Handbook of Medicinal Herbs

(Dana P.) #1

M


Strangury (f; CRC); Swelling (1; CRC; MAB); Tapeworm (f; CRC); Thrombosis (1; MAB);
Toothache (1; APA); Tumor (1; APA); Ulcer, peptic (prevent and treat) (1; APA; MAB; PH2;
PNC; WAF); UTI (1; APA); Vaginosis (1; MAB); Vertigo (f; CRC; MAB); Water Retention (1;
APA; MAB; PHR; PH2); Worm (f; CRC).
Dosages (Meadowsweet) — 1–2 tsp flowers in tea several ×/day (APA); 1 tbsp flowers/cup, 1–2
cups in morning (HHB); 2.5–3.5 g flowers (KOM; MAB; PH2; PIP); 2–4 ml liquid flower extract
(APA); 4–5 g herb (KOM; MAB; PH2; PIP); 4–6 g herb, or in tea, 3 ×/day (CAN); 1.5–6 ml liquid
herb extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol) 3 ×/day (CAN); 2–4 ml herb tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol) 3
×/day (CAN).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Meadowsweet) — Class 1 (AHP). “Hazards
and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). For the flower, Commission
E reports hypersensitivity to salicylates (AEH). Overdosage might cause gastric distress and quea-
siness (PHR). In view of the lack of toxicological data, excessive use, especially during lactation
and pregnancy, should be avoided. Contraindicated with aspirin or salicylate allergy due to potential
for cross-reactivity (O’Brien, 1998). Individuals with aspirin hypersensitivity, asthma, diabetes,
gout, hemophilia, hepatosis, hypothrombinemia, nephrosis, and peptic ulcers should be cautious
with salicylates. Alcohol, barbiturates, and oral sedatives may potentiate salicylate toxicity. Beware
of salicylate interaction with oral anticoagulants, methotrexate, metoclopramide, phenytoin,
pronebecid, spironolactone, and valproate. Salicylates excreted in breast milk reportedly can cause
macular rashes in breast-fed babies (CAN). Avoid use during viral infections (WAM). Flower
extracts are bacteriostatic, prolong life expectancy of mice, lower vascular permeability, promote
excretion of urine acid, and prevent gastric ulcers (but can potentiate ulcerogenic activity of
histamine). Salicin does not irritate the stomach (CAN).

MELATONIN (+)-N.A.

Activities (Melatonin) — Antiaging; Antidepressant; Antioxidant; Synchronizer.
Indications (Melatonin) — Depression; Insomnia; Jet Lag; Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Dosages (Melatonin) — 0.5–3 mg melatonin at bedtime.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Melatonin) — Doses <8 mg have reportedly
induced heavy head, headache, and transient depression. May aggravate depression in patients with
psychiatric illness. JAMA cautions that “some studies suggest melatonin may deepen depression
in those who have it or induce it in those susceptible to it.” Melatonin in physiological doses causes
vasoconstriction and also constricts cerebral arteries” (in rats). (JAMA) Melatonin has no LD50.
Additional possible adverse effects mentioned in the NIH workshop included inhibition of fertility,
suppression of male sexual drive, hypothermia, and retinal damage. (Possibilities of gynecomastia
and low sperm count disappeared in one man when he discontinued melatonin.) Some people taking
as little as 3 mg tell me it’s too much and gets them wired, reporting better insomnia protection
with smaller doses.

MELON, CANTALOUPE (Cucumis melo L.) +++

Activities (Melon) — Antiacne (1; PAM); Antiaging (1; FNF); Antialcoholic (f; BIB); Antiasth-
matic (1; PAM); Anticancer (1; FNF; JNU; PAM); Antiemetic (f; BIB; LMP); Antimastitic (1;
PAM); Antimutagenic (1; FNF); Antioxidant (1; PAM); Antiozenic (1; FNF); Antiphotophobic
(f; M29); Antipityriasic (f; PAM); Anti-PMS (f; JAF34:409); Antiporphyric (f; M28); Antipro-
liferant (f; JNU); Antipsoriac (f; PAM); Antipyretic (f; BIB; DEP); Antistress (f; DAS); Antiulcer
(1; PAM); Aphrodisiac (f; BIB); Cardioprotective (1; FNF); Demulcent (f; BIB); Digestive (f;
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