- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (Himalayas), Europe, Africa (north)
- Sanskrit
- Talispatra
- Other names
- Himalaya-taxus
Asia · Herb · № 195
Taxus baccata
Herb · Asia
Yew
Taxus baccata
Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, expectorant, stomachic, tonic; leaf and fruit promote menstruation, calming, antispasmodic; for asthma, hiccups, indigestion, coughing up blood, epilepsy, stones, nervousness.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Poisonous. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Poisonous. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica and home, kitchen and folk custom. Sanskrit name: Talispatra. In herbal magic associated with spirits, the otherworld, death. All parts of the yew except the red seed cup are highly poisonous. Paclitaxel (Taxol), an important cancer drug, was developed from the bark of the western yew; it is now made from the needles of cultivated yews. In Europe yews have long stood in churchyards.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Carminative, expectorant, stomachic, tonic; leaf and fruit promote menstruation, calming, antispasmodic; for asthma, hiccups, indigestion, coughing up blood, epilepsy, stones, nervousness.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tea, tincture.
Caution: Poisonous. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Spirits, the otherworld, death.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
Poisonous.
Preparation and amount
Very hard wood for rigid structures.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Tincture