Kate Mohideen
How is Chamaelirium luteum used in herbal clinical practice, and, in view of its endangered status, what alternative herbs are found to replace it?
Abstract
The perceived therapeutic actions in herbal clinical practice of the endangered herb Chamaelirium luteum were researched for this study using qualitative methods. The study then investigated which herbs were selected by medical herbalists as close alternatives to Chamaelirium in case of it becoming unavailable.
The premise for this study being Chamaelirium luteum’s endangered status, the current situation was first reviewed with regard to the conservation of medicinal plants. The study reports on the continuously increasing demands placed on the supply of medicinal plants, and how, in both Europe and North America, there are fears that this supply cannot be sustained from the wild populations of certain species.
The study next turned to investigate the habitat and cultivation requirements of Chamaelirium luteum and reports that its specific needs make it vulnerable to depletion. It also emerged that habitat destruction and destructive harvesting methods mean that it is categorised as “critically imperilled” and “at risk” by North American conservation bodies.
A literature search and a self-completion questionnaire to 54 medical herbalists practising in Britain were the methods used to investigate how Chamaelirium luteum is used in herbal clinical practice. Some key gynaecological therapeutic actions emerged from this research. Chamaelirium luteum is perceived in particular to have a hormone-balancing action on the female productive system, normalising menstrual, reproductive and menopausal irregularities. It is also acknowledged to excel as an ovarian and uterine tonic, being particularly effective in cases of threatened miscarriage and subfertility.
The study then researched, via the self-completion questionnaire, which alternative herbs medical herbalists would use to replace Chamaelirium luteum. Data revealed a consensus on a small number of gynaecological herbs including Cimicifuga racemosa, Alchemilla vulgaris, Vitex agnus-castus, Caulophyllum thalictroides and Angelica sinensis. 36 herbs were mentioned in total, and there is room for further research to explore in more detail exactly how those herbs mentioned would be seen to act in place of Chamaelirium.
