Introduction

UNIT 8: Materia Medica 3

Introduction

This is the third of three Materia Medica Units where we consider the importance and significance of five more medicinal plants, focusing on how and why they are in common use. We also look at some straightforward but effective home remedies including juices, powders, decoctions and syrups.

Thyme, Thymus vulgaris L.
Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis L.
Yarrow, Achillea millefolium L.
Cleavers, Galium aparine L.
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale L.

Overview

For each of the five plants, we review research into the compounds they contain and consider how knowledge of the effects of whole plant extracts informs and confirms traditional use in Western herbal medicine.

We also:

Describe why the lymphatic system is given greater emphasis in traditional Western herbal medicine than other medical systems
Consider the treatment of infection in a holistic and dynamic way
Describe the concept of expectorant, and discuss traditional systems of medicine that value increased elimination of waste products
Describe the ‘heroic’ approach to treatment
Describe herbs that have a capacity for action at specific organ sites.

There will be opportunities for you to expand your sensory exploration of the subtleties of each of these medicinal plants, and thus build a more complex and nuanced understanding and relationship with each plant.

You will also continue to explore simple home recipes and practical pharmacy techniques, and learn how to transform a plant into something pleasant and remedial to use.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of Section 1, you will have an understanding of

The structure of this Unit, and some central concepts underpinning Western herbal medicine.

By the end of Section 2, you will have an understanding of

The Lamiaceae family and thyme
The parts used, main constituents, main therapeutic actions, methods of preparation and use, cautions and care, and research relating to the plant
The function of the immune system
The use of this well-known culinary herb as an heroic medicine.
How to prepare a herb vinegar and oxymel.

By the end of Section 3, you will have an understanding of

The basic botany of yarrow
The parts used, main constituents, main therapeutic actions, methods of preparation and use, cautions and care, and research relating to the plant
Research relating to yarrow - ‘the herbalist’s herb’ - an ancient ‘cure-all’ used in the management of both acute and chronic conditions
Drying herbs for later use.

By the end of Section 4, you will have an understanding of

The basic botany of dandelion
The parts used, main constituents, main therapeutic actions, methods of preparation and use, cautions and care, and research relating to the plant
Cleansing the blood using alteratives and depruatives
How to prepare a decoction
The medicinal use of dandelion – three remedies in one.

By the end of Section 5, you will have an understanding of

The malvaceae family including marshmallow
The parts used, main constituents, main therapeutic actions, methods of preparation and use, cautions and care, and research relating to the plant
How to make a marshmallow syrup
Mucilaginous herbs and their uses
The treatment of infection with herbs.

By the end of Section 6, you will have an understanding of

The basic botany of cleavers
The parts used, main constituents, main therapeutic actions, methods of preparation and use, cautions and care, and research relating to the plant
The importance of lymph and the lymphatic system in herbal medicine.

By the end of Section 6, you will have an understanding of:

Conducting your own mini-research project in to the medicinal properties of a spice using research skills, writing skills and use of scientific naming of plants.

Additional Information

This unit contains Reference and Resources lists as well as the tutor’s own tasting notes.

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