This family
occurs mainly in the tropics, with the majority of the species in the
Indo-Malayan region and tropical America a strong second. A large variety
occurs in tropical Africa, but they are not as abundant or varied as in
the two other tropical regions. However, Euphorbiaceae also has many
species in nontropical areas such as the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle
East, South Africa, and the southern United States.
Parts Used:
Seed oil
Herbal Actions:
Uterine
stimulant (works to increase binding on prostaglandin receptors in smooth muscle of GI and uterus)
Stimulant
laxative
Anti-inflammatory
Cathartic
Demulcent
Analgesic
Nervine
Indications:
GI purgative
Induction of
labor
Plant Constituents:
Ricinoleic
acid, fixed oils
System Affinities:
Gastrointestinal
Energetics:
Mobile, warming, moistening (can be drying if induces dehydration), oily. V-PK+
Safety:
Avoid if client
has GI inflammation, pain, or obstruction.
Interactions:
Long term use
with antiarrhythmic drugs and botanicals containing cardiac glycosides
can result in potassium loss and increased drug toxicity.
Personal
Experience
Organoleptics:
This oil is
extremely concentrated, clear, and smells like cedar. It also tastes like
wood – like cedarwood. It is so thick that it coats my mouth and throat.
Preparation Method:
For labor
induction:
NO VERBENA (use fresh grated ginger instead)
2 tbsp castor
oil
1 cup apricot
nectar
1 tbsp almond
butter
Usage Notes:
The taste and
texture of the oil was not that bad – it tasted woody and slightly sweet.
The thing I had the most aversion to was the texture. It was a little
overwhelming and sticky. I took 1 dropperful and within 10 minutes, I
could feel some cramping around my diaphragm. After another 10 or 15
minutes, I had full GI cramping and had to use the restroom. So… it
works! I didn’t have enough courage to take another dropperful.
Sources:
Riccio, L. & Zollinger, B.
(2018). Uterine Stimulants: Week 4 and 6 [PowerPoint Presentation]. Bastyr
University: FA-18_MW5124-A Botanicals 4: Labor.
Black cohosh
thrives in temperate climates in eastern parts of the United States and
the Appalachian region. It prefers rich, moist soil and woodlands [1]
ACTIVATOR to stagnation in transition zones (especially for females - menopause, premenstrual, labor!)
Bitter, cooling
[3]
Safety:
No adverse
effects to be expected at the recommended dosage. In pregnancy, this herb
should not be used except to assist birth. [2]
Interactions:
None known. [2]
Personal
Experience
Organoleptics:
The tincture
provided is light in color, slightly yellowish. The taste is VERY
intense, moreso than a normal alcoholic tincture. It’s bitter and burns
my mouth and throat. After 3 dropperfuls, I can detect I would be really
careful to recommend this to clients in its pure form. If I were to make
a labor blend, I would try to use glycerite and some aesthetic herbs like
peppermint (or honey!) in the recipe.
Preparation Method:
Labor: 5-20 drops (+5-20 drops of Blue Cohosh)
Tincture: (1:5 in 40%) 2
- 4 ml 3x/day
Hot
Decoction: ½
- 1 tsp dried root infused in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink 3x/day. [2]
Usage Notes:
After the
initial pain and uncomfortable sensation of taking the tincture, I can
say that I am enjoying the feeling of letting this herb sit with my body.
I feel grounded and relaxed thinking about the nervine and antispasmodic
actions of this herb. I actually performed a headstand with the
assistance of my darling roommate Jaime.
Sources:
Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L.
(2018). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: FA-18_MW5124-A
Botanicals 4: Labor.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical
Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT:
Healing Arts Press.
Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001).
The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.
