BLACK CURRANT LEAF (Ribes nigrum L.)

BLACK CURRANT LEAF (Ribes nigrum L.)

Synonym — Ribes nigrum var. chlorocarpum Späth.
Activities (Black Currant Leaf) — Analgesic (f; KAB); Antiexudative (1; PH2); Antiinflammatory
(1; APA); Antiprostaglandin (1; PH2); Astringent (f; APA); Diaphoretic (f; EFS); Diuretic (1; EFS;
PH2); Fungicide (1; APA); Hypotensive (1; PH2; PNC); Saluretic (1; PH2).
Indications (Black Currant Leaf) — Arthrosis (f; PHR; PH2); Bite (f; PH2); Bladder Stone (f;
PHR; PH2); Cancer (f; JLH); Cold (f; PHR; PH2); Colic (f; HHB; PHR; PH2); Convulsion (f;
PHR; PH2); Cough (f; HHB; PHR; PH2); Diarrhea (f; PHR; PH2); Dropsy (f; KAB); Dysuria (f;
PHR; PH2); Fever (f; EFS); Fungus (1; APA); Gout (f; KAB; HHB; PHR; PH2); Hepatosis (f;
PHR; PH2); High Blood Pressure (1; PH2; PNC); Hoarseness (f; PNC); Infection (1; APA);
Inflammation (1; APA; KAB; PH2; PNC); Jaundice (f; PH2); Migraine (f; HHB); Mycosis (1;
APA); Nephrosis (f; KAB); Pain (f; KAB); Pertussis (f; PHR; PH2); Pharyngosis (f; PHR; PH2);
Rheumatism (f; HHB; PHR; PH2); Sore Throat (f; PHR; PH2; PNC); Stomatosis (f; PHR); Stone
(f; PH2); Water Retention (1; EFS; HHB; PH2); Wound (f; PH2).
Dosages (Black Currant Leaf) — 1–2 tsp (2-4 g) leaf/150 ml boiling water, strain after 10 minutes,
3–4 ×/day (APA; PHR; PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Currant Leaf) — Not covered (CAN).
Leaves not covered (AHP). Not covered by Commission E (KOM). Leaves contraindicated in edema
stemming from reduced cardiac or renal activity (PHR; PH2). “A salidiuretic effect is attributed to
the drug through a ‘diuretic’ factor that is not clearly defined” (HOC). That’s the only place I have
seen it called salidiuretic, but I prefer Tyler’s frequent term, saluretic.

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BLACK CURRANT FRUIT (Ribes nigrum L.)

BLACK CURRANT FRUIT (Ribes nigrum L.)

Synonym — Ribes nigrum var. chlorocarpum Späth.
Entries are for fruits rather than seeds; seed oil is a by-product! For leaves, see next entry. Leaves
not generally considered food.
Activities (Black Currant Fruit) — Analgesic (f; SKJ); Angioprotective (1; X3635653); Antialzheimeran
(1; COX; FNF); Antiarthritic (1; COX; FNF); Antibacterial (1; PNC); Anticancer (1; COX; FNF);
Anticholera (1; PNC); Antiinflammatory (1; COX; PNC); Antipyretic (f; PNC); Antisecretory (1; PNC);
Antiseptic (1; PH2); Antispasmodic (1; PH2; PNC); Astringent (1; APA); Depurative (f; EFS); Diaphoretic
(f; EFS; FEL); Digestive (f; EFS); Diuretic (f; EFS; PNC); Hypotensive (1; PH2; PNC);
Lipoperoxidase-Inhibitor (1; PH2); Vasoprotective (1; PNC); Xanthine-Oxidase-Inhibitor (1; PH2).
Indications (Black Currant Fruit) — Alzheimer’s (1; COX; FNF); Angina (f; HHB); Arthrosis (1;
COX; FNF); Bacteria (1; FNF; PNC); Bruise (f; PH2); Calculus (f; FEL); Cancer (1; COX; FEL;
FNF); Cardiopathy (f; PNC); Chill (1; APA); Cholecystosis (f; PHR); Cholera (1; FNF; PNC); Cold
(1; APA; PHR; PH2); Colic (f; HHB); Cough (f; HHB; PHR; PH2); Cramp (1; PH2; PNC); CVI (f;
PH2); Cystosis (f; PH2); Diarrhea (1; APA; HHB; PH2; PNC); Dropsy (f; FEL); Dysuria (f; HHB);
Felon (f; JLH); Fever (f; EFS; FEL; PNC); Flu (1; APA); Gastrosis (f; PH2); Gout (f; HHB);
Hemorrhoid (f; FEL; PH2); High Blood Pressure (1; PH2; PNC); Hoarseness (f; FEL; PH2; PNC);

Infection (1; PNC); Inflammation (1; COX; PH2; PNC); Mucososis (f; PH2); Pain (f; SKJ); Quinsy
(f; KAB); Rheumatism (f; HHB); Sore Throat (f; KAB; PH2; PNC); Stomachache (f; PHR; PH2);
Stomatosis (f; PH2); Strep Throat (f; PH2); Water Retention (f; EFS; HHB; PNC); Wound (f; HHB).
Dosages (Black Currant Fruit) — 600–6000 mg/day; 4 (250 mg) capsules 2 ×/day; 1–2 tsp
chopped leaf, up to several ×/day (APA); 5–10 ml fruit syrup, 1–several ×/day (PHR; PH2); 1
glassful fruit juice/day; gargle with 1 part juice/1 part water (PHR).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Currant Fruit) — Class 1 (AHP). Not
covered by Commission E (KOM). None known (PHR). Not covered (CAN).
Extracts (Black Currant Fruit) — As a major source of the major COX-2 Inhibitor ([+]-catechin),
this might be viewed by enthusiasts as another herbal miracle aspirin (COX). Anthocyanins and
polyphenols in berries of several Ribes, Rubus, and Vaccinium spp. have in vitro antiradical activity
on chemically generated superoxide radicals. The extracts also inhibit xanthine oxidase. All crude
extracts were highly active toward chemically generated superoxide radicals. Ribes nigrum extracts
exhibited most activity, being the richest in both anthocyanins and polyphenols. But Ribes rubrum
extracts seem to contain more active substances (X1332092).

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BLACK CUMIN (Nigella sativa L.)

BLACK CUMIN (Nigella sativa L.)

The prophet Muhammad reportedly recommended black cumin as a “cure-all” to his associates in
Arabia 1400 years ago. It remains one of the most famous medicinal herbs in the Muslim world.
Activities (Black Cumin) — Abortifacient (f; BIB; DEP; KAP); Amebicide (1; MPI); Analgesic (1;
HAD); Anesthetic (1; HAD); Antiamphetamine (f; MPI); Antibacterial (1; ABS; HAD; HHB; WOI);
Antibilious (f; BIB; EFS); Anticancer (1; ABS); Antidote, Hg (f; SKJ); Antihistaminic (1; HAD; HHB;
WOI); Antioxidant (1; HAD); Antioxytocic (1; ABS); Antiseptic (1; ABS; WOI); Antispasmodic (1;
HAD; HHB; WOI); Antiviral (1; HAD); Aperitif (f; BIB; HAD); Bronchodilator (1; HAD); Candidicide
(1; ABS); Cardiodepressant (1; MPI); Carminative (1; HHB; MAD; SKJ; SUW; WOI); Chemopreventive
(1; ABS); Choleretic (1; HHB); Cholicomimetic (1; MPI); CNS-Depressant (1; MPI); Contraceptive (f;
HAD); Cyclooxygenase-Inhibitor (1; ABS); Digestive (f; BIB); Diaphoretic (f; BIB); Digestive (f; DEP);
Diuretic (f; BIB; EFS; HHB; MAD; SUW; WOI); Emmenagogue (f; BIB; EFS; MAD; SUW; WOI);
Fungicide (1; ABS; MPI); Hepatoprotective (1; HAD); Hypotensive (1; ABS; MPI); Hypouricemic (1;
HHB); Immunostimulant (1; HAD); Insecticide (1; MPI); Insectifuge (1; WOI); Lactagogue (1; BIB;
DEP; EFS; HAD; HHB; MAD; SUW; WOI); Laxative (f; BIB; EFS); 5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor (1;
ABS); Pediculicide (f; DEP); Phagocytotic (1; HAD); Protisticide (1; MPI); Respirastimulant (1; ABS;
HAD); Secretagogue (f; DEP); Stimulant (f; EFS); Stomachic (f; DEP; EFS); Taenicide (1; MPI); Tonic
(f; EFS); Toxic (1; HHB); Uterocontractant (f; KAP); Vermifuge (f; BIB; HAD; KAP; MAD).
Indications (Black Cumin) — Achylia (f; MAD); Allergy (f; HAD); Ameba (1; MPI); Amenorrhea
(f; KAP); Anorexia (1; BIB; HAD); Arthrosis (1; HAD); Ascites (f; BIB); Asthma (1; HAD; HHB;
MAD; SKJ; WOI); Bacteria (1; ABS; HAD; HHB; WOI); Biliousness (f; KAP); Bite (f; HAD);
Bronchosis (1; HAD; HHB; WOI); Bronchospasm (1; WOI); Cachexia (f; SKJ); Callus (f; BIB;
JLH); Cancer (1; ABS; BIB; HAD); Cancer, abdomen (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, colon (1; FNF; JLH);
Cancer, eye (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, liver (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, nose (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, uterus
(1; FNF; JLH); Candida (1; ABS); Catarrh (f; DEP; HHB); Childbirth (f; SUW); Cholera (1; MPI);
Cold (f; DEP); Colic (f; BIB); Constipation (f; SKJ); Corn (f; BIB; JLH); Cough (1; SKJ; WOI);
Cramp (1; HAD; HHB; MAD; WOI); Dermatosis (f; HAD; SUW; WOI); Diabetes (1; HAD);
Diarrhea (f; MAD); Dysentery (f; HHB; SKJ); Dysmenorrhea (f; DEP; KAP); Dyspepsia (f; BIB);
Eczema (f; DEP); Emaciation (f; SKJ); Enterosis (f; BIB; MAD); Eruption (f; BIB); Escherichia
(1; KAP; MPI); Fever (1; BIB; MAD; SUW; WOI); Flu (f; BIB); Fungus (1; ABS; HAD; MPI);
Gas (1; HHB; MAD; SKJ; SUW; WOI); Gout (1; HHB); Headache (f; BIB); Hemorrhoid (f; BIB);
Hepatosis (f; BIB; JLH; MAD); High Blood Pressure (1; ABS; MPI); High Cholesterol (1; HAD);

HIV (1; HAD); Hydrophobia (f; BIB); Immunodepression (1; HAD); Induration (f; JLH; MAD);
Infection (1; ABS; HAD; MPI); Inflammation (1; HAD); Jaundice (f; BIB; HHB; MAD); Leprosy
(f; SKJ); Leukorrhea (f; MAD); Lice (f; DEP); Malaria (f; KAP); Mycosis (1; ABS; MPI); Myrmecia
(f; BIB); Nephrosis (f; HAD); Ophthalmia (f; HAD); Orchosis (f; BIB); Pain (1; HAD); Paralysis
(f; BIB); Parasite (1; HAD); PMS (1; HAD); Proctosis (f; SKJ); Prolapse (f; SKJ); Ptyriasis (f;
DEP); Puerperium (1; WOI); Pulmonosis (f; HAD; HHB; MAD); Rhinosis (f; BIB); Salmonella (1;
HAD); Sclerosis (f; BIB); Smallpox (f; SKJ); Snakebite (f; BIB); Sniffles (f; MAD); Splenosis (f;
MAD); Staphylococcus (1; HAD; MPI); Sting (f; HAD; SUW); Stomachache (f; BIB; MAD);
Stomatosis (f; HAD); Swelling (f; BIB); Syphilis (f; SKJ); Tapeworm (1; MPI); Toothache (f; MAD);
Tumor (f; BIB; HAD); Vibrio (1; MPI); Virus (1; HAD); Water Retention (f; BIB; EFS; HHB; MAD;
SUW; WOI); Worm (f; BIB; HAD; KAP; MAD); Wound (f; HAD); Yeast (1; ABS; HAD).
Dosages (Black Cumin) — 0.6–1.2 g seed (HHB; MAD); 1 tsp seed in hot tea (MAD).
Extracts (Black Cumin) — Nigellone protects guinea pigs from histamine-induced bronchospasms
(WOI). LD50 alcoholic extract 540–580 mg/kg ipr mouse (MPI).

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BLACK COHOSH (Actaea racemosa L.)

BLACK COHOSH (Actaea racemosa L.)

Synonym — Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt.
Activities (Black Cohosh) — Abortifacient (f; DEM); Alterative (f; CRC; PED); Analgesic (f;
DEM); Antibacterial (f; APA); Antidotal (f; CRC); Antiinflammatory (f; CRC; PNC); Antipyretic
(1; PNC); Antirheumatic (1; MAB; PED); Antiserotonin (1; MAB); Antispasmodic (1; MAB; PED;
PNC); Antitumor-Proliferation (1; MAB); Antitussive (f; CAN; CRC); Antiulcer (1; PNC); Aphrodisiac
(f; CRC); Astringent (1; CRC; DEM; PED); Bitter (1; HHB; PED); CNS-Depressant (1;
PNC); Depurative (f; DEM); Diaphoretic (f; CRC; PED); Diuretic (f; APA; PED; PNC); Emmenagogue
(1; CRC; PED; PNC); Estrogenic (2; KOM; MAB; PED; PH2); Expectorant (f; APA; CRC;
PED); Hypoglycemic (1; APA; CRC; PNC); Hypotensive (1; APA; MAB; PNC); Immunodepressant
(1; MAB); Lactagogue (f; DEM); Mucolytic (f; APA); Narcotic (f; CRC); Peripheral Vasodilator
(2; CAN; CRC; PNC); Sedative (1; FAD; CAN; CRC); Stomachic (f; CRC); Luteinizing-Hormone
Suppressant (2; APA; KOM); Tonic (f; CRC; DEM; HHB); Tranquilizer (f; APA); Uterocontractant
(1; PED); Uterotonic (1; MAB).
Indications (Black Cohosh) — Adenopathy (f; JLH); Amenorrhea (1; CRC; MAB); Arthrosis (f;
CAN; CRC; HHB); Asthma (f; MAB); Autoimmune Disease (1; MAB); Backache (f; DEM);
Bacteria (f; APA); Bite (f; PH2); Bronchosis (f; APA; CRC; FAD; PED; PH2); Cancer (1; JLH;
MAB); Cancer, groin (f; JLH); Cancer, liver (f; CRC); Cancer, tongue (f; JLH); Chorea (f; CAN;
CRC; FAD; HHB; MAB); Neurovegetative Ailment (2; HHB; KOM); Cold (f; DEM); Constipation
(f; DEM); Cough (f; APA; CAN; DEM); Cramp (1; MAB; PED; PNC; SKY); Diabetes (1; APA;

PNC); Diarrhea (1; CRC; DEM; PED); Dropsy (f; CRC); Dysmenorrhea (2; APA; HHB; KOM;
PH2; SKY); Dyspepsia (f; APA); ERT (2; KOM; MAB; PED); Fatigue (f; DEM); Fever (1; CRC;
FAD; PED; PH2; PNC); Gynecopathy (f; CRC); High Blood Pressure (1; APA; MAB; PNC); Hives
(f; DEM); Hot Flash (1; APA); HRT (2; BGB); Hyperglycemia (1; APA; CRC; PNC); Hysteria (f;
CRC); Inflammation (f; CRC; PNC); Insomnia (1; CAN; CRC; DEM; FAD; PNC); Itch (f; CRC);
Lumbago (1; CRC; FAD; PH2); Malaise (f; BGB; CRC); Malaria (f; BGB; CRC); Mastosis (1;
MAB); Measles (f; PH2); Menopause (2; BGB; MAB; PH2 SHT); Menorrhagia (1; CRC; MAB);
Menstrual Problem (2; SKY); Metastasis (f; JLH); Myalgia (f; CAN); Nephrosis (f; BGB; CRC;
DEM); Nervousness (1; APA; FAD; CAN; CRC); Neuralgia (f; MAB); Nervousness (1; APA;
CRC); Otosis (f; HHB); Pain (f; BGB; DEM; HHB); Parturition (1; CRC; FAD); Pertussis (f; CRC;
MAB; PNC); PMS (2; APA; KOM; PH2); Poor Milk Supply (f; DEM); Rheumatism (1; APA;
BGB; CAN; HHB; MAB; PED; PH2); Sciatica (1; CAN); Scirrhus (f; JLH); Snakebite (f; APA;
CRC; FAD; PH2); Sore Throat (f; APA; BGB; CRC; PH2); Tinnitus (1; CAN; CRC; MAB);
Tuberculosis (f; DEM); Tumor (1; MAB); Ulcer (1; PNC); Uterosis (f; CRC); Water Retention (f;
APA; PED; PNC); Yellow Fever (f; CRC).
Dosages (Black Cohosh) — 40–200 mg/day (APA); 0.5 tsp powdered root/cup water, up to 1 cup/day
(APA); 1 g powdered root 3 ×/day (HHB); 0.3–2 g powdered root (PNC); 0.5–1 g dry root 3–4 ×/day
(MAB); 1.5–3 g dry root (PED); 300–2000 mg dry root (SF); 2 g dry root:10 ml alcohol/10 mg water
(PED); 1–3 tbsp fresh root (PED); 0.3–2 g rhizome 3 ×/day (CAN; SKY); 0.3–2 ml liquid root extract
(PNC); 2–4 ml root tincture; 40 mg herb in 40–60% ethanol (SF); up to 1 tsp tincture/day (APA);
2–4 ml tincture (1:10 in 60% alcohol) (CAN); 3.5–7 ml tincture (1:5); 6–12 ml tincture (1:10) (MAB);
0.3–2.0 ml liquid extract (1:1 in 90% alcohol) (CAN); 1.5–3 ml fluid extract (1:2) (MAB); 1 (540
mg) capsule 3 ×/day (NH); 40 mg StX (1 mg deoxyacteine)/day (SKY).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Cohosh) — Class 2b, 2c (AHP). No
contraindications/drug interactions noted (KOM). I got a challenging letter from German parties
with an economic interest in cohosh, asking where I got the cautionary remarks from in my 1985
CRC book. They must really be irritated by what follows: Commission E reports occasional gastric
complaints. Not to be used for more than 6 months (AEH). With prolonged use, may irritate the
uterus, cause dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, joint pains, and
lowered heart rate. Can contribute to abnormal blood clotting and liver problems. Can encourage
breast tumors. Should not be used by anyone with any type of heart disease or by anyone advised
not to take oral contraceptives. “Women taking estrogen therapy should consult a physician before
using black cohosh” (SKY). Can cause premature labor. Because of insufficient data, use during
pregnancy and lactation is not advised. Should be used only under medical supervision (TMA,
1996). High doses may cause diaphoresis, dizziness, nausea, reduced pulse rate, visual disturbances,
and vomiting (CAN). Because of uterine estrogen receptor binding in vitro, its use in pregnancy
and lactation is to be avoided. What they say about black cohosh should be templated and said for
every herb, “It has been recommended that black cohosh should only be used in therapeutic doses,
and that high doses are potentially dangerous” (CAN). “Canadian regulations do not allow black
cohosh as a non-medicinal ingredient for oral use products” (Michols, 1995). Pedersen is not much
kinder, “Such constituents as tannins, gallic acid, and pseudotannins, including isoferulic acid, and
the salicylates, are irritants to the skin, lungs, and kidneys. The drastic action of the irritant principles
in black cohosh are not lethal, but overdoses are characterized by nausea and headache” (PED).
Schulz et al. (1998) are nicer to this herb, sold in Germany and America, than the Anglos quoted
above. In five studies using doses equivalent to 40 mg/day crude herb, there are no case reports of
toxic effects from the herb, and there appears to be no specific toxicity associated with any of its
known constituents. Two of the five showed mild side effects (dizziness, GI distress, headache, and
weight gain). No other contraindications are known. The duration of use should not exceed 3 months
(SHT). Cohosh extract augmented the activity of tamoxiphen (MAB). Finally, let me quote Gruenwald,
editor-in-chief of the Herbal PDR, and coincidentally, also editor of the ABC Commission

E translation, because the two versions differ. “No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. An intake of very
high dosages of the drug (5 g) or an extract (12 g) leads to vomiting, headache, dizziness, limb
pain, and lowered blood pressure.” He’s sanitizing or whitewashing if not ignoring the mild side
effects reported in two of the five German studies cited above. He refers to the gastric side effects
as adverse effects as distinct from side effects. I detect a whitewash of the cohosh, perhaps well
deserved and scientifically accurate. Stay tuned.
Extracts (Black Cohosh) — Estrogenic and hypotensive effects reported (AHP). Resin hypotensive
(1 mg/kg). Triterpenes hypocholesterolemic. Formononetin binds to estrogen receptor sites, inducing
an estrogen-like activity in the body (SKY). Alcoholic extracts decrease luteinizing hormone
secretions in menopausal women (SKY). Cimicifugin antispasmodic and sedative (PED) but rapidly
converted to an inactive compound when the fresh root is bruised or cut. Formononetin may act
as estradiol antagonist (binding to the receptor but not producing an effect) rather than an agonist
(binding to and activating the receptor), hence not affecting LH secretion (MAB). Studies of 13
American populations of black cohosh refute the presence of formononetin.

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BLACK BRYONY (Tamus communis L.)

BLACK BRYONY (Tamus communis L.)

 

Activities (Black Bryony) — Allergenic (1; PH2); Diuretic (f; GMH); Emetic (1; GMH; PH2);
Histaminic (1; PH2); Laxative (f; EFS; HHB); Propecic (f; HHB; PH2); Rubefacient (f; PH2);
Toxic (1; GMH); Vulnerary (f; EFS).
Indications (Black Bryony) — Alopecia (f; HHB; PH2); Arthrosis (f; JLH); Asthma (f; GMH);
Bruise (f; EFS; PH2); Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; JLH); Chilblain (f; GMH); Constipation
(f; HHB); Dermatosis (f; PH2); Gout (f; PH2); Gravel (f; GMH); Induration (f; JLH);
Paralysis (f; GMH); Phymata (f; JLH); Polyp (f; JLH); Rheumatism (f; PH2); Rhinosis (f;
JLH); Sore (f; GMH); Splenosis (f; JLH); Strain (f; PH2); Water Retention (f; GMH); Whitlow
(f; JLH).
Dosages (Black Bryony) — Don’t take internally (JAD). Fruits steeped in gin for chilblain
(GMH).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Bryony) — Not covered (AHP;
KOM). Oxalate needles on contact may trigger histaminic reactions; internally may irritate
mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines (PH2). “Death in most painful form is the result of an
overdose” (GMH).

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BLACKBERRY LILY (Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC.)

BLACKBERRY LILY (Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC.)

Synonym — B. punctata Moench, Gemmingia chinensis Kuntze, Ixia chinensis L.
Activities (Blackberry Lily) — Alexeteric (f; WO2); Antiallergic (1; WO3); Antiasthmatic
(f; WO3); Antibacterial (1; FAY); Antidote, curare (f; FAY); Antiemetic (f; LMP); Antihistaminic
(f; WO3); Antiinflammatory (f; WO3); Antioxidant (1; WO3); Antipyretic (f; DAA);
Antitussive (f; WO3); Antiviral (1; FAY); Aperient (f; WO2); Bitter (f; LMP; WO2); Carminative
(f; LMP); Cholinergic (1; WO3); Deobstruent (f; LMP; WO2); Depurative (f; LMP;
WO2); Detoxicant (f; FAY); Diuretic (f; LMP); Emmenagogue (f; LMP); Expectorant (f; DAA;
FAY; WO3); Fungicide (1; FAY); Hypotensive (1; FAY); Laxative (f; DAA); Stomachic (f;
DAA); Tonic (f; DAA).

Indications (Blackberry Lily) — Allergy (1; WO3); Asthma (1; DAA; LMP; WO3); Bacteria (1;
FAY); Boil (f; DAA); Bronchosis (f; FAY); Bruise (f; DAA); Cancer (f; DAA); Cancer, breast (f;
DAA; FAY); Cancer, larynx (f; DAA); Childbirth (f; LMP); Constipation (f; DAA); Cough (f;
FAY); Dermatosis (f; FAY); Dropsy (f; DAA); Dysmenorrhea (f; DAA; FAY); Dysuria (f; DAA);
Fever (f; DAA); Fungus (1; FAY); Gas (f; LMP); Gastrosis (f; DAA); Goiter (f; DAA); Gonorrhea
(f; DAA; LMP); Hepatosis (f; DAA; FAY); High Blood Pressure (1; FAY); Infection (1; FAY);
Inflammation (f; WO3); Laryngosis (f; DAA; FAY); Lumbago (f; LMP); Malaria (f; DAA); Mastosis
(f; DAA; FAY); Mycosis (1; FAY); Parotosis (f; FAY); Pulmonosis (f; DAA); Rheumatism (f;
DAA); Sore Throat (f; FAY; WO3); Splenosis (f; DAA; FAY); Stomachache (f; DAA); Swelling
(f; DAA; LMP); Tonsilosis (f; DAA; FAY; LMP); VD (f; DAA); Virus (1; FAY); Vomiting (f; LMP);
Water Retention (f; LMP).
Dosages (Blackberry Lily) — 2.5–9 g root in decoction (FAY); root made into poultice (FAY).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Blackberry Lily) — Not covered (AHP;
KOM; PH2). Contraindicated in pregnancy; contains toxic iridoids belamcandin and iridin. Root
for use only under medical supervision.

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BLACKBERRY (Rubus spp.)

BLACKBERRY (Rubus spp.)

Most European entries (EFS, HHB, MAD, PH2) accrue to R. fruticosus, the European blackberry.
Most American entries (CEB, DEM, FAD, FEL) accrue to American species. I think raspberries
and blackberries can be treated generically, when it comes to medicine, like bilberries and
blueberries.
Activities (Blackberry) — Antibacterial (1; MAD); Antidote (f; DEM); Antiinflammatory (1;
APA); Antioxidant (1; JNU); Antitumor (f; APA); Apoptotic (f; JNU); Astringent (1; APA; EFS
PH2); Depurative (f; DEM; EFS); Detoxicant (1; JNU); Diaphoretic (f; MAD); Diuretic (f; DEM;

EFS); Fungicide (f; MAD); Hemostat (1; APA); Hypocholesterolemic (1; JNU); Stimulant (f;
DEM); Tonic (f; DEM; EFS).
Indications (Blackberry) — Angina (f; MAD); Appendicitis (f; MAD); Bacteria (1; MAD);
Bleeding (1; APA; DEM; FEL; FNF; MAD); Boil (1; DEM; FNF); Bronchosis (f; CEB; MAD);
Cancer (1; JLH; JNU); Catarrh (f; DEM); Childbirth (f; FEL); Cholera (f; FEL); Cold (f;
DEM; MAD); Condyloma (f; JLH); Conjunctivosis (1; CEB; DEM; FNF); Cough (f; CEB;
DEM; MAD); Dermatosis (f; MAD); Diabetes (f; MAD); Diarrhea (2; APA; DEM; PHR; PH2);
Dropsy (f; APA; MAD; PH2); Dysentery (1; DEM; FNF); Dysmenorrhea (f; DEM; MAD);
Dysuria (f; DEM); Enterosis (1; APA; MAD; PH2); Exanthema (f; MAD); Fever (f; DEM;
FEL; MAD); Fungus (1; MAD); Gastrosis (1; APA; DEM; PH2); Gleet (f; FEL); Glossosis
(f; DEM); Gonorrhea (f; FEL); Gout (f; APA); Gravel (f; CEB); Headache (f; DEM); Hematemesis
(1; DEM; FNF); Hemoptysis (f; CEB); Hemorrhoid (1; APA; CEB; DEM); High Cholesterol
(1; JNU); Infection (1; DEM; FNF; MAD); Inflammation (1; APA; JLH); Leukorrhea
(f; FEL; MAD); Lung Problem (f; DEM); Menorrhagia (f; MAD); Miscarriage (f; DEM);
Mycosis (1; MAD); Nausea (f; FEL); Nephrosis (f; MAD); Ophthalmia (f; CEB; DEM);
Pharyngosis (2; APA; PHR; PH2); Phthisis (f; CEB); Proctosis (f; FEL); Prolapse (f; FEL);
Pulmonosis (f; CEB); Rheumatism (f; DEM); Scab (f; MAD); Scabies (f; MAD); Sore (1;
DEM; FNF); Sore Throat (2; APA; DEM); Stomatosis (2; APA; MAD; PHR; PH2); Stone (f;
MAD); Swelling (f; APA); Tonsilosis (f; MAD); Tuberculosis (1; DEM; FNF; MAD); Tumor
(f; APA); Uterosis (f; FEL); VD (f; DEM); Vomiting (f; DEM; FEL); Wart (f; JLH); Water
Retention (f; DEM; EFS); Wound (f; APA).
Dosages (Blackberry) — 1–2 tsp chopped leaf/cup water, up to 6 ×/day; 4 tsp (~4.4 g) leaf in hot
tea; 1.5 g leaf/cup tea, 2–3 ×/day (PH2); 1–2 tsp powdered bark/cup water; up to 2 tsp tincture/day
(APA); 1500 mg root tea up to 3 ×/day (APA); 20–30 grains powdered root bark (FEL); 2–4 ml
liquid root extract (PNC).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Blackberry) — Class 1 (AHP).
Extracts (Blackberry) — Anthocyanins and polyphenols in berries of several Ribes, Rubus, and
Vaccinium spp. have in vitro antiradical activity on chemically generated superoxide radicals. The
extracts also inhibit xanthine oxidase. All crude extracts were highly active toward chemically
generated superoxide radicals. Ribes nigrum extracts exhibited most activity, being the richest in
both anthocyanins and polyphenols. But Ribes rubrum extracts seem to contain more active substances
(X1332092).

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BLACK BEAN, GREEN BEAN, etc. (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

BLACK BEAN, GREEN BEAN, etc. (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The herbal PDR, which erroneously attributes the origin of the plant to India (it is native
American), also says: “Chromium salts present in the drug (greenbean) may cause an antidiabetic
effect.” Seeds of this species as black beans, brown beans, kidney beans, etc., may be as rich
in the estrogenic isoflavone, genistein, as soybean. And the seeds are much lower in fat than
soy seeds; so Jim Duke says that the health benefits of soy may very well carry over to kidney
beans, etc., perhaps with even better health benefits. So, I give black bean the same scores I
give soybean, better for cholesterol, etc., since the black bean has a much better fat:protein
ratio than the soy bean.

Activities (Black Bean) — Antiaggregant (1; FNF); Antiangiogenic (1; FNF); Antibacterial (1;
WBB); Anticancer (1; FNF); Antidepressant (1; FNF); Antidiabetic (1; PHR; PH2); Antileukemic
(1; FNF); Antilymphomic (1; FNF); Antimelanomic (1; FNF); Antiprostatitic (1; FNF); Antipyretic
(f; CRC); Antiviral (1; MPI); Apoptotic (1; FNF); Cardioprotective (1; FNF); Carminative (f; CRC;
EFS); Chemopreventive (1; FNF); Depurative (f; CRC; EFS); Diaphoretic (f; CRC); Diuretic (2;
PHR; KOM); Emmenagogue (f; CRC); Emollient (f; CRC; SKJ); Estrogenic (1; FNF; JAD);
Fungicide (1; CRC; DAA); Hepatoprotective (1; FNF); Hypocholesterolemic (1; FNF; JAD);
Hypoglycemic (1; DAA); Hypotensive (1; FNF); Lipolytic (1; FNF); Lipotropic (1; FNF);
Mutagenic (f; MPI); Resolvent (f; CRC; EFS).
Indications (Black Bean) — Acne (f; CRC); Albuminuria (f; CRC); Alcoholism (1; FNF); Anemia
(1; FNF); Anorexia (1; FNF); Anuria (2; KOM); Bacteria (1; WBB); Bladder Stone (2; PHR); BPH
(1; FNF); Burn (f; CRC); Cancer (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, blood (1; DAA; FNF); Cancer, breast;
(1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, testicle (1; FNF; JLH); Cardiopathy (1; FNF); Cholecystosis (f; PHR);
Cold (f; CRC); Cystosis (1; CRC; MAD; PHR); Depression (1; FNF); Dermatosis (f; FNF); Diabetes
(1; CRC; DAA; FNF; MAD; PHR; PH2); Diarrhea (f; CRC); Dropsy (f; CRC; MAD); Dysentery
(f; CRC); Dysuria (1; PHR); Eczema (f; CRC); Edema (f; FNF); Endometriosis (1; FNF; TGP);
Enterosis (1; FNF); ERT (1; FNF); Fever (f; CRC); Fibrosis (f; FNF); Fungus (1; CRC; DAA);
Gas (f; CRC; EFS); Gastrosis (f; FNF); Glaucoma (1; FNF); Gout (f; MAD); Headache (f; CRC);
Heart (f; CRC); Hematuria (f; MAD); Hepatosis (1; FNF); Hiccup (f; CRC); High Blood Pressure
(1; FNF); High Cholesterol (1; FNF; JAD); Hot Flashes (1; FNF); Hyperglycemia (1; DAA);
Hyperlipoproteinemia (1; FNF); Infection (1; CRC; DAA; PHR; PH2; WBB); Itch (f; CRC); Kidney
Stone (2; PHR); Leukemia (1; FNF); Lymphoma (1; FNF); Melanoma (1; FNF); Menopause (1;
FNF; JAD); Mycosis (1; CRC; DAA); Nephrosis (f; CRC; DAA; FNF; PHR); Neurosis (f; FNF);
Obesity (1; FNF); Osteoporosis (1; FNF; JAD); Pain (f; JLH); Pericardosis (f; MAD); Pleurosis
(f; MAD); Retinosis (1; FNF); Rheumatism (f; CRC; DAD; MAD); Rickets (f; FNF); Sciatica (f;
CRC; DAA); Scurvy (f; CRC); Sore (f; FNF; JLH); Steatosis (f; FNF); Stone (2; PHR; PH2);
Syndrome-X (1; FNF; SYN); Tenesmus (f; CRC); Toxemia (f; FNF); Tuberculosis (f; FNF); Tumor
(f; CRC; JLH); Ulcer (f; JLH); UTI (2; PHR); Virus (1; MPI); Wart (f; CRC); Water Retention (2;
KOM; MAD; PHR).
Dosages (Black Bean) — Drink the string bean pot likker as food farmacy, and eat the string beans
(JAD); I often enjoy 100–200 g with diced raw onion; 0.5 cup seed (100 g) as food (JAD); 5–15
g herb (green pod)/day (KOM; PHR); pour hot water over 2.5 g dry powdered pods.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Bean) — Not covered by AHP.
None known (KOM).“Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages”
(PH2). The Herbal PDR hints that poisonings due to over consumption of too many raw beans
is not impossible, due to lectins, which are destroyed by cooking. Symptoms include diarrhea,
gastroenterosis, and vomiting. Of course, overconsumption of dry bean seeds can also lead to
GI distress such as flatus and dyspepsia.

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BLACK ASH (Fraxinus nigra Marshall)

BLACK ASH (Fraxinus nigra Marshall)

Activities (Black Ash) — Analgesic (f; DEM); Gastrotonic (f; DEM); Hepatotonic (f; DEM);
Laxative (f; DEM); Tonic (f; DEM).
Indications (Black Ash) — Constipation (f; DEM); Dysuria (f; DEM); Enterosis (f; DEM);
Gastrosis (f; DEM); Hepatosis (f; DEM); Infertility (f; DEM); Otosis (f; DEM); Pain (f; DEM);
Rheumatism (f; DEM); Stricture (f; DEM).

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BLACK ALDER (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.)

BLACK ALDER (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.)

Synonym — A. barbata C. A. Mey., A. glutinosa subsp. barbata (C. A. Mey.) Yalt., A. glutinosa
var. barbata (C. A. Mey.) Ledeb., Betula alnus var. glutinosa L., B. glutinosa (L.) Lam.
Activities (Black Alder) — Alterative (f; CRC); Astringent (f; CRC; PHR; PH2); Dentifrice (f;
CRC); Detergent (f; CRC); Diaphoretic (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CRC); Hemostat (1; FNF; PHR;
PH2); Pulifuge (1; CRC); Tonic (f; PHR); Vermifuge (f; CRC).
Indications (Black Alder) — Angina (f; CRC; HH2); Bleeding (1; FNF; PHR; PH2); Cancer,
breast (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, duodenum (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, esophagus (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer,
pancreas (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, pylorus (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, rectum (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer,
throat (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, tongue (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; CRC; JLH); Enterorrhagia
(f; PHR; PH2); Fever (f; CRC; PH2); Hematochezia (f; CRC); Hepatosis (f; CRC); Malaria (1;
PH2); Ophthalmia (f; PH2); Pediculosis (f; CRC); Pharyngosis (f; CRC; PHR; PH2); Scabies (f;
CRC); Sore Throat (1; PHR; PH2); Splenosis (f; CRC); Streptococcus (1; FNF; PHR; PH2); Water
Retention (f; CRC); Worm (f; CRC).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Alder) — Not covered (AHP; KOM).
None reported in PDR.“Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages”
(PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD). Regrettably, PHR and still PH2
report hypericin, probably meaning hyperoside. Hyperoside is what was reported in my CRC
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (1985) and in Hager’s Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, ed.
2. So far, I have not yet found hypericin reliably reported outside the genus Hypericum, but
hyperoside is widely reported.

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BITTERWOOD (Quassia amara L.)

BITTERWOOD (Quassia amara L.)

Activities (Bitterwood) — Antianemic (f; HAD); Antipyretic (f; CRC); Antiseptic (f; FNF; HAD);
Aperitif (1; PHR; PH2); Astringent (f; IED); Bitter (1; PHR); Choleretic (f; PHR; PH2); Depurative
(f; CRC; MAD); Digestive (f; PHR; PH2); Insecticide (1; CRC); Laxative (f; CRC; PHR; PH2);
Litholytic (f; HAD); Narcotic (1; CRC); Pediculicide (1; CRC); Secretagogue (1; PHR; PH2);
Sialagogue (f; HAD); Stomachic (f; CRC); Tonic (f; CRC; PHR; PH2); Vermicide (1; PHR);
Vermifuge (1; HAD; PHR).
Indications (Bitterwood) — Alcoholism (f; CRC; MAD); Anemia (f; HAD); Anorexia (1; PHR;
PH2; MAD); Ascites (f; MAD); Bite (f; IED); Cancer (f; CRC); Carcinoma (f; CRC); Cholecystosis
(f; PH2); Cirrhosis (f; MAD); Constipation (1; CRC); Debility (f; CRC); Diabetes (f;
CRC); Diarrhea (f; CRC; MAD); Dyspepsia (f; CRC; MAD); Endothelioma (f; JLH); Enterosis
(f; IED); Epithelioma (f; JLH); Fever (f; CRC; IED; MAD); Gas (f; CRC); Gastrosis (f; MAD);
Gonorrhea (f; CRC); Halitosis (f; HAD); Hangover (f; HAD); Heartburn (f; MAD); Hepatosis
(f; CRC; MAD); Intoxication (f; HAD); Jaundice (f; CRC; MAD); Leukemia (1; CRC); Lice (1;
CRC; HHB); Malaria (f; CRC; IED); Nephrosis (f; HAD); Ophthalmia (f; MAD); Pain (f; IED);
Parasite (f; CRC); Sarcoma (f; JLH); Snakebite (f; CRC; HAD); Spasm (f; CRC); Splenosis (f;
MAD); Sting (f; IED); Stomachache (f; HAD); Stone (f; HAD); Syphilis (f; MAD); Typhus (f;
MAD); Worm (1; PHR; PH2).

Dosages (Bitterwood) — Quoting an old Merck recommendation, 1–2 g wood/day as decoction;
average dose 0.5 g, 2–3 ×/day (AHP); 5 drops tincture 3 ×/day (MAD); 500 mg (HHB; PHR; PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Bitterwood) — Class 2b (AHP). “Hazards
and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Contraindicated in pregnancy
(PHR; PH2). Overdose is a gastroirritant, leading to nausea (AHP). Extended use may damage
vision (PHR).

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BITTERSWEET (Solanum dulcamara L.)

BITTERSWEET (Solanum dulcamara L.)

 

Activities (Bittersweet) — Alterative (f; CRC; DEP; KAB); Analgesic (1; CRC; PH2); Anaphrodisiac
(f; CRC); Anticholinergic (1; KOM; PH2); Antidote (f; CRC); Antiinflammatory (1; KOM);
Antipyretic (f; CRC); Antisarcomic (f; CRC); Antiseptic (2; KOM); Antiviral (1; PH2); Astringent
(2; KOM); Cardiotonic (1; CRC; PH2); Cytotoxic (1; PH2); Depurative (f; CRC); Diaphoretic (f;
CRC; FAD); Diuretic (f; CRC; DEP; FAD; MAD); Emetic (f; CRC); Expectorant (1; CRC; PH2);
Hypnotic (f; CRC); Immunostimulant (f; PH2); Laxative (f; CRC); Mucoirritant (2; KOM); Narcotic
(1; CRC; DEP; FAD); Pectoral (f; PH2); Phagocytotic (1; PH2); Poison (f; CRC); Resolvent (f;
CRC); Secretagogue (f; KAB); Sedative (f; CRC); Stimulant (f; CRC); Tonic (f; CRC).
Indications (Bittersweet) — Abscess (f; PH2); Acne (2; MAD; PHR; PH2); Adenopathy (f; CRC);
Allergy (f; CRC); Angina (f; CRC; MAD); Aphonia (f; CRC); Arthrosis (f; CRC; PH2); Asthma
(f; CRC; PH2); Biliousness (f; DEM); Bleeding (f; CRC; PH2); Blepharosis (f; CRC); Boil (f;
KAB); Bronchosis (f; CRC; FAD); Bruise (f; PH2); Cancer (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, breast (1; FNF;
JLH); Cancer, eye (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, face (1; FNF; JLH); Carbuncle (f; KAB); Catarrh (f;

CRC); Cold (f; MAD); Colic (f; CRC); Conjunctivosis (f; KAB); Constipation (f; CRC); Corn (f;
JLH); Cough (f; CRC); Cystosis (f; CRC; MAD); Dermatosis (1; CRC; FAD; PH2); Diarrhea (f;
CRC); Dropsy (f; CRC); Dyscrasia (f; MAD); Dysentery (f; CRC); Dyslactea (f; CRC); Dysmenorrhea
(f; CRC; MAD); Dysuria (f; CRC); Eczema (2; CRC; KOM; PHR; PH2); Emaciation (f;
CRC); Enterosis (f; CRC; DEM; PH2); Epistaxis (f; PH2); Exanthema (f; MAD); Felon (f; CRC;
JLH); Fever (f; CRC; DEM; FAD; KAB); Flu (f; MAD); Furuncle (2; PHR; PH2); Gastrosis (f;
CRC; DEM; PH2); Glossosis (f; CRC); Gout (f; FAD; MAD); Hemorrhoid (f; CRC); Hepatosis
(f; CRC); Herpes (1; HH2; PH2); Immunodepression (f; PH2); Impetigo (f; MAD); Incontinence
(f; CRC); Infection (2; KOM); Inflammation (1; KOM; PH2); Insomnia (f; CRC); Itch (f; CRC;
MAD); Jaundice (f; CRC; MAD); Leprosy (f; CRC; DEP; KAB); Malaria (f; CRC); Meningosis
(f; CRC); Myalgia (f; CRC); Myelosis (f; CRC; MAD); Nausea (f; DEM; HH2); Nervousness (f;
CRC); Neuralgia (f; CRC; MAD); Ophthalmia (f; CRC); Otosis (f; MAD); Pain (1; CRC; PH2);
Paralysis (f; CRC); Pemphigus (f; CRC); Pertussis (f; CRC; FAD); Pityriasis (f; MAD); Psoriasis
(f; CRC); Respirosis (f; PH2); Rheumatism (f; CRC; FAD; PH2); Scabies (f; MAD); Scarlatina (f;
CRC); Scrofula (f; CRC; MAD); Sore (f; JLH); Splenosis (f; CRC); Stammering (f; CRC); Stone
(f; MAD); Swelling (f; CRC); Syphilis (f; KAB); Tenesmus (f; CRC); Tonsilosis (f; CRC); Tumor
(1; CRC; FAD); Typhoid (f; CRC); Ulcer (f; CRC); Urticaria (f; CRC); Uterosis (f; MAD); VD (f;
KAB); Virus (1; HH2; PH2); Wart (1; CRC; PHR; PH2); Water Retention (f; CRC; DEP; FAD;
MAD).
Dosages (Bittersweet) — 1–3 g stem/day (KOM); 0.5–2 g powdered stem several ×/day (MAD);
0.6–1.2 g extract/day (MAD); 1–2 g drug/250 ml water (PH2); 1–3 g/day (PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Bittersweet) — AHP doesn’t index any
Solanum species. “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2).
Contraindicated in pregnant and nursing mothers (PH2). Will cause convulsions, paralysis,
vertigo, vomiting, and weakened heart (FAD). One source reports excessive use of stalk preparations
has been associated with serious poisoning (AEH). With low alkaloid content, stem
preparations at doses below 25 g should not be toxic. In children, 10 green berries can cause
diarrhea, dilated pupils, nausea, and vomiting. Lethal dosage is estimated to be 200 berries
(PHR). Solasodine has a cortisone-like effect (PH2).

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BITTER MILKWORT (Polygala amara L.)

BITTER MILKWORT (Polygala amara L.)

Activities (Bitter Milkwort) — Bitter (f; PH2); Depurative (f; EFS; HHB); Diaphoretic (f; EFS);
Diuretic (f; EFS); Expectorant (f; EFS; PH2); Lactagogue (f; HHB); Stomachic (f; EFS); Tonic (f;
EFS).
Indications (Bitter Milkwort) — Bronchosis (f; PH2); Cough (f; PH2); Diarrhea (f; HHB);
Dyspepsia (f; HHB); Enterosis (f; HHB); Fever (f; EFS); Gastrosis (f; HHB); Respirosis (f; PH2);
Tuberculosis (f; EFS); Water Retention (f; EFS).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Bitter Milkwort) — Not covered (AHP).
“Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates
no specific quantified dosage! JAD).

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BITTER MELON, BALSAM PEAR (Momordica charantia L.)

BITTER MELON, BALSAM PEAR (Momordica charantia L.)

Synonym — M. muricata Willd.
Activities (Bitter Melon) — Abortifacient (1; CRC; TRA; WOI); Androgenic (1; ABS); Antibacterial
(1; MPG; TRA); Anticataract (1; ZUL); Anticholinergic (1; ZUL); Antidiabetic (1; ZUL);
Antihistaminic (1; TRA); Antileukemic (1; MPG); Antimalarial (1; ZUL); Antimitotic (1; MPG);
Antimutagenic (1; MPG); Antipyretic (f; CRC; MPG); Antiseptic (1; CRC); Antispasmodic (1;
ZUL); Antispermagenic (1; MPG; TRA); Antitumor (1; MPG); Antiviral (1; MPG; SKY); Aperitif
(f; CRC); Aphrodisiac (f; CRC; KAB); Acaricide (1; TRA); Astringent (f; CRC; KAB); Candidicide
(1; MPG; TRA); Carminative (f; CRC; WOI); Choleretic (f; MPG); Depurative (f; AAB; CRC);
Digestive (f; CRC); Emetic (f; KAB); Emmenagogue (f; KAB; MPG); Guanylate-Cyclase-Inhibitor
(1; SKY); Hemostat (f; CRC); Hypocholesterolemic (1; CRC); Hypoglycemic (2; MPG; SKY;

SYN; WOI); Hypotensive (1; CRC; MPG); Immunotoxic (1; TRA); Insecticide (1; CRC; MPG;
TRA); Lactagogue (f; CRC); Laxative (1; CRC; KAB; MPG); Lipolytic (1; CRC); Poison (1; CRC);
Stomachic (f; KAB; WOI); Teratogenic (1; MPG); Tonic (f; KAB; WOI); Vermifuge (1; CRC;
MPG; WOI); Vulnerary (f; KAB; RYM).
Indications (Bitter Melon) — Ameba (f; AAB); Anemia (f; AAB); Anorexia (f; CRC); Aphtha
(f; KAB); Asthma (f; CRC; KAB); Bacteria (1; MPG; TRA); Bite (f; KAB; MPG); Biliousness
(f; MPG); Bleeding (f; CRC); Boil (f; CRC); Bronchosis (f; KAB); Bruise (f; KAB); Burn (f;
CRC); Calculus (f; CRC); Cancer (1; CRC; MPG); Candida (1; CRC; MPG; TRA); Cataract (1;
ZUL); Catarrh (f; CRC); Chilblain (f; CRC); Cholera (f; CRC; KAB); Cold (f; CRC); Colic (f;
CRC; WOI); Colitis (f; CRC); Constipation (1; AAB; CRC; KAB; MPG); Cramp (1; ZUL);
Delirium (f; KAB); Dermatosis (f; AAB; CRC; KAB); Diabetes (2; AAB; SKY; ZUL); Dysentery
(f; CRC); Dysmenorrhea (f; AAB; CRC; KAB); Dyspepsia (f; CRC); Eczema (f; CRC; SKJ);
Escherichia (1; MPG); Fever (f; CRC; KAB; MPG; WOI); Furuncle (f; TRA); Gas (f; CRC;
MPG; WOI); Gastrosis (f; CRC); Gonorrhea (f; CRC; KAB); Gout (f; CRC; WOI); Halitosis (f;
CRC); Headache (f; CRC); Hemorrhoid (f; CRC; KAB; SKJ); Hepatosis (f; CRC); High Blood
Pressure (1; CRC; MPG); HIV (1; SKY); High Cholesterol (1; CRC); Hyperglycemia (2; MPG;
SKY; SYN; WOI); Infection (1; AAB; CRC); Itch (f; CRC; TRA); Jaundice (f; CRC; KAB;
SKJ); Amenorrhea (1; TRA); Leprosy (f; CRC; KAB; TRA); Leukemia (1; MPG); Malaria (1;
CRC; SKJ; ZUL); Melancholy (f; CRC); Mycosis (f; MPG); Nyctalopia (f; KAB); Obesity (1;
CRC); Ophthalmia (f; KAB); Otosis (f; CRC); Pain (f; AAB); Parasite (f; AAB); Pediculosis (f;
TRA); Plethora (f; KAB); Polyuria (1; CRC); Prolapse (f; KAB); Psoriasis (1; CRC; SKY);
Rheumatism (f; CRC; KAB; WOI); Salmonella (1; MPG); Scabies (f; CRC; KAB); Scald (f;
CRC); Seborrhea (f; KAB); Shigella (1; MPG); Sore (f; JLH; KAB); Sore Throat (f; AAB);
Splenosis (f; CRC; KAB); Sprue (f; CRC); Staphylococcus (1; MPG); Stomachache (f; CRC);
Stomatosis (f; AAB); Streptococcus (1; FNF); Syndrome-X (1; SYN); Syphilis (f; KAB); Ticks
(1; TRA); Tumor (1; CRC; JLH; MPG); Ulcer (f; CRC); Urethrosis (f; CRC); Vaginosis (f;
KAB); VD (f; CRC); Virus (1; MPG; SKY); Worm (1; CRC; KAB; MPG; TRA; WOI); Wound
(f; CRC); Yeast (1; CRC; MPG; TRA).
Dosages (Bitter Melon) — 1 (500 mg) capsule 3 ×/day with 150 mg extract containing 2.5% bitter
principles (NH); one small melon per day (SKY); 50 ml fresh juice/day (SKY); 5 ml tincture 2–3
×/day (SKY); 2–5 g leaf/liter water (MPG).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Bitter Melon) — Not covered (AHP; KOM;
PHR). High doses may cause diarrhea and enteralgia (SKY); may potentiate hypoglycemic drugs
(SKY); small children and patients with hypoglycemia should avoid (SKY). Seeds contain abortifacient
compounds. This one is too new, at least in the First World, to have entered any of the
Commission E books I am consulting for my herbal desk reference. Even TRAMIL, the Caribbean
Commission E I call Commission T, does not recommend this frequent edible weed due to some
toxic compounds it contains.
Extracts (Bitter Melon) — At least three groups of hypoglycemic compounds (SKY). Alphaand
beta-momocharin inhibit HIV in vitro (SKY). Various extracts active in vitro against Bacillus
subtilis, Corynebacterium diptheriae, Escherichia coli, Neisseria spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Salmonella, Sarcina lutea, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp., LD50 of fruit;
3 g/kg (TRA; ZUL). Charantin, diosgenin, and beta-sitosterol uterotonic (ZUL); but decoction
of fruits and green leaves, without root, at 25,000 mg/kg produced no deaths in rats. Alphatrichosanthine
and beta-momorchin in the seeds are abortifacient. Hydroethanolic fruit extracts,
1.75 g/dog orally for 20 days, lowered spermatogenesis. Aqueous extracts of leaves at 500
mg/kg orl rat was neither embryotoxic nor estrogenic. Leaf juice not topically allergic nor
irritant (TRA).

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BITTER CANDYTUFT (Iberis amara L.)

BITTER CANDYTUFT (Iberis amara L.)

Synonym — Iberis coronaria D. Don.
Activities (Bitter Candytuft) — Antibacterial (1; HHB); Antiedemic (1; PH2); Antiseptic (1;
PH2); Choleretic (1; PH2); Cytotoxic (1; PH2); Diuretic (1; MAD); Emetic (1; MAD); Fungicide
(1; PH2); Gastrostimulant (1; PH2); Irritant (1; PH2); Secretagogue (1; PH2); Toxic (1;
PH2).
Indications (Bitter Candytuft) — Angina (f; MAD); Arrhythmia (f; PH2); Asthma (f; WOI);
Bacteria (1; HHB); Bronchosis (f; WOI); Cardiopathy (f; PH2); Congestion (f; MAD); Dyspepsia
(f; HHB; PH2); Edema (1; PH2); Endocardosis (f; MAD); Fungus (1; HHB; PH2); Gout (f; MAD;
WOI); Hepatosis (f; MAD); Infection (1; HHB; PH2); Mycosis (1; PH2); Nephrosis (f; MAD);
Neurosis (f; MAD); Palpitation (f; MAD); Pericardosis (f; MAD); Pulmonosis (f; MAD); Rheumatism
(f; MAD; WOI); Stenocardia (f; HHB); Swelling (1; PH2); Vertigo (f; MAD); Water
Retention (1; MAD); Wound (f; MAD).
Dosages (Bitter Candytuft) — Homeopathic doses only (PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Bitter Candytuft) — Not covered (AHP).
Poisonings, not reported, could be caused by cucurbitacins and might exhibit colic, diarrhea, kidney
irritation, and vomiting (PH2). No toxic cases documented (PH2).

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BISTORT (Polygonum bistorta L.)

BISTORT (Polygonum bistorta L.)

Synonym — Persicaria bistorta (L.) Samp.
Activities (Bistort) — Anipyretic (f; WOI); Antiseptic (f; WOI); Astringent (f; PNC); Diuretic (f;
WOI); Expectorant (f; WOI); Hemostat (f; HHB; WOI).

Indications (Bistort) — Adenopathy (1; DAA; FNF); Ague (f; DAA); Amenorrhea (f; DAA); Bite
(f; DAA); Bleeding (f; HHB; PH2; WOI); Cancer (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, back (f; JLH); Cancer,
lip (f; JLH); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cancer, nose (f; JLH); Cancer, stomach (f; JLH); Carbuncle
(f; PH2); Catarrh (f; DAA; HHB); Cervisosis (f; DAA); Circulosis (f; DAA); Colitis (f; WOI);
Congestion (f; DAA); Cramp (f; PH2); Diarrhea (f; HHB; PH2; WOI); Dysentery (f; DAA; HHB);
Dysmenorrhea (f; WOI); Dyspepsia (f; PH2); Epilepsy (f; PH2); Fever (f; DAA; PH2); Gastrosis
(f; JLH); Gingivosis (f; WOI); Hepatosis (f; JLH); Leukorrhea (f; DAA; HHB); Lymphoma (1;
DAA; FNF); Polyp (f; JLH); Rhinosis (f; JLH); Scrofula (f; DAA; PH2); Snakebite (f; PH2); Sore
(f; HHB; JLH); Sore Throat (f; HHB; PH2); Stomatosis (f; HHB; PH2); Swelling (f; DAA); Tetanus
(f; PH2); Water Retention (f; WOI); Wound (f; PH2).
Dosages (Bistort) — 1–2 g (PNC); 50–60 g rhizome/liter water for 15–20 minutes (PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Bistort) — Class 1 (AHP). “Hazards and/or
side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific
quantified dosage! JAD).

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BISHOP’S WEED (Ammi visnaga (L.) Lamarck)

BISHOP’S WEED (Ammi visnaga (L.) Lamarck)

Synonym — Daucus visnaga L.
Activities (Bishop’s Weed) — Antiatherosclerotic (1; WO3); Antipyretic (1; WO3); Antispasmodic
(1; BIS; PHR; WO3; X7194092); Calcium Antagonist (1; WO3); Cardiotonic (1; PHR); Coronary
Dilator (1; BIS); Diuretic (1; BIS); Hypoglycemic (f; X3613607); Inotropic (1; BIS; PHR);
Litholytic (1; BIS); Myocardiotonic (1; PHR; SHT); Myocontractant (1; X9225605); Phototoxic
(1; PHR); Vasodilator (1; WO2).
Indications (Bishop’s Weed) — Angina (1; PHR; SHT; WO2); Asthma (1; BIS; PHR); Atherosclerosis
(1; WO3); Bladder Stone (1; BIS); Bronchosis (1; BIS; WO2); Cardiopathy (1; BIS; PHR);
Colic (f; BIS); Cramp (1; BIS; PHR; WO3; X7194092); Diabetes (f; X3613607); Dysmenorrhea
(1; BIS); Enterosis (1; BIS; PH2); Fever (1; WO3); Gastrosis (1; BIS); Hyperglycemia (f;
X3613607); Hypertonia (f; PH2); Kidney Stone (1; BIS); Pertussis (1; PHR); Psoriasis (1; BIS);
Stone (1; BIS; WO2); Tachycardia (1; PHR); Vitiligo (1; BIS); Water Retention (1; BIS).
Dosages (Bishop’s Weed) — 20 mg pyrones, calculated as khellin (BIS); 0.5 g powdered fruit/cup
water (1 tsp = 2.5 g) (BIS).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Bishop’s Weed) — Not covered (AHP).
Adverse effects may include dizziness, elevated hepatic transaminase, fatigue, insomnia,
pseudoallergic reactions, reversible cholestatic jaundice, vertigo, and vomiting (PHR; SHT; WO2).
Prolonged use or overdose may cause allergic symptoms, anorexia, constipation, elevated liver
enzymes, headache, insomnia, nausea, queasiness, and vertigo (BIS; PHR). Phototoxic coumarins.
Commission E approved Bishop’s Weed on March 13, 1986, but reversed itself as of April 15,
1994, condemning it because of excessive therapeutic risk and unproven efficacy (renal colic, spastic
urinary tract disorders). “Ammi fruits may no longer be prescribed in Germany for this or any other
indication” (SHT). Extracts and khellin and visnagin improve myocardial perfusion, increasing
blood flow through the coronary vessels, making it useful for angina

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BIRTHWORT (Aristolochia clematitis L.)

BIRTHWORT (Aristolochia clematitis L.)

Activities (Birthwort) — Antiherpetic (1; PH2); Carcinogenic (1; PH2); Depurative (f; EFS);
Immunomodulator (1; PH2); Mutagenic (1; PH2); Nephrotoxic (1; PH2); Phagocytotic (1; PH2);
Stimulant (f; EFS); Toxic (1; PH2); Vulnerary (f; EFS).
Indications (Birthwort) — Arthrosis (f; PH2); Cacoethes (f; JLH); Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, breast
(f; JLH); Cancer, nose (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Childbirth (f; EFS; GMH); Colic (f; PH2);
Cholecystosis (f; PH2); Climacteric (f; PH2); Enterosis (f; PH2); Gastrosis (f; PH2); Herpes (1;
PH2); Infection (1; PH2); Malaria (f; PH2); Mastosis (f; JLH); Ophthalmia (f; PH2); Otosis (f;
PH2); Pain (f; PH2); Pharyngosis (f; PH2); Polyp (f; JLH); Rhinosis (f; JLH); Sore (f; PH2);
Stomachache (f; PH2); Uterosis (f; JLH); Virus (1; PH2); Wound (f; PH2).
Dosages (Birthwort) — Don’t take it.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Birthwort) — Class 2b, 3 (AHP). Contraindicated
in pregnancy (PH2). Outlawed in U.S. because of aristolochic acid.

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BIRCH (Betula spp.)

BIRCH (Betula spp.)

Betula pendula Roth, Betula pubescens Ehrh. (Synonym — Betula alba L., Betula verrucosa Ehrh.)
Some taxonomists know that the cop-out approach is to refer to the genus rather than all the poorly
separable species of birch. PH2 listed pendula and pubescens, and APA, no more taxonomically
adept, added B. lenta, B. pubsecens, B. verrucosa (=B. pendula). I’ve added all PH2 activity/indication
entries here.
Activities (Birch) — Analgesic (1; FAD); Antibacterial (1; PH2); Antiinflammatory (1; FAD; SHT);
Antimelanomic (1; APA); Antipyretic (1; PHR; PH2); Antiseptic (1; APA); Aquaretic (1; SHT);
Astringent (1; PNC); Counterirritant (1; FAD); Depurative (f; APA; PHR; PH2); Diuretic (2; APA;
KOM; PIP; PH2); Parasiticide (1; PHR; PH2); Saluretic (1; PHR; PH2).
Indications (Birch) — Alopecia (f; APA; PHR; PH2); Arthrosis (1; APA); Bacteria (1; PH2);
Bladder Stone (2; PHR; PH2); Bronchosis (1; FAD); Cholecystosis (1; FAD); Cystosis (f; APA);
Dandruff (f; PHR; PH2); Dermatosis (1; PHR; PH2); Diarrhea (1; PNC); Dyspepsia (f; APA);
Eczema (1; APA); Fever (1; APA; FAD; PHR; PH2); Gout (1; APA; FAD; PH2); Gravel (2;
KOM; PIP; PH2); Infection (1; APA); Inflammation (1; APA; FAD; SHT); Kidney Stone (2;
APA; PHR; PH2); Melanoma (1; APA); Myalgia (1; FAD); Nephrosis (1; KOM; PH2); Neuralgia
(1; APA; FAD); Pain (1; FAD); Parasite (1; PHR; PH2); Psoriasis (f; APA; PH2); Pulmonosis
(1; FAD); Rheumatism (2; FAD; KOM; PIP; PH2); Scabies (1; PH2); Scrofula (f; FAD); Staphylococcus
(1; X10857921); Stomachache (f; FAD); Stone (SHT); Urethrosis (2; KOM); UTI
(2; KOM; PHR; PH2; SHT); Water Retention (2; APA; KOM; PIP; PH2); Worm (f; APA); Wound
(f; APA).
Dosages (Birch) — 1–2 tbsp chopped leaf/cup water, several ×/day (APA); 2–3 g several ×/day
(KOM; PIP); 12 g/day (SHT).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Birch) — Class 1 (AHP). Contraindications
reported as edema due to cardiac or renal insufficiency (AEH). Not for use in edema in patients
with cardiac or nephrotic problems. (PH2). None reported (PIP). “Health hazards not known with
proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Warning: EO toxic; easily absorbed through the skin (FAD).

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BILBERRY (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)

BILBERRY (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)

Activities (Bilberry) — Antiaggregant (1; APA; BGB; MAB; PED; PH2); Anticapillary Fragility
(2; BGB; MAB; PED; PH2); Antiedemic (1; BGB; HH2; MAB; PH2); Antiexudative (1; HH2;

PH2); Antiherpetic (f; HH2); Antiinflammatory (1; MAB; PED); Antiischemic (1; MAB; PH2);
Antioxidant (1; FNF; SKY); Antiplaque (1; HH2); Antipyretic (1; PNC); Antiretinohemorrhagic
(1; PH2); Antiseptic (1; APA; FNF; MAD); Antispasmodic (1; PED); Antiulcer (1; APA; MAB;
PH2); Antiviral (1; APA; HH2); Astringent (1; APA; MAB; PH2; PNC); Bitter (1; PED); Circulostimulant
(1; SKY); Collagen-Protectant (1; PED; PH2); Diuretic (1; PNC); Fungicide (1; HH2);
Immunostimulant (1; MAB); Lipolytic (1; PH2); Myorelaxant (f; APA); Phagocytotic (1; MAB);
Vasodilator (1; PNC); Vasoprotective (1; BGB; MAB; PH2); Vulnerary (1; PH2).
Indications (Bilberry) — Angina (1; APA; BGB); Anorexia (f; MAD); Aphtha (f; MAD);
Arthrosis (1; PED; PHR; PH2); Atherosclerosis (2; APA; SKY); Bleeding (f; MAD; PH2); Bruise
(1; PED); Burn (f; PH2); Capillary Fragility (2; BGB; MAB; PED; PH2); Cardiopathy (1; BGB;
MAB); Cataract (1; APA; SKY); Catarrh (f; MAD); Circulosis (1; SKY); Colitis (1; BGB; MAD);
Conjunctivosis (1; PH2); Constipation (3; APA); Cramp (1; PED); CVI (2; APA; MAB); Cystosis
(f; MAD); Debility (f; MAD); Dermatosis (f; HH2; MAD; PHR; PH2); Diabetes (1; APA; MAD;
PHR; PH2); Diabetic Hypoglycemia (1; TMA); Diabetic Retinopathy (2; MAB; SKY); Diarrhea
(3; APA; KOM; MAD; MAM; PH2; SHT); Dropsy (f; MAD); Dysentery (1; MAB; MAD);
Dysmenorrhea (2; APA; MAB); Dyspepsia (1; APA; MAB); Eczema (f; MAD); Edema (1; PH2);
Encephalosis (1; APA); Enterosis (1; MAD; MAM; PHR; PH2); Epistaxis (2; MAB); Esophagosis
(1; MAB); Fever (1; PNC); Flu (1; HH2); Fungus (1; HH2); Gallstone (f; MAD); Gastrosis (f;
PHR; PH2); Gingivosis (1; APA; MAD); Glaucoma (2; APA; MAB; PED); Gonorrhea (f; MAD);
Gout (f; HH2; PHR; PH2); Hemeralopia (2; MAB); Hemorrhoid (2; BGB; HH2; MAB; PH2);
Hepatosis (1; APA); Herpes (f; HH2); High Cholesterol (1; APA); Hyperglycemia (f; APA);
Hyperlipidemia (1; PH2); Immunodepression (1; MAB); Impaired Vision (especially at night)
(1; PED); Infection (1; HH2; MAB); Inflammation (1; APA; MAB; PED; PH2); Ischemia (1;
MAB); Laryngosis (f; MAD); Leukoplakia (f; MAD); Leukorrhea (f; MAD); Maculosis (1; SKY);
Mucososis (2; KOM; MAB; PH2; PIP); Mycosis (1; HH2); Myopia (2; FNF; MAB); Nephrosis
(f; PHR; PH2); Nyctalopia (2; MAB; PED; PH2); Odontosis (f; MAD); Ophthalmia (1; PH2);
Pain (1; MAB); Paraesthesia (1; MAB); Periodontosis (1; PED); Peritonosis (f; MAD); Pharyngosis
(2; MAB; PHR; PH2; PIP); Plaque (1; HH2; MAD); Psoriasis (f; MAD); Raynaud’s (1;
MAB; PED); Respirosis (f; HH2); Retinosis (2; BGB; MAB); Sore (f; PH2); Sore Throat (2;
KOM; PIP; PH2); Stomatosis (2; MAB; MAD; PHR; PH2; PIP); Swelling (1; BGB; HH2; MAB;
PH2); Thick Blood (1; APA; BGB; PED); Typhus (f; MAD); Ulcer (1; APA; MAB; PH2);
Urethrosis (f; PHR; PH2); Varicosis (1; MAB; PED; SKY); Virus (1; APA; HH2); Vomiting (f;
PH2); Water Retention (1; PNC); Wound (1; MAB).
Dosages (Bilberry) — 1–2 tbsp crushed fruit/cup water; or 3 tbsp (ca 30 g) dried berries (APA);
20–60 g dry fruit (KOM); 12–24 g dry fruit (PED); 20–60 g dry fruit/day (SF); 1/2–1 cup fresh
fruit (PED); 100–300 g fresh berry (SHT); 1–1.5 tsp fruit (= ~7–10.5 g) cold infusion (MAD); 2–8
ml liquid fruit extract (PNC); 3–6 ml/day fluid extract (1:1) (MAB); 1 g leaf/cup tea (HH2); tablets
with 50–120 mg (= 20–50 g fruit) (MAB); 2 (470 mg) capsules (StX to contain at least 10 mg
anthocyanosides (25% anthocyanosides)) 2 ×/day (NH); 240–480 mg StX/day (25% anthocyanosides)
(SF; SKY); 500 mg StX (25% anthocyanosides) (PED). Interpretations of Commission E
approvals vary slightly: Blumenthal et al. (1998) approve 20–60 g fruit for nonspecific acute diarrhea
and local therapy of mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of mouth and throat. Gruenwald
et al. (1998) approve the fruits (not leaves) for diarrhea, pharyngosis, and stomatosis. Neither
apparently approve for the indications for which I take bilberry, preventing further deterioration of
the eyesight (e.g. maculitis, poor night vision, (nyctalopia)). Since bilberry is a healthy food
pharmaceutical I’ll take the good old bilberry in spite of its disapproval by these scholastic tomes.
It’s even richer in eye-preserving anthocyanosides than our native blueberries.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Bilberry) — Fruits, Class 1; Leaf, Class
4 (AHP). Leaves can be poisonous consumed over a long period of time (TMA, 1996). Com

mission E reports leaf not permitted for therapeutic use; higher doses or prolonged use can
produce chronic poisoning; chronic administration of 1.5 g/kg/day is lethal in some animals
(AEH). For fruits, none reported (PIP). “Bilberry does not interact with commonly prescribed
drugs; no known contraindications in use during pregnancy or lactation; no known side effects
with bilberry extracts” (SKY). Berries contain anthocyanosides, said to be helpful in treating
eye problems, diarrhea, reducing arterial deposits, and lowering blood sugar in diabetics. Fresh
berries may cause diarrhea.
Extracts (Bilberry) — Flavonoids antiaggregant, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic,
preserve capillaries and collagen (PED). Anthocyanosides inhibited barium-induced contraction of
isolated thoracic vein and coronary artery smooth muscle, in vitro, possibly by vasodilatory prostaglandin
production (PNC). Chromium content (of the leaves) may underlie antidiabetic activity
(PHR). Anthocyanins and polyphenols in berries of several Ribes, Rubus, and Vaccinium spp. have
in vitro antiradical activity on chemically generated superoxide radicals. The extracts also inhibit
xanthine oxidase. All crude extracts were highly active toward chemically generated superoxide
radicals. Ribes nigrum extracts exhibited most activity, being the richest in both anthocyanins and
polyphenols. But Ribes rubrum extracts seem to contain more active substances (X1332092).
Bilberry extracts (equivalent to 9–72 mg/kg anthocyanins) sometimes exceeded carbenoxolone or
cimetidine in antiulcer activity (MAB).

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