Herb Drugs

Question 1

turmeric

Answer 1

common use:

• arthritis
• chronic pain (inflammation)
• joint health

concerns:
- bleeding (anti-platelet activity)

contraindications:
- anticoagulants

Category:
- anti-inflammatory

Question 2

St. John Wort

Answer 2

common use:

• depression
• anxiety
• insomnia

contraindication:
- every medication

Category:
- improves mood

Question 3

Ginkgo

Answer 3

common use:

• improves memory
• increase circulation in brain

contraindication:
- antiplatelets
- anticoagulants

Category:

• improves cognitive function
• vasodilator

Question 4

Garlic

Answer 4

Common uses:

• fighting colds
• lowering BP
• diabetes

contraindication:
- any drugs also have these effects

caution:
- potentiates anticoagulation/antiplatelet
- lowers blood sugar
- diuretic

Category:

• diuretic
• anthelmintic
• positive circulatory effect

Question 5

black cohosh

Answer 5

common use:

• menopause (hot flashes)
• hormone imbalance

contraindication:
- pregnancy

Categories:
- stimulates estrogen receptor

Question 6

valerian root

Answer 6

used for:

• insomnia
• anxiety

sedative effect:

• increase GABA
• benzodiazepine

can cause withdrawal effects
- needs to be tapered off

Question 7

Kava

Answer 7

caution:
- hepatotoxicity
- with all meds

Uses:

• anxiety and depression
• seizures and insomnia