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Herbal Knowledge > Herbs - Year 1 > Flashcards

Herbs - Year 1 Flashcards

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1
Q

Stinging Nettle name, Parts Used and Overview

A

Urtica Dioca (Urticacee)

Seeds, Leaves, Roots

Nutritive and Anti-inflammatory tonic herb, Strong general tonic with many health benefits and Lots of Minerals

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2
Q

Urtica Dioca Constituents

A

Flavonoids (anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative). Phenolics, essential oil, fatty acids including linoleic (Ώ6), carotenes
Vits C, B, K Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium,sodium phosphorus, potassium
In trichomes: Acetyl choline, histamine, moroidin, 5 hydroxytryptamine = serotonin, formic acid

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3
Q

Utica Dioca Actions

A

Anti-inflammatory
Antihaemorrhagic
Diuretic
Anti-allergy
Galactagogue
General tonic (cheaper dietary supplement than spirolina!)
Blood cleanser
Nutritive

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4
Q

Dandelion name, Parts Used and Overview

A

Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae)

Leaves and Roots

Gastric and Hepatic stimulant and supportive herb. Possible use as a prebiotic and anti-diabetic Lots of Vitamins and Minerals, especially potassium

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5
Q

Taraxacum officinale Constituents

A

Rich in potassium – unlike most diuretics
Sesquiterpene lactones - bitter taste (and action);
anti-inflammatory Triterpene saponoids - possibly adaptogenic
Phytosterols
Inulin - starch-like substance = “prebiotic”, levels highest in autumn dug roots Flavonoids
Good source of vitamins – especially A and K and of minerals especially
iron and calcium

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6
Q

Taraxacum officinale Actions

A

Hepatic (Traditionally root)
Diuretic (Traditonally leaf)
Bitter
Hepatic
Cholagogue
Possibly hypoglycaemic
Anti-inflammatory
Immunomodulatory

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7
Q

Liquorice name, Parts Used and Overview

A

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice)

Root

Adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory herb.
Strong role as a support herb. Systemic support

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8
Q

Glycyrrhiza glabra Constituents

A

Triterpenoid saponins – most importantly glycyrrhizin (or the acid form, glycyrrhizinic acid.
Glycyrrhizin has a strong systemic anti-inflammatory action similar to cortisone. It stimulates the production of steroids and inhibits their breakdown.
Flavonoids mostly yellow pigmented substances such as liquirtin (and liquiritigenin, rhamnoliquiritin, neoliquiritin, cisoliquiritin……). Also glabridin which inhibits colouration in damaged skin.
Oestrogenic isoflavones.
Asparagenin.
Coumarins

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9
Q

Glycyrrhiza glabra actions

A

Anti-inflammatory.
Demulcent.
Expectorant.
Mild Laxative.
Anti-infective.
Adaptogen.
Helps prevent dental caries.
Flavouring agent.

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10
Q

Horse chestnut Parts Used and Overview

A

Aesculus hippocastanum (Sapindaceae)

Seed

Strong venous supportive herb. Helps with all venous problems - oedema, haemorrhoids, etc. Some caution with usage

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11
Q

Aesculus hippocastanum Constituents

A

Aescin – a group of saponin compounds.
Flavonoids.
Aescin is thought to be responsible for most of the plant’s actions and is produced as a drug in Europe (sometimes under the name Escin)

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12
Q

Aesculus hippocastanum Actions

A

Anti-inflammatory.
Vasoprotective/Veno-tonic (improves condition of veins).
Vaso-constrictor.
Anti-oedematous -it makes capillaries less leaky.
Anti-ecchymotic – heals bruises.
Irritant to stomach lining.

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13
Q

Hawthorn name, parts used and overview

A

C. monogyna Jacq., and C. laevigata (Rosaceae)

Leaves, flowers and fruit

Gentle heart and circulation supporting herb. Supports blood pressure balance. Useful for stress, anxiety and bereavement

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14
Q

C. monogyna Jacq., and C. laevigata Constituents

A

Oligomeric procyanadins (highest levels in leaves): increase power of muscular contraction of the heart (are ‘positively inotropic’) & slow heart rate (‘negatively chronotropic’).
Improve blood supply to coronary arteries. Also acts as an ACE inhibitor - lowers blood pressure
Anthocyanidins – improve condition of vascular tissue and also of connective tissues.
Flavonoids (especially in flowers) including rutin, hyperin, kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin: dilate arteries and have a cardioprotective antioxidant effect

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15
Q

C. monogyna Jacq., and C. laevigata actions

A

The main uses of Hawthorn relate to its effects on the heart and circulation.
Hypotensive – lowers blood pressure.
Regulates heart rate – reduces arrhythmias.
Increases blood flow in coronary arteries.
Relaxes blood vessels.
Protects small blood vessels from effects of high blood pressure.

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16
Q

Calendula name, parts used and overview

A

Calendula Officinalis (Asteraceae)

flowers

Anti-everything herb - in a good way!
Strong role as a wound and infection recovery herb
Systemic protection against invaders

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17
Q

Calendula Officinalis Constituents

A

Polyfructanes (especially inulin)
Carotenoid pigments
Saponins based on oleanolic acid, including Calendasaponins A, B, C and D. (flowers)
Triterpene pentacyclic alcohols such as faradol, arnidiol, erythrodiol, calenduladiol and heliantriols.
Flavonoids, including hyperoside and rutin, are present in calendula (Heinrich 2012). You may remember that these specific flavonoids are also found in hawthorn.
Sesquiterpene and ionone glycosides such as officinosides A, B, C and D, lolioside and arvoside A.
Essential Oils
Volatile oil, Polysaccharides. Resins.

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18
Q

Calendula Officinalis Actions

A

Wound healing
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-infective
Hepatic
Anti-bacterial
Anti-viral
Anti-fungal
Anti-spasmodic
Anti-protozoal

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19
Q

Reishi/Artitsts conk name, parts used and overview

A

Ganoderma Lucidum/Aplannatum (Ganodermataceae)

mushroom

Overall immune support and reinforcement! Acts well as a support/preventative,
and high blood pressure balancer.
Definitely a boosting ingredient

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20
Q

Ganoderma Lucidum/Aplannatum constituents

A

Both Ganoderma species contain high levels of immune system boosting polysaccharides and triterpenoid compounds.
The polysaccharides are water-soluble chemicals that trigger a complex range of immune system activity.
The actions of the mushroom derive from both the terpenes and the polysaccarides.

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21
Q

Ganoderma Lucidum/Aplannatum actions

A

Anti – cancer – especially breast and prostate
Protects liver
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-viral
Anti-allergenic
Sedative
Anti-hypertensive (lowers high blood pressure)

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22
Q

Cramp Bark name, parts used and overview

A

Viburnum opulus (adoxaceae)

inner bark

Name for it’s actions - good for cramps and spasms. Strong role throughout body wherever this occurs. Relaxes periphery, reduces high blood pressure.

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23
Q

Viburnum opulus constituents

A

Scopoletin – a coumarin with relaxant activity.
Viopudial – anti-spasmodic.
Viburnin – a bitter relaxant that acts specifically on the uterus and peripheral blood vessels.
Catechin, Epicatechin – anti-oxidant flavanols.
Possibly Valerianic acid – sources dispute this.

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24
Q

Viburnum opulus action

A

Antispasmodic muscle relaxant
Sedative.
Nervine.
Hypotensive.

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25
Q

Passion flower name, parts used and overview

A

Passiflora incarnata (Passifloraceae)

stems/leaves

Mental health support herb. Helps with associated issues, such as insomnia, blood pressure, etc. Great boosting herb - beware of existing meds.

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26
Q

Passiflora incarnata Constituents

A

Indole alkaloids are seen to be significant – either harmane, harmine, harmeline or harmol according to different research – but they tend to occur in only minute amounts. P. caerulea contains more harmaline.

Flavonoids.
GABA (gamma amino butyric acid).
Passiflorin.
Maltil – presence disputed.
The fruits of P edulis contain lycopene.

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27
Q

Passiflora incarnata actions

A

Anxiolytic.
Hypnotic – induces sleep.
Sedative.

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28
Q

Yarrow name, parts used and overview

A

Achillea millifolium (Asteraceae)

leaves/flowers

Blood stauncher and balancing herb, and
it supports digestive and respiratory problems too. Some considerations for extended use/high doses

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29
Q

Achillea millifolium Constituents

A

Essential oil – especially in flowers – with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic actions
Flavonoids – anti spasmodic and anti-inflammatory
Sesquiterpenes – may cause allergic reactions both from contact and from internal use
Achilleine – helps stop bleeding

30
Q

Achillea millifolium Constituents actions

A

Bitter
Diaphoretic – increases sweating
Lowers fever
Anti-inflammatory
Peripheral vasodilator
Hypotensive
Wound healing
Anti-infective
Anti-spasmodic

31
Q

Elecampane name, parts used and overview

A

Inula helenium (Asteraceae)

Root

A Strong lung and related condition herb,
which also has some uses against skin and gut parasites

32
Q

Inula helenium Constituents

A

Inulin
Essential oils
Sesquiterpene lactones possibly responsible for smooth muscle relaxation and includes alantolactone responsible for vermifuge activity

33
Q

Inula helenium Constituents

A

Expectorant
Anti-catarrhal
Anti-infective #
Relaxant to smooth muscle
Vermifuge (kills intestinal worms)
Bitter
Source of inulin - prebiotic

34
Q

Motherwort name, parts used and overview

A

Leonurus Cardiaca (Asteraceae)

Aerial Parts

As name states - good for menopause or stress, and to ease labour pain. Good all round support for palpations and arrhythmias, especially when
caused by hypertension, stress etc.
Strong support herb, where needed

35
Q

Leonurus Cardiaca Constituents

A

Alkaloids including leonorine.
Diterpenes.
Flavonoids

36
Q

Leonurus Cardiaca Actions

A

Nervine tonic.
Sedative.
Cardio-tonic.
Anti-arrhythmic.
Spasmolytic.
Bitter.
Anti-thyroid.
Emmenagogue.
Analgesic
Experimentally shown to be anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.

37
Q

Valerian name, parts used and overview

A

Valeriana officinalis (Caprifoliaceae)

roots/stolons

Very strong anti-anxiety and depression herb, and offers some support with underlying concerns, such as hypertension.
Some caution with usage though.

38
Q

Valeriana officinalis consituents

A

Essential oil which contains:
Sesquiterpenes – valerenic acid, valeric and isovaleric acid.
Iridoids including valepotriate and actinidine (the latter attracts cats).
Valeric acid is the chemical base of valproic acid and sodium valproate used as pharmaceutical drugs for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It may be that dried roots are more active than fresh.

39
Q

Valeriana officinalis actions

A

Sedative.
Anxiolytic – reduces anxiety.
Hypnotic – helps induce sleep.
Antispasmodic relaxant.
Hypotensive

40
Q

Celery name, parts used and overview

A

Apium graveolens (Apiaceae)

seeds

Gentle Urinary tract and Gastrointestinal support. Some help with inflammatory conditions, such as gout, etc. Be aware of kidney problems

41
Q

Apium graveolens constituents

A

Bioflavanoids including apigenin and apiin which may contribute to the plant’s mild anxiety reducing effect.
Psoralens – which increase the body’s sensitivity to ultra-violet radiation – in theory celery seed could make people photosensitive. In practice this seems to occur more on contact with the plant than with ingestion.
Phthalides including 3n-butylphthalide – which may be responsible for diuretic and hypotensive actions.
Apiol

42
Q

Apium graveolens actions

A

Diuretic.
Anti-inflammatory.
Urinary antiseptic.
Carminative.
Anti-spasmodic.
Emmenagogue. Pain killer.

43
Q

St Johns Wort name, parts used and overview

A

Hypericum Perforatum (Hypericaceae)

leaves/flowers

Good support for mental health and linked conditions and symptoms, such as eczema and dermatitis. Also used to support with wound recovery However, serious consideration if other meds involved

44
Q

Hypericum Perforatum constituents

A

Hypericin – red pigmented antibiotic and anti viral compound which may affect dopamine levels. The chemical causes possible photosensitivity
Hyperforin - seen to have anti-depressant activity
Flavonoids – anti-inflammatory.
Essential oil – includes various compounds which have relaxant and antiinfective actions

45
Q

Hypericum Perforatum actions

A

Wound healing
Anodine
Nerve trophorestorative
Anti-depressant
Anti-viral
Relaxant
Detoxicant – helps liver to clear unwanted substances from the body

46
Q

Sage name, parts used and overview

A

Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae)

Leaves

A throaty antiseptic herb, but also has a role for women and as a general gastrointestinal tonic. Be aware if avoiding oestrogen

47
Q

Salvia officinalis constitients

A

Volatile oil – including thujone, pinene, camphor, borneol, mycene and limonene.
Tannins.
Bitters.
Flavonoids – possibly responsible for most of the oestrogenic effects.
Phenolic acids.

48
Q

Salvia officinalis Actions

A

Astringent.
Antiseptic.
Oestrogenic.
Antihydrotic (reduces sweating).
Nervous system tonic.
Aromatic bitter.
Antispasmodic.
Hypoglycaemic.

49
Q

Rosemary name, parts used and overview

A

Salvia rosmarinus or Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae)

Leaves

A great overall tonic herb, which has a great role in restoration and helps with mental health. Systemic support

50
Q

Salvia rosmarinus constituents

A

Essential oil – including borneol, camphor, camphene, cineole and pinene.
Flavonoids
Tannins
Rosmarinic acid
Diterpenes.

51
Q

Salvia rosmarinus Actions

A

Circulatory stimulant
Tonic nervine
Bitter
Carminative
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-septic
Hepato-protective
Anti-atherosclerotic
Mild anti-depressant
Anti-spasmodic

52
Q

Echinacea name, parts used and overview

A

Echinacea purpurea

root, leaves and flowers

Strong immune modulating and anti-inflammatory support her. also works on the respiratory system.

Worth considering the effects on existing autoimmune conditions due to its powers

53
Q

Echinacea purpurea constituents

A

Alkamides (alkylamides) – which are detected by a tingling effect on the tongue – have antibacterial and anti-fungal effects. They seem to stimulate anti-inflammatory activity via cannabinoid receptors on white blood cells.
Caffeic acids – cichoric acid and echinoside – stimulate phagocytosis.
Polysaccharides – some of which stimulate the immune system.
Glycoproteins.
Non-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids

54
Q

Echinacea purpurea actions

A

Immune modulating.
Immune enhancing.
Depurative.
Anti-inflammatory.
Lymphatic.
Sialagogue (increases amount of saliva).

55
Q

Milk Thistle name, parts used and overview

A

Silybum marianum (Asteraceae)

seeds

A herb that provides everything you need to prevent damage to, support and repair the liver and bile.

56
Q

Silybum marianum constituents

A

A group of flavolignans known collectively as silymarin. Individually these include silybin, silychristin and silydianin.
The flavonoid taxifolin
Bitters
Polyacetylenes.
Sterols
Fatty acids.

57
Q

Silybum marianum Actions

A

Hepato-protective (protects liver).
Hepato-trophorestorative (repairs liver).
Cholagogue (increases bile production).
Increases milk production.

58
Q

Thyme name, parts used and overview

A

Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae)

leaves

A strong respiratory and digestive antiseptic herb. As a good all-rounder, has plenty of internal and external defensive ‘anti’ applications

59
Q

Thymus vulgaris Constituents

A

Essential oil – the main component is thymol which has antispasmodic actions and is given much of the credit for thyme’s antiinfective actions – especially as it is partially excreted through the lungs. The essential oil also contains cymene, borneol and carvacrol. Flavonoids – which contribute to anti-spasmodic effects. Saponins – expectorant. Tannins. Bitters

60
Q

Thymus vulgaris Constituent

A

Expectorant.
Antispasmodic.
Anti-infective/antibiotic.
Antifungal.
Anti-oxidant.
Digestive tonic.
Topically as a rubifacient.

61
Q

Cleavers name, parts used and overview

A

Galium Aparine (Rubiaceae)

aerial parts

A detoxifying herb that benefits and boosts the lymphatic system, and fights inflammation where the lymphatic system is struggling. Strong role as a support herbs

62
Q

Galium Aparine Constituents

A

Iridoids
Flavonoids
Possibly saponins and coumarins.
Chlorogenic acid.
The seeds may – or may not – contain caffeine.

63
Q

Galium Aparine Actions

A

Lymphatic.
Diuretic.
Detoxifying agent
Anti-inflammatory.
Anti-neoplastic

64
Q

Eyebright name, parts used and overview

A

Euphrasia (Orobanchaceae, formerly included in the Scrophulariaceae)

aerial parts

As the name states, very much an Eye herb, but it also helps with ear, nose and throat

65
Q

Euphrasia Constituents

A

Iridoid glycosides including aucubin.
Tannins
Phenolic glycosides.
Volatile oil.
Flavonoids – anti-inflammatory.

66
Q

Euphrasia actions

A

Anti-inflammatory.
Astringent and trophorestorative of mucus membranes of eyes, nose and pharynx.

67
Q

Meadowsweet name, parts used and overview

A

Filipendula ulmaria (Rosaceae)

leaves and flowers

A great anti-inflammatory and Pain-killing herb. Also good for supporting the gastrointestinal system. Systemic immune support?

68
Q

Filipendula ulmaria constituents

A

Salicylates – seen by some to be the only constituent contributing to the plant’s medicinal effects – but is in quite low concentrations.
Volatile oil.
Phenolic glycosides.
Flavone glycosides.
Tannins - astringent
Heparin – possible blood thinning action (but amounts v low)

69
Q

Filipendula ulmaria actions

A

Anti-inflammatory.
Antacid.
Astringent.
Urinary antiseptic.
Diaphoretic.
Anodyne.
Anti-bacterial.
Possibly immunomodulatory.

70
Q
A

Herbal Knowledge (1 decks)

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