Botanicals Flashcards

Question

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Answer 1

**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

Answer 2

“Sionara Lipids!” **Uses**: hyperlipidemia, liver/GB issues (also bitter as many hepatic herbs are) **CI**: Digestive stim (GERD, etc)

Answer 3

"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)

Answer 4

**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

Answer 5

**Actions**: demulcent, anti-inflam, _vulnerary_ **Uses**: dermatitis, wounds SAFE

Answer 6

Lily of the Valley, milder digitalis **Uses**: CHF, arythmmia **Intx**: diuretics, beta-blockers, much more

Answer 7

**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

Answer 8

Golden rod **Actions**: renal support, diuretic **Uses**: nephritis, cystitis/UTI, urethritis Think golden = pee (also upper respiratory support) SAFE

Answer 9

**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

Answer 10

**Actions**: catharsis for constipation **Uses**: direct stimulation of bowel movement **CI**: Long-term use, laxative dependence

Answer 11

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

Answer 12

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)

Answer 13

**Actions**: hepatoprotective, hepatorestorative **Uses**: all the liver things; hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, skin stuff like most liver herbs SAFE

Answer 14

Banned by FDA in 2004 **Actions**: alpha adrenergic agonist (helps to breathe!) **Uses**: asthma, COPD, bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis **CI**: HTN, DM, hyperthyroid **AE**: Agitation

Answer 15

Mistletoe **Actions**: anti-tumor, hypotensive **Uses**: subcutaneous for cancer **TOXIC** in all other uses (e.g. hypertension)

Answer 16

**Actions**: diuretic, anti-lithic **Uses**: kidney and bladder stones No known side effects **OD**: Vertigo, chest pain

Answer 17

**Actions**: antineoplastic, anti-HPV **Uses**: cancer, warts **CI**: **Extremely toxic, not used as dry herb**

Answer 18

"Dissects viruses," like ligusticum **Actions**: _antiviral_ **Uses**: viral infections, esp viral resp infxn **AE**: whole body rash, photosensitization (5-10% of people)

Answer 19

Marshmallow **Actions**: demulcent in GI and urinary tract **Uses**: gastritis, ulcer, cystitis, UTI **CI**: Wet cough (all demulcents) **Toxicity**: very safe

Answer 20

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

Answer 21

**Actions**: anti-microbial **Uses**: * internal: h. pylori, viral infnx, GI infxn * topical: fungal, pain **CI**: preg/lac, internal use of essential oil, neurotoxic

Answer 22

**Uses**: cerebrovascular insufficiency (hypotensive HA, dementia, poor memory) **Topical**: anti-microbial SAFE

Answer 23

**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

Answer 24

**Actions**: * fruit: antiviral, antimicrobial * flower: diaphoretic, inflam modulator, antiallergy **Uses**: * fruit: URI, influenza * flower: fever, allergy sxs, URI **CI**: high fever

Answer 25

**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

Answer 26

**Actions**: bitter, alterative, hepatoprotective **Uses**: chronic skin dz, liver stuff CI: GERD, PUD, gastritis (gastric stim)

Answer 27

**Actions**: anti-arrhythmia, uterine tonic/anti-spasmotic, anti-hyperthyroid **Uses**: palpitations (cardiaca), menstrual disorders, hyperthyroidism Safe-ish (GI upset In high doses)

Answer 28

Horse Chestnut **Actions**: venotonic, astringent **Uses**: topical for bruises, hemorrhoids, varicose veins; internal for venous insuff, varicose veins, DVT **AE**: nausea **CI**: Preg/Lact

Answer 29

**Actions**: adaptogen, hepatoprotective, expectorant **Uses**: stress/depression, liver support, cough **CI**: preg

Answer 30

**Action**: choleretic, cholagogue – GALLBLADDER **Uses**: billiary insuf, gall stone prevention **AE**: nausea, vomiting **CI**: hepatic failure, preg, lac

Answer 31

Bilberry! **Actions**: anti-oxidant, circulatory tonic, hypoglycemic (leaf) **Uses**: * _fruit_: vision (retinopathy, cataracts), vascular insufficiencies * _leaf_: DM2, hypergycemia SAFE

Answer 32

**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

Answer 33

**Actions**: anodyne **Uses**: neuralgia, pain **TOXIC:** narrow therapeutic window, lethal ventricular fibrillation, chest pain

Answer 34

**Actions**: anti-depressant, anti-neoplasm **Uses**: _depression_, cancer, viral (CMV/EBV) **Toxicity**: PHOTOSENSITIVITY **Intx**: Lots, _SSRI_, induces CYP450 3A4

Answer 35

**Uses**: all heart problems, esp. CHF, angina, arrhythmia, htn SAFE

Answer 36

Ashwagandha **Actions**: restorative adaptogen, immune support **Uses**: chronic stress, exhaustion, anxiety, infections **CI**: preg, autoimmune

Answer 37

**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)

Answer 38

Feverfew **Uses**: migraine Safe

Answer 39

**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)

Answer 40

Siberian ginseng **Actions**: immune-modulating, adaptogen **Uses**: infection, cancer, auto-immune, adrenal support **AE**: Irritability, insomnia **CI**: HTN, long term use

Answer 41

**Actions**: nervine, bitter, phytoestrogen **Uses**: insomnia, restlessness, poor digestion **CI**: bitter interactions (PPI, active ulcer, GERD, gastritis), caution in depression

Answer 42

Guggul **Uses**: hyperlipidemia, LDL, anti-inflam **CI**: IBD **Intx**: beta blockers

Answer 43

**Actions**: anti-inflam, anti-rheum, bitter **Uses**: topical for gout, OA, RA; bitter SAFE except for bitter interactions (PPI, active ulcer, GERD, gastritis)

Answer 44

“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)

Answer 45

“Americanus have fatty livers” **Actions**: hepatoprotective **Uses**: NAFLD, fatty liver, hepatitis SAFE

Answer 46

“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)

Answer 47

“Repens the uterus” **Actions**: parturifacient, uterine tonic **Uses**: labor (?), dysmen, infertility, fibroids **CI**: early preg MR CC guarantees deliveries

Answer 48

**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.”

Answer 49

**Actions**: sedative, hypnotic, spasmolytic **Uses**: insomnia, anxiety, smooth muscle spasms **AE**: sedation **CI**: may prolong GABA drugs

Answer 50

**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)

Answer 51

**Actions**: hepatotonic, choleretic, cholagogue, bitter **CI**: Gastric stim (bitter) No one uses this-- NOT INDICATED and/or not safe

Answer 52

Horse tail **Actions**: alterative, urinary tonic **Uses**: chronic skin issues (acne), UTI, kidney stones SAFE

Answer 53

**Actions**: circulatory stimulant, astringent **Uses**: menorrhagia, hypertension, headaches/vertigo, cognition/memory support **CI**: preg, hypotension

Answer 54

Belladona category **Actions**: blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and acts as anodyne **Uses**: spasms, pain **CI**: BPH **AE**: dryness **Intx**: potentiates anticholinergics, amitriptyline

Answer 55

**Actions**: hepatic, cholagogue, bitter, LIVER, GB **CI**: obstruction, cancer (bile duct, pancreatic) Generally safe

Answer 56

**Actions**: immune modulator, moderate adaptogen **Uses**: infx, cancer, autoimmune, depressed immune **Safe**

Answer 57

**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

Answer 58

**Actions**: escharotic **Uses**: TOPICAL for cervical dysplasia, basal or squamous cell carcinoma TOXIC INTERNALLY

Answer 59

**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

Answer 60

**Actions**: anti-microbial, anti-fungal **Uses**: infections **Caution**: hepatotoxic (most anti-fungals)

Answer 61

**Actions**: adaptogen, anti-inflam, demulcent, hepatoprotective **Uses**: gastritis, PUD, GERD, H. Pylori, adrenal support **CI**: HTN **Intx**: drugs that cause hypokalemia, digoxin, quinidine, gentamicin

Answer 62

Black cherry **Actions**: anti-tussive **Uses**: spasmodic cough, dry irritating cough **CI**: preg DDX africanum (BPH) Safe

Answer 63

**Actions**: anxiolytic, sedative (like opium but milder), analgesic **Uses**: neuralgia, insomnia, anxiety **CI**: preg/lac **Intx**: benzo, MAOIs May be addictive

Answer 64

**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

Answer 65

**Actions**: _bitter_, hepatotonic **Uses**: poor digestion, anorexia, liver dz **A/E**: Nausea **CI**: GI stim like all bitters (GERD, active ulcer, gastritis, PPI)

Answer 66

Onion/garlic **Uses**: cardiovascular health (_lipids_, _athero_, angina, htn), DM, impotence; topical antimicrobial **CI**: Bleeding/anticoagulants **Caution**: Hypoglycemic

Answer 67

**Actions**: anti-malaria, -parasite, -cancer **Toxic**: High dose neurotoxic! * Absinthum*: bitter (anti-parasite, malaria) * Annua*: digestive, a bit sweeter * Vulgaris*: less used

Answer 68

Cleavers, “golum skin” **Actions**: lymphatic system tonic, aquaretic **Uses**: chronic skin infx, acne, lymph issues, UTI, urolithiasis SAFE

Answer 69

Shepherd's purse **Actions**: styptic **Uses**: hemorhage, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, postpartum hem **CI**: Major bleeding (b/c is not effective) **Intx**: Anticoagulants (all styptics)

Answer 70

**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)

Answer 71

**Actions**: immunostimulating, adaptogen **Uses**: infxn, cancer SAFE, but caution re: immunosuppressive therapy

Answer 72

**Actions**: anti-parasitic, anti-helminthic **Uses**: intestinal parasites and worms **CI**: Preg, GI irritation **Dose**: 2-4 mL TID, 1:5, 40%

Answer 73

Calendula, chamomile, comfrey (symphytum) Vulnerary: of use in the healing of wounds.

Answer 74

**Actions**: 5 alpha reductase inhibitor **Uses**: BPH Could use in PCOS/hirsutism, male pattern balding SAFE

Answer 75

**Actions**: demulcent, vulnerary **Uses**: GI (gastritis, ulcer), lower UTI, topical on wounds **CI**: wet cough (demulc)

Answer 76

**Actions**: astringent, styptic **Uses**: venous congestion, varicose veins (similar to aesculus), diarrhea, hemorrhoids Fairly safe, can have contact derm

Answer 77

**Actions**: adaptogen, antidepressant **Uses**: stress/depresssion, suppressed immune system, cancer **CI**: pregnancy, lactation **Caution**: SSRIs, MAOIs, sedatives, immunosuppressive therapy

Answer 78

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

Answer 79

Green Tea **Actions**: anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, astringent (tannins), diuretic, stimulant **CI**: Insomnia?

Answer 80

**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

Answer 81

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

Answer 82

Burdock **Actions**: alterative (specific to liver), bitter **Uses**: skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema), blood sugar regulation, poor digestion *Additionally*: dyspepsia, biliary insufficiency, hepatitis

Answer 83

**Actions**: carminitive, spasmolytic **Uses**: dyspepsia, colic, GI stuff **C/I**: GERD, other digestive stim stuff (active ulcer, gastritis, bile duct obstruction, etc.)

Answer 84

**Actions**: pulmonary tonic, relaxing expectorant **Uses**: asthma, COPD, all coughs and URIs SAFE

Answer 85

**Actions**: analgesic, sedative, anti-emetic **CI**: Preg, abuse potential, psychiatric issues like schizophrenic More likely to see in cases as a drug of abuse

Answer 86

**Actions**: anti-inflammatory (d/t _resin constituent_) **Uses**: asthma, UC, OA, RA, etc... SAFE

Answer 87

**Actions**: anti-microbial **Uses**: topical: warts; tincture: URI **Toxic**: neurotoxic, preg, contains thujones Low dose

Answer 88

**Actions**: hypotensive, cardioprotective, antimicrobial **Uses**: HTN, hyperlipidemia, infxns (tincture) **CI**: GI stim

Answer 89

**Actions**: anti-arrythmic, diuretic **Uses**: arrhythmia, palpitation, CHF, angina **Intx**: MAOI

Answer 90

**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

Answer 91

**Actions/uses**: anxiolytic, nervine, nutritional **Intx**: hypolipidemic as food SAFE

Answer 92

**Actions**: hormone-balancing, uterine tonic **Uses**: amenorrhea/anovulation, PMS, acne, low progesterone **CI**: preg

Answer 93

**Actions**: anxiolytic, anodyne, nervine **Uses**: insomnia, anxiety, pain Safe

Answer 94

**Actions**: circulatory tonic, diaphoretic **Uses**: HTN, infection (colds, flus) Safe

Answer 95

“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)

Answer 96

Red clover **Actions**: phytoestrogen, nutritive **Uses**: menopause, hot flashes, pregnancy, skin conditions Safe

Answer 97

**Actions**: antiparasitic, antihelminth, bitter **Uses**: parasites, worms **CI**: lac, preg (abortifacient), GI inflam (PUD, GERD, gastritis -\> dt bitter)

Answer 98

False unicorn. Think luteal, luteum = repro **Action**: uterine tonic **Uses**: amenorrhea, dysmen, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, miscarriage SAFE

Answer 99

**Actions**: hypotensive **Uses**: hypertension, cholera **HIGHLY TOXIC, TERATOGENIC, NOT SAFE**

Answer 100

Gravel root – "gets the gravel out of you" **Actions**: anti-lithic, diuretic **Uses**: urolithiasis, renal calculi, gout **CI**: hepatotoxic conditions/liver issues (P.A.)

Answer 101

Black cohosh **Actions**: uterine tonic, spasmolytic, emmenagogue, anti-inflam **Uses**: PMS, dysmen, menorrhagia, arthritis, myalgia **CI**: Early preg (can stimulate labor)

Answer 102

**Actions**: activates cAMP, adaptogen, cardiotonic, immune **Uses**: asthma (main), bronchial irritation, dry cough, hoarseness, emphysema, bronchitis **Intx**: warfarin, digoxin

Answer 103

**Actions**: _topical_ vulnerary and anodyne **Uses**: bruises, sprains, strains **CI**: broken skin, NOT FOR internal use

Answer 104

**Actions**: antiplatelet, digestive stim **Uses**: topical anodyne, anti-inflam (OA, RA, etc) **AE**: Burning **Intx**: Anticoagulants

Answer 105

**Actions**: anodyne, anti-inflam (topical) **Uses**: pain (incl. dysmen, ovarian cyst, PMS), myalgia **Caution**: interally causes catharsis/emesis, toxic long term internally

Answer 106

**Actions**: astringent (tannins), venotonic, vulnerary, anti-inflam **Uses**: GI health, hemorrhage, menorrhagia, diarrhea, varicose veins **AE**: nausea

Answer 107

“Die spasms!” **Actions**: spasmolytic **Uses**: dysmen, endometeriosis, PMS, spasms SAFE

Answer 108

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)

Answer 109

Blue cohosh **Action**: uterine tonic, parturifacient (during late preg) **CI**: Early preg

Answer 110

**Actions**: antioxidant, stimulant **Uses**: HTN + cardiovascular health **Caution**: contains caffeine

Answer 111

**Actions**: potentiates epinephrine, relaxes smooth muscle, immunostimulant, cholesterol-lowering **Uses**: asthma, cough, bronchitis, respiratory disorders **CI**: auto-immune, some drug interactions (think epinephrine)

Answer 112

**Uses**: topical for cataract **CI**: internal use d/t hepatotoxic (P.A.) Route must be topical to be safe.

Answer 113

**Actions**: anti-hyperthyroid, nervine **Uses**: hyperthyroidism, anxiety with GI sxs (dyspepsia, IBS, colic) **CI**: Hypothyroid, GERD, preg

Answer 114

**Actions**: nervine, inflamm modulator, carminative, vulnerary, spasmolytic **Uses**: anxiety/restless, all GI complaints, N+V in preg, infection, wounds + skin *Great for kids* **Safe**

Answer 115

**Actions**: increases testosterone, hormone modulator, stimulant **Uses**: libido, fertility **CI**: preg, BPH (testosterone)

Answer 116

**Actions**: some nervine, bitter, and astringent properties **Uses**: memory, cognition SAFE

Answer 117

**Actions**: prostatic tonic, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, anti-inflam **Uses**: BPH, chronic prostatitis Safe

Answer 118

**Actions**: nutritive, diuretic, antiallergy **Uses**: * **leaf**: allergies, arthritis * **seed**: lower UTI, urolith, renal support * **root**: BPH

Answer 119

**Actions**: resin = increases mucous, anti-inflammatory **Uses**: "grinding cough" (dry cough, URI), asthma

Answer 120

**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)

Answer 121

**Actions**: immune stimulant, anti-microbial, inflam-modulating, anti-viral **Uses**: infection (_URI_), influenza **CI**: HIV/AIDS, autoimmune, TB, long-term use

Answer 122

**Actions**: spasmolytic **Uses**: dysmen, endometriosis, PMS, spasm, myalgia SAFE

Answer 123

**Actions**: antimicrobial, diuretic **Uses**: UTIs, topical for myalgias **CI**: renal damage, pregnancy, high dose Contains thujones

Answer 124

Tea Tree **Actions**: antifungal, antimicrobial **Uses**: TOPICAL, only essential oil

Answer 125

Alfalfa **Actions**: phytoestrogen **Uses**: endometriosis, infertility, menopause SAFE

Answer 126

**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

Answer 127

**Uses**: _essential oil_ for URI, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, topical for arthritis **CI**: internal use may cause a/e

Answer 128

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.