Khalsa Generals and Female Repro Materia Medica

Question 1

What are the three most common energetic herbal classifications according to Khalsa?

Answer 1

o Temperature - Hot vs. cold
o Moisture – wet vs. dry
o Weight - heavy (nutritive) and light (stimulating)

Question 2

What are the MC herb preparation methods from Western, Chinese, Ayurveda herbal medicine?

Answer 2

Western - Tinctures
Ayurvedic - Powders
Chinese - Decoctions

Question 3

What are the +/- of Western tinctures?

Answer 3

+ pull out a lot of constituents that are not hydrophilic; alcohol pre-digests

Question 4

What are the +/- of ayureveda powders

Answer 4

+ whole herb preparations

- relies of digestion: if someone has weak digestion, slower digestion and onset of effects

Question 5

What are the +/- of chinese decoctions

Answer 5

preserve certain constituents and driving off others that may be unwanted; heat stable

Question 6

Whare are the basic differences between bell curve & individual formulating, and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each?

Answer 6

For a given condition, the bell curve will help us determine a standard treatment

individual formulations can be shifted to meet the needs of wherever someone falls on the bell curve

Question 7

How are herbs categorized as superior, tonic and acute Tx and how does that effect dosing/duration?

Answer 7

Superior category: herbs effective for multiple diseases, mostly maintaining, restoring body balance, almost no unfavorable side effects

Tonics/boosters: consumption not prolonged

Acute: substances that must usually be taken small doses, & treatment of specific diseases only

Question 8

What is the definition and role of a female reproductive tonic herb?

Answer 8

Generally considered to be a uterine tonic or hormonal. Gently supportive of the female reproductive system

Ex: Asparagus root, Vitex dioscorea – balancing to hormones

Question 9

What is the use of emmenagogue herbs?

Answer 9

Bring on menstruation (amenorrhea)

Question 10

What herbs are typically used for dysfunctional uterine bleeding?

Answer 10

Hemostats: Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Geranium spp. (Cranesbill root), Schisandra chinensis (5-Flavor Berry), Quercus spp. (Oak Bark)

Rubus spp. (Rasberry leaf) - astringent

Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort) hormonal and emotional balance

Dong quai - circulatory stimulant of the pelvis

Question 11

Describe the regulatory controversy regarding Rubus.

Answer 11

Decades-old study that showed that rodent uterine cells in vitro were stimulated to contract from Rubus spp. Concern about use in pregnancy and inducing premature contractions.

Question 12

Herbs for dysmenorrhea

Answer 12

Cinnamon
Viburnum opulus/prunifolium (Cramp bark/Black Haw)
Vitex dioscorea (Chaste Berry)
Piscidia
Zingiber officinale (Ginger)

Question 13

Herbs for vascular instability (hot flashes) in menopause

Answer 13

Caulophyllum thalictroides – Blue Cohosh
Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racesmosa – Black Cohosh
Salvia officinalis – Sage
Mentha x piperita – Peppermint
Achyranthes bidentate – Ox knee
Dioscorea villosa – Wild Yam
3 edge (?), Vitamin E, Evening Primrose Oil

Question 14

What are the galactagogue herbs?

Answer 14

Taraxacum officinale – Dandelion Root
Foeniculum vulgare – Fennel Seed
Anethum graveolens – Dill Seed
Daucus carota – Carrots
Trigonella foenum-graecum – Fenugreek Seed
Papver somniferum – Poppy Seed

Question 15

Which herbs treat both PMS and hot flashes?

Answer 15

Evening primrose oil
Dioscorea villosa – Wild Yam

Wieman: vitex, chitavarri

Question 16

Common Name and Use of Angelica sinensis

Answer 16

Angelica sinensis - Dong Quai Root

Uses: reduces pain, inflammation, promotes menstruation, general tonic for women, menstrual regulator and tonic

Question 17

Common Name and Use of Asparagus racemosus -

Answer 17

Asparagus racemosus - Shatavari

Uses: Uterine tonifying

Question 18

Common Name, Use and MOA of Vitex Dioscorea

Answer 18

Vitex Dioscorea – Chaste Berry
Uses: menstrual irregularities and mastodynia; balances out PMS symptoms

MOA: increases secretion of LH; improves “progesterone deficiency”; inhibits prolactin; anti-androgenic?

Question 19

Common Name, Use and MOA of Rubus

Answer 19

Rubus – Red Raspberry
Uses: Metrorrhagia; prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage
MOA: alkaloid tonifies uterine muscle

Question 20

Common Name of Capsella bursa-pastoris

Answer 20

Capsella bursa-pastoris – Shepherd’s Purse

Question 21

Common Name and Use of Viburnum opulus and prunifolium

Answer 21

Viburnum opulus/prunifolium – Cramp Bark/Black Haw

Uses: dysmenorrhea

Question 22

Common Name and Use of Actaea racemosa

Answer 22

Actaea racemosa – Black Cohosh
Uses: Hot flashes
MOA: probably not estrogenic

Question 23

Common Name and Use of Taraxacum officinale

Answer 23

Taraxacum officinale – Dandelion Root

Uses: Galactagogue, cysts

Question 24

Common Name and Use of Foeniculum vulgare

Answer 24

Foeniculum vulgare – Fennel Seed
Uses: antispasmodic, galactagogue
MOA: anethole inhibits spasms; phytohormone source that increases lactation

Question 25

Common Name and Use of Trigonella foenum-graecum

Answer 25

Trigonella foenum-graecum – Fenugreek Seed
Uses: galactagogue, used in cases of inadequate milk supply
MOA: phytohormone source

Question 26

Common Name and Use of Viola tricolor

Answer 26

Viola tricolor – Wild Pansy
Uses: eczema, psoriasis and acne
MOA: Salicylates and rutin

Question 27

When an herb is described as being “hot”, a more modern way to describe that energy would be…?

Answer 27

Hypermetabolic