Complementary and Alternative Therapies Flashcards
Additive substances that come from plants
Botanicals
Any plant used for culinary or medicinal purposes
Herb
A type of medicine that focuses on the therapeutic value of plants
Phytomedicine
A US federal act that defined dietary supplements
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)
US Food and Drug Administration standards requiring that package labels give the quality and strength of all contents and that products be free of contaminants or impurities
Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs)
Used to boost the immune system and limit the effects of cold and flu symptoms. May interact with drugs that alter immune function (cyclosporine).
Astralagus
Used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety, and stomach ailments. Often used as a tea. Allergic reactions may occur in those allergic to ragweed.
Chamomile
Used to treat bronchitis, GI problems, anorexia, and diabetes. May decrease blood clotting.
Cinnamon
Used for colds, flu, and infections. Stimulates the immune system.
Echinacea
Used to lower cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, and reduce heart disease. Reduces blood clotting.
Garlic
Used for asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, tinnitus, memory impairment, intermittent claudication, sexual dysfunction, and multiple sclerosis. Increases bleeding risk.
Ginkgo
Used to boost the immune system, increase wellbeing, and stamina. Also used to treat erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, menopausal symptoms, and to lower glucose and blood pressure. May cause hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.
Ginseng
Used for heart disease, digestive issues, and kidney disease. May interact with multiple drugs including those for erectile dysfunction, nitrates, and antihypertensives.
Hawthorn
Used to treat stomach ulcers, bronchitis, sore throat, and viral hepatitis. May elevate BP, cause water retention, and lower potassium levels.
Licorice
Used to aid relaxation and treat anxiety. May cause liver damage, especially when taken with alcohol.
Kava Kava
Used to treat cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, gall bladder disorders, elevated cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. May cause allergic reaction in those allergic to ragweed. May also cause hypoglycemia.
Milk Thistle
Used to treat nausea, indigestion, IBS, cold symptoms, headaches, and muscle and nerve pain.
Peppermint
Used to treat BPH, chronic pelvic pain, decreased libido, migraine, and hair loss.
Saw Palmetto
Used to treat mental disorders, nerve pain, sleep disorders, malaria, and wounds. Has many drug interactions, like those that affect serotonin levels.
St. John’s Wort
Used for heartburn, stomach ulcers, gallstones, inflammation, and cancer. Actually need to avoid in those with gallbladder disease.
Turmeric
Used for insomnia, anxiety, headaches, depression, irregular heart beat, and tremors.
Valerian
