5 - Thriving during Chemotherapy and Radiation Flashcards
What are common reasons for pain in cancer patients?
Pain may result from surgery, infection, port-a-cath insertion, chemotherapy drugs, and tumors pressing on nerves or compromising blood or lymph flow.
What role does pain management play in oncology?
Pain management is a subspecialty in oncology, including palliative care and end-of-life support.
What are the effects of strong prescription opioid painkillers?
They have a soporific and depressing effect on the brain and mood, significantly affecting quality of life.
What herbal remedies can be used for spasmodic abdominal pain?
Belladonna and corydalis.
Which herb is used for inflammatory pain?
Willow.
Name some herbs effective for crushing pain.
California poppy Jamaican dogwood Wild lettuce Yellow jasmine
What should be done if herbal remedies are not effective?
Pharmaceuticals should be employed, and the herbalist can provide supportive care.
List some herbs for mild pain management.
Willow Turmeric Ginger Indian frankincense Meadowsweet Licorice Plant sterols Fish oil (omega-3)
What are some muscle relaxants used for pain?
Cramp bark Kava Lobelia Magnesium bisglycinate Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts)
Identify relaxing nervines for pain management.
Skullcap Passionflower Hops
What is a mild general pain reliever that can be used topically?
Capsaicin.
Which herbs are recommended for mild to moderate pain?
California poppy Cannabis Corydalis Jamaican dogwood Wild lettuce PEA (palmitoylethanolamide)
Which herbs are indicated for severe pain?
Belladonna Jimson weed Henbane Yellow jasmine
What is the caution associated with Aconite, Arnica, and other topical herbs?
They are toxic if taken internally.
What are some actions and uses of yellow jasmine?
Strong sedative in small amounts and narcotic analgesic in higher doses.
What are the effects of belladonna?
Antispasmodic and drying in the gut.
What is the primary use of henbane?
Antispasmodic and drying in the bladder and urethra.
What is Jimson weed primarily used for?
Antispasmodic effects in the lungs and airways.
What is the maximum daily dose for belladonna tincture?
0.25 mL (about 6 drops) of 1:10 tincture three times daily.
What are the alkaloids found in belladonna, Jimson weed, and henbane?
Atropine Hyoscine (scopolamine) Apoatropine Belladonnine
What is the sympathomimetic effect of small therapeutic doses of belladonna?
Midriasis, reduction in bodily secretions, tachycardia, and vasodilation.
What can be a first sign of overdosing on belladonna?
Dry mouth.
What is the recommended approach for dosing toxic analgesics?
Build doses slowly with incremental increases.
What is the effect of yellow jasmine at higher doses?
Can lead to spinal paralysis, coma, and death by heart and respiratory failure.
What should patients be warned about when using toxic herbs?
Not to drive or operate heavy machinery after use.
What is palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) used for?
Pain management.
What is the significance of individual sensitivities to pain-relieving herbs?
Caution is advised when starting treatment due to varying responses.
