MATERIA MEDICA FOR DIFFERENT BODY SYSTEMS

MATERIA MEDICA FOR THE CARDIO-VASCULAR SYSTEM

Diffuse circulatory stimulants: Cardiac tonics:

Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly Ash) Crataegus oxycanthoides (Hawthorn)

Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Urginea maritima (Squill)
Myrica cerifera (Bayberry) Asclepias spp. (Milkweeds)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) Nerium oleander (Oleander)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Apocynum cannabinum (Dogbane)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo) Cereus grandiflorus (Night Blooming
Cactus)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Central circulatory stimulants: Convalleria majalis (Motherwort)
Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)
Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)
Armoracea rusticana (Horseradish)
Arnica montana (Arnica) Diuretics:
Panax ginseng/quinquefolium (Ginseng)
Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)
Juniperus communis (Juniper)
Cerebral circulatory stimulants: Armoracea rusticana (Horseradish)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Nerium oleander (Oleander)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)
Centella/Hydrocotyl asiatica (Gotu kola) Anticoagulants:

Allium sativum (Garlic)

Hypotensives: Melilotus officinalis (Melilot)
Coumarouna odorata (Tonka beans)
Convalleria majalis (Lily of the Valley) Rubiaceae family eg. Galium aparine,
Rauwolfia serpentina (Snake Root) Asperula odorata (Sweet Woodruff) and
Galium triflorum (Sweet-scented Bedstraw)
Veratrum album (White or European
Hellebore)
Veratrum viride (Green or American
Hellebore) Coagulants:
Crataegus oxycanthoides (Hawthorn)
Allium sativum (Garlic) Medicago sativa (Alfalfa)
Viscum album (Mistletoe) Urtica dioica (Nettle)
Olea europea (Olive leaves) Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)
Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark) Tnnins

Hypertensives: Anti - atheroma agents:

Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang) Allium sativum (Garlic)

Cytisus/Sarothamnus scoparius (Scotch Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Broom) Tilia europea (Linden)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Arnica montana (Arnica)
Panax ginseng/quinquefolium
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)
Claviceps purpurea (Ergot fungus) Circulatory relaxants:
Taxus baccata (Yew)
Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine) Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
Nicotine
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Caffeine Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Theophylline Diaphoretics
Theobromine

Blood vessel tonics:

Rubefacients:
Tilia europea (Linden)
Armoracea rusticana (Horseradish) Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)
Capsicum minimum (Cayenne) Calendula officinalis (Marigold)
Brassica alba/nigra (White/Black Mustard) Bellis perennis (Daisy)
Juniperus communis (Juniper) Fagopyrum esculentum (Buckwheat)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Crataegus oxycanthoides (Hawthorn)

MATERIA MEDICA FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Anthelmintics Astringents

Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony)

Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) Quercus robur (White/Red Oak)
Allium sativum (Garlic) Geranium maculatum (Cranesbill)
Ruta graveolens (Rue) Potentilla spp. (Tormentil)
Thuja occidentalis (Arbor-vitae) Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd's
Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern) Purse)
Juglans nigra (Black Walnut)
Pumpkin seeds
Bitters

Alteratives Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)

Gentiana lutea (Yellow Gentian)
Arctium lappa (Burdock) Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Rumex crispus (Yellow Dock) Centaurea erythrea (Centaury)
Iris versicolor (Blue Flag) Juniperus communis (Juniper)
Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree) Most alterative herbs
Taraxacum off. radix (Dandelion)
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Trifolium pratense (Red clover) Demulcents
Fumaria officinalis (Fumitory)
Larrea divaricata (Chaparrel)
Symphytum off. (Comfrey)
Althea off. (Marshmallow)
Ulmus fulvus (Slippery Elm)
Antiemetics Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

Melissa off. (Lemon Balm)

Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile) Cholagogues & Choleretics
Ballota nigra (Black Horehound)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Chelone glabra (Balmony)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Fumaria officinalis (Fumitory)
All bitters and alteratives
Anti-inflammatories

Chamomilla recutita (German Chamomile) Emetics

Calendula off. (Marigold)
Salix alba/nigra (Black/White Willow)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Filipendula ulmaris (Meadowsweet) Ipecachuana cephaelis (Ipecac)
Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Urginea maritima (Squills)
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw)
Liver tonics

Antacids All bitters, alteratives and cholagogues.

Carduus marianus (Milk thistle)
Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag Cynara scolymus (Artichoke)
Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile) Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Filipendula ulmaris (Meadowsweet) Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Erythrea centaurea (Centaury)

Laxatives
Anti-spasmodic
Taraxacum off. radix (Dandelion root)
Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark) Linum usitatissimum (Flax)
Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile) Rhamnus purshiana (Cascara)
Zingiber off. (Ginger) Plantago psyllium (Psyllium/Ispaghula)
Valeriana off. (Valerian) Arctium lappa (Burdock)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Rumex crispus (Yellow dock)
Humulus lupulus (Hops) Rheum spp. (Rhubarb)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)

Sialagogues
Carminative
All bitters
Pimpinella anisum (Anise) Echinacea spp.
Foeniculum off. (Fennel) Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly Ash)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Melissa off. (Lemon balm)
Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile)
Carum carvi (Caraway) Stomach tonics
Rosmarinus off. (Rosemary)
Zingiber off. (Ginger) Erythrea centaurea (Centaury)
Cinnamonum spp. (Cinnamon)
Acorus calamus (Sweet flag)
Filipendula ulmaris (Meadowsweet)

MATERIA MEDICA FOR THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

The Adrenal Glands: (Tonics & The Pituitary Gland:

Rebalancers)
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste berry)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Stachys betonica (Wood betony)
Borago officinalis (Borage)
Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng)
Eleutherococcus sentocosis (Siberian The Pancreas:
ginseng)
Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) Galega officinalis (Goats rue)
Withania somnifera (Ashwaganda) Allium cepa (Onion)
Syzygium cumini/Eugenia jambolana
(Jambul)
The Thyroid Gland: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

Fucus vesiculosis (Kelp)

Lycopus europeus/virginicus (Bugleweed) General stimulants of glandular activity:
Stachys sylvatica (Hedge woundwort)
Cereus grandiflorus (Nightblooming cactus) Verbena off./hastata (Blue vervain)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) Foeniculum vulgaris (Fennel)
Phytolacca spp. (Pokeroot) Phytolacca spp. (Pokeroot)
Iris versicolor (Blue flag) Borago off. (Borage)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Verbana officinalis (Blue vervain)

MATERIA MEDICA FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Diaphoretics and sudorifics Antimicrobials

Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) Allium sativum (Garlic)

Capsicum minimum (Cayenne) Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Sambucus niger (Elder) Commiphora mol (Myrrh)
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger) Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) Origanum vulgare (Marjoram)
Nepeta cataria (Catnip) Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Berberis aquifolium (Oregon Grape)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Anti-inflammatories Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Armillaria mellea (Honey mushroom)
Myrica cerifera (Bayberry) Lomatium dissectum (Lomatium)
Lavandula
Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile)
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devils Claw) Rosmarinus essential oils + many
Calendula officinalis (Marigold) more
Thymus
Bupleurum falcatum (Chinese Thoroughwax)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Malaelucca
Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam) Grapefruit seed extract

Anti-catarrhals
Immuno-modulators

Euphrasia nemorosa or spp.

Echinacea angustifolia/purpureum (Echinacea)
Galium aparine (Cleavers) (Eyebright).
Phytolacca decandra (Pokeroot) Salvia officinalis (Sage)
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden seal)
Ligusticum porteri (Osha)
Viscum album (Mistletoe) Solidago virgaurea (Golden rod)
Plantago major/lanceolata (Plantain)
Usnea spp. (Usnea)
Astragalus membranceous (Milk vetch) Glechoma hederacea (Ground ivy)
Grifolia frondosas (Chicken of the woods) Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Ephedra sinesis (Ma Huang)
Auricularia auricula (Wood ear)
Cordyceps sinensis/ophioglossides (Deer fungus
parasite)
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) Anti-allergenics
Lentinus edodes (Shiitake)
Tremella mesenterica (Witch's butter) Chamomilla recutita (German
Trametes versicolor (Turkey tails) chamomile)
Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)
Astragalus membranaceous (Milk
vetch)
Urtica dioica (Nettle)

MATERIA MEDICA FOR THE URINARY SYSTEM

Anti-microbial herbs: Lithotropic herbs:

Allium sativum (Garlic) Eupatorium purpureum (Gravel root)
Agathosma/Barosma betulina (Buchu) Rubia tinctoria (Madder)
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) Betula alba (Silver birch)
Juniperus communis (Juniper) Apium graveolens (Celery)
Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi (Bearberry)
Chimaphilla umbellata & spp. (Pipsissewa)
All phenolic volatile oil constituents Demulcent herbs:

Agropyron repens (Couch grass)

Tonic herbs: Althea off. (Marshmallow leaf or root)
Zea mays (Corn silk)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) Anti-spasmodic herbs:
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort)
Alchemilla/Aphanes arvensis (Parsley piert)
Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
Parietaria diffusa (Pellitory of the wall) Hyoscyamus niger (Henbane)
Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy) Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)
Plantago major/lanceolata (Plantain)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)

Anticatarrhal herbs:

Solidago virgaurea (Golden Rod)

Galium aparine (Cleavers)
Plantago major/lanceolata (Plantain)
Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)

DIURETICS

A diuretic is a substance that will increase the volume of urine produced, in healthy or
unhealthy kidneys, by promoting the excretion of salts and water.

Common allopathic diuretics include the Thiazide group, frusemide, and spironolactone.

They are used to reduce oedema especially in heart, liver or kidney disorders, to treat high
blood pressure, and occasionally to treat glaucoma.

In the folkloric tradition of healing with herbs practically all herbs are classed as diuretics. This
erroneous opinion probably arose from the fact that any fluid taken in volume will increase
fluid output - in this sense even water can be regarded as a diuretic. In fact, true herbal
diuretics are considerably more limited in number than this.

Herbal diuretics may work in 3 ways:

1) By irritating the kidneys so that they try to flush away the offending substance. Armoracea
rusticana and Juniperus communis act in this way.

2) By osmotic pressure of unmetabolized sugars being excreted in the urine. Agropyron

repens & Zea Mays act in this way.

3) By increasing the renal blood flow and hence the glomerular filtration rate. Up to a certain
point any excess glomerular filtrate can be reabsorbed from the kidney tubules, but if it is too
high then the urine volume will increase. Herbs that increase the cardiac output (eg.
Convalleria majalis) and herbs that stimulate peripheral circulation (eg. Zingiber officinalis,
Achillea millefolium, Crataegus oxycanthoides) act in this way.

Having said that, it is interesting to note that the phytotherapist's most powerful diuretic does
not act in any of the above 3 ways. Taraxacum officinalis (leaves) appear to contain an
enzyme - like substance that acts on the kidneys to stimulate overall functioning. Taraxacum
has the added benefit of being very high in potassium so, when using this herb as a diuretic,
we never encounter the problem of potassium deficiency that can occur with allopathic
diuretics.

MATERIA MEDICA FOR THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Expectorants

These are herbs which help the body to remove excess mucous from the lungs. Mucous and
any inhaled particles are normally voided from the lungs via the mucociliary escalator but this
self-cleansing mechanism can become impeded or overloaded if there is an excessive
amount of mucus or if the mucus is very thick and sticky.

1) Excessive mucous production leading to overloading of the removal mechanism and

congestion in the lungs (eg. bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia.) calls for stimulating
expectorants to increase the activity of the mucociliary escalator.

Most of this type of expectorant contain saponins. These stimulate the digestive system, and
initiate a reflex action to stimulate the bronchial apparatus.

Inula helenium (Elecampane)

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)
Marrubium Vulgare (White Horehound)
Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
Populus balsamifera (Balsam Poplar)
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)
Polygala senega (Snake Root)
Urginea maritima (Squill)

2) Production of a thick or sticky mucous which is hard to remove (eg. in inflammation or

hypersensitivity), leads to an unproductive irritable cough and requires soothing or relaxing
expectorants. These generally derive their action from the presence of mucilage. This relaxes
the gut wall and causes a spinal reflex to embryologically related areas (eg. lungs and urinary
system ) to both relax them and to encourage the production of a thin loose mucous which is
more easily voided.

Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot)

Althea officinalis (Marsh Mallow)
Plantago lanceolata (Plantain)
Symphytum officinalis (Comfrey)
Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)
Pulmonaria off. (Lungwort)
Angelica archangelica (Angelica)
Cetraria islandica (iceland Moss)
Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss)
Grindelia camporum (Gumweed)
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)
Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop)
Anti - microbials

Allium Sativum (Garlic)

Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy root)
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Pimpinella anisum (Anise)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldeseal)
Echinacea spp.
Ligusticum porteri (Osha)
Lomatium dissectum (Lomatium)

Respiratory tonics

Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)

Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy)
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)
Plantago lanceolata/major (Plantain)
Pulmonaria off. (Lungwort)
Hyssopus off. (Hyssop)
Pilosella off. (Mouse-ear Hawkweed)

Anti-spasmodics and broncho - relaxants

Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)

Grindelia camporum (Gumweed/Tarweed)
Angelica archangelica (Angelica root)
Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)
Prunus serotina (Wild Cherry)
Datura stramonium (Thorn Apple)
Viburnum opulis (Cramp Bark)
Marrubium vulgare (White Horehound)
Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy root)
Drosera rotundifolia (Sundew)
Euphorbia hirta (Pill-bearing Spurge)
Symplocarpus foetidum (Skunk Cabbage)

MATERIA MEDICA FOR THE MUSCULO-SKELETAL SYSTEM

Alteratives: Rubefacients:

Rumex crispus (Yellow dock) Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)

Berberis vulgaris (Barberry) Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Phytolacca spp. (Pokeroot) Brassica alba/niger (Mustard)
Arctium lappa (Burdock) Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
Urtica dioica (Nettle) Juniperus communis (Juniper)
Fucus vesiculosis (Kelp)

Analgesics:
Diuretics: Piscidia erythrina (Jamaica dogwood)
Valeriana off. (Valerian)
Apium graveolens (Celery) Arnica montana (Arnica)
Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) Aconitum napellus (Aconite)
Betula alba (Birch) Gelsemium sempivirens (Yellow jasmine)
Anti-inflammatories: Immuno-regulators:

Salix spp. (Willow) Echinacea spp.

Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Galium aparine (Cleavers)
Claw) Phytolacca decandra (Pokeroot)
Menyanthes trifoliata (Bogbean) Usnea spp.
Guaiacum off. (Guaiacum)
Filipendula ulmaris (Meadowsweet)
Populus balsamifera (Poplar Balsam/Balm Collagen tonics/regulators:
of Gilead) [topical]
Bupleurum falcatum (Chinese
Crataegus oxy. (berries)
Thoroughwax) Vaccinium myrtillus (blueberries)
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Yucca leaves
Scutalleria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap)
Bryonia dioica is specifically a tonic and
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) strengthener of the joint capsule.
Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam)

Circulatory stimulants:

Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)

Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly ash)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Myrica cerifera (Bayberry)

MATERIA MEDICA FOR THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Tonics: Relaxants:

Hypericum perforatum (St. Verbena off. (Vervain)

John's Wort) Avena sativa (Oats)
Avena sativa (Oats) Lavandula off. (Lavender)
Turnera diffusa (Damiana) Humulus lupulus (Hops)
Equisetum arvense (Horsetail) Melissa off. (Lemon Balm)
Borago off. (Borage) Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile)
Stachys betonica (Wood Betony)
Scutalleria lateriflora (Skullcap)
Stimulants: Valeriana off. (Valerian)
Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower)
Viburnum opulus (Cramp Bark)
Turnera diffusa (Damiana)
Cola vera (Kola) Viscum album (Mistletoe)
Zingiber off. (Ginger) Tilia europea (Linden)
Lactuca virosa (Wild Lettuce)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Rosmarinus off. (Rosemary) Borago off. (Borage)
Avena sativa (Oats)
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black
Cohosh) Analgesics:
Viscum album (Mistletoe)
Centella/Hydrocotyl asiatica Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican Dogwood) Gelsemium
(Gotu kola) sempivirens (Yellow Jasmine)
Aconitum napellus (Aconite)
Arnica montana (Arnica)
Anemone pulsatilla (Pasque flower)
Lactuca virosa (Wild lettuce)
Eschscholzia california (Californian Poppy)
MATERIA MEDICA FOR THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Uterine Tonics: Antiseptics:

Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh) Baptisia tinctoria (Wild indigo)

Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh) Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort) Origanum marjorana (Marjoram)
Rubus idaeus (Red raspberry) Allium sativum (Garlic)
Mitchella repens (Squaw vine or Partridge Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Berry)
Verbena officinalis (Vervain)
Lamium album (White dead nettle) Decongestants:
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden seal)
Collinsonia canadensis (Stone root)
Lamium album (White dead nettle)
Hormonal balancers: Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste berry)

Chamaelirium luteum (False unicorn root) Anodynes:
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) Anemone pulsatilla (Pasque flower)
Verbena off. (Vervain)
Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile)
Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)

Anti-spasmodics:
Viburnum prunifolium (Black haw)
Galactogogues:
Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile)
Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam)
Lamium album (White dead nettle) Galega officinalis (Goat's rue)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia) Foeniculum officinalis (Fennel)
Verbena officinalis (Blue vervain)
Carduus benedictus (Blessed thistle)
Progestogenics:
Anti-galactogogues:
Dioscorea villosa
Salvia officinalis (Sage)
Oplopanax horridum (Devils Club)
Oestrogenics:

Trifolium pratense (Red clover)

Emmenagogues:
Salvia officinalis (Sage)
Humulus lupulus (Hops)
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh) Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Aletris farinosa (Unicorn root) Ruta graveolens (Rue)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal)
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh) Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy)
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Circulatory stimulants:
Anti-virals/anti-fungals:
Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly ash)
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) Calendula officinalis (Marigold)
Thuja occidentalis (Arbor vitae)
Commiphora molmol (Myrrh)
Tea tree oil
Ovarian tonics:
Anemone pulsatilla (Pasque flower)
Chamaelirium luteum (False unicorn) Astringents:

Alchemilla vulgaris (Ladies mantle)

Capsella bursa pastoris (Shepherd's
purse)
Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert)