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Herbal Medicine > 03_Herbal Actions > Flashcards

03_Herbal Actions Flashcards

1
Q

Herbal actions can also be classified by reference to:

A

A) SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS
Eg. Yarrow to relieve musculoskeletal aches and pain

B) ENERGETIC PROFILE
i.e. How they affect and change the distribution and flow of energy in the body
E.g. COOLING herbs to address a HOT condition: e.g. Yarrow to cool down a fever

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2
Q

What are TROPHORESTORATIVES?

A

Organ-specific actions.
literally means “restoring the function of the organ”.
also referred to as “organ remedies”

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3
Q

Name 5 Trophorestoratives (organ-specific actions)

A

1) HEPATIC (tones and strengthens the liver), e.g. Milk Thistle
2) CARDIOTONIC (tones the heart function, increasing force of contraction), e.g. Hawthorn
3) NERVINE (strengthens and relaxes nerves), e.g. Skullcap
4) PECTORAL (treats the chest and respiration), e.g. Plantain
5) NOOTROPIC (restores cognitive function), e.g. Ginkgo

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4
Q

Name 5 function-specific actions

A

1) DIURETIC (promotes urination by stimulating kidneys), e.g. Dandelion
2) DIAPHORETIC (promotes perspiration), e.g. Yarrow
3) LAXATIVE (promotes bowel motion), e.g. Senna
4) EMMENOGOGUE (promotes menstruation), e.g. Vitex agnus castus
5) BITTER TONIC (promotes secretion of digestive fluids), e.g. Gentian

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5
Q

Name 5 general actions

A

1) ALTERATIVE (subtly alters a pathological condition), e.g. Dandelion
2) ASTRINGENT (binds and tightens tissues), e.g. Witchhazel
3) DEMULCENT (soothes and protects tissues), e.g. Marshmallow
4) STIMULANT (stimulates tissues via nerves or circulation), e.g. Cayenne
5) VULNERARY (heals injury and broken tissue), e.g. Marigold

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6
Q

Can one herb have more than 1 herbal action?

A

yes, that is frequently the case.
e.g. Dandelion is a BITTER, HEPATIC, ALTERATIVE, DIURETIC and APERIENT

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7
Q

What is meant by “herbs are chosen to match the presenting picture”?

A

instead of just matching the symptom, they are chosen to match the organ or tissue imbalance that lies behind the condition.
example: relieve LIVER and BOWEL congestion to treat SKIN conditions instead of just applying herbs topically

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8
Q

What is a HERBAL FORMULA?

A

a combination of herbs with different actions to address different aspects of the patient’s condition

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9
Q

What is SIMPLING?

A

ONE herb that exactly fits all the patient’s different symptoms and conditions

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10
Q

Why are herbs and plants known by Latin names?

A

it is a universal language to ensure correct identification

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11
Q

How are Latin Names constructed?

A

in 2 parts, written in italic (note: italic writing not enabled on flashcards):
1) GENUS (starts with a capital letter)
2) SPECIES (starts with a lower case letter)
Example: Trifolium pratense (Red Clover - Trifolium=3-leaved; pratense=of the meadow)

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12
Q

Define ADAPTOGEN

A

Latin adaptare: to make fit
Helps the body to adapt to stress

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13
Q

Define ALTERATIVE

A

blood and lymph cleanser and purifier

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14
Q

Define ANALGESIC

A

Relieves pain (from greek an=away, algia=pain

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15
Q

Define ANODYNE

A

Relieves pain (from greek anodunos=painless)

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16
Q

Define ANTHELMINTIC

A

Anti-worm, Anti-parasite (from greek helmis=worm)

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17
Q

Define ANTISEPTIC

A

Anti-bacterial, Anti-infection (from greek septikos=rotten)

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18
Q

Define ANTISPASMODIC

A

relieves involuntary muscular contractions (greek spasmos=to pull)

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19
Q

define APERIENT

A

relieves constipation (latin aperire=to open)

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20
Q

Define ASTRINGENT

A

tightens tissues and prevents leakages (latin astringere=to bind or pull tight)

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21
Q

Define CATHARTIC

A

promotes elimination (greek kathartikos=cleansing)

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22
Q

Define DEMULCENT

A

soothes mucous membranes by supplying a protective coating (latin de=away; mulcere=soothe)

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23
Q

Define DIAPHORETIC

A

promotes sweating (greek dia=through; phoretikos=sweating)

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24
Q

Define DIURETIC

A

promotes urination (greek dia=through; ouron=urine)

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25
Define EMMENOGOGUE
promotes menstruation (greek emmena=menses; agogos=eliciting)
26
Define EXPECTORANT
promotes secretion and clearance of sputum, used to treat cough. (latin expectorare=to expel from the chest)
27
Define HEPATIC
detoxifies, protects or strengthens the liver (greek hepatikos=relating to the liver)
28
Define LAXATIVE
relieves constipation (latin laxare=to loosen)
29
Define MUCILAGENOUS
A substance found in plant root, used to soothe and heal tissues.
30
Define NERVINE
calms the nerves (latin nervinus=of the nerves and sinews)
31
Define NOOTROPIC
enhances memory and cognitive functions (greek noos=mind; trope=turning)
32
Define PURGATIVE
A strong laxative (latin purgare=to purify)
33
Define TONIC
imparts a sense of vigour and vitality (greek tonikos=of or for stretching)
34
Define VULNERARY
wound healer (latin vulnus=wound)
35
what are ALTERATIVES?
- blood and lymph cleansers: act on the the mechanisms that purify the blood (LIVER, KIDNEY, LYMPH NODES - widely used herbal action, effective in a range of conditions - may have affinities with other organs (e.g. Burdock has actions on skin conditions) - in case of Echinacea, promotes and activates PHAGOCYTOSIS - also known as DEPURATIVES (old medical term - "purifying agent")
36
Name examples of Alteratives:
(note that flashcards don't support italic font) Allium Sativum – Garlic bulb * Arctium lappa– Burdock root * Berberis aquifolium– Mountain Grape Root * Berberis vulgaris – Barberry bark * Echinacea angustifolia / purpurea– Echinacea whole plan Galium aparine– Cleavers herb * Phytolacca americana– Poke root * Rumexcrispum– Yellow Dock root * Taraxacum officinalis – Dandelion leaf and root * Trifolium pratense– Red Clover flowers Red Clover Nettle * Urtica dioica– Nettle leaf, root and seed
37
What are ANTHELMINTICS
they expel or deter parasites. - we differentiate between TAENIFUGES (taen=worm; fuge=flee) and TAENICIDES( cide=kill) - some anthelmintics protect more widely (e.g. Artemisi species). may also protect against insect-borne infections by rendering blood less attractive - some have additional properties (e.g. garlic: hepatic, anti-microbial)
38
Name examples of anthelmintics
* Allium sativum– Garlic bulb * Artemisia absinthium– Wormwood herb * Curcurbita pepo – Pumpkin seed * Eugenia caryophyllum– Clove bud * Hyssopus officinalis – Hyssop herb * Juglans nigra– Black Walnut hull & leaf * Ruta graveolens– Rue herb * Tanacetum vulgare – Tansy herb
39
What are ANTISEPTIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL actions?
Effective against infective agents, especially bacteria. * Some are also effective against viral and fungal infections. * Some are highly selective (e.g. Arctostaphylos uva ursi– Bearberry, against E. coli). * Others are “broad spectrum” (e.g. Berberis vulgaris – Barberry bark). * Have the advantage that it is much more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance to them, hence are also useful for treating resistant strains of bacteria.
40
Name examples of plants with antiseptic and antimicrobial actions
* Allium sativum– Garlic bulb * Arctostaphylos uva ursi– Bearberry leaf * Astragalus membranaceous– Astragalus root * Azadirachta indica– Neem leaf and seed * Berberis vulgaris – Barberry root bark * Commiphora molmol– Myrrh resin * Glycyrrhiza glabra– Liquorice root * Hydrastis canadensis– Golden Seal root * Lavandula angustifolia – Lavender flower * Thymus vulgaris – Thyme leaf
41
Describe ASTRINGENTS
* Tighten and bind tissues that are flaccid, boggy, exuding. * Arrest excessive discharges. * Used for skin, mucous membranes, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, female reproductive tract, haemorrhage. * Tighten tissues in cases of prolapse or varicosity. * Care needed in diagnosis: arresting discharges where microbial infection exists may not be healthy – e.g. dysentery. * Need to prevent dehydration through fluid loss but not retain infective material.
42
Name examples of Astringents
* Achillea millefolium– Yarrow herb * Agrimonia eupatoria– Agrimony herb * Aesculus hippocastanum– Horse Chestnut seed * Capsella bursa pastoris – Shepherd’s Purse herb * Equisetum arvense– Horsetail herb * Geranium maculatum– Cranesbill herb * Hamamelis virginiana – Witch hazel leaves, stems and bark * Hydrastis canadensis– Golden Seal root * Myrica cerifera– Bayberry bark * Polygonum bistorta– Bistort root * Quercus robur / alba – Oak bark * Ranunculus ficaria– Pilewort * Rubusideaus– Raspberry leaf * Trillium erecta– Beth root * Verbascum thapsus– Mullein herb or flower
43
44
What is the historical origin of the classification system for herbal actions?
The classification system goes back to the herbalists of North America in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
45
What is the energetic profile of herbs?
How they affect and change the distribution and flow of energy in the body.
46
Fill in the blank: A herb that cools down a fever is considered a _______.
[COOLING herb]
47
What are organ-specific actions also known as?
Trophorestoratives or organ remedies.
48
Give an example of a hepatic herb.
Milk Thistle.
49
What does a cardiotonic herb do?
Tones the heart function, increasing the force of contraction.
50
What is a nervine herb?
Herbs that strengthen and relax the nerves, e.g. Skullcap.
51
What is the definition of a diuretic?
Promotes urination by stimulating the kidneys.
52
Name a function-specific action of herbs.
Diaphoretic, which promotes perspiration.
53
What is the role of an emmenogogue?
Promotes menstruation.
54
What is an alterative herb?
Subtly alters a pathological condition.
55
List three examples of alterative herbs.
* Allium Sativum (Garlic) * Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea (Echinacea) * Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion)
56
True or False: Herbs can have more than one action.
True.
57
What is simpling in herbal medicine?
Using one herb that exactly fits all the patient’s different symptoms.
58
What are Latin names used for in herbal medicine?
To ensure correct identification and provide a universal language for identifying plants.
59
What is the structure of a Latin name?
Consists of two parts: Genus (capitalized) and species (lower case).
60
What does an adaptogen do?
Helps the body adapt to stress.
61
Define analgesic.
Relieves pain.
62
What is the purpose of a demulcent?
Soothes mucous membranes by supplying a protective coating.
63
What is the action of a hepatic herb?
Detoxifies, protects, or strengthens the liver.
64
Name a strong laxative herb.
Senna.
65
What is a common use for garlic in herbal medicine?
As an anthelmintic to expel parasites.
66
Fill in the blank: The action of a herb that tightens tissues is called _______.
[Astringent]
67
What does an antiseptic herb do?
Effective against infective agents, especially bacteria.
68
List two examples of antiseptic herbs.
* Allium sativum (Garlic) * Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)
69
How is an astringent herb used?
To tighten and bind tissues.
70
What is the main use of Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis)?
To treat infected burns.
71
How quickly did the infection clear up after using Golden Seal?
In 24 hours.
72
What are astringents used for?
To tighten and bind tissues.
73
List three conditions where astringents are used.
* Skin issues * Mucous membranes * Urinary tract problems
74
What caution should be taken when using astringents?
They may not be healthy when used to arrest discharges in the presence of microbial infection.
75
Name two astringent herbs.
* Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) * Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
76
What is the role of cathartic herbs?
To open up eliminative channels to expel obstructing materials.
77
What are purgatives?
Stronger cathartics that may promote perspiration or vomiting.
78
What is a laxative?
A less strong herb than a cathartic, aiding bowel function.
79
Fill in the blank: Slippery Elm is considered a _______.
laxative.
80
What is the purpose of diaphoretics?
To induce perspiration and release toxins.
81
What are the two types of diaphoretics?
* Warming diaphoretics * Cooling diaphoretics
82
Name a warming diaphoretic herb.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis).
83
What is the best-known astringent for the skin?
Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana).
84
True or False: Witchhazel can be taken internally.
False.
85
What is the effect of diuretic herbs?
They increase the output of the urinary tract.
86
List two diuretic herbs.
* Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) * Nettle (Urtica dioica)
87
What condition is characterized by a buildup of uric acid in the joints?
Gout.
88
What is the function of expectorants?
To facilitate the clearing of mucous from the lungs.
89
Name one herb that acts as both an expectorant and a demulcent.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis).
90
What are nervine herbs used for?
To calm the spirit and relieve nervous tension.
91
List two examples of nervine herbs.
* Chamomile * Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
92
What should be done before using emmenagogues?
Consult a professional herbalist.
93
Fill in the blank: _______ are herbs that promote menstruation.
Emmenagogues.
94
What is a common use for Slippery Elm?
To alleviate digestive problems.
95
What herbal mix can help reduce the pain of gout?
* Dandelion leaf * Nettle leaf * Celery seed * Marshmallow root
96
What is the herbal action of Stachys betonica?
Nervine / Antispasmodic ## Footnote Wood Betony herb
97
Which herb is known for its nervine and antispasmodic properties?
Valeriana officinalis ## Footnote Valerian root
98
What is the purpose of a nervine-relaxing tea?
To create a relaxing, stress-reducing beverage ## Footnote Combine equal parts of Passionflower, Skullcap, Chamomile, Oat straw, Lime blossom
99
What are nootropics used for?
To enhance cognitive faculties, including memory ## Footnote Can clear 'brain fog'
100
Which herb is used to assist in studying and learning?
Ginkgo biloba ## Footnote Improves cerebral circulation
101
Fill in the blank: The term 'adaptogen' was first used in _______.
Russia
102
What are the three conditions a herb must fulfil to be classified as an adaptogen?
1. Non-specific effect 2. Normalising influence 3. Innocuous and not disturb body function ## Footnote (Panossian, 2003)
103
Which herb is indicated for menopausal memory problems?
Gotu Kola ## Footnote Best used as a tincture
104
What is the effect of stimulants in herbal medicine?
Improve circulation and tone up tissues ## Footnote Useful for cold, sluggish action
105
Name a circulatory stimulant herb.
Cayenne ## Footnote Capsicum minimum
106
What properties do vulnerary herbs possess?
Heal flesh in cases of wounding or trauma ## Footnote Often contain minerals or cell-proliferating principles
107
True or False: Comfrey can be taken internally.
False ## Footnote Must not be taken internally
108
What is a traditional use for Comfrey leaves?
To treat broken bones ## Footnote Applied as a poultice
109
Name one herb classified as a tonic.
Gentiana lutea ## Footnote Gentian root
110
What is the effect of bitter tonics?
Improve digestive function ## Footnote Enhances flow of nutrition to tissues
111
Fill in the blank: Essential oil of _______ has been shown to increase brain power for studying.
Rosmarinus officinalis
112
Name two herbs that are classified as adaptogens.
* Eleutherococcus senticosus * Panax ginseng
113
What is the main function of vulneraries?
To heal wounds ## Footnote Can also stop bleeding and have antiseptic properties
114
What are the effects of Garlic (Allium sativum)?
Stimulant properties ## Footnote Improves circulation
115
Which herb is beneficial for enhancing performance during long journeys?
Siberian Ginseng ## Footnote Take tincture before starting and every 3-4 hours
116
What is the role of adaptogens in herbal medicine?
To enhance stamina and performance ## Footnote Help with tiredness and lack of energy

Herbal Medicine (11 decks)

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