Herbal Flashcards
what is aloe vera used for
- topical healing agent for wounds and reduces pain
- dentistry: apply externally as lip balm or gel; soothe inflamed gums and sores in the mouth; consume 60ml of juice to treat ulcerations of the mouth
what is black cohosh used foreign dentistry and what happens if od
- relieves cramps in the jaw or neck
- in case of overdose: nausea and vomiting
what is cayenne used for
- topical to treat inflammation and pain
- dentistry: saturate cotton with oil of cayenne and place it on an aching tooth for emergency relief
what is chamomile used for
- mild sedative
- safety concerns: additive sedation with CNS depressants
- dentistry: poultice for pain and swelling; drink as hot tea to promote relaxation; use as a mouthwash to soothe inflamed, irritated gums
what is cranberry used for
- to treat UTIs
what is echinacea used for
- immune stimulant to treat colds and flu
- can treat strep throat
- dentistry: combined with myrrh and liquorice root; used for the tx of abscesses in the mouth
- long term use can increase the risk of poor wound healing and opportunistic infections
- long term use: decreases your ability to fight disease
- can be toxic to the liver
what is eucalyptus used for
- rub oil on sore, inflamed gums for temporary relief
what is evening primrose used for
- treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause
- in dentistry: rub on sore, inflamed gums for temporary relief
what might be a safety concern for evening primrose
- safety concern: may inhibit platelet aggregation
- may interact with NSAIDs and aspirin to cause bleeding
what is feverfew used for
- prevent migraine headache
what is a safety concern for feverfew
- may prolong bleeding
- may interact with NSAIDs and aspirin to cause bleeding
what can garlic be used for
- lowering blood cholesterol
- strengthens the immune system (natural antibiotic)
- lowers BP
- ensures longevity
- fresh oil or raw cloves are best
what are some safety concerns with garlic
- irreversible platelet aggregation inhibitor
- may prolong bleeding
- may interact with NSAIDs and aspirin to cause bleeding -> discontinue garlic 7 days prior to surgery
what can ginger be used for
- antiemetic
- remedy for sore throat
what are some safety concerns with gingiver
- may inhibit lately activating factor
- may interact with NSAIDs and aspirin to cause bleeding
what can ginkgo biloba be used for
- increase peripheral blood flow in tx of peripheral vascular insufficiency
- memory enhancement
- treat mild Alzheimers
- can increase gum disease :/
- proven to delay deterioration of cognitive functions and prolong walking distances (placebo)
what are some safety concerns with gingko biloba
- may inhibit lately activating factor
- may interact with NSAIDs and aspirin to cause bleeding
what can ginseng be used for
- support immune function
- enhance physical and mental performance
- in dentistry: use in a tonic to promote circulation and help repair irritated gum tissue, discontinue at least 7 days before surgery
what are some safety concerns with ginseng
- may prolong bleeding
- can lower blood sugar -> hypoglycaemia
- may interact with NSAIDs and aspirin to cause bleeding
what can green tea be used for
- antioxidant
- used to reduce serum cholesterol levels
- anti-carcinogenic activity
- need to take 4-6 cups a day for effects
what are some safety concerns for green tea
- may prolong bleeding at high doses
what can hawthorn be used for
- cardiotonic in tx of mild heart failure, angina, and peripheral vascular disease
how can herbal tea be harmful to teeth
- can erode the protective layers of enamel that surround every tooth
- 3 times for acidic than fruit juice
what can kava kava be used for
- to treat anxiety and induce sedation
- used to treat parkinsons
- proven to reduce anxiety > placebo
what are some safety concerns of kava kava
- coma has occurred with alprazolam
- may potentiate alcohol and CNS depressants
- enhance anesthesia
what can lemon balm be used for
- cream promoted the healing of cold sore blisters in 5 days
- if used regularly; can decrease the frequency of cold sore recurrence
what can liquorice root be use for
- tea to promote a healthy immune system
when should you not take liquorice root
- high blood pressure
- heart problems
- taking digoxin-based drugs
what can parsley be used for
- natural diuretic
- chewing on sprig will help eliminate bad breath
what can st johns wort be used for
- used to treat mild to moderate depression
- topical agent to treat bruises and sprains
- proven: greater efficacy than placebo in mood elevation
what are some safety concerns for st johns wort
- appears to elevate liver enzymes to rapidly metabolize many drugs making them less effective
- enhance effects of anesthesia and sedatives
- can cause drowsiness and sensitivity to light
- discontinue 5 days prior to surgery
- do not mix with other medications, especially antidepressants
what can tea tree oil be used for
- antiseptic and antifungal
- dentistry: rub directly on cold sores to promote healing. rub directly on sore inflamed gums for temporary relief. use mouthwash to soothe mouth inflammation
what can valerian be used for
- used as a sedative or hypnotic
- alternative nitrous oxide to calm anxious or nervous patients
what are some safety concerns for valerian
- may potentiate CNS depressants
- enhance effects of anesthesia
what 5 drugs do you need to be sure your Pte has discontinued before surgery
- garlic: 7 days before
- ginkgo: 36 days before
- ginseng: 7 days before
- kava: 24 hours before
- st johns wort: 5 days before
