Corydalis ambigua (Piscidia erythrina) (Piper methysticum) Anemone pulsatilla (Achillea millefolium) (Petrosellinum crispum) (Capsella bursa-pastoris) Alchemilla xanthochlora Trillium spp. Anodynes, emmenagogues, & anti-hemorrhagics

 Low-Dose Herbs for Pain   Herbs are VERY EFFECTIVE in treating pain. Most anodynes, however, are considered “Low-Dose” herbs, which means we must calculate the dosage in order to be effective, yet safe.  Formulas that contain more than one “Low-Dose” herb may have an additive effect, and the safety limits for each no longer apply.  Begin formulating with only one “Low-Dose” herb at a time and get to know it personally before combining it with another “Low- Dose” herb.

Corydalis ambigua

Papaveraceae family Part used: rhizome Numerous alkaloids  THP (tetrahydropalmatine) Low-dose herb Analgesic, sedative, emennagogue Mild anticoagulant

Corydalis ambigua Affinity for treating pain in the chest, pelvis, and deep viscera. Often classified as an acute cardiac herb (angina pectoris, MI, arrhythmia).

Corydalis ambigua Dosing: No more than 30 grams per week. Formulate around this herb… Do the math! Tincture 1:5… 150 mL per week ÷ 7 = 21 mL per day Fluid extract 1:1… 30 mL per week ÷ 7 = ~4 mL per day

(Piscidia erythrina)

Combines well with Viburnum opulus or prunifolium for symptomatic relief of dysmennhorea

(Piper methysticum) Kavalactones  Antispasmodic  Nervine  Pelvic anodyne

Anemone pulsatilla Names: Pasque flower Wind flower Easter flower Easter egg dye Part used Whole plant (sepals for egg dye)

Anemone pulsatilla Proto-anemonin  Only found in fresh plant  Caustic Anemonin  Dimerized product of protoanemonin, upon drying

Anemone pulsatilla Indications: Urinary, pelvic pain Dysmenorrhea Kidney stone passing Nervous exhaustion

Anemone occidentalis Low-Dose!!!! Formulate around this plant! DOSING Crude herb, thoroughly dried: 3g per week. Tincture 1:10…_____mL per day Tincture 1:5… _____mL per day TOXICITY: Low HR, low BP, low temp, dilated pupils, convulsions, coma, death Leary of using it? Start with homeopathic preparations.

Emennagogues & Styptics Some herbs are both Tannins generally slow bleeding Saponins, B-vitamins, and choline generally promote uterine activity These amphoteric herbs are tonifying to the uterus overall.

(Achillea millefolium)

Phytother Res Nov;18(11): PMID:  Anticonflict actions of aqueous extracts of flowers of Achillea millefolium L. … Actions: Antispasmodic, anti- inflammatory, styptic, emennogogue, anodyne Constituents: Volatile oils, salicylic acid, tannins, & much more

(Petroselinum crispum) Aquaretic and emmenagogue

(Capsella bursa-pastoris) Tannins are styptic in reproductive and digestive tract Acetylcholine and choline are uterine stimulants

(Capsella bursa-pastoris) Remember the Doctrine of Signatures: Tiny heart or tiny uterus…or both?

Alchemilla xanthochlora/vulgaris

Alchemilla xanthochlora Actions:  Astringent  Diuretic  Anti-inflammatory  Emmenagogue  Vulnerary

Alchemilla xanthochlora DOSAGE  Infusion: 1 TBSP/cup, Infuse 10-15, TID  Tincture 1:5… 1-2 mL TID Lady’s mantle is a uterine tonic herb. There are no known drug interactions or cases of toxicity reported Contraindicated in pregnancy due to emennagogue effects

Trillium ovatum

Trillium spp. Main Actions  Alterative  Astringent  (Genito-urinary tract tonic)  (Expectorant) At-Risk according to UPS  Habitat loss  Complicated germination  Sensitive flowering cycles

Trillium spp. Specific Indications  “cramping pelvic pains that feel like the hips and back are falling to pieces”  Pain that is better with pressure  Prolapsed uterus  Post-partum pains

Trillium spp. DOSAGE  Infusion: 1 tsp newly dried herb/ 2 tsp fresh root per cup TID-QID  FE 1:1… fresh plant: gtts prn q 15min, not exceeding 360 drops or two teaspoons in 24 hrs. CONTRAINDICATIONS  Pregnancy, except in painful early labor  Lactation, except in severe post-partum pain and bleeding

Trillium ovatum

REMEMBER… Quiz next week on HPO axis herbs and today’s lecture. Reproductive tincture formula for either a man or a woman is due. Bring to class for group tasting. Turn in a write up, and fill out a tasting form in class.

Dysmenorrhea “Flow Chart”