Class 8: Complimentary, Indigenous and Alternative Remedies

Question 1

complementary and alternative medicines (CAM)

Answer 1

• major characteristics of CAM
• diminished interest with birth of pharmaceutical industry
• resurgence of interest since 1970’s

Question 2

why do people chose CAM?

Answer 2

cost efficient, natural

Question 3

CAM healing methods

Answer 3

• biological based therapies
• alternate health care system
• manual healing
• mind-body interventions
• spiritual
• other therapies

Question 4

herbs

Answer 4

• also called botanicals
• plant products with useful purposes
• used as food enhancers or medications

Question 5

research

Answer 5

• insufficient research on CAM therapies exist to determine effectiveness
• as future research determines which therapies are effective and safe, those therapies become mainstream

Question 6

regulation of natural health products (NHP)

Answer 6

includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, homeopathic medicines, and other such products with health claims

Question 7

supplements

Answer 7

• many occur naturally in the body
• excessive amount of these may have harmful effects
• speciality supplements: e.g. chondroitin and glucosamine

Question 8

supporting clients using CAM

Answer 8

• avoid judgement
• educate
• assess

Question 9

gingko

Answer 9

-CNS stimulant

• used for symptomatic relief of; dementia, short term memory deficits, inability to concentrate depression
• cramping in legs due to obstruction of arteries
• vertigo and tinnitus
• improvement of peripheral circulation
• premenstraul syndrome

-interactions:
increased effects of anticoagulants, thrombolytics, anti platelet agents
increased risk of bleeding with NSAIDS
decreased effectiveness of anticonvulsants
may alter insulin metabolism requiring dose adjustments
may increased bleeding when used with arnica, chamomile, feverfew, garlic, ginger, licorice

adverse reaction: cerebral bleeding, dizziness, headache, vertigo, seizures, palpations, flatulence, upset stomach, allergic skin reaction, bleeding

Question 10

garlic

Answer 10

a plant in the allium (onion) and lily family

used for lipid lowering agent, decreased cholesterol levels, prevention of heart disease and platelet aggregation, prevents treats colds and infections

safety concerns: increased risk of bleeding, skin irritation, decreased blood sugar, irritate GI

interactions: meds used for HIV/AIDS, anticoagulant (warfarin, aspirin), antiplatelet, thrombolytics, anise, celery, chamomile, clove, ginger

Question 11

st johns wort

Answer 11

flowering grub native to Europe

common uses: used to treat mild-moderate depression and OCD. inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and other neurotransmitters

interactions: do not take with digoxin, other anti-depressants, alcohol, warfarin
avoid foods that contain tyramine, wine, beer, aged cheeses.
avoid sun exposure (use sunscreen to decrease risk of photosensitivity reactions)
do not use if pregnant or breast feeding
could impact birth control

Question 12

echinacea

Answer 12

a group of perennial (popular herbal remedy)

common uses: the relief of sore throat due to colds or for the symptomatic relief of mild skin conditions and eruptions

• not effective to treat or prevent the common cold.
• mixtures can vary significantly between products
• not take longer than 8 weeks because it can suppress immune functions
• dizziness and fatigue (increased risk of falls, esp. elderly)
• not safe for pregnancy
• interferes with heart medications