Indications

Coumarins possess significant antispasmodic effects against smooth muscles and to a lesser degree skeletal muscles.

Gynecological
• menstrual complaints associated with cramping of smooth muscles
- spasmodic dysmenorrhea
- menstrual irregularity with associated thigh and muscle pain
- amenorrhea
• partus preparator
- false labour pains with threat of miscarriage
- morning sickness

Cardiovascular
• vasodilating properties make it useful in vascular diseases (traditional use)
- hypertension
- Buerger's disease
- angina

Actions

• Antispasmodic
• Antiinflammatory
• Emmenagogue
• Nervine
• Parturifacient
• Astringent
• Hypotensive

Constituents

• Coumarins (E.g. Scopoletin)
• Salicyclate (Salicin) †
• Tannins
• Flavonoids

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 40% EtOH): 4-8 ml tid
• Decoction (dry herb): 2 tsp tid

Safety

† Cautions: Salicyclate (aspirin) sensitivity, children (Reye's syndrome).

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002