Botanicals Flashcards
Angelica sinensis
Dong qaui/female ginseng
Actions: uterine tonic, fem endocrine modulator, adaptogen
Uses: amen, dysmen, endomet, menopause, infert, PMS
CI: Bleeding, menorragia, antiplatelet
Gelsemium sempervirens
Actions: antispasmodic, cardiosedative, stimulates then depresses neural function
Uses: trigem neuralgia, fever, insomnia, pain
EXTREMELY TOXIC – NOT SAFE whether indicated or not
AE: sedation, everything slows down, cardiac and resp failure.
CI: hypotensin, preg/lac
Rubus idaeus
Actions: uterine tonic
Uses: prepare for labor
VERY VERY Safe, throughout preg
MR CC
Zingiber officinale
Actions: anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, anti-infx, digestive stimulation
Uses: nausea/vomiting, motion sickness, inflammation, poor digestion
CI: gastric stim (active ulcer, gastritis, biliary obstruction)
AE: may potentiate anticoagulants
Symphytum officinale
Comfrey
Actions: vulnerary, demulcent, expectorant
Uses: wounds and fractures, dermatitis, dry cough, resp/GI inflammation
CI: wet cough, preg, lac – has P.A., hepatotoxic,
Commiphora myrrha/molmol
coMMiphora MolMol is Myrhh
Actions: anti-infx, anti-microbe
Uses: infections (GI, vaginal, etc)
SAFE
Salix alba
Actions: like aspirin
Uses: pain, fever, myalgia, arthritis, HA
CI: children esp. after viral exanthem (Reye’s syndrome)
Caution: GI irritation
Digitalis purpurea
Uses: CHF, arrhythmia
TOXIC: Narrow therapeutic window, OD lethal
Intx: Many drugs… caution!
Momordica charantia
Bitter melon
Actions: hypoglycemic, hypolipidemix, bitter
Uses: diabetes, psoriasis
CI: wet cough, gastric stim, preg
Rauwolfia serpentina
Actions: systemic vasodilator, anti-arrhythmic
Uses: HTN, arrhythmia
CI: depression (b/c causes catelcholamine depletion)
Intx: BP meds, MAO inhib, TCAs, sympathetic drugs (epinephrine, albuterol, pseudoephedrine, etc.)
Curcuma longa
Actions: anti-inflam, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer
SAFE
Corydalis amibua and spp.
Actions: analgesic, sedative, spasmolytic, heart things
Uses: pain: dysmen, chest (angina), abdominal (gastritis), stones; arrhythmias, parasites
Caution: can be TOXIC
Not really used
Pulsatilla vulgaris
Actions: anodyne, sedative
Uses: pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis pain, PMS (female health conditions)
CI: preg/lac
AE: abd pain
Not commonly used internally
Baptisia tinctoria
Actions: anti-microbial, immune-modulating
Uses: pharyngitis or other infections with catarrh, anti-viral
AE: tachypnea, tachycardia (generally means slightly more dangerous than your average herb)
Foeniculum vulgare
Actions: carminative, phytoestrogen, galactagogue
Uses: dyspepsia, gas, IBS, lactation, infant colic
SAFE
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Actions: urinary antiseptic
Uses: UTI, esp with alkaline urine
CI: preg
AE: nausea, mild toxicity so watch dosing
Verbena officinalis
Actions: nervine, female alterative, bitter
Uses: anxiety/depression, menopause + other gyn issues
CI: gastric stim
AE: nausea
SAFE
Euphrasia officinalis
Eyebright – “nose and eye-itis”
Actions: anti-infl, anti-allergy, anti-catarrhal
Uses: inflam, allergy, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, face-itis
SAFE
Piscidia erythrina
Jamaican dogwood
Actions: anodyne, spasmolytic, sedative
Uses: pain, myalgia, dysmen, neuralgia, headache
CI: preg, high dose
Intxn: sedatives, benzos, opiates
Ulmus rubra
Slippery elm
Actions: demulcent, esp. GI
Uses: gastritis, GERD, ulcer
CI: wet cough
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Actions: diaphoretic, astringent, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, carminitive, antidiabetic
Uses: diabetes + metabolic syndrome
C/I: GERD, severe gastritis
Caution: causes gastric stimulation, so may be CI for ulcers (good pre-ulcer, not good for active ulcer)
Ganoderma lucidum
Reishi
Actions: adaptogen, deep immune activation, immune modulator, anti-bacterial
Uses: cancer, insomnia, allergies
CI: auto-immune
Smilax spp.
Actions: hormone modulator, alterative
Uses: low T/andopause, PMS, menopause
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Actions: diaphoretic, immune stim
Uses: fever and infections, pain from cough
CI: Hepatotoxic conditions/liver issues (P.A.), high fevers
Dose: dose 2-4 mL TID
Cynara scolymus
“Sionara Lipids!”
Uses: hyperlipidemia, liver/GB issues (also bitter as many hepatic herbs are)
CI: Digestive stim (GERD, etc)
Achillea millefolium
“Hit with a Yarrow”
Actions: HEMOSTATIC, alterative, anti-microbial, bitter
Uses: Topical for wounds; internal styptic for menorrhagia, hemorrhage, hematuria
Caution: Preg, combining with PPI (all bitters)
Rhamnus frangula/purshiana
Actions/uses: catharsis for constipation
CI: preg, lac, IBD
AE: abd cramp, diarrhea, dependence
Intxns: causes potassium loss; consider intxns with diuretics, steroids, glycerrhiza, cardiac glycosides
Calendula officinalis
Actions: demulcent, anti-inflam, vulnerary
Uses: dermatitis, wounds
SAFE
Convallaria majalis
Lily of the Valley, milder digitalis
Uses: CHF, arythmmia
Intx: diuretics, beta-blockers, much more
Bryonia alba
Actions: anodyne, immune, some sedation
Uses: pain, infection
AE: abd pain, n+v, diarrhea, not really used internally
Rarely used, more likely to see as NOT SAFE or NOT INDICATED or DISTRACTOR
Solidago spp.
Golden rod
Actions: renal support, diuretic
Uses: nephritis, cystitis/UTI, urethritis
Think golden = pee
(also upper respiratory support)
SAFE
Salvia officinalis
Actions: anti-secretory, anti-bacterial, astringent
Uses: URI, cystitis, hot flashes/night sweats
CI: preg, lactaction (dries flow -> antisecretory)
Think of 50 year old menopausal hot flash woman with an infection
Cassia / Senna alexandrina
Actions: catharsis for constipation
Uses: direct stimulation of bowel movement
CI: Long-term use, laxative dependence
Linum usitassismum
Flax
Actions: demulcent, laxative
Uses (whole or ground seed): constipation, hormone imbalance, hypercholesterolemia
AE: GI (nausea, bloat, gas)
CI: GI obstruciton, acute IBD or IBS
Hyoscyamus niger
Like Belladonna and Datura (anti-cholinergic)
Actions: sedative, hypnotic, anti-spasm
Uses: pain, urinary spasms, interstitial cystitis pain
CI: BPH, long term or high dose – more toxic, visual blurring
Intx: potentiates effect of anticholinergics and trycyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline)
Silybum marianum
Actions: hepatoprotective, hepatorestorative
Uses: all the liver things; hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, skin stuff like most liver herbs
SAFE
Ephedra sinica
Banned by FDA in 2004
Actions: alpha adrenergic agonist (helps to breathe!)
Uses: asthma, COPD, bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis
CI: HTN, DM, hyperthyroid
AE: Agitation
Viscum album/flavescens
Mistletoe
Actions: anti-tumor, hypotensive
Uses: subcutaneous for cancer
TOXIC in all other uses (e.g. hypertension)
Hydrangea arborescens
Actions: diuretic, anti-lithic
Uses: kidney and bladder stones
No known side effects
OD: Vertigo, chest pain
Podophyllum peltatum
Actions: antineoplastic, anti-HPV
Uses: cancer, warts
CI: Extremely toxic, not used as dry herb
Lomatium dissectum
“Dissects viruses,” like ligusticum
Actions: antiviral
Uses: viral infections, esp viral resp infxn
AE: whole body rash, photosensitization (5-10% of people)
Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow
Actions: demulcent in GI and urinary tract
Uses: gastritis, ulcer, cystitis, UTI
CI: Wet cough (all demulcents)
Toxicity: very safe
Iris versicolor
VERSI-tile
Actions: alterative, cholegogue, lyphagogue
Uses: thyroid support, lymph support, biliary insuff, chronic skin (acne, eczema, psor)
AE: n+v
CI: GI obstruction, preg/lact, overt hyperthyroidism
Thymus vulgaris
Actions: anti-microbial
Uses:
- internal: h. pylori, viral infnx, GI infxn
- topical: fungal, pain
CI: preg/lac, internal use of essential oil, neurotoxic
Rosmarinus officinalis
Uses: cerebrovascular insufficiency (hypotensive HA, dementia, poor memory)
Topical: anti-microbial
SAFE
Larrea tridentata
Actions: anti-inflam, antimicrobe, anti-cancer
Uses: cancer, infection
CI: hepatic dz
Toxicity: hepatotoxic
Not used, likely to see as NOT SAFE and/or NOT INDICATED
Sambucus nigra
Actions:
- fruit: antiviral, antimicrobial
- flower: diaphoretic, inflam modulator, antiallergy
Uses:
- fruit: URI, influenza
- flower: fever, allergy sxs, URI
CI: high fever
Aloe vera
Actions: demulcent, immune, inflam
Uses: topical for burn, frostbite, wound, internal for demulcent/inflam
Toxicity: GEL VERY SAFE! (esp externally)
Whole leaf is extreme laxative
Rumex crispus
Actions: bitter, alterative, hepatoprotective
Uses: chronic skin dz, liver stuff
CI: GERD, PUD, gastritis (gastric stim)
Leonurus cardiaca
Actions: anti-arrhythmia, uterine tonic/anti-spasmotic, anti-hyperthyroid
Uses: palpitations (cardiaca), menstrual disorders, hyperthyroidism
Safe-ish (GI upset In high doses)
Aesculus hippocastanum
Horse Chestnut
Actions: venotonic, astringent
Uses: topical for bruises, hemorrhoids, varicose veins; internal for venous insuff, varicose veins, DVT
AE: nausea
CI: Preg/Lact
Schizandra chinensis
Actions: adaptogen, hepatoprotective, expectorant
Uses: stress/depression, liver support, cough
CI: preg
Chelidonium majus
Action: choleretic, cholagogue – GALLBLADDER
Uses: billiary insuf, gall stone prevention
AE: nausea, vomiting
CI: hepatic failure, preg, lac
Vaccinium myrtillus
Bilberry!
Actions: anti-oxidant, circulatory tonic, hypoglycemic (leaf)
Uses:
- fruit: vision (retinopathy, cataracts), vascular insufficiencies
- leaf: DM2, hypergycemia
SAFE
Lycopus virginicus
Actions: thyroid hormone suppressant, cardiac sedative, nervine
Uses: hyperthyroidism and sxs of hyperthyroidism (heart palp, anxiety)
CI: preg, lac, hypothyroidism
Intx: antithyroid drugs, may antagonize hypothyroid drugs
Aconitum napellus
Actions: anodyne
Uses: neuralgia, pain
TOXIC: narrow therapeutic window, lethal ventricular fibrillation, chest pain
Hypericum perforatum
Actions: anti-depressant, anti-neoplasm
Uses: depression, cancer, viral (CMV/EBV)
Toxicity: PHOTOSENSITIVITY
Intx: Lots, SSRI, induces CYP450 3A4
Crataegus laevigata/oxycantha
Uses: all heart problems, esp. CHF, angina, arrhythmia, htn
SAFE
Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha
Actions: restorative adaptogen, immune support
Uses: chronic stress, exhaustion, anxiety, infections
CI: preg, autoimmune
Gymnema sylvestre
Actions: hypolipidemic, anti-obesity
Uses: diabetes, cravings, weight loss, metabolic syndrome
“Like you went to the GYM”
SAFE, but caution if pt is on hypoglycemics (additive effect)
Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew
Uses: migraine
Safe
Tussilago farfara
Actions: demulcent/expectorant/antitussive, vulnerary
Uses: dry cough, dermatitis + wounds
CI: wet cough
AE: hepatotoxic, but with different type of PA (saturated instead of unsaturated – which are always hepatotoxic)
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Siberian ginseng
Actions: immune-modulating, adaptogen
Uses: infection, cancer, auto-immune, adrenal support
AE: Irritability, insomnia
CI: HTN, long term use
Humulus lupulus
Actions: nervine, bitter, phytoestrogen
Uses: insomnia, restlessness, poor digestion
CI: bitter interactions (PPI, active ulcer, GERD, gastritis), caution in depression
Commiphora mukul
Guggul
Uses: hyperlipidemia, LDL, anti-inflam
CI: IBD
Intx: beta blockers
Harpagophytum procumbens
Actions: anti-inflam, anti-rheum, bitter
Uses: topical for gout, OA, RA; bitter
SAFE except for bitter interactions (PPI, active ulcer, GERD, gastritis)
Berberis vulgaris
“The liver is vulgar”
Actions: cholagogue, hepatic
Uses: liver disease, GB, gallstones, jaundice, LIVER STUFF
CI: preg, bile duct obs.
Caution: many drug intx -> if pt on a lot of drugs in a case, not safe (probably a safety question)
Ceanothus americanus
“Americanus have fatty livers”
Actions: hepatoprotective
Uses: NAFLD, fatty liver, hepatitis
SAFE
Lobelia inflata
“Inflates your lungs”
Actions: stimulating expectorant, nervine, diffusive pulmonary tonic
Uses: wet or spasmotic cough, asthma, URI, lung dz
CI: preg/lac
AE: n+v
OD: death (more caution than usual)
Mitchella repens
“Repens the uterus”
Actions: parturifacient, uterine tonic
Uses: labor (?), dysmen, infertility, fibroids
CI: early preg
MR CC guarantees deliveries
Centella asiatica
Actions: nervine, antipyretic, mental tonic
Uses: nervous insomnia, poor memory, infections, venous insufficiency, skin/wound healing?
SAFE
“100 year old Asian woman with venous insufficiency, dementia from her old age.”
Valeriana officinalis
Actions: sedative, hypnotic, spasmolytic
Uses: insomnia, anxiety, smooth muscle spasms
AE: sedation
CI: may prolong GABA drugs
Taraxacum officinale
Actions:
- leaf: diuretic, bitter, alterative
- root: hepatic, bitter, alterative
Uses:
- leaf: UTI, kidney stones, edema
- root: gallbladder, liver + skin support
CI: GI inflammation (ulcers, GERD, gastritis)
Leptandra virginica
Actions: hepatotonic, choleretic, cholagogue, bitter
CI: Gastric stim (bitter)
No one uses this– NOT INDICATED and/or not safe
Equisetum arvense
Horse tail
Actions: alterative, urinary tonic
Uses: chronic skin issues (acne), UTI, kidney stones
SAFE
Vinca major/minor
Actions: circulatory stimulant, astringent
Uses: menorrhagia, hypertension, headaches/vertigo, cognition/memory support
CI: preg, hypotension
Datura stramonium
Belladona category
Actions: blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and acts as anodyne
Uses: spasms, pain
CI: BPH
AE: dryness
Intx: potentiates anticholinergics, amitriptyline
Chionanthus virginicus
Actions: hepatic, cholagogue, bitter, LIVER, GB
CI: obstruction, cancer (bile duct, pancreatic)
Generally safe
Astragalus membranaceus
Actions: immune modulator, moderate adaptogen
Uses: infx, cancer, autoimmune, depressed immune
Safe
Hydrastis canadensis
Actions: bitter, antimicrobial, immune, anti-H.pylori, “king of mucus membranes)
Uses: cattarh on mucous membranes, poor digestion
CI: bitter stuff
AE: possible dysbiosis, GI disturbance
Sanguinaria canadensis
Actions: escharotic
Uses: TOPICAL for cervical dysplasia, basal or squamous cell carcinoma
TOXIC INTERNALLY
Asclepius tuberosa
Actions: expectorant, anti-tussive
Uses: fever, cough, pneumonia, bronchitis
CI: Preg
Rarely used, more likely to see as NOT SAFE or NOT INDICATED or DISTRACTOR
Usnea barbata
Actions: anti-microbial, anti-fungal
Uses: infections
Caution: hepatotoxic (most anti-fungals)
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Actions: adaptogen, anti-inflam, demulcent, hepatoprotective
Uses: gastritis, PUD, GERD, H. Pylori, adrenal support
CI: HTN
Intx: drugs that cause hypokalemia, digoxin, quinidine, gentamicin
Prunus serotina
Black cherry
Actions: anti-tussive
Uses: spasmodic cough, dry irritating cough
CI: preg
DDX africanum (BPH)
Safe
Eschscholzia californica
Actions: anxiolytic, sedative (like opium but milder), analgesic
Uses: neuralgia, insomnia, anxiety
CI: preg/lac
Intx: benzo, MAOIs
May be addictive
Panax ginseng / quinquefolium
Actions: adaptogen, immune modulator, phytoestrogen
Uses: cancer, infection, stress, fatigue
- P. ginseng*: stimulant, stimulating adaptogen, less immune
- P. quinquefolium*: immune stim
C/I: preg,
Interactions: potentiate caffeine, immune drugs
Gentiana lutea
Actions: bitter, hepatotonic
Uses: poor digestion, anorexia, liver dz
A/E: Nausea
CI: GI stim like all bitters (GERD, active ulcer, gastritis, PPI)
Allium cepa / sativum
Onion/garlic
Uses: cardiovascular health (lipids, athero, angina, htn), DM, impotence; topical antimicrobial
CI: Bleeding/anticoagulants
Caution: Hypoglycemic
Artemisia absinthum, annua, vulgaris
Actions: anti-malaria, -parasite, -cancer
Toxic: High dose neurotoxic!
- Absinthum*: bitter (anti-parasite, malaria)
- Annua*: digestive, a bit sweeter
- Vulgaris*: less used
Galium aparine
Cleavers, “golum skin”
Actions: lymphatic system tonic, aquaretic
Uses: chronic skin infx, acne, lymph issues, UTI, urolithiasis
SAFE
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Shepherd’s purse
Actions: styptic
Uses: hemorhage, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, postpartum hem
CI: Major bleeding (b/c is not effective)
Intx: Anticoagulants (all styptics)
Inula helenium
Actions: anti-parasitive, lung stuff
Uses: asthma, COPD, wet and dry cough, URI, parasites
One of the few SAFE anti-parasitic herbs (without GI distress or CIs)
Ligustrum lucidum
Actions: immunostimulating, adaptogen
Uses: infxn, cancer
SAFE, but caution re: immunosuppressive therapy
Juglans nigra
Actions: anti-parasitic, anti-helminthic
Uses: intestinal parasites and worms
CI: Preg, GI irritation
Dose: 2-4 mL TID, 1:5, 40%
3 vulnerary herbs to know?
Calendula, chamomile, comfrey (symphytum)
Vulnerary: of use in the healing of wounds.
Serenoa repens
Actions: 5 alpha reductase inhibitor
Uses: BPH
Could use in PCOS/hirsutism, male pattern balding
SAFE
Plantago major
Actions: demulcent, vulnerary
Uses: GI (gastritis, ulcer), lower UTI, topical on wounds
CI: wet cough (demulc)
Hamamelis virginiana
Actions: astringent, styptic
Uses: venous congestion, varicose veins (similar to aesculus), diarrhea, hemorrhoids
Fairly safe, can have contact derm
Rhodiola rosea
Actions: adaptogen, antidepressant
Uses: stress/depresssion, suppressed immune system, cancer
CI: pregnancy, lactation
Caution: SSRIs, MAOIs, sedatives, immunosuppressive therapy
Quercus rubra
Red oak
Actions: astringent (tannins), anti-inflam, anti-septic
Uses: GI astringent (diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids [topical])
Safety: use only short-term due to reduced nutrient absorption, CI on externally damaged skin
Camellia sinensis
Green Tea
Actions: anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, astringent (tannins), diuretic, stimulant
CI: Insomnia?
Aspidosperma quebracho
Actions: stimulating expectorant
Uses: non-dry coughs
CI: dry cough, preg, lactation, children
Rarely used, more likely to see as NOT SAFE or NOT INDICATED or DISTRACTOR
Berberis aquifolium
Mahonia/Oregon Grape
Actions: anti-microbial, bitter
Uses: chronic skin esp psoriasis or acne, poor digestion
AE: nausea or other GI symptoms
CI: active peptic ulcer, gastritis, biliary obstruction
Intx: PPI
Arctium lappa
Burdock
Actions: alterative (specific to liver), bitter
Uses: skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema), blood sugar regulation, poor digestion
Additionally: dyspepsia, biliary insufficiency, hepatitis
Mentha piperita
Actions: carminitive, spasmolytic
Uses: dyspepsia, colic, GI stuff
C/I: GERD, other digestive stim stuff (active ulcer, gastritis, bile duct obstruction, etc.)
Verbascum thapsus
Actions: pulmonary tonic, relaxing expectorant
Uses: asthma, COPD, all coughs and URIs
SAFE
Cannabis sativa
Actions: analgesic, sedative, anti-emetic
CI: Preg, abuse potential, psychiatric issues like schizophrenic
More likely to see in cases as a drug of abuse
Boswellia serrata
Actions: anti-inflammatory (d/t resin constituent)
Uses: asthma, UC, OA, RA, etc…
SAFE
Thuja occidentalis
Actions: anti-microbial
Uses: topical: warts; tincture: URI
Toxic: neurotoxic, preg, contains thujones
Low dose
Olea europea
Actions: hypotensive, cardioprotective, antimicrobial
Uses: HTN, hyperlipidemia, infxns (tincture)
CI: GI stim
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Actions: anti-arrythmic, diuretic
Uses: arrhythmia, palpitation, CHF, angina
Intx: MAOI
Ginkgo biloba
Actions: vasodilator, inflam mod
Uses: cerebrovascular insufficiency (depression, dementia, memory), arterial insuff, intermittent claud, impotence
AE: rash, headache, bleeding
CI: bleeding, anticoagulant intx d/t bleeding
Avena sativa
Actions/uses: anxiolytic, nervine, nutritional
Intx: hypolipidemic as food
SAFE
Vitex agnus-castus
Actions: hormone-balancing, uterine tonic
Uses: amenorrhea/anovulation, PMS, acne, low progesterone
CI: preg
Scutellaria lateriflora
Actions: anxiolytic, anodyne, nervine
Uses: insomnia, anxiety, pain
Safe
Tilea europa
Actions: circulatory tonic, diaphoretic
Uses: HTN, infection (colds, flus)
Safe
Ligusticum porteri
“STICUM UP! Before I blow your liver away”
Actions: strong ANTI-VIRAL, liver issues, cholecystitis
Uses: EBV, URI
CI: preg
AE: rash, GI irritation (emetic)
Trifolium pratense
Red clover
Actions: phytoestrogen, nutritive
Uses: menopause, hot flashes, pregnancy, skin conditions
Safe
Tanacetum vulgare
Actions: antiparasitic, antihelminth, bitter
Uses: parasites, worms
CI: lac, preg (abortifacient), GI inflam (PUD, GERD, gastritis -> dt bitter)
Chamaelirium luteum
False unicorn. Think luteal, luteum = repro
Action: uterine tonic
Uses: amenorrhea, dysmen, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, miscarriage
SAFE
Veratrum alba
Actions: hypotensive
Uses: hypertension, cholera
HIGHLY TOXIC, TERATOGENIC, NOT SAFE
Eupatorium purpureum
Gravel root – “gets the gravel out of you”
Actions: anti-lithic, diuretic
Uses: urolithiasis, renal calculi, gout
CI: hepatotoxic conditions/liver issues (P.A.)
Actaea racemosa
Black cohosh
Actions: uterine tonic, spasmolytic, emmenagogue, anti-inflam
Uses: PMS, dysmen, menorrhagia, arthritis, myalgia
CI: Early preg (can stimulate labor)
Coleus forskohlii
Actions: activates cAMP, adaptogen, cardiotonic, immune
Uses: asthma (main), bronchial irritation, dry cough, hoarseness, emphysema, bronchitis
Intx: warfarin, digoxin
Arnica montana
Actions: topical vulnerary and anodyne
Uses: bruises, sprains, strains
CI: broken skin, NOT FOR internal use
Capsicum frutescens
Actions: antiplatelet, digestive stim
Uses: topical anodyne, anti-inflam (OA, RA, etc)
AE: Burning
Intx: Anticoagulants
Ricinis communis
Actions: anodyne, anti-inflam (topical)
Uses: pain (incl. dysmen, ovarian cyst, PMS), myalgia
Caution: interally causes catharsis/emesis, toxic long term internally
Geranium maculatum
Actions: astringent (tannins), venotonic, vulnerary, anti-inflam
Uses: GI health, hemorrhage, menorrhagia, diarrhea, varicose veins
AE: nausea
Dioscorea villosa
“Die spasms!”
Actions: spasmolytic
Uses: dysmen, endometeriosis, PMS, spasms
SAFE
Piper methysticum
Kava
Actions: anxiolytic, nervine
Uses: anxiety, IC pain, neuralgia
CI: antipsychotic, long-term use, preg/lac
For the purpose of NPLEX, hepatotoxic (err on side of safety)
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Blue cohosh
Action: uterine tonic, parturifacient (during late preg)
CI: Early preg
Theobroma cacao
Actions: antioxidant, stimulant
Uses: HTN + cardiovascular health
Caution: contains caffeine
Cordyceps sinensis
Actions: potentiates epinephrine, relaxes smooth muscle, immunostimulant, cholesterol-lowering
Uses: asthma, cough, bronchitis, respiratory disorders
CI: auto-immune, some drug interactions (think epinephrine)
Cineraria maritima
Uses: topical for cataract
CI: internal use d/t hepatotoxic (P.A.)
Route must be topical to be safe.
Melissa officinalis
Actions: anti-hyperthyroid, nervine
Uses: hyperthyroidism, anxiety with GI sxs (dyspepsia, IBS, colic)
CI: Hypothyroid, GERD, preg
Matricaria chamomilla
Actions: nervine, inflamm modulator, carminative, vulnerary, spasmolytic
Uses: anxiety/restless, all GI complaints, N+V in preg, infection, wounds + skin
Great for kids
Safe
Tribulus terrestris
Actions: increases testosterone, hormone modulator, stimulant
Uses: libido, fertility
CI: preg, BPH (testosterone)
Bacopa monierri / tinctoria
Actions: some nervine, bitter, and astringent properties
Uses: memory, cognition
SAFE
Prunus africanum
Actions: prostatic tonic, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, anti-inflam
Uses: BPH, chronic prostatitis
Safe
Urtica dioica
Actions: nutritive, diuretic, antiallergy
Uses:
- leaf: allergies, arthritis
- seed: lower UTI, urolith, renal support
- root: BPH
Grindelia robusta
Actions: resin = increases mucous, anti-inflammatory
Uses: “grinding cough” (dry cough, URI), asthma
Atropa belladonna
Actions: blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (causing smooth muscle relaxation and inhibits secretions), and acts as anodyne
Uses: muscle spasms, pain
CI: BPH, closed-angle glaucoma
AE: causes dryness
Intx: Potentiates effect of anticholinergics and trycyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline)
Echinacea augustifolia/purp/pall
Actions: immune stimulant, anti-microbial, inflam-modulating, anti-viral
Uses: infection (URI), influenza
CI: HIV/AIDS, autoimmune, TB, long-term use
Viburnum opulus/prunifolium
Actions: spasmolytic
Uses: dysmen, endometriosis, PMS, spasm, myalgia
SAFE
Juniperus communis
Actions: antimicrobial, diuretic
Uses: UTIs, topical for myalgias
CI: renal damage, pregnancy, high dose
Contains thujones
Melaleuca alternifolia
Tea Tree
Actions: antifungal, antimicrobial
Uses: TOPICAL, only essential oil
Medicago sativa
Alfalfa
Actions: phytoestrogen
Uses: endometriosis, infertility, menopause
SAFE
Phytolacca americana
Actions: lymphatic
Uses: lymphadenopathy, mastitis, BREAST STUFF
CI: pregnancy, high dose
Toxic: OD causes systemic toxicity (higher safety flags on this one)
Dose: 0.25-0.5 mL/day
Eucalyptus globulus
Uses: essential oil for URI, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, topical for arthritis
CI: internal use may cause a/e
Fucus vesiculosus
Bladder Wrack
Actions: IODINE SOURCE
Uses: thyroid health, goiter, hypothyroidism
General caution with thyroid conditions (too much iodine can be suppressive).
Ex: okay in tincture, etc., for hypothyroid pt, but not safe if they are alread supplementing iodine.
