herbs Flashcards
Black cohosh
Uses: For management of some symptoms of menopuse and as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy; may be beneficial for hypercholesterolemia of peripheral vascular disease
Adverse reactions: overdose causes nausea, dizziness, nervous system and visual disturbances, decreased pulse rate, and increased perspiration
Significant considerations: Should not be used during pregnancy. Possible interactions with hormone therapy. Liver toxic if taken with other hepatotoxic drugs
Chamomile
uses: Drunk as an infusion for gastrointestinal (GI)
disturbances (e.g., diarrhea, flatulence, stomatitis); as a sedative and as an anu-inflammatory agent
Adverse reactions: Possible contact dermatitis and, in rare instances, anaphylaxis
Significant considerations: Chamomile is a member of the ragweed family and those allergic to ragweed should not take the herb. Avoid use during pregnancy.
May enhance anticoagulant effect when administered with anticoagulants. Do not administer to a child without checking with primary health care provider
Chondroitin
Uses: For arthritis-particularly osteoarthritis
Adverse reactions: none significant if used as directed
significant considerations: Because chondroitin is concentrated in cartilage, theoretically it produces no toxic or teratogenic effects
Garlic
Uses: To lower blood glucose,
cholesterol, and lipid levels; as topical antifungal
Adverse reactions: May cause abnormal blood glucose levels
Significant considerations: Increased risk of bleeding in clients taking the warfarin, salicylates, or antiplatelet drugs. Can make protease inhibitors ineffective
Ginkgo
Uses: For cerebral insufficiency dementias, circulatory problems, headaches, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and premenstrual syndrome
Adverse reactions: Rare if used as directed; possible effects include headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, Gl effects, rash, and allergic dermatitis
significant considerations: Do not take with antidepressant drugs, such as the monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or antiplatelet drugs, such as coumarin, unless advised to do so by the primary health care provider. Discontinue use at least 2 wks before surgery
Goldenseal
uses: As antiseptic for skin (topical), astringent for mucous membranes (mouthwash), wash for inflamed eyes, and antidiarrheal
Adverse reactions: Large doses may cause dry or irritated mucous membranes and injury to the Gl system
Significant considerations: Should not be taken for more than 3-7 days. contraindicated in pregnant and hypertension
Kava
uses: for mild to moderate anxiety; as a sedative
adverse reactions:scaly skin rash; disturbances in visual accommodation, habituation
significant considerations: limit use to no more than 3 months
Melatonin
uses: for insomnia; topically to protect against uv light
adverse reactions: Headache, depression, and possible additive effects when taken with alcohol
significant considerations: Avoid hazardous activities until CNS
effects of supplement are known. Do not take for prolonged periods because effects of prolonged use are not known.
May interfere with conception
saw palmetto
uses: for symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy
adverse reactions: generally well tolerated; occasional GI effects
significant considerations: May interact with hormones such as oral contraceptive drugs and hormone replacement therapy
St. johns wort
uses: as an antibacterial, antidepressant, or antiviral
adverse reactions: Usually mild; may cause dry mouth, dizziness,
constipation, other Gl symptoms, and photosensitivity
significant considerations: May decrease efficacy of antiretrovirals, theophylline, warfarin, and digoxin; use with other antidepressant prescriptions is not recommended
Echinacea
uses: Common cold and infections, stimulates immune system to fight infection topical use for wounds and skin problems
adverse reactions: nausea, stomach pain, allergic reactions, rashes
significant considerations: May make autoimmune disorder conditions worse, interacts with caffeine because it decreases how fast the body metabolizes it. Medications for the liver changes how the liver breaks down those medications, warfarin (used to slow down blood clotting)
