Indications

Respiratory
• upper and lower respiratory infections with phlegm that is difficult to expel
- colds
- influenza
- bronchitis
- pneumonia

Infections
• chronic and acute viral infections
- herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- warts
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) - mononucleosis

Cardiovascular
• thrombosis
• angina

Actions

• Antiviral
• Diaphoretic
• Expectorant
• Stimulant
• Antimicrobial
• Carminative
• Emmenagogue
• Vasodilator
• Antithrombotic

Constituents

Not Well Elucidated:
• Essential Oil
• Coumarins
• Pthalides
• Alkaloids
• Phenolic Acids

Posology

• Tincture: 0.5-3 ml tid

Safety

Contraindications: Pregnancy (uterine stimulant).

Side effects: Photosensitization due to furanocoumarins.

Interactions

• Drug metabolism • furanocoumarins are known to inhibit cytochrome p450s (CYP3A4).

• Anticoagulants • may interact with coumarins

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