Herbal Therapies Flashcards
used to stimulate immune response, to treat influenza & common cold; can oppose effects of immunosuppressant drugs; contraindicated in those with HIV, tuberculosis, cancer, autoimmune MS, lupus.
Echinacea
used topically to treat skin injuries as burns, insect stings, & abrasions; used orally for constipation but this can cause severe diarrhea & fluid & electrolyte imbalance
Aloe
used to improve memory, sharpen concentration, promote clear thinking; can potentiate effects of anti-platelet aggregation meds & anticoagulants & increase risk of bleeding with these meds; also may lower seizure threshold in those at risk for seizures.
Ginko
used for CNS stimulant effects, appetite control; can interact with many drugs, including potentiating effects of CNS stimulants (amphetamines, caffeine, theophylline), beta agonists, ergotamine, & nasal decongestants; use w/MAOIs can cause hypertensive crisis. Banned by FDA in 2004 due to cardiac risks & ephedra related deaths.
Ma huang (ephedra)
used for treatment of menopausal symptoms; can cause bradycardia, can potentiate effects of antihypertensive & hypoglycemic effects of diabetic meds (oral & insulin); do not take with estrogen or history of breast cancer.
Black cohosh
used for prevention & treatment of migraine; can suppress platelet aggregation so may increase risk of bleeding if taken with antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants
Feverfew
used for short term relief of stress, to boost energy, & to give digestive support; also to support immune system, assists in prevention of chronic infections; can cause. á BP, palpitations, interference w/sleep
Ginseng
used to treat symptoms of depression; can interfere with (decrease) the effects of warfarin, oral contraceptives, digoxin, anticonvulsants
St. John’s wort
derived from chili peppers, used in cream form for relief of arthritis pain, neuralgia, muscle & joint aches; is an irritant causing a burning sensation when in contact with mucous membranes
Capsaicin
used to reduce triglyceride & LDL cholesterol levels, increase HDL levels; also to reduce B/P, suppresses platelet aggregation; risk of bleeding with anticoagulants, can increase insulin levels resulting in increased hypoglycemic effects of drugs for diabetes.
Garlic
used to treat bacterial, fungal, & protozoa infections; can stimulate the uterus so contraindicated during pregnancy
Goldenseal
used to relieve urinary symptoms associated with BPH; can reduce levels of PSA (a marker for prostate Ca), so can cause false-negative results on PSA tests; antiandrogenic effects so should not be used (or handled) by pregnant women
Saw palmetto
used as a tea for relief of digestive complaints for its antispasmodic & anti-inflammatory effects, especially for relief of irritable bowel syndrome & infant colic; may have sedative effects; increased risk of bleeding if taken with anticoagulants.
Chamomile
used to treat symptoms of stomach upset, including n/v due to motion sickness; can suppress platelet aggregation & increase risk of bleeding if taken with antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants
Ginger root
used to promote sleep, muscle relaxation, & wound healing; kava tea thought to help w/urinary tract infections; anti-depressant, antiepileptic effects; avoid in pregnancy; may cause liver toxicity.
Kava (kava-kava)
