prac Flashcards
three actions for asthma
respiratory adaptogen (pulmonary tonic)
anti inflammatory
antispasmodic
why do respiratory adaptogen (pulmonary tonic) in asthma?
strengthen, nourish and balance lung function. Enhance lung resilience, reduce airway inflammation, improve oxygen exchange. Strengthen the tissue and reduce hypersensitivity, become more resilient to triggers, help modulate immune response which is overactive and reduce excess inflammation. Act as gentle bronchodilator
why do anti inflammatory in asthma?
reduce narrowing of airways and cytokines, prevent airway remodelling (ie. fibrosis, thickening of smooth muscles, increased mucus glands), decrease bronchial hyperresponsiveness, reduce mucus overprduction,
why do antispasmodic in asthma?
relax smooth muscle that causes bronchoconstriction, widen airway to help with wheezing and SOB, prevent asthma attacks, maintain muscle tone, reduce respiratory muscle fatigue from chronic bronchospasm (function more efficiently),
4 herbs for asthma and %
coleus 30%
coltsfoot 30%
ephedra 30%
lobelia 10%
why coleus for asthma
pulmonary tonic and anti-inflammatory (reduce cytokines), bronchodilator (relax airways), cardiotonic
-inhibit mast cell degranulation (prevent histamine and leukotriene release)
-enhance corticosteroid respond (reduce steroid resistance)
why coltsfoot for asthma
relaxing expectorant (break down mucus), anti-inflammatory (tussilagone), antispasmodic (mucilage to soothe respiratory tract), alterative, pulmonary tonic, bronchodilator (mucilage, pyrrolizidine alkaloids)
why ephedra for asthma
pulmonary tonic, antispasmodic, adaptogen, sympathomimetic (NE to open airways and reduce spasms), bronchodilator (stimulate beta adrenergic receptors), stimulant
why lobelia for asthma
pulmonary tonic, relaxing expectorant (stimulate vagus nerve for mucus clearance), antispasmodic (coughing fits and SOB), emetic, CNS acting relaxing nervine (stimulate deeper breathing, increase oxygen intake)
how much of asthma prescription and duration
1 tbsp BID
reassess every 3-6 wks, can be used ongoing, discontinue if get relief
cautions with ephedra
ephedra is a stimulant and can cause overstimulation (anxiety and insomnia) , dont take if have hypertesnion- take earlier in the day
—> incease BP, HR, restlessness
cautions with lobelia
lobelia can induce nausea and vomiting (unlikely at the amount in formula)
cautions with coltsfoot
coltsfoot has pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can be hepatoxosic in high quantites over long time (unlikely at doasge in formula) (avoid if have pre-exisitng liver conditions)
2 recommednations for asthma
elimination diet
contrasting hydrotherpay
why elimination diet for asthma
certain food triggers can contribute to airway inflmmation and worsen sx. food allergies can trigger IgE mediated reactions. common food allergens are dairy, eggs, nutrs, shellfish, wheat soy. Food sensitiivites are non IgE mediatied but can cause infammation i.e. salicylates in tomatoes and citrus. histmaines (fermented, wine) and sulfites (dried fruits, wines, processed foods)
see if any of these foods trigger wheezing, coughing, SOB
why contrasting hydrotherapy for asthma
stimulate circulation, improve immune function, reduce inflammation, improve bronchial function
-circulation and oxygenation via vasodilation (hot) and vasoconstriction (cold)
- modulate ANS to reduce airway hyperreactivity
-hot for PNS and muscle relaxation
-improve lung capacity and control over breathing
3 botanical actions for UTI
antimicrobial
diuretic
demulcent
why do antimicrobial for UTI
helps prevent bacterial infections, supports immune system, prevent bacterial adhesion, reduce risk of recurrent UTIs, fewer side effects than antibiotics,
why do diuretic for UTI
increase urine output, flush out bacteria, reduce bacterial load, prevent bacterial adhesion, detoxify and cleanse, reduce inflammation, promote kidney health and fluid balance, prevent recurrent UTIs
why do demulcent for UTI
soothe and protect irritate mucus membranes, support sx relief (painful urination, burning, bladder irritation), reduce inflammation, hydrate and moisture via mucillage
4 herbs for UTI and %
bearberry 25%
cornsilk 25%
nettle leaf 25%
sage 25%
why do bearberry for UTI
antimicrobial, astrigent, diuretic. reduce bacterial load and prevent bacterial adhesion to walls, flush out bacteria via incraseing urine, soothe inflammation, sx relief (bladder pain, urgency and frequency)
why do cornsilk for UTI
vulnerary, demulcent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory. Increase urine production to flush out bacteria, soothe and protect bladder, help with sx, reduce bacterial growth, soothe irritated tissues,
why do nettleleaf for UTI
diuretic, alterative. increase urine production, help with inflammation and sx, rich in vitamins and mineral to help immune function and tissue repair. prevent recurrence via increased urine and reduce inflammation, supports detoxification
why do sage for UTI
antimicrobial with affinity for URT and GU, astrigent. anti inflammatory and relieve sx. astringent helps to tighten tissues to reduce excess fluid production and discharge and irritation, heal damaged tissues. support immune via vitamin A and C; antioxidants.
dose and duration for UTI formatula
1tbsp; 4-5days before onset of known triggers or times of susceptibility
contraindications for sage
sage is a strong antimicrobial; prolonged use will disrupt healthy gut flora. long term use may irritate kidneys
2 other recommednations for UTIs
cranberry juice
Proper hygiene: post coital urination, wipe back to front, urinate when feel urge, hydration, avoid douching and fragrance, no wet clothes
why cranberry juice for UTIs
helps prevent bacterial adhesion to urinary walls, antimicrobial properties, reduce inflmmation, increase urine flow
why proper hygiene for UTIS
prevent recurence of UTIs, maintain good vaginal flora and pH, flush out any bacteria that may enter
what 3 botanical actions for female deficiency
adaptogen
alterative
endocrine modulator
why do adaptogen in female deficiency
help reduce physical, emotional or psychological stress. stress can cause a decease in estrogen, cortisol can lead to missed periods. balance hormones, support adrenals, improve energy, help fatigue, restore HPA axis
why do endocrine modulator in female deficiency
balance estrogen, progesterone, LH. balance HPO axis. stimulate ovulation via FSH and LH. support adrenal glands (cortsol and DHEA impact menses). restore feedback mechanisms that regulate menses.
why do alterative in female deficiency
celanse, purify, detox. improve blood, lymph, liver, and weakened digestive system. liver cant process and detox hormones like estrogen when too many toxins and overloaded. improve circulation, deliver nutrients and hormones to uterus and ovaries, clear inflammation. restore digestion to eliminate waste and balance hormones
4 herbs for female deficiency and %
ashwaganda 30%
wild yam 30%
black cohosh 30%
dong quai 10%
why do ashwaganda for female deficiency
adaptogen, endocrine modulator, anti-inflammatory. regulate HPA axis (hypothalamic amenorrhea), reduce cortisol, balance estrogen and progesterone, support thyroid, increase energy, help fatigue
why do wild yam for female deficiency
adaptogen, alterative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, female endocrine modulator. progesterone precursor compounds in vitro. alterative to help liver detoxify and increase circulation. tonify and strengthen uterus. help with menstural discomfort
why do black cohosh for female deficiency
endocrine modulator, alterative, anti-infalmmatory, mild alterative, emmenagogue (stimulate menses). stimulates estrogen via pitutiary gland and hypothalamus, helps with menopausal transition. uterine tonic; tone and strengthen. help with emotions and stress
why do dong quai for female deficiency
adaptogen, endocrine modulator, carminative. good for building blood and regulating defient menses. balance hormones for menses, build blood and qi, phytoestrogenic properties, tonify the uterus, carminative- relieve menstural discomfort (ie. cramp, bloat)
dose and duration for female deficiency
2 tbsp; ongoing basis; reassess and monitor for adverse hormonal effects
2 other recommednations for female deficiency
dietary intake; complete nutritional balance of all macronuteietns and micronutrients. warm, well cooked foods
mindfulness practifes i.e. breasthwork, yoga, tai chi, nature walks
why do diet intake or balance and macros and micros and cooked food in female deficiency
warm and well cooked to support digestion and aid absorption. Help replenish the defiiency and make sure theres sufficient building blocks to mensturate
why do mindfulness in female deficiency
Help with fatigue, mood, sleep. help put the body into a relaxed state, help with stress
3 actions for PCOS
alterative/ hepatic
endocrine modualtor
antispasmodic
why do an alterative/hepatic for PCOS?
support liver detoxification of excess hormones. Get rid of high androgens and estrogen dominance that cause sx. Improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation via liver. Reduce inflammation and ROS causing weight gain, metabolic issues and hormonal imbalances. Support bile flow to digest fats and eliminate toxins
why do an endocrine modulator for PCOS?
balance androgens (which are high). Regulate HPO axis because feedback loop between brain and ovaries can be disrupted. Low progesterone could cause irregular cycles, PMS, mood, infertility; so can help to increase. Improve insulin sensitivity. Support adrenals and reduce cortisol
why do an antispasmodic for PCOS?
relax smooth muscle, reduce menstrual cramps, ovarian pain (i.e cysts) and digestive discomfort. Help with other muscle tension from stress and anxiety
4 herbs for PCOS formaula and %
chasteberry 30%
anise 20%
white peony 25%
red clover 25%
why do chaste berry in the case of PCOS
best known and most common female endocrine modulator. It works to balance estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH and to down regulate androgens. Balance estrogen balance via increase progesterone. Help reduce sx of high androgens (i.e. acne, hirsutism, hair loss). Support fertility via luteal phase and increasing LH ; could have amenorrhea from anovulation.
why do anise in the case of PCOS
it is a endocrine modulator as well as an antispasmodic as it has a high amount of essential oils which can be used to address menstrual cramping. Its endocrine modulating may have a net effect of suppressing estrogen via acting as a phytoestrogen. In excess conditions it is often that estrogen and androgens are in excess, usually due to clearance issues. Lower androgens. Carminative; help digestive issues
why do white peony in the case of PCOS
Endocrine modulator, attributable to its ability to improve liver function. It up-regulates estrogen and progesterone, and lowers androgens (hirsutism, acne), likely by conversion of androgen to estrogen via aromatase up regulation. It is also a hepatic (support liver for hormone balance, detox, metabolism). Restore balance to HPO axis. Antispasmodic; help with cramps. Improve insulin sensitivity . help increase progesterone and promote healthy ovulation.
why do red clover in the case of PCOS
Endocrine modulator, and an effective alterative and mild diuretic, and it facilitates hormone clearance which is important in a pattern of excess. It will facilitate menses and promote clearance of estrogens. Has phytoestrogens to help balance estrogens and thus balance levels with progesterone and promote regular ovulation. Detox liver and improve hormone metabolism via alterative action. Phytoestrogens help to reduce androgens. Improve CVD and metabolism, insulin resistance via improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
dose and duration for PCOS fomrula
1-2tbsp/day
take on day 12 to day 3 of the cycle and take for 3 full cycles
cautions with chaste berry
Chasteberry has the potential to decrease libido. Although this patient reports a high libido, so it is not as relevant.
cautions with red clover
3) Red clover is cautioned with anti-coagulant or antiplatelet medications.
cautions with PCOS formula
2) Not recommended with any hormone-mediated contraceptives (since it impacts hormone levels)
2 other recommednations
- Keep dairy, soy, sugar are kept to absolute minimum. Alcohol and occasionally wheat should be kept to a moderate amount.
- Castor oil pack (fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS
why change diet in PCOS (no sugar, soy, dairy, gluten, alcohol)
these foods can worsen insulin resistance, inflammation and hormonal imbalance and contribute to sx of irregular cycles, weight gain, acne and high androgens. Dairy has IGF1 and can increase insulin levels and worsen androgen excess, also can cause inflammation in gut. Soy has phytoestrogens that could impact estrogen and hormonal balance. Keep sugar low because of possible T2D< and insulin resistance. Alcohol burdens the liver and need liver for hormone detox. Gluten can cause inflammation and digestive issues.
why no castor oil in PCOS
castor oil can reduce inflammation, improve circulation and support liver detoxification. Helps with lymphatic drainage. Breaks up any congestion and stagnation in the uterus. Ricinoleic acid ins anti-inflammatory. Support digestion and reduce bloating, relieve constipation that can be the result of hormonal imbalance. DON’T TAKE WHEN BLEEDING!
3 actions for cramps
- antispasmodic
- analgesic
- hepatic
why do antispasmodic for cramps
reduce muscle spasms and smooth muscle tension, help with any digestive spasms, help calm the nervous system and relax the smooth muscle in the blood vessels
why do analgesic for cramps
help with pain and discomfrot. help with menstural cramps, help with discomfort and muscle aches
why do hepatic for cramps
liver for hormone metabolism and detoxification. can help clear excess hormones (estrogen) which can effect cramps and menses. Helps with any hormonal imbalances that worsen sx. help to metabolize estrogen. help with associated sx of an overburdened liver ie bloating, discomfort, fatigue
4 herbs and % for cramps
crampbark 30%
jamaican dogwood 30%
wild yam 30%
california poppy 10%
why use cramp bark for cramps
antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory. Helps relax smooth muscle to help with cramps or GI pain. calming effect on nervous system to relief stress and anxiety. helps regulate blood flow and relieve tension
why use jamaican dog wood for cramps
antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative. Helps relax muscles, relieve pain, calm nervous system.
why use California poppy for cramps
antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative. good to help with uterine muscle contractions, muscle pain . sedative to calm nervous system, stress, anxiety. help improve sleep, which can be disrupted by cramps
why use wild yam for cramps
hepatic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory. a “female herb” (progesterone precurosr in vitro). phytoestrogens which can help with hormonal imbalances causing cramps. relax muscles to help cramps and low back and ab. support uterine health via relax uterus muscles and promote blood flow to the area. help normalize cycles. reduce inflammation
dose and duration for cramp prescription
tincture 1-2tbsp acutely as needed
contraindications for cramp formula
all safe- dont use in pregnacy but wouldnt be the case
some sedatives but should be ok (i.e. driving, heavy machinery)
2 other recommednations for cramps
moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise and yoga 2-5x/wk
diet: anti inflmmatory (omega 3, tumeric, ginger, berries), and magenisum rich foods, avoid inflammatory and refined foods, food rich in iron
why do cardio and yoga for cramps
cardio to relieve cramps via increasing blood to pelvic area and promote relaxation (i.e. walk, swim, cycle). yoga for calming, relaxation, control breathing
why do anti inflammatory diet and rich in iron for cramps
anti inflam (omegas, tumeric, ginger) to reduec infalmmation. Mg rich to relax muscles (i.e. nuts, seeds, leafy vegetables), avoid sugar, caffeien, processed. have high iron to restore blood loss
3 actions for hot flashes
adaptogen
endocrine modulator
alterative
why do adaptogen for hot flashes
help body adapt to stress and changes in the nervous system, regulate HPA axis and help balance hormones, helps replenish kidney yin to cool down the excess heat
why do endocrine modulator for hot flashes
balance hormone levels since hot flashes are from decline estrogen. help with hormone production, metabolism and receptor sensitivity. some act as phytoestrogens. support hypothalamus and pituitary which regulate hormone signals and can control temperature regulation. help improve liver function and hormone detoxification
why do alterative for hot flashes
support liver, kidneys and lymphatics and skin to cleanse and nourish body to help with hormone metabolism, detox, temperature regulation. help with systemic inflammation, liver stagnation and poor hormone clearance.in TCM can help clear excess heat and help with stagnantion. support skin elimination and regulate perspiration
4 herbs for hot flashes and %
rehmannia 30%
black cohosh 30%
sage 20%
red sage 20%
why do rehmannia for hot flashes
nutritive, adaptogen. help suport hormones by nourishing kidneys and adrenals. in TCM has cooling properties, since hot flashes are linked to kidney yin deficieny. Adaptogenic to support HPA axis; hot flashes and anxiety can be worsened by high cortisol. nutritive; help replenish fluids lost from sweating, supports RBC production and help fatigue. contains catalpol which is neuroprotective, anti-infalmmatory, and liver supportive. helps with blood sugar regulation and metabolism. help with blood circulation; reduce heart palpitation and hypertension common in menopause
why do black cohosh for hot flashes
emmenagogue, anti-inflam, endocrine modulator, mild alterative. used specifically for menopause and to ease transition and treat hot flashes and night sweats. can help with mood and sleep support. weak estrogenic effects can help with vaginal dryness, alterative to HRT, can help support bone density. may work through estrogen-like effects on the brain or influence serotonin pathways, which regulate body temperature and mood
why do sage for hot flashes
astringent (tone and tighten tissue and sweat glands to reduce excess sweating and night sweats), phytoestrogenic (modulate estrogen which drop in menopause), nervine (help with mood and anxiety and cognitive function), adaptogenic, carminative (digestion), anti inflam/ antioxidant, circulatory stimulant (blood circulation to regulate body temp).
why do red sage for hot flashes
alterative (liver detox, purify blood), cardioprotective (improve blood vessel function, heat sensations and heart palpitations), blood tonic (helps blood flow), nervine (reduce stess, support nervous system) and neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, cooling and yin nourishing (help with excess heat), helps with estrogen metabolism and hormone balance
dose and duration for hot flashes formula
tincture
1-2 tbsp .day at any time but esp. during night. can increase dose symptomatically as needed
use acutely as needed
contraindications for rhemannia in hot flashes
rehmannia cautioned in weak digestion
2 other recommednations for hot flashes
stress reduction and mind body practices
cooling and hormone balancing diet
why stress reduction and mind body for hot flashes
help lower cortisol (which can worsen hot flashes and mood swings) i.e. deep breathing exercise, yoga, meditation. also limit stressors on the body life caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods
why cooling and hormone balance diet for hot flashes
cooling foods (i.e leafy greens, cucumber, watermelon), soy for phytoestrogens, reduce triggers (sugar, caffiene, alcohol, spicy) and stay hydrated (water and herbal teas like sage, peppermint and hibiscus). make sure to get lots of protein and healthy fat to support hormones.
