Botanicals for Heart Conditions Flashcards
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When treating patient with Heart condions what does Cardiotonic mean?
Pro tip: If patient is not dependent Remove all caffeine for at least three weeks when treating the patient.
A. Increased force of heart contractions: This is particularly useful in conditions like heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood adequately
B.Improving circulation: By strengthening the heart, cardiotonics help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues..
C. Reduce workload: on the heart by improving heart efficiency without placing additional strain on it
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
What herbs are Cardiotonic?
A. Lily of the vally, Hawthorne and Garlic
B. Hawthorn, garlic and Hibiscus
C. Hawthorn, Hibiscus, Prickly ash
D. All are correct
A. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis), Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) and Garlic (Allium Sativum)
Garlic It stinks at therapeutic doses. Also fresh is best because roasted garlic has its properties oxidized rather quickly.
What are the nervine herbs that are good for Heart issues and cause a parasympathetic effect?
A. Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), Gingko (Gingko biloba) and Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)
B. Linden (Tilia cordata), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) (Sedative), Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
C. Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), Garlic (Allium sativum), Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Linden (Tilia cordata), Gingko (Gingko biloba) and Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
D. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), Linden (Tilia cordata), Mistletoe (Viscum album), Garlic (Allium sativum), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and
Snake root (Rauwolfia serpentina)
B. What are the nervine herbs that are good for Heart issues and cause a parasympathetic effect?
Rationale:
A. This is the list for Circulatory Tonics
C. This is the list for Vascular Tonics
D. This is the list for General Hypotensive
How shouold Allium sativum (Garlic) be prepared for best uptake for its medicinal benefits?
Extra Information: Effective, though can be difficult to administer due to lingering pungency emitted from the skin and breath. Most effective if taken as raw bulb (or clove), but roasted bulb still useful, especially in treating vascular conditions. Makes an excellent (and delicious) infused oil (usually in olive oil) for ear infections in kids.
Primary Actions: Vascular tonic, antimicrobial, hypotensive, stink-producer.
Constituents: Organosulfur compounds (allicin), flavonoids, volatile oils
Indications: Digestive infections, skin infections, URTI, CVD, hypertension.
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe, widely used as food. In large doses of fresh bulb, skin irritation and photosensitization may occur. May interact with anticoagulant medications.
Part Used: Bulb
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–15 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 2–4 bulbs fresh or roasted
Pairs Well With:
Crataegus oxyacantha and Convallaria majalis for hypertension and CVD treatment.
Finely chopped Lentinula edodes fried in butter.
Closest Substitute: Allium cepa
What herb is this
Cayene (Capsicum frutescens)
Primary Actions: Stimulant, circulatory tonic, rubefacient, sialagogue, libido tonic
Constituents: Capsaicinoids (capsaicin), steroidal saponins
Indications: Circulatory deficiencies, arthritic conditions, pain relief, depression
Cautions/Contraindications: Non-toxic, but large doses will cause sweating and possible syncope. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Acts as pain relief via local topical substance-P depletion. Excellent in salves for arthritis. Avoid contact with mucus membranes; internal use effective, but must be used in low doses.
Part Used: Dried or powdered fruit
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 1–5 mL (1:5 in 25%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 1–2 g powder (potency of starting material can vary considerably)
Pairs Well With: Zanthoxylum americanum as warming circulatory tonic.
Closest Substitute: Zingiber officinalis
T/F Convallaria majalis (Lily of the valley) contain the constituent Cardiac glycosides?
Primary Actions: Cardiotonic, hypotensive
Constituents: Cardiac glycosides (convallarin, convallamarin, convallatoxin)
Indications: Hypertension, CHF, any cardiovascular conditions
Cautions/Contraindications: All parts of this plant contain cardiac glycosides and should be considered toxic, though toxicity reports are rare, and the specific cardiac glycosides of Convallaria are non-cumulative. Avoid in pregnancy.
Extra Information: Perhaps one of the most reliable and abundant hypotensives in North America. Although of indispensable use in the cardiovascular system, this is a strong medicine, and should be used with moderate caution. Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic, improves coronary contractility and circulation.
Part Used: Leaf
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 3–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 2–4 g dried leaf
Pairs Well With: Crataegus oxyacantha and Leonurus cardiaca for hypertension.
Closest Substitute: Crataegus oxyacantha
Crataegus oxyacantha (Hawthorn) is it a non cardiac glycoside T/F?
True
Primary Actions: Cardiotonic, hypotensive, vascular tonic, nutritive
Constituents: Flavonoids
Indications: Hypertension, CHF, any cardiovascular conditions
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe and nutritious, berries may be consumed as food.
Extra Information: Positive inotropic, improves coronary contractility and circulation. Ripe berries are delicious and make a tasty therapeutic jam.
Part Used: Berry, leaf
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 8-12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 5–15 g dried fruit
Pairs Well With: Convallaria majalis for hypertension and CHF.
Closest Substitute: Hibiscus sabdariffa
What herb that helps the heart is also a nootropic?
FYI noos- intellect/mind & tropic- medical terms mean affecting/enhancing; normally turn/change
Gingko Biloba
Primary Actions: Circulatory tonic, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant (as an antiplatelet activator factor [PAF]) nootropic, mild astringent.
Constituents: Flavonoid glycosides, terpene lactones (gingkolides)
Indications: Poor perfusion of tissues, especially cerebral; inflammation, clot formation, cognitive decline, erectile dysfunction, BPH.
Cautions/Contraindications: Though not toxic, may cause stomach discomfort or cramping.
Extra Information: At 200 million years old, Gingko trees are the most ancient species of tree on the planet and the only remaining member of their genus. They are also thought to be the hardiest tree species and are among the most resilient trees in urban environments. Gingko trees have a distinct male and female. The females produce a characteristically unpleasant smelling, but edible fruit.
Part Used: Leaf and fruit
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 3–9 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 4–10 g dried leaf
Pairs Well With: Actaea racemosa and Hydrastis canadensis for vertigo. Capsicum frutescens in formulas for improved circulation. Centella asiatica for enhancing cognitive performance.
Closest Substitute: Centella asiatica
What constituent does Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hibiscus) possess hint look at the colors of the plant?
Primary Actions: Hypotensive, antioxidant, mild nervine, astringent, cooling, mild diuretic, mild alterative, mild emmenagogue.
Constituents: Flavonoids, vitamin C, anthocyanidins, tannins
Indications: Hypertension, inflammation and heat patterns
Cautions/Contraindications: Long history of use as pleasure tea, broadly considered safe. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Excellent infusion and often used to improve palatability of a formula. As a mild uterine tonic it may be indicated for recurrent miscarriages, but it should be cautioned in cool patterns or constitutions. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is used similarly, and the two species are generally thought to be interchangeable.
Part Used: Flower
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–15 mL (1:5 in 25%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 6–12 g dried flower
Pairs Well With: Chrysanthemum morifolium for excessive heat patterns. Crataegus oxyacantha berry for hypertension and cardiovascular conditions.
Closest Substitute: Schisandra sinensis
This herb is also known for aidding in smoking cessation, and a diffusive pulmonary tonic
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Primary Actions: Antispasmodic, CNS acting relaxing nervine, emetic, diffusive pulmonary tonic.
Constituents: Piperidine alkaloids (lobeline).
Indications: Smoking cessation support, asthma, anxiety, panic attacks, persistent cough.
Cautions/Contraindications: Non-toxic, but may cause emesis in doses larger than 1 tablespoon. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Usually used as 10% or less of a formula, often paired with mint for dispersal through the CNS, excellent in anxiety formulas. Used acutely for panic attacks.
Part Used: Aerial parts, seeds, seed powder.
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 1–2 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 1-3 g
Pairs Well With: Artemisia absinthium and Passiflora incarnata as an acute treatment for panic attacks and general cravings. Coleus forskohlii in treating asthma.
Closest Substitute: Nicotiana tabacum
This herb is also effective for neuralgia and general anxiety
Primary Actions: Sedative, nervine, hypotensive, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory
Constituents: Alkaloids, flavonoids
Indications: Insomnia, general anxiety and restlessness, hypertension, neuralgia
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. May potentiate other anxiolytics.
Extra Information: Slightly spicy in flavour similar to Lobelia inflata or Nicotiana tabacum, but overall cooling. Effective nervine-sedative, used especially in conditions presenting with nervous anxiety.
Part Used: Leaf
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 3–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 1–4 g dried herb
Pairs Well With: Agrimonia eupatoria and Avena sativa for nervous tension preventing sleep.
Closest Substitute: Scutellaria lateriflora
This herb primary action causes hypotension and was traditionally used to treat “lunacy and insanity” or what is now thought to be schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis.
Rauwolfia serpentina (Snake root)
Primary Actions: Hypotensive, CNS depressant, sedative
Constituents: Indole alkaloids (reserpine, serpentine, yohimbine)
Indications: Hypertension, anxiety
Cautions/Contraindications: Cautioned in patients concurrently taking other hypotensive medications, especially beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Although uncommon, prudence suggests patients should be monitored for mood changes. Similarly, many practitioners suggest Rauwolfia is CI in patients with a history of depression. Rauwolfia is CI in pregnancy and lactation.
Extra Information: There are many herbs commonly called snakeroot, and it is specifically the Indian snakeroot being referred to here. Primarily an Ayurvedic herb, Rauwolfia was traditionally used to treat “lunacy and insanity” or what is now thought to be schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. Still used as an effective hypotensive, it is currently regaining popularity as a new generation of practitioners discover it is safe and effective in therapeutic dose.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 0.5–2 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: Not well established
Pairs Well With: Crataegus oxyacantha in hypotensive formulas.
Closest Substitute: Convallaria majalis
This herb primary action is Nervine and hypotensive and a mild antispasmodic. It is indicated for digestive, nervous, or menstrual symptoms associated with worry.
It also used to be called Mad dog because it was used to treat rabies, What is it called?
Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap)
Primary Actions: Nervine, hypotensive, mild antispasmodic
Constituents: Flavonoids, iridoids, volatile oils
Indications: Anxiety, particularly worrisome anxiety. Digestive, nervous, or menstrual symptoms associated with worry.
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe.
Extra Information: Excellent nervine with minimal soporific properties, often thought of as tonic and mild adaptogen. Note: Not interchangeable with Scutellaria baicalensis.
Part Used: Leaf, aerial parts
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 3–6 g dried herb
Pairs Well With: Avena sativa and Borago officinalis as restorative nervines from anxious exhaustion.
Closest Substitute: Leonurus cardiaca
This herb is a reliable hypotensive and cardiotonic with anxiolytic properties, best in combo with other primaries.
Herb name: Tilia Cordata (Linden)
Primary Actions: Cardiotonic, circulatory tonic, nervine, hypotensive
Constituents: Volatile oils, flavonoids, mucilage, tannins
Indications: Nervous tension, cardiovascular conditions associated with stress or anxiety, hypertension, respiratory congestion, URTIs.
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. May interfere with iron absorption, so best taken away from meals or iron supplementation in some cases.
Extra Information: Reliable hypotensive and cardiotonic with anxiolytic properties, best in combo with other primaries. Other Tilia species such as T. europaea, T. platyphyllos, and T. americana are at present considered interchangeable.
Part Used: Flower
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 8–15 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 2–6 g dried blossom
Pairs Well With: Crataegus oxyacantha as non-cardiac glycoside cardiotonic and hypotensive. Scutellaria lateriflora, Passiflora incarnata as nervine and hypotensive.
Closest Substitute: Leonurus cardiaca
T/F Urtica dioica (Nettle leaf) primary actions are nutritive, alterative, and diuretic
Primary Actions: Nutritive, alterative, diuretic
Constituents: Indoles, flavonoids, formic acid
Indications: Skin conditions, weakened kidneys, nutritive in pregnancy, seasonal allergies
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. Preg B, Lact C.
Extra Information: Will create significant urtication when harvested fresh (primarily due to the presence of formic acid), though drying and cooking inactivates the sting. Useful in all conditions related to the kidneys, and an excellent general alterative. Nettle is nutritious as a food, and makes excellent cordage if lost in the woods. Considered interchangeable with Urtica urens.
Part Used: Leaf
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 30%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 8–15 g dried herb
Pairs Well With: Galium aparine and Berberis vulgaris for post-infection convalescence or summer colds. Trifolium pratense for childhood eczema.
Closest Substitute: Taraxacum officinalis leaf, Trifolium pratense.
This herb has an especially strong smell reminiscent of dirty socks. Effective sedative, may induce grogginess the next morning if used in high dose. In TCM it is contraindicated or will cause a paradoxical reaction in those with TCM heat/empty heat patterns.
A. Nettle Leaf
B. Tilia Cordata
C. Lily of the Valley
D. Valerian
Valerian
Primary Actions: Sedative, nervine, hypotensive, anodyne, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, decongestant, mild carminative.
Constituents: Iridoids, valpotriates, baldrinals, essential oils, valerianic acid
Indications: Deficient pattern anxiety and insomnia, sinus congestion, pain conditions.
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. May potentiate other anxiolytics, particularly benzodiazepines.
Extra Information: Has an especially strong smell reminiscent of dirty socks. Effective sedative, may induce grogginess the next morning if used in high dose. Best prepared using a strong infusion (30+ min). Some individuals experience a “paradoxical reaction” in which valerian makes them feel restless and stimulated; this is seen especially in people with TCM heat/empty heat patterns. Valerian is generally considered a warm, dry herb. Notably useful in attenuating the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Mexican valerian (Valeriana edulis) is considered interchangeable. Of note, valerian is considered safe in pregnancy, and it may be thought of as the treatment of choice in insomnia or anxiety during pregnancy.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 8–18 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 6–9 g dried root
Pairs Well With: Syzygium aromaticum for a warm, drying bedtime decongestant in cold-pattern URTIs. Any of the other sedatives for anxiety, insomnia, or pain relief.
Closest Substitute: None
