PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS NASTURTIUM/537

MYRTLE LEAVES

Unproven Uses: Folk medicine internal uses include diar-

rhea, hemorrhoids, prostatitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, tubercu-

losis and colds. Among external uses are ear infections, tired

limbs, fatigue and leukorrhea. External applications include

ear infections, tired limbs, and leukorrhea.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

No internal administration of the drug should take place in

the presence of inflammatory illnesses of the gastrointestinal

area or of the biliary ducts, or in the case of severe liver

diseases.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

General: No health hazards or side effects are known in

conjunction with the proper administration of designated

therapeutic dosages. In rare cases, the internal administration

of Myrtle oil as a drug leads to nausea, vomiting and

diarrhea.

Pediatric Use: Preparations containing the oil should not be

applied to the faces of infants or small children because of

the possibility of triggering glottal spasm, bronchial spasm,

asthma-like attacks or even respiratory failure.

OVERDOSAGE

Overdoses of Myrtle oil (more than 10 g) can lead to life-

threatening poisoning, due to the high cineole content.

Symptoms include, among others, a decrease in or loss of

blood pressure, circulatory disorders, collapse and respira-

tory failure. Do not induce vomiting if poisoning occurs,

because of the danger of aspiration. Following administra-

tion of activated charcoal, the therapy for poisonings consists

of treating spasms with diazepam (i.v.); treating colic with

atropintffand providing electrolyte substitution. Treat possi-

ble cases ofaddosTs with sodium bicarbonate infusions.

Intubation and oxygen respiration may also be necessary.

DOSAGE

MYRTLE OIL

Mode of Administration: Myrtle is available in various

medicinal/pharmaceutical preparations for internal use.

Preparation: Prepare an infusion by mixing 15 to 30 g of the

drug with 1 L water and leave to draw for 15 minutes.

Daily Dosage: Single dose: 0.2 g of drug to be taken

internally.

Storage: Protect from light and keep tightly sealed.

MYRTLE LEAVES
Preparation: Prepare an infusion by mixing 15 to 30 g of the
drug with 1 L water and leave to draw for 15 minutes. A
wash is prepared by adding 30 g of leaves to 1 L of water
and letting it stand.

Daily Dosage: The average daily dosage of powder from the

leaves is 5 g taken before meals. 3 cups of an infusion may

be taken each day. Washes may be used several times daily.

Storage: Store the leaves in a tightly sealed container that

blocks exposure to light.

LITERATURE

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Joseph MI et al., (1987) Pharmazie 42 (2): 142.

Lawrence BM, Perfumer Flavorist 15:65-66. 1990.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Morton JF, An Atlas of Medicinal Plants of Middle America,

Charles C Thomas USA 1981.

Peyron L, Plantes Med Phytother 4:279-285. 1970.

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
   Verlag Heidelberg 1992.-
   Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
   pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
   York 1995.

Myrtus communis

See Myrtle

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

See Daffodil

Nardostachys jatamansi.

See Jatamansi

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the fresh herb, the

whole fresh flowering plant and the seeds.