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Lupinus, Lupin

Turmus, Tarmus (Unani)
Dioscorides Materia Medica, Mathias, 1563
Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578
Lupinus albus
(Photo by Jean-Claude Echardour) (Wikimedia)

Lupin seed
(Photo by Calapito) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:
Lupinus albus (White), L. luteus (Yellow); In Unani, L. polyphyllus is used; the Blue Lupin, L. angustifolia has also been used.
Note that 2 distinct varieties of Lupin occur:
  1. Bitter (Wild) Lupin: the wild herb (alkaloids 0.6-1.6%)
  2. Sweet (cultivated) Lupin: cultivated herb (alkaloids 0.01-0.8%)
Sweet Lupin has been used as food and is used in medicine.

Parts used:
Seed

Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Bitter

Uses:
1. Moves the Blood, Promotes Menstruation:
-Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea
-beneficial in Cardiovascular disease

2. Clears Cold Phlegm, Stops Cough:
-Cough, Wheezing from Phlegm
-cold Phlegm of the Stomach and Intestines

3. Moves the Bowels
–relieves constipation, improves motility

4. Kills Worms

5. Externally:
i. it has been applied to Ulcers, Gangrenes, Scabs
ii. a good application to Inflammations.
iii. commonly used instead of Linseed or Barley meal to make poultices.
iv. used in skin preparations to beautify the skin
v. Vitiligo and Leukoderma.
vi. used externally in baths and washes to relieve Itching and Scabies.
vii. used externally for Ulcers
viii. applied to umbilical Hernia in children


Dose:
Seed in Powder: 2–4 grams, up to 6 grams;
Seed in Infusion: 3–9 grams
 
Correctives:
Oregano, Salt (Unani)

Substitutes:
1. Phaseolus vulgaris
2. Water Melon seed (Unani)

Main Combinations:
1. To promote Menstruation, Lupin seed with Myrrh, Madder, Rue, Mint, Cumin seed (as in Troches of Myrrh)
2. Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Uterine Pain and weakness in Women, Lupin seed with Licorice, Cumin, Black Pepper, Savin, Pennyroyal, Rue, Myrrh, Mugwort, Cyperus, Aniseed, Carrot seed, with Honey as an Electuary (as in Antidotum Haemagogum)
3. Lupin seed with Triphala to clear Cold Phlegm of the Stomach, and as a tonic for the aged with cold, weak Stomach
4. Umbilical hernia, mixe Lupin powder, burnt linen and wine to a plaster to be applied (Wirtzung)

Major Formulas:
Troches of Myrrh
Antidotum Haemagogum

Cautions:
1. Toxic in overdose, especially the Bitter Lupin seed. A single Bitter Lupin seed can be toxic to children.
2. Not used in Pregnancy

Toxicity
–Signs of toxicity may include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, double vision, cardiac rhythm disorders, paralysis, leading possibly to death via respiratory failure.

Main Preparations used: