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