35301
-
Common Name
Sarsaparilla
-
Botanical Name
Smilax spp.
-
Part Used
Root
-
Clinical Summary
-
Alcohol
45%
-
Dose
20 to 80mL weekly
Sarsaparilla is a widely applicable alterative. Its most enduring recommendations have been for rheumatism and psoriasis. It is particularly useful when there is a lot of irritation.
-
Traditional Use
The Smilax species have a long history in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation. A build-up of toxins in the body is linked to inflammation and this species promotes the elimination of toxic waste. The native people of the Amazon area know sarsaparilla as a blood cleanser (alterative) and have traditionally used it to re-establish virility in men, to treat the symptoms of menopause in women, for urinary complaints and as a cough remedy.
-
Actions
Alterative, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, male tonic, antipruritic, diaphoretic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, tonic
-
Indications
• Rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, gout,
• Skin disorders including eczema and psoriasis
• Supports normal detoxification processes for healthy connective tissue, muscles and joints. -
Energetics
Moist, warm
-
Use in Pregnancy
Insufficient reliable information available
-
Contraindications & Cautions
None known
-
Drug Interactions
Caution with digoxin and lithium.
-
Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
-
Substitutes
Yellow Dock, Clivers, Burdock, Echinacea, Gotu Kola, Heartsease, Poke Root, Red Clover, Thuja, Blue Flag
35201
-
Common Name
Grindelia, Gumweed, Gumplant
-
Botanical Name
Grindelia robusta
-
Part Used
Herb
-
Clinical Summary
-
Monograph
-
Alcohol
60%
-
Dose
10 to 20mL weekly
Grindelia is a sticky and resinous plant that is often used for respiratory ailments, specifically hot, dry coughs with clinging, dried out mucous. It assists in bringing up the mucous while soothing the bronchial tubes, especially in cases of a tight sore chest, dry hacking cough, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis and emphysema. Not only will grindelia help to bring up stuck mucous but it will also soothe the smooth muscles of the lungs, relaxing them and helping the bronchioles to open, allowing for more air flow. At the same time grindelia can be supportive to the urinary system for bladder and urinary tract infections. It has been recommended in cystitis and catarrh of the bladder.
-
Traditional Use
Grindelia is a traditional medicine of Californian Native Americans such as the Chumash people. The resins produced by grindelia are similar in chemistry and physical properties to those obtained from pine trees for use in the naval stores industry.
-
Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, expectorant, alterative, antibacterial, demulcent, diuretic, hypotensive, sedative, vulnerary, antiasthmatic.
-
Indications
• Respiratory disorders including asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, hay fever, upper respiratory catarrh, the common cold
• Heart disease including tachycardia and palpitations
• Bladder and urinary tract infections
• Externally for hot and dry skin conditions especially poison ivy dermatitis -
Energetics
Cooling, moistening, pungent, bitter.
-
Use in Pregnancy
Insufficient reliable information is available so avoid using.
-
Contraindications & Cautions
Use with caution for those with acute kidney infections.
-
Drug Interactions
None known.
-
Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
-
Substitutes
Adhatoda, Elecampane, Liquorice, Mullein, Red Clover, Thyme