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Naturopathy Study (CNM) > Herbal Medicine II > Flashcards

Herbal Medicine II Flashcards

1
Q

What herb action has a drying/toning effect on tissues?

A

Astringents
* Due to tannins
* e.g. Witch hazel

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2
Q

What herb action relaxes smooth muscles in the GIT?

A

Carminative
* Due to volatile oils
* e.g. peppermint leaf

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3
Q

What herb action supports skin and mucous membrane healing?

A

Demulcent
* Due to Mucilage
* e.g. linseeds

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4
Q

How are herbal actions used as a basis for prescribing?

A
  1. Evaluate the therapeutic requirements of patient (biomedical & energetic)
  2. Choose which actions are needed to meet these requirements
  3. Select herbs which provide these actions
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5
Q

What is Simpling?

A

When only a single herb is required
eg: Ashwagandha root for
* Anxiety and insomnia (nervine relaxant)
* Exhaustion (it is an adaptogen)
* Weight loss (it is nutritive for tissues)
* Coldness (it has a warming energetic)

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6
Q

What are the benefits of Chamomile as a simple for children?

A
  • Anti-inflammatory: skin irritations, eczema, teething
  • Nervine relaxant: restlessness, tantrums, sleep
  • Carminative: colicky pains and stomach-ache
  • Pleasant taste is well tolerated
  • Remember― children need lower doses than adults
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7
Q

What is Synergy?

A

The total effect is greater than the sum of its parts
* For example, a tea for anxiety, stress or to promote sleep might contain a blend of chamomile, passionflower (antispasmodic) and lemon balm (lifts mood, promotes sleep)
* All nervine relaxants with different plant chemicals
* The combined effect is more than the effect of any one of them alone

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8
Q

What are herbal Formulas?

A
  • Herbs blended into mixed ‘formulas’
  • Address the various ‘roots’ of a patient’s disharmony
  • Expressed in ‘parts’ or ‘proportions’ of herbs in a blend
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9
Q

Why are herbs particulary useful for the Digestive System?

A

Remedies come into direct contact with the mucous membranes of the GIT, making effects direct and fast-acting

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10
Q

What is an Anti-emetic?

A

Reduces nausea and vomiting
* Ginger rhizome is the foremost anti-emetic
* Stimulates appetite, digestion
* Warming and circulatory effects

Infuse 2–3 slices of fresh ginger or ¼ – ½ teaspoon dried ginger powder in one cup of just-boiled water

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11
Q

What is an Antacid?

A

Reduces digestive burning sensations and inflammation
* Meadowsweet leaf heals mucous membranes of the oesophagus and stomach
* Tea is better than tincture as alcohol can aggravate

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12
Q

What are the actions of a Bitter herb?

A

Increases digestive processes
* Gentian root stimulates acid, enzyme and bile production
* Enhances nutrient assimilation and waste elimination

Take 10 drops on the tongue or in a small glass of water before meals

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13
Q

What is an Anthelmintic?

A

Destroys parasites
* Wormwood leaf is used for killing intestinal worms and other parasites
* 1 tsp infused 3x daily

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14
Q

What does a Carminative do?

A

Relieves gas and bloating
* Peppermint leaf and other aromatic herbs
* Warm and relax smooth muscles in the digestive system
* Relieving gas, bloating and colicky pain

2 tsps infused after meals

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15
Q

What do Choleretic and Cholagogue herbs do?

A

Choleretic: Increases the production of bile by the liver

Cholagogue: Increases release of stored bile from the gallbladder

  • Dandelion root has both actions
  • Plus cooling and detoxifying properties

1 tsp decocted 3 x daily

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16
Q

What do Astringents do for the digestive system?

A

Tones and ‘dries’ the bowel
* Agrimony leaf contains ‘tannins’
* Gentle herb traditionally used for children with diarrhoea

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

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17
Q

What is a Hepatic?

A

Strengthens and supports the liver
* Milk thistle seeds protect and help regenerate the liver
* Increase glutathione (antioxidant), support detoxification and increase protein synthesis in hepatocytes

1 tsp decocted 3 x daily, or ground and sprinkled onto food —tastes good!

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18
Q

What is a Laxative?

A

Promotes bowel elimination
* Linseeds are bulking agents that swell up in the colon and stimulate evacuation
* ‘Moisten’ and lubricate the bowel due to ‘slimy’ mucilage

2 tbsps daily sprinkled onto foods

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19
Q

What is a Purgative?

A

Strong laxatives
* Senna, cascara sagrada, rhubarb root and aloe leaf resin
* Contain ‘anthraquinone glycoside’ which irritates the colon and leads to a powerful watery evacuation
* Frequent use can cause dependency resulting in chronic constipation
* Try to avoid (except for occasional acute use)
* Instead focus on gentle ‘bulking’ laxatives, liver-stimulating herbs (bile has a natural laxative effect), carminatives, diet, hydration and exercise strategies

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20
Q

What is a formula for acid reflux / gastritis/ stomach ulcers?

A
  • 1-part meadowsweet leaf - heals gastric mucosa
  • 1-part liquorice root - powerful anti-inflammatory
  • 1-part marshmallow root - contains ‘mucilage’ (soothes, protects and promotes healing)

1–2 heaped tsps per cup, 3 cups daily before meals

Note: Liquorice is contraindicated in high blood pressure.

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21
Q

What is a formula for low appetite and weak digestion?

A
  • 5 drops gentian root tincture - stimulates acid, enzyme, pancreatic juice and bile production
  • 5 drops ginger rhizome tincture - stimulates ‘digestive fire’

10 drops on tongue, or in a small glass of water 15 mins before meals

Western herbalists use bitters while in Eastern traditions spices are preferred for stimulating digestion. This mix takes best from both worlds!

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22
Q

What is a formula for gas, bloating, colic and IBS?

A
  • 1-part peppermint leaf - relaxes digestive smooth muscles (carminative)
  • 1-part fennel seed - relaxes digestive smooth muscles (carminative)
  • 1-part chamomile flower - anti-inflammatory, carminative, and nervous system relaxant (if the mind relaxes so does digestion!)

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily after meals

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23
Q

What is a formula for diarrhoea?

A
  • 2 -parts peppermint leaf - carminative, mild astringent
  • 1-part cinnamon bark - carminative, antimicrobial, astringent (this combination of actions makes it a good ‘simple’ remedy for diarrhoea)
  • 1-part agrimony leaf - digestive astringent

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily

Taking as a tea provides extra fluid to compensate losses from diarrhoea.

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24
Q

What is a formula for constipation?

A
  • 1-part dandelion root - increases bile production
  • 1-part yellow dock root - tones, regulates bowel
  • 1-part liquorice root - gentle laxative
  • 1-part fennel seed - relaxes bowel tension
  • 1-part marshmallow root - lubricates bowel

1–2 heaped tsps (decocted) per cup, 3 cups daily. Or 5 ml tincture in small glass of water 3 x daily

May be needed for a few months to re-train and regulate the bowel.

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25
Q

What plant chemical has a purgative action?

A

Anthraquinone glycoside

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26
Q

How can Anti-spasmodics help in the respiratory system?

A

The bronchi and lungs contain smooth muscle so ‘aromatic’ herbs (volatile oils) relax and open the airways in coughs and asthma e.g. peppermint, elecampane root.
* Volatile oils are also anti-microbial against bacteria and viruses (acute bronchitis).
* The warming quality increases blood supply to the chest area which promotes healing and counteracts mucus congestion.

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27
Q

What is an Anti-catarrhal

A

Dries and tones the sinuses
* Elderflower preventative for hay-fever, makes sinuses less prone to irritation
* Dries runny nose, watering eyes

2 tsps infused 3 x daily for 2 months prior to and during hay fever season

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28
Q

What do Anti-allergy herbs do?

A

Reduces allergic responses
* Nettle leaf, especially fresh is for allergies
* allergic skin reactions have the same appearance as nettle rashes, ‘like cures like’

*10 fresh leaves infused 3 x daily

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29
Q

What do Anti-microbials do?

A

Kill micro-organisms
* Thyme leaf is anti-microbial for acute bronchitis
* Sage leaf is for sore throats and tonsillitis

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

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30
Q

What do Expectorants do?

A

Clears catarrh from the lungs
* Liquorice root is a general expectorant
1 tsp infused 3 x daily
* ‘Hot’ spices such as ginger for copious watery phlegm
* Garlic thins tenacious catarrh and is also antimicrobial

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31
Q

What is a Formula for hay fever and rhinitis?

A
  • 1-part elderflower - upper respiratory astringent and anti-allergy
  • 1-part eyebright leaf - upper respiratory astringent
  • 1-part nettle leaf - anti-allergic

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily
Take for 2 months before and during allergy season
Note: ‘Drying’ herbs balance ‘damp’ allergies

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32
Q

What is a Formula for dry cough?

A
  • 1-part liquorice root - demulcent, expectorant, antitussive (alleviates cough)
  • 1-part thyme leaf - respiratory anti-microbial
  • 1-part marshmallow leaf - respiratory demulcent

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily
Note: Marshmallow is a slimy herb that soothes and ‘moistens’ ‘dry’ lungs

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33
Q

What is a Formula for productive (wet) cough?

A
  • 1-part thyme leaf - respiratory anti-microbial
  • 1-part aniseed - warming expectorant
  • ½ part ginger - warming expectorant

1 heaped tsp (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily
Note: ‘Warm’ energetics of all herbs in this formula balance the ‘cold’ and dry the ‘dampness’ of a ‘wet’ cough.

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34
Q

What is a Formula for colds and flu (by promoting ‘diaphoresis’ = sweating):

A
  • 1-part elderflower
  • 1-part peppermint leaf
  • ½ part yarrow leaf

3 heaped tsp in 500ml / ½ pint of just boiled water. Drink hot in bed after a hot bath, then sweat…
Sweating helps the body to fight viral infections, traditionally called ‘breaking a fever’, before infection enters the lungs (risk of serious illness)

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35
Q

What is Anti-lithic?

A

Prevents and treats kidney stones
* Celery seed helps dissolve kidney stones
½ – 1 tsps infused 3 x daily

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36
Q

What is Diuretic?

A

Increases urine elimination
* Dandelion leaf is a powerful herbal diuretic

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

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37
Q

What is a Urinary antiseptic?

A

Combats urinary tract infections
* Buchu leaf a delicious tasting herb containing volatile oils that kill urinary bacteria

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

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38
Q

What is a Urinary demulcent?

A

Heals the urinary tract
* Corn silk provides mucilage which soothes, heals and counteracts burning sensations in urinary tract infections

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

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39
Q

What is a Formula for urinary tract infections?

A
  • 1 part buchu leaf - urinary antiseptic
  • 1 part corn silk - urinary demulcent
  • ½ part yarrow leaf - diuretic, urinary antiseptic

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily

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40
Q

What Antispasmodic work well in the nervous system?

A
  • Passion-flower is a systemic and nervous system relaxant
  • Helpful for conditions such as tension headache, insomnia, nervous tachycardia and anxiety

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

41
Q

What is a Nerve tonic?

A

Nourishes and strengthens the nerves
* Oat straw and skullcap leaf strengthen the nerves and increase resilience
* Effects are believed to relate in part to modulation of GABA and to enhancement of cerebral blood flow
* Indications include nervous fatigue, insomnia and mild depression

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

42
Q

What is a Sedative?

A

Calms nerves and promotes sleep
* California poppy is a stronger sedative for anxiety, insomnia and pain, where it is also analgesic
* Valerian root is a good sedative but can stimulate people with ‘heat’ signs (irritability, redness etc)

1–2 tsps infused 3 x daily

43
Q

What are Nerve stimulants

A

Stimulates nervous activity
* Damiana is an energising tonic and reputedly an aphrodisiac with a strong history of use for low libido associated with stress

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

44
Q

What is the term for herbs with mood lifting actions?

A

Thymoleptic

45
Q

What is a Thymoleptic?

A

Improves mood
* Lemon balm and St John’s wort ‘lift the spirits’ and are restorative to the nervous system
* Lemon balm also has carminative and antispasmodic properties and is commonly used for gastrointestinal complaints, particularly when associated with stress
* The benefits of St John’s wort for mild to moderate depression are well supported by clinical research. As a thymoleptic and nervine tonic the herb is well suited to conditions where tension and exhaustion combine

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

46
Q

What is the term for herbs that improve brain function?

A

Nootropic

47
Q

What is a Nootropic?

A

Improves brain function
* Rosemary improves cerebral circulation, increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to support memory and concentration
* Sage enhances cognition and memory, possibly by influencing the cholinergic system (involved in attention regulation and cognitive processing)
* Brahmi (translates as ‘brings knowledge of God’!) enhances cognition and is a nervine tonic. Research indicates an influence on neurons, inducing changes that improve memory and learning

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

48
Q

What is a Formula for tension, anxiety, insomnia?

A
  • 1-part passionflower leaf - relaxant, antispasmodic
  • 1-part oat straw - nerve restorative
  • 1-part chamomile flower - nerve relaxant

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily

In more severe cases add 1-part California poppy

49
Q

What is a Formula for low mood?

A
  • 1-part St John’s wort - lifts the mood
  • 1-part lemon balm - lifts the mood
  • 1-part rose petals - protects and raises the spirits

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily

Medicinal rose species are the Damascus and Apothecaries rose.

50
Q

What is a Formula for poor concentration?

A
  • 1-part brahmi leaf - increases concentration
  • 1-part sage leaf - increases intelligence
  • 1-part rosemary leaf - increases memory

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily

For elderly patients add 1-part ginkgo leaf for opening narrowed blood vessels supplying the brain

51
Q

What are the two medicinal species of rose?

A

Damascus
Apothecaries

52
Q

What is the best all round support for the Cardiovascular System?

A

Hawthorn
* Leaves, flowers and fruits
* Antioxidant, blood vessel strengthening and hypotensive properties
* Supports contraction of the heart muscle
* Protects against hypoxic damage

Dose: 2 tsps infused 3 x daily
Note: People with heart disease are often on medication. Always check herb-drug interactions.

53
Q

What is a Hypocholesterolaemic?

A

Reduces serum cholesterol
* Guggul resin reduces total serum cholesterol levels.
* Globe artichoke leaf improves liver metabolism of lipids, reducing LDLs, total cholesterol and triglycerides

2 capsules powder 3 x daily

54
Q

What herbs have Hypotensive actions?

A

Reduces blood pressure
* Mistletoe leaf and hawthorn (leaves, flowers, fruits) have hypotensive effects
* Related in part to vasodilatory properties

2 tsps infused 3 x daily
Note: Do not treat very high blood pressure with herbs unless fully qualified.

55
Q

What herbs have Hypertensive actions?

A

Increases blood pressure
* Adequate blood pressure is essential for maintaining circulation
* Liquorice root increases blood pressure by increasing sodium retention

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

56
Q

What is a Circulatory stimulant?

A

Improves circulation
* ‘Warm’ herbs such as cinnamon and ginger increase blood circulation to the hands and feet

*1 tsp infused 3x daily**

*Dry ginger use ¼ – ½ teaspoon

57
Q

What herbs have Blood thinning actions?

A

Reduces the thickness and/or stickiness of the blood
* Decreases risk of clot formation
* Improves blood flow
* Garlic and turmeric thin the blood by inhibiting platelet aggregation

1 tsp 3 x daily
Note: Don’t take at the same time as conventional blood thinners.

58
Q

What herb has Cardio-active actions?

A

Improves heart function
* Qualified herbalists only use a Schedule 20 herb called lily of the valley
* Slows and strengthens heart contractions in heart failure

59
Q

What are Blood vessel tonics?

A

Support integrity of blood vessel walls
* Improve elasticity and strength
* Reduce oxidative damage and inflammation
* Protect against arteriosclerosis
* Hawthorn berries are high in antioxidant flavonoids and have collagen-stabilising properties

2 tsps decocted 3 x daily

  • Blueberries and all dark red-/ purple-skinned fruits are rich in plant compounds (anthocyanins) that are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
  • Horse-chestnut fruit for venous tone, varicose veins

1 tsp decocted 3 x daily (with food); apply locally in a cream (not to broken skin)

60
Q

What is a Formula for (mild/moderate) hypertension?

A
  • 1-part hawthorn leaf /flower - cardiovascular tonic, hypotensive
  • 1-part hawthorn berry - cardiovascular tonic, hypotensive, blood vessel tonic
  • 1-part passionflower - nervous system relaxant
  • 1-part dandelion leaf - diuretic to remove fluids

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup 3x daily

Note: Remember to check for herb-drug interactions!

61
Q

What is a Formula for mild to moderately elevated cholesterol?

A
  • 1-part guggul resin - anti-cholesterol
  • 1-part artichoke leaf - improves liver metabolism of cholesterol
  • 1-part turmeric - anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cholesterol

1 tsp powder 2 x daily (best taken as capsules due to very bitter taste)

62
Q

What is a Formula for poor circulation?

A
  • 1-part cinnamon bark - circulatory stimulan
  • 1-part prickly ash bark - circulatory stimulant
  • ¼ part dry ginger - circulatory stimulant

1 heaped tsp (decocted) per cup, 3x daily

For treating varicose veins add 2 parts horse chestnut

63
Q

What is the foremost Ayurvedic herb for the Reproductive System?

A

Shatavari

64
Q

What is an Emmenagogue?

A

Stimulates menstrual flow
* By increasing blood flow to the pelvis and / or stimulating uterine contractions
* Motherwort leaf and Angelica root can be used if menstrual flow is absent, scanty, or clotted

2 tsps infused 3 x daily

65
Q

What is a Galactagogue?

A

Increases breast-milk production
* Fennel seeds not only increases breast-milk production, but minute quantities of volatile oil (carminative) are provided to the infant, helping infantile colic

1 tsp infused 3 x daily (taken by mother)

66
Q

What herbs have Anti-spasmodic actions in fertility conditions?

A

Cramp bark is a uterine relaxant, decreasing pain associated with uterine contraction and is specific for mild to moderate period pain

1 tsp decocted 3 x daily a few days prior to and during menstruation

For more serious pain e.g. endometriosis, qualified herbalists only use stronger Jamaican dogwood (restricted herb).

67
Q

What is a Uterine astringent?

A

Reduces heavy bleeds
* Ladies mantle is an astringent herb with a long history of use for heavy periods
* Beth root (birthroot) was traditionally used to reduce bleeding following childbirth

68
Q

How can herbs help balance Female hormones?

A

Female hormones can be balanced via the pituitary gland
* Agnus-castus fruit (in small doses) can restore balance when there is menstrual irregularity related to low progesterone and / or an oestrogen dominant state
* Absent, short, long or erratic cycles and PMS (especially with mastalgia)
* The herb can play an important role in treatment for PCOS, and in pre-conception strategies

15 drops of tincture in water once daily first thing in the morning

69
Q

What herbs are used for the menopause?

A

Sage leaf is a traditional remedy for hot flushes and excess perspiration and to support associated nervous system symptoms such as altered mood and cognition
2 tsps infused 3 x daily

Black cohosh root has oestrogen-modulating effects and has shown benefits for vasomotor and psychological symptoms
* 1 tsp decocted 3 x daily*

Shatavari root is a general female tonic, enhances libido and has demulcent effects for dry, inflamed tissues including vaginal tissue
1 tsp decocted 3 x daily (in India 1–2 tsps of powder are taken in hot milk at night)

70
Q

What herbs are used in Fertility strategies?

A

Fertility is best supervised by a qualified herbalist, however two Indian Ayurvedic herbs stand out for general support:
* Shatavari root for women, means ‘she who has one hundred husbands’!
* Ashwagandha root for men, means ‘strength of a horse’!

For both herbs: 1 tsp decocted 3 x daily, OR 2 tsps powder in warm nut / dairy milk at night

In fertility programmes both partners need to engage in vitality / fertility strategies.

71
Q

What herbs are used for Male reproductive health?

A

Virility and fertility
* Ashwagandha root

Prostate gland
* Saw palmetto fruit
* Nettle root

Both help to reduce prostatic enlargement by decreasing hormonal stimulation of prostate tissue growth (via enzyme inhibition). Saw palmetto also reduces inflammation, oedema and smooth muscle spasm in the prostate.
1 tsp decocted 3 x daily

72
Q

What is a Formula for painful periods?

A
  • 2 parts cramp bark - uterine antispasmodic
  • ¼ part ginger improves circulation to uterine area & reduces inflammation

Herbs to redue stress (passiflora), liver support and elimination of hormones (dandelion) could also be included

1 heaped tsp (decocted) per cup, 3 cups daily
Can also be applied topically to the lower abdominal region

Note: This may not be strong enough for severe pain e.g. endometriosis, which may require Schedule 20 herbs (practitioner use only).

73
Q

What is a Formula for heavy periods?

A
  • 1-part ladies mantle leaf- uterine astringent
  • 1-part raspberry leaf - uterine astringent

1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily

As well as having an anti-haemorrhagic effect (stems bleeding when taken internally), both herbs act to tone uterine tissue. Ladies mantle also reduces inflammation and is typically used for heavy periods associated with pain.

74
Q

What is a Formula for absent or light periods?

A
  • 2-part angelica root - warming ‘blood mover’, emmenagogue
  • 1-part yarrow leaf- emmenagogue
  • 1-part motherwort leaf - emmenagogue
  • ½ part ginger warming ‘blood mover’, emmenagogue

1–2 heaped teaspoons (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily

Tumeric also for flavour, fennel or peppermint also can help with flavou

75
Q

What are the aims of herbal treatments for the Musculoskeletal System?

A
  • Reduce systemic inflammation to decrease tissue damage and pain
  • Remove acid wastes via the kidneys
  • Topical applications to reduce inflammation, promote healing, increase circulation and ease pain
76
Q

What is an Anti-inflammatory?

A

Reduces inflammation
* Willow bark contains precursors to salicylic acid, which forms on ingestion and has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects

1 tsp decocted 3x daily
* Turmeric reduces inflammation by inhibiting NF-kB, a transcription factor that activates various inflammatory cytokines. Effects are further supported by the herb’s antioxidant activity

½ –1 tsp decocted 3 x daily

Reduced inflammation = reduced pain (analgesic) and tissue damage.

77
Q

What is an Anti-rheumatic?

A

A traditional term referring to the reduction / prevention of pain & inflammation in the musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments)

  • Devil’s claw is a specific anti-inflammatory and analgesic for chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Indications include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, myalgia and lower back pain
  • The herb contains bitter compounds, which are cooling for hot, inflamed conditions

1 tsp decocted 3 x daily

78
Q

What is a Depurative?

A

Aids the removal of metabolic wastes
* Celery seed or parsley seed or leaf removes acid wastes via the kidneys, has an alkalising effect and reduces inflammation and pain

1 tsp decocted 3 x daily

79
Q

What is a Rubefacient?

A

External ‘counter-irritant’ for pain
* Ginger, black pepper and other ‘hot’ pungent herbs applied topically in oils / creams draw blood to the area, reducing pain and promoting healing
* When using essential oils in external treatments use maximum 20 drops per 100 grams diluted in oil / cream.

80
Q

What is a Musculoskeletal restorative?

A

Comfrey leaf is a valuable external treatment for musculoskeletal problems.
* Applied as poultice, cream or macerated oil
* Reduces inflammation and pain in arthritis
* Speeds healing of fractures, strains and sprains.

Apply liberally to affected area
Note: Do not apply comfrey to cuts, wounds or incorrectly set fractures

81
Q

What is a formula for arthritic complaints?

A
  • 1-part willow bark - anti-inflammatory, analgesic
  • 1-part celery seed - depurative to remove acid wastes
  • 1-part devil’s claw - anti-rheumatic

1 heaped tsp (decocted) per cup, 3 cups daily

Note: Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious auto-immune disorder. Herbal treatments should be designed by a qualified herbalist.

82
Q

What do herbal treatments for the Skin focus on?

A

Internal toxicity (terrain)

83
Q

How can internal toxicity be addressed with herbs?

A
  • Poor digestion (use bitters)
  • Retention of wastes (use laxatives and diuretics)
  • Poor liver function (use choleretics and cholagogues)
  • Blood toxicity (use alteratives)

Note: Severe eczema, psoriasis and acne are complex diseases, and herbal treatments are best designed and applied by a qualified herbalist.

84
Q

What is an Alterative (depurative)

A

‘Blood cleansing’ - improves detoxification and / or aids elimination to help remove accumulated metabolic wastes

  • Burdock root increases elimination and detoxification thereby purifies the blood—the traditional approach for skin conditions. It also builds, strengthens, restores.
    1 tsp decocted 3 x daily

Note: Alteratives can lead to short-term ‘healing crises’ as toxins are ‘mobilised’. Use with choleretics, cholagogues, diuretics and laxatives as needed to ensure channels of elimination are functioning effectively.

85
Q

What herbs can help the Lymphatic system?

A

Support detoxification by improving the flow of lymph and relieving lymphatic congestion.
Key indications include swollen glands, cystic or nodular growths on the skin and mucous membranes, psoriasis and eczema.
* Cleavers leaf is lymphatic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic supporting removal of wastes from the body

5 tsps in teapot, add 500 ml just boiled water, infuse overnight, drink cold next morning

  • Echinacea root is an immuno-stimulant and lymphatic for painful, swollen lymph nodes and during infections

1 tsp decocted 3 x daily

86
Q

What anti-inflammatory topical applications exist for skin conditions?

A
  • Liquorice
  • Rose

Apply ‘cold’ infusions to the skin as a wash, or add to creams.

87
Q

What anti-microbial topical applications exist for skin conditions?

A

To counteract secondary infections:
* Lavender or tea tree essential oil

Added to creams and lotions (maximum 20 drops essential oil per 100 grams of cream)

88
Q

What vulnerary topical applications exist for skin conditions?

A

Promotes tissue healing
* Calendula flower (marigold)

Speeds skin repair.
Use calendula cream / lotion for all skin problems.

89
Q

What is an immuno-stimulant?

A

Increases white blood cell activity and / or other components of the immune system
* Echinacea root for acute infection
* Take at first sign of illness or infection
* Also helpful for enhancing immune function
* to reduce infection risk
* Works primarily to support the innate immune response

1 tsp decocted 3-5 x daily (more frequent at outset) Do not use preventativly

90
Q

What is an immuno-modulator?

A

Raises and regulates immunity
* Astragalus root builds resistance to infections
* Balances the immune system in auto-immunity
* Take longer term, but discontinue during acute infections

1 tsp decocted 3 x daily

91
Q

What are Adaptogens?

A

Increase energy, stamina and the power to resist the adverse effects of stress
* Support during difficult times when energy is at a low ebb, to be used in moderation
* Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng and rhodiola root

92
Q

Why are certain Adaptogens not recommended for long term use?

A
  • Wild Ginseng and Rhodiola plants are nearly extinct due to over-harvesting
  • Long-term use is not advised because of their stimulating and ‘heating’ effect
  • From a naturopathic perspective there is one solution to stress, fatigue and exhaustion
  • We must change our lifestyles and allow ourselves to rest!
93
Q

What are ‘adaptogenic’ tonics

A
  • Herbs that used for thousands of years in the East, are often more suitable for our stressed and exhausted patients
  • Still should not be taken during excess heat states and acute infections as they may ‘feed the pathogen’
94
Q

What herb increases strength, stamina but relaxes the nerves?

A

Ashwagandha root
* Ideal in our fast-paced world

1 tsp powder decocted 2 x daily, or 1 tsp powder in hot milk at night

95
Q

What herb increases stamina, digestive power and immunity, but without stimulating the system?

A

Astragalus root
1 tsp decocted 2 x daily

96
Q

Which herb increase energy, stamina and immune function without stimulating the system.

A

Schizandra berries
* They also have antioxidant properties and promote liver detoxification pathways

1 tsp decocted 3 x daily, OR infused for 1 hour

97
Q

Which herb is anti-inflammatory, restorative and supports the adrenals by sparing cortisol?

A

Liquorice root
1 tsp decocted 3 x daily

98
Q

What questions should be asked before using herbs?

A
  • What actions are needed for this patient?
  • Which herbs best provide these actions?
  • What dosage level is appropriate?
  • What method of application i.e. tea, tincture, syrup, powder, cream?
  • Are there safety issues / contraindications for any herbs? *

i.e. pregnancy, breast feeding, drug interactions.

99
Q

Herbal Medicine Suppliers

A

The following are reputable herbal medicine suppliers:
* G Baldwin and Co. Shop in South London, plus on-line sales. Good quality teas, tinctures, creams etc. baldwins.co.uk
* Neal’s Yard Remedies. Many stores across the UK, plus on-line sales. Good quality herbal teas, tinctures, creams etc. www.nealsyardremedies.com
* If you want to grow your own medicines Poyntzfield herbs in Scotland will mail seeds and plants www.poyntzfieldherbs.co.uk

Naturopathy Study (CNM) (20 decks)

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