Plant Archives: Medicine

Subject: Bogbean Scientific Name: Menyanthes Perfoliatum

Bogbean is an Eclectic remedy used to stimulate health when vitality was on the decline. It was used in small doses because large doses caused vomiting. I guess you could say its so stimulating that it can over stimulate the gag reflex. Not really used anymore, this is an interesting plant with a long history. Its one that should be studied for its potential use in chronic disease.

Subject: Boldo Scientific Name: Peumos Boldo

Boldo is considered a tonic plant, building to the general constitution. In particular, it improves digestive and liver function. When poor vitality shows itself in digestive inactivity, this is an herb to think about.

Subject: Boneset Scientific Name: Eupatorium Perfolatum

This almost completly forgotten plant was one off the most medicinal plants of the Native Americans, and, amongst the Eclectic physicians. When infection struck, or threatened to strike, it was used to squash the infection, be that an acute infection, like influenza, or a chronic one, like malaria. This is a plant that needs to be rediscovered!

Subject: Bowmans Root Scientific Name: Gillenia Trifolia

Gillenia is a pretty obscure herb. The Eclectic Physicians used it to a limited extent to treat chronic infections and otherchronic diseases. They considered it a tonic, generally strengthening to the constitution. It past uses make it an interesting subject for study and someone should research it.

Subject: Bristly Sarsaparilla Scientific Name: Aralia Hispida

Bristly sarsaparilla is a member of the ginseng family and, like most members of that family, is probably an adaptogen. That said, it has not been studied much and is probably worth further investigation.

Subject: Bryony Scientific Name: Bryonia Alba

Bryonia alba was a plant used by the Eclectic physicians to treat certain infections and auto-immune diseases. It has fallen out of use and has not been studied much in recent days.

Subject: Buchu Scientific Name:

Buchu is a curious herbal medicine. When made into tea it tastes of berries, it is utterly pleasant, and when it comes to urinary tract infections, its one of the best treatments out there.

Subject: Bugleweed Scientific Name: Lycopus Virginicus

I cant blowthe trumpet for bugleweed because I dont know much about it. What I do know was that it was used like Digitalis in the treatment of chronic heart disease. Probably an herb for the researchers, and, hopefully someone will look at it.

Subject: Bulbous Buttercup Scientific Name: Ranunculus Bulbosus

Bulbous buttercup was a minor player in the medical scene from the last century. It gets a brief mention from the Eclectic physicians. But, like all members of Ranunculus family, care must be taken with it because it is likely to cause welts! This one needs a little more research before its ready for consumer use!

Subject: Burdock Scientific Name: Arctium Lappa

Burdock acts on the immune system and is used both in infections and in chronic diseases rooted in auto-immunity. Because of its ability to correct immune function, it is often called an immune modulatory.