Indications

CNS
• conditions that require sympathetic nervous system stimulation
• headaches (migraines)
• poor concentration
• Alzheimer's disease (prevention)
• Parkinson's disease (prevention)

Gastrointestinal
• atonic digestion
• dyspepsia
• gallstones
• constipation
• may protect from liver disease

Endocrine
• diabetes mellitus type 2 (prevention)

Respiratory
• bronchiolar constriction
• asthma

Urinary
• urinary gravel

Actions

• Stimulant
• Bitter
• Diuretic
• Laxative

Constituents

• Methylxanthines (Aka Purine Alkaloid) • Caffeine
• Phenolic Acids
• Volatile Oil (Caffeol)
• Diterpenoids

Posology

Decoction: 1 cup bid

Safety

Pregnancy: High doses may be harmful. Moderate consumption is safe.

Lactation: Compounds enter breast-milk and may cause colic in children.

Caution: May aggravate the following conditions:
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• gastric ulcer
• arrhythmias
• insomnia
• anxiety
• urinary incontinence
• fibrocystic breasts
• glaucoma
• hypercholesterolemia (unfiltered coffee )

Interactions

- Iron supplements • may reduce the absorption of non-heme iron. Take iron supplements a few hours apart.

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