic data exists so far, one notable
study being Lilian Mayagoitia's (1986)  "Calea Zacatechichi:
Psychopharmocologic Analysis of an Alleged Oneirogenic Plant" in vol.
18 of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

-----
Please also see the entry on Kava kava, 2.1.11, above.

==========
2.2.4  Herbs and weight loss
-----

Many herbs are used for temporary weight loss, including some that you
can buy at an herb store. However, there are many herbalists who
consider weight loss formulas to be harmful, and will not make them for
their clients. Typically, herbal diet pills use herbs with the
following properties to cause
weight loss:

1. Stimulants: encourage the body to burn more calories.

2. Diuretics: cause the body to excrete water through excess urine.

3. Cathartics: cause evacuation of the bowels, reduce calorie
consumption by impeding full digestion.

4. Appetite suppressants: reduce hunger by expanding in the stomach,
altering mood, or satisfying taste.

They may also use herbs to increase perspiration, (more "water weight"
loss), and kill pain, or balance nerves.

Some formulas are definitely going to be better balanced than others,
but in general, we are not talking here about gentle herbs that nourish
and support you, as you bring your habits into balance. Herbal weight
loss formulas may have drastic physical effects on your body.
"Effective" diet pills --herbal or not-- are potent, depleting, and
temporary, if effective. They do not cure overweight conditions.

There are herbs which can be used as supplements while you diet, but
weight loss involves your whole lifestyle. Why not consider using herbs
to change your lifestyle?

Instead of just using dried, capsulated, herbal products, start
including *whole* herbs in your life. Eat them everyday, as fresh as
possible, (e.g. take walks, check out the vegetable stand, or tend a
garden), everyday.
Instead of taking a capsule, eat a handful of fresh parsley. Experiment
with tasting each of your favorite culinary herbs made up as "diet"
tea.  Collect dandelion leaves, plantain, mints, lettuce, whatever, and
whip it up in your blender as special diet "green drink." Almost no
calories in most herbs.

Also, get to know specific weeds and plants in your neighborhood. Learn
their names and uses; look at them. Watch how they grow, Think about
their growing condition and responses to it. You can even keep a
journal noting everything you learn about each plant. Spring is the
perfect time to bring herbs into your lifestyle.

Eating and living with herbs can bring you a lifestyle which may be
more conducive to weight loss.

Peace,

Patricia Harper
harperp@aol.com

==========
2.2.5  Herbs to make you sleep
-----
Also see Valeriana (2.1.1).

-----
> I REALLY need some herbs to take for insomnia. My doctor says I am in
> excellent health, and I am not depressed, but insomnia has been a
> terrible problem for me since I was a child. Can anyone recommend some
> herbs to me that either taste good-ok (not valerian--it smells so bad
> to me :( ) OR tell me how to make a herbal sleep pillow?

From trowan@ivory.trentu.ca (The Literate Tomboy)
Rub a little lavender oil under your nose and breathe deep as you lie
in bed...

From burleigh@tcg.anl.gov (darin)
Organic chemistry textbooks. It was a surefire thing in college.

From dsm2@ix.netcom.com (sherree moore)
Okay, I've been lurking around reading the herbal newsgroup and I JUST
have to give my remedy for insomnia. When I can't sleep I make a tea
from chamomile (of course), valerian, hops, and a smidge of passion
flower. Works every time. Of course, this combination might become a
bit too much every single night! Therefore, a hops pillow might help.
Make a small pillow and fill it with hops. Really doesn't smell bad at
all. Oh yes, the tea is an acquired taste, but honey helps.

From carl.mork@nwcs.org (Carl Mork)
The various mints are good in tea for making you relax. I make a nice
mix of peppermint, cat mint and apple mint to brew up the tea. A pillow
is simple to make. Use the same mints plus lavender. There are other
herbs that are used for sleep, but those are the ones I know from
practical experience.
The mix for tea and pillows should be to your taste. Oh and I suggest
honey in the tea.

==========
2.2.6  Aphrodisiacs
-----

From Peter L. Schuerman <plschuerman@ucdavis.edu>:
Try this:
 2 parts safflower (or 1 part saffron)
 2 parts hibiscus flower
 2 parts rose flower
in tea (1 tsp. per cup) or capsules (1-2 OO caps).
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the floral structures of plants have
 their medicinal effects on the reproductive system. This formula is
 made of three flowers; the first is an aphrodisiac, the second exerts
 an influence on the sexual chakra and the third exerts and influence
 on the heart chakra and acts to harmonize the blend.

From Back in Black <skeevers@netcom.com>, to above:
If you find the effect of this mixture too overwhelming (depending on
 your constitution, it might be) you can also add 1 part myrrh to
 soften the effect. Without the myrrh, it has quite a punch, with the
 myrrh, it has a much more diffuse effect, spread throughout the
 entire body rather than being so focused on the lower two chakras (or
 at least, those are the effects it had on me).
Personally, I couldn't stomach this mixture as tea -- capsules are
 preferable -- but it's also not bad in vanilla yogurt, if you don't
 have capsules.

==========
2.2.7  Herbal Abortives and Birth Control

Disclaimer. This is not anything you should try at home without
supervision from a knowledgeable herb person.

-----
Colette Gardiner <coletteg@efn.org>

Current and reliable information on herbal birth control is rare. In the
Western tradition much information on birth control as well as safe birthing
techniques was destroyed during the European Witch hunts circa 1450-1700.
Having such knowledge was proof positive that you were a witch. Other
historical information is often incomplete, with only a local common name, or
no exact dosages. Researchers often discard supportive techniques such as
fasting or ritual as mere superstition. Current studies tend to be anecdotal
rather than strictly lab controlled data. This does not mean they are not of
value, but again pertinent info may be missing. Such as was the woman pregnant
in the first place? Anecdotal info can give us ideas on where to start and
what the possibilities are. They have also shown us that herbal abortives are
not themselves without side effects, often severe. All herbal info on
abortives should be thoroughly researched before use. Some herbalists feel
that herbal abortions are more dangerous than clinical abortions. Abortive
herbs are toxic and do have side effects. They are not safer because they are
natural. Clinical abortions are certainly more effective. Most importantly an
herbal abortion should never be undertaken unless a women is willing to follow
up with a clinical abortion if the herbs fail.

EFFECTIVENESS

Varying success rates have been claimed for herbal birth control. Estimates
vary from 20%-80%. It is important to remember that most of these rates are
based on the incidence of successfully bringing on a delayed period, not in
aborting a definite pregnancy. Since many herbs seem to work the best close to
the time of the first missed menstrual period, many women have not had a
pregnancy test at the time they took herbal abortives. Studies on the success
rate of herbal abortives in non-confirmed pregnancies is quite high (70%-80%).
Success rates with confirmed pregnancies is substantially lower, 20% or less.
Also there's not as much research on herbal abortives with confirmed
pregnancy.

SPECIFICS

Rina Nissim, founder of the Dispensaire des Femmes in Switzerland claims a
success rate of 60%-80% in women who believed they were pregnant (non-tested).
Their method involved the use of at least two herbs at a time. Generally one
emmenagogue (bleeding stimulator) with an oxytocic (uterine contraction
stimulator) for no more than six days starting as soon as a woman's period
is late. They have found that starting the herbal regimen later than six
days overdue drops the success rate to 20%.

In a survey I conducted (appendix A) with a small group of women there
appeared to be a high success rate (about 75%). However only one of the women
had a positive pregnancy test, so actual success rates were certainly much
lower. My experience with women where there has been more complete
information, such as positive pregnancy tests and follow up leads me to guess
at a realistic success rate of 20% at this time. In a highly quoted New Mexico
study, Cotton root bark had a very high success rate, with a fairly low
toxicity. However it appears that very few of the women were actually pregnant
based on blood tests and screening.

Less info is available on prevention of pregnancy with herbs. In an informal
study (appendix B) by Robin Bennett with Wild Carrot Seed used on a semi-
regular basis as an implantation preventer she had a 98% success rate with few
side effects. There is also a much quoted seven year study involving one
hundred women in Alaska that also claimed high success rates for wild carrot
seed. But no one seems to have any specifics on it.

SAFETY

In general many herbal abortives are mildly poisonous to potentially fatal in
large doses.

Almost all women report at least one of the following side effects:
  * Increased bleeding
  * Dizziness and nausea sometimes extreme enough to cause fear.
  * Visual disturbances
  * Sweats or chills
  * Diarrhea
Less commonly reported side effects:
  * Incomplete abortion
  * Irregular cycles for 1-3 months
    The above can also occur in clinical abortions.
  * Kidney irritation
  * Breast Lumps (Tansy)

Almost all women reported heavier bleeding and clotting than normal and felt
that this was an indication of an aborted pregnancy. While this is indeed a
sign of aborted pregnancy it's also common with use of emmenagogues. Common
sense would indicate that when using emmenagogues there would be the chance of
hemorrhage, but it appears to be a not very common side effect compared to the
other effects. Most side effects appear to be of short duration. I do know of
one case  where a women experienced severe long term endocrine imbalance after
using herbal abortives.

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS

The most serious side effects seem to occur when women use herbal abortives,
remain pregnant and attempt to carry to term. There is a high enough rate of
reported instances to call for extreme caution.

  * Incomplete or low implantation of the placenta
    (reported frequently by many practitioners)
  * Premature detachment of the placenta before or during birth

Consequences of these side effects can be severe and potentially fatal. Severe
hemorrhage can and does occur under these circumstances. In one case a women
lost 1/3 of her blood volume before bleeding could be stopped. Treatment
consists of total bed rest and staying close to a hospital. The risks to both
mother and fetus are extreme.

  * A few isolated reports of toxaemia possibly related to herbal abortives.

ONE FINAL VERY SUBJECTIVE NOTE

Clinic workers who see  many clinical abortions note that women who used
herbal abortives on their current pregnancy seem to have darker, thicker
blood with more clotting.

USE OF HERBAL ABORTIVES AS A LABOR FACILITATOR

A few of the herbs that are used as herbal abortives maybe safely used in the
last trimester of pregnancy under specific conditions to help facilitate
healthy labor. While safe if properly used they should not be used unless a
problem exists and only with the help of a practitioner.

HERBAL SPECIFICS

There are two main types of herbs used as abortives. Emmenagogues and
oxytocins.

EMMENAGOGUES

Emmenagogues stimulate blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and
help to stimulate menstruation.

Vitamin C  - no buffers or fillers. Dose: 500 mg every hour for 12 hours up
to 5 days. Toxicity: possible kidney irritation, loose bowels.

Ginger -  Zingiber officinale, Dose: 1 oz. fresh or dry root to pint of water.
Toxicity: possible light-headedness.

Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegium & Hedeoma pulegiodes, Dose: 1/4 cup of herb to 1
quart water once a day for no more than 6 days. Toxicity: nausea, numbness in
hand and legs, liver irritation, kidney and bladder irritation, diarrhea, The
essential oil is fatal internally. Contraindications: kidney conditions.

Angelica root - Angelica archangelica, Dosage: 1/4 cup herb to 1 quart water
as tea. Tincture - 10-20 drops every two hours. Dried root less toxic than
fresh. Toxicity:  irritant to kidney and liver, not studied as much as
pennyroyal. Contraindicated in diabetes as it raises blood sugar levels.

Mugwort Leaf - Artemisia vulgaris, Dosage: 3 teaspoon per cup tea, 3 cups per
day, for no more than six days.  Toxicity: higher doses can cause liver damage
and convulsions. Nausea. Contraindications: Uterine inflammation or recent
pelvic infection.

Black Cohosh Root - Cimicifuga racemosa, Dosage: 3 teaspoons per cup, 4 times
a day. Tincture 20 drops every 6 hours. Toxicity: Diarrhea, dizziness,
headache, decreased pulse rate, tremors, fatalities can occur in large enough
doses.

Tansy - Tanacetum vulgare. Note: Do not confuse with tansy ragwort, Senecio
jacobaea, which is a poisonous plant known to cause death in cattle thru liver
failure. Dosage: Tea, 4-8 teaspoons per qt. sipped throughout day. 10 drops
tincture in warm water every two hours til bleeding commences, for no more
than 5 days. Toxicity: breast lumps, possible hemorrhage, liver irritant.
Essential oil is fatal - do not ingest.

OXYTOCIC HERBS

They imitate oxytocin in the body to stimulate uterine contractions and
release prostaglandin hormones. All oxytocic herbs are toxic to some degree.
Women can experience very painful contractions. They are generally hard on the
liver. Women with a history of liver disease such as hepatitis may wish to
avoid them all together.

Blue Cohosh root - Caulophyllum thalictroides, Dosage: Tea - 3 teaspoons herb
per cup, 3 cups per day, tincture - 20 drops every 4 hours, for six days or
til bleeding commences. Toxicity: nausea, vomiting, headaches, convulsions in
large doses, kidney and liver irritant, Contraindications:  low blood
pressure. Some of the constituents of Cohosh are more soluble as tincture.

Angelica - see emmenagogues.

Cotton root bark - Gossypium herbacetum, Dosage: 12 teaspoons per quart, 1/2 -
1 quart thru day. Tincture 10 drops every few hours til bleeding commences,
for no more than 6 days. Toxicity : seemingly low based on the New Mexico
study. Cotton is a heavily sprayed crop with pesticides that are only used on
non food crops. Those pesticides can cause liver irritation, and other
problems. Organic cotton root bark may be difficult to find.

OTHER HERBS USED

Wild Carrot Seed - Daucus carota, used as a preventative. Dosage: 1 teaspoon a
day chewed and washed down with fluid. Believed to work as an implantation
preventor by making the uterine lining unsuitable. See appendix B. Toxicity:
So far appears to be low toxicity, long term effects unknown. Identification
must be absolute as many wild members of this family look similar and can be
fatal.

Trillium root - Trillium spp. Dosage: tincture 30 drops 3-4 times a day. Tea 3
teaspoons per cup, 1 quart per day. Trillium root is used by midwives to
facilitate softening of the cervix and is often used as a labor adjunct in the
case of rigid os or as a preparatory agent before trying to induce labor with
stronger herbs. It occasionally will start labor on it's own. As an abortive
there is not a lot of current use info on effectiveness and side effects.
Trillium root should only be harvested from garden grown plants as it is rare
in the wild due to habitat destruction by logging and urban growth.

Parsley - Petroselinum spp. Used as a fresh plant vaginal insert for 24
hours. Personally I have heard of no cases of even bringing on a delayed
period with this method. Toxicity: low.

Misc. Herbs listed as abortives: Agave, Osha, Mistletoe, Rue, Peyote, Sweet
flag, Papaya seed, Feverfew, Motherwort, Wood Sorrel, Damiana.

The above is by no means an exhaustive list, many mild emmenagogues are listed
as abortives in literature both scientific and folkloric: Marjoram, Oregano,
Beet, Celery, Papaya fruit, Peppermint, Valerian, etc. While they may help
facilitate onset of a slow period, such as the type where there's cramping
and pelvic heaviness but bleeding has not yet commenced, it's doubtful they
would act as abortives.

Dosages mentioned above may be on the conservative side in many cases. However
since the serious side effects show up at higher doses it's best to be
cautious. I've seen better results with tea than with tincture and with mixing
2 -3 herbs together in a blend. Herbal abortives effects may be enhanced by a
day of fasting, working with ritual, and massage of the uterine acupressure
points along the ankles several times a day for at least ten minutes at a
time.  Again the success rate is very low for actual pregnancies.

Ideally if a woman wished to use herbal abortives I would recommend finding a
clinic that does early pregnancy testing of the type that can detect pregnancy
within a few days of conception, preferably one that can see women on a walk
in basis so you don't have to wait for an appointment. Then if you are not
pregnant you can use a mild emmenagogue such as marjoram, without stressing
your body. Since early testing is not 100% accurate and if you are fairly sure
you are pregnant, you may wish to use one of the less toxic abortives such as
Vitamin C. Since most of the abortives are so hard on the body they should
only be used in cases of confirmed pregnancy. Why put your liver thru more
stress than it already gets in today's world?

APPENDIX A

SURVEY ON HERBAL BIRTH CONTROL AND ABORTIVES

      Colette Gardiner

Of the 10 women in the study:

  None had used herbs preventatively as contraception
  6 had previously been pregnant
  8 could tell very accurately when they ovulated
  8 of the women had used herbal abortives
  1 women had delayed ovulation time with herbs use
  1 women was a practitioner who counseled about herbal abortives
  6 of the women had side effects
  6 of the 8 women who used herbal abortives brought on a delayed period with
herbs. Only one of these women had a confirmed pregnancy, but all the women
felt they were pregnant. Two of these women were a few weeks late. A few of
these women had unsuccessful herbal abortive attempts at other times.

Time Frame Abortives Used:

Brought on period with herbs at:
  Three weeks overdue - 1 women
  Two weeks overdue - 1 women
  When period was due - 4 women

Many of the women reported friends who used herbal abortives successfully, but
I did not use those accounts in my survey. In general the second hand reports
were very similar to the survey results.

A practitioner reported that several women in her area were drinking sassafras
tea as a contraceptive. She didn't give details on safety or effectiveness.

One women reported that either Vitamin A or Goldenseal seemed to delay
ovulation. I've heard no other instances of this.

My next project is to do a larger survey on herbal abortives with women who
have had a positive early pregnancy test. For info or to participate contact
me at:
   coletteg@efn.org
or
   P.O Box 10914
   Eugene,Or.
   U.S.A. 97440

APPENDIX B

Wild Carrot Seed as an Herbal Contraceptive

Survey conducted by Robin Bennett

In Robin's info she stresses that it was a small study, and that she did not
use scientific, double blind methods etc.

In her survey there were three dosage regimes
  1) Every day
  2) Daily for 7 -8 days surrounding ovulation
  3) For 7 days following intercourse

The dosage for all women was one teaspoon daily chewed and washed down with
fluids. Half of the women in the study used it as their only form of birth
control. The study lasted for one year. Out of the ten women in the study: one
became pregnant and had a clinical abortion. She became pregnant when she used
the seeds for only three days around ovulation instead of the recommended 7-8.
She had a clinical abortion. Two other women suspected they were pregnant and
used herbal emmenagogues to bring on their period. One of these women was
using the seeds daily. The other women was using them for 7-8 days surrounding
ovulation. One of the women discontinued seed use in order to become pregnant
and did. There were some mild side effects such as gas and slightly earlier
periods. Some women felt that anything less than the full dose actually
enhanced fertility. None of the women reported any symptoms of uterine
irritation and subsequent exams showed no signs of it. In her handout Robin
mentions some lab studies using WCS as an implantation preventor in mice, but
did not give details.

Her address:
  Robin Bennett
  R.R. 2 - Box 301
  Garrison, N.Y.
  U.S.A. 10524

==========
2.2.7.1  Herbal Abortives and Common Sense
-----
on the herblist November 1995:

>> A friend of mine does not use birth control.
>> Is there an natural form for the abortion process?

> Here is a formula that is intended to induce a miscarriage:
> 20 drops blue cohosh
> 20 drops black cohosh
> 20 drops pennyroyal
> Measure the tinctures into a cup of warm water ...

It is debatable whether using herbal medicine to cause uterine
rejection of a conceptus is any more "natural" then an a D&C. Herbs can
be potent and potentially dangerous - just because they grew out of the
ground doesn't confer the status "natural" on anything they may be used
for especially when the only alternative is orthodox procedural
medicine. However the answer is YES, herbal abortion is possible,
in certain circumstances.

It would however be quite insane to take a recommendation from an
internet list and simply believe that is the end of it....we are not
talking about a common cold here. The reply giving cohosh/pennyroyal
recipes was just plain daft - how late is she, how old is she, what is
her general health, nutritional status, psychological state, emotional
strength, domestic situation, support network etc etc etc etc etc.
All these questions come before some generic formula can be given.
Then the formula given was not related to strength of tincture, dried
or fresh plant used, etc. The dose pattern given was potentially
excessive. It might harm or her or it may not work at all.  Would you
then write to this list again?  Grow up! I would urge your friend to
consult someone who is experienced in the herbal management of ob/gyn
if there is a real need (e.g. legality/finance) to go this route.

jonathan treasure <jonno@teleport.com>

==========
2.2.8  Herbs and female infertility
-----
By Roy Upton (herbs@sensemedia.net).

There are a number of options to try for <this person>. I have worked with
infertility for many years with a decent degree of success. As I do not know
what is specifically the cause of <this person's> infertility; i.e. inability
to conceive, incompatibility with sperm, low level infection, inability to
maintain the pregnancy due to insufficient progesterone levels, etc. I will
provide some general rules of thumb. Most of what I will outline is based on
traditional Chinese medicine.

Gynecological imbalances are considered to be associated with poor pelvic
circulation which prevents the gynecological system from being as healthy as
it can be. Most botanical formulas are geared to promoting pelvic circulation.
The most commonly used are formulas that include at least four herbs; Dang Gui
(Angelica sinensis), Ligusticum, Rehmannia, and White Peony. This is a classic
Chinese formula known as Dang Gui Four and can be found in any Chinatown and
some health food stores. There are many variations of this formula. Another is
called Women's Precious, or Eight Precious Pills. Either would be a good
general formula to try. They should not be used during bleeding, menses, and
generally not during pregnancy.

Another botanical to use in conjunction with any Dang Gui-based formula is
Chaste berry (Vitex agnus-castus). Vitex is a progesterone agonist which can
help to minimize the risk of miscarriage. In addition, it can also stimulate
ovulation. It works specifically by enhancing pituitary function, thus
improving ovarian function. A few other herbs that I add either to the Dang
Gui formula or to the Chaste Berry are False unicorn, Partridge Berry and
Cramp Bark. I sometimes recommend a thyroid glandular as well, and insure the
women is not anemic or borderline anemic.

The basic protocol is to utilize the Dang Gui Four formula in conjunction with
Chaste Berry throughout the month except during menses. We could get fancy and
give one formula during the estrogenic phase of the cycle, and the Chaste
Berry for the progesterenic phase, but this is seldom necessary. I use custom-
blended teras or ready made commercial formulas. My suggesting would be to go
to a health food store, TCM practitioner or naturopathic physician and ask
what the best Dang Gui/Chaste Berry products they have. You have to be
diligent in getting a decent product. There are many Dang Gui products
consisting of only Dang Gui, or which are not put together that well. There is
also a lot of bogus chaste berry floating around on the market, especially
that available from Chinatown. One of the more popular capsuled products is
85% millet, and is largely ineffective.

Lastly, it is important to encourage those trying to conceive to look at
conception just as you would look at a garden. Before you ever plant a seed
you cultivate the soil. In this case, you do not want to attempt conception
for at least three cycles, ideally six cycles. Both the man and women should
be brought into this process by recommending the man use herbs that increase
sperm count and motility (Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Kidney tonics, avoiding
excessive sexual activity and hot tubs, etc.). The woman should also be
exercising regularly, focusing on improving abdominal tonicity. Kegels are
excellent exercises to try. This is to insure adequate tonicity of tissue
internally so implantation can hold.

Focusing on nutritional well-being is very important for obvious reason, even
if the women is not anemic. This basic protocol has worked in dozens of women
that I have worked with, with conception taking place anywhere from 3 weeks to
four months. I do not know of anyone specifically that it has not worked for,
but this may be due to the fact that if it didn't work they may not have come
back to me, or went on to try something else. I have had several women who
continued to use the Dang Gui formula even after conception, one for up to six
months because she forgot that I told her not to use it during pregnancy. The
reason it is generally contraindicated is because it increases blood flow,
something you do not want to do in pregnancy. However, once the system is
healthy and conception takes place, nothing short of a strong abortive is
going to dislodge the fetus. She had a normal pregnancy, and the baby was
apparently healthy and happy.

I hope this helps. Best of luck.

==========
2.3 Processing herbs

==========
2.3.1  Distilling oil
-----
This info is copyright by the Australasian College of Herbal Studies,
Aromatherapy Certificate Home Study Course. Posted with permission.

From Dorene Petersen <dorenep@EUROPA.COM>:

>I would really be interested in finding out how to make essential
>oils.

The most important production method for Essential oils is
distillation. The basic principle of distillation is the same but it is
carried out in different ways depending on the botanical material and
the condition of the material.

Three types of distillation are used:
1. Water
2. Water and steam
3. Direct steam

Distillation is basically, producing steam. The steam is passed through
the herbal material. The steam carries the Essential oil from the plant
in suspension which means the droplets of Essential oils are not
dissolved in the steam but remain separate as droplets of oil. When the
steam is cooled it reverts to the liquid state which is water and in
most cases the oil floats on the surface of the water. The oil is then
separated from the water by dripping or pouring.

1. Water distillation is used when the plant material has been dried
and will not be damaged by boiling. It is also used for powdered
materials such as powdered almond, and flowers, such as orange and
rose, that need to float freely as they tend to lump together when just
steam is passed through them. The material comes into direct contact
with the boiling water and much care needs to be taken that the water
does not boil away and cause the plant material to burn. Another
example of an oil prepared by this method is turpentine gum. Turpentine
gum is collected from a species of Pine (Pinus palustris) and the gum,
wood chips and pine needles are placed in the distilling chamber with
rain water. This mixture is heated until the plant and oil are
condensed in the condensing chamber. Turpentine oil is not affected by
very excessive heat.

2. The second method of distillation is water and steam. This is used
for either fresh or dried plant material that would be damaged by
boiling. The plant material is supported on a perforated grid. The
water level is below the grid and low pressure, wet steam passes
through the plant material. The most important aspect of this method is
that the steam is never really hot and always at low pressure. Cinnamon
and clove oils are prepared by this method.

3. Direct steam distillation is similar to the second method but the
steam is hotter and passed through the plant material at a higher
pressure. This method is used for fresh plant material that has a high
boiling point such as seeds, roots and wood. It is also used for fresh
plant material such as peppermint and spearmint. The crop is cut and
placed in a metal distilling tank on a truck. It is then taken to the
distilling tank on the truck. Steam is forced through the fresh herbs
and the oil droplets are carried by the steam through a vapor pipe at
the top of the tank onto a cool condensing chamber.

Cold Pressing or Expression:
This method is mainly used to prepare citrus oils such as orange, lemon
and tangerine. One method involves puncturing the oil glands by rolling
the fruit over sharp projections that actually pierce the oil glands.
The fruit is then pressed which removes the oil from the glands. It is
then washed off with a fine spray of water.

The juice is extracted by another tube. The oil is then separated from
the water by rotating it at a very high speed.
Another method involves separating the peel from the fruits and then
cold pressing them. The Essential oil is collected along with small
amounts of juice, which is separated.

Enfleurage:
This is an old method which was used in the production of perfumes and
pomade extracts for perfumery. Flower petals such as rose or jasmine
are layered onto warm oils, cold fat or wax. This process is repeated
each day until the base is saturated with the Essential oil. The
resulting waxes or pastes contain up to 1 percent of Essential oil. The
Essential oil is then extracted from the wax with a volatile liquid
such as ethyl alcohol. In the final step the ethyl alcohol is
evaporated at low temperatures and reduced pressure so that the pure
Essential oil remains as a fairly thick liquid. Cold enfleurage has the
advantage that even the most delicate components of the flower oils are
preserved. The disadvantages are that it is not very effective and it
is very expensive. Flower oils prepared with this method do not contain
terpene-hydrocarbons, which indicates that these compounds are not
present as such in the flower, but form during distillation.

Solvent Extraction
This is the most widely used modern method to prepare oils from
flowers. The petals are mixed into a volatile solvent such as
petroleum, ether or benzene, until the Essential oil is completely
dissolved in the solvent. The solution is then filtered and the solvent
is evaporated at reduced pressure. The result of solvent extraction is
a concrete. The solvent is removed from the concrete by vacuum pressure
without the use of heat to avoid any harmful effect to the oil. The
concentrated essence that results is called an absolute. Absolutes are
highly concentrated flower products without the natural waxes.

The main advantage of extraction over distillation is that uniform
temperatures are maintained throughout the process. High temperatures
during the distillation process can produce altered chemical
composition of the oil which alters the natural odor. However, this
method is expensive compared to distillation, and chemicals or solvents
used in the process may still be present after evaporation.

I know this is kind of lengthy but it is not a quick topic.  Hope this
helps.
Dorene Petersen
Australasian College of Herbal Studies 1(800)48-STUDY

-----

From Rusty Taylor (rustytay@orca.esd114.wednet.edu):
Quoting  'Herbal Preparations and Natural Therapies' by Debra St. Claire:
  'Glycerin will extract the following - sugars, enzymes (dilute),
  glucosides, bitter compounds, saponins (dilute), and tannins.
  Absolute alcohol will extract the following - alkaloids (some),
  glycosides, volatile oils, waxes, resins, fats, some tannins, balsam,
  sugars, and vitamins.'
I am very much still a student, but it seems to me that you would use
the solvent that will give you the healing properties that you need out
of the plant.  And for those that don't like the alcohol taste, or
bite, the tincture can be mixed in hot water and left for a few minutes
to evaporate most of the alcohol off.  It has worked well for me, and
my children.

==========
2.3.2   Pointer to the How-to of Tinctures
-----
Go get the latest edition of Michael Moore's Materia Medica from his
WWW site http://www.rt66.com/hrbmoore/HOMEPAGE/HomePage.html (also see
6.1 below).
If you wish to use anonymous FTP go to sunsite.unc.edu or to
sunsite.sut.ac.jp and cd to
  /pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-medicine/SWSBM/

Go for the manuals.

==========
2.3.3   Herbal Oils
-----
From Dorene Petersen <dorenep@EUROPA.COM>:

I have made quite a lot of infused oils and the following is from the
Aromatherapy Certificate Correspondence Course offered by the
Australasian College of Herbal Studies.

It's not that technical but hope its helpful:

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR OWN INFUSED OILS AT HOME

There is nothing more satisfying than gathering a basket of fresh
jasmine, honeysuckle or rose blossoms on a warm summers day and then
preparing your own infused oil. There are three methods for preparing
an infused herbal oil. You can use fresh or dried herbs. Flowers are
best fresh, although the perfume of some flowers intensifies with drying
such as gardenia, daphne and boronia. If using fresh, double the
quantity as all recipes given are for dried herbs. If using fresh herbs
for any of these methods leave the herbs to wilt for six hours to
reduce their water content which will spoil the final product.

WATERBATH METHOD
15gm (1/2oz) dried or if fresh use 30gm (1oz) herb (this is the total
  amount so if you are using a blend make sure you do not have more
  than this)
1 cup of oil
Measure the herbs and oil and mix the oil to the herbs in a stainless
steel bowl. Heat over water bath (a saucepan 1/4 filled with water)
also known as a double boiler, which should be simmering. Make sure the
bowl is not sitting on the bottom of the pot but is floating in the
water. Keep the lid on the oil. Stir occasionally and simmer for 30
minutes. Watch the oil does not get too hot. It should not smoke or
bubble. It can burn easily and will develop an acrid smell if it
overheats, which is very difficult to disguise. Strain through four
layers of butter muslin or some other very fine non-metal strainer.
Strain twice if necessary as it is important to get all herbs out of
the oil to prevent the herbal oil from going rancid or moldy. Essential
oils can be added at this stage for perfume and added therapeutic
benefits.

SOLAR METHOD
Use the same quantities of herbs and oil as for the waterbath method or
approximately 3 tablespoons of finely cut herbs to 300ml (10 oz) of
oil. The quantity of herb can be increased to produce a stronger oil.
Put the herbs in a jar with a tight fitting lid and pour over the oil.
Make sure the herbs are completely covered with oil. Add one tablespoon
of apple cider vinegar or white wine to help break down the plant
material. Leave the jar to sit in the sun all day and in a warm
cupboard at night for two weeks. Strain through four layers of muslin.
This process can be repeated two to three times to give a stronger oil.
The final product should be strong enough to leave an aroma when
massaged on the skin. Always test infused oils on the skin. Don't rely
on just your nose.

CROCKPOT METHOD
Use the same quantities of herbs and oil as for Waterbath method. Place
the herbs and oil in a crockpot and leave on a low heat for two hours.
Follow the recipe above for straining.

TO PRESERVE OILS
This is only necessary if you are preparing large quantities that you
intend to store.
1) Add 1/4 tsp. simple tincture of Benzoin to 1 cup vegetable oil.
   Tincture of Benzoin is prepared from the gum of an Indonesian tree,
   Styrax Benzoin. Make sure it is simple tincture of Benzoin. Compound
   tincture of Benzoin, also known as Friars Balsam, is not suitable.
2) Add 500 I.U. of natural mixed Tocopherols or Vitamin E to 1 cup of
   vegetable oil.

Dorene Petersen <dorenep@EUROPA.COM>

==========
2.4 Pointers to related documents
-----
I appreciate updates on below WWW / ftp addresses. Drop me a note
if you notice changes: HeK@hetta.pp.fi. Thanks.

==========
2.4.1  Tinnitus FAQ pointer
-----
The tinnitus FAQ is found at http://www.cccd.edu/faq/tinnitus.html.

==========
2.4.2  Plants by Mail FAQ pointer
-----
Here you'll find lots and lots of catalogs to get living plants, and
some seeds, too:
http://seidel.ncsa.uiuc.edu/PBM-FAQ/

==========
2.4.3  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome WWW page pointer
-----
Take a look at the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Home Page at
http://www.netaxs.com/~iris/cts
and specifically, at http://www.netaxs.com/~iris/cts/compfort.html

==========
2.4.4  Hint for Kombucha posters
-----
Please subscribe to the Kombucha list (see 8.4).  Do not post on
alt.folklore.herbs about Kombucha.

==========
2.4.5  Hint for Essiac posters
-----
You can find a wealth of info on Essiac at this web location:
http://lablinks.com/sumeria/health/essiac2.html

==========
2.4.6  Thinking of growing herbs for sale?
-----
Visit this site first:
http://newcrop.hort.purdue.edu/

It's the Gateway to the NewCrop Resource Online Program at the
Indiana Center for New Crops and Plant Products at Purdue University;
It has lots of information about different plants.

Then go get the 'herb-growing.faq' at sunsite (see 7.1 below).

==========
2.4.7  Saw Palmetto and Prostata Problems: Newsgroup/FAQ pointer
-----
Try newsgroup alt.support.prostate.prostatitis, where they also have an
excellent FAQ posted periodically.

==========
2.4.8  Natural High FAQ pointer
-----
Go get it by ftp from the alt.drugs archive at hyperreal.com
 /drugs/faqs/ - and take the other interesting stuff as well while
you're there.

==========
2.4.9  Natural vision FAQ pointer
-----
This interesting document can be found by WWW
http://www.usyd.edu.au/~vicc/home.html
http://silver.ucs.indiana.edu/~aeulenbe/home.html
or   email vicc@extro.ucc.su.oz.au

It's posted roughly monthly to sci.med, sci.med.vision and alt.self-help.

==========
2.4.10 Smoking herbs document pointer
-----
You'll find Howie Brounstein's herbal smoking mixtures -booklet
on Howie's Homepage: http://www.teleport.com/~howieb/howie.html
or by ftp in the Herbal Hall:
ftp://ftp.crl.com/users/ro/robbee/HERB/Smoke/smoking.txt
or on sunSITE:
  ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/
    herbal-medicine/Howie_Brounstein/
It's about 47 kB.

==========
2.4.11 Gout FAQ pointer
-----
The Gout FAQ is on the Rheumatology Page:
http://www.crl.com/~fredt/rheum.html

==========
2.4.12 Pointer to herbal-medical glossary
-----
I got email 'yes but what does MAO inhibitor and adrenergenics and
cholinergics mean?' ... so here's a pointer to Michael Moore's
medicinese - English dictionary:
http://www.rt66.com/hrbmoore/ManualsMM/MedHerbGloss2.txt
you get there from Michael Moore's Clinical Herb Manuals page:
http://www.rt66.com/hrbmoore/ManualsMM/MansMM.html

==========
2.4.13 Pointer to criticism of 'Herbal Roulette' in Consumer Reports
-----  11/95:698-705

There was an article in Consumer Reports called 'Herbal Roulette';
here's the introduction to the criticism by Mark D. Gold:

>I decided to type up a quick & dirty response to the inaccurate
>information and somewhat dangerous recommendations presented in a
>magazine article (entitled "Herbal Roulette") in the November 1995
>issue of Consumer Reports about herbs.

>I hate to see people suffer because they don't realize that
>Consumer Reports didn't consult with any real experts and because
>they don't realize that Consumer Reports has a long-standing,
>extreme bias on this issue.

You'll find the full response on Mark's homepage:
http://www.tiac.net/users/mgold/health.html
or on SunSITE, together with the second response I saw, by
George M. Carter, on the paracelsus list:
http://sunsite.unc.edu/herbmed/faqs/herbroul.html

If you read the Consumer Reports article, or are otherwise exposed
to the results of it, read above responses. Both will help you
see thru the inaccuracies in the original article.

==========
2.5 Other topics that are frequently discussed

==========
2.5.1  Melatonin
-----
by Paul Bergner <bergner@teleport.com>
Editor, Medical Herbalism

I'm not surprised that melatonin is gone in Canada, and I predict that
it will go the way of DHEA here in the U.S. -- meaning that it will be
a prescription-only controlled item, treated like opiates.

I've just researched and written a lengthy article about melatonin,
and frankly I am shocked that natural healers would use this
substance casually like a sleeping pill. Melatonin is a powerful
hormone that affects the entire metabolic cycle, not just the sleep-
wake cycle. We rail against hormone-replacement therapy with estrogen-
progresterone, and then casually offer patients enough melatonin to
raise blood levels 10-20 times their normal levels. This is bound to be
a Devil's bargain, and it is only a matter of time till regulatory
agencies throughout the world discover this and rightfully take
measures to protect the public.

For instance: melatonin production by the pineal gland appears to be an
important part of the aging clock. The pineal glands of young mice,
transplanted to old mice, make the old mice "younger" and they live
about 1/3 longer. On the other hand, the pineal glands of older mice,
transplanted into younger mice, immediately makes them "older" and they
live about 1/3 shorter lives.

So what happens when some guy named Joe in Iowa takes ten mg of
melatonin (about twenty times what you need to achieve normal blood
level peaks) to sleep most nights for three years (this is actually
happening all over the place today) and then can't get the melatonin.
Will his pineal have lost its ability to produce the same levels as
previously? Most hormones have a negative feedback loop of one sort or
another -- would levels that high reduce endogenous production over
time? Will poor Joe then age ten years over the next few months?

I think melatonin has a proper place in natural medicine, in the
treatment or palliation of cancer, used for brief periods for jet lag,
and possible for the elderly, and may be a few more uses. But IMO
over-the-counter status is inviting health disaster.

==========
End of part 4 of 7
==========
