Holiday Essentials

Posted: March 2024

Author: Katie Donnelly, Adv Dip HSc Naturopathy

The Phytomed Holiday Essentials – First Aid Toolbox

Soaking up the last of the summer and spending more time outdoors, can come with its share of scrapes, burns, and bites. Paired with sporting injuries and hikes, the first aid kit can get quite the work out. As we head towards the Easter break, having phytomedicine options on hand can offer effective preventative care and aid recovery.

The Holiday Herbal Essentials List

Symphytum officinale (comfrey leaf)

Echinacea purpurea (echinacea)

Arnica montana (arnica)

Solanum aviculare (poroporo)

Macropiper excelsum (kawakawa)

Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka)

Symphytum officinale (comfrey leaf) is the perfect option when heading out into the wilderness. Used more commonly topically and lesser internally, this herb supports musculoskeletal sprains, bone breaks, and wound healing, including trauma such as haematomas. The constituent allantoin is thought to be responsible for many of these actions, showing improved cellular repair of skin, connective tissues and bone reparation. Significant rosmarinic acid also contributes to potent antioxidant actions, regulating pro-inflammatory cytkoines and inhibiting lipoxygenase.¹

Exclusively for topical application, Arnica montana (arnica) has been used for centuries for pain and inflammation. This is particularly beneficial for exercise and sport-induced injuries and osteoarthritic pain, where it is comparative to ibuprofen for pain management. Ethanolic extracts of arnica showed notable antioxidant actions, with flavonoids and phenolic acids, signifcantly improving free radical scavenging. This further prevents oxidative damage and encourages healthy fibroblast cell formation, enabling connective tissue healing.²

The alkaloids in the New Zealand native Solanum aviculare and Solanum laciniatum (poroporo) can also provide topical pain relief. Solasodine has been identified as a key component in steroid development and acts as an anti-inflammatory. This supports traditional applications as a poultice for wounds, bruising, or itchy bites.

The fresh herb can also serve as a useful tool for the avid camper. Poroporo leaves were traditionally used as a shampoo, particuarly for dandruff, or to wash whare (houses). The leaves were boiled, encouraging the release of saponins and creating a foamy consistency then used for cleaning. There are also records of raw leaves being used on hāngī (traditional underground cooking) stones to add flavour. However, leaves were never consumed due to toxicity.³

The broad leaves of Macropiper excelsum (kawakawa), however, can be consumed. As a tea infusion, or ethanolic extract, kawakawa can calm indigestion and abdominal cramping. This relates to the numerous dopamine receptors in the gastrointestinal system, and the presence of dopamine in Piperaceae plants.⁴

Applied as a poultice for stings, joint pains, burns, and wounds, this versatile herb can provide topical and internal inflammation relief. Antispetic and analgesic actions from myristicin contribute to the efficacy of kawakawa in these applications. It was also traditionally used to counteract pain from touching stinging nettle.⁵ Another herb popular for wound healing abilities is Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka), linked to its powerful antioxidant content. Antimicrobial actions make this a suitable option to have on hand to treat cuts or minor wounds.

When sun exposure is at a high, mānuka can also be used to support skin wellbeing. Animal model studies showed reduced cellular damage from ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation when mānuka oil was applied to the skin. Typical changes from sun exposure included skin thickening, reduced collagen, and increased signs of ageing. Mānuka’s effectiveness was linked to inhibited proinflammartory cytokine presence, primarily tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin- 1-beta, therefore lowering skin inflammation. Leptospermone and calamenene have further shown insecticidal actions and may be a useful topical option for sandflies and mosquitos.⁶

While regularly used for upper respiratory infections, immune modulating actions of Echinacea purpurea (echinacea) can also help when bugs bites emerge. The histamine response associated with mosquito, sandfly, or midge bites, often resulted in swelling and pruitis, can be mediated via anti-inflammatory actions. Alkylamide regulation of mast cells can reduce the reaction intensity, aligning with traditional uses for skin inflammation.

Similarly, this herb can help prevent infection when certain bug species bite. Studies undertaken on Leishmania parasite species, transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies, showed reduced replication and prevented motility.⁷ Alkamides also showed mosquitocidal properties against Aedes aegypti, a variety known to carry dengue fever. This suggests potential in topical insecticidal development.⁸

Some of our favourite medicinal herbs serve as the perfect first aid options, providing effective relief from pain and discomfort. Traditional uses also indicate the multi-purpose nature of phytomedicines in providing relief and restoring balance.
 

References

1. Mahmoudzadeh E, Nazemiyeh H, Hamedeyazdan S. Anti-inflammatory Properties of the Genus Symphytum L.: A Review. Iran J Pharm Res. 2022 Apr 5;21(1):e123949. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5812/ijpr.123949.
2. Smith AG, Miles VN, Holmes DT, Chen X, Lei W. Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management. Medicines (Basel). 2021 Oct 9;8(10):58. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8100058.
3. Weavers GM. Ecological, genetic and cultural status of Solanum aviculare, poroporo (Solanaceae) [dissertation on the Internet]. New Zealand: University of Waikato; 2010 [cited 2024 Nov 22]. Available from: https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10289/5008/thesis.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
4. Jayaprakash R, Ramzan F, Miles-Chan JL, Foster M, Mithen RF, Pook C. Exploring the Chemical Space of Kawakawa Leaf (Piper excelsum). Nutrients. 2022; 14(23):5168. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235168
5. Seneme EF, Dos Santos DC, Silva EMR, Franco YEM, Longato GB. Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential of Myristicin: A Literature Review. Molecules. 2021 Sep 29;26(19):5914. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26195914.
6. Mathew C, Tesfaye W, Rasmussen P, Peterson GM, Bartholomaeus A, Sharma M, Thomas J. Mānuka Oil—A Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. Pharmaceuticals. 2020; 13(11):343. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13110343
7. Hudson JB. Applications of the phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in infectious diseases. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2012;2012:769896. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/769896.
8. Manayi A, Vazirian M, Saeidnia S. Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, phytochemistry and analysis methods. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015 Jan-Jun;9(17):63-72. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.