Project

Introduction to Herbs

An herb is a plant whose properties allow its use as a medicine. Most of the

herbs we use today as seasoning were originally medicines. They served for

centuries as the principle medicines of the times. They were kept in

pharmacies in dried form for availability all year.

Do Herbs Work for Medicines?

They have been human medicine for all of our history and are still the main

medicine for much of the world. Some are well researched and proven

effective; others have been around for hundreds of years and stand on

empirical evidence.

Herbs do work; however, you must have the right herb for the right situation,

for the right body, at the right time.

Many people incorrectly assure that remedies used for centuries must be safe.

Unfortunately, we have learns in recent years that many traditional herbs have

dangerous, and even fatal, side effects.

Herbal remedies may be natural, but that doesn't make them safe and we

need to be well informed about the optimum dosage as well as about possible

side effects and what are called "contra-indications" in the medical profession.

After all, before a doctor prescribes a drug to you, he will refer to your medical

history and question you about your life style.

Most common herbs are safe as food. However, many contain potent

chemical constituents that can harm if used carelessly, and some of the most

virulent of poisons come from plants, (egg: poison hemlock and night shade)

which can be deadly although they are sold as herbs.

1

There is also the fact that for every substance in the world, there is someone

who is allergic to it. So all herbs should be used with caution and respect.

Risks of Herbs

. Lack of control on over dosage and purity.

. Medical interactions

* If given in conjunction with drugs, there is danger of summation where the

herb and drug have similar action and add together to make overdose.

* Herbal remedy may cause adverse drug interaction when used in

combination with various prescriptions (egg: dangerously low blood pressure

may result from the combination of an herbal remedy that lowers blood

pressure together with prescription medicine that have the same effect.

. Residues of herb in food room farm animals (egg: eggs, milk, and meat).

. An herbal remedy may cause harm which is unanticipated due to lack of full

understanding of its composition and biochemical effects.

Some available well researched remedies:

. Allergies (Hay fever)

. Cardiovascular (cholesterol, circulation,heart palpitations, high blood

pressure, low blood pressure, water retention)

. Children's health (colic, teething)

. Cleansing and Digestion (Bowel disease, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence,

gastritis, indigestion, haemorroids, liver support, stomach disorders, ulcers)

. Immune (cough syrups, flus and colds)2

. Infections (antiseptic, bladder infection)

. Joints and Muscles (anti-inflammatory, muscle pain and spasm)

. Nasal and respiratory (asthma, sinusitis, sore throat)

. Skin (acne, dry skin, Eczema and psoriasis, sunburn)

And from the best researched herbs

1. Garlic: helps to lower high blood pressure

Aids in cancer prevention

2. Hawthorn: aids the heart pumping action

Slow a rapid heart rate and strengthen a failing heart

3. Ephedrine: decongestant

Bronchodilator in asthma

4. Licorice: antiviral

Treatment of gastrointestinal ulceration

5. Aloe Vera: for burns

6. Boswell: for arthritis and joint injuries

7. Chamomile: for digestive problems

8. Coffee: for pain relief

9. Hibiscus: for hypertension

Finally, herbs won't replace pharmaceuticals, but the research shows that

for many conditions herbs work well, are cheaper than drugs and cause fewer 3

side effects. Herbs aren't quite main stream, but they are moving in that

direction. Patients are interested in them, and doctors are increasingly familiar

with herb research.

Hypertension

Hypertension is considered an epidemic that is spreading throughout the

whole world .If it is uncontrolled it causes serious complications that may lead

to malfunctioning of vital organs which can cause death. It is known as the

Silent Killer. Studies have showed that 90% of people are at risk of

developing stage | hypertension. According to statistics, men are at greater

risk of developing hyper tension. Women are at higher risk after menopause,

as the estrogen levels are reduced.

Hypertension, commonly referred to as "high blood pressure", is a medical

condition where the blood pressure is chronically elevated.

Blood pressure is the force applied against the walls of the arteries as the

heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force

and amount of blood pumped and the size and flexibility of the arteries.

Hypertension can be classified as either essential or secondary. Essential

hypertension is the term used when no specific medical cause can be found to

explain a patient's condition. Secondary hypertension means that the high

blood pressure is a result of (i.e. secondary to) another condition, such as

kidney disease or certain tumors.

Normal blood pressure is agreed to be less than 120/80 mmHg, while those

who have blood pressure between 120/80 mmHg to 139/89 mmHg are

defined as "prehypertensive". Prehypertension is not a disease category;

rather, it is a designation chosen to identify individuals at high risk of 4

developing hypertension. Some organizations consider the blood pressure of

value 115/75 mm Hg should be the gold standard.

There are two stages of hypertension, the first stage is when blood pressure

reading lies between 140/90 and 159/99. and the second stage is when the

reading exceeds 160/100.

There are certain groups of patients that blood pressure shouldn't exceed

certain levels , like in diabetic patients the blood pressure shouldn't be more

than 130/80.

Signs and symptoms

Hypertension is usually found incidentally - "case finding" - by healthcare

professionals. It normally produces no symptoms. This is why every

healthcare professional visit should include measurement of blood pressure

using a sphygmomanometer.

Malignant hypertension (or accelerated hypertension) is distinct as a late

phase in the condition, and may present with headaches, blurred vision and

end-organ damage.

It is recognised that stressful situations can increase the blood pressure;

Hypertension is often confused with mental tension, stress and anxiety. While

chronic anxiety is associated with poor outcomes in people with hypertension,

it alone does not cause it.

5

Etiology of Essential Hypertension

Environment

A number of environmental factors have been implicated in the development

of hypertension, including salt intake, obesity, occupation, alcohol intake,

family size, stimulant intake, excessive noise exposure, crowding and

smoking.

Salt Sensitivity

Sodium is the environmental factor that has received the greatest attention. It

is to be noted that approximately 60% of the essential hypertension population

is responsive to sodium intake.

Role of Renin

Renin is an enzyme secreted by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney and

linked with aldosterone in a negative feedback loop. The range of plasma

renin activities observed in hypertensive subjects is broader than in

normotensive individuals. In consequence, some hypertensive patients have

been defined as having low-renin and others as having high-renin essential

hypertension.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance and/or hyperinsulinemia have been suggested as being

responsible for the increased arterial pressure in some patients with

hypertension. This feature is now widely recognized as part of syndrome X,

or the metabolic syndrome.

Genetics

Hypertension is one of the most common complex genetic disorders, with

genetic heritability averaging 30%. Data supporting this view emerge from 6

animal studies as well as in population studies in humans. Most of these

studies support the concept that the inheritance is probably multifactorial or

that a number of different genetic defects each have an elevated blood

pressure as one of their phenotypic expressions.

More than 50 genes have been examined in association studies with

hypertension, and the number is constantly growing.

Other Etiologies

There are some anecdotal or transient causes of high blood pressure. These

are not to be confused with the disease called hypertension in which there is

an intrinsic physiopathological mechanism.

Etiology of Secondary Hypertension

Only in a small minority of patients with elevated arterial pressure can a

specific cause be identified. These individuals will probably have an endocrine

or renal defect that if corrected would bring blood pressure back to normal

values.

- Renal Hypertension

Hypertension produced by diseases of the kidney. A simple explanation for

renal vascular hypertension is that decreased perfusion of renal tissue due to

stenosis of a main or branch renal artery activates the renin-angiotensin

system.

- Adrenal Hypertension

Hypertension is a feature of a variety of adrenal cortical abnormalities. In

primary aldosteronism there is a clear relationship between the aldosterone-

induced sodium retention and the hypertension.

7

In patients with pheochromocytoma increased secretion of catecholamines

such as epinephrine and norepinephrine by a tumor (most often located in the

adrenal medulla) causes excessive stimulation of [adrenergic receptors],

which results in peripheral vasoconstriction and cardiac stimulation. This

diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating increased urinary excretion of

epinephrine and norepinephrine and/or their metabolites (vanillylmandelic

acid).

- Hypercalcemia

- Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which people repeatedly stop breathing for short

periods of time (10-30 seconds) during their sleep. This condition is often

associated with obesity, although it can have other causes such as airway

obstruction or disorders of the central nervous system. These individuals have

a higher incidence of hypertension. The mechanism of hypertension may be

related to sympathetic activation and hormonal changes associated with

repeated periods of apnea-induced hypoxia and hypercapnea, and from stress

associated with the loss of sleep.

- Stress

Emotional stress leads to activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which

causes increased release of norepinephrine from sympathetic nerves in the

heart and blood vessels, leading to increased cardiac output and increased

systemic vascular resistance.  Furthermore, the adrenal medulla secretes

more catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).  Activation of the

sympathetic nervous system increases circulating angiotensin II, aldosterone,

and vasopressin, which can increase systemic vascular resistance. 

8

Prolonged elevation of angiotensin II and catecholamines can lead to cardiac

and vascular hypertrophy, both of which can contribute to a sustained

increase in blood pressure. 

- Hyper- or hypothyroidism

Excessive thyroid hormone induces systemic vasoconstriction, an increase in

blood volume, and increased cardiac activity, all of which can lead to

hypertension.  It is less clear why some patients with hypothyroidism develop

hypertension, but it may be related to decreased tissue metabolism reducing

the release of vasodilator metabolites, thereby producing vasoconstriction and

increased systemic vascular resistance.

-Preeclampsia

This is a condition that sometimes develops during the third trimester of

pregnancy that causes hypertension due to increased blood volume and

tachycardia.  The former increases cardiac output by the Frank-Starling

mechanism. 

-Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation, or narrowing of the aorta (typically just distal to the left subclavian

artery), is a congenital defect that obstructs aortic outflow leading to elevated

pressures proximal to the coarctation (i.e., elevated arterial pressures in the

head and arms).  Distal pressures, however, are not necessarily reduced as

would be expected from the hemodynamics associated with a stenosis.  The

reason for this is that reduced systemic blood flow, and in particular reduced

renal blood flow, leads to an increase in the release of 9ennin and an

activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.  This in turn elevates

blood volume and arterial pressure.  Although the aortic arch and carotid sinus 9

baroreceptors are exposed to higher than normal pressures, the baroreceptor

reflex in blunted due to structural changes in the walls of vessels where the

baroreceptors are located.  Also, baroreceptors become desensitized to

chronic elevation in pressure and become "reset" to the higher pressure.

-Diet

Certain medications, especially NSAIDS (Motrin/ibupofen) and steroids can

cause hypertension. Ingestion of imported licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can

cause secondary hypoaldosteronism, which itself is a cause of hypertension.

-Age

Over time, the number of collagen fibers in artery and arteriole walls

increases, making blood vessels stiffer. With the reduced elasticity comes a

smaller cross-sectional area in systole, and so a raised mean arterial blood

pressure.

Routine tests

Tests are undertaken to identify possible causes of secondary hypertension,

and seek evidence for end-organ damage to the heart itself or the eyes

(retina) and kidneys. Diabetes and raised cholesterol levels being additional

risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease.

Blood tests commonly performed include:

Creatinine (renal function) – to identify both underlying renal disease as

a cause of hypertension and conversely hypertension causing onset of

kidney damage. Also a baseline for later monitoring the possible side-

effects of certain antihypertensive drugs.

10

Electrolytes (sodium, potassium)

Glucose – to identify diabetes mellitus

Cholesterol

Additional tests often include:

Testing of urine samples for proteinuria – again to pick up underlying

kidney disease or evidence of hypertensive renal damage.

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) – for evidence of the heart being under

strain from working against a high blood pressure. Also may show resulting

thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy) or of the

occurrence of previous silent cardiac disease (either subtle electrical

conduction disruption or even a myocardial infarction).

Chest X-ray – again for signs of cardiac enlargement or evidence of

cardiac failure.

Complications of hypertension

Complications of Hypertension are serious,Hypertension causes damage of

vital organs and the consequences may be fatal. Some of these problems:

hypertensive heart disease

heart attacks

congestive heart failure

blood vessel damage (arteriosclerosis)

aortic dissection

kidney failure

stroke

11

brain damage

loss of vision

Bone weakening

Other complications

Treatment of Hypertension

First: life style modification

Changes in lifestyle are recommended even if chemical drugs are being

used. These modifications include weight loss, stopping smoking and

alcohol, increasing daily calcium intake, exercising ,reducing sodium

intake, changing diet into what's known as the DASH diet , and trying not

to be subjected to environmental stressors (e.g. loud noise ) and

emotional stress.

Second: medications

There are many drugs used to control hypertension , like ACE inhibitors ,

ARBs, alpha blockers, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers,

Diuretics……..etc. The choice of medicine is differs from one patient to

another according to patient's condition and history. Usually more than

one drug are administered to control hypertension.

12

Some of the herbs used in treatment of hypertension in folk medicine in Egypt:

Marjoram

العترة ـ مرزنجوش ـ مردكوش ـ مرقوشبرى مردقوشـ

Origanum vulgare

Simple description:

Fresh leaves of oregano: left a yellow-coloured cultivar (gold marjoram or gold

oregano), right regular oregano.

English name:Marjoram

Arabic name: العترة ـ مرزنجوش ـ مردكوش ـ مرقوشبرى مردقوشـ

latin name: Origanum vulgare, Fam:Lamiaceae.

The name Origanum is derived from the greek oros gonos,which means

‘joy of mountain’.The Romans introduced the plant to Britian,mainly as a

preserving and disinfectant herb.

Used plant part

The dried herb is often more flavourful than the fresh leaves.

Origin

Egypt,India,North America,Iran,Midetteranean area.

Main constituents :

1- The essential oil (max. 4%) may contain variable amounts of the two

phenols, carvacrol and thymol.

13

2- variety of monoterpene hydrocarbons (limonene, terpinene, ocimene,

caryophyllene, β-bisabolene and p-cymene) and monoterpene alcohols

(linalool, 4-terpineol) are reported.

3- Rosmarinic acid

Uses :

1-it was proved by the scientific researches that this plant has a great anti-

oxidant activity which has a great effect in the treatment of arthritis and this is

attributed to the presence of the Rosmarinic acid which has anti-viral and

antibacterial effect..so it’s recommended to drink it as tea daily or take it with

salade or any other food like pizza.

Also the anti oxidantant activity of this plant helps in preventing glaucoma.

2-treating the flatulence.

3-used for the pains of stomach.

4-emmenagogue.

5-can be used externally on the nose to treat coryza.

6- carminative  , cholagogue   ,antiseptic and  dental anesthetic.

7-it was proved by researches that extracts of this herb have a great effect as

a stimulant for the immune system so can be used to treat

depression(psychologically).

Herbal therapy:the herb has weak antispasmodic properities and can be

used to help in the digestion also helpful for cold and flu and nervous tension.

flower therapy:collecting the flower during early summer and potentise using

the sun method.Mrjoram can be used for soothing the nerves.

The uses of it’s essential oil:

Marjoram is highly effective for the respiratory system, encouraging

deeper breathing in conditions such as asthma and bronchitis

14

Helps to clear the head where there is catarrh and sinusitis

Excellent for arthritis and rheumatism for alleviating pain, coldness and

stiffness

Marjoram is recommended for relieving constipation, flatulence,

stomach cramps and indigestion

Regulates the heart and reduces high blood pressure and palpitations. 

Useful for alleviating painful and irregular menstruation.

According to a review in the journal Evidence-Based Alternative and

Complementary Medicine published in June 2005, the essential oil of

marjoram is known to reduce anxiety and fatigue (as documented in studies

published in Japanese). The British Journal of Nutrition reported in March

2005 that consuming a salad served with an oil and vinegar dressing flavored

with marjoram offers the equivalent antioxidant power of 200 milligrams of

vitamin C. Contemporary scientific research, however, has not examined the

traditional uses of marjoram in herbal healing.

The traditional uses of marjoram include preventing spasms in the digestive

tract, relieving dry cough, relieving pain on bruises, lumbago, and sprains,

breaking up congestion caused by coughs and colds, and encouraging

lactation in nursing mothers

Special Precautions

Avoid during pregnancy(due to its ability to promote menstruation)

although adverse effects are extremely unlikely.

Women who experience heavy menstruation should avoid marjoram.

15

The herb is not recommended for infants and small children.

Toxicity:researches indicated that this herb is safe till 5gm/1kg of the body

weight-the continous use of this herb for two monthes cause no troubles for

kidney or liver which indicate the safety of the continous use of this herb.

الرجلة PurslaneبذرPortulaca oleracea L). (

.English name:Purslane.

الرجلة :Arabic name.بذر

.Latin name:Portulaca oleracea L.

.Official name:Little Hogweed.

.Family:Portulacaceae.

.Part use:Herb,,juice,and seeds.

Description

.The purslane family includes several fleshy plants.

.P. oleracea is a herbaceous, succulent, annual weed. Purslane grows 10 to

30 cm tall and has reddishbrown stems, alternate wedge-shaped leaves, and

clusters of yellow flowers containing 4 to 6 petals that bloom in summer.

.Its numerous seeds are black, shiny, and rough.

.The plant prefers sandy soil.

.Golden purslane (P. sativa) is a similar, related species to purslane, with

yellow leaves, but is a larger plant and is not weedy.

.Chemical compound:

16

1-P. oleracea contains many biologically active compounds and is a source of

many nutrients.

2-Some of the biologically active include free oxalic acids, alkaloids, omega-3

fatty acids, coumarins,flavonoids, cardiac glycosides,andanthraquinone

glycosides.

3-It has high contents of Omega-3 fatty acids and protein.

4- It also contains vitamins (mainly vitamin C, and some vitamin B and

carotenoids), as well as dietary minerals, such as magnesium, calcium,

potassium and iron.

.Medical uses:

1-Ti contain mora Omega-3 fatty acid so ti aid the body in the production of

compound that effect blood pressure,clottin ,the immune system,prevent

inflammation,lower cholesterol(LDL),prevent certain cancers and control

coronary spasms.

2-Ti have positive effect on the brain and may aid in such condition as

depression,bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's

disease,autism,schizophrenia,attention deficit disorder,hyperactivity and

magrain.

3-Ti used in constipation and inflammation of the urinary system.

4-The fresh juice is used in the treatment of coughs and sores.

5-The leaves are poulticed and applied to burns, both they and the plant juice

are particularly effective in the skin disease and insect stings.

6-A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of stomach aches and

headaches.

7-Purslane is beneficial in urinary and digestive problems, has antifungal and

antimicrobial effects, is high in vitamins and minerals, and has been used as

17

food source.

8-Purslane appears among a list of herbs considered to help benefit

conditions such as osteoporosis and psoriasis.

9-Purslane herb has also been used as a purgative, cardiac tonic, emollient,

muscle relaxant, and in anti-inflammatory and diuretic treatments.

Special precautions:

. Avoid use during pregnancy.

. Purslane is said to be safe, even in high dosages, however, individual with

history of kidney should use purslane with caution as it may increase kidney

filtration,urine production,

and possibly cause a stone to move.

. Purslane injection induces powerful contractions of the uterus, but oral

purslane is said to weaken uterine contractions.

Doum palm الدوم

(Corypha thebaica L.)

Taxonomy

Current name: Hyphaene thebaica

Authority: (L.) Mart.

Family: Arecaceae

Synonym(s)

18

Corypha thebaica L.

Hyphaene guineense Schum. & Thonn.

Common names

(Amharic) : zembaba

(Arabic) : dom

(English) : doum palm, Egyptian doum palm, gingerbread palm

(Swahili) : mkoma

(Tigrigna) : arkobkobai, kambash

Plant part used : the fruit pulp,Hypocotyl,leaves of palm.

Botanic description

Hyphaene thebaica is a deciduous palm 10-17 m high, with a girth of 90 cm.

Trunk is Y-shaped, and the tree is easily recognizable by the dichotomy of its

stem forming up to 16 crowns. Bole fairly smooth but clearly showing the

scars of the fallen leaves. Bark dark grey. Leaves 120 x 180 cm, fan shaped,

in tufts at the ends of branches with the blade divided into segments about 60

cm long, margins entire; leaf stalk about 60 cm long, armed with curved

thorns; petiole more than 1 m long, sheathing at the base with numerous

upwardly curving hooks. Male and female flowers on separate trees. The

inflorescence is similar in both sexes, up to 1.2 m long, with short branches at

irregular intervals and 2-3 spikes arising from each branch. Male flowers

shortly stalked, solitary in pits of the spadix, spathe-bracts encircling the

spadix, pointed. Branches of female spadices stouter, in the fruiting stage

marked by densely tomentose cushions after the fall of the fruit. The female

palm produces woody fruits that persist on the tree for a long time. They are 6-

10 x 6-8 cm, smooth, rectangular to cubical, with rounded edges, shiny brown

when ripe, about 120 g each when fresh, 60 g when dry, each containing a

19

single seed. Seeds 2-3.5 x 3 cm, ivory in colour, trunkate at base, apex

obtuse. Hyphaene is derived from the Greek word ‘hyphaino’ (web), referring

to the fibres from the leaves, which are used for weaving.

Nature of doum palm :

palm tree with oval fruits: an Egyptian palm

tree with egg-shaped fruits that have a gingery taste.

Origin :

The doum palm )Hyphaene thebaica, ÇáÏæã in Arabic( is a type of palm

tree, also called gingerbread tree, with edible oval fruit,

originally native to the Nile valley

It was considered sacred by the Ancient Egyptians and the stone was

found in many pharaoh's tombs.

Active constituents and Uses:

1- Hyphaene thebaica Mart. (Palmae) fruit, when investigated chemically, proved

to contain alkaloid (S), reducing sugars and

glucosides. The aqueous extract stimulated the contractions of frog's heart

and rat intestine but inhibited uterine contractions in

rats. On the arterial blood pressure, the extract proved to be capable of

lowering the blood pressure both in normotensive and hypertensive

anaesthetised dogs. The mechanism of its hypotensive action proved to be

through ganglionic blockage. The extract had no diuretic effect in rabbits and

was devoid of oestrogenic and androgenic properties when tested on uterine

and seminal vesicle weights of ovariectomized and castrated rats.

20

2- A comparison of different fractions of the fruit of Hyphaene thebaica

(Doum) was performed in order to investigate their effects on serum

cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins: HDL (high density lipoprotein)

cholesterol and Non-HDL cholesterol in normal rats. Female Sprague-Dawely

rats were treated orally with different fractions of the Doum plant. We used

atorvastatin and a natural extract of Monascus purpureus as references. The

total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were

estimated. Three fractions of the Doum plant exhibited a highly significant

decrease in serum cholesterol and Non-HDL cholesterol. One fraction

exhibited a highly significant decrease in cholesterol level but with only a

moderately significant effect in decreasing the Non-HDL level. Decreasing

Non-HDL, especially LDL, cholesterol, can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis

and subsequent cardiovascular diseases. The natural, safe and non-toxic

Doum plant could be of great merit for use as a hypocholesterolemic drug.

 Table 9-20: Nutritional Composition of Indian Doum Palm Mesocarp,

Hyphaene dichotoma )young fruit(

Energy Cal/100 g 406 Fiber (%) 50.07

Water (%) 0 Ash (%) 7.69

21

Protein (%) 9.26 Calcium (mg/100g) 268 

Fat (%) 7.21 Phosphorus (mg/100g) 224

Carbohydrate (%) 75.81 Iron (mg/100g) 38.241

Note: 1. High iron value probably due to soil type.

Source: Bonde et al. 1990

Hyphaene thebaica provide fibres from pounded leaf petioles from which

fibres are manually separated and used for cordage, strings or raw fibres for

binding and the manufacture of domestic articles and handicrafts.

Functional uses:

Food: The covering of the fruit is edible and can either be pounded to form a

powder or cut off in slices; the powder is often dried then added to food as a

flavouring agent. Young shoots produce tasty palm cabbage; the hypocotyl is

edible, and so are the immature seeds if well prepared.

Fodder: Trees are browsed to a limited extent by livestock, especially in dry

periods.

Fuel: Palms are occasionally used for firewood and charcoal; leaves may also

be used as fuel.

Fibre: Leaves are probably the most important part of the palm, providing the

raw material used in basketry, making mats, brooms, coarse textiles, ropes,

thatching and string. Root fibres obtained after 2-3 days of soaking and

beating of the roots are used for making fishing nets.

22

Timber: Wood can be cut using an axe, but is difficult to saw due to the many

fibres that constitute the wood. Timber from the male palm is said to be better

than that from the female, as it is borer and termite proof, decorative and

durable. It is often used for construction, providing supports and rafters for

houses, water ducts and wheels, railway sleepers, planks, fence posts and

raft construction.

Tannin or dyestuff: Dried bark is used to produce a black dye for leatherwear.

Alcohol: In Turkana, Kenya, the powder made from the outer covering of the

fruit is added to water and milk and left to stand to make a mild alcoholic drink;

in other countries, the terminal meristem is tapped for making palm wine.

Medicine: Roots are used in the treatment of bilharzia, while fruit pulp is

chewed to control hypertension. Sore eyes in livestock are treated using

charcoal from the seed kernel.

Other products: The hard seed inside the fruit, known as ‘vegetable ivory’, is

used to make buttons and small carvings, and as artificial pearls. Ashes from

the stipes of trees can be used as a substitute for salt.

Services:

rosion control: Doum palm is grown on river banks to stabilize them.

Olive leaves الزيتون

Arabic name: zaytoun

Botanical: Oleo Europaea

Family: Oleaceae

Synonyms: Olea Oleaster, Olea lancifolia, Olea gallica, Olivier

Part used: the oil of the fruit, leaves, bark.

23

Habitat: Asia Minor and Syria.Cultivated in Mediterranean countries,Chile and

Peru,and South Australia.

Description:Olea Europea is a small,ever green tree,overaging 20 feet or

more in height.It has many thin branches with opposite branchlets and shortly

stalked,opposite lanceolate leaves ,acute,entire and smooth,pale green above

and silvery below.The bark is pale grey and the flowers numerous,small and

creamy white in colour.

The dark purple fruit is a drupe, ovoid and often pointed,the fleshy part filled

with oil.The thick,bony stone has a blunt keel down one side. The thick, bony

stone has a blunt keel down one side.

Official olive soap is made from olive oil and sodium hydroxide.

Costituents:

. Tannins

. Bitter water-soluble glucoside called aleuropein.

Seed: glycerides of oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid.

Medicinal actions and uses:

The leaves are astringent and antiseptic.Internally,a decoction of 2 handsful

boiled in a quart of water until reduced to half a pint has been used in the

levant in obstinate fevers.Both leaves and bark have valuable febrifugal

qualities.

The oil is a nourishing demulcent and laxative.Externally,it relieves pruritis,the

effects of stings or burns,and is a good vehicle for liniments.With alcohol it is a

good hair tonic.

24

As a lubricant it is valuable in skin,muscular,joint,kidney and chest

complaints,or abdominal chill,typhoid and scarlet fevers,plague and

dropsies.adaelicate babies absorb its nourishing properties well through the

skin.Its value in worms and gall stones is uncertain.

Internally,it is a laxative and disperser of acids and a mechanical antidote to

irritant poisons.It is often used in enemas.It is the best fat for cooking,and a

valuable article of diet for both sick and healthy of all ages.It can easily be

taken with milk,orange or lemon juice.

Contraindications:

1. locally on the eyes due to its irritating effect on the surface(empirical)

2. bile stones due to risk to inducing biliary colic(speculative)by its cholagogue

effect(empirical)

Dosage:as a laxative ,1 to 2 fluid ounces.

Adulterants: cotton seed,rape,sesame,arachis and poppy seed oils are the

many adulterants found.

Na7'wa Hendi هندي نخوة

Ajowan or Ajowain is called na7'wa hendi in Egypt.

COMMON NAME: Ajowan, Ajwain, Yamani, Bishop's Weed, Arjowan,

Ajowain, Wild Celery Seed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Trachyspermum ammi, Carum ajowan, Ptychotis ajowan,

Trachyspermum copticum, Ammi Coptium

FAMILY NAME: Apiaceae (Umbrella, Carrot)

25

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Possibly Egypt

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Primarily India

HISTORY INFORMATION: It was used in WWII as an antiseptic because of

its high thymol content, but now synthetics have taken its place. Sometimes it

is still used in cheap perfumes or soap. Ajowan is not an important spice, its

usage is limited to Central and South Asia. It is historically used in Ayurvedic

Medicine and Indian cooking. Ajowan is an ingredient in Indian Curry and the

Bengali spice mixture called panch phoron. Seeds can be obtained from

Indian food stores. Medicinally it is used in India to relieve spastic bowel,

flatulence, dyspepsia. It is effective against diseases of the digestive tract and

cholera.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The seeds resemble caraway and taste like

pepper with anise and thyme. They can be mislabeled as linage or celery

seed. Iowan is not grown in the United States. There does seem to be an

American cousin naturalized after its arrival from Asia: this plant is called

Bishop's Weed, Bishop's Lace or Bishop's Flower (Ammo magus). This plant

is not to be confused with Gout's Weed or Bishop's Weed (Aegopodium

podagraia) which has a rich herbal history. The Bishop's Weed noted here is a

wild flower growing in the southern United States. Bishop's Weed is the

South's answer to Queen Ann's Lace which likes cooler temperatures. They

are very similar in appearance. There is no herbal reference to Bishop's Weed

as there is for Queen Ann's Lace. Science is investigating Bishop's Weed to

see if it might fight cancer. Ammi visnaga, an essential oil coming from N.

Africa and utilized for asthma, is closely related to Ajowan.

26

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: An annual herb growing to 2 feet with bright green

foliage bearing an umbrella flowering stem producing caraway-like seeds.

There is little herbal reference in United States and Europe.

PARTS PROCESSED: Seeds primarily. A secondary oil is made from the

leaves.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled from the seeds. Steam distilled

from the leaves.

COLOR RANGE: Yellow orange or reddish.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Phenol. High in thymol, as much as

50%; alpha-pinene, p-cymene, limonene, gamma-terpines

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antiseptic, carminative, germicide. Used

for spastic bowel, flatulence, dyspepsia, stimulating the circulation system and

appetite, sinus congestion, deep-seated congestion and stagnation in both

respiratory and digestive tracts. Used to warm, improve circulation, promote

sleep and soothe sore and tight muscles.

APPLICATIONS: Bath (fixed oil may be needed), inhalation, gargle, massage,

tea.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: No formal testing. Use with caution. It

can irritate the skin.

27

Cumin الكمون

English name: cumin.

Latin name: Cuminum cyminum. family: umbelliferae

Description: small annual growing to 30 cm ,has long narrow leaves , clusters of pink or

white flowers and small oblong rigid fruits.

Habitat & cultivation : cumin native to Egypt & widely cultivated in southern Europe & asia

. The seeds are gathered when ripe in late Summer.

Part used : seeds.

constituents: cumin seeds contain 2-5 % volatile oil which consistof 25-35%

aldehyde, pinene and alpha-terpinied.

They also contain flavonoids ( including apigenin).

It contains 2.5 % essential oil which used in perfumery & for flavouring

beverages.

History & folklore : a popular spice & medicinal herb in ancient Egypt. Cumin

was used for illness Of the digestive system, for chest conditions, coughs, as

a pain killer, & to treat rotten teeth. The herb is mentioned in the old testament

.In cookery: cumin is an ingredient found in many Chinese ,Indian & middle

eastern recipes , especially carries 7 pickles .

28

Medicinal action & uses:

Cumin like its close relatives, caraway ( carum carvi ) & anise ( pimpinella

Anisum) ,relieves flatulence , bloating & stimulates the entire

digestive process. It reduces abdominal gases & distention & relaxes

the gut.

In Indian herbal medicine: cumin is used for insomnia , colds &

fevers .It may be mixed into a paste with onion juice . It has been

applied to scorpion stings . The seeds are also taken to improve breast

milk production .It is also stomachic , astringent &useful in diarrhea &

dyspepsia , improve appetite & taste . Cumin is considered iron rich

plant source .

Adulteration :

Cumin is hotter to the taste, lighter in color & larger than caraway .(cumin can be

adulterated with caraway).

Interaction & precaution : cumin is hypoglycemic herb ,& for those plants , the

hypoglycemic activity has been confirmed for an extract or an identified constituent.These

herbs are usually administrated in non insulin dependent diabetes . Insulin dependent

diabetes must monitor their blood sugar carefully to prevent hyperglycemic & hypoglycemic

episodes . The combined effect of hypoglycemic herbs with insulin treatment may lower

blood sugar levels & could potentially result in insulin shock.

29

Celery الكرفس

(Apium graveolens)

Fam

ily:Apiaceae

origin: native to the coasts of western and northern Europe, most commonly

in ditches and saltmarshes

Destribution: It grows to 1 m tall, with pinnate to bipinnate leaves with

rhombic leaflets 3-6 cm long and 2-4 cm broad. The flowers are creamy-white,

2-3 mm diameter, produced in dense compound umbels. The seeds are broad

ovoid to globose, 1.5-2 mm long and wide

History : Known to the Ancient Greeks, celery has been found in deposits

dating to the 9th century BC at Kastanas, as well as at 7th century BC Heraion

onSamos.

Cultivation:In North America, commercial production of celery is dominated

by a variety called Pascal celery. Gardeners can grow a range of cultivars,

many of which differ little from the wild species .They are ranged under two

classes, white and red; the white cultivars being generally the best flavoured,

and the most crisp and tender

Main Constituents:

Celery seeds contain several substances including volatile oils , flavonoids ,

coumarins , and linoleic acid.

Medicinal uses 11-

The whole plant is gently stimulant, nourishing, and restorative

30

it can be liquefied, with the juice taken for joint and urinary tract inflammations,

such as rheumatoid arthritis, cystitis, or for nervous urethritis, exhaustion

2-The seeds, harvested after the plant flowers in its second year, are the

basis for a homeopathic extract used as a diuretic. The extract is believed to

help clear toxins from the system, so are especially good for gout, where uric

acid crystals collect in the joints, and arthritis. They are also used as a mild

digestive stimulant. The extract can be combined with almond or sunflower oil,

and massaged into arthritic joints or for painful gout in the feet or toes.

3-

The root is an effective diuretic and has been taken for urinary stones and

gravel. It also acts as a bitter digestive remedy and liver stimulant. A tincture

can be used as a diuretic in hypertension and urinary disorders, as a

component in arthritic remedies, or as a kidney energy stimulant and cleanser.

4-Celery roots, fruits (seeds), and aerial parts, are used ethnomedically to

treat mild anxiety and agitation, loss of appetite, fatigue, cough, and as an

anthelmintics

How to Take It

Pediatric

There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of celery seed.

Therefore, it is not currently recommended for medicinal purposes in children.

Adult

Celery seed oil capsules or tablets: One to two capsules or tablets three times

a day, as directed by your health care provider. Celery seed extract: 1/4 to 1/2

31

tsp three times a day, or as directed by your health care provider. (Always

take with plenty of juice or with water at mealtime, unless instructed

otherwise.) Whole celery seeds: Prepare a tea by pouring boiling water over

one teaspoon (1 to 3 g) of freshly crushed seeds. Let it steep for 10 to 20

minutes before drinking. Drink three times a day.

Precautions

1-Pregnant women should not use celery seed because it may uterine

bleeding and cause muscle contractions in the uterus.

2-People with active kidney inflammation should also avoid this herb.

Although uncommon, allergic reactions (even anaphylaxis) to celery seed may

develop in people who handle or ingest celery. In fact, some individuals who

are allergic to birch pollen may also be allergic to celery seed.

3-Active compounds in celery stems and seeds can cause the skin to become

highly sensitive to UV rays (called photodermatitis). For this reason, people

taking celery seed should use sunscreen or sunblock lotions to protect their

skin from the sun.

4-Celery seeds should not be taken from a garden packet. Most seeds sold

for these purposes have been treated with chemicals and should not be taken

internally.

Possible Interactions

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between celery seed and

conventional medications. However, given that celery seed is an herb with

diuretic effects, people taking prescription diuretics (such as furosemide or

32

hydrochlorothiazide) should not take this herb without first consulting a

healthcare provider.

Similarly, celery contains properties that may thin the blood, thus making it

somewhat of a concern to take with blood thinning medications such as

warfarin or aspirin. If you take warfarin in particular you should not use celery

seed without first consulting your healthcare provider.

Henna الحنة

Lawsonia inermis

(l.alba lam)

Lythraceae

Synonym; law Sonia alba lam

Common names: henna, alkanna

African names: Arabic; enah

Eng:henna ,egyption priven,cypress shrub.

Constituent:

1-naphthoquinones such as Lawson ,a 2 hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones , are

the major constituent of the leaves .

2-the plant also contain resin and hennatannin.

3-the plant is noted as source of dye for hairs,feet,and as a cosmetic colorant.

Distribution: scarcely in dry deciduous forests, widely cultivated as a hedge

plant.

33

The plant: a glabrous much _branched deciduous shrub with 4-gonous lateral

branches often ending in spines; leaves simple , opposite ,entire , lancelate ,

Petioles very short or absent ;flowers white, or rose-colored, fragrant ,in large

terminal pyramidal panicled cymes , stamens 8 ,in 4 pairs inserted on the

calyx tube ; globose capsule ,tipped with the style and supported by the

persistent calyx, seeds numerous ,smooth , pyramidal .

History folklore:

henna has been used for thousands of years in North Africa and Asia as red

dye and a scent. Mummies were wrapped in henna –dyed cloth in ancient

Egypt .in Arabia and India, the leaves have traditionally been used to make a

pigment for dying intricate linear patterns on the fingers, palms and feet. The

leaves have also been used to dye not only human hair but the manes and

tails of horses.

Part used; roots, leaves, flowers, seeds .

Properties and uses:

1-the roots are bitter, refrigerant, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue ,

abortifacient and trichogenous.

2- and are useful in burning sensation , dipsia ,leprosy, skin disease,

strangury , amenorrhoea ,dysmenorrhoea, and premature greying of hair .

3-The leaves are bitter , astringent, acrid , refrigerant vulnerary , diuretic ,

emetic, expectorant , anodyne , anti inflammatory, constipating ,

depurative ,liver tonic ,haematinic, styptic, febrifuge and trichogenous .

34

4-They are useful in wounds, ulcer ,strangury , cough , bronchitis, vitiated

conditions of kapha rheumatalgia , inflammations, diarrhea.

Medicinal, actions &use:

1- henna leaves are commonly taken as a gargle for sore throat, and as

infusion or decoction for diarrhoea and dysentery.

2-The leaves are a stringent, prevent hemorrhaging and strongly promote

menstrual flow.

3- A decoction of the bark is used to treat liver problems .

4-applied in the form of a plaster, henna treats fungal infections, acne and

boils.

Dosage )henna);3 gm powdered leaf ,internally , for amoeba and ulcers

Contraindications: hazard and side effect for proper therapeutic dosage

Tannin may cause stomach problem.

henna leaf is avoided during pregnancy (may cause abortifacients).

Hibiscus الكركديه

Classification

Kingdom :plantae

Division: magnoliophyta

Class :magnoliopsida

Order: malvales

35

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: hibiscus

Species: syriacus

English names : Hibiscus , Rose mallow

Uses of hibiscus:

In treatment of hypertension

Pharmacological activity:

1-acidic phosphate stimulation

2-Alkaline phosphate inhibition

3-Antifsh activity

4-Antiestrogenic effect

5-Antifungal activity

6-Anti pyretic effect

7-Anti spasmodic activity

8-Menstruation induction effect

9-Anti viral activity

Active constituents:

Apigendin f1

Aracidic acid lf

36

Behenic acid lf

Citric acid f1

Hibiscus mucilage R1,lf1166

Malvilic acid, lf

Different uses of hibiscus:

In china: hot water extract of flower is taken orally as an emmenagogue

In japan: decoction of fresh leave is taken orally as antacid

In Kuwait: flower are taken orallyas antidiarheal

In Malysia: extract of root is taken orally as fever and venereal diseases

And infusion of hot water extract is taken orally as an expectorant

And water extract of bark is taken orally as emmenagogue.

37

Remedy 1

Remedy 1 was purchased from a merchant in smouha, it is composed of:

Hibiscus 28.3%

Sweet marjoram 15%

Borassus 37.7%

Purslane 18.9%

Method of dispensing:

Infusion of one tea spoonful twice daily (first time before breakfast and the

other at night)

Comment

The components of this remedy, mainly contains volatile oils and tannins,

which are extractable through infusion methods, but they also contain other

constituents ,such as falvonoids, which are extractable through decoction

method.

We recommend this remedy to be taken together with chemical drugs

prescribed by physician, but this must be under supervision of the physician,

besides the patient must be aware of the components and precautions of each

drug.

38

This remedy is not recommended for:

Pregnant women.

Women with heavy menstruation.

People suffering from kidney diseases.

People that develop allergies to any of the constituents.

Remedy 2:

It was purchased from a merchant in Mansheya,it is composed of:

Doum palm

Sweet marjoram

Olive

Celery

Henna leaves

Cumin

Nakhwa hindy (Ajowain)

Method of dispensing:

Decoction or a spoonful with honey twice daily

(one before breakfast and the other at night)

Comment:

The components of this remedy includes: volatile oils, tannins, flavonoids,

glycosides and alkaloids.

39

We do not recommend this remedy to be taken as a decoction as volatile oils

will be lost. It is better to be taken with honey to avoid this loss.

We recommend it to be taken together with chemical drugs prescribeb by a

physician and under his supervision.

The patient has an important role in treatment, he should do investigations

and measure his blood pressure frequently. He should avoid stress and be

aware of the precautions to avoid any complications.

This remedy is not recommended for:

. pregnant women

. women with heavy menstruation

. people suffering inflammation or diseases of the kidney

. people having bile stones

. diabetic people who are insulin dependant

. people suffering allergy to any of the constituents

40

References:

Introduction of herbs--(www.wikipedia.com--www.herbaldiary.com)

Marjoram--www.khayma.com

www.Wikipedia.org

http://essentialblend.com/marjoram.htm

Hypertension introduction:

Health.allrefer.com

En.wikipedia.com

www.lifeclinic.com

www.abouthypertension.info

www.cvphysiology.com

www.cardiologychannel.com

kidney.niddk.nih.gov

www.nlm.nih.gov

www.webmd.com

www.wrongdiagnosis.com

Nottingham university website

41