Heracleum sphondylium montanum

Heracleum sphondylium montanum
Family:Heracleum sphondylium montanum; Antidandruff; Antirheumatic; Antispasmodic; Carminative; Febrifuge; Odontalgic; Stimulant; TB; Tonic.
Common name:Cow parsnip
Cow parsnip was widely employed medicinally by a large number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a wide variety of complaints but especially as a poultice on bruises sores etc. It is little used in modern herbalism though perhaps it merits further investigation. All parts of the plant are antirheumatic antispasmodic carminative febrifuge odontalgic and stimulant. The leaves are tonic. They have been used in the treatment of colds. A soothing drink made from the leaves is used to treat sore throats. A poultice of the heated leaves has been applied to minor cuts sore muscles etc. An infusion of the fresh young stems has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea. It has also been used as a wash to remove warts. The plant has been used in the treatment of epilepsy. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of indigestion colds stomach cramps rheumatism sore throats TB etc. Externally the root is used as a poultice on sores bruises swellings boils rheumatic joints VD scabs etc whilst a bit of root has been held on an aching tooth to reduce the pain. The root can be crushed mixed with water and used as an antidandruff hair wash. The root contains psoralen which is being investigated for its use in the treatment of psoriasis leukaemia and AIDS. The seed has been used to treat severe headaches.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:36 []