Peripheral circulatory system

Question 1

1. Horse chestnut

Answer 1

Aesculus hippocastanum
Hippocastanaceae
seed

Actions:
Venotonic, antioedematous, antiinflammatory, antiecchymotic

Indications:
Varicose veins, chronic venous in sufficiency, oedema of lower limbs, reducing deep vein thrombosis after surgery
Topical for haematoma, contusions, non-penetrating wounds
Restless leg syndrome, haemorrhaoids, rectal complaints, neuralgia, rheumatism, improving capillary resistance

Contraindications:
Broken or irritated skin (saponins)
Oral use may cause irritation & refluc (use enteric coated)

Question 2

2. Gingko

Answer 2

Gingko biloba
Ginkgoaceae
Leaf

Actions:
Antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiplatelet activating factor activity, tissue perfusion enhancing, circulatory stimulant, cognition enhancing

Indications:
Cerebral insufficiency (restricted cerebral blood flow) including memory & cognitive impairment, dizziness, tinnitus, acute cochlear deafness, vertigo, headaches, anxiety, depression, fatigue
Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke of recent onset, senile macular degeneration, congestive dysmenorrhoea, asthma, hypoxia, anti-PAF activity

Contraindications:
None known
Caution w anticoagulants and antiplatelets
Caution high doses prior to surgery

Question 3

3. Linden flower

Answer 3

Tilia spp
Tiliaceae
Flower

Actions:
Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, sedative, hypotensive, emollient, astringent, peripheral vasodilator

Indications:
Upper resp catarrh, common cold, iritable cough
Hypertension, restlessness
Anxiety, insomnia, headache, palpitations

Contraindications:
None known
Inhibition of iron absorption (lime flowers)

Question 4

4. Bilberry

Answer 4

Vaccinum myrtillus
Ericaeae
Fruit

Actions:
Vasoprotective, antioedema, antioxidant, antiinflammatory

Indications:
Vision disorders, myopia, retinitis, hemeralopia, glaucoma
Venous insufficiency (esp lower limbs) raynaud’s phenomenon
Peripheral vascular disorders, diabetic retinopathy, hypotensive retinopathy
Acute diarrhoea, primary dysmennorrhoea, decreased capillary resistance
Topical - mild inflammation of mouth & throat

Contraindications:
None known
Caution high doses in haemorrhagic disorders and anticoagulants or antiplatelets

Question 5

5. Prickly ash

Answer 5

Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Rutaceae
Bark

Actions:
Circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, antirheumatic, sialogogue

Indications:
Haemorrhoids, varicose veins
Circulatory stimulation, peripheralcirculatory insufficiency, intermittent claudication, Raynaud’s syndrome
Cramps, chronic rheumatic conditions, neuralgia, osteoarthritis

Contraindications:
None known