Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Usnea


Usnea spp




Monograph
  1. Plant Family:
    • Parmeliaceae, or lichen family [1]
  2. Habitat & Cultivation:
    • Easily identifiable by its “hair-like” appearance, it is commonly referred to as “old-man’s beard.” Usnea is a lichen, which is a combination of fungi and algae that have grown together in a symbiotic partnership. Like all lichens, Usnea is not technically a plant. It does not have roots, stems or leaves, and the chloroplasts are only found in the algal component of the organism. Usnea is not only a symbiotic partnership itself, but it also serves to support the health of the tree that it grows on, increasing surface area for water absorption as well as serving as an immune apparatus for the plant. This plant absorbs toxic pollutants, and it disappears when air pollution becomes too intense. Areas where Usnea has disappeared indicate human impact on the ecosystem. [1]
  3. Parts Used:
    • Whole plant [2]
  4. Herbal Actions:
    • Immune stimulating
    • Antibacterial
    • Antifungal
    • Antiparasitic
    • Antiviral
    • Analgesic
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Antioxidant
    • Antineoplastic
    • Antimitotic
    • Antiprotozoal
    • Antiseptic
    • Antiproliferative
    • Inhibitor of biofilm formation
    • Synergistic with clindamycin tx (H. pylori) [1]
  5. Indications:
    • Gram-positive skin infections
    • Vaginal infections
    • GI tract infections
    • Throat infections
    • Fungal skin infections
    • Resistant bronchial and pulmonary infections
    • TB
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Superficial skin wounds [1]
  6. Plant Constituents:
    • Lichen acids (usnic acid and derivatives, diffractaic acid), polysaccharides, mucilage, anthraquinones (endocrocin), fatty acids (oleic, linolenic, arachadonic), all essential amino acids, vitamins, carotene. [2]
  7. System Affinities:
    • Respiratory, immune, genitourinary [2]  
  8. Energetics:
    • Cooling, drying, clearing, rough, mobile [3]
  9. Safety:
    • Usnea may cause atopic dermatitis when used externally. [2]
  10. Interactions:
    • None known. [2]
Personal Experience
  1. Organoleptics:
    •  Usnea is a beautiful plant - the tendrils are pale seafoam green, and the smell is earthy, warm, and sweet. It almost smells like a kitten's fur. The dry herb is citrusy-testing, and it has a warming, metallic feel on my tongue.
  2. Preparation Method:
    • Tea: Combine 1 tsp herb with 6 oz hot water
      1. Usnea is only partially water solube - grind the herb and pour alcohol over it, just enough to cover, and let sit for 30-60 mins, then add hot water and steep for 15-30 mins (Buhner, p.200).
      2. Drink up to 1 quart per day for an acute infection
    • Tincture: 30-60 drops; up to 4x/day. Acute condition increase to ½-1 tsp, 3-6 x /day. Dilute in water for topical wash or nasal spray.
    • Wound Powder: Run the dry herb through a mesh or strainer
  3. Usage Notes:
    •  I used the alcohol extraction method to make tea. It was hard to distinguish a specific Usnea taste - the taste of the brandy I used was pretty overpowering. However, I did get some of the bright, citrus undertones coming through. I didn't notice much difference in how I felt, but I'm going to keep this one in mind the next time I have an acute infection!
Sources:
  1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 8 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
  2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
  3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Tea Tree



Maleleuca alternifolia



Monograph
  1. Plant Family:
    • Myrtacea, or myrtle family [1]
  2. Habitat & Cultivation:
    • Tea tree is originally from and indigenous to Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Cambodia, New Guinea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The plant grows favorably on coastland near wetlands. A benefit to the Melaleuca plant is that is can be cultivated in many climates but favors an environment with moist soil in full sun. These plants are tolerable in both drought and flood conditions and can also withstand fires, though they do not tolerate climates with low temperature. [1]
  3. Parts Used:
    • Leaves [2]
  4. Herbal Actions:
    • Antimicrobial
    • Anti-inflammatory [1]
  5. Indications:
    • Sinusitis
    • The common cold
    • Sinus blockage
    • Laryngitis
    • Coughs
    • Apthous
    • Ulcers
    • Boils
    • Impetigo
    • Psoriasis
    • Infected seborrheic dermatitis
    • Tinea infection (including ringworm of the scalp and athlete’s foot)
    • Fungal infections including thrush
    • Trichomonal vaginitis [1]
  6. Plant Constituents:
    • a-pinene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, a-phellandrene, a-terpinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol and a-terpineol [2]
  7. System Affinities:
    • Immune, integumentary, respiratory, genitourinary [2]  
  8. Energetics:
    • Strongly drying, mobile, clearing [1]
  9. Safety:
    • Not for internal use, topical use only with a carrier oil. [1]
  10. Interactions:
    • None known. [2]
Personal Experience
  1. Organoleptics:
    • The prepared tea tree oil provided in class aligns with my experience of tea tree in the past/present. It’s a clear, drying oil, that has a strong mint smell that I almost liken to gasoline.
  2. Preparation Method:
    • I used coconut oil as my carrier oil, about a tablespoon with only 1 drop of tea tree due to the strength and concentration of the oil.
  3. Usage Notes:
    • The “infused” oil has a cooling effect, and is extremely tingly – almost burns. However, I know this is due to the effective antimicrobial effects, and it doesn’t bother me! I also diffused some in my room while I went to sleep. It helped clear up some nasal congestion I was starting to feel and I hope it helped me ward off a cold!
Sources:
  1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 8 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
  2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.