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hopking’s herbal – G H
Go to Hopking’s Herbal – A Modern Materia Medica (herbs and their medicinal action and uses):
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150. Galega officinalis (Goat’s Rue flowering tops) – hypoglycaemic, galactagogue; reduces blood sugar, diabetes mellitus, stimulates milk production, increases breast size. Dose: 1:10 45% 2-4ml.
151. Galium aparine (Cleavers flowering tops) – diuretic, alterative, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic; lymphatic disease, psoriasis. Expressed juice 3-15ml tds. Ext. freckles with lemon juice/oil.
152. Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jasmine root) 1:10 – analgesic, sedative, hypotensive; nervine; neuralgia of face or head, sick headache, menstrual and rheumatic pains, migraine and trigeminal neuralgia (specific); combine with Piscidia and Valeriana for migraine; with Humulus or Passiflora in intercostal neuralgia. Caution: Very Toxic. C/I in low blood pressure, in cardiovascular disease, in myasthenia gravis. Dose: BPC 1973 0.3ml.
153. Gentiana lutea (Gentian root) – bitter, gastric stimulant, sialagogue, cholagogue. Improves appetite, increases digestive juices, anorexia, dyspepsia, GI atony. Dose 1:5 45% 1-4ml.
154. Gentiana macrophylla (Large Leaf Gentian root, Qin Jiao) Chinese Herb – anti-rheumatic (wind-damp), to eliminate heat and dampness; rheumatic pain of the whole body; low graded fever in chronic diseases, allergic inflammation, jaundice and hepatitis; pungent, bitter, neutral; ST LIV GB.
155. Geranium maculatum (American Cranesbill root) – astringent, anti-haemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary; diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids, gastric duodenal ulcer, haematemesis, melaena, menorrhagia, endometriosis, metrorrhagia or any bleeding. Ext. leucorrhoea, indolent ulcers (leg ulcers). Dose 1:5 45% 2-4ml.
156. Geum urbanum (Avens flowering tops) – astringent, styptic; diarrhoea, mucous colitis, ulcerative colitis – specific, uterine bleeding – passive, fevers – intermittent; vomiting, gingivitis (gargle).
157. Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo seed or leaf, Bai Guo) Chinese Herb – persistent cough, asthma, frequent micturition, tinnitus, circulation (peripheral vascular disease), intermittent claudication, cerebral insufficiency, ageing, senility, Alzheimer’s; LU KI. Improves memory, alertness and general mental function. Antioxidant and anti-allergic. Active constituents: ginkgo flavone glycosides, terpene lactones. See Ginkgo
158. Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy flowering tops) – anti-catarrhal, astringent, expectorant, diuretic, vulnerary, stomachic; catarrh – chronic, coughs, bronchitis – chronic catarrhal, deafness and tinnitus due to catarrh; diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, cystitis, gastritis.
159. Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis (Licorice root, Gan Cao) Chinese Herb – tonic, anti-pyretic, adrenal agent, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, anti-spasmodic, mild laxative, fertility, colic, bronchial catarrh, bronchitis, gastritis – chronic, peptic ulcer, adrenocortical insufficiency, Addison’s disease; weakness (Qi Xu), sore throat, boils, asthma, blood and energy deficiency; peptic ulcer, empty spleen and stomach, colic acute abdominal pains; sweet, neutral; enters all 12 meridians and organs. The triterpenes of Glycyrrhiza are metabolized in the body to molecules that have a similar structure to the adrenal cortex hormones (vitaligo). This is possibly the basis of the herbs that have an anti-inflammatory action.
160. Gnaphalium uliginosum (Cudweed) – anti-catarrhal, astringent, anti-septic, antitussive; catarrh in upper respiratory tract, laryngitis, tonsillitis. Ext.: gargle. N/A
161. Grindelia camporum (Grindelia flowering tops) – anti-spasmodic, expectorant, hypotensive; asthma, bronchitis, catarrh – upper respiratory, whooping cough, lowers BP, cardiac depressive – tachycardia. Ext.: poison-ivy dermatitis (lotion). Dose: 1:10 60% 0.5-1ml.
162. Guaiacum officinale (Lignum vitae; Guaiac heartwood) – anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, laxative (mild), diaphoretic, diuretic; arthritis in all its forms, gout. Dose: BPC1934 1:5 90% 1-4ml.
163. Gymnema sylvestre (Gymnema leaf) – Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja) Gymnema assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. This herb can be an excellent substitute for oral blood sugar-lowering drugs in Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers. The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides. While studies have shown that a water-soluble acidic fraction of the leaves provides hypoglycemic actions, it is not yet clear what specific constituent in the leaves is responsible for this action. Gymnema has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes for over 2,000 years. The primary application was for adult-onset diabetes (NIDDM), a condition for which it continues to be recommended today in India. The leaves were also used for stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, and liver disease. See Pancreas
Guarana seed (see Paullinia).
164. HAIR TONIC: Achillea, Biota, Eclipta, Poly multi., Cinch, Paulin, Glyc. Rosm, Uncar, Tabe. FOR MEN (Yin Xu): Cist. Cusc. Eclipt. Loran. Polymulti. Phell. Rehm. Trit. Urt.fol. Fuc. Gink. Rosm. Matric. Achil. Biota. Equis. Aloegel. Iris. Ang.sin. Paeon. Pueraria. (And for periph circ: Sanguin. Capsic. Zing. Echin). Take Haer!Haer! (women), HaerMore Men
165. Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel bark) – astringent, anti-haemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory; diarrhoea with haemorrhoids (specific); diarrhoea, mucous colitis, bleeding; haemorrhages, bruises, swellings, varicose veins. Ext: mouthwash (use diluted).
166. Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw tuber) – anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anodyne (procumbine), sedative, diuretic; arthritis (due to harpagoside) with inflammation and pain, rheumatism, gout, myalgia, fibromyalgia, fibrositis, lumbago. Dose 1:5 25% 0.5-1ml. See PainLess Joints
167. Hormonal herbs: To promote production of hormones of the male and female sex organs (androgens and oestrogens), hormones of the adrenal cortex, pituitary, thyroid and other glands: Vitex. Trillium. Cimic. Cauloph. Turnera. Chamaelirium. Hydrangea. Fucus. Glycyrr. Avena. Smilax. Seranoa. Mitchella. See Herbal V8
168. Houttuynia cordata (Lizard Tail, Fishwort, Yu Xing Cao) this herb can smell like fish – a primary antibacterial for mycoplasma infections; antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, anti-leukaemia; strongly active against Mycoplasma hominis, herpes simplex, flu virus, HIV-1, SARS-related coronavirus, etc. and specifically for kidney and bladder infections and genital infections and serious infections of the lungs. Also used for diseases of the eyes and skin with foul-smelling discharge. InflammationLess HerbShield
169. HRT herbs: Chamael. Turn. Smilax. (Bartram). See menopause. For hot flushes or flashes take FlushLess
170. Humulus lupulus (Hops strobiles) – sedative, hypnotic; neuralgia, insomnia, excitability, tension, anxiety, restlessness, priapism, headache, mucous colitis. Ext.: crural leg ulcers. Dose: 1:5 60% 1-2ml.
171. Hydrangea arborescens (Hydrangea rhizome) – diuretic; prostate (inflammatory or enlargement), bladder stones, cystitis, urethritis, kidney stones, gravel. Dose 1:5 45% 2-10ml.
172. Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal root) – tonic, stimulant to involuntary muscle, stomachic, oxytocic, anti-haemorrhagic, laxative; astringent, anti-catarrhal; colitis, gastritis, catarrh., peptic ulcer, colitis, anorexia, upper respiratory, menorrhagia, post-partum haemorrhage, dysmenorrhoea. Ext.: eczema, ringworm. C/I pregnancy. Dose: BPC 1949 1:10 60% 2-4ml. Threatened species; available for special orders only.
173. Hyoscyamus niger (Henbane) 1:10 – anti-spasmodic, hypnotic, mild diuretic, narcotic; nervous irritation, griping, tranquillising, insomnia. See SleepMore
174. Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) – anti-depressive – due to monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibiting activity, a function which has been shown to inhibit the breakdown of mood enhancing brain chemicals. Anti-inflammatory, astringent, vulnerary, sedative; neuralgia, anxiety, irritability, menopausal neurosis – specific; insomnia, RA, gout, bronchitis, asthma, paralysis agitans, senile tremor (30 drops 3-4x/day); anti-retroviral (AIDS) (enveloped viruses, not naked viruses – dose for anti-viral 2-5g or equiv/day (at 1:10 25ml/ day or 175 ml wk, 700ml/month); best extracted by 45% Eth to get hypericin (anti-viral). To make an equivalent to anti-depressive drugs make an extract 5:1 (5kg to 1L at 45%). Ext.: varicose veins (lotion), sunburn (oil). Dose 1:10 45% 2-4ml. The Medicines Control Agency, acting on the advice of the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM), has advised that Hypericum perforatum should not be used with certain prescribed medicines. The concern is that Hypericum induces liver cytochrome P-450 enzymes and thereby the blood levels of certain drugs may be reduced: HIV protease inhibitors (indinavar, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir); HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (efavirenz, nevirapine); cyclosporine; anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin); digoxin; theophylline; oral contraceptives; warfarin; SSRIs (citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline); triptans (sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan). The CSM advise gradual reduction of the dosage of Hypericum, except for HIV drugs, as the blood levels of the prescribed medicines may then rise. There have been reports of drug interactions involving Hypericum perforatum taken in the form of standardised tablets, in particular: * two cases where men taking the immunosuppressant cyclosporine after a heart transplant developed rejection of the tissues after starting to take Hypericum tablets. * a small trial on healthy volunteers has shown an interaction between Indinavar, which is used to keep HIV “dormant” and Hypericum in that blood levels of Indinavar were reduced and thus the drug could be ineffective. * a small trial on healthy volunteers has shown a similar effect with digoxin. This had led researchers to infer that these interactions have occurred because Hypericum induces cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Many drugs are metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P-450 mono-oxygenase system of which CYP3A4 is the most common. CYP3A4 are induced by anticonvulsants, dexamethasone, griseofulvin and rifampicin. For example, oral contraceptives which are metabolized by CYP3A4 may be less effective if the woman is taking phenobarbitone as the oestrogens are metabolized more quickly. Drugs metabolized by CYP 3A4 include cyclosporine, nifedipine, erythromycin, terfenadine and ethinylestradiol. Some flavonoids e.g. in grapefruit juice are general inhibitors of cytochrome P-450’s. The Committee on Safety of Medicines has also advised that Hypericum should not be used with warfarin. There have been adverse event reports suggesting an interaction between warfarin and Hypericum. Drug interactions with warfarin are common and some foods affect warfarin metabolism. It is therefore important to ensure that patients who are taking warfarin are being monitored properly by their GP. As the NIMH Research Report 1, September 1998 pointed out, although Hypericum has not been shown to have a strong selective serotonin re-uptake inhibition, if taken alongside SSRIs, there is the potential for increased sympathomimetic action. There has now been a report of five cases of possible interactions in elderly people. The warning about triptans, which are used in migraine prevention, is for the same reason. There are a number of general points to be made: The concerns of the CSM are primarily about self-prescribed over-the-counter medications. Where there have been possible interactions, it has involved standardised preparations. Given the huge number of people who take Hypericum preparations worldwide, the number of adverse reactions reported remains extremely small. The CMS has acted very cautiously but it is aware of the under-reporting of adverse events and has the duty of protecting public safety. Herbal practitioners generally use the whole plant at much lower doses, not extracts which are standardised for high hypericin content. There is some evidence that it is hypericin that may be responsible for CYP induction and SSRI action. We also take a complete medical history, and drug history, evaluate the person accordingly and prescribe for the individual. What decision you make on the basis of the information given above is for your own professional judgment.
Several well designed clinical trials have now shown conclusively the anti-depressant effects of this herb (see Harrer and Schultz, 1994; Reuter 1995; Linde et al, 1996, for reviews).44-46 Its efficacy in mild to moderate depression has been found to be similar to that of currently used anti-depressant drugs, but with less side effects and perhaps taking slightly longer to become apparent in some patients.47, 48 The mode of this antidepressant action and constituents responsible remain speculative. Contrary to popular opinion this is unlikely to involve inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), 49 and instead may involve serotonin50 or other neurotransmitter pathways. Depressive illness is often seen in those with substance dependencies, the substance(s) in many cases being abused partly or largely as a means of “numbing the pain” or producing a temporary euphoric effect. In a significant proportion of all clients seen I believe it to be an important aetiological factor in the addiction itself, as well as appearing quite commonly during the withdrawal period. This is probably due largely to the sudden changes in neurotransmitter and hormonal systems which occur during this period. It is no accident that the once used “animal model” of depression used to consist of the abrupt withdrawal of rats previously dependent on amphetamine. Needless to say, large amounts of Hypericum perforatum are used in the Detox unit, and its antidepressant and mild anxiolytic45 as well as hepatoprotective51 properties make it especially useful when treatment continues into the post-withdrawal period. It also possesses anti-viral action, and seems to be of some benefit where there is concurrent hepatitis C infection, although reasonable doses are required. [EJHM]. Depression
175. Hypothyroid Herbs: Centella, Fucus, Iris, Phytolacca. See Thyroid
176. Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop flowering tops) – Anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, sedative, carminative; coughs, colds, nasal catarrh, bronchitis, nervine (hysteria, anxiety, petit mal).
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Go to Hopking’s Herbal – A Modern Materia Medica (herbs and their medicinal action and uses):
A, B-C, D-E-F, G-H, I-J-K, L-M-N, O-P-Q, R-S, T-U, V-W, X-Y-Z