Indications

Respiratory
• traditionally used as a bronchodilator for:
- bronchitis
- asthma
- croup

Dermatologic
• chronic skis conditions
- eczema
- psoriasis
- acne

Reproduction
• hormonal imbalance
- dysmenorrhea
- menopausal hot flashes
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Urinary
• incontinence

Actions

• Alterative
• Expectorant
• Phytoestrogenic
• Antispasmotic

Constituents

• Phenolic Glycosides (Trifoliin)
• Isoflavones (Daidzein, Genestein)
• Coumarin
• Tannins

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 40% EtOH): 2-4 ml tid
• Infusion (herb): 1-3 tsp tid

Safety

• Estrogen positive tumours • research suggests it may be safe and even useul in preventing certain cancers but should be used with caution because of the phytoestrogenic properties.

• Pregnancy & lactation • phytoestrogenic effects and thus should be used with caution.

Interactions

• Hormone therapy • potential for interaction because of phytoestrogenic effects

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