Encyclopedia of Vedic Astrology: Remedies: Notable Herbs in Human Welfare, Chapter XV, Part – 9

Continuation…

Dr. Shanker Adawal

Hawthorn (Crateaegus oxyacantha)

Its common names are Mayblossom, quick, whitehorn, hazels and hagthorn.

The bark of hawthorn contains the alkaloid crataegin, which, when isolated, is grayish-white crystals, bitter in taste, soluble in water and partially insoluble in alcohol.

Hawthorn berries are one of the most reliable herbs for heart problems including cholesterol and valvular heart diseases. It is a cardiac, diuretic, astringent and tonic. It is used primarily as a cardiac tonic for organic and functional heart problems. It is also useful for diuretic problems involving oedema and kidney complaints.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea aborescens)

Common names for hydrangea are seven barks and wild hydrangea.

Hydrangea contains two resins, gum, sugar, starch, albumen, soda, lime potassium, magnesium, sulphuric and phosphoric acids, a pro-to salt of iron and the glucose hydrangin. It also contains a fixed and volatile oil. Two crystalline are found in the flowers-hydragenol and hydrangeaic acid.

It treats fluid retention and stone formation in the kidneys and bladder.

The root of hydrangea is a diuretic, lithotropic. The leaves are a tonic, diuretic, cathartic and sialagogue. The herb is valuable for reliving bladder problems. Although hydrangea will not cure stones in the bladder, it will remove the stones as well as the pain accompanying them, Hydrangea will also relieve backache caused by kidney problems. And it is good for chronic rheumatism, scurvy, paralysis and oedema.

Note: Hydrangea is poisonous when taken in immoderate amounts. Anyone wishing to take the herb should receive the permission of his or her physician first. Overdoses will cause vertigo and stuffiness of the chest.

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Its common names are bladder pod, emetic weed, gag root, emetic herb, Indian tobacco, vomit root, vomitwort and wild tobacco.

[There are conflicting opinions. Lobelia has been the cause of great and often heated controversy about its poisonous qualities. The majority of experts now believe that it is a wonderful healing and relieving agent with remarkable powers].

Lobelia contains a liquid alkaloid called lobeline as well as lobelic acid, gum, resin, chlorophyl, fixed oil, lignin, salts of lime and potassium and ferric oxide. The seeds contain higher amounts of lobeline than the rest of the plant.

Lobelia is a diaphoretic, stimulant, antispasmodic, diuretic, emetic, nervine and expectorant. It treats asthma and bronchial spasms, relaxes the respiratory passages, and may be used to lessen the strength of contractions during natural childbirth.

It is used for its antispasmodic qualities to treat asthma and whooping cough. It is excellent for lung congestion and is also used to induce vomiting. A poultice is good for bruises, insect bites, sprains, felons, ringworm and poisoning irritation. If a patient is delirious, an enema of lobelia and catnip will relieve the brain. Combined with slippery elm, lobelia makes an excellent poultice for abscesses, boils and carbuncles.

Lobelia is similar to nicotine, and it is used in commercial smoking preparations to counteract the desire for tobacco. It is a relaxant and will cause drowsiness; relaxation is counteracted by an infusion of capsicum, a stimulant.

Note: No one should take more than three cups daily: of lobelia. And no one should drink and drive with this herb, which produces relaxcation, drowsiness and shallow breathing. Normally the dangers are more from the wrong prescription of herbs than from any special toxicity of the drug it self.

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Dr. Shanker Adawal

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