Cheiranthus, Wallflower
Cheiri, Gillyflower
Tudri Surkh, Gul Shabo (Unani)
Bessler, Basilius, Hortus Eystettensis, vol. 2: Secundus ordo collectarum plantarum aestivalium, 1620
Flora von Deutschland (14), Kohler, 1883
Botanical name:
Cheiranthus cheiri (syn. C. fruticulosus, C. helveticus, C. intermedius, C. luteus, C. muralis, Erysimum cheiri, E. helveticum; Leucoium luteum). Four types were used: the yellow type (luteus) was mostly used
Parts used:
Flower; Herb; the Seed is used in Unani
Temperature & Taste:
Flower, Warm, dry. Seed: Warm, moist. Bitter, Pungent
Cordial, emollient, attenuates, discussive, cleanses, of thin parts
Uses:
1. Moves the Blood, Clears Heat, Resolves Swelling:
-good for the Nerves and Joints
-eases Pain; Arthritis, Gout (since Dioscorides)
-relieves inflammation and pain
-Fibroid Tumors, Hard Swellings, Cancer
2. Moves the Blood, Promotes Menstruation:
-Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea
-Tumors of the Uterus
-cleanses the Afterbirth and a Dead Fetus
-Cardiopathy, Cardiac insufficiency; has digitalis-like effect
3. Benefits Kidneys:
-promotes Semen; Aphrodisiac, increases Sexual Potency (Unani)
-Impotence, Premature Ejaculation, Spermatorrhea
-Diuretic
-seed is most used for this purpose
4. Clears Phlegm, Stops Cough:
-as a linctus for Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma (Seed, Unani)
-Fevers (associated with Phlegm)
5. Opens the Bowels:
-mild laxative for use in constipation
6. Promotes Milk (Unani)
7. Externally:
-infused oil is applied to Paralysis, Numbness, arthritic and gout pain
-topically for Tumors and Cancers, including Cancer of the Uterus (Infused Oil)
-topically to Warts and hard swellings
Dose:
Taken in wine or alcohol to move the blood. Usually only small doses are added to larger formulas.
Infusion of the Herb or Flower2–3 grams for infusion, taken 3 times daily; or added at the end of decoction.
Substitutes:
The Behens (Centaurea or Salvia) can replace Cheiranthus.
Main Combinations:
1. To promote Menstruation, Wallflower with Pennyroyal, Balm, Sage, Mugwort and Calendula
2. To increase Sexual Potency:
i. Wallflower with Carrot seed, Rocket seed, Cotton seed, Orchid, Ginger, Ash tree keys
ii. Wallflower with Triphala, Trikatu, Orchid, Ash tree keys, Sesame seed
iii. Wallflower with Withania, Orchis and Asparagus root
3. Salve for Tumors and Cancer of the Uterus, (infused) Oils of Wallflower, Feverfew, Saffron, Myrrh, Opopanax, Turpentine, made into a salve with Celery juice (Wirtzung)
Cautions:
1. Avoid overdose
2. Not used in those with Heart conditions
3. Not used during pregnancy
Toxicity
Toxic in overdose; contains cardioactive compounds.
Drug Interactions
Should not be used with digitalis-like drugs.
Main Preparations used:
Conserve of the Flower, Distilled Water of the Herb, Infused Oil of the Flowers
