Respiratory Herbs Flashcards
Allergic rhinosinusitis
Immune system overreacts to an exogenous substance such as airborne mold or pollen. IgE mediated response w/ the following sxs:
- red, itchy, watery eyes
- sneezing, coughing, sore throat, post nasal drip
- stuffy, runny nose, H/A, fatigue
- partial loss of hearing, smell and taste
Urtica dioica
Actions: anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory
Specific indications: allergic rhinitis
A LOT of other indications such as: low BP, hair loss, anemia of pregnancy, gout, burns, depletion, weakness…
Urtica dioica constituents
Herb: -cholorgenic aid -caffeoylmalic acid -flavonoids -essential oil -amino acids -minerals Stinging hairs: -acetylcholine -histamine -serotonin
Petasites hybridus
Actions: smooth muscle antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy
Specific indications: Respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis and hay fever
Migraines
Euphrasia officinalis
Actions: Decongestant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, expectorant
Specific indications: Conjunctivitis and nasal congestion
Amoracia rusticana
Actions: Decongestant, mucolytic, stimulant, diaphoretic, rubefacient, digestive stimulant
Specific indications: Sinusitis, used topically for neuralgia and cilblains
Amoracia rusticana constituents
Sinigrin
Myrosin
Allyl isothiocyanate
Fire cider
Combo of warming, pungent, antimicorbial, stimulating herbs 1 part garlic 1 part onion 1 part horseradish 1/2 part ginger pinch cayenne
Foeniculum vulgare
For tight, spastic coughs
Gentle, yet effective antispasmodic and bronchodilator
Combines well with expectorants
Amni visnaga
For tight, spastic coughs
Vasodilatory, bronchodilator, antitussive, urinary tract antispasmodic
Specific indications: asthma, angina pectoris, passage of urinary calculi
Contraindications: pregnancy
Coleus forksolii
Actions: increases cellular cAMP –> relaxes smooth muscles in vasculature and bronchial tree
Tissue affinities: CV, lungs, eyes, thyroid
Forskloin = main constituent
Ephedra sinica
Actions: Alpha and beta adrenergic agonist, releases norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons, decongestant, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, increases HR, diaphoretic, diuretic
Datura stamonium
TOXIC –> contains tropane alkaloids
Used historically for “purely spasmodic asthma”
Deadly nightshades
Atropa
Datura
Hyosyamus
All belong to the tropane class
Solanecous alkaloids
Atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine
Cause relaxation of sympathetic nervous system = antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle
Large doses effect = CNS
Therapeutic doses = PNS
Actions of solanecous alkaloids
Mydriasis (pupil dilation) Increase in intra-ocular pressure Reduction in all bodily secretions Inhibition of vagus nerve = tachycardia Increased CO and BP Reduced tone in all smooth muscle leading to vasodilation Bronchial dilation Reduced peristalsis
Solanecous alkaloid overdose ssx
- Stimulation high
- Diplopia
- Prolonged use and/or high doses could significantly raise BP
- Increased RR
- Central narcotic paralysis w/ a reduction in all sxs followed by coma and death
Thymus vulgaris
Actions: Expectorant, spasmolytic, antibacterial, bronchodilator, antioxidant
Warming & Drying
Used for infectious respiratory and urinary conditions
Drying herbs (for wet coughs)
Thymus vulgaris
Salvia officinalis
Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssopus officinalis
Actions: Antiviral, antibacterial, expectorant, antitussive
Stimulating, relaxing and drying
Specific indicatios: Infectious resp and digestive conditions. Chronic low-grade fevers and rapid and flooding pulse. Great for children.
Hyssopus officinalis contraindications
Pregnancy
High internal doses of essential oil can cause seizures
What are common constituents of expectorants?
Resins
Ligusticum porteri
Actions: Expectorant, stimulating, warming, anti-microbial, immune stimulating
Specific indications: sore throat, colds and flues, bronchitis, sinus congestion w/ a dull headache, soothing an overworked voice
Referred to as “bear medicine”
Inula helenium
Actions: Expectorant, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, stomachic, anti-bacterial
Specific indications: irritating bronchial coughs, deep lung conditions
Excellent antimicrobial –> found to be effective against MRSA
