Herbals Flashcards
how are tinctures different from liquids?
Tinctures are usually a 1:5 or 1:10 ratio. Liquid is more concentrated at 1:1
What is decoction
extraction herbs by mashing and boiling them. Can be used for tea or tinctures.
How many herbs do most compresses contain?
at least 6
What is a poultice
a layer of mashed moistened or heated herbs applied skin
What are possible uses of aromatherapy?
skin conditions, alopecia, dementia, wound healing
what is indirect inhlation?
an aromatherapy used for a room for of people by diffuser or candle
what herb did natives use for colds?
echinacea
What are the side effects of echinacea?
allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, asthma, GI symptoms, interactions with antipsychotics and antihypertensives
What can saint johns wort be used for
depression, ADHD, smoking cessation
What can garlic be used for?
prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, boost immune system
What can saw palmetto be used for?
enlarged prostate and lower urinary problems
What is American ginseng used for?
digestive and respiratory symptoms, nervous systems, anticancer properties, hyperglycemia
How long is ginseng safe to use?
up to six months
What people should avoid Ginseng?
people with hypertension or manic episodes
How do you know if something is true ginseng?
it will have the letter PANAX in it
What is Ginkgo used for?
asthma, digestive disorders, PAD, anxiety, memory loss dementia, macular degeneration
What is a risk of ginkgo when used with NSAIDs?
Increased risk for bleeding
What are integrative healthcare approaches?
Self care, yoga, massage, herbals? Meditation, botanical medicine
T OR F herbals are tested for safety and efficacy
F
What are dry extracts of herbs in the form of?
Pills or capsules
How are tincture extract made?
Removing all active ingredients with a solvent then evaporating all or nearly all ingredients f it to produce a semiliquid or dry powder
How are infusions or teas made?
Prepare herbs and pour hot water over it and let it stereo for 3-5 minutes then strain before drinking
What is a decoction?
An extraction of herbs made from mashing and boiling in water to extract oils. They boil for 10-20 minutes. They are more oil soluble than infusions
What is a poultice?
Mashed moistened or heated herbs applied to the skin. Used for antiseptics and pain relief. Also called plaster
What are syrups used for and how are they given?
Used for sore throats and coughs. Given as juices, baths, skin washes, and gargles or mouthwashes.
T or F increased use of herbs lead to increased safety concerns
T
Which herbs can cause intrinsic toxicity?
Ephedra and foxglove
How can herbs cause extrinsic toxicity?
Toxic metals, adulteration, and improper processing
What dermatological conditions can aromatherapy be used for?
Acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections
What ways can aromatherapy be used as?
Inhaling is fastest, internal or oral
What are internal routes for aromatherapy?
Mouthwash, gargles, vaginal application, rectal suppositories
What is category B herbals?
Inconsistent or limited quality evidence
What is category C of herbals?
Consensus, usual practice, opinion, disease oriented evidence, case series
What can capsaicin be used for?
Alternative NSAID for pain management
What labs should you check when patients are taking butterbur?
LFTs to assess toxicity
What can peppermint be used for?
Relief of irritable bowel symptoms
What should you take in account when you prescribe herbals?
Species and variety of the plant, plants habitat, how it is stored and processed, and whether pesticides were used on them
What is echinacea used for?
Prevention of colds and flu, Scarlett fever, diphtheria, heal wounds and other skin problems. Use declined after antibiotics were produced.
Which portion of echinacea is most affective?
The above ground portion
Which herb was studied to use or treat URI?
Echinacea
What are side effects of echinacea?
Allergic reactions, asthma, and GI upset.
Who should not take echinacea?
People with autoimmune disorders or certain allergies
Which herb is used for depression?
St. John’s wort
What part of saint johns wart used?
Flowering tops and leaves
How is saint johns wart administered?
Depression- 300mg 3 times a day
Topically as a cream for minor skin issues
Also available in time release capsules
What are the side effects of Saint John wart
GI discomfort, dizziness, fatigue, sensitivity to light, dry mouth, urinary frequency, sexual dysfunction
What can saint johns wart interact with?
Antidepressants, birth control, cyclosporine, digoxin, Dilantin, phenobarbital, warfarin, most antivirals. It induced CYP450, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYAP3A4 pathways and can increase or decrease effects of other substances
What herb can be used to prevent cancer?
Garlic
How can garlic be administered?
Eaten raw, cooked, fired, and in tablets
What herb was used to prevent gangrene in world war 1 and 2
Garlic
What is the dose of garlic?
2-4 grams a day. 2-4 cloves a day. For extract 600-1200 mf per day.
Which herb can reduce BP and cholesterol?
Garlic
What are side effects of garlic?
Upset stomach bloating, bad breath, body odor, skin lesions.
What can garlic interact with?
HIV inhibitors, warfarin, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives, cyclosporines
What is saw palmetto used for?
Urinary symptoms associated with BPH and chronic pelvic pain, hair loss, sex drive, and prostate cancer
How is saw palmetto dosed?
It is a very fatty acid, tea may not be affective for that reason. Most affective as a liquid extract or supplement at 160-320 mg daily
What are side effects of saw palmetto?
GI and bleeding. Few reports of liver and pancreas damage.
What does saw palmetto interact with?
Proscar, warfarin, clopidogrel, and aspirin.
Which herb is an adaptogen
Ginseng
How is ginseng given?
1-2 gram a day for up to 3 months
Which herb can lower blood glucose for diabetic patients?
Ginseng
What are possible side effects for women on ginseng?
Swollen breasts and vaginal bleeding
Which herb can cause manic episodes when taken with phenelzine?
Ginseng
Who should avoid taking ginseng?
Diabetics, people with hypertension, bipolar disorder, pregnancy, breastfeeding, history of breast or endometrial cancer.
What drug interact with ginseng?
Warfarin, clopidagrel, amlodipine, diltizem, ADHD meds, phenelzine, and diabetic meds.
Which herb is made from the world’s oldest living tree leaf?
Ginkgo
What is ginkgo used for?
Antioxidant vascular problems like PAD, anxiety, memory loss, dementia, macular degeneration.
What is the most commonly used her in the US and Europe?
Ginkgo
What is the dose of ginkgo?
40 mg TID or 80 BID. it takes 50 fresh leaves to make one dose of the extract
Which herb is used in dementia?
Ginkgo
What are side effects of ginkgo?
Headache, GI, dizziness, heart palpitations, allergic reactions, and increase bleeding. Contact with the fruit pulp could cause a poison ivy like dermatitis rash.
What does ginkgo interact with?
Most psych drugs, aspirin, advil, warfarin, heparin.
Which 4 herbs are known to increase bleeding?
Ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, ginger
