Lesson 1: Specific herbs for the skin Flashcards
What are the 3 ways herbs that can be applied topically to the skin?
- Ointments 2. Creams 3. Lotions
What are ointments?
Solid emulsions typically 80% oil and 20% water. May feel greasy and occlusive trapping in moisture and heat. Can promote medicated absorption better then other topical preperations.
What are 2 herbs that are safe to use topically but not orally?
- Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) 2. Arnica (Arnica montana)
What is a Demulcent?
Demulcent herbs soothe and protect irritated or inflamed tissue. When used topically, they are called emollients.
What are 4 examples of Demulcent herbs?
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) 2. Chickweed (Stellaria media) 3. Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) 4. Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)
What are Astringents?
The basic action of astringents is to tonify or tighten tissue. Sometimes called styptics when applied externally to stop bleeding, and antihemorrhagics when used for internal bleeding.
What are 5 examples of Astringent herbs?
- Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) 2. Bayberry (Myrica cerifera) 3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) 4. Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) 5. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
What are Vulnerary herbs?
Vulnerary herbs are used to heal wounds. They work with and are similar to demulcents, astringents and anti-ulcer herbs. Contraindications - Due to the risk of infection, only use on unbroken skin.
Name 6 herbs with Vulnerary (wound healing) actions.
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) 2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) 3. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) 4. Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) 5. Arnica (Arnica montana) 6. St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
What are Alterative (depurative) herbs?
Alteratives ‘‘alter’’ the body’s metabolic processes, improving a range of functions from nutrition to elimi- nation. Many of the herbs with this action help the body eliminate waste through the kidneys, liver, lungs, or skin.
Name 6 herbs that have an Alterative effect?
- Burdock (Arctium lappa) 2. Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) 3. Clivers (Gallium aparine) 4. Blue flag (Iris versicolour) 5. Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) 6. Nettle (Urtica dioica - leaf)
What are Anti-pruritic herbs?
Anti-pruritic herbs assist in the easing of itching skin (pruritis).
Name 3 herbs with an anti-pruritic action?
- Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornate) 2. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) 3. Kava (Piper methysticum)
What are anti-fungal herbs?
Herbs with an anti-fungal action inhibit fungal growth and assist in the prevention of further pain and inflammation associated with the fungal infection.
Name 5 herbs with an anti-fungal action?
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis) 2. Pau d’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) 3. Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis) 4. Thuja (Thuja officinalis) 5. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
What are anti-bacterial herbs?
Anti-bacterial herbs will reduce the replication of bacteria both topically and internally.
Name 4 herbs with an anti-bacterial action?
- Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis) 2. Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) 3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 4. Pau d’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)
What are Anti-allergic herbs?
Anti-allergic herbs modulate the release of histamine from the mast cells.
Name 3 herbs with an anti-allergic action?
- Albizzia (Albizia lebbeck) 2. Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) 3. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
What are anti-viral herbs?
Anti-viral herbs inhibit the replication of enveloped viruses (such as herpes) and can prevent the discomfort and inflammation that is seen in viral infections.
Name 4 herbs with an anti-viral action?
- St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) 2. lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) 3. sage (Salvia officinalis) 4. thuja (Thuja officinalis)
What are anti-inflammatory herbs?
Anti-inflammatory herbs relieve inflammation.
Name 4 herbs that have an anti-inflammatory action topically?
- calendula (Calendula officinalis) 2. chamomile (Matricaria recutita) 3. echinacea (Echinacea spp.) 4. comfrey (Symphytum officinalis)
Name a herb action that dries and causes contraction of exposed tissue?
Astringent
Name a herb action used to heal wounds?
Vulnerary
Name a herb action used to ease itching skin?
Anti-pruritic
Name a herb action that soothes inflamed or irritated tissues?
Demulcent
Name a herb action useful against fungal infections?
Anti-fungal
Name a herb action useful in treating bacteria?
Anti-bacterial
Which genus does Calendula belong to?
Ateraceae genus
Which part of Calendula is used in herbal medicine?
The flowers
What is calendula usually used to treat?
Wounds and skin inflammation.
What genus does Red clover belong to?
Fabaceae genus
Which part of Red clover is used in herbal medicine?
The flowers
What is Red clover normally used to treat?
Dermatitis and psoriasis.
What genus does chickweed belong to?
Caryophyllaceae genus
Which part of chickweed is used in herbal medicine?
The aerial parts
What is chickweed normally used to treat?
Dermatitis and psoriasis, chronic skin conditions.
Which genus does Poke root belong to?
Phytolaccaceae genus
Which part of Poke root is used in herbal medicine?
The root
What is Poke root normally used to treat?
Respiratory tract inflammation and mumps.
Identify this herb?
Red Clover
Identify this herb?
Calendula
Identify this herb?
Clivers
Identify this herb?
Poke root
Identify this herb?
Chickweed
Which genus does Clivers belong to?
Rubiaceae genus
Which part of Clivers is used in herbal medicine?
The aerial parts
What is Clivers normally used to treat?
Normally used to treat chronic skin disorders and asthma.
Which herb contains toxic steroidal saponins that act as irritants on the gastrointestinal tract, and probably account for the severe nausea and vomiting and diarrhoea that accompanies an overdose?
Poke root
Which herb is contraindicated in pregnancy?
Poke root
