Research into native herbs has led to the use of certain plants in conventional medicine. Brazilian investigation into pau d’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa, p. 139) indicates significant therapeutic potential for fungal infections, inflammation of the cervix, HIV, and cancer. While pau d’arco’s effectiveness in treating cancer is controversial, it is currently prescribed both by local doctors and in hospitals.
Research into herbal medicine is expanding, with hospital-based studies taking place in centers such as Belem in northeastern Brazil and Bogotá in Colombia. Such studies are important for the world as a whole. The locally based researchers, unlike most multinational drug companies, are willing to develop medicines based on simple extracts, which may ultimately prove more effective than the isolated constituents often used in conventional drugs.
Coca harvest in Bolivia. The leaves are picked when they begin to curl. They have been used as a stimulant for centuries by the indigenous peoples of the Andes.
Pau d’arco tincture
Pineapple (Ananas comosus, p. 167) is rich in vitamin C, and contains an enzyme that aids digestion. The juice is employed as a digestive tonic and a diuretic.
Soap bark (Quillaja saponaria, p. 260) is a traditional expectorant in Peru and Chile.
Guarana (Paullinia cupana, p. 245) contains a natural stimulant with properties similar to caffeine. Roasted and ground guarana seeds are now widely used in the health food industry.
Pau d’arco (Tabebuia spp., p. 139) is used as an anticancer remedy.
It has long been used by indigenous Peruvian peoples to lower fever and reduce inflammation.
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Of the estimated 500,000 plants on our planet, it is thought that around 10,000 are used regularly for medicinal purposes. The index of Key Medicinal Plants features 100 of the best-known medicinal plants in Latin name order. Many are commonly available and widely used in different herbal traditions around the world, for example German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita, p. 77) and ginger (Zingiber officinale, p. 155). Others, such as neem (Azadirachta indica, p. 70), from Asia, are key herbs within their native region. A significant proportion of these herbs have been well researched and most are excellent for home use.
Plant names
The Latin name given is the one by which the plant is most generally known in medical herbalism. If the plant has a Latin synonym, this is provided. The first part of the Latin name designates the plant’s genus (sub-family). The second part specifies the species name. In brackets after the Latin name(s) comes the plant’s family name, the broader class to which the genus belongs. The plant’s common name(s) are beneath the family name. If more than one common name is in popular use, they are listed in order of importance. Where appropriate, the origins of common names are given in brackets.
Habitat & Cultivation
Gives information on where the plant is indigenous, its current distribution, how it is cultivated and harvested, and any preferred growing conditions.
Related sPeCies
Provides cross-references and information on related species that are used medicinally or are well known.
Key Constituents & Key aCtions Lists the key active constituents and the key medicinal actions of the plant on the body in order of importance.
Note For more information on plant constituents and their actions, see pp. 10–16.
ReseaRCH
Provides details of scientific research conducted into the plant, its constituents, and its extracts, including results of any clinical trials. If appropriate, includes herbal practitioners’ observations of the plant’s known actions and potential new medicinal uses for the herb.
tRaditional & CuRRent uses
Reveals how the plant was used medicinally in the past and how it is used today in different herbal traditions.
Examines differences between traditional and current
uses, and shows how scientific research is sometimes confirming the validity of the traditional use and sometimes uncovering completely new applications for the herb. Note See Glossary p. 321 for unfamiliar terms.
PaRts used
Illustrates the parts of the plant used medicinally.
Key PRePaRations & tHeiR uses Features key preparations with details of how they are taken or applied. Gives cautions about using the herb as a medicine and about the plant in general. States if the plant, its constituents, or its extracts are legally restricted.
Note: A self-help use is provided for many preparations.
Before attempting any self-help use, it is essential to read the cautions and the information on pp. 290 & 298–299.
Cautions
Gives cautions about using the herb medicinally and about the plant in general. States if the plant, its constituents, or its extracts are legally restricted.
QConsidered safe as a medicine but potentially harmful if used inappropriately. Particular safety issues are listed.
Where a plant is listed as “Take only under professional supervision,” it is not suitable for home use.
RKnown to be toxic or unsafe as a medicine. Do not self- medicate with these plants. Some plants with this symbol may be safely prescribed by experienced healthcare practitioners within a very narrow dosage range. At a higher dose, such plants will be poisonous.
self-HelP uses
Cross-refers to self-help treatments in Remedies for Common Ailments. Note: Always read the cautions in Key Preparations & Their Uses and the information on pp. 290
& 298–299 before using any herb.
key medicinal plants
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A c h i l l e A m i l l e f o l i u m
k ey me d ic ina l p l a n t s Achillea millefolium (Asteraceae)
Yarrow, Milfoil
Yarrow
A creeping perennial, growing to 3 ft (1 m), with white flower heads and finely divided leaves.