Medicinal Plants Flashcards
Agrimony is used for:
Sore throat
Kidney stones
Jaundice
(Diuretic, astringent)
Aloe vera:
Stimulates colonic peristalsis to relieve constipation; heals sunburn and minor lacerations
*chronic use may result in dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, damage to the colonic mucosa and epithelium
** CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy (may trigger contractions)
Angelica uses:
Dried seeds — relieve flatulence, UTI, fever; stim appetite
Roots — induce vomiting, to toothache, bronchitis, RA, gout, hypomenorrhea
Anise tea:
Relieve flatulence, colic, cough, bronchitis, oral inflammation
Astragalus uses:
Antiviral, antioxidant, fibrinolytic, hepatoprotective, immunostimulatory effects
May increase cardiac output
May improve GI smooth muscle tone/motility
Bacopa monniera uses:
In Ayurveda, bronchitis, laryngitis, headache, insomnia
Reduces mental fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, irritability; may increase concentration, short-term memory, feelings of well-being
Bayberry:
Contains berberine
Tx uterine intestinal parasites, hemorrhage, jaundice, dysentery, canker sores, fever
Black cohosh used for:
PMS (via suppression of LH/relaxation of uterus)
Sore throat, RA, kidney infections
Black currant Seed Oil:
Contains GLA
Anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic effects
Borage oil uses:
(25% GLA)
Increases sweating, diuretic, reduces swelling, soothes intestinal cramps
Buckthorn bark/berries:
Laxative
Burdock uses:
Treats cough, asthma, stomachache; stimulates menstruation
Catnip
Treats colds, stomach ailments, respiratory ailments, swelling, hives, colic
Cat’s Claw
Has anti-inflammatory and -platelet activity
May have anti-hypertensive effects
Cayenne
Seeds contain capsaicin — hyperemic, pain reducer
Celery seed
Diuretic, sedative, anti-flatulent
Chamomile
Tea — stims motility, decreases nervousness, stims menstrual flow, relieves pain
Chaste Tree (Vitex)
Inhibits FSH and prolactin secretion, and lactation; stims progesterone
NOT FOR USE IN PREGNANCY OR LACTATION
Chicory
Increases appetite, relieves dyspepsia
Chives
Antihelmintic properties
Chlorella
May be anticarcinogenic, immunostimulatory, hypolipidemic; May attenuate side effects of some chemotherapy (5-flouracil)
Cinnamon
Antibacterial, anti fungal, insecticide
Colt’s Foot
Reduces flatulence, induces sweating, relieves headache. Mucin may reduce throat inflammation.
Comfrey
Tx pneumonia/cough/colds/headaches; diarrhea, ulcers, gallstones, hemorrhoids
Dandelion
Diuretic, laxative, bile acid stimulant, appetite stimulant.
Echinacea
Ulcers, boils, bites. Wound healing properties.
Evening primrose
GLA = anti-inflammatory
PMS, menopause sx, fibrocystic breast disease; eczema, dermatitis
Fennel
Carminative (reduces flatulence), spasmolytic (to reduce intestinal cramps)
May stim production of bile
Fenugreek
Galactagogue; hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic
Feverfew
Relieves headache, arthritis, allergies
Garlic
Antimicrobial, antiviral, hypolipidemic, fibrinolytic
Increases intracellular glutathione
Increases cytotoxicity of NK cells
Adverse reactions: headache, nausea, vomiting, fullness
Ginger
Acetone extracts of ginger root protect the gastric mucosa from HCl and NSAID damage; increases lipase, sucrose, and maltase activity
Stims gastric motility, increases bile secretion, reduces morning and seasicknesses
Also for colds, sore throat
Ginkgo biloba
Antioxidant, anti platelet, cerebrovasodilatory, neuroteceptor modulating and pro-lipolytic activities
- May potentials action of anticoagulant meds
Ginseng
Tx convulsions, dizziness, vomiting, colds, fevers, headaches, arthritis
Stims lipolysis, accelerates cellular uptake of glucose
Goldenseal
Berberine is the active component, which prevents adherence of bacterial toxins to intestinal mucosa
Interferes w anticoagulant activity of heparin
** CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy
Hawthorn
Increase coronary blood flow, mildly anti arrhythmic
Alleviates angina, CHF, atherosclerosis
Hops
Induces diuresis and sedation
Fever
Parasites
Arthritis
Hyssop
Antimicrobial, antiviral, spasmolytic
So
Coughs, asthma, cuts and bruises
Juniper
Induces menstruation
Relieves gas
Tx intestinal parasites
Kava kava
Anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-convulsive, muscle relaxant
CONTRAINDICATED IN CLINICAL DEPRESSION
Lemon Balm
Mild sedative, helps w sleep
Carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge
Licorice
Stomach ulcers, arthritis, reduces fever; induces menstruation and placenta expulsion
*May cause sodium retention and HBP, unless DGL
Marshmallow
Soothes mucous membranes of mouth and throat
Alleviates local irritation (anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory)
Accelerates glucose clearance
Milk thistle
Contains silymarin
Hepatoprotective — blocks toxin binding sites, increases glutathione synthesis
Motherwort
Stimulant, diuretic
Nutmeg
Nausea, vomiting, hemorrhoids
Papaya
Papa in is antimicrobial, antihelmintic, anti-ulcerative
Parsley
Diuretic
ANORTIFACIENT
Passion Flower
May induce sleep
Peppermint
Oil reduces headache, nausea, may be antiviral
Red clover
Sedative; improves appetite, may relieve gastric distress
Rosemary
Stimulant, nervine
Carminative
Sage
Antibacterial, fungistatic, virostatic
Sassafras
Root bark contains carcinogenic oils
Saw Palmetto
Inhibits benign prostatic hyperplasia
Senna
Relieves constipation
Skullcap
Sedative
Spearmint
Carminative, stimulant
St Johns Wort
Contains hypericin (mild anti-depressant) and hyperforin )a SSRI)
Stinging nettle
Inhibits prostate growth w/o effects on erectile function
Tansy
Tx intestinal parasites
MAY INDUCE ABORTION
Valerian
Sedative
White willow
Contains salicin
(Weak aspirin)
May have thermogenesis activity
Yerba mate
Contains caffeines; increases bile acid secretion
Clove
Anesthetic
Tx toothache, muscle cramps
Kudzu
Inhibits ALDH-2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase)
Banaba leaf
Contains corosolic acid
May improve sensitivity of insulin receptors on all body cells
Utilizes the GLUT4 transporter to facilitate uptake of glucose into skeletal muscle
May inhibit gluconeogenesis
