Introduction to Herbalism and Botanicals Flashcards
What are tinctures?
According to the CNS primer, tinctures are “liquid extracts that are not dried.” However this is an incomplete definition.
Tinctures are concentrated liquid herbal extracts made from plants and used as herbal medicine. The basic method of extraction uses alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin. Some methods also use water, these are called double-extractions.
Briefly explain double-extraction.
A double-extraction is the process of using both alcohol and water to extract different properties. Some beneficial properties in mushrooms and some plants are water-soluble while other properties are alcohol-soluble. Double-extraction allows you to get the most out of these herbs.
What do capsules and tablets contain?
Commercially obtained capsules and tablets contain freeze-dried or powdered extracts of whole plants or plant parts.
What is the difference between a tea and a decoction?
According to the CNS primer, “teas are prepared by water-based extraction in boiling water” and “decoctions are water-based extracts that are cooked after boiling and then strained.”
However that is not exactly correct.
A tea is made with the leaves, flowers, fruit, and/or non-woody stems of an herb. The process of making a tea is to pour boiling water over the herb, cover it, and allow it to steep for a period of time. If it is purely for flavor, the tea is steeped for 5-10 min. For medicinal effects it should be steeped 15-30 min. After this time, strain the herb out and consume the tea.
A decoction is made from the tougher parts of the herb such as the root, woody stems, bark, and sometimes the fruit. For this, you must boil the herb in the water for a period of time (15-30 min) before straining and consuming.
Using the Latin binomials, what two species of plant are commonly called Agrimony?
Agrimonia gryposepala
Agrimonia eupatoria
What is Agrimony used for? And what parts are used?
The entire plant, including the roots, has been used to for it’s diuretic and astringent properties for sore throats, kidney stones, and jaundice. Its water extracts (infusions and decoctions) are used in the treatment of airway and urinary system diseases, digestive tract diseases, and chronic wounds.
What are the three most common names for the plant Aletris farinosa?
Aletris root
Unicorn root
Whitetube stargrass
What is Aletris Root used for? And what parts are used?
A poultice of leaves has been used to relieve breast soreness and the liquid from boiled roots is traditionally used to relieve digestion problems including colic, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and upset stomach, anxiety, and edema. Other traditional uses for the root include joint and muscle pain (rheumatism), muscle spasms, fluid retention, and infertility.
What is a poultice?
A poultice, also called a cataplasm, is a paste made of herbs, plants, and other substances with healing properties. The paste is spread on a warm, moist cloth and applied to the body to relieve inflammation and promote healing.
What is the Latin binomial for the herb commonly named Alfalfa?
Medicago sativa
What is Alfalfa used for? And what parts are used?
According to the CNS primer, the leaves are traditionally powdered and mixed with cider vinegar to create a tonic beverage.
However, there is an extensive list of the uses of this herb, many with scientific evidence to support their use. Some of these include:
Improving metabolic health, reducing the symptoms of menopause (especially hot flashes), for kidney conditions, bladder and prostate conditions, and to increase urine flow. It is also used for high cholesterol, asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, upset stomach, and a bleeding disorder called thrombocytopenic purpura. People also take alfalfa as a source of vitamins A, C, E, and K4; and the minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorous, and iron.
The parts most commonly used are the leaves, sprouts, and seeds.
Using the Latin binomials, what two species of plant are commonly called Aloe?
Aloe vera
Aloe barbadensis
What is Aloe used for? And what parts are used?
Traditional, internal, use of aloe leaf extract has been as a laxative to relieve constipation. Regular use can lead to weight loss, but with the added danger of electrolyte imbalance, aloe-induced negative energy balance, and dehydration.
The juice or gel of the leaves is useful to accelerate the healing of small skin lacerations and first-degree sunburn.
How does Aloe’s laxative effect work?
Water soluble extract of the leaves are rich in 1,8-dihydrozyanthacene derivatives. Upon reaching the colon, these compounds are converted by endogenous or bacterial enzymes to aloe-emodin anthrone, an irritant to the colonic mucosa. Exposure to this irritant increases mucosal mucus secretion which stimulates colonic peristalsis.
Using the Latin binomials, what two species of plant are commonly called Angelica?
Angelica atropurpurea
Angelica archangelica
What is Angelica used for? And what parts are used?
Small amounts of dried seeds may be used to relieve flatulence, urinary tract infections, inappetence (lack of appetite), and fever. Preparations from the roots may be used to induce vomiting and perspiration as well as for the treatment of toothache, bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fever, and hypomenorrhea.
What is the Latin binomial for Anise?
Pimpinella anisumIn. In some texts, anise is referred to as Anisum vulgare or A. officinarum. Do not confuse with the “Chinese star anise” (Illicium verum).
What are the uses of Anise? And what parts are used?
Hot tea brewed from the seeds may relieve flatulence, colic, cough, bronchitis, and oral inflammation. Anise is well known as a carminative and traditionally as an expectorant. In high doses, it is used as an antispasmodic and an antiseptic and for the treatment of cough, asthma, and bronchitis. Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of anise as an expectorant or as an antimicrobial. The oil of anise has been used for the treatment of lice, scabies, and psoriasis.
What is the Latin binomial for the herb Arnica? Name some other common names of this herb.
Arnica montana, also known as wolf’s bane, leopard’s bane, mountain tobacco, and mountain arnica.
What are the uses of Arnica? What parts are used?
Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones. More recent studies suggest it may also be helpful in the treatment of burns.
The most common preparations are creams made from decoctions of the dried flowers.
True or False?
All parts of Arnica are safe for internal use.
False.
Some preparations have been approved by the FDA as natural flavoring agents for alcoholic beverages. However, all parts of this herb contain a highly poisonous sesquiterpenoid lactone (helenalin) as well as inulin, betaine, choline, coumarins, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, caffeic acid, and chamissonolid. While some of these compounds are safe and can be beneficial, others make this herb unsafe for human consumption or internal therapeutic use.
What is Asafoetida?
Asafoetida is the dried sap, or gum resin, obtained from the roots of Ferula plants. The Latin binomial associated with this herb is Ferula spp. It is also a common Indian culinary herb called Hing.
What are the uses of Asafoetida?
The gummy resin from the roots is used as an antispasmodic. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to aid digestion and gas, as well as treat bronchitis and kidney stones. In the Middle ages, it was also worn in a bag around the neck to “ward off” influenza and the common cold.
The Chinese herb Huang-Qi is also known commonly as what? Also give the Latin binomial.
Astragalus is the common name. Astragalus membranaceus is the Latin binomial.
What are the alternative Latin binomials for Bacopa monniera? What are the Sanskrit?
Alternative Latin binomials: Bacopa monnieri and Herbpestis monnieri
Sanskrit: Brahmi and Jala-Brahmi
What are the most common uses of the herb Astragalus?
The extract of the root is used as an antiviral, antioxidant, fibrinolytic, hepatoprotective, and immunostimulatory. It may also help to reverse drug and/or alcohol-induced memory impairment, increase cardiac output, and improve gastrointestinal smooth muscle tone and motility.
What are the most common uses for the herb Brahmi?
Leaf extracts have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a “nerve tonic for impairment of memory” and as a “cure for mental disorder.” Common uses include as a treatment for epilepsy, insanity, bronchitis, laryngitis, headache, and insomnia. In adults, dried Brahmi powder may produce reductions in anxiety, mental fatigue, nervousness and irritability, and may work to increase concentration, short-term memory, and feelings of well-being.
What are the two most common names of the herb Myrica cerifera?
Bayberry and Southern Wax Myrtle
What are the more common uses of the herb Bayberry and what parts are used?
A decoction of the root bark has been used to treat uterine hemorrhage, jaundice, dysentery, and canker sores. Fluid from the boiled leaves has been used to treat fever and intestinal parasites.
What is the Latin binomial for the herb Bearberry?
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Sometimes commonly called Uva Ursi.
What are the common uses of Uva Ursi?
Fluid from the boiled leaves has been used as a diuretic and to treat strains, stomach pains, incontinence, and inflammation from contact with poison oak.
Though not strictly an herb, what natural remedy consists of a mixture of plant pollens, plant nectar, and worker bee saliva?
Bee pollen
What is bee pollen used for?
The ingestion of been pollen may offer some protection against radiation injury. It may also be useful to help reduce inflammation, as an antioxidant, to ease the symptoms of menopause, reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and improving liver health.
What are the possible side effects of bee pollen?
Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to bees may develop pruritis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis. Individuals who are not allergic or sensitive to bees may develop hypereosinophilia, memory loss, headaches, nausea, or diarrhea.
What is the Latin binomial for the herb Black Cohosh?
Cimicifuga racemosa
What are the common uses of the herb Black Cohosh?
A decoction of the rhizomes and roots has been used to treat sore throat, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney infections, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The latter effect may result from suppression of luteinizing hormone secretion or from direct relaxation of the uterus.
What plant is Blackcurrant Seed Oil (also known as Blackcurrant Oil) derived from?
Black Currant or Ribes nigrum.
What two fatty acids are contained in Blackcurrant Oil?
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) - About 15-20% by weight
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - About 12-14% by weight
What role does the fatty acid content of Blackcurrant Oil play?
The GLA and ALA present in Blackcurrant Oil may produce anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects. However it is not hypocholesterolemic and the oil may interact, synergistically, with anticoagulant medications.
What is the Latin binomial for Black Walnut?
Juglans nigra
What are the common uses of the herb Black Walnut? And what parts are used?
The inner bark of the tree has been used as a mild laxative. The husk of the nut has been used for treating intestinal parasites, ulcers, syphilis, and fungal infections. The leaves have been used to treat bedbug infestations.
What are the common names associated with Rubus spp.?
This genus is home to a variety of Brambles including Blackberry, Brambleberry, Dewberry, & Raspberry.
Briefly describe Rubus spp.
Rubus is a large and diverse superspecies of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae, with 250–700 species. In general, these herbs are thorn-covered viny perennials with large white flowers and red or black fruit.
What are the common uses for Brambles?
Teas made from the roots have been used in the treatment of nasal catarrh and teas made from the root bark, leaves, or whole berries have been used for dysentery.
What is the Latin binomial for Red Raspberry?
Rubus idaeus
What are the specific uses for Red Raspberry?
The chemicals in red raspberry might have antioxidant effects and help relax blood vessels. They might also cause muscles to contract or relax, depending on the dose and the muscle involved. This is the theory behind red raspberry’s use in easing labor and delivery. A tea brewed from the leaves of red raspberry are used for labor, diarrhea, diabetes, as a uterine tonic, for motion sickness, and to ease menstrual cramping.
Don’t confuse red raspberry with black raspberry, blackberry, or raspberry ketone.
This herb may not be safe during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.
What is the Latin binomial for Blessed Thistle?
Cnicus benedictus
What are the common uses of the herb Blessed Thistle?
The juice of the leaves and flower tops have been used in the treatment of cancer and respiratory infections, to induce sweating and urination, and to reduce fever. The seeds are used to induce vomiting.
What is the common name of the herb Eupatorium perfoliatum?
Boneset
What are the common uses of Boneset?
Boneset is used to reduce fever, increase urine output, cause vomiting, and treat constipation. Boneset is also used to treat influenza, swine flu, the common cold, malaria, acute bronchitis, nasal inflammation, joint pain (rheumatism), fluid retention, dengue fever, and pneumonia. It has also been used as a stimulant and to induce sweating.
What is the Latin binomial for the herb Borage?
Borago officinalis
What are the common uses for the herb Borage?
Oil from the leaves contain gamma-linolenic acid and has been used to increase sweating, as a diuretic, to soothe intestinal cramps, and to reduce swelling.
What is the common name for Rutacaea spp?
Buchu
What are the common uses of the herb Buchu?
A tincture of the dried leaves has been used to treat genital and urinary tract infections, indigestion, edema, and diabetes.
What is the common name for the herb Rhamnus purshiana?
Buckthorn, Cascara Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Cascara, or Bearberry
What are the common uses for the herb Cascara Sagrada?
The bark and berries have been used as a laxative to relieve the symptoms of constipation and hemorrhoids as well as for gallstones, liver ailments, and cancer.
What is the Latin binomial for the herb Burdock?
Arctium minus
What are the common uses for the herb Burdock?
Fluids from the roots have been used to treat coughs, asthma, and stomachache as well as to stimulate menstruation.
What are some common names for the herb Acorus calamus?
Calamus or Sweet Flag
What are some common uses for the herb Calamus?
The roots have been chewed to clear phlegm and ease stomach gas and cramps. Calamus is also commonly used for stomach problems, skin problems, earache, and to remove the smell of tobacco.
What is the common name for the herb Nepeta cataria?
Catnip
What are the common uses (for humans) for the herb Catnip?
Extracts from the entire plant have been used to treat colds, nervous disorders, stomach ailments, respiratory ailments, swelling, infant colic, and hives.
What is the Latin binomial for the herb Cat’s Claw?
Uncaria tomentosa
What are the common uses for the herb Cat’s Claw?
Extracts from the root have anti-inflammatory activity and inhibit platelet aggregation. Hirsutine, an alkaloid in cat’s claw root extract, inhibits stimulated increase in intracellular free calcium concentrations in myocardial cells and may exert antihypertensive effects.
What is the common name associated with the herb Capsicum spp.?
Cayenne
What are the common uses for the herb Cayenne?
The seeds contain capsaicin, which is hyperemic and reduces pain. Cayenne has also been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicines as an oral remedy for stomach problems, poor appetite, and circulatory problems. It has also been applied to the skin for arthritis and muscle pain.
What is the common name for the herb Apium graveolens?
Celery
What are the common uses of the herb Celery?
The seeds may act as a diuretic, sedative, or as a flatulence suppressant. Some practitioners of Chinese medicine use celery and celery extracts to reduce blood pressure.
Using Latin binomials, what are the two species of herb commonly referred to as Chamomile?
Matricaria chamomilla (German Chamomile) and Anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile)
True or False?
For most applications, German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile can be used interchangeably.
True
Medicinally, both varieties are used for calming and soothing skin, inflammation, fevers, and the nervous and digestive systems, as well as inducing perspiration to flush out toxins, allergens and infections. Both are pain relieving, antibiotic, anti-bacterial, and sedative. It’s in their chemical properties and more specific uses that we begin to see where they differ.
GERMAN CHAMOMILE
-Contains chamazulene, giving the essential oil a deep blue color, and anti-inflammatory and infection fighting properties.
-Maintains normal skin; calms dry, irritated or flaky skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis; promotes healing and regeneration of damaged skin tissue.
-Stimulates liver, kidneys and gall bladder to improve digestion, remove toxins and infections.
-Calms mind and body for menstrual and menopausal problems, including PMS.
ROMAN CHAMOMILE
-Contains high level of esters and is anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal and highly calming.
-Provides restful sleep, relief from sore muscles, arthritis, headaches and migraines.
-Effective at calming irritation, rage, mood swings. For children, it’s useful for teething, colic, and temper tantrums.
