Plants and plant products have been used throughout history to cure and prevent illness. Some plants used have been proven scientifically to be clinically effective while others have not. However, a plant’s effectiveness not having been proven as of yet means just that. It is merely a matter of time before any herbs benefit is discovered. The reason being is that all plants consist of phytochemicals that elicit specific physiological and energetic effects in the body. Due to each plants unique balance of phytochemicals, its distinct therapeutic qualities can be employed in the right circumstance and the proper proportions.

Perhaps 50,000 plant species have been used for medical treatment by the many cultures of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80 percent of the world’s population actually uses herbal medicine for some aspect of their primary health care. Unfortunately, despite the deep rooted nature of this tradition, the North American medical community has been pushed away from the use of plants for medicine by a number of factors, a significant one being the multibillion dollar pharmaceutical industry.

Nevertheless, practitioners of Europe and Asia have continued to keep the study of herbal medicine alive. Further, based on the increasing degree of dissatisfaction with the conventional medical establishment, complimentary therapies that employ the use of plants will be indispensable parts of all forward-looking medical treatments. Just simply looking at the growth rate of herbal products sold in drugstores gives somewhat of an estimate of how dramatically the population has turned toward some form of herbalism in recent years.

This is a two part article shedding some light on a few commonly found herbs in Jordan and surrounding areas. It will aim to present usable information for people who dabble with herbs but may not know exactly how to use them effectively or perhaps may be using them outside their indications, which can be dangerous. It is imperative to remember that although people may believe herbs are safe because they are natural, this is not necessarily the case for one main reason; many plants are poisonous or may cause toxicity when used in higher dosages.

The following herbs have been chosen based on their high degree of safety, but it is nevertheless recommended to consult with qualified herbalists before ingesting herbal medicines. The underlying theme of the following herbs is their usage for detoxification via the kidneys.

Taraxacum officianale (Dandilion)

Hindba bariya

Parts used: aerial parts

Pharmacodynamics:

This plant is the common weed known as dandelion. It is used as a diuretic, antihypertensive and a laxative. The leaf of the plant is used for its diuretic effects whereas the root has more laxative action. The cleansing ability of the herb is likely what contributes to dandelion’s mild anti-inflammatory activity, but this is not yet well understood. Dandelion also possesses appetite-stimulating bitters identified as eudesmanolides, which were previously called taraxicin, coined from its name. Taraxacum has traditionally been used to promote cleansing of the body, clear away toxins, stimulate the activity of the liver and kidneys, drain out excess water, clear heat, calm the gall bladder, promote bile flow and bowel movement, awaken the appetite, restores connective tissue damage.

-Taraxacum contains bitter, salty, and slightly sweet flavors.

-Energetically it is a cold herb that helps to dry the body.

-According to Traditional Chinese Meridian theory, it works on the spleen, liver and gall bladder meridians.

Taraxacum leaves and flowers are safe to eat when used in normal amounts in food as well as when used appropriately for medicinal purposes. The use of dandelion can cause dermatitis in sensitive patients. It has also been known to cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigolds, and daisies to name a few. Dandelion is contraindicated in patients with obstruction of the bile ducts, gallbladder or obstruction of the bowels.

Dosage (ml or tsp): 10-60 drops of the tincture (1-5tsps) three times a day.

Scuttelaria lateriflora (Skullcap)

Darqa

Parts used: Leaves, roots

Pharmacodynamics:

Commonly known as skullcap, this herb helps to calm the nerves and muscles, is a tonic, can be used to help balance menstrual flow (emmenegogue), is a slight diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and anti-hypertensive.

Potential side effects, toxicity, safety issues regarding long-term use, and contra indications:

Ingesting large amounts of skullcap can cause giddiness, stupor, confusion, limb twitching, seizures, and other symptoms associated with epilepsy. It is usually safe, when used orally in a specific herbal combinations.

Potential interactions with current supplements, medications and other therapies:

Concomitant use with other sedative herbs might enhance therapeutic and adverse effects.

Dosage (ml or tsp): 3-4 teaspoons of tincture three times per day.

Equisetum arvense (Horse Tail)

Dhanb al furs/

Part Used: Dried aerial stems.

Pharmacodynamics:

Horsetail can decrease hemorrhage and has astringent properties in the genito-urinary system.  It can heal wounds and is a mild diuretic. Historically it has been used for inflammations such as rheumatism.  Externally it is a vulnerary, meaning that it helps wound healing. Traditional herbal books suggest the following uses: edema in the lower limbs, blood in the urine, irritable bladder, low urinary output in children, prostatitis, and heartburn.

Potential side effects, toxicity, safety issues regarding long-term use, and contra indications:

Possibly safe, when used orally in a specific herbal combination.

Dosage (ml or tsp):.Infusion: 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried l5-20 minutes in boiled water. 

Agropyron repens (Couch-grass)

Anjeel alakrash

Parts used: The rhizome

Pharmacodynamics:

Couch-grass is a diuretic, and it relieves irritation, congestion and many forms of inflammation. It can be used in urinary infections and many “itisis”. As a tonic diuretic, it has been used in rheumatism and other inflammatory processes. Agropyron is used when urine has a high specific gravity and there is irritation of the kidneys or bladder. It also has anti-microbial qualities and so can be used to decrease referred back pain due to purulent discharges from urethra.

Eastern perspective:

-Tonifies Qi, vitalizes blood and Yin. It is also promotes urination, and removes fluid congestion.

-Couch-grass is a bland tasting, mild herb with a soothing (demulcent) quality.

Potential side effects, toxicity, safety issues regarding long-term use, and contra indications:

Safe when taken orally and appropriate short-term.

Silybum Marianus (Milk Thistle)

Kurfaish Jimal

Part Used:  seeds

Pharmacodynamics:  Milk Thistle is used as a digestive tonic, for all hepatic congestions and liver problems.  Milk Thistle assists the liver in its detoxifications actions and research has shown it benefit in regenerating healthy cells in a fatty liver. It has a mild laxative effect as well.  Milk thistle is for all types of liver stagnations. Further actions include galactogogue (promoting milk secretion in a nursing women) and helping to balance the actions of the stomach.

Eastern Perspective:  It works on the liver and spleen channels and has a bitter taste but energetically neutral temperament. It is used primarily as a blood cleanser.

Potential side effects, toxicity, safety issues regarding long-term use, and contra indications:

Hardly any side effects.  It does have a mild laxative effect therefore if this is not indicated then be careful. Also, due to Milk Thistle’s blood cleansing ability, it can increase the detoxification functions of the liver. As such, dosages for drugs that are working in narrow therapeutic windows, warfarin is an example, need to be carefully monitored.

Dosage:  1-2ml tid

Eleuthrococcus Senticosus (Siberian Ginseng):

Parts used: root

Pharmacokinetics: Eleuthro is an adaptogenic (balances the endocrine and immune systems), immune enhancer and it helps to regulate blood sugars.  It is primarily indicated for highly stressed people helping to increase their capacity to withstand adverse environmental and working conditions. It also improves cardiovascular health, increases performance and endurance, and is indicated for debility and general fatigue.

Potential side effects, toxicity reactions, safety issues regarding long-term use, CI’s: Very uncommon. Not to be used during acute phase infections.  Patients with insomnia, palpitations, tachycardia and hypertension should be cautious due to its stimulating effect.

Dosage (ml or tsp): 2-8 ml/day of 1:2 alcoholic extract