Indications

CNS
• nervous conditions following chronic disease or stress-induced restlessness
- anxiety
- insomnia
• over-excitation of nerves
- seizure
- neuropathy
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, ADD)
• shingles
• movement disorders
- delirium tremens
- tremors
- restless leg syndrome
- chorea
- muscular fasciculations
- twitches
• agitation

Gynecological
• dysmenorrhea

Respiratory
• asthma

Cardiac
• arrhythmias
• hypertension

Male Reproduction
• low libido (traditional use)
• erectile dysfunction (ED )

Actions

• Nervine
• Anxiolytic
• Antispasmodic
• Anticonvulsant
• Antioxidant
• Aphrodisiac
• Anodyne
• Hypotensive

Constituents

• Flavonoids
• Alkaloids (E.g. Harmaline)
• Cyanogenic Glycoside

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 40% EtOH): 2-4 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid
• Infusion: (dried herb): 1-2 tsp tid

Safety

Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Interactions

• Benzodiazepines • caution because it binds to similar receptors and may potentiate or interfere with their effects.

• Marijuana • in vivo studies shows it helps mitigate the loss of libido experience by chronic cannabinoid use.

References

"Show references"

"Hide references"

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