MATERIA MEDICA:
Black Cohosh, Elecampane, Yellowdock, Dandelion & Burdock
Black Cohosh, Actaea (Cimicifuga) racemosa
A strikingly beautiful woodland native, this plant is a member of the Ranunculaceae, or
Buttercup family. Older specimens flower in a long raceme, which can reach 7 feet in
height, during the month of July. Seeds mature through August and September, and after
the entire flowering stalk has turned black and the seeds are dry, the gnarled root is
harvested for medicine. Black Cohosh benefits from very rich, well drained and well
mulched soil. It is native to shady spots, but older plants do quite well even in full sun.
Elemental associations: Earth
Phytochemistry: Triterpines and triterpine glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic propane
derivatives
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, uterine anti-spasmodic
Specific systems: Women’s reproductive
Recently, Black Cohosh has made news in helping to aid hot flashes, reducing this
uncomfortable symptom that can accompany menopause. It is quite helpful in that regard,
taken on an ongoing basis as an extract. While some have called this herb ‘estrogenic’, this is
actually a misnomer – some of its constituents do bind to estrogen receptors, signaling a
reduction in the production of stimulant hormones, but no actual ‘estrogen’ is contained
within the plant.
Its uterine relaxant power makes it a helpful addition to formulas designed to aid in
painful menstruation.
Traditionally, Black Cohosh has had a wider spectrum of use, principally based on its
potent systemic anti-inflammatory action. It has been used for rheumatic complaints, and
more recently for other generalized inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis. It
seems to have an affinity to ‘darker’, more introspective personalities, often with a
depressive component.
Finally, there is anecdotal evidence claiming its effectiveness against the inflammation
associated with whiplash.
Indications: Hot flashes associated with menopause. Pre-menstruation and menstrual
cramping. Rheumatoid arthritis. Whiplash.
Contraindications: Pregnancy.
Preparation/Dosage: Usually taken as a tincture. Use the fresh root, in 60% alcohol, 1:3 to
1:5. Take ¼ tsp. 2-3 times daily.
Elecampane, Inula helenium
This very warming, spicy plant is a member of the Aster family, the Compositae. It
flowers tall and quite beautifully from its large basal leaves, in clusters of yellow flowers
with long, stringy petals. We collect its roots in late September and October, once the seed
is completely dispersed. It does quite well in any soil type, although it prefers moisture and
will make good use of any extra fertility it is given.
Elemental associations: Air
Phytochemistry: Volatile oil (sesquiterpene lactones), polysaccharides (especially inulin)
Actions: Expectorant, anti-bacterial, diaphoretic, demulcent
Specific systems: Respiratory
Elecampane is quite simply one of the best expectorants we know. It is strong in
action however, and if the constitution is weak a gentler effect can be obtained with herbs
like Mullein and Licorice. However, this herb should always be considered both in cases of
acute pulmonary congestion and/or infection, and to help loosen stubborn, chronic coughs.
It also helps soothe mucus membranes with its inulin and mucilage content. Amongst the
‘docks’, or large-leafed, weedy plants prized for their roots, Elecampane has a special
affinity to the more ‘unseen’ realms, being called ‘elf dock’, gathered and carried to aid in
the second sight. This is echoed in its elemental association.
Indications: Bronchitis, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, chronic chest congestion / cough
Contraindications: Pregnancy
Preparation/Dosage: A decoction can be made from the root, fresh or dry, although its
flavor will be quite intense and might require a little honey. However, its bitterness can also
help stimulate appetite in the patient! Use 3 TBS. Per pint of water. The tincture is also
quite effective, taken in some warm water. Use ½ tsp. 3-5 times daily in an acute situation;
half that for chronic conditions.
Yellowdock, Rumex crispus
This common weed is a member of the Buckwheat family, the Polygonaceae. It flowers in
July, and its seed is usually set in a dark brown by the end of August. We harvest it for its
root, usually in the fall, although it is quite good in the spring as well, and juicier. Although
it grows quite well anywhere, it does prefer a bit of richness in the soil, and we cultivate it
to ensure big, easy-to-dig roots.
Elemental associations: Air
Phytochemistry: Anthraquinones, bitter principles, tannins
Actions: Aperient, alterative, cholagogue
Specific systems: Digestive
This bitter remedy is an excellent tonic for the lower digestive system, helping to
loosen and move the bowels and stimulate appetite and digestion. Its gentle action should
make it a first choice in treatments designed to address constipation. Yellowdock goes
further, however. It is a mild alterative, helping to remove toxins from the bloodstream by
stimulating the release of bile from the liver. It therefore helps not only in eliminating
congested waste from the colon, but also the resultant backup of blood toxicity.
Indications: Constipation, atonic bowel
Contraindications: None really – overuse can result in diarrhea
Preparation/Dosage: The decoction can be made with 1 ½ TBS. of the root in one pint of
water. Take 15 minutes before dinner. The tincture, prepared at 40%, 1:4, is taken 15
minutes before meals, ¼ tsp.
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale
Everyone knows this bright member of the Aster family, the Compositae. It begins to flower
in late May, turning into the familiar puffballs and scattering its prolific seed to the wind.
We harvest the most tender leaves as a Springtime tonic, but really its greens are excellent
all through the year. The flowers are a good food source, cooked in fritters or in a stew. The
root is harvested in the fall (a bit too watery in the spring). Like other ‘weedy’ plants, it
grows almost everywhere – but we let it find a home in rich garden beds here and there, so
that nice, fat roots can develop.
Elemental associations: Air
Phytochemistry: Triterpenioids, bitter principles, inulin, choline, potassium
Actions: Leaves: Diuretic, urinary tonic. Roots: Cholagogue, alterative, tonic
Specific systems: Leaves: Urinary. Root: Digestive, general tonic
The Dandelion is a powerful herb. It is also extremely safe. Most of its cooling power
focuses itself on the liver (root) and the kidneys (leaf), and although the individual parts of
the herb work well on those respective systems, the combination of the two provides for
improved detoxification and smoother, safer action. Its action on the liver is remarkable,
and well documented. It is an essential ingredient of any hepatitis treatment, along with
Milk Thistle, to help safeguard and heal the liver. It is also an excellent gallbladder remedy,
stimulating the release of bile from this organ and promoting the release of stones. Again, a
well-functioning gallbladder serves to keep the body cleansed of toxins. The leaf is probably
the best herbal diuretic available. It helps and stimulates the kidneys to release more water
from the system, clean the blood and fluids, and is also excellent to heal edema and alleviate
the symptoms of the ‘dropsy’, or congestive heart failure. Unlike other diuretics
(pharmaceuticals lead the list here), Dandelion gives the body a net gain of
Potassium, because there is more of this important mineral present in the herb than in the
water that leaves the body through the kidneys. For this reason, this herbal diuretic will not
aggravate high blood pressure or put extra strain on the heart. In fact, it is and excellent aid
to relieve hypertension.
As an herbal ‘bitter’, Dandelion stimulates gastric secretions in the stomach that aid
in smooth and complete digestion. Along with this comes increased absorption of nutrients
and a decrease of toxic by-products: another powerful cleansing action. Another virtue of
bitters is their ability to decrease the swings in blood sugar some people can experience after
(or before) a meal.
It is sometimes ironic that a plant so widespread and despised might be an answer to
modern life’s many toxic threats; conversely, it is a great example of how Nature around us
stubbornly provides for what we need. I think it underlines the love and connection life
shows on this planet: even amidst the constant stream of pollutants we burden it with, the
Earth provides a simple remedy to protect us from our own waste.
Indications: Root: Debility, digestive weakness, hepatitis, hypoglycemia, diabetes. Leaves:
Hypertension, edema, kidney problems (deficiency and congestion)
Contraindications: Absolutely none.
Preparation/Dosage: Leaf tea, infusion of 4 TBS per pint of water. Root decocted, 3 TBS
per pint of water. Tincture of the leaf, 40%, 1:4 , ¼ tsp. 3 times daily. Of the root: 4050%, 1:3 to 1:5, taken ½ tsp. 2-3 times daily before meals.
Burdock, Arctium lappa
This is the ‘greater dock’, a member of the Aster family, the Compositae. Its leaves can get
gigantic in the right soil, and in the fall it sends up a stalk with many thistle-like flowers that
quickly turn into barbed ‘burrs’ that love to latch on to hair and clothes. We harvest the
root in the fall, usually from first or second year plants as the root becomes quite branched
and hard to handle after that.
Elemental associations: Water
Phytochemistry: Bitter principles, flavonoids, alkaloids, inulin
Actions: Alterative, cholagogue
Specific systems: Digestive, skin
Burdock has a set of actions which all relate to ‘moving’, or clearing. It is gentle, too,
and accomplishes its tasks with a downward-trending, cooling energy, which resembles the
growing pattern of its root as it digs deep into moist soil.
To begin with, its bitter qualities have an immediate benefit on the stomach, but it
doesn’t stop there. Burdock gently works on the liver and gallbladder, promoting the
secretion of bile, thus helping to eliminate residual toxins from our bodies and encouraging
smooth digestion. This ability to aid in the body’s detoxifying process is again echoed in its
traditional description as a blood cleanser, with the power to resolve latent infections, and
help clear up eruptions of toxic blood on the skin’s surface. A good, long-term regimen of
Burdock tea or extract is usually indicated for acne, and even eczema and other chronic
rashes. The seed can be added, too.
Our kidneys are constantly filtering liquids from our blood, lymph and other body
systems and eliminating harmful toxins from these fluids. If the kidneys are weak, and the
body is having difficulty with its water balance, Burdock’s clearing power can help reduce
the burden of toxins shouldered by the kidneys, protecting them and aiding in recovery.
Deep nourishment follows its cleansing action, which is very good when we consider
that mal-absorption of nutrients is most often linked to a buildup of toxins and/or a sluggish
digestive system. Burdock first gently prepares the way, then provides the body with a rich
array of minerals dug from deep beneath the topsoil, easily absorbable long-chain sugars,
and even traces of FOS (starches our intestinal flora favors). This double action, coupled
with its cooling energy, makes this one of the first herbs I think of for light cleanses and
fasts, as well as for recovery from protracted illness when there is a loss of appetite and
digestive function.
Indications: Convalescence, skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis), digestive congestion
Contraindications: None really
Preparation/Dosage: Decoction of the root, 3 TBS in a pint of water, taken twice daily. The
tincture can be made from the fresh or dry root, 40%, 1:3 to 1:5. Take ½ tsp. 2-3 times
daily before meals.