Goldenrod: Solidago virgaurea

History

Goldenrod is an aquaretic, increasing renal blood flow and increasing glomerular filtration rate without stimulating the loss of electrolytes such as sodium and chloride. Aquaretics are considered safer than many synthetic diuretics that promote the loss of electrolytes. Goldenrod has been studied for its effects on diuresis and electrolyte balance, and its strong anti-inflammatory activity.

European Goldenrod is a perennial plant native to northern Europe that has become established on every continent. Other varieties are native to North America and north Africa, but have less pharmacological activity than Solidago virgaurea

Parts Used: flowers

Active Compounds (27 in number)

• Triterpene saponins based on bisdesmosidic polygalic acid
• Flavonoids
• Catechin tannins
• Clerodane diterpenes
• Phenolic glucosides including leiocarposice and virgaureoside such as rutin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, and nicotiflorin
• Miscellaneous phenolic acids, acetylenes, cinnamates, hydroxybenzoates, and polysaccharides.

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Dandelion: Taraxacum officinale

History

Dandelion is commonly used as a food. The leaves are used in salads and teas, while the roots are often used as a coffee substitute. Dandelion leaves and roots have been used for hundreds of years (since the 3rd century) to treat problems of the joints, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys. In some countries, dandelion is considered a blood purifier and is used for ailments such as eczema and cancer. Dandelion has also been used historically to treat poor digestion, water retention, and diseases of the liver, including hepatitis. Dandelion has two particularly important uses: to promote the formation of bile and to remove excess water from the body. The root affects all forms of secretion and excretion from the body. It acts as a tonic and stimulant by removing toxins and poisons from the body, and increases the flow of urine in patients with liver problems. It is slightly laxative

Parts Used: leaves and root

Active Compounds (38 in number)

The principal constituents responsible for dandelion's effects are the bitter principles. Previously referred to as taraxacin, these constituents are:

• Sesquiterpene lactones eudesmanolide and germacranolide types.
• Triterpenes taraxol, taraxerol, beta-amyrin
• Phytosterols taraxasterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol
• Phenolic acids caffeic and hydroxyphenylacetic acids
• Fatty acids myristic acid
• Carbohydrates glucans, mannans, inulin
• Sugars fructose, glucose, sucrose
• Carotenoids lutein, violaxanthin
• Flavonoids apigenin, luteolin
• Miscellaneous choline, mucilage, pectin

Dandelion is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The leaves have a very high content of vitamin A as well as moderate amounts of vitamin D, vitamin C, various B vitamins, iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc, and manganese.

The leaves are a rich source of potassium, which is interesting since the leaves are used for their diuretic action. This may make dandelion the only naturally occurring potassium-sparing diuretic, although its diuretic action is likely different from that of pharmaceuticals. At very high doses, the leaves have been shown to possess diuretic effects comparable to the prescription diuretic Furosemide (Lasix).

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Meadowsweet: Filipendula ulmaria

History

Meadowsweet was one of the three most sacred plants used by Celtic Druids. The analgesic substance salicin was first isolated from Meadowsweet in 1827. Salicylic acid was first synthesized in 1859 and provided the basis for the commercial synthesis of acetyl salicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin. The word aspirin owes its origin to the original genus name of Meadowsweet, Spiraea, having been coined from "a" (for acetyl, a chemical group) and "spirin" (from Spiraea).

Meadowsweet is one of the best digestive remedies available, it protects and soothes the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, reduces excess acidity, and eases nausea. It is used in the treatment of heartburn, hyperacidity, gastritis and peptic ulceration, and is useful in treating diarrhea in children.

Parts Used: Aerial Parts

Active Compounds (24 in number)

• Volatile oil salicylaldehyde, ethylsalicylate, methylsalicylate, methoxybenzaldehyde
• Phenolic glycosides spiraein, monotropitin, gaultherin, isosalicin (glucoside of salicyl alcohol)
• Polyphenolic tannins mainly hydrolysable rugosin
• Flavonoids spiraeoside (quercitin-4'-glucoside), rutin, hyperoside, avicularin
• Miscellaneous mucilage, phenylcarboxylic acids, coumarin, Vitamin C

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White Willow: Salix alba

History

Willow bark has been used traditionally for fever, headache, pain, and rheumatic complaints for as long as humans have been using plants to treat ailments (documentably at least 4,000 years), and its use is legendary in many cultures around the world through time.

The glycoside salicin, from which the body can split off salicylic acid, is the basis of the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of willow. The analgesic actions of willow are typically slow-acting but last longer than standard aspirin products. The bark is also high in tannins, which is why it finds some use in gastrointestinal conditions.

Parts Used: Bark

Active Compounds (19 in number)

• Phenolic glycosides salicin, picein, triandrin, esters of salicylic acid and salicyl alcohol, acetylated salicin, salicortin, tremulacin, salireposide.
• Tannins catechins, gallotannins, condensed procyanidins
• Flavanoids isoquercitrin, naringin, naringin glucoside

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Juniper: Juniperus communis

History

Compounds in Juniper that block production of positive slow fiber (C-fiber) neurotransmitters (NT's), increase production of negative C-fiber NT's, and block production of prostacyclin synthetase (an enzyme required to synthesize an inflammatory prostaglandin) explain why it is used to ease pain and inflammation in the joints or muscles in cases of rheumatism and arthritis. Studies have clearly shown anti-inflammatory behavior through inhibition of PAF (platelet activation factor), as well as antiviral and antiseptic properties. Volatile oil from Juniper berries has long enjoyed a reputation as a diuretic because certain components of the volatile oils act as local nephron irritants and increase glomerular filtration without increasing loss of electrolytes. The dual action of blocking certain aspects of the pain signal transmission route and decreasing inflammatory chemical concentrations in the tissues are key to its function in alleviating symptoms. Juniper berries make an excellent antiseptic in conditions such as cystitis and as a steam inhalant in the management of bronchitis. The bitter action aids digestion and eases flatulent colic.

Juniper has been used since pre-Biblical times in perfumery and cosmetics, beverage flavoring, and as a seasoning for cooking.

Parts Used: Berries

Active Compounds (107 in number)

• Volatile oil myrcene, sabinene, pinenes, 1,4-cineole, p-cymene, camphene, limonene, terpinyl acetate, 4-terpineol, terpinene, cadinenes, and thujone.
• Sesquiterpenes caryophylene, elemene
• Diterpenes geijerone D
• Diterpenes acids ommunic, communic, sandaracopimaric, isopimaric, and torulosic
• Tannins afzelechin, catechin, and gallocatechin types
• Miscellaneous sugars, resin, vitamin C

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