Handbook of Medicinal Herbs

(Dana P.) #1

F


Dosages (Faba Bean) — I once calculated that it would take a pound of faba beans, or a couple
ounces of sprouts, to give a physiological dose of L-dopa. The sprouts are also better sources of
daidzein and genistein.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Faba Bean) — Not covered by AHP or
Commission E. Inhaling pollen or ingesting seeds may, occasionally, cause favism, an especially
severe hemolytic anemia, an inherited enzymatic deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase)
among Mediterranean people (Greek, Italian, and Semitic people). Injected intravenously in rabbits,
broadbean extracts have produced hemoglobinuria and death (BIB). Overdosage, especially in
genetically susceptible individuals, can rapidly lead to diarrhea, queasiness, vertigo, and vomiting.
In more severe cases: anuria, fever, hemoglobinuria, icterus, and/or oliguria. Following ingestion
and digestion, pyrimidine derivatives in high doses can cause hemolysis (PHR). L-dopa may cause
a rise in blood pressure (PHR). L-dopa is contraindicated if you have heart, liver, lung, kidney, or
thyroid problems; glaucoma; or are taking vitamin B6, antidepressants (especially MAOIs), and
antipsychotic drugs. L-dopa may activate malignant melanomas, which, however, can be checked
by 100 mg/day coumarin, found in the tonka bean.
Extracts (Faba Bean) — Estrogenic activity of fresh beans is equivalent to 11.4 μg estradiol
monobenzoate/kg. The ethanol-ether extract of the seeds at a 50-mg dose level stimulated nonpreg-
nant uterus at diestrus (WOI). “The immature seeds exhibited appreciable antifungal activity;
phytoalexins came into play to combat the infection” (WOI). L-dopa LD50 = 609 ppm (orl rbt);
LD50 = 3650 ppm (orl mouse); LD50 = 4000 ppm (orl rat) (FNF).

FAIRY FLAX, MOUNTAIN FLAX (Linum catharticum L.) +

Activities (Fairy Flax) — Bitter (f; PH2); Emetic (f; PH2); Diuretic (1; EFS; HHB); Laxative (1;
EFS; PH2); Vermifuge (f; EFS; HHB).
Indications (Fairy Flax) — Amenorrhea (f; HHB); Ascites (f; HHB; MAD); Bronchosis (f; HHB);
Catarrh (f; HHB; MAD; PH2); Constipation (1; EFS; PH2); Cough (f; PH2); Diarrhea (f; HHB;
PH2); Dropsy (f; PH2); Dysuria (f; PH2); Edema (f; PH2); Hemorrhoid (f; HHB; PH2); Hepatosis
(f; EFS; HHB; MAD); Oliguria (f; PH2); Rheumatism (f; HHB; MAD; PH2); Water Retention (1;
EFS; HHB); Worm (f; EFS; HHB; PH2).
Dosages (Fairy Flax) — 2.5 g/cup tea (HHB); 2 g powdered herb/cup (MAD); 2–3 tsp (4.8–7.2
g) hot tea/day (MAD); 2 g herb/cup tea (PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Fairy Flax) — Not covered (AHP). “Hazards
and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Small doses are laxative; larger
doses are emetic and laxative, causing gastroenterosis.

FALSE SCHISANDRA (Kadsura japonica (L.) Dunal) +

Synonym — Uvaria japonica L.
Activities (False Schisandra) — Analgesic (f; PH2); Anticancer (f; PH2); Antiinflammatory (f;
PH2); Antispasmodic (f; PH2); Hepatoprotective (f; PH2).
Indications (False Schisandra) — Asthma (f; PH2); Cancer (f; PH2); Cough (f; PH2); Cramp (f;
PH2); Diarrhea (f; PH2); Dysmenorrhea (f; PH2); Enuresis (f; PH2); Inflammation (f; PH2);
Insomnia (f; PH2); Night Sweats (f; PH2); Osteosis (f; PH2); Pain (f; PH2); Spermatorrhea (f;
PH2); Stomachache (f; PH2); Swelling (f; PH2).
Dosages (False Schisandra) — 1.5–6 g fruit (9–15 in Chinese people) (PH2).
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