Handbook of Medicinal Herbs

(Dana P.) #1

B


BROOM CORN (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) ++

Synonym — See USDA (GRIN) for long list of synonyms.
Activities (Broom Corn) — Antiabortive (f; BIB); Aperitif (f; KAB); Aphrodisiac (f; KAB);
Cyanogenic (1; WOI); Demulcent (f; BIB; KAB; PH2; WOI); Depurative (f; KAB); Diuretic (f;
BIB; KAB; WOI); Emollient (f; BIB); Stomachic (f; LMP); Vermifuge (f; WBB).
Indications (Broom Corn) — Anorexia (f; KAB); Biliousness (f; KAB); Bleeding (f; BIB);
Bronchosis (f; JFM); Burn (f; JLH; TOM); Cancer (f; JLH; KAB); Congestion (f; JFM); Cough
(f; JFM); Cystosis (f; FEL; KAB); Debility (f; BIB); Dermatosis (f; WBB); Diarrhea (f; JFM;
WBB); Dyspepsia (f; PH2); Dysuria (f; BIB; KAB); Eczema (f; WBB); Epilepsy (f; BIB); Flu
(f; BIB); Goiter (f; JFM); Hemorrhoid (f; KAB); Malaria (f; WBB); Mastosis (f; WBB); Measles
(f; BIB; JFM); Nephrosis (f; BIB; KAB; TOM); Pulmonosis (f; JFM); Stomachache (f; BIB);
Swelling (f; WBB); Tuberculosis (f; BIB; WBB); Water Retention (f; BIB; KAB; WOI); Worm
(f; WBB).
Dosages (Broom Corn) — Decoct 1 tbsp powdered toasted seed (JFM); decoct 2 oz seed/quart
water for cystosis (FEL). Molasses, derived from the seeds, was used with sulfur as a spring tonic
in rural Alabama (TOM). I remember my dad and mom talking about it, but don’t know that they
ever tonified me therewith.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Broom Corn) — Not covered (AHP).
“Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 des-
ignates no specific quantified dosage! JAD). Cyanide poisoning can occur in grazing animals
overgrazing the foliage, especially wilted foliage (WOI).

BROWN KELP (Macrocystis pyrifera C. Agardh) ++

Activities (Brown Kelp) — Antiobesity (f; PH2).
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