Sub sp. Wallichiana
Family : Taxaceae
Distribution : Uri near (LOC), Sonamarag, Phalgham (Kashmir), Afghanistan, Pakistan, S.W. China, Burma
Status : Uncommon
Medicinal use of Taxus : The yew tree is
a highly toxic plant that has occasionally been used medicinally, mainly
in the treatment of chest complaints. Modern research has shown that
the plants contain the substance "taxol" in their shoots. Taxol has
shown exciting potential as an anti-cancer drug, particularly in the
treatment of ovarian cancers. Unfortunately, the concentrations of taxol
in this species are too low to be of much value commercially, though it
is being used for research purposes. This remedy should be used with
great caution and only under the supervision of a qualified
practitioner. See also the notes above on toxicity. All parts of the
plant, except the fleshy fruit, are antispasmodic, cardiotonic,
diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, narcotic and purgative. The
leaves have been used internally in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis,
hiccup, indigestion, rheumatism and epilepsy. Externally, the leaves
have been used in a steam bath as a treatment for rheumatism.
A homeopathic remedy is made from the young shoots and the berries. It
is used in the treatment of many diseases including cystitis, eruptions,
headaches, heart and kidney problems, rheumatism etc.
Taxus baccata plants are available at:
Head, JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
For more details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com
