Lesson 5: Specific herbs for the musculoskeletal system

Question 1

What are Anti-rheumatics?

Answer 1

A broad term that encompasses herbs with a variety of actions that assist in preventing or relieving rheumatic conditions. These include depuratives (alteratives), anti-inflammatory herbs, rubefacients, and diuretics.

Question 2

Name 5 herbs with Anti-rheumatic actions.

Answer 2

1. devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) 2. black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) 3. ginger (Zingiber officinale) 4. celery seed (Apium graveolens) 5. nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)

Question 3

What are Anti-inflammatories?

Answer 3

They reduce pain and inflammation, and may be applied to temper the acute inflammatory response, or to reduce chronic inflammation that has become counter-productive.

Question 4

Name 5 herbs with Anti-inflammatorie actions.

Answer 4

1. ginger (Zingiber officinale) 2. turmeric (Curcuma longa) 3. boswellia (Boswellia serrate) 4. willowbark (Salix spp.) 5. devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Question 5

What are steroidal anti-inflammatories?

Answer 5

They help to inhibit the steroidal pathway of inflammation

Question 6

Name 4 herbs that have steroidal anti-inflammatorie actions.

Answer 6

1. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 2. rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) 3. bupleurum (Bupleurum falcatum) 4. wild yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Question 7

What are Rubefacients?

Answer 7

When applied directly to the skin, rubefacients stimulate circulation to the area. This increases the blood supply, which in turn relieves congestion and inflammation. Rubefacients are particularly useful as the basis for liniments used in muscular rheumatism and similar conditions. It should be noted that many rubefacients are too strong to be used internally. They should also be used with care in people with sensitive skin, and should never be applied to broken or damaged skin.

Question 8

Name 6 herbs with Rubefacient actions?

Answer 8

1. cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) 2. eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) 3. ginger (Zingiber officinale) 4. thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 5. horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) 6. wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Question 9

What are Diuretics?

Answer 9

Diuretics assist the work of the kidneys, and thus assist in the elimination of metabolic wastes and toxins, including the products of inflammation. An example of this is gout, where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints to promote rapid inflammation.

Question 10

Name 3 herbs with Diuretic actions?

Answer 10

1. celery seed (Apium graveolens) 2. dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale) 3. horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Question 11

What are Depuratives?

Answer 11

Where there is a build-up of toxins in the tissues, depurative herbs are used to gradually cleanse and aid in elimination. Depuratives are the ‘blood cleansers’.

Question 12

Name 3 herbs with Depurative actions?

Answer 12

1. celery seed (Apium graveolens) 2. nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) 3. sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata)

Question 13

What are Circulatory stimulants?

Answer 13

Circulatory stimulants improve the peripheral circulation, augmenting blood flow to muscles and joints. In this way they improve oxygen and nutrient supply and assist in the removal of waste products.

Question 14

Name 4 herbs with Circulatory stimulant actions?

Answer 14

1. cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) 2. ginger (Zingiber officinale) 3. prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) 4. rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Question 15

What are Analgesics?

Answer 15

Analgesics are compounds that relieve pain.

Question 16

Name 2 herbs with Analgesic actions?

Answer 16

1. yan hu suo (Corydalis spp.) 2. Californian poppy (Eschscholtzia californica)

Question 17

What are Skeletal muscle relaxants?

Answer 17

A skeletal muscle relaxant is a substance that can relax skeletal muscle tone.

Question 18

Name 1 herb that has Skeletal muscle relaxant actions?

Answer 18

1. kava (Piper methysticum) Kava also has mild analgesic activity.

Question 19

What actions does Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) have?

Answer 19

1. Anti- inflammatory 2. Anti-arthritic

Question 20

What actions does Ginger (Zingiber officinale) have?

Answer 20

1. Anti-emetic 2. Carminative spasmolytic 3. Antiplatelet 4. Anti-inflammatory 5. Peripheral circulatory stimulant 6. Diaphoretic 7. Digestive stimulant

Question 21

What actions does Turmeric (Curcuma longa) have?

Answer 21

1. Anti-inflammatory 2. Antioxidant 3. Hypolipidaemic, 4. Choleretic 5. Cholagogue 6. Anti-carcinogenic 7. Hepatoprotective

Question 22

What actions does Willow bark (Salix spp.) have?

Answer 22

1. Anti-inflammatory 2. Analgesic 3. Anti-rheumatic 4. Anti-pyretic

Question 23

What actions does Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) have?

Answer 23

1. Anti-inflammatory 2. Analgesic 3. Anti-rheumatic 4. Bitter

Question 24

Name a herbal action that can relieve pain?

Answer 24

Analgesic

Question 25

Name a herbal action that assists in preventing or relieving rheumatic conditions?

Answer 25

Anti-rheumatics

Question 26

Name a herbal action that reduces pain and inflammation?

Answer 26

Anti-inflammatories

Question 27

Name a herbal action that can assist the work of the kidneys?

Answer 27

Diuretics

Question 28

Name a herbal action that can cleanse and aid in elimination?

Answer 28

Depuratives

Question 29

Identify this herbs and the parts used?

Answer 29

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Rhizome

Question 30

Identify this herb and its parts used?

Answer 30

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Rhizome

Question 31

Identify this herb and its parts used?

Answer 31

Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Root (secondary tuber)

Question 32

Identify this herb and its parts used?

Answer 32

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Oleogum - Resin

Question 33

Identify this herb and its parts used?

Answer 33

Willow bark (Salix spp.)

Bark

Question 34

Which herb contains oleogum?

Answer 34

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Question 35

Which herb contains gingerols?

Answer 35

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Question 36

Which herb is a choleretic and cholagogue?

Answer 36

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)