Bot Med - Skin & Musculoskeletal Flashcards
What are the three degrees of burns?
1st degree: superficial - red skin, no loss of skin
2nd degree: partial thickness - blistering
3rd degree: full thickness - skin appears charred with little sensation.
What is a burn?
Lesions that result from the exposure to heat, radiation or caustic chemicals.
Major burns can result in what systemic complications?
Shock, ulcers, renal failure, hypothermia, immunosuppression.
What two actions of herbs are beneficial for burns?
Vulnerary
Astringent
For a first degree burn action should one take?(four steps)
Apply cold water
Clean burn area with gentle soap twice daily
Keep dressing and wound dry
Apply topical herbs every 3-4 hours
What topical herbs can be applied to first degree burns?
Marigold (calendula officinalis) Chamomile (matricaria chammomilla) Aloe Vera Witch-hazel (hamamelis virginiana) & Oak (quercus spp.)
What are three additional actions one can take to aid in burn healing?
- Cool compression - decrease pain and swelling
- Elevate the effected area
- Monitor for 24-48 hours for signs of infection or other complications
A diet high in what, is good for sunburn prevention?
High in carotenoids and catechins
What four phytochemicals are beneficial in treatment of burns?
- sesquiterpene
- carotenoids (carotene & lycopene)
- tannins
- gel
What does a vulnerary do when applied externally?
Speeds up the healing of wounds.
For what kinds of injuries would vulneraries be used for?
Soft tissue injuries (wounds, bruises, lacerations, burns, ulcers)
Hard tissue injuries (sprains, strains, fractures)
What are five vulnerary herbs?
- Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
- Greater plantain (Plantago major)
- Arnica (Arnica Montana)
- Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis)
- Chamomile (Marticaria chammomilla)
What are three phytochemicals of vulneraries?
- sesquiterpene lactones
- triterpenoids
- purine alkaloid derivatives (allantoin)
What are the four actions of marigold (calendula officinalis)?
- vulnerary
- antimicrobial
- antiinfammatory
- antiulcerogenic
When would one use marigold (calendula officinalis)?
**• burns (thermal, radiation & UV induced)
**• wound healing
• dermatitis
• eczema
• acne
What are three phytochemicals contained in marigold (calendula officinalis)?
- terpenoids
- flavonoids
- carotenoids
Marigold (calendula officinalis) is used internally with caution in what population? And why?
Pregnant women because of emmenogogue
Aloe Vera has what tree actions?
- vulnerary
- demulcent
- immunostimulant
When would you use aloe vera?
**• thermal burns (2nd degree)
• wound healing
Aloe extracts have two distinct effects, what are they?
- gel - wound healing
* resin - contains anthraquinones and is used as a stimulating laxative
What is a laceration?
A wound to the skin and underlying tissue caused by a sharp object that causes tearing and results in bleeding
Hat three actions of herbs are beneficial for lacerations?
- astringent
- styptic
- vulnerary (use once it’s stopped bleeding)
What three herbs are good to use to treat lacerations?
- Witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana)
- oak (quercus spp.)
- marigold (calendula officinalis)
Why are certain vulneraries, such as arnica, unsuitable or lacerations?
Because of the risk of systemic absorption.
What does an astringent do?
It contracts and thickens tissues to decrease permeability an increase resistance to physical stress.
When would astringents be used?
Used externally for:
• wound healing
• ulcers
• dermatitis
What two herbs have good astringent properties?
- witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana)
* oak (quercus spp.)
What are two phytochemicals of astringents?
- tannins
* phenolics
What can the prolonged excess internal consumption of tannins impair?
Can impair nutrient absorption.
What is a styptic?
An astringent compound that stops bleeding when applied topically.
When would one use a styptic?
- lacerations
* ulcers
Styptic a are found in what two herbs?
- Witch hazel (hamamelis vieginiana)
* Oak (quercus spp.)
What two phytochemicals are present in styptics?
- tannins
* phenolics
What are four actions of witch hazel and/or oak?
- astringent
- antiinfammatory
- antihemorrhagic
- styptic
Why would one use witch hazel and/or oak?
Topically for: **• lacerations • bruises • weeping eczema • varicose veins
What phytochemical is present in witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana) and oak (quercus spp.)?
Tannins
What are leg ulcers?
Wounds that occur to the skin that fail to heal.
What are four common causes of leg ulcers?
- diabetic ulcer
- decubitus ulcers (bed sores, pressure ulcers)
- venous and arterial ulcers (poor circulation)
- nutrient deficiencies
What two actions of herbs would be beneficial for treatment of leg ulcers?
- astringent
* vulnerary
What five herbs can be used to treat leg ulcers?
- greater plantain (Plantago major)
- marigold (calendula officinalis)
- comfrey (symphytum officinalis)
- honey
- witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana)
What does an antiulcerogenic do?
Prevents and/or facilitates the healing of ulcers.
What herbal actions do antiulcerogenics share?
- vulnerary
- demulcent
- astringent
- antimicrobials
When would one use antiulcerogenics?
For treatment of ulcers.
What herbs does one refer to for antiulcerogenic properties?
Herbs with vulnerary and astringent properties.
What are phytochemicals contained in antiulcerogenics?
Tannins and phenolics
What are four actions of greater plantain (Plantago major)?
- vulnerary
- antiulcerogenic
- antiinfammatory
- demulcent
When would one use greater plantain (Plantago major)?
Use externally for: **• leg ulcers **• wounds (burns, cuts, lacerations) • eczema • insect bites
What are four phytochemicals found in greater plantain (Plantago major)?
- iridium glycosides (aucubin, catalpol)
- mucilage
- tannins
- allantoin
What are the seven actions of honey?
- antimicrobial
- osmotic
- iron chelator
- acidic
- vulnerary
- anticholinergic
- antiinflammatory
What would one use honey for?
Use externally for:
**• leg ulcers
**• burns
• herpes simplex (cold sores)
What are four phytochemicals of honey?
- flavonoids
- enzymes (glucose oxidase makes hydrogen peroxide)
- carbohydrates
- methylglyoxal (high amounts in Manuka honey)
What effect does the pasteurization of honey have?
It will destroy the enzymes a d decrease its efficacy.
Bruises (aka hematoma, contusion, ecchymosis) are what?
A blue or purple lesion produces by internal bleeding usually resulting from blunt trauma that does not require skin to be broken.
What herbal actions are beneficial in the treatment of bruises?
- vulnerary
- antiinflammatory
- astringent
What two topical herbs can be used to treat bruises?
- arnica (arnica montana)
* witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana)
What are two phytochemicals beneficial for bruise treatment?
- Sesquiterpene lactones
* tannins
What are three actions of arnica (arnica montana)?
- vulnerary
- antiinflammatory
- antiseptic
When would one use arnica?
Topically for:
**• bruises
• myalgia (muscle pain)
• arthritis
What phytochemical is found in arnica?
Sesquiterpene lactones (e.g. Helenalin)
What are contraindications for arnica use?
Internal use: toxic and may result in severe gastroenteritis, muscle paralysis, cardiac failure and death.
Do not use on broken skin
What are chronic skin conditions believed to be caused by?
Dyscrasia “bad blood” from wasteland toxins that disrupt normal functioning of the body.
What herbal actions are good for treating bro if skin conditions? (7)
- alteratives
- lymphatics
- hepatics
- laxatives
- hormone regulators
- phytoestrogens
- vulnerary
What is an alterative?
A “blood cleanser” that facilitates the removal of waste products that interfere with normal functioning of the body.
When would one use an alterative?
- chronic skin conditions
* metabolic disturbances
Name three herbs that act as alteratives
- burdock root (arctium lappa)
- barberry (berberis vulgaris)
- yellow dock (fumed crispus)
What are the actions of burdock root (arctium lappa)? (3)
- alterative
- bitter
- prebiotic
When would one use burdock root (arctium lappa)?
Chronic skin conditions
What are three phytochemicals in burdock root?
- sesquiterpene lactones
- lignins (arctigenin)
- inulin (roots)
What are the actions of yellow dock (tuned crispus)? (4)
- alterative
- bowel tonic
- laxative (stimulating)
- bitter
When would one use yellow dock?
- ** chronic skin eruptions due to poor digestion and elimination
- ** eczema
- ** acne
- ** psoriasis
- sluggish bowels
- constipation
What is a phytochemical of yellow dock?
Anthraquinone
Side-effects of yellow dock?
- red coloured urine
- dependency…constipation
- fresh root may lead to nausea & vomiting
Lon term use of yellow dock could lead to?
Hypokalemia
Yellow dock toxicity concerns?
Leaves are high in oxalis acid - which causes kidney stones.
What does a lymphatic do?
Promotes the proper function of lymphatic organs and he drainage of lymph to help clean blood.
When would one use a lymphatic?
- ** chronic skin conditions
- viral infections
- swollen lymph nodes
What herb ace as a lymphatic?
Gallium (galium Spain
What are the actions of gallium (galium aparine)? (3)
- lymphatic
- alterative
- diuretic
When would one use gallium?
- skin conditions
- swollen lymph nodes
- exanthematous rashes (measles)
What phytochemicals are found in gallium?
- iridoid glycosides (asperukoside)
- phenolic acids
- tannins
Dermatitis common causes?
- chemical sensitivities
- food allergies
- infection
- nutrient deficiencies
- genetics
- poor circulation
To acute type of dermatitis?
- Contact dermatitis - caused by allergy or chemical sensitivity
- wheeping eczema
Two chronic forms of dermatitis?
- atopic dermatitis - caused by internal/external allergens
* seborrheic dermatitis - dandruff caused by fungus
What herbal actions help for dermatitis?
- astringent
- emolient
- ** antiinflammatory
- ** vulnerary
- alterative
- antiallergic
- antipruritic
- antifungal
What herbs help dermatitis?
Topical •** marigold (calendula officinalis) •** tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia) • witch hazel or oak • oatmeal (aveena sativa)
Poison ivy is what and acts how?
- oleoresin containing urushiol that causes contact dermatitis
- urushiol binds to proteins in skin for ing a hapten (type III hypersensitivity)
Easiest way to treat?
Wash with soap and water immediately after contact.
Herbs to treat poison ivy reaction?
- oak or witch hazel
- oatmeal bath
- greater plantain
Poison ivy and cashews/mangoes?
Same family…may react from resins of those plants
What does an emollient do?
Softens and soothes skin
Emollient herbs?
- Olive oil
* oatmeal
Phytochemicals in emollients?
- mucilage
* oils
Aqueous based creams/lotions vs salves?
Former is moisturizing - absorb
What does an antipruritic do?
Relieves itch sensation
When would one use an antipruritic?
- insect bites
- eczema
- poison ivy
- stinging nettles
What phytochemicals are found in antipruritics?
- essential oils
- mucilage
- phenolic compounds
What about counter-irritants?
Can act as antipruritics
Actions of oatmeal (aveena sativa)? (5)
- demulcent
- antipruritic
- antiinflammatory
- antioxidant
- emollient
When would one use oatmeal?
Externally •** dermatitis •** poison ivy •** eczema • sunburn
Phytochemicals in oatmeal?
- mucilage (beta-glucans)
* polyphenols (avenanthramide)
To make an oatmeal bath?
- grind oatmeal - 1 cup
- add to a tipid or warm bath
- soak affected pars for 10-20 minutes
- gently pat dry
- repeat 2-3 times per day
What herbal actions are good to treat acne?
- hormone regulator
- alterative
- phytoestrogenic
- vulnerary
- antimicrobial
What herbs can be used to treat acne, internal?
- chaste berry (vitex agnus)
- barberry (berberis vulgaris)
- red clover (trifolium pratense)
- yellow dock (rumex crispus)
What herbs can be used to treat acne, topical?
- tea tree (melaceuca alternifolia)
- green tea (camellia sinensis)
- marigold (calendula officinalis)
- honey
Phytochemicals in acne treatment?
- Essential oils
- coumarins
- phytoestrogens
- triterpenoids
- soluble fiber
- bitters
Fracture definition?
Injury that causes bone to crack or break apart
Herbal action to treat fractures?
- vulnerary
* antiinflammatory
Herbs to treat fractures?
External
• comfrey (symphytum officinalis)
• San qi (panax notoginsing)
Internal
• San qi
• arnica
Comfrey actions?
- vulnerary
- antiinflammatory
- demulcent
- astringent (root)
Use comfrey for?
- fracture
* soft and hard tissue injury
Phytochemicals of comfrey?
- purine alkaloids derivative (allantoin)
* pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Comfrey caution?
Excessive oral consumption may be hepatotoxic - internal use banned I. Some countries
Arthritis = inflammation of joints. Two types?
- Osteoarthritis - wear and tear
* Rheumatoid arthritis - autoimmune disease - great inflammation and swelling
Herbal actions to treat arthritis?
- antirheumetic
- antiinflammatory
- anodyne
- analgesic
Herbs to treat arthritis?
Internal
• turmeric (curcumin longa)
• devil’s claw (harpagophytum procumbens)
• Indian frankincense (boswellia serrata)
Topical
• castor oil
• arnica gel
Phytochemicals for arthritis?
- polyphenolics
- iridoids
- triterpenoids
Antirheumetic does?
Relieves arthritis
When would one use an antirheumetic?
- arthritis
- fibromyalgia
- myalgia
What herbs contain antirheumetic?
- turmeric (curcumin longa)
- devil’s claw (harpagophytum procumbens)
- frankincense (boswellia serrata)
- willow (Salix spp.)
What phytochemicals are contained in antirheumetics?
- phenolics
- iridoids
- triterpenoids
Action of an antiinflammatory?
Decease or inhibit inflammation.
When would one use an antiinflammatory?
- arthritis
- gastritis, colitis
- cystitis, nephritis
- hepatitis, cholecytitis
- dermatitis
Herbs containing antiinflammatory properties?
.
Phytochemicals of antiinflammatories?
- phenolics
- iridoids, secoiridoids
- sesquiterpene lactones
Analgesic does?
Alleviates pain without loss of consciousness
When would one use an analgesic?
- pain
* arthritis
Herbs with analgesic properties?
- turmeric (curcumin longa)
- devil’s claw (harpagophytum procumbens)
- frankincense (boswellia serrata)
- willow (Salix spp.)
Phytochemicals of analgesics?
- phenolics
* iridoids
Actions of willow (Salix spp.)?
- antirheumetic
- antiinflammatory
- analgesic
- antipyretic
When would one use willow?
- pain
- myalgia
- arthritis
Phytochemicals of willow?
Simple phenolic - salicyclic acid
Actions of Devil’s claw (harpagophytum procumbens)?
- antiinflammatory
- antirheumetic
- analgesic
When would one use devil’s claw?
- rheumatic conditions
- arthritis
- chronic back pain
Phytochemicals of devil’s claw?
Iridoid glycosides (harpagoside)
Caution regarding devil’s claw?
Gastritis and ulcers…concomitant ingestion of demulcent herbs can counteract/protect
Actions of turmeric (curcumin longa)?
- antiinflammatory
* antirheumetic
When would one use turmeric?
- rheumatic conditions
- arthritis
- chronic back pain
Phytochemicals of turmeric?
- polyphenolics (curcuminoids: curcumin)
* essential oils
Ginger (zingiber officinale) and turmeric?
Similar actions but ginger can also be used for arthritis and inflammatory conditions
Turmeric cautions?
Pregnancy: safe when consumed as directed
High dose: may cause heart burn
Myalgia definition?
Muscle pain
Herbal actions to treat?
- anodyne
* antiinflammatory
Herbs to treat myalgia?
Topical • essential oils • castor oils • cayenne plaster • arnica gel
Phytochemicals to treat myalgia?
Essential oils
Anodyne does?
Alleviates pain when applied topically (topical analgesic)
Anodyne acts on?
- cold receptors
- hot receptors
- nerve blocks
When would one use anodynes?
- arthritis
- myalgia
- neuropathy
Phytochemicals of anodyne?
Essential oils
What is a counter-irritant?
A type of anodyne that causes a sensation or irritation to the skin to lessen the perception of pain.
Counter-irritants act on?
Cold and hot receptors.
When would one use counter-irritant?
- arthritis
- myalgia
- neuropathy
- insect bites
- headaches
Herbs acting as counter-irritants?
- peppermint (mentha piperita)
- cayenne (capsicum frutescens)
- wintergreen (gaultheria procumbens)
- camphor laurel (cinnamomum camphora)
Phytochemical of counter-irritant?
Essential oils
Rubefacient does?
Makes skin red by dilating capillaries causing an increase blood flow to the area resulting
Use Rubefacient when?
- myalgia
* arthritis
Herbs containing Rubefacient?
.
Phytochemicals of Rubefacient?
- essential oils
- phenolics
- sulfur
Actions of camphor (cinnamomum camphora)?
- anodyne
- antipruritic
- counter-irritant
When would one use camphor laurel?
- muscle pain
- insect bites
- itchy skin
Phytochemicals of camphor laurel?
Camphor (monoterpene, essential oil)
Camphor laurel caution?
Toxic in high amounts (2-4g) when consumed orally. Can be absorbed through skin.
Wintergreen (gaultheria procumbens) actions?
- antiinflammatory
- ** rubefacient
- counter-irritant
- anodyne
- antipruritic
When would one use wintergreen?
- muscle pain
* insect bites
Phytochemicals of wintergreen?
Methyl salicylate
Wintergreen cautions?
Toxic: 1tsp of wintergreen oil = 300 aspirin
Absorbed topically - can cause death
Salicylate sensitivities - should avoid wintergreen and sport creams
Actions of peppermint?
- ** rubefacient
- counter-irritant
- anodyne
- antipruritic
When would one use peppermint?
Topically for:
• muscle pain
• insect bites
Phytochemic of peppermint?
Monoterpene
Action of cayenne (capsicum frutescens)?
- analgesic
* rubefacient
When would one use cayenne?
Topically
• myalgia
• arthritis
• peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain)
Phytochemicals in cayenne?
Phenolic-alkylamides (capsaicinoid)
Caution in cayenne use?
A kid contact with sensitive areas.
Cayenne depletes what?
Substance P used in transmitting pain signals.
Castor oil actions?
- analgesic
* antiinflammatory
When would one use castor oil?
Topically
• myalgia
• arthritis
• bruises
Phytochemical of castor oil?
Ricinoleic acid
Castor oil depletes?
Substance P used in transmitting pain signals
Castor oil vs ultra sound gel?
Castor oil is better for pain relief.
Castor oil toxicity?
Castor oil is safe. Castor bean contains highly toxic ricin!
Ricin A - depruniates RNA & inhibits protein synthesis
& B - lectin, binds to cell surface markers & facilitates the entry of ricin A into cell.
What herbal actions are used for treating insect bites?
- Insect repellant
* Antipruritic
What herbs can be used for insect bites?
- Repellent - essential oils
- lemon grass (cymbopogon spp.)
- catnip (nepeta cataria)
- basil (ocimum spp.)
- camphor (cinnamomum camphora)
- neem (azadirachta indica)
Apply to bite
• essential oils
• plantain (Plantago)
Catnip vs DEET?
In vitro, catnip is 10X better
Herbal actions to treat cold sore?
Antimicrobial
Indications
• antiviral
Herbs used to treat cold sores?
Topical • honey and bee propolis • green tea (camellia sinensis) • lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) • St. John's wort (hypermecium perforatum) • oregano oil
Phytochemicals in cold sore treatment?
- tannins
- phenolics
- essential oils
Acute phase of cold sore…what can you apply?
Ice - decreases swelling, pain, progression
Warts are…?
Small rough skin growths caused by viruses (HPV)
Herbal actions in wary treatment?
- eschariotic
* antiviral
Herbs to use for wary treatment?
- may apple (podiphylum peltatum)
- cedar (thuja occidentalis)
- bloodroot (sanguinaria canadensis)
Phytochemicals in wart treatment?
- essential oils
- isoquinoline alkaloids
- lignans
Eschariotic does?
Destroys tissues, producing and “eschar” (scab) that slough off
When would one use eschariotics?
Warts
Herbs act as eschariotic?
Bloodroot (sanguinaria canadensis) May apple (podiphylum peltatum)
Actions of May apple (podiphylum peltatum)?
- antimiyotic
- antiviral
- eschariotic
When would one use may apple?
- ** warts
* cancer
Phytochemicals in may apple?
Lignans (podiphyllotoxin)
What anti cancer drug is derived from podiphyllotoxin?
Etoposide
Caution for may apple?
Not for internal use
Actions of blood root?
- eschariotic
* antimicrobial
When would one use bloodroot?
- ** warts
- skin cancer
- fungal infections
Phytochemicals in bloodroot?
Isoquinoline alkaloids (sanguinaria)
Caution regarding bloodroot?
Internally toxic - dot use in high doses
Sanguinaria may be hepatotoxic
Herbal action to treat athlete’s foot?
Antifungal
Herbs to use to treat athlete’s foot?
Avoid exposing feet to heat and moisture
Topical
• tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia)
• garlic (allium sativum)
Phytochemicals useful against athlete’s foot?
- tannins
- phenolics
- essential oils