Corydalis ambigua(Piscidia erythrina)

(Piper methysticum)Anemone pulsatilla

(Achillea millefolium)(Petrosellinum

crispum)(Capsella bursa-

pastoris)Alchemilla

xanthochloraTrillium 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

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)

(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!

DOSINGCrude herb, thoroughly dried: 3g per week.

Tincture 1:10…_____mL per dayTincture 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)

(Achillea millefolium)

Phytother Res. 2004 Nov;18(11):915-20. PMID: 15597307 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: 10-60 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”