Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Botanical Materia Medica I > Final Exam > Flashcards

Final Exam Flashcards

1
Q

What were the guiding principles of the Eclectic physicians?

A
  • Least harmful medicines possible
  • Safe botanical remedies
  • Holistic evaluation of patients
  • Exclusion of chemical poisons
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are some of the obstacles, past and present, to the promotion and preservation of the practice of herbalism in our society?

A
  • Herbal medicine is equated with witchcraft

- Lots of religious prejudice (especially European)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What features define the Naturopathic Herbalist?

A
  • Physician, herbalist, botanist overlap
  • Responsible for doing diagnostic workup, treatment plans, etc.
  • Moving beyond wellness care to disease care
  • More complicated cases
  • Holistic thinking
  • Combine subtler aspects of plant identification/knowledge with knowledge of physiology, disease, etc.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Know the definition of all the herbal actions listed in the week 1 presentation.

A
  • See cards from week 1 part 2
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is an action?

A
  • What herb does

- Ex - choleretic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is an indication?

A
  • Condition herb is good for

- Ex - jaundice

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is a specific indication?

A
  • Condition herb is good for with more unique presentations

- Ex - indication with splitting frontal headache

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Define doctrine of signatures.

A
  • Physical characteristics of a plant are related to their medicinal action
  • Plant is good for what it looks like
  • Action to human mind association
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is organoleptic testing?

A
  • Technique of using the senses to evaluate an herb for taste, smell, appearance, texture, energetics, quality, and identity
  • Using senses to evaluate quality, identity, energetics, etc. of herbs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Understand herbal energetics and tissue states.

A
  • Hot, cold, wet, dry, tense, lax
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Define alterative.

A
  • An herb that alters the body in a non-specific but broadly beneficial way
  • Broadly beneficial, nourishing, mildly stimulates digestion
  • Support slow and steady return to a healthy state
  • Alteratives are really good for “toxemia” (accumulated wastes)
  • Don’t have an allopathic counterpart
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Compare and contrast alterative and depurative.

A
  • Alteratives are broad
  • Depuratives have a very specific cleansing action on particular organs
  • Ex - Parsley seed for kidneys because diuretic – particular cleansing action on kidneys, not very cleansing for liver/overall
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the indications for using an alterative?

A
  • Generalized and chronic dysfunction
  • Digestive, eliminatory, and circulatory hypofunction
  • Maldigestion
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Toxemia
  • Acne
  • Chronic infections
  • Chronic inflammation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Alterative - Trifolium pratense

A
  • Red Clover
  • Specificity of seat in skin
  • Trifolium Compound was tincture-based Eclectic formula with other alteratives and lymphogogues (burdock, mahonia, stillingia, zanthoxylem, phytolacca, rhamnus persiana (laxative))
  • Hoxsey used it for cancer
  • For TB with very hard enlarged lymph nodes – “scrophula”
  • High in phytoestrogens
  • Caution with oral contraceptives and estrogen positive cancers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Alterative - Arctium lappa

A
  • Burdock, gobo root
  • Specificity in skin
  • Has phytoestrogens, though not as many as Trifolium
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Alterative - Mahonia spp.

A
  • Oregon Grape
  • Specificity of seat in liver
  • Tonifying to the liver
  • Contains berberine
  • C/I in pregnancy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Alterative - Rumex crispus

A
  • Yellow Dock
  • Skin
  • Specificity of seat in liver, GI, and larynx
  • C/I in oxalate kidney stones, kidney disease, iron overload, and pregnancy
  • Don’t eat the leaves - very high in oxalic acid
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Alterative - Urtica dioica

A
  • Stinging nettle
  • Also very nutritive
  • Long-term use may cause mucus membrane drying
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Alterative - Smilax spp.

A
  • Sarsaparilla
  • Specificity for hormone balance
  • Large doses may cause GI irritation or ulceration due to the high saponin content
  • C/I in pregnancy
  • May increase absorption of digitalis glycosides
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Alterative - Curcuma longa

A
  • Turmeric
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Slightly warming (others are more cooling)
  • Specificity of seat is liver and circulatory system
  • C/I in large doses during pregnancy, and in bile duct obstruction
  • Ayurvedic perspective - balance three doshas
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Plant Morphology – know your parts!

Roots, stems, leaves, flowers

A
  • Use cards from week 2 - plant morphology

- Basics like rhizome vs root, raceme vs solitary inflorescence, compound leaves vs simple leaves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

How are nutritive herbs different from synthetic multivitamins?

A
  • Phytonutrients are just as important, but maybe haven’t been identified yet
  • Synthetics are pure substances, but don’t have the phytonutrients
    > When we put people on just synthetics and are not paying attention to smaller parts of herbs/foods, they don’t do as well as when they take the complete herb
    > There’s more to nutrition than just the active constituents
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Nutritive - Medicago sativa

A
  • Alfalfa
  • High in phytoestrogens
  • C/I in pregnancy
  • May interfere with fertility
  • Vit K content may interfere with warfarin
  • May exacerbate symptoms of lupus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Nutritive - Equisetum arvense

A
  • Horsetail
  • Used to strengthen hair, nails, bones, and CT
  • High in silica
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Nutritive - Centella asiatica

A
  • Gotu Kola
  • Indicated for chronic venous insufficiency
  • Sri Lankan food called Kola Kenda given to children to bolster nutrition
  • May induce SAB
  • Caution with diabetics and hyperlipidemia
  • Some say use should not exceed 6 weeks (then 2 week break)
  • C/I for pregnancy due to emmenagogue effects
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Nutritive - Avena sativa

A
  • Oatstraw
  • Very nutritive
  • Mild, very good in tea
  • Tastes mineral-salty
  • Indicated for nervous exhaustion/depression/headache
  • Indicated for opiate/nicotine withdrawal
  • C/I for use with morphine because it may antagonize the antinociceptive effects
  • Straw for nutritive value; tops for nervine qualities
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Nutritive - Urtica dioica

A
  • Stinging Nettle
  • Very nutritive w/ full array of amino acids
  • Indicated for skin conditions, allergies, BPH, diarrhea
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is a lymphagogue?

A
  • Move lymph and relieve congestion and edema; accelerate the removal of waste products
  • Don’t exactly know how they move lymph, but some have an irritant action and some have a stimulant action
  • Don’t have an allopathic counterpart
  • Can help resolve infection or inflammation
  • Generally cooling and stimulating
  • Some are potentially toxic or irritating
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What are the general indications for the use of lymphagogues?

A
  • Edema
  • Infection
  • Commonly placed in anti-infection formulas (antimicrobials, lymphagogues, and immunomodulator)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Lymphagogue - Ceanothus americanus

A
  • Red Root
  • Specificity of seat is lung and spleen
  • C/I potentially with anticoagulents (in lg doses)
  • Historically used for gonorrhea and dysentery, respiratory conditions, and mouth/throat
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Lymphagogue - Gallium aparine

A
  • Cleavers
  • Specificity is urinary tract
  • Use fresh aerial parts
  • Don’t need cleavers if sluggish, cold, and slow-moving because it’s cooling and drying
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Lymphagogue - Phytolacca americana

A
  • Poke Root
  • Specificity of seat is throat
  • Historically used for breasts (topically for mastitis)
  • Also used for GI tract
    > Complex action there – lymphogogue, cholegogue, and motility qualities
  • Hard, pale swellings
  • Very stimulating
  • C/I for breastfeeding, lactation, kids
  • Potentially toxic, low-dose; narrow therapeutic window
    > Toxicity is decreased with heating and drying
    > Less than 2g of root is toxic to adults
    > 10 or fewer berries fatal to children
  • Caustic - wear gloves when handling
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Lymphagogue - Calendula officinalis

A
  • Pot Marigold
  • Specificity of seat is breast and axilla
  • Studied for post-radiation
  • C/I in pregnancy
  • Used locally for wounds and injuries
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Lymphagogue - Stillingia sylvatica

A
  • Queen’s Root
  • Specificity of seat is larynx
  • Chew/suck on piece of root for laryngitis or bronchitis
  • Low-dose, potential toxicity
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Lymphagogue - Echinacea spp.

A
  • Echinacea
  • Echinacea purpurea is indicated for lymphogogue, but not antimicrobial
  • Specificity of seat is gut (herbal community doesn’t agree)
  • Also good for the throat
  • Has a numbing effect (soothing for raw throat)
  • Caution with inflammatory AI conditions
  • Echinacea angustifolia is a helper herb that gives a vitality boost
  • Has a wide therapeutic window
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Lymphagogue - Trifolium pratense

A
  • Red Clover

- Specificity of seat is liver

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Know the difference between immunostimulants and immunomodulators.

A 
Immunostimulators
- Increase macrophage activity
- Increase inflammatory cytokines
- Good for when infection is setting in
- Use caution with cancer and autoimmune conditions
- Many are heating, stimulating, and drying
     > Baptisia
     > Echinacea
     > Eupatorium

Immunomodulators
- Use long-term to build immune system, support bone marrow
- Better for autoimmune and cancer because you don’t want to stimulate the immune system, just help it
- Builders to use over long-term
- Action is very complicated; not one mechanism
- Tonifying effect on immune system
- Gradual in action
- Can cool or downregulate immune hyperfunction
> Mushrooms
> Astragalus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Immunostimulant - Echinacea spp.

A
  • Echinacea
  • Infection, sepsis, prevention of URIs, snake bites
  • Avoid with inflammatory AI diseases

Echinacea purpurea

  • Compared to Stillingia
  • Most active in 30% alcohol tincture

Echinacea angustifolia

  • Eclectics used for septicemia
  • Most active in 80% alcohol tincture

Echinacea pallida
- Used for influenza infection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Immunostimulant - Eupatorium perfoliatum

A
  • Boneset
  • For pain that sets into bones
  • C/I in pregnancy
  • Can cause allergic hypersensitivity resulting in contact dermatitis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Immunomodulator - Astragalus membranaceus

A
  • Astragalus
  • “Augments the protective qi and stabilizes the exterior”
  • Good for those with low vitality, prone to frequent infections, and weak tissues/poor digestion
  • Good for kids
  • C/I for use with cyclosphosphamide
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Immunostimulant - Sambucus nigra

A
  • Elder
  • Good for onset of flu-like symptoms
  • Relaxing
  • Unripe fruit, seeds, bark, leaves, and root can cause diarrhea, N/V, dizziness, tachycardia, and convulsions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Immunostimulant - Baptisia tinctora

A
  • Wild Indigo
  • C/I with pregnancy
  • Large doses are toxic (30g)
  • Indicated for protracted fever with severely depressed vital force
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Immunostimulant - Andrographis paniculata

A
  • Andrographis
  • Super bitter and cooling
  • Many of its Ayurvedic roots look similar to Echinacea
  • Stimulates immune action, even though it’s cooling
  • Known for lactones
  • C/I with pregnancy
  • Indicated for URIs, dysentery, snake bites
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Immunomodulator - Trametes versicolor

A
  • Turkey Tail mushroom
  • Sweet and warming, clears dampness
  • Increases chance of survival in cancer patients
  • Helps stabilize WBC counts in chemo patients
  • Decreases side effects of chemo
  • Unknown effects in pregnancy and lactation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Immunomodulator - Grifola frondosa

A
  • Maitake mushroom
  • Bland, mild
  • Anticancer
  • Antiviral
  • Immune support during chemo
  • Indicated for diabetes, HTN
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Immunomodulator - Ganoderma lucidum

A
  • Reishi mushroom
  • Increases immune function and treats fatigue in cancer patients
  • Indicated for insomnia, HTN, and hepatitis
  • Potential allergy to spores
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What are the defining features of an adaptogen?

A
  • Resistance against multiple stressors, including physical, chemical, or biological agents
  • Produces non-specific response in organism
  • Normalizing effect on physiology
  • Safe and well-tolerated; non-toxic
  • Many adaptogens make good aphrodisiacs
  • Good for either hyper or hypo
  • Good for managing stress and neurasthenia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Adaptogen - Eleutherococcus senticosis

A
  • Eleuthero, Siberian ginseng (not an actual ginseng)
  • Immunomodulatory qualities
  • Especially if been sick for a long time and got weakened and keep getting sick
  • Tissue protective
    > Take before drinking, protects liver, helps with hangovers
  • Mild CNS stimulant
  • Used for herpes (immunosupportive action)
  • Prevents bone resorption
  • Has a lot of normalizing actions, but also distinct immune stimulation action
  • On stimulating side of middle of spectrum
  • Caution with diabetics and hypoglycemia
  • Ergogenic
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Adaptogen - Panax ginseng

A
  • Asian Ginseng, Red Ginseng
  • Some argue that it’s just for GI tonic, but it’s not…
    > Specifically indicated for people who have gotten so sick that they can’t nourish – tonic for the stomach
  • Aphrodisiac
  • More warming (than P. quinquifolium)
  • Middle of stimulating side
  • Indicated for weakened state d/t chronic illness/stress
  • If used long-term with caffeine, may cause HTN
  • C/I with MAOIs - case report of mania
  • Recommend 1 month on, 2 months off
  • Stimulates appetite; used in chronic diarrhea
  • Benefits the heart qi and calms the spirit - palpitations with anxiety
  • OD leads to headache, insomnia, palpitations (treats these conditions with lower doses)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Adaptogen - Panax quinquifolium

A
  • American ginseng
  • Nervous dyspepsia***
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mental exhaustion
  • More cooling (than P. ginseng)
  • Middle of the calming side
  • Effective at low doses - can add into other formulas
  • Tonic for nerve centers
  • Given in cerebral anemia
  • Indicated in exhaustion from overwork
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Adaptogen - Oplopanax horridus

A
  • Devil’s Club
  • Energetic adaptogen
  • Energetic protection
  • Help develop/feel self-esteem
  • Anti-cancer actions
  • Respiratory and GI
  • Blood sugar regulation
  • Native to PNW
  • Poke-y, prickly, large leaves, grows in moist areas with dappled sunlight
  • C/I in pregnancy
  • Tend towards using lower doses
  • Asthma and emotional healing - fear and shame
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Adaptogen - Withania somnifera

A
  • Ashwaganda
  • Imparts the power of a horse
  • Nightshade family
  • Use root
  • Warming
  • Balances energies of vata and kapha
  • More sedative end
    > Classically infused in milk to drink before bed as calming restorative tonic
  • Neuroregenerative
    > Parkinson’s
    > Huntington’s
    > MS
    > Alzheimer’s
  • On calming end
  • Indicated for chronic inflammatory diseases, high stress causing fatigue, nervous exhaustion, insomnia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

Adaptogen - Rhodiola rosea

A
  • Golden Root
  • Anxiolytic
  • Too much over too long can give jitters and heart palpitations – watch for these
  • Enhances resistance to high-altitude and cold
    > Found in Siberia, Scandinavia, Himalayas
  • May inhibit sleep, cause vivid dreams
  • C/I in bipolar disorder
  • Used in small amounts in formulas (don’t need high amounts to be effective)
  • Used for depression and anxiety
    > In Deproloft
  • For neurasthenia
  • Research done on night-shift workers found that they were more functional at the end of their shifts when taking rhodiola
  • On stimulating end
  • Astringent
  • Ergogenic
  • Synergistic effect with TCAs
  • Effective for GAD and mild-moderate depression
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Adaptogen - Schisandra chinensis

A
  • Five-Flavor Berry
  • Depression, irritability, stress, forgetfulness, hepatitis
  • Energetic centering
  • Nourishing
  • Tonifying
  • Reserves qi
  • Stops diarrhea
  • Quiets spirit, calms heart
  • Insomnia
  • In the middle of calming/stimulating spectrum
  • C/I in pregnancy
  • May occasionally cause heartburn
  • Tissue protective
    > Cardio
    > Neuro
    > Hepato
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Adaptogen - Ocimum tenuiflorum

A
  • Holy Basil, Tulsi
  • Good for everything
  • Nutritive
  • Nootropic
  • Rats swam the longest
  • Caution with blood thinners, diabetics, hypoglycemia
  • Makes things taste good
  • High in volatiles and antimicrobials
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

Adaptogen - Glycyrrhiza glabra/uralensis

A
  • Licorice root
  • Increases production of adrenal hormones non-specifically
  • Keeps cortisol around longer
  • Can get HTN if you take a lot for a long time
  • Use DGL if worried about HTN
  • In middle of stimulating/calming spectrum
  • Moistening and very sweet
    C/I in HTN, hypokalemia, pregnancy (lg doses), kidney failure, and potentiates the action of cardiac glycosides
  • Hormone modulating
  • Increases mucus production throughout whole GI tract
  • Lower glycyrrhizin content in NA sp - Glycyrrhiza lepidota
    > Cheyenne used for diarrhea, ulcers, and digestive issues
    > Montana and Black Foot used it primarily for coughs, sore throats, and chest pains
    > Lakota used it for general illnesses
57
Q

Adaptogen - Cordyceps sinensis

A
  • Caterpillar fungus
  • Mitochonidrial adaptogen
  • Increases energy
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Improves respiratory function
  • Excellent in kidney and degenerative diseases
  • Reduces fatigue, improves stamina
  • Fungus that infects the brains of caterpillars and then kills them and grows out of their heads
  • Lot of adulteration in the market
  • Expensive
  • Tonic
  • Can be taken long-term
  • On stimulating side
  • Increases cellular energy
  • Used in cancer
58
Q

What is a nervine?

A
  • Herbs that act on nervous system
59
Q

What is a nerve tonic?

A
  • Substance that improves the tone and vigor or function of the nervous system
  • Nervine tonics help nervous system act without sedative action
60
Q

What is a sedative?

A
  • Also called relaxants
  • Decrease stimulation to nervous system
  • Overall effect is calming
61
Q

What is a hypnotic?

A
  • Stronger sedatives that cause drowsiness, may alter mental status, and often have anodyne effects
62
Q

Nervine - Avena sativa

A
  • Milky Oat Seed
  • Nerve tonic
  • Trophorestorative of nervous
  • Indicated for opiate/nicotine withdrawal
  • Indicated for nervous exhaustion/depression/headache
  • May diminish effect of opiates
  • Moderately dosed
  • Mild stimulant
63
Q

Nervine - Scutellaria lateriflora

A
  • Skullcap
  • Indicated for fidgety hyperactivity
  • Good for kids
  • Very safe
  • May potentiate the effects of other sedative medications
  • Somewhat bitter
  • Some consider it trophorestorative for nervous system
  • Antispasmodic
64
Q

Nervine - Humulus lupulus

A
  • Hops
  • Help induce sleep
  • Synergistic with valerian
  • Bitter
  • C/I in depression and pregnancy
  • Increases lactation
  • Can put it in a pillow for sleep
  • Indicated for nerve irritation, wakefulness, hysteria, acute local inflammation, neuralgia, and delirium tremens
  • Non-alcoholic beer study on sleep quality
65
Q

Nervine - Valeriana officinalis

A
  • Valerian
  • Sedative
  • Antispasmodic
  • Helps induce sleep and then stay asleep
  • Doesn’t cause sleep hangover
  • Can induce dependence, but much less likely than pharmaceuticals
  • Acts on benzodiazepine receptors; can help wean off of benzos
  • Safe to use frequently
  • 10-15% of population has opposite reaction
  • May potentiate the effects of other sleep agents
  • Increases GABA
  • Specifically indicated in mental depression with nervousness
  • Has synergistic effects with cimicifuga
  • More studied than many other nervines
  • OCD study
  • Post-op cognitive dysfunction study
  • Neuroprotective properties
66
Q

Nervine - Piper methysticum

A
  • Kava Kava
  • Effects are brief
  • Anxiety
  • Not recommended for daily anxiety, but good for acute flairs/attacks
  • Fast-acting
  • Not tonifying/rehabilitating
  • Can make people a little dopey/recreational drug
  • Can be toxic
  • C/I in pregnancy, lactation, liver disease, with benzos, and can potentiate the effects of alcohol
  • Native to Pacific Islands - ceremonial drink
67
Q

Nervine - Melissa officinalis

A
  • Lemon Balm
  • Gladdening herb
  • Good to blend with Eschscholtzia or Hypericum
  • Uplifting and cooling
  • C/I for hypothyroidism and pregnancy
  • Indicated for anxiety, depression, hyperthyroidism, migraines, insomnia, herpes simplex
  • Inhibits TSH binding to TSH receptors
  • Inhibits GABA transaminase
  • Improved mental performance in Alzheimer’s
  • Study on effects on oxidative stress after radiation
  • Neuroprotective study
  • Gentle, effective
68
Q

Nervine - Leonurus cardiaca

A
  • Motherwort
  • Post-partum depression
  • Depression with anxiety (centered around heart (loved ones, palpitations))
  • Sedating
  • Excellent uterine tonic
  • C/I in pregnancy, caution with hypothyroidism
  • Doses over 3g may cause diarrhea, uterine bleeding, and GI upset
  • Tonic and laxative, diaphoretic like ascelpias, emmenagogue like cimicifuga, and nervine like scutellaria
69
Q

Nervine - Hypericum perforatum

A
  • St John’s Wort
  • Nervine tonic
  • Neuralgia
  • Depression/anxiety
  • Anti-viral properties
  • Good for pain formulas
  • Lots of drug interactions
  • Mildly warming and enlightening (“bears the symbol of the sun”)
  • Induces CYP 3A4 and can cause clearance of pharmaceutical drugs
  • Very low toxicity
70
Q

Nervine - Passiflora incarnata

A
  • Passion Flower
  • Anxiolytic
  • Compared to benzo
  • Better for long-term use
    > GAD
  • Sleep formulas
  • Antispasmodic (not as strong as valerian)
  • C/I in pregnancy, potentiates sedative drugs
71
Q

Nervine - Matricaria recutita

A
  • Chamomile
  • Best used in small doses
    > Large doses stimulate GI and cause hypermotility and diarrhea d/t bitterness
  • Good for crossover of anxiety and GI upset
  • Combines well with mint
  • Good for kids/babies
  • Can add it as an activator in formulas
72
Q

Nervine - Eshscholtzia californica

A
  • California Poppy
  • Happy
  • No opiates
  • Great for central pain
  • Soporific
  • Non-toxic and safe for kids
  • Indicated for anxiety, overexcitement, ADHD, insomnia
  • C/I in pregnancy
  • Can be in post-surgery pain formulas
73
Q

Develop a basic understanding of the complex actions of bitters, and how bitter herbs can be used therapeutically.

A
  • Get secretions going, order digestion

- Stimulate and get things moving

74
Q

Define carminative, and understand how carminatives are used therapeutically.

A
  • Help ease spasm and dispel gas
  • Ease digestion
  • Fennel, anise, mints, ginger, chamomile, angelica (most bitter)
  • Help gas move through cell walls
  • Prevents formation of or relieves gas
  • Mild antispasmodic effects due to volatile oils
75
Q

Define demulcent, and understand how demulcents are used therapeutically.

A
  • Marshmallow root, slippery elm, aloe, fenugreek

- Coat and soothe irritated mucus membranes

76
Q

Bitter - Gentiana lutea

A
  • Gentian
  • Queen of bitters
  • Quintessential digestive bitter (has some of most-bitter constituents known)
77
Q

Bitter - Citrus sinensis/aurantium

A
  • Sweet and Bitter Orange Peel
  • Zest contains volatile oils
  • Pith contains bitter flavanoids
  • Drying and uplifting
  • Aromatic bitter
  • Bitter, carminative, and corrigent
  • Dyspepsia and loss of appetite
  • Some constituents are photosensitizing
  • Furanocoumarins are disruptive to CYP (slows drug clearance - why no grapefruit with some drugs)
  • D-limonene is used for gallstones
78
Q

Bitter - Artemisia vulgaris

A
  • Mugwort
  • Bitter, carminative
  • Can help prevent IBD flare-ups
79
Q

Bitter - Artemisia absinthum

A
  • Wormwood
  • More aromatic and volatile than Mugwort
  • Can be toxic in high doses d/t thujone (volatile oil)
    > Don’t use the essential oil internally
  • Bitter, carminative
80
Q

Bitter - Mahonia spp.

A
  • Oregon Grape
  • Bitter, mild laxative
  • Contains berberine
  • Indicated for skin conditions, poor gallbladder function, and infections
  • C/I for pregnancy
  • Alterative bitter
81
Q

Carminatives - Mentha piperita

A
  • Peppermint
  • Liberally dosed (as much as you need of infusions)
  • Cephalic - orients its actions upwards to the head
    > Often used for headaches
  • Some people get an instant headache from the menthol, so spearmint is a good alternative
82
Q

Carminative - Foeniculum vulgare

A
  • Fennel
  • Specificity of seat is hollow tubes
  • In inhaler replacement formula
  • Grateful aromatic
  • Used as bitter, carminative, and corrigent
  • Enema in infants for expulsion of flatus
83
Q

Carminative - Matricaria recutita

A
  • Chamomile
  • Bitter carminative
  • Sweet apple-y flavor
  • Particularly good for children and teething
  • High doses cause vomiting and diarrhea
  • Can have as much as desire of tea, to tolerance
84
Q

Carminative - Zingiber officinale

A
  • Ginger
  • Aromatic bitter
  • Specificity of seat is in circulatory, digestive, and respiratory
  • Thins mucus
  • Warming
  • Draws energy to the center
  • Antiemetic
  • Loss of appetite, borborygmus, painful menstruation, cold extremities
85
Q

Carminative - Angelica archangelica

A
  • Angelica
  • Bitter carminative
  • More bitter than fennel or chamomile
  • Indicated for inflamed mucus membranes, especially of GI tract
  • In Iberoghast formula
86
Q

Demulcent - Althea officinalis

A
  • Marshmallow
  • Can make a gruel
  • Very mucilaginous
87
Q

Demulcent - Ulmus spp.

A
  • Slippery Elm

- Astringent

88
Q

Demulcent - Glycyrrhiza glabra/uralensis

A
  • Licorice Root
  • Stimulates mucous-secreting glands to secrete more mucous
  • C/I in HTN, hypokalemia, pregnancy, kidney failure, potentiates the actions of cardiac glycosides
  • DGL mouthwash for aphthous ulcers
89
Q

Demulcent - Trigonella foenum-graecum

A
  • Fenugreek
  • Develops mucilage better in water (most do)
  • Soak seeds to make a mucilaginous mush
90
Q

Demulcent - Aloe vera/barbadensis

A
  • Aloe gel
  • Soothing and healing to mucous membranes
  • Yellow latex is very cathartic and bitter
91
Q

What is a cholegogue?

A
  • Increases the flow of bile into the intestines (makes gallbladder squeeze)
92
Q

What is a choleretic?

A
  • Choleretic increases the production of bile in the liver
93
Q

Hepatic - Cynara scolymus

A
  • Artichoke
  • C/I with bile duct obstruction
  • Indicated for hyperlipidemia, dyspepsia, kidney disease
  • Antimicrobial study
  • Study showed reduces plasma cholesterol
  • Study on prevention of taurolithocholate-induced hepatic bile canalicular distortions
  • Increases cholesterol secretion in bile
94
Q

Hepatic - Silybum marianum

A
  • Milk Thistle
  • Hepatic trophorestorative
  • Protects from toxins
  • Supports mitochondrial action
  • Helps regenerate liver cells
  • Scavenge free radicals
  • Very safe, very powerful
  • Can protect against Amanita mushrooms (antidote of choice)
  • Galactagogue
  • Antioxidant
95
Q

Hepatic - Chionanthus virginicus

A
  • Fringe Tree
  • C/I in bile duct obstruction, septic GB inflammation, acute or severe liver disease, GB or pancreatic cancers
  • Indicated for constipation, wounds, and inflammation (topically)
  • Cathartic
  • For acute congestion of the liver or catarrh of the common bile duct
  • Most positive remedy for simple jaundice
96
Q

Hepatic - Taraxicum officinale

A
  • Dandelion
  • Leaf as food - very nutritive; edema
  • C/I for bile duct obstruction
  • Antioxidant effects protective against hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in mice
  • Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects on cholesterol-fed rabbits
  • Reduction of adipogenesis and lipid accumulation
97
Q

Hepatic - Chichorium intybus

A
  • Chickory
  • Coffee substitute
  • Has inulin and sugar
  • Hepatoprotective against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats
98
Q

Hepatic - Mahonia spp.

A
  • Oregon Grape
  • Contains berberine
  • C/I in pregnancy
  • Poor gallbladder function, skin issues, infections
99
Q

Hepatic - Arctium lappa

A
  • Burdock, Gobo Root

- Skin conditions

100
Q

Hepatic - Curcuma longa

A
  • Turmeric
  • C/I in lg doses in pregnancy, bile duct obstruction
  • Specificity of seat in liver and circulatory system
  • Study on activation of AMPK for LPS-induced acute lung injury
101
Q

Hepatic - Chelidonium majus

A
  • Greater Celandine
  • Strong choleretic activity
  • Decreases pain and spasm of gb
  • Poppy family
  • Has greater choleretic activity than cholegogue activity
  • May cause liver toxicity
  • C/I in pregnancy and long-term use
  • Contains berberine
102
Q

What are the factors that effect the safety of botanical medicines?

A
  • Relative toxicity and concentration
  • Solubility of a toxic compound in a particular preparation (e.g. Castor oil v. castor bean)
  • Rout of administration
  • Absorbability
  • Will metabolism break it down safely? Or form more toxic things?
  • Potential for accumulation
  • Rate & efficacy of excretion
103
Q

What is the mechanism that is common to most herb/drug interactions?

A
  • Cytochrome P-450 Isoenzyme
104
Q

What is an herbal adjunct to pharmaceutical treatment?

A
  • Beneficial combination of herb & drug
105
Q

What are vulneraries, and how do they work?

A
  • Speed healing
  • Decrease inflammation
  • Help with remodeling
  • Increase fibrin deposition
106
Q

Vulnerary - Calendula officinalis

A
  • Calendula
  • Major vulnerary
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • C/I internally in pregnancy
  • Wounds, ulcers (intestinal, bed, interstitial cystitis)
  • Local or internal
  • Used for old wounds w/ chronic inflammation
  • Study on venous leg ulcers (topical)
  • Good for beauty products
107
Q

Vulnerary - Echinacea spp.

A
  • Echinacea
  • Lymphagogue
  • Caution with inflammatory AI conditions
  • Infection, sepsis, snake bites, ulcers, pharyngitis
  • Topical antiseptic
  • Internal or external
  • Vitality stimulant
  • E. pallida reverses stress-delayed wound healing in mice
  • E. pallida preferred species for wound healing (by some)
108
Q

Vulnerary - Centella asiatica

A
  • Gotu Kola
  • Nootropic
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Tightens CT - helps wound closure
  • Old scar tissue healing
  • Elevates antioxidant levels
109
Q

Vulnerary - Hypericum perforatum

A
  • St John’s Wort
  • Trophorestorative to nervous system
  • C/I with many drugs because of CYP 3A4 induction
  • Particularly indicated for burns
110
Q

Vulnerary - Stellaria media

A
  • Chickweed
  • Cooling, vulnerary, demulcent
  • Edible nutritive
  • Good for poultices
  • Antifungal
111
Q

Vulnerary - Plantago spp.

A
  • Plantain
  • Used to soothe insect bites and bee/wasp stings
  • Good for drawing out things
112
Q

Vulnerary - Matricaria recutita

A
  • Chamomile
  • Caution in high doses because can cause vomiting and diarrhea
  • Good for kids
113
Q

Vulnerary - Aloe vera/barbadensis

A
  • Aloe gel
  • Cool and moist
  • Split leaf open and use inner gel
  • Good for mucous membranes and ulcers
114
Q

Vulnerary - Arnica spp.

A
  • Arnica
  • Increases immune response around area of need
    > Tells body to clean up mess (increases macrophages)
    > Long-term use may exacerbate an immune reaction, esp for AI conditions
  • Use fresh plant
  • Good for old scars (because they aren’t immunologically active)
  • Low-dose herb internally and externally
  • Caution with exacerbating rheumatoid arthritis
  • Do not apply to broken skin
  • Indicated for tissue trauma
  • Osteoarthritis study
115
Q

Vulnerary - Symphytum officinale

A
  • Comfrey
  • “Bone net”
  • Indicated for sprains and fractures
  • C/I in internal use due to pyrrolizidine alkaloid
  • Good for topical use
116
Q

Circulatory Stimulants

A
  • Movers
  • Warming
    > Capsicum
    > Ginger
    > Black Pepper
  • Cooling
    > Ginkgo
    > Zanthoxylum
  • Can have rubefacient effect
  • Can increase heart rate and cardiac output
  • Magic carpet to load rest of formula on and carries it forth
117
Q

Circulatory Stimulant - Capsicum annuum/frutescens

A
  • Cayenne
  • Hot
  • Contains essential oils
  • Depletes substance P
  • Dries out mucous membranes
  • Do not inhale vapors
  • Avoid direct contact with eyes or mucous membranes
  • Throws heat to the extremities
  • Pure stimulant
118
Q

Circulatory Stimulant - Ginkgo biloba

A
  • Ginkgo
  • Tightening, moving
  • Not hot
  • C/I with pregnancy, hemophilia, and blood thinners
  • Specificity of seat in microvasculature
119
Q

Circulatory Stimulant - Piper nigraum

A
  • Black Pepper
  • Enhances absorption of nutrients (6-100x)
  • C/I in lg doses in pregnancy, may interact with drugs d/t GI absorption increase
  • Indicated for indigestion and poor nutrient absorption
120
Q

Circulatory Stimulant - Rosmarinus officinalis

A
  • Rosemary
  • For remembrance
  • Aromatic
  • C/I in pregnancy
  • Indicated for hypotension following stress or illness and poor memory
  • Raises BP
121
Q

Circulatory Stimulant - Zanthoxylum americanum

A
  • Prickly Ash
  • Added to adaptogen formulas to kick start them
  • Potentially toxic, but not low-dose
  • C/I in pregnancy, acute GI inflammation
  • Indicated for uterine cramps and dysmenorrhea
  • Mild cardiac stimulant
  • As if a mild current of electricity was being administered
122
Q

Circulatory Stimulant - Zingiber officinale

A
  • Ginger
  • Draws heat in
  • C/I with blood thinners
  • Safe in pregnancy
  • Action much more immediate if given in hot water
  • Powder causes emesis, tincture does not
123
Q

What is a trophorestorative?

A
  • Has tissue specificity and nourishes and heals that tissue
124
Q

Trophorestorative - Avena sativa

A
  • Nervous system

- Stroop Color-Word test study

125
Q

Trophorestorative - Withania somnifera

A
  • Endocrine or Neuroendocrine
  • Confers the stamina of a horse
  • Modulates cortisol
  • Aphrodisiac
  • C/I in pregnancy
126
Q

Trophorestorative - Urtica dioica seed

A
  • Kidney

- Nettle SEED case studies

127
Q

Trophorestorative - Silybum marianum

A
  • Liver

- Hepatoprotective and hepatoregenerative

128
Q

Trophorestorative - Crataegus spp.

A
  • Hawthorn

- The heart

129
Q

Trophorestorative - Arctium lappa

A
  • Burdock

- The skin

130
Q

Trophorestorative - Centella asiatica

A
  • The connective tissue
  • Modulates scar tissue
  • Vulnerary, nutritive
131
Q

Trophorestorative - Equisetum arvense

A
  • The connective tissue

- Caution with thiamine depletion

132
Q

Trophorestorative - Glycyrrhiza spp.

A
  • The adrenals
  • Non-specific effect on adrenals
  • Support low BP, low cortisol, hormone balance related to PCOS
  • Anti-androgen stimulant
  • C/I in many things
133
Q

Trophorestorative - Bacopa monniera

A
  • The brain
  • Keeps acetyl choline around longer
  • Neuroprotective
  • Very safe and effective
134
Q

Trophorestorative - Vaccinum myrtillus

A
  • Bilberry
  • The eyes
  • Improve vision in fighter pilots in WWII
  • May help prevent neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy
  • Rich in anthocyanins
135
Q

Trophorestorative - Lungs

A
  • Crataegus
  • Verbascum thapsus
  • Glycyrrhiza spp.
136
Q

Trophorestorative - The Mucous Membranes

A
  • Hydrastis canadensis
  • Anemopsis californica
  • Bidens pilosa
137
Q

Trophorestorative - The Immune System

A
  • Trametes versicolor

- Astragalus membranaceus

138
Q

Trophorestorative - The Female Reproductive Tract

A
  • Rubus ideaus (raspberry leaf)
139
Q

Trophorestorative - The Male Reproductive Tract

A
  • Serenoa rapens

Botanical Materia Medica I (17 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions