Module 1 q 40 - 71 Flashcards
Name 3 top uses and 3 key actions of the yarrow plant.
3 top uses: 1. Healing wounds, 2. Recovery from colds/flu, 3. Regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce heavy bleeding, and ease menstrual pain
3 Key actions: 1. Antispasmodic, astringent, promotes menstruation
What does Ayurvedic medicine use the sweet flag plant for?
Ayurvedic medicine uses sweet flag as a “rejuvenator” for the brain and nervous system, and for digestive disorders.
What do you want to only use the North American variety of Calamus?
The other varieties contain asarone, which has a carcinogenic action when isolated.
Please name the 7 key actions of garlic.
Antibiotic
-Expectorant
-Increases sweating
-Lowers blood pressure
-Reduces blood clotting
-Antidiabetic
-Expels worms
What are the two distinct types of medicinal uses of the aloe plant?
The clear gel is for wounds and burns; the yellow sap is a laxative.
How is Chinese angelica helpful for women’s health?
It helps to regulate menstruation, relieves menstrual pain and cramps, is a tonic for women with heavy menstrual bleeding who risk becoming anaemic (though because it stimulates menstrual bleeding, nettle is perhaps better during a heavy period). It is also a uterine tonic and helps infertility.
Please explain how celery is cleansing to the body.
The seeds (which are used for rheumatic conditions, gout, and arthritis) help the kidneys dispose of urates and other waste products, and work to reduce acidity
in the body as a whole. They help to detoxify the body and improve the circulation of blood to the muscles and the joints.
What is burdock famous for in both Chinese and Western herbal traditions?
It is known for detoxifying the body. The seeds are used to remove toxins in fevers and infections (like mumps and measles), and the root helps the body eliminate waste (like chronic skin conditions or arthritic conditions).
How does wormwood’s bitter flavour affect digestion?
It affects the bitter taste receptors on the tongue, which stimulates stomach and other digestive secretions. It increases stomach acid and bile secretions, improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients.
In what way is astragalus superior to ginseng?
It is perhaps superior to ginseng as an energy tonic for young people. It raises immune resistance and improves endurance.
What part of the astragalus plant is used?
The root.
What is calendula’s other name? List key actions.
Calendula’s other name is Pot Marigold.
Key actions include:
-anti-inflammatory
-relieves muscle spasms
-astringent
- prevents hemorrhaging
-heals wounds
-antiseptic
-detoxifying
-mildly estrogenic
List the key internal uses of cayenne.
-taken to relieve gas and colic
-stimulates secretion of the digestive juices, aiding in digestion
-helps prevent infections from establishing themselves in the digestive system; will counter infection if it is present.
-excellent in gargles for sore throats
- useful for some types of diarrhea
What has key research confirmed in regards to using milk thistle?
-it has remarkable ability to protect the liver from damage resulting from alcoholic and other types of poisoning.
What do the sennosides in the Senna plant do?
They irritate the lining of the large intestine, causing the muscles to contract, resulting in a bowel movement about 10 hours after the dose is taken. They also stop fluid from being absorbed by the large bowel, helping the stool remain soft.
How did the Algonquin use blue cohosh and for what purposes?
It was used to help improve contractions during labor, for delayed or irregular menstruation, and to alleviate pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation.
What is gotu kola used for in India? What about western uses?
In India, it is used to treat a number of ailments, including leprosy, skin ulcers and other skin problems. It is primarily used to strenghten concentration/ memory and nervous function. It is also taken for fertility, for digestion, and for rheumatism. Other uses include dysentery in children, fevers, abdominal disorders, asthma, and bronchitis.
In the west, it is mainly used for skin problems and wounds. It is also considered to have an anti-inflammatory effect, and is given for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor circulation.
List the self-help uses of german chamomile.
bites and stings
-colic
-congestion
-Eczema -Indigestion -Insomnia
-Mild asthma -morning sickness -sore and tired eyes -sore nipples stomach ache
Outline the research regarding black cohosh and hormones from Germany.
The results of a 1995 trial indicated that black cohosh, in combination with St. John’s Wort, was 78% effective at treating hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.
Combined with ginger, what is cinnamon especially good for?
a warming herb for “cold” conditions.
Please describe the research regarding the bioflavonoids in hawthorn.
Its main medicinal benefit is due to its bioflavinoid content. These constituents relax and dilate the arteries, especially the coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart and reducing the symptoms of angina. The bioflavinoids also prevent or reduce degeneration of the blood vessels.
Please list the key actions of turmeric.
-stimulates secretion of bile -anti-inflammatory
-eases stomach pain
-antioxidant
-antibacterial
What has wild yam mainly been used for in South America?
to relieve menstrual, ovarian, and labour pain.
What role do the polysaccharides in echinacea play in preventing viral infections?
– they inhibit the ability of viruses to enter and take over the cells.
