Asteracea ACHILLEA Achillea millefolium Linn, Habitat Commonly distributed in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaun at the altitude of 1050- 3600 m, also in Mumbai and Belgaum areas. Native to Europe and Western Asia, growing wild in temperate regions. Classical & common names Unani: Biranjaasif, Al-Biranjaasf (Arabic), Biran- jaasp, Palangasp, Buye-maaderaan (Persian). English: Yarrow, Thousand Leaf, Milfoil. Parts used Flower heads, al aerial parts. Dose Herb 3-5 g, flowers 3 g. Classical use In India, used only in Unani medicine. Decoction of flower heads or of the whole plant is prescribed as a diaphoretic during fever; as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. The herb acts as a liver tonic, helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract, stops internal bleeding, regulates menstruation and acts as a blood purifier. It helps recovery from colds, flu and fever. Helpful for circulatory disor- ders and acts as a deobstruent. ‘Active principles and pharmacology ‘The chief constituents of the whole herb are: vola- tile oil containing cineol, azulene, eugnol, pinene, thujone, camphor, camphene, sabinene, achillin; bitter constituents, such as ivain; cyanogenic gly- cosides; salicylates; asparagine; flavonoids incl. luteolin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercitrin; glycoal- kaloid (achilleine); tannins; aconitic and isovaleri- anic acids; fluorescent substance, hydroxycou- ‘marins; resins. Cineol has antiseptic and expectorant proper- ties, Helps the body control fevers, flu and the common cold, ACHILLEA 3 Azulenes are effective anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agents reducing histamine-induced tissue reactions and calming the nervous system. Azulene also stimulates the formation of granula- tion tissue and helps in wound healing. This prop- erty confirms the herb’s traditional first aid use as emergency styptic to stop bleeding. In Scotland, a traditional wound ointment was made from the herb. Achillin has experimentally reduced clotting time without toxic side-effects (the decoction of the whole herb has the same effect in vitro and in vivo). The herb helps arrest internal and external bleeding. All these constituents confirm the key actions ofthe herb, as discussed earlier. Flowers are rich in active principles. When converted by steam into anti-allergenic com- pounds, can be used for various allergic catarrhal problems, incl, hay fever. The leaves encourage clotting, can be used fresh for nose-bleeds (leaves not to be inserted into nostril). Paste should be used. Aerial parts are found useful in catarrhal con- ditions, as a bitter digestive tonic and as a diuretic. ‘They can be used for high blood pressure; also in menstrual disorders. Aerial parts exhibit dia- phoretic activity and bring down fever. Use in Western herbal John Gerard (1545-1612) recommended yarrow for “swellings of the privie parts?” John Parkinson (17th century) advised: “If it be ut into the nose, assuredly it will stop the bleed- ing of it” Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654) wrote about yarrow: “An ointment of them cures wounds and is more fit for such as have inflammations. Being boiled in the white wine and the decoction drunk, it stops terms in women, as also the bloody flux. ‘The ointment is not only good for green wounds but also for ulcers and fistulas, especially such as around the moisture, It stays shedding of hair, the head being bathed with the decoction of it. Inwardly taken, it helps the retentive faculty of the stomach. It helps the whites in women and helps such as cannot hold their water. The leaves chewed in the mouth eases the toothache. The herb is, drawing and binding. A very profitable herb in cramps.”n4__ ACHYRANTHES In classical times in Europe, it was known as “herbal militaris’, since it was being used to treat war wounds. Flowers, leaves, aerial parts and essential oil are being used by Western herbalists. German Commission E monograph recog- nized the herb’ efficacy in the following areas: » Loss of appetite » Dyspeptic complaints » Liver complaints » Gallbladder complaints. ‘The herb is recommended in Europe as a chol- agogue, antibacterial, astringent and_antispas- modic. In the United States, the yarrow capsules are being prescribed for restoring hormonal balance in females. In endometritis the herb flushes out excess estrogen. As yerrow helps to balance hor- mones, it is often prescribed to treat heavy men- strual bleeding, fibroid tumours and menopausal hot flushes. Yarrow capsules are also prescribed to ease uterine and abdominal muscles and to relax muscles that cramp or contract. Caution Prolonged use can increase the skin’s photosensi- tivity. In rare cases, can cause allergic skin rashes. To be avoided during pregnancy, as the herb is a uterine stimulant. High doses of yarrow may turn urine dark brown. Amaranthaceae ACHYRANTHES Achyranthes aspera Linn. Habitat Distributed throughout the tropical and subtropi- cal regions. Classical & common names Ayurvedic: Apaamaarga, Chirchitaa, Shikhari, Shaikharike, Adahshalya, Mayura, Mayuraka, Figure 1 Achyranthes aspera Figure 2 Achyranthes aspera Kharamanjari, Kharapushpaa, Pratyakpushpaa, Aaghaat, Vashira, Kihini. Unani: Atkum (Arabic), Chirchitaa, Latjecraa. Siddha: Nayaruvi. English: Prickly Chaff Flower. Parts used Root, leaves, all aerial parts. Dose 20-50 g of the drug for decoction, juice 10-20 ml, alkaline ash 500 mg to 2 g, Classical use Charaka prescribed dried fruits alone or in pre- scriptions internally in parasitic infections, hemicrania and as erthine. Sushruta used alkaline ash of the plant for promoting growth of normal tissues after surgery; thick aqueous extract as ingredient of a massage cream for ulcers; inter- nally for skin diseases; as an ingredient of ¢ medi- cated salt in rheumatism, internal tumour, cough, piles, intestinal parasites. According to the 16th