Asiatic Dogwood, Japanese Cornel (Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc.)
Overview
Asiatic Dogwood, also known as Japanese Cornel, is a medicinal plant valued in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties. It is particularly noted for its applications in managing various health conditions, primarily related to inflammation and bacterial infections.
Medicinal Activity
Asiatic Dogwood exhibits several key activities that contribute to its therapeutic profile:
• Antiallergic: Helps in alleviating allergic reactions by moderating immune responses.
• Antibacterial: Exhibits properties that combat bacterial infections, making it useful in treating various bacterial conditions.
• Astringent: Has the ability to contract tissues, which can help reduce secretions and inflammation.
• Diuretic: Promotes urination, aiding in the elimination of excess fluids and toxins from the body.
• Hypotensive: Lowers blood pressure, which can benefit individuals with hypertension.
• Leukocytogenic: Stimulates the production of white blood cells, enhancing immune function.
• Tonic: Strengthens and invigorates the body, promoting overall health.
• Antiallergic: Helps in alleviating allergic reactions by moderating immune responses.
• Antibacterial: Exhibits properties that combat bacterial infections, making it useful in treating various bacterial conditions.
• Astringent: Has the ability to contract tissues, which can help reduce secretions and inflammation.
• Diuretic: Promotes urination, aiding in the elimination of excess fluids and toxins from the body.
• Hypotensive: Lowers blood pressure, which can benefit individuals with hypertension.
• Leukocytogenic: Stimulates the production of white blood cells, enhancing immune function.
• Tonic: Strengthens and invigorates the body, promoting overall health.
Therapeutic Indication
The herb is indicated for a variety of conditions, including:
• Allergy: Effective in managing allergic reactions and symptoms.
• Arthrosis: Helpful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with joint degeneration.
• Backache: Provides relief for lower back pain and discomfort.
• Cancer: Used as a supportive treatment in cancer management.
• Diabetes: May assist in regulating blood sugar levels.
• Dysuria: Aids in relieving difficult or painful urination (caution is advised).
• Fever: Reduces fever symptoms and promotes recovery.
• Hepatosis: Supports liver health and function.
• High Blood Pressure: Effective in managing elevated blood pressure levels.
• Hyperhidrosis: Helps manage excessive sweating.
• Impotence: May aid in treating erectile dysfunction.
• Night Sweats: Addresses excessive sweating at night.
• Sciatica: Provides relief from pain radiating along the sciatic nerve.
• Water Retention: Assists in alleviating conditions related to fluid retention.
• Allergy: Effective in managing allergic reactions and symptoms.
• Arthrosis: Helpful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with joint degeneration.
• Backache: Provides relief for lower back pain and discomfort.
• Cancer: Used as a supportive treatment in cancer management.
• Diabetes: May assist in regulating blood sugar levels.
• Dysuria: Aids in relieving difficult or painful urination (caution is advised).
• Fever: Reduces fever symptoms and promotes recovery.
• Hepatosis: Supports liver health and function.
• High Blood Pressure: Effective in managing elevated blood pressure levels.
• Hyperhidrosis: Helps manage excessive sweating.
• Impotence: May aid in treating erectile dysfunction.
• Night Sweats: Addresses excessive sweating at night.
• Sciatica: Provides relief from pain radiating along the sciatic nerve.
• Water Retention: Assists in alleviating conditions related to fluid retention.
Prepration & Usage
The recommended dosage of Asiatic Dogwood is typically:
• Fruit: 3–12 g, which can be consumed in various forms, including dried fruit or extracts.
• Fruit: 3–12 g, which can be consumed in various forms, including dried fruit or extracts.
Safety & Considerations
Asiatic Dogwood is classified as Class 2d in terms of safety, meaning it should be used cautiously. It is contraindicated in individuals with difficult or painful urination. While no significant health hazards are known at therapeutic dosages, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially for those with existing health issues or on medication.
Conclusion
Asiatic Dogwood is a versatile medicinal herb with a rich history in traditional medicine. Its various activities make it valuable for managing a range of health concerns, particularly those related to inflammation and infections. However, careful consideration should be given to dosage and contraindications to ensure safe use.