Colds and coughs Flashcards
Diaphoretic:
induces sweating
Immunostimulants:
activates the immune system to help fight off infection
Antitussive:
soothes and relieves coughs
Antispasmodic:
relaxes smooth muscles
Expectorant:
liquify respiratory secretions to facilitate the expulsion of phlegm and mucous
Mucolytic:
helps to break down mucous and loosen thick bronchial secretions (similar to expectorants)
Demulcant:
Soothes irritated mucous membranes
Antimicrobial:
destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms (ex: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic)
Antiadherance:
prevents micro-organisms from attaching and thus infecting the cells of the mucous membranes
Antipyretic:
(syn. febrifuge)
reduces fever
Lymphatic:
promotes the proper functioning of the lymphatic system
Phytochemicals:
Echinacea:
Latin:
-Purple coneflower; Echinacea purpurea
-Narrow-leaved purple coneflower; Echinacea angustifolia
-Pale purple coneflower; echinacea pallida
Family: Asteraceae
Drug: Root & herb
Main indications:
-Prevent and treat the common cold, flu, and URI’s
-Vaginal candidiasis
-UTI
Actions:
-Immunostimulant
-Antimicrobial
Phytochemicals:
-Alkylamides
-Phenolics: caffeic acid derivatives (echinacoside)
-Polysaccharides
-Glycoproteins
-Ketoalkenes
Safety:
-Caution: auto-immune disease
-Pregnancy & lactation safe
Ginseng:
Latin:
Asian “Korean” ginseng (panax ginseng) & Canadian ginseng (panax quinquefolius)
Family: Araliaceae
Part: Root
Drug: Ginseng radix
Main indications:
-Stress
-Fatigue
-Cold and flu treatment and prevention
-Low immunity
Actions:
-Adaptogen
-Immunostimulant & immunomodulator
-Antiviral
-Aphrodisiac
Phytochemicals:
-Steroidal saponins: triterpenoid glycosides (Ginsenosides)
-Polysaccharides (poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharide)
Safety:
-Caution: high blood pressure
-Pregnancy & lactation: Korean ginseng is considered safe
Andrographis:
Latin: Andrographis paniculata
Family: Acanthaceae
Part: Herb
Main indications:
-Colds
-Colitis & infectious diarrhea
-Liver disease
-Autoimmune disease (multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis)
Actions:
-Immunomodulator
-Antimicrobial (antiviral, antibacterial)
-Bitter
-Antimicrobial
-Anti-inflammatory
-Emmenagogue
Phytochemicals:
-Diterpene lactones (Andrographolide)
-Polyphenols: Flavonoids
Safety:
Contra-indications: Gastritis & stomach ulcers, obstructed bladder
Side-effects: may cause GI irritation leading to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Pregnancy & lactation: Not recommended. Unknown.
Siberian ginseng:
Latin: Eleutherococcus Senticosis
Family:
Part: Root
Drug: Eleuthro radix
Main indications:
-Stress
-Fatigue
-Cold and flu treatment and prevent
Actions:
-Adaptogen
-Immunostimulant & immunomodulator
-Anti-viral
Phytochemicals:
-Steroidal saponins: triterpenoid glycosides (Eleutheroside A)
Safety:
-Caution: High blood pressure
-Pregnancy & lactation: likely safe
Elder flower:
Latin: European: Sambucus nigra & Canadian: Sambucus canadensis
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Part: Flower (and berries)
Drug: Sambuci flos, elder flower
Main indications:
-Colds & flus
Actions:
-Diaphoretic
-Antiviral
-Antiadherence
-Antirheumatic
-Diuretic
-Anti-inflammatory
Phytochemicals:
–Anthocyanin & flavonoids
-Tannins
-Ascorbic acid
-Cyanogenic Glycoside (Unripe, bark and leaves)
Safety:
Safe: flower and berries are generally considered safe
Toxicity: leaf, bark, and unripe fruit may cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Heat will destroy.
Pregnancy & lactation: unknown
English Ivy leaf:
Latin: Hedera helix
Family: Araliaceae
Part: Leaf
Drug: Hederae Helicis follium
Main indications:
-Cough
-Acute and chronic respiratory inflammation & phlegm
Actions:
-Expectorant
-Antitussive
-Antispasmodic
-Antimicrobial
Phytochemicals:
-Saponins: triterpenoid glycosides (Hederacoside C)
Safety:
Safe: generally considered safe
Toxicity: high amounts can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to nausea & vomiting
Pregnancy & lactation: safe to be used in short term during pregnancy
Licorice:
Latin: European licorice; Glycyrrhiza glabra & Chinese licorice; Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Family: Fabaceae
Part: Root
Drug: Liquiiritiae radix
Main indications:
-RTI (cough & sore throat)
-Inflammation in the GI tract (Gastritis, ulcers)
-Hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver
-Adrenal fatigue
Actions:
-Anti-spasmodic
-Expectorant
-Demulcent (indirect)
-Antimicrobial (Antiviral)
-Adrenal tonic
-Antiulcer
-Hepatoprotective
Phytochemicals:
-Saponins: triterpenoid glycosides (glycyrrhizin)
-Flavanoids (Licoflavone)
Safety:
Contraindications: high blood pressure
Pregnancy & lactation: caution: may be unsafe
Hypertension: can raise blood pressure
Electrolytes: can cause potassium loss. Caution with medications for the cardiovascular system
Marshmallow:
Latin: Althaea officinalis
Family: Malvaceae
Part: Root & flower
Drug: Althaeae radix & althaeae folium
Main indications:
-Inflamed mucous membrane
-RTI (cough, sore throat)
-UTI
-Inflammation of the GI tract (gastritis, ulcers)
Actions:
-Demulcent
-Antitussive
Phytochemicals:
-Fiber: mucilage
-Flavonoids
Safety:
-Side-effects: non known. very safe.
-Pregnancy & lactation: unknown
Drugs: may delay absorption
Eucalyptus:
Latin: Eucalyptus globulus
Family: Myristicaceae
Part: Essential oil
Main indications:
-RTI
-GI spasms
Actions:
-Antitussive
-Expectorant
-Antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic)
-Carminative
Phytochemicals:
-Essential oils: Monoterpenoids (eucalyptol)
Safety:
-Pure eucalyptus essential oil can be irritating but considered safe. Avoid drinking pure essential oil.
-Pregnancy & lactation: unknown
Research summary:
