Herbal Medicine Flashcards
What the difference between herbs and food
Cultural - depends how it is viewed.
Herbs are used in more concentrated forms and small amounts give benefit
Whereas food is usually considered for its nutritional content.
What is phytochemisrty
The study of chemicals derived from plants including primary and secondary metabolites.
What are primary metabolites and name them
Compounds in the plant that are needed for the plant to grow and function
Starch
Chlorophyll
Cellulose
Lignin
What are secondary metabolites and give an example
Compounds that assist with the plants survival within its environment.
Tannins in plants (green tea) protect the woody part of the plant from decomposition and insects.
Examples of phytochemicals
Flavonoids - antioxidant
Tannins - astringent drys out wounds
Alkaloids - stimulate on nervous system
Who regulates herbs in the uk
Medicines and healthcare regulatory agency
Type of internal herbal applications
Infusions
Decoction
Syrup
Tinctures
Types of external herbal applications
Cream
Oil
Lotions
Ointments
Examples of infusions
Usually herbal teas
Peppermint
Liquorice
Chamomile
Example of decoctions
Woody / bark type roots
Boil for 15 mins then strain
Dandelion
Burdock
What are tinctures
Herbs steeped in mix or water and alcohol to extract wide range of chemicals
Dose of tinctures
Adult - 5ml in water 3 x per day
What are standardised extracts
Manufactured active constituents. Often made with unnatural solvents and no natural balance
More like pharmaceuticals
What are infused oils, name 2 examples and use
Made by sterling or cooking herbs in oil
Calendula - for dry skin and wounds
Comfrey - for sprains and strains
What classes of herbs are used in the digestive system
Bitters - stimulates digestive juices
Aromatic digestive - promotes digestion
Carminative - relaxing muscle
Demulcent - soothes mucous membranes
Antiemetic - reduces nausea
Actions and uses of Aloe Vera
And dosage
Any cautions
Anti inflammatory for wounds and burns ,GI inflammation and ulceration.
Inhibits COX
25-100ml a day of juice or gel
Avoid in pregnancy
Chamomile action and uses
Dosage
Safety
Anti inflammatory inhibits COX 2 and NF-Kb, carminative, mild sedative anti oxidant
Use for - gastritis, peptic ulcer, IBS/IBD, stress, sleep
Inflation tea - 2 tsp dried herb
Caution - allergy to Asteraceae family
Slippery elm - action, uses, dosage and safety
Demulcent soothes the GI and upper respiratory tract.
Use for gastritis, peptic ulceration GORD, IBD, constipation, dry cough, sore throat.
2-3 tap daily in water 250ml
Safety - take 2 hours away from other meds may reduce absorption.
Class of herbs for the liver
Hepatoprotective - protects liver
Choleretic - increase bile from liver
Cholagogue - increase bile stored in gallbladder
Dandelion root actions, uses, dosage and safety
Bitter tonic, choleretic & cholagogue, mild laxative.
Dyspepsia, constipation, appetite loss, gall stones
Dosage 1-2 tsp dried herb per cup 3 tokens a day
Allergies asteracease family and avoid in bile duct blockage
Milk thistle action, uses and safety
Hepatoprotective / restorative, anti oxidant against phase 1 metabolites, choleretic.
Fatty liver, nausea, dyspepsia (indigestion) cirrhosis
Dosage 2 tsp daily
Safety allergy to asteraceae
Types of herbs for respiratory system
Anticatarrhal - reduces catarrh and phlegm
Diaphoretic - promotes sweating / fever
Expectorant - facilitates removal of catarrh
Anti microbial- kills micro organisms
Anti spasmodic - relaxes smooth muscle spasm.
Thyme, actions uses, dosage and safety
Expectorant, antispasmodic diaphoretic, anti microbial, anti inflammatory
Colds, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, GI dysbiosis.
3-12g per day dried herb or a mouth wash
Safe
Garlic actions, uses, dosage and safety
Antibacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitic, immune boosting, reduce cholesterol, anti plate and anti inflammatory
Colds, flu, bronchitis, fungal infections,
Dysbiosis, hypertension
1-2 cloves a day
Caution - anti coagulants and hypertensives, pregnancy high dosage
