Download RESINS Boswellia carterii - Gaia Garden Herbal Dispensary

RESINS
Boswellia carterii (Frankincense)
Family:
Burseraceae
Part used:
Gum-Resin
This herb has an ancient and noble history. It was burned at nightfall by the Egyptians as an
offering to Ra, the Sun god, to ensure the return of the sun with the new morning, and they used it in
embalming where its powerful germicidal properties helped to preserve the bodies. It was brought as a
gift by the wise men, along with Myrrh and gold. Greeks and Romans and Persians all used
Frankincense as a ceremonial and domestic incense and air purifier. In older texts it is sometimes
referred to as Olibanum. The tree is indigenous to north Africa and parts of the Indian sub-continent,
sometimes forming small forests, and over 25 species are medicinal. In the heat of the day the essential
oil evaporates into the dry air and the tree may appear to shimmer in the heat. This allows the tree to
cool itself and protect itself from the fierce sun, without sacrificing precious water. It is harvested by
incising the trunk and collecting the resin that exudes. This is allowed to dry on the tree for up to 3
months before being scraped off as clear yellow to brown crystalline ‘tears’.
The medicinal resin contains about 8% volatile oil, mostly comprising terpenes and
sesquiterpenes, as well as up to 35% gum comprising two polysaccharides, one made of galactose and
arabinose and the other of galactose and galacturonic acid 1. The medicinal action may be employed as
a tincture in 90% alcohol, or as a distilled essential oil. Internally the tincture is stimulating, strongly
antiseptic and anti-inflammatory with a tissue specificity for the mucus membranes - the lining tissues
of the gut, respiratory, urinary and reproductive organs. Here it is employed to increase phagocytosis
and reduce infection 2, and as an anti-inflammatory, to increase micro-circulation to the membranes,
regulate mucus secretions and tonify the tissues.
For topical cosmetic applications the essential oil may be used for bacterial and fungal skin
infections, boils, poorly healing wounds, acne and mature or aging skin.
Because of its traditional use as a ritualistic and ceremonial incense, Frankincense is considered
to enhance meditation and spiritual practices and promotes a sense of calm and peace.
Bryonia dioica / alba (White Bryony)
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Part used:
Rhizome and root
A common vine of English hedgerows, it climbs by means of long tendrils. The name comes
from the Greek ‘bryo’ meaning to ‘swell forth’ or ‘to teem with life’. The ancient Greeks and Romans
used it as a violent purgative and cathartic and, due to the shape of the large root, it was sometimes
mistaken for Mandrake.
It contains a glycosidal resin, a glycosidal bitter called bryonin, triterpenoid bitters, notably
cucurbitacin, phytosterols, alkaloids notably bryonicine, volatile oils and tannins. Both the resin and
glycosidal bitter cause irritation in the digestive tract and release of copious amounts of mucous to
dilute the irritant and wash it away, resulting in a watery diarrhoea. In higher doses cramping and colic
will occur and absorbed bryonin may cause central nervous system derangement 3. For this reason the
plant is known as a hydragogue purgative.
The active principles are moderated by drying but it is never the less recommended that only
qualified practitioners use this plant internally. It is recognized as an excellent anti-inflammatory with
a tissue specificity for the serous (fluid producing) membranes including the pericardium, meninges,
pleura and the synovial tissues of joints. The major use is for arthritis and cartilage degeneration in
joints, and it may also be beneficial for pleurisy and pericarditis 4. The tincture is made quite weak at 1
: 10 and the dose is restricted to just 1 - 10 mL weekly.
Cannabis sativum (Marijuana)
Family:
Cannabinaceae
Part used:
Aerial parts, resin
This is an annual plant with separate male and female flowers. The strongest medicinal part is
the female flowering tops. It is cultivated world wide for the illicit drug trade, as well as for the fibre
and seed oil which have literally hundreds of commercial applications. It is, of course, illegal to grow,
possess or distribute this plant in most parts of the world, but some medical practitioners are telling
their patients “off the record” to use it for specific conditions and referring them to ‘Compassion
Clubs’ where they may obtain it. In 1996 California passed the Compassionate Use Act which gives
Californians the right to grow and possess marijuana for medical reasons as determined by a physician.
Conditions which are commonly cited as benefiting from the herb include cancer, anorexia, AIDS,
chronic pain, chronic spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, scleroderma, migraine and fibromyalgia. A
synthetic marijuana drug (Marinol) consisting of the major active constituent, delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol, is approved for use as an oral prescription drug to control chemotherapy
induced nausea, and to control the wasting associated with AIDS, but does not appear to be as effective
as the natural substance.
Traditional folk uses of the herb include for insomnia, inflammation, psychosis, digestive
disturbance, depression, rheumatism, epilepsy, Tourette’s syndrome, spasticity, migraine, neuralgia,
fatigue, appetite disorders and menstrual cramps. It has also been used as a bronchodilator for acute
asthma and to reduce cravings for alcohol, tobacco and benzodiazepines. Recent research from Spain,
reported in Nature Medicine magazine, reports potential benefit in treating malignant gliomas (rare and
progressive brain cancer), based on animal models.
It may contribute to dry eyes and mouth and should be avoided in Sicca syndrome or Sjogren’s
syndrome. Anxiety and palpitations may occur with excessive use and it may aggravate brain fog and
confusion.
Capsicum minimum / fructescens and others (Cayenne)
Family:
Solanaceae
Part used:
Fruit
Commonly known as Chilli pepper, there are a great many varieties, all with the typical
pungent heat, and many being eaten as a condiment. The hottest is considered to be African Bird
Pepper. Introduced to Britain from India in 1548, Cayenne was named after the Greek “to bite’ in
allusion to the powerful heat it contains. Today it is found world wide and sometimes cultivated as an
ornamental or a house plant. It is considered to be a stimulant, tonic, carminative, sialogogue,
stomachic, alterative, astringent, anti-spasmodic, sudorific, emetic, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, anodyne
and analgesic 5 6. Cayenne has long been regarded in herbal medicine as an excellent stimulant,
producing a natural warmth, opening the peripheral and blood vessels and equalizing the circulation. It
is a powerful anti-oxidant, rich in iron and accelerates oxygenation of tissues thus increasing available
energy. Cayenne was mentioned by Gerard and was one of the favorite remedies of Samuel Thomson,
a famous herbalist from the early 1800's, and of the Eclectics in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Modern use has focused on the resin, and especially its content of capsaicin. When applied
topically over a site of pain, capsaicin is shown to first increase then rapidly deplete
the level of Substance P in sensory nerves serving the affected area. Substance P is a potent mediator
of the pain response and reducing its availability has the effect of reducing the sensation of pain. Thus
topical use of Cayenne, in a cream, ointment or plaster can be effective in reducing the pain of
inflammation in the joints or muscles. It is also known to reduce the pain of shingles, toothache,
migraines and herpes.
Additionally, cayenne used internally significantly lowers both plasma cholesterol and
triglycerides and the LDL : HDL ratio 7.
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Part used:
Underground stem or rhizome
A native of southern and eastern Asia, and widely cultivated as a spice in China, India and
Indonesia. The bright yellow-orange pigment is called curcumin and is used as a strong dye. The
alcoholic extract of the root is noted as an aromatic, warming stimulant, an alterative, stomachic,
carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifier and regenerator of liver tissue 8 and
anti-carcinogenic 9. It also exhibits strong anti-microbial properties, especially against gram positive
bacteria and salmonella 10.
Many of the therapeutic properties are carried in the volatile oil and resin so a solvent is
required, or the powdered root may be taken in capsules. A decoction is not as effective. The volatile
oil fraction and the curcumin, have demonstrated powerful anti-inflammatory effects, comparable to
hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone in acute inflammation, but without the significant side effects of
these prescription drugs 11 12. This is probably brought about by inhibition of the histamine reaction at
the commencement of inflammation and by regulation of lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase.
Curcumin has been shown to be more effective in animals where the adrenal glands are intact and
functioning normally, indicating that it may work in part by increasing the sensitivity of receptor sites
to adrenal hormones. Turmeric inhibits the formation of pain-mediating prostaglandin by regulating
the enzyme’s cascade much as aspirin does 13.
Turmeric has a traditional use as a remedy for biliousness, gall stones, liver disease and
jaundice. Modern research has shown it to be powerfully anti-oxidant to the liver cell membranes and
to be a hepatic protective and rejuvenator akin to Milk thistle or Artichoke. Turmeric has shown
promise in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, tendinitis, gout, fungal infections, lice and
scabies.
Liquidamber orientalis / styraciflua (Storax / Sweetgum)
Family:
Hamamelidaceae
Part used:
Resin
This resin was gathered in antiquity in the middle eastern countries and more recently is
harvested from native American species. It is rich in resins yielding cinnamic acid on extraction. It has
notable antimicrobial and disinfectant properties and, prior to antibiotics, was much employed as a
wash for infections and wounds. It has the added advantage of being astringent so aiding in drawing
together a wound and promoting rapid healing. Applied to the skin it is anti-inflammatory and
rubefacient 14. Taken internally in the form of a tincture, Storax is a warming, stimulating, tonic
astringent. It is used where there is laxity of the mucous membranes and excessive production of
mucous. It is used as a douche for leucorrhoea, and as an enema for hemorrhoids, anal fistula and
rectal polyps. Because the volatile fractions of the resin are excreted through the lungs and kidneys it
has been found effective as a stimulating expectorant and an anti-microbial astringent for the urinary
tract, for example in nephritis and non-specific urethritis, as well as for cold, damp, mucous conditions
of the lungs such as chronic bronchitis, pleurisy and TB. Additionally, it may be used for diarrhoea
and dysentery. Storax is still used today in perfumery. It is a key ingredient in the traditional vapor
rub called Friar’s Balsam.
Myroxylon pereirae (Peru balsam)
Family:
Leguminosae
Part used
Oleoresin
This is a large tree, indigenous to central America, with a valuable wood resembling
mahogany. A white balsam from the young fruits may be extracted into alcohol and used as a
stimulant, anthelmintic, diuretic and topically to treat ulcers and infections. The aromatic, oily resin
that exudes from the bark is gathered for trade and commerce. Extraction of the oleoresin requires that
the bark is beaten and scorched, which may detract from the end quality of the product. The genus
name comes from the Greek myron meaning ointment and xylon meaning wood. Technically a balsam
is a resin containing cinnamic or benzoic acid or both, or the esters of these acids.
Myroxylon balsamum (Tolu balsam)
Family:
Leguminosae
Part used:
Oleoresin
Another balsam or resin yielding tree, from south America, and closely related to Peru balsam.
The resin is harvested by tapping the tree and has the strongest scent when still a very viscous liquid,
the scent fading as it dries. It smells and tastes like vanilla and benzoin.
Both Peru balsam and Tolu balsam share the same properties as warming, stimulating, antimicrobial expectorants 15. They are taken internally in the form of a tincture, or applied topically as an
inhalation or a chest liniment for mucous congestion, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, ear aches and ear
infections, pneumonia, bronchitis and pleurisy. They may also reduce mucous secretion in the kidneys
or reproductive tract including leucorrhoea. Peru balsam may be useful against scabies, ringworm,
athletes foot and other skin infections as well as for eczema and psoriasis 16. In a topical application,
with other rubefacient herbs as a friction rub, Peru and Tolu balsam are anti-inflammatory and
analgesic.
Styrax benzoin (Benzoin)
Family:
Styraceae
Part used:
Resin
This is a tree indigenous to south east Asia which forms a balsamic resin when the bark is
injured. Hacking at the tree with an axe causes the formation of numerous oleoresin ducts in the
cambium layer and resin oozes out of the wound to prevent infection and speed healing 17. This resin
dries on the tree and is scraped away then tinctured in a high alcohol solution for medicinal use.
Traditionally Benzoin has been used as an anti-microbial, vermifuge, anti-parasitic, warming,
stimulating, expectorant and as an incense for ritual use 18.
Benzoic and cinnamic aromatic acids are the major constituents. In this it chemically resembles
Myroxylon pereirae (Peru balsam) and Myroxylon balsamum (Tolu balsam). It is a key ingredient in
the old remedy Friar’s Balsam, used as a chest rub for bronchitis, pneumonia, productive coughs,
tracheitis, laryngitis and pleurisy 19. It promotes leucocytosis and simulates phagocytosis. This makes
it effective as a mouth wash for gum disease, mouth ulcers and herpes and after dental work. It is also
used as a carminative and as a diuretic as well as as a urinary antiseptic useful in cystitis and urethritis.
Applied topically the resin is soothing and healing, being especially indicated for chapped, cracked and
sore skin.
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Part used:
Rhizome
Ginger is widely used as as a kitchen spice, for which purpose it is usually sold dried and
powdered which causes the loss of much of the valuable volatile oils. The fresh root of Ginger is
readily available and is infinitely preferable, both for cooking and for medicinal use. Fresh Ginger has
as a very pungent flavor and leaves as a hot sensation in the mouth, and this reflects its warming and
stimulating properties.
Ginger contains up to 50% starch as well as 8 % lipids including free fatty acids such as
palmitic, oleic, linoleic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, linolenic and stearic acids, as well as
triglycerides and lecithin 20. Ginger also contains an oleo-resin at up to 7.5% which is rich in volatile
oils and pungent principles called the gingerols. These gingerols are a series of phenolic compounds
with assorted side chains. (6)-Gingerol, (6)- and (10)- dehydrogingerdione, (6)- and (10)- gingerdione
are potent inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis in vitro, more effective than the drug indomethacin 21.
This is at least partly why Ginger is known as an effective anti-inflammatory herb. Anhydrogingerols, formed during the drying process are called shogoals and exert a calming influence on the
heart, slowing the rate and regulating the rhythm. They also slow the breathing rate, reduce blood
pressure and have cardio-tonic properties22 23. The volatile oils found in Ginger include many terpenes,
notably sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as beta-bisabolene, ar-curcumene, beta-sesquiphellandrene,
zingiberene, zingiberol and zingiberenol which tend to be anti-inflammatory. Additionally, there are
monoterpene hydrocarbons that also tend to be anti-inflammatory with a cortisone-like effect 24. The
oleo-resin reduces blood cholesterol levels 25 and it exerts a cholagogue action. A water extract has
shown dose-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation and reduction of prostaglandin-endoperoxides, thromboxane and inflammatory prostaglandins 26 from platelets.
Ginger especially stimulates the blood supply to the hands and feet and is therefore very useful
in conditions involving poor circulation to these areas. Chilblains, cramps, pins and needles and cold
hands & feet can all be helped by drinking Ginger tea. It is also useful for cramps of the digestive
system, such as painful menstruation, or for cramps of the large intestine especially where there is
associated flatulence. Recent research into Ginger has focused on its ability to reduce nausea. Trials
carried out by British Airways on pilots and stewards have shown that Ginger gave more effective and
long-lasting relief from travel sickness than did 'over-the-counter' pills, and did not cause any
drowsiness.
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2. Mills SY, Out of the Earth, Viking Arkana, 1991
3. Zeylstra H, Lecture notes, School of Phytotherapy, 1987
4. Bartram T, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Grace Publishers, 1995
5. Bartram T, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Grace Publishers, 1995
6. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD, Herbal Medicine, Pharmaceutical Press, 1996
7. Negulesco JA, Younge RM, Capsaicin lowers plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, Artery 12:5
301-311, 1985
8. Kiso Y, Suzuki Y, Watanabe N, et al, Anti-hepatotoxic principles of Curcuma longa rhizomes,
Planta Medica, 49:185-7, 1983
9. Yance D, Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer, Keats Publishing, 1999
10. Bone K, Review of Curcuma longa, British Journal of Phytotherapy, Vol 2 Num 2
11. Chandra D, Gupta S, Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of volatile oil of Curcuma longa
(Haldi), Indian J Med Res, 60: 138-42, 1972
12. Arora R, Basu N, Kapoor V, Jain A, Anti-inflammatory studies on Curcuma longa (Turmeric),
Indian J Med Res, 59: 1289-95, 1971
13. Duke J, The Green Pharmacy, Rodale Press, 1997
14. Schnaubelt K, Advanced Aromatherapy, Healing Arts Press , 1998
15. Trease GE, Evans WE, Pharmacognosy, Balliere Tindall, 1989
16. Grieve M, A Modern Herbal (1931), Tiger Books, 1992
17. Grieve M, A Modern Herbal (1931), Tiger Books, 1992
18. Keville K, Green M, Aromatherapy - A complete guide, The Crossing Press, 1995
19. Tisserand R, The art of Aromatherapy, CW Daniel Company, 1993
20. Lawrence BM & Reynolds RJ, Major Tropical Spices - Ginger, Perf Flav, 9: 1-40, 1984
21. Kiuchi F et al, Inhibitors of Prostaglandin Biosynthesis from Ginger, Chem Pharm Bull, 30: 7547, 1982
22. Suekawa M, Ishige A, Yuasa K, Sudo K, Aburada M & Hosoya E, Pharmacological Studies on
Ginger, Pharmacological Actions of Pungent Constituents, (6)-gingerol and (6)-shogoal, J Pharm
Dyn, 7: 836-848, 1984
23. Shoji N, Iwasa A, Takemoto T, Ishida Y & Ohizumi Y, Cardiotonic Principles of Ginger, J Pharm
Sci, 71: 1174-1175, 1982
24. Schnaubelt K, Advanced Aromatherapy, Healing Arts Press, 1998
25. Gujral S et al, Effect of Ginger Oleo-resin on Serum and Hepatic Cholesterol Levels in
Cholesterol fed Rats, Nutr Rep Int, 17: 183-9, 1974
26. Kiuchi F et al, Inhibitors of Prostaglandin Biosynthesis from Ginger, Chem Pharm Bull, 30: 754-7,
1982