|
Balmony
Chelone glabra
Scrophulariaceae
Names : Bitter Herb, Snake Head, Turtle Head, or Turtle Broom.
Habitat : North America
Collection : The aerial parts are collected and dried during the
flowering period between July and September.
Part Used : Dried aerial parts
Constituents : Very little work has been carried out on this plant.
Resins and bitters only have been reported.
Actions : Cholagogue, hepatic, anti-emetic, stimulant, laxative.
Indications : Balmony is an excellent agent for liver problems. It acts
as a tonic on the whole digestive and absorptive system. It has a
stimulating effect on the secretion of digestive juices, and in this
most natural way its laxative properties are produced. Balmony is used
in gall stones, inflammation of the gall-bladder and in jaundice. It
stimulates the appetite, eases colic, dyspepsia and biliousness and is
helpful in debility. Externally it has been used on inflamed breasts,
painful ulcers and piles. It is considered a specific in gall stones
that lead to congestive jaundice.
Priest & Priest tell us that it is a mild relaxing hepatic
influencing the mucous membranes, stimulating appetite and toning the
stomach. It is suitable for children and the elderly. Indicated for
gastro-intestinal disturbances after prolonged illness They give the
following specific indications : Atonic conditions, malaise and
debility, dyspepsia, mal-absorption, roundworms and threadworms, colitis
from hepatic dysfunction, chronic jaundice.
Felter considered it a useful remedy for gastro-intestinal debility with
hepatic torpor or jaundice. Dyspeptic conditions attending convalescence
from prostrating fevers are often aided by it, and should be studied
particularly for vague and shifting pain in the region of the ascending
colon.
Kings Dispensatory describes it as being tonic, cathartic, and
anthelmintic. Especially valuable in jaundice and hepatic diseases,
likewise for the removal of worms, for which it may be used in powder or
decoction, internally and also ln injection. Used as a tonic in small
doses, in dyspepsia, debility of the digestive organs, particuIarly when
associated with hepatic inactivity, and during convalescence from
febrile and inflammatory diseases. It is valuable after malarial fevers
as a tonic and to unlock the secretions when checked by quinine.
Recommended in form of ointment as an application to painful and
inflamed tumors, irritable and painful ulcers,inflammed breasts, piles,
etc. Kings gives the following specific indications: Gastro-intestinal
debility, with hepatic torpor or jaundice; worms.
Combinations : For the relief on constipation, Balmony may be combined
with Butternut. For jaundice it will best be used with Milk Thistle and
other toning hepatics such as Golden Seal.
Preparations & Dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2
teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This
should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take l-2ml of the tincture three times a day.
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
Technology
|
