4. Herbal Medicine Flashcards
What effect do alkaloids have on the body?
Strong stimulatory effect on the NS
Example of an alkaloid
Berberine
What effect do anthraquinones have on the body?
Powerful evacuation
Example of an anthraquinone
Senna
What effect do flavonoids have on the body?
Antioxidant
Anti-viral
Example of a herbal flavonoid
Hawthorn berry
What effect do saponins have on the body?
Adaptogenic
Steroid like
Example of a saponin
Liquorice
What effect do herbal tannins have on the body?
Astringent
Dries out wounds
Example of a herbal tannin
Yarrow
What effect do terpenes have on the body?
Antispasmodic in the GIT and lungs
Antimicrobial
Example of a terpene
Lavender
Examples of internal applications for herbs
Infusions
Decoctions
Tinctures
Syrups
Powders
Capsules
Examples of external applications for herbs
Oils
Creams
Lotions
Ointments
What are infusions?
Used for preparing delicate/aromatic leaves and flowers
How should an infusion be prepared?
Place herbs in a cup or teapot
Add boiled water
Infuse for 10-15 mins
Strain
What is the adult dose of an infusion?
2 tsp dried
3 cups/day
2 bags per cup
Benefits of infusions
Extract water soluble phytochemicals
Hydrating
Good compliance
What are decoctions?
Used for preparing roots, fruits, bark
How should a decoction be prepared?
Place herbs in a pan
Cover with cold water
Bring to boil
Simmer for 15 mins
Strain
What is the adult dose of an decoction?
1 tsp dried herb per cup
3 cups/day
What are syrups?
Thick, sweet medicines for cough/throat remedies
Easy for children
How is a syrup prepared?
Make a decoction
Strain
Reduce on low heat until 1/2 water evaporated
Weigh decoction
Add sugar/honey in 2 parts sugar to 1 part decoction
Place in sterilised glass jar
What is the adult dose of a syrup?
2 tsp, 3/day
What is the child dose of a syrup?
1/2-1 tsp, 3/day
What are tinctures?
Made by steeping herbs in a mixture of water and alcohol to extract phytochemicals
Benefits of tinctures
Phytochemicals extracted in the alcohol are readily absorbed
Good compliance
Long shelf life
(up to 5 years)
What is the strongest tincture?
1:1
What is the adult dose of a tincture?
5ml in small glass of water
3/day before food
Who are tinctures not suitable for?
Recovering alcoholics
Some religions
Inflammatory conditions
What are glycerites?
Made by steeping herbs in glycerine
(sweet liquid derived from fats and oils)
Who are glycerites good for?
Clients should can’t consume alcohol or sugar
What conditions are glycerites good for?
Mouth
Throat
Chest
Why aren’t glycerites as good as tinctures?
Not as many phytochemicals extracted
Short shelf life
(3 months)
Benefits of powders
Whole herb is digested
Small particle size aids assimilation
Can be mixed into foods and drinks
Why are herbs high in mucilage best taken away from food?
May reduce absorption
Adult dose of powders
1 tsp
2/day
How are strong tasting powders best taken?
Capsules
Why do powders and capsules have a short shelf life?
High surface area increases oxidation
What are standardised extracts?
Manufactured to contain a quantified amount of active constituents
Benefit of standardised extracts
Stronger than traditional extracts
Disadvantages of standardised extracts
Often made using unnatural solvents
Don’t have a natural balance of phytonutrients
Can resemble pharmaceuticals so more likely to cause side effects
How are infused oils prepared?
Steeping herbs in oil using a double burner
How are essential oils prepared?
Extracting the volatile phytochemicals from the herbs using steam distillation
What shouldn’t you do with essential oils?
Take them internally
Apply neat to the skin
Adult dosage for essential oils
Max 20 drops per 100g
What is an ointment?
Infused oils mixed with beeswax or cocoa butter
Thick, greasy texture for dry, cracked skin
What is a cream?
Infused oils mixed with water using emulsifying wax
Moisturising texture
What is a lotion?
Infused oils mixed with more water than in a cream
Cooling effect
Dosage for a 14 year old
Adult dose
Dosage for a 12 year old
3/4 adult dose
Dosage for a 9 year old
1/2 adult dose
Dosage for a 6 year old
1/4 adult dose
Dosage for a 4 year old
1/8 adult dose
Dosage for a 2 year old
1/16 adult dose
Why should seniors be given lower doses?
Liver and immune functions decline with age
Dosage for 80 year old
3/4 adult dose
Why is it important to check for herb drug interactions, especially with seniors?
Many are taking a range of prescribed medications
Examples of herbs for the digestive system
Aloe vera
Cardamom
Chamomile
Fennel
Ginger
Liquorice
Oregano
Peppermint
Slippery elm
What is a bitter?
Stimulates digestive secretions
What is an aromatic digestive?
Promotes strong digestion
What is a carminative?
Relaxes digestive smooth muscle
What is a demulcent?
Soothes mucous membranes
What is an antiemetic?
Reduces nausea and vomiting