Indications

Respiratory
• productive coughs (orally or steam inhalation)
- colds
- bronchitis
- emphysema
- asthma

Musculoskeletal
• joint pain (topical application)
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
• myalgia (topical application)

Dermatologic
• fungal infections
• tinea
• ectoparasitic insects
• lice
• suppurative skin infections
• acne

Actions

• Expectorant
• Antiseptic
• Antimicrobial
• Rubefacient
• Analgesic (Topical)
• Antispasmodic
• Antiperiodic

Constituents

• Volatile Oils
• Flavonoids (Leaf)
• Tannins (Leaf )

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 40% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid
• Essential oil: 2-10 gtt qd (max 60 gtt )

Safety

Contraindications: GI tract inflammation, liver disease, topical application to the face (especially children).

Toxicity: Less than a teaspoon of the essential oil can be fatal in children.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002