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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

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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
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
Passion flower name, parts used and overview
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.
26
Passiflora incarnata Constituents
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.
27
Passiflora incarnata actions
Anxiolytic. Hypnotic – induces sleep. Sedative.
28
Yarrow name, parts used and overview
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
29
Achillea millifolium Constituents
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
Achillea millifolium Constituents actions
Bitter Diaphoretic – increases sweating Lowers fever Anti-inflammatory Peripheral vasodilator Hypotensive Wound healing Anti-infective Anti-spasmodic
31
Elecampane name, parts used and overview
Inula helenium (Asteraceae) Root A Strong lung and related condition herb, which also has some uses against skin and gut parasites
32
Inula helenium Constituents
Inulin Essential oils Sesquiterpene lactones possibly responsible for smooth muscle relaxation and includes alantolactone responsible for vermifuge activity
33
Inula helenium Constituents
Expectorant Anti-catarrhal Anti-infective # Relaxant to smooth muscle Vermifuge (kills intestinal worms) Bitter Source of inulin - prebiotic
34
Motherwort name, parts used and overview
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
Leonurus Cardiaca Constituents
Alkaloids including leonorine. Diterpenes. Flavonoids
36
Leonurus Cardiaca Actions
Nervine tonic. Sedative. Cardio-tonic. Anti-arrhythmic. Spasmolytic. Bitter. Anti-thyroid. Emmenagogue. Analgesic Experimentally shown to be anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.
37
Valerian name, parts used and overview
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
Valeriana officinalis consituents
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
Valeriana officinalis actions
Sedative. Anxiolytic – reduces anxiety. Hypnotic – helps induce sleep. Antispasmodic relaxant. Hypotensive
40
Celery name, parts used and overview
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
Apium graveolens constituents
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
Apium graveolens actions
Diuretic. Anti-inflammatory. Urinary antiseptic. Carminative. Anti-spasmodic. Emmenagogue. Pain killer.
43
St Johns Wort name, parts used and overview
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
Hypericum Perforatum constituents
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
Hypericum Perforatum actions
Wound healing Anodine Nerve trophorestorative Anti-depressant Anti-viral Relaxant Detoxicant – helps liver to clear unwanted substances from the body
46
Sage name, parts used and overview
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
Salvia officinalis constitients
Volatile oil – including thujone, pinene, camphor, borneol, mycene and limonene. Tannins. Bitters. Flavonoids – possibly responsible for most of the oestrogenic effects. Phenolic acids.
48
Salvia officinalis Actions
Astringent. Antiseptic. Oestrogenic. Antihydrotic (reduces sweating). Nervous system tonic. Aromatic bitter. Antispasmodic. Hypoglycaemic.
49
Rosemary name, parts used and overview
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
Salvia rosmarinus constituents
Essential oil – including borneol, camphor, camphene, cineole and pinene. Flavonoids Tannins Rosmarinic acid Diterpenes.
51
Salvia rosmarinus Actions
Circulatory stimulant Tonic nervine Bitter Carminative Anti-inflammatory Anti-septic Hepato-protective Anti-atherosclerotic Mild anti-depressant Anti-spasmodic
52
Echinacea name, parts used and overview
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
Echinacea purpurea constituents
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
Echinacea purpurea actions
Immune modulating. Immune enhancing. Depurative. Anti-inflammatory. Lymphatic. Sialagogue (increases amount of saliva).
55
Milk Thistle name, parts used and overview
Silybum marianum (Asteraceae) seeds A herb that provides everything you need to prevent damage to, support and repair the liver and bile.
56
Silybum marianum constituents
A group of flavolignans known collectively as silymarin. Individually these include silybin, silychristin and silydianin. The flavonoid taxifolin Bitters Polyacetylenes. Sterols Fatty acids.
57
Silybum marianum Actions
Hepato-protective (protects liver). Hepato-trophorestorative (repairs liver). Cholagogue (increases bile production). Increases milk production.
58
Thyme name, parts used and overview
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
Thymus vulgaris Constituents
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
Thymus vulgaris Constituent
Expectorant. Antispasmodic. Anti-infective/antibiotic. Antifungal. Anti-oxidant. Digestive tonic. Topically as a rubifacient.
61
Cleavers name, parts used and overview
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
Galium Aparine Constituents
Iridoids Flavonoids Possibly saponins and coumarins. Chlorogenic acid. The seeds may – or may not – contain caffeine.
63
Galium Aparine Actions
Lymphatic. Diuretic. Detoxifying agent Anti-inflammatory. Anti-neoplastic
64
Eyebright name, parts used and overview
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
Euphrasia Constituents
Iridoid glycosides including aucubin. Tannins Phenolic glycosides. Volatile oil. Flavonoids – anti-inflammatory.
66
Euphrasia actions
Anti-inflammatory. Astringent and trophorestorative of mucus membranes of eyes, nose and pharynx.
67
Meadowsweet name, parts used and overview
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
Filipendula ulmaria constituents
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
Filipendula ulmaria actions
Anti-inflammatory. Antacid. Astringent. Urinary antiseptic. Diaphoretic. Anodyne. Anti-bacterial. Possibly immunomodulatory.
70
Chasteberry name, parts used and overview
Vitex agnus castus (Lamiaceae) Fruit The women's herb for everything, but also good for acne and migraine
71
Vitex agnus castus constituents
Essential oil Flavonoids Iridoids Diterpenes
72
Vitex agnus castus actions
Gynaecological tonic. Menstrual normaliser. Sedative
73
Yellow Dock name, parts used and overview
Rumex crispus (Polygonaceae) Roots A gentle herb for all things skin related. Also a gentle bile stimulant and laxative
74
Rumex crispus constituents
Anthraquinones including nepodin and emodin. The dramatic laxative action of these chemicals is modulated by the presence of Tannins. Oxalates – often listed in constituents but only low levels in roots
75
Rumex crispus actions
Depurative. Laxative. Nutrient.
76
Peppermint name, parts used and overview
Mentha x piperita (Lamiaceae) leaves Useful for gastrointestinal and respiratory use. A good supporting and flavoursome herb.
77
Mentha x piperita constituents
Essential oil – including high amounts of menthol and menthone – partially responsible for anti-spasmodic and local anaesthetic actions. Flavonoids – anti-inflammatory. Tannins Bitters
78
Mentha x piperita actions
Digestive stimulant. Anti-emetic. Anti-spasmodic. cholagogue (increases bile flow). Carminative. Anti-inflammatory. Diaphoretic (increases sweating). Antiseptic. Decongestant
79
Angelica name, parts used and overview
Angelica archangelica (Apiaceae) Roots and seeds &, to a lesser extent, stems and leaves All-round Gastrointestinal and Respiratory herb, worth using as a strong re-enforcement. Systemic support
80
Angelica archangelica constituents
Lactones Coumarins – including furanocoumarins which theoretically are photosensitising, and which are being investigated as CNS stimulants. Essential oil – anti-infective. Terpenes Resin.
81
Angelica archangelica actions
Warming bitter – digestive tonic. Expectorant. Carminative. Anti-spasmodic. Anti-infective. Topical anti-inflammatory. Anti-rheumatic. Possibly hepato-protective. Cholagogue. Uterine tonic. Improves peripheral circulation.
82
Elder name, parts used and overview
Sambucus nigra adoxaceae flowers and berries Two sides to this one - Flowers cough it up, Berries get it out. A good support herb
83
Sambucus nigra Consituents
Elderflower - constituents Anti-inflammatory flavonoids. Triterpenes. Sterols. Volatile oil. Mucilage. Tannins Elderberry - constituents Flavonoids – anti-inflammatory. Vitamins A and C. Anthocyanins.
84
Sambucus nigra actions
Flowers * Diaphoretic. * Anti-inflammatory. * Mucus membrane tonic. * Modulates immunity – increases resistance to infection but seems to be anti- allergenic. Berries * Increases immunity. * Laxative. * Diuretic * Anti-oxidant
85
Skullcap name, parts used and overview
Scutellaria lateriflora (Lamiaceae) aerial parts Used for all things mental health, and physical representations. Also used as a painkiller
86
Scutellaria lateriflora constituents
Flavonoids – which contribute to sedative effects and may have antiinflammatory actions. Scutellarein is being investigated for anticancer activity. Bitter iridoids – contribute to bitter taste and actions. Volatile oil. Tannins.
87
Scutellaria lateriflora actions
Sedative nerve tonic. Anti-spasmodic. Bitter tonic. Anodyne.
88
Lemon Balm name, parts used and overview
Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae) aerial parts A gentle mood herb that also supports digestion and skin. Milder and gentler than peppermint. Good support herb.
89
Melissa officinalis Constituents
Volatile oil including citronellal and citral (which may contribute towards calming and anti-inflammatory effects), and rosmarinic acid. Phenolics – anti-viral. Bitters. Tannins
90
Melissa officinalis Actions
Sedative. Antispasmodic. Carminative. Anti-viral agent. Gentle anti-depressant.
91
Chamomile name, parts used and overview
Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae) flowers Great for gastrointestinal and integumental problems. Has a strong role as a support herb for most complaints.
92
Matricaria chamomilla constituents
Essential oil including α – bisabolol, farnesene and matricine. Upon distillation the latter is converted into a bright blue substance – chamazulene, which gives commercial chamomile oil its colour. Bitters Flavanoids Terpenoids. Coumarins
93
Matricaria chamomilla actions
Anti-inflammatory. Spasmolytic. Vulnerary – for skin and mucus membranes. Mild sedative. Mild bitter. Carminative. Anti- bacterial. Anti-allergenics
94
Tilia name, parts used and overview
Tilia (Malvaceae) flowers and bracts A cooling herb with a wide range of subtle actions. Seems to effect temperature and temperament
95
Tilia contituents
Glycosides that may induce diaphoresis. Flavonoids – anti-inflammatory. Caffeic acid – immune stimulating. Mucilage – soothing to GIT. Tannins. Traces of substances that act like benzodiazepines – i.e. sedating – but as yet unidentified.
96
Tilia actions
Diaphoretic. Sedative. Antispasmodic. Hypotensive.
97

Herbal Knowledge (2 decks)

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