Indications

Gastrointestinal†
• digestive complaints with bloating and gas causnig cramps:
• flatulence
• colic
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Respiratory
• infections
• conditions with phlegm
• bronchitis
• asthma

Gynecological
• menstrual pains
• dysmenorrhea
• agalactia (traditional use )

Actions

• Carminative
• Antispasmodic
• Expectorant
• Galactogogue
• Emmenagogue
• Antimicrobial

Constituents

• Volatile Oil
• Monoterpenes (Carvone)
• Flavonoids

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 40% EtOH): 1-4 ml tid
• Infusion (dried herb): 1 tsp tid

Safety

Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

†Caution: GERD; carminatives relax lower esophageal sphincter tone and may aggravate heartburn.

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