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MACE
Myristica fragrans
MADDER
Ribia tinctorum
MAHALEB
Prunus mahaleb
MALLOW
Malva sp
Time of administration: morning.
Use for coughs, hoarseness, bronchitis, inflammation of larynx and tonsils, emphysema, male birth control measures.
Note: recent clinical studies has shown that when the extract of mallow flowers was administered to males, it caused substantial infertility by inhibiting the production of spermatozoa in the testicles, but not altering other metabolic activities in that region of importance. Moreover, sexual aggression and related impulses were not depressed, but remained virtually intact. Enzyme activity of the testes did not change, nor did the liver, kidneys or pancreas experience any unusual manifestation out of the ordinary. It is suggested that oral administration of a liquid extract of mallow flowers for about 8 weeks, could possibly have the same effect on man as well, thereby limiting his fertility potential while at the same time permitting him the customary response generally experienced with the opposite sex. (V. P. Dixit, et al, "Effects of Malva . . . Flower Extract on the Testicular Function of Dog (Cannis familiaris)", Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 16:245-249, Feb. 1978).
MALVA FLOWERS
Malva sylvestris
Use to sooth inflammation in the mouth and throat, helpful for earache.
MANDRAKE
Time of administration: evening.
Use for liver, asthma, hay fever, whooping cough, chronic pain, nervine. Best for liver problems and useful for regulating the bowels. Mandrake (also known as mayapple and podophyllum-Podophyllum peltatum) should not be confused with European mandrake (Mandragora opicinarum). They don't belong to the same species, and therefore, are not related at all. The root has resin, podophyllotoxin, picropodophyllin, quercetin, and peltatins. These compounds fall into two categories: lignans and flavonol pigments. The resin is the most important part to the root and has been chemically separated by pouring an alcoholic extract of the drug into water and collecting and drying the divided residue. American podophyllum yields about 2-8% resin and Indian podophyllum about 6-12%. Plants like this have been raised in Leningrad, U.S.S.R., and have shown seasonal changes in the relative proportions of the constituents of the resin (see Section B, sub-heading "Proof Dried Loss is Small," Fact IV). The two kinds may be distinguished chemically. If a few drops of a strong solution of copper acetate is added to a filtered alcoholic extract prepared from each, the American variety will give a bright green color and no brown residue, while the Indian kind will always yield a brown precipitate. This is due to the higher resin content in the Indian drug. Mandrake operates very methodically at a snail's pace, in the duodenum region, increasing intestinal secretions and the flow of bile from the liver in moderate, but careful doses. It can cause diarrhea and constipation if given in larger amounts, so it is best to combine the root with other herbs like licorice and cascara sagrada for more beneficial and safe results. Scientists have reported its wonderful anti-tumor effects in destroying many different kinds of cancer cells in the body, but because of its mischievious side-effect, it has apparently been curtailed for any large-scale administrative uses. A recent evaluation of its compounds in childhood cancer has been made, however, at the St. Jude Children's Residential Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Doctors concerned with the study noticed remarkable success with this herb. Though some side effects were demonstrated, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, the children on whom this was tested, seemed to "tolerate well" the herb given them. The doctors concluded by saying that podophyllum "may be effective against acute leukemia" in children. And in an earlier study made a decade or so before this one, doctors in New York City successfully treated scalp infection (tinea capitis) in school-age children with the resin from this herb. Elsewhere in medical literature there is abundant evidence to show the complete success achieved with podophyllum in clearing up human condyloma acuminata. (This is an unpleasant condition of soft warts (venereal warts) which usually accumulate near the rectum and the genital organs of men and women alike.)
MARIGOLD FLOWERS
Calendula officinalis
(calendula)
Promotes healing of cuts and wounds when applied as a poultice, alleviates most skin problems reduces inflammation of digestive tract gently aids bile secretion. Key nutrients. A, C, silica.
MARIJUANA
Cannabis sativa
Time of administration: medicinally, all day, for euphoria, during daylight hours.
Some have claimed that its euphoric properties, due mainly to isomers of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in resins of the upper leaves and female flowers, reach their most active peak during daylight hours. In other words, such parties claimed "higher" euphorias during the daytime, rather than at night. Whether or not this would apply with its medicinal activities as well, remains unconfirmed for now. ORDINARY USE OF THIS HERB FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES IS CURRENTLY PROHIBITED BY LAW UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. POSSESSION OF IT CAN CONSTITUTE SERIOUS LEGAL OFFENSES IN SOME COUNTRIES, RESULTING IN RATHER LENGTHY IMPRISONMENT'S AND/OR HEAVY FINES AS WELL (i.e., Mexico, Turkey, the Soviet Union). Use for anesthetic, antibiotic, epileptic seizures, tranquilizer, migraine headaches, aid to psychotherapy, alcohol and drug withdrawal, neuralgia, relief from pain of cancer, glaucoma, chemotherapy treatments, nausea, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, menstrual cramps and childbirth pains, hyperactivity, nervous shakes in the elderly, depression and anxiety. There is perhaps no other herb in our time which has become so controversial as this. While the scientific and medical community is in favor of easing restrictions for the use of this plant, government agencies around the world adamantly continue their refusal of it on the grounds that it is harmful and dangerous. Several past generations of young people have made it the "standard of acceptance" into their peer groups and strange societies. Known as "grass" or "pot", "joints" (cigarettes) of this substance are smoked by millions to give them a false sense of security, an escape from reality into a fantasy world of mirage images, or quite simply, an ethereal experience somewhere between heaven and hell. Medical benefits which may be derived from the sensible and clinically-supervised use of marijuana are these: relief from the drastic side effects of chemotherapy (The El Paso Times, Sun. March 4, 1979, p. B-24), control of muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis (CBS Evening News with Morton Dean, Sunday, Nov. 13, 1977), relief from the intense pain of glaucoma (Omaha World-Herald, Thurs. Dec. 1, 1977, p. 1), relief from the terrible suffering of cancer (The Wall Street Journal, August 25, 1978), relief of asthma, emphysema, spinal-cord injuries and phantom pain in paraplegics (New Times, Oct.16,1978, p. 52), relief from overwhelming nausea (Nebraska Medical Journal, Sept. 1978, p. 300), reduces high blood pressure 2-6 hours after administration and corrects insomnia (American Journal of Nursing, Sept. 1978, p.1562), decrease of organ transplant rejections and slow growth of cancer tumors (American Journal of Nursing, April 1977, p. 634), relief from pain associated with intense menstrual cramps and difficult labor in childbirth (Ebony magazine, September 1977, p.116), reduction of hyperactivity in children and extreme nervousness in the elderly (Natural History, 82:62, Aug.-Sept. 1973), use as an antibiotic and as an agent for overcoming depression and anxiety (Modern Medicine, March/April 1979, p.112). Smoking marijuana, however, can interfere with the activity of certain prescription drugs within the system, causing some of them (like tranquilizers, for instance) to be more rapidly absorbed than is usual (Midnight Globe, Feb. 13,1979, p.8). Some young people have switched from this plant to smoking other kinds of herbs as well. Catnip was reported to achieve the same type of "high" as marijuana did, but without the same unpleasant side effects (Journal of the American Medical Association 207:1349, 208:1190-91). And in still another instance, young adolescents became violently ill after smoking Jimson or "Loco" weed (Pediatrics 63:520, April 1979). The use of marijuana by young people today can be hazardous for yet another reason. Much of the stuff which comes from Mexico is deliberately sprayed with the poisonous chemical paraquat, which can lead to death or serious illness if used for very long (Newsweek, Oct.30,1978, p.35). Various attempts have been made to grow marijuana organically. Typical 40 acre plots can be found in the secluded hills of northern California, southern Oregon, Hawaii, and the old moonshine hollows of Tennessee. While Mexican grass may sell anywhere from $150 to $350 per pound, this "pure" stuff can bring as much as $3,000 a pound on the streets of New York or Chicago (Newsweek, Ibid). Better still, is the ingenious and sometimes ludicrous idea of growing this drug under more subtle conditions in neighboring Canada. There, growers have found that by attaching or grafting marijuana rootstocks to their plant cousin, hops, a unique creation is achieved, which allows rather innocent-looking tops to go undisturbed by the Royal Mounted Police and very sinister bottoms to pass quite unnoticed as well. (Harrowsmith, p. 106,1978). A synthetic product called Nabilone has been manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co. and is now awaiting FDA approval for marketing. It does everything marijuana can do short of inducing those famous euphoric states which attract young people so much. Advantages of Nabilone seem to be many: (a) it would not conflict with the present legal restrictions still enforced against marijuana, (b) it's not a sticky mess to encapsulate like marijuana's THC is, (c) Nabilone is absorbed more evenly throughout the body than grass is, (d) It is more water-soluble than "pot" and does not linger in the system as long (Science News 114:94, Aug. 5,1978). The pharmacological behaviour of this plant is very interesting to examine. The fresh variety contains 95% of the THC in acidic form. This arrangement is entirely different than the standard THC. THC acid is not active, but once marijuana begins to dry, the acid slowly loses certain compounds through the process of oxidation and acquires the full euphoric strength of regular THC. It is further enhanced by the application of heat, particularly smoking, or lengthy exposure to sunlight. Fresh marijuana leaves may be safely consumed without any fear of intoxication, because what little active THC may be present is absorbed very poorly through the intestines. But once any kind of heat is applied, then this THC becomes powerfully activated making the entire herb leaf a very stimulating and often mind-expanding drug. (Chemistry, January 1979, p.19). Legal attitudes towards "the most controversial herb of our time" are beginning to change somewhat in this country of ours. During the last five years 10 states-with almost a third of the U.S. population- have decriminalized their tough marijuana laws (Parade, December 11, 1977, p.16). In various issues of the American Medical News have appeared such interesting announcements as New Mexico becoming the first state in the Union to authorize grass for medical purposes (Feb. 27,1978, p. 12), Florida following sometime later with its own brand of legality for cancer chemotherapy patients who wish to use it (June 2,1978, p. 13), and Illinois Governor James Thompson signing a decree which permits physicians to prescribe and dispense this herb for glaucoma and chemotherapy treatments (Sept. 22, 1978). In addition to this, the New York State Legislature has considered a measure that would authorize physicians to administer marijuana and heroin, an even stronger drug, to terminally-ill patients (March 20,1978). In fact, many influential scientists are in favor of relaxing the old restrictions still prohibiting the use of this drug by the general public at large. Those in favor of easy access to marijuana for clinical purposes are President Carter's special assistant on health, the directors of the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Aging, and the head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (American Medical News, March 13,1978, p.16). The medical profession claims that if Congress and the Federal Government do not legalize its use, then it will be approved on a state-by-state basis, in much the same manner which laetrile has been. And this, they maintain, would cause wide-spread public abuse of something which should be controlled and handled by the medical community instead. (Journal of the American Medical Association 241:374-75, Jan. 26,1979). Such lengthy considerations have been given this provocative subject, not because the author entirely subscribes to its misguided use by the modern generation, but rather as an anthropological commentary to our own time and as a scientific incentive for those professionally capable of understanding its complete, therapeutic use. These same sentiments are shared by an older colleague, Dr. Richard E. Schultes of Harvard University, who wrote these words several years ago: "Today it is seldom realized that, from the earliest periods of primitive cultures to modern times, hemp [or marijuana] has been one of the world's major medicinal plants. Furthermore, many contemporary investigators believe that in the future wholly new therapeutic agents will come from Cannabis or some of its chemical constituents. The medicinal value of hemp-often, of course, closely related to its psychoactive properties-is perhaps its most significant, and was possibly even its earliest, role in cultural history . . . There can be no doubt that a plant that has been in partnership with man since the beginnings of agricultural efforts, that has served man in so many ways, and that, under the searchlight of modern chemical study, has yielded many new and interesting compounds will continue to be a part of man's economy. It would be a luxury that we could ill afford if we allowed prejudices, resulting from the abuse of Cannabis, to deter scientists from learning as much as possible about this ancient and mysterious plant. (Richard E. Schultes, "Man and Marijuana", Natural History 82:60, 81, Aug.-Sept. 1973).
MARJORAM
Majorana hortensis (sweet)
Origanum majorana
Origanum vulgare (wild)
Use for general aches and pains, sour stomach or loss of appetite, nervousness, severe coughs.
MARSHMALLOW ROOT
Althaea officinalis
(315)helps sooth inflammation, works well for kidneys and bladder, lung congestion, coughs, eyewash, carbuncles, boil cleanser. Marshmallow root is rich in calcium. The dried powder of this root will absorb moisture when applied to anything wet. This spongelike quality is valuable in hot flashes, menstrual difficulties, and mucous accumulations in the uterus. It acts on the breasts to promote the flow of milk. Certain active constituents within the root trigger muscle reflexes in the mammary glands which begin the necessary production of milk. The mineral present, calcium, has a lot to do with this important activity. Very mucilaginous and quite healing for mucous membranes in the body. Helps correct hot flashes. Marshmallow, the other important ingredient to be discussed here, contains about 25-35% mucilage, a similar quantity of starch, pectin and sugars, and about 2% asparagine. The latter is also found in asparagus, potatoes, licorice. Asparagine is the medicinal fraction in the mucilage that soothes irritated tissues, particularly the mucous membranes, by internal absorption. An enzyme, asparaginase, which has been found in the compound asparagine, has been experimentally used as an anti-cancer agent with positive results in clinical testing.
MEADOWSWEET
Filipendula ulmaria
MILK THISTLE
Carduus marianum
Also - silybum marianum.
The seeds of the milk thistle protects the liver against poisoning, 50 mg per kg of silymarin intravenously protects against poisoning for up to six hours (amatixins, phalloidine, and a sub-amanitine from the death-cap toadstool). Stabilizes and stimulates damaged liver cells, regenerates the cells, used for hepatitis, alcohol or chemical induced liver damage. More antioxidant than vitamin. . Helps jaundice. Key nutrients. Flavanoligans (silymarin, silydianin, silybin, silychristine).
MILKWEED
Best for female problems, works well for bowel and kidney problems.
MINT
Mintha
Use to flavor sauces, vegetables such as
MISTLETOE
Phoradendron flavescens
Use for nervine, heart convulsions, abortion, urinary difficulties, raised blood pressure. Mistletoe can stimulate heart beat and increase cardiac output. Or else, because of its slightly anesthetic properties, it can suppress abnormal rhythms in any chamber of the heart and correct unnecessary "flutters" therein. Mistletoe herb, on the other hand, can increase blood pressure when injected into the veins as a single medication. It acts on the circulatory system, first increasing then lowering blood pressure below initial levels. Mistletoe may also constrict blood vessels, stimulate the heartbeat, or do both. This herb arrests postpartum hemorrhaging prior to childbirth. It can increase uterine contractions as well. Because of these two activities, it should play an important role in the safe delivery of expectant mothers. It also stimulates glandular activity related to digestion, but its actions here are more minimal than the strength evidenced with the heart, blood, and childbirth labors. The active constituents of mistletoe are mucilage, sugar, a fixed oil, resin, an odorous principle, some tannin, various salts, and the important alkaloid derivative, tyramine. Tyramine is the by-product of the amino acid, tyrosine, after it has experienced carbon-oxygen disintegration. This important alkaloid from mistletoe has been clinically employed for shock and low blood pressure. Tyramine accomplishes this by constricting the blood vessels and stimulating the heart, thus causing an increase in blood pressure. Tyramine also normalizes cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats). Tyramine is responsible for the rather foul odor of the herb. Tyramine is also found in ripe cheese and putrified meat. Mistletoe is a true botanical parasite and lives entirely from the nourishment supplied by its live (not decayed) host. For this reason, the herb has been found to contain five times as much phosphoric acid as the tree fostering its existence. The active resin of the herb, viscin, becomes a sticky, gluey mass through natural fermentation. This substance is often used on fly paper, etc. The properties also have great value in arresting childbirth hemorrhages in delivering mothers. Mistletoe's most famous success has been achieved with controlling epileptic fits and convulsions or spasms, such as is common with distemper. These will be controlled very nicely by administration of this herb UNDER CAREFUL SUPERVISION. Tyramine and other constituents influence the nerves in such a manner as to bring about a temporary numbness. Centuries ago, the ancient druids claimed that mistletoe could cure cancer. Well, just lately eleven different protein fractions with marked anti-tumor activity have been isolated from mistletoe extract. With the information obtained thus far it appears the herb holds great promise in the future for the treatment of mankind's most dreaded disease.
MOTHERWORT
Leonurus cardiaca
Good for suppressed menstruation and other female trouble. Helps relieve chest cold. Helps relieve nervousness.
MUGWORT
Artemisia vulgaris
Relieves rheumatism and gout. Helps kidney and bladder troubles. Treats a sluggish digestive system. Good for suppressed menstruation and other female troubles.
MULBERRY
Morus spp.
MULLEIN
Verbascum thapsus
Time of administration: afternoon to late afternoon.
Use for coughs, hoarseness, nervine, cramps, gas, glandular swelling, pain, bronchitis, insomnia, sores and wounds. Good for respiratory system, allows free breathing, relieves swollen joints, high in iron potassium and magnesium, strengthens sinuses. Key nutrients. Iron, manganese, silica. The first good lesson to learn about mullein leaves is that they look a lot like digitalis or foxglove. For that matter, so does comfrey, primrose, elecampane, ploughman's spikenard, and nettle. Comfrey and mullein, however, bear the closest resemblance to digitalis. Mullein leaves contain volatile oil, resin, tannin, wax, and other constituents. Recently another active constituent has been observed. It is called verbascose. The same thing has been noticed in birch bark, too. This glycoside has been used medicinally in parts of Europe and India for treating external skin diseases, open wounds and sores, etc. Apparently verbascose has strong antiseptic properties in this regard. This substance in the leaves may also account for its remarkable use in treating tuberculosis victims in India during the first quarter of this century. It seems to have been studied more in the laboratory in that country, for more literature about it is available from there than anywhere else. The flowers and leaves also contain saponins which act as a strong disinfectant to the lungs when smoked. Scientists have also discovered that when the entire plant is made into a good, strong brew and poured into a small pond of water, it will intoxicate the fish and render them helpless enough to be caught very easily.
MUSTARD
Brassica
MYRRH
Commiphora myrrha
Time of administration: late evening early morning.
Use for mouth and throat sores, asthma, cavities, yeast infection, disinfectant. Cleans the colon, regulates the digestive system, removes bad breath, improves sinus problems. Goldenseal and myrrh gum are both strong antiseptic herbs for killing disease germs in general. Goldenseal especially works on those particular glands of the body which produce resistance and buildup natural immunity to further harmful microorganisms later on. Myrrh has between 40-60% gums, 2.5-10% essential oil, 27-50% resin, and other bitter substances and compounds which give the herb its sensational antiseptic properties. It has been used clinically in hospitals throughout India, Egypt, and other parts of the Near East and North Africa, for such things as dysentery, uterus and vaginal infections, chronic bronchitis and heavy mucous accumulations in the lungs. It is also considered a wonderful agent for any kind of dental problems. Some dentists in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain have used powdered myrrh to strengthen gums, whiten teeth, and generally present serious periodontal diseases (gingivitis or bleeding gurns, inflammation, loose teeth, plaque buildup) from occurring wherever possible. It has also been combined with red raspberry leaves to form an excellent mouthwash and rinse several times a day. Myrrh was used anciently as much as we use goldenseal root today in North America. Myrrh appears in dozens of Egyptian prescriptions. It was identified in medical papyrii by the name antyw. In the famous Ebers papyrus it is used externally in 63 of 66 different cases. Unfortunately, it is completely lacking from the renowned Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus. Whoever prepared the impressive formulas also mentioned honey as well as mycrh. Myrrh was considered to be the ultimate wine preserver of the ancient world. In other words, it kept it from going sour like vinegar. The finest wines were preserved with this herb. In fact, Jesus of Nazareth was offered some wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it. Myrrh has been tested within recent years by competent bacteriologists for its tremendous antiseptic properties. What was discovered in these laboratory tests amply verified what the ancients claimed so long ago. Scientists first noticed that the hard, resinous lumps of crude myrrh dissolve rather quickly in water, forming an opaque suspension of sudsy-looking impurities. Three different kinds of bacteria culture were deliberately streaked across a flat, clear-glass dish, to form a star. They were: staphylococcus aureus, e. Coli, and B. Subtillis. After an incubation period of 24 hours at 37° C., Two of the three bacteria failed to grow in the vicinity of the myrrh. As a former Harvard pathologist who witnessed these experiments for himself, has said: "The result was clearcut-myrrh acts as a bacteriostatic against Staphylococcus aureus and other gram-positive bacteria." From the days of Moses to the time of Christ and since then to the twentieth-century, myrrh has proven over and over again that it is one of the finest antibacterial, antiviral agents ever placed upon this earth.
MYRTLE
Myrtus communis
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