D1_L5 Part 2: Herbs & Botanicals

Question 1

Black Cohosh

Answer 1

Think: BLack cOhOsh: BLOOd
Think: Black cat - menoPAWS
Relieves menopause symptoms
Affects blood - be careful w/ anticoagulants

Question 2

Valerian root

Answer 2

Calms nerves & helps w/ inflammation (think aloe VERA - calms)
May damage liver (think valerian has same letters as liver)

Question 3

Ephedra

Answer 3

Used for weight loss
Similar to caffeine - associated w/ headaches & increased heart rate
Can be particularly hazardous
Think: epHEdrA: HEAdaches, HEArt rate increased

Question 4

Comfrey

Answer 4

Calms nerves
Helps w/ inflammation
May damage liver
Think: COM-frey - CALM-frey

Question 5

Echinacea

Answer 5

Helps w/ cold symptoms via immunostimulant activity (think eCHInAcea - chai tea)
Should not exceed greater than 2 months of use (think 2 C’s, 2 months)

Question 6

Kava

Answer 6

Lessens anxiety
Compromises liver function

Question 7

Milk thistle

Answer 7

Hepatoprotective properties
Helps liver function
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory

Question 8

St. John’s Wort functions

Answer 8

Think: worts are depressing
Antidepressive
Increases serotonin levels
Treats mood disorders

Question 9

St. John’s Wort may interact with

Answer 9

Warfarin
Oral contraceptives
Statins
Antihypertensives

Question 10

Saw Palmetto

Answer 10

Think: Saw PAlmETTO: PrOSTATE
Used as a diuretic
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalance

Question 11

Yohimbe

Answer 11

Think: Yo him BAE: Before Any Erections
Alleviates erectile dysfunction
Can increase blood pressure