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61 Cards in this Set

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What herbs belong to the Asteraceae family and what is the contraindication of this family?
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset)
Calendula officinalis
Echinacea sp
Contact dermatitis can occur with external use in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae family.
Which herbs are diaphoretic?
Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset - one of the most potent diaphoretics)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Sambucus nigra/canadensis FLOWERS (Elderberry)
Ligusticum porteri (Osha root)
Which herbs are lymphagogues?
Sambucus nigra/canadensis BERRIES (Elderberry)
Calendula officinalis
Galium aparine (Cleavers)
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Phytolacca americana/decandra (Poke root)
Podophyllum peltatum (May Apple)
Ligusticum porteri (Osha root)
Which herbs are completely safe for use in pregnancy?
1) Sambucus nigra/canadensis (Elderberry)
2) Calendula officinalis
3) Galium aparine (Cleavers)
4) Echinacea sp
5) Ligustrum lucidum
6) Usnea (Old Man's Beard)
What are the key constituents in Achillea millefolium that make it cautionary for use in pregnancy and lactation?
Alkaloids and tannins
What are the primary actions and uses of Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)?
Primary actions: diaphoretic, styptic, vulnerary, bitter
Uses: Mostly acute conditions as a cooling diaphoretic. Peripheral vasodilator. Venotonic. Antiseptic, astringent, and tonifying effect on mucous membranes. Increase digestive enzyme secretion. Vulnerary and styptic externally and internally.
What constituent does Eupatorium perfoliatum contain that makes it unsafe to use in pregnancy/lactation or liver disease?
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
(As a side note, I've read that this species has been found to NOT contain PA, though other species of Eupatorium do)
What are the primary actions and uses of Eupatorium perfoliatum?
Also known as Boneset, primary actions are diaphoretic (one of the most potent), and immune stimulant. Used for bone-aching fever. Used to treat the 1918 flu. Reduces mucus congestion in the URT and is a good digestive stimulant.
How do you prescribe Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) for acute illness? For a tonifying herb for digestion, liver, bowel and lungs?
Acute: Drink 1-3 cups of hot tea every 4-6 hrs until fever breaks
Tonic: Drink cold tea
What will Eupatorium perfoliatum do if taken in large doses?
Act as an emetic
What are the primary actions and uses of the flowers of Sambucus nigris/canadensis?
Known as Elderberry, the flowers are anti-catarrhal, anti-oxidant, and diaphoretic. The infusion drunk hot can act as a mild diaphoretic, a gentle nervine and a soothing diuretic (becomes more diuretic as it cools). Flowers also treat congestion and inflammation and are used in sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and conjunctivitis.
What are the berries of Sambucus nigris/canadensis used for and what are the primary actions?
Primary actions: Anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory/lymphagogue.
Used to treat chronic asthma and allergies (due to mast cell stabiliation). Also used in treating rheumatic joints.
What are the leaves root and bark of Sambucus nigris/canadensis used for? Why can't we take them internally?
Used externally to treat hemorrhoids and wounds.
They contain sambunigrin, which is toxic.
What are the primary actions and uses of Calendula officinalis?
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, lymphagogue, vulnerary.
Uses: Externally for skin problems or cysts or fibrocystic breasts; internally as a mild, stimulating and diffuse lymphagogue (especially pelvis and breasts)
What part of Calendula officinalis do we use?
The flower, which is better fresh
What part of Galium aparine do we use?
Aerial
What are the primary actions and uses of Galium aparine (Cleavers)?
Actions: lymphagogue, alterative, anti-inflammatory
Uses: As a lymphagogue, it is gentle, safe and may be sued in a wide range of lymphatic problems, including in the treatment of ulcers and tumors. As an alterative, it promotes detoxification. As an anti-inflammatory, it works well in the urinary system in cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, and pyelonephritis, as well as reducing urinary stones.
What are the three berberine-containing plants that we studied?
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry), Berberis/Mahonia aquefolium (Oregon Grape Root), Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
What part of the berberine-containg plants do we typically use?
Root
What are the primary actions and uses of the berberine-containing plants?
Actions: anti-microbial, immune stimulant, bitter, alterative
Uses: As an anti-microbial and immune stimulant, they're used in pharyngitis, gingivitis, tonsillitis, UTI, conjunctivitis and sinusitis, as well as upper respiratory tract and GI. As a bitter and alterative, they're used for weak or debilitated people to strengthen and cleans the system, and heal ulcerations of the GI tract.
To have an effect on specific membranes, how must the berberine-containing plants be applied?
The strongest action is when the herb touches the infected tissue directly, so care must be taken to dilute appropriately for sinus washes and eye drops.
What parts of Echinacea sp do we use?
Mainly the root, but also the seeds and flowers
What are the primary actions and uses of Echinacea?
Actions: alterative, antimicrobial, immune stimulant
Uses: As an alterative it clears heat and resolves toxins.
As an antimicrobial and immune stimulant it increases the number and activity of PMNs and macrophages, stimulates T-lymphocyte proliferation as well as production of TNF, IL-1, IL-6 and interferon 2, and acts effectively against many bacteria (Staph, Strep, Proteus).
It's been used in upper respiratory tract infections, bacterial and viral infections. Also used as a poultice on skin conditions like boils, abscesses, ulcers, septicemia, syphilis, cancer and gangrene.
How did the Indians use Echinacea?
To flush out toxins; snakebites
What is the concern with taking Echinacea long term?
Due to the non-specific immune stimulation, caution must be used in autoimmune diseases, HIV and AIDS as well as progressive systemic diseases. Ex: Lupus, MS, TB, RA
Based on studies, what is one mechanism that Echinacea uses to prevent pathogenic bacteria from gaining entry into the cells?
It has anti-hyaluronidase activity.
What are the primary actions and uses of Boswellia spp?
Known as Frankincense.
Actions: anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory
Uses: As an anti-microbial it's used orally to treat gingivitis and pyorrhea as well as in the pulmonary area (both externally and internally).
As an anti-inflammatory it is used for conditions throughout the EENT, respiratory and GI tracts (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's), also used in rheumatic and connective tissue inflammation (OA, RA, trauma, sprain/strain, post-op)
Pharmacologically, how does Boswellia reduce inflammation?
It's been shown to reduce leukotrienes activity through Boswellic acids, which inhibit 5-lipoxygenase. (Useful in the treatment of asthma.)
What are the primary actions and uses of Commiphora molmol/myrrha?
Actions: astringent, antimicrobial, immune-stimulant
Uses: Supports immune function by stimulating WBC production and activity.
Treats inflammation and infection of mucous membranes (apthous stomatitis, gingivitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, respiratory infections, GI, topically for boils, wounds, ulcers and abrasions).
Heals the gut mucosa, improving GALT and Peyer's patch function.
Used orally as well.
What can large doses of Commiphora myrrha cause?
Diarrhea and vomiting
Which herb is restricted and requires a license to use?
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
What part of Baptisia tinctoria do we use?
Root
What are the primary actions and uses of Baptisia tinctoria?
Known as Wild Indigo.
Actions: Lymphagogue, alterative, immune-stimulant, antimicrobial
Uses: Most commonly used in sepsis or where there is ulceration or necrosis.
Chronically or acutely enlarged tonsils with lymphadenopathy.
Indications include a dusky red to bluish color to the inflamed tissue and it appears ulcerated, decayed or putrid. (Tissue may look like raw meat or smell like rotting meat, there may be dark, tar-like fetid discharges from the bowels, putrid secretions.)
Also used in gangrene and cellulitis.
What kind of taste/character does Baptisia tinctoria have?
ACRID. Also bitter, cooling, drying
How long should someone use Baptisia tinctoria?
No longer than a month
What does Baptisia tinctoria cause in large doses? What are the antidotes?
Emesis. Promote emesis and use activated charcoal if early. Tannins and strong tea immediately to 30 minutes after ingestion.
Which herb contains the alkaloid sparteine and has been classified as oxytocic (promotes labor)?
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
What are the primary actions and uses of Phytolacca americana/decandra?
Known as Poke Root.
Actions: Alterative, lymphagogue
Uses: As an alterative it's used in detox formulas.
As a lymphagogue it's especially useful for mastitis (topically), cervical lymphadenopathy, and tonsillitis.
What are the symptoms of toxicity for Phytolacca americana/decandra?
Initial burning sensation in the mouth and throat followed a few hours later by nausea, vomiting, intense abdominal cramping, profuse sweating, watery or bloody diarrhea.
Other symptoms: hypotension, tachycardia, urinary incontinence, confusion, unconsciousness and tremors.
Nonfatal cases usually recover within 24-48 hours with medical treatment. Death is by respiratory paralysis.
T/F: We use the fresh form of Phytolacca americana/decandra?
False. The fresh plant is toxic. We use the dried root.
Which herb is part of Turska's formula to treat ovarian cysts, endometriosis and uterine fibroids?
Phytolacca americana/decandra (Poke Root)
What part of Podophyllum peltatum (May Apple) do we use?
Rhizome and the resin extracted from the rhizome
What are some of the key constituents of Podophyllum peltatum (May Apple)?
Glycosides, podophyllic acid and podophyllotoxin
What are some of the primary actions and uses of Podophyllum peltatum?
Known as May Apple
Actions: Alterative, cathartic, cholagogue, lymphagogue, cytotoxic, antiviral
Uses: The Native Americans used it to treat worms and as a cathartic.
Used externally to treat warts.
It is a gastro-intestinal irritant and a powerful hepatic and intestinal stimulant.
Specific Indication: Think FULLNESS of tissues, veins, pulse with dirty, yellowish coating on tongue
What cautions should be used when applying Podophyllum peltatum (May Apple) externally to a wart?
It can erode and ulcerate good tissue, so put vaseline on surrounding tissue to protect it.
What cautions should be taken when prescribing Podophyllum peltatum (May Apple) for internal use?
The FDA does not recommend internal use. It should be taken in very low doses only and results may take 4-12 hours. Large doses will cause violent emesis and gastroenteritis.
What are the primary actions and uses of Ligusticum porteri?
Known as Osha.
Actions: Antimicrobial, immune-stimulant, lymphagogue
Uses: Native Americans chewed the root to increase stamina.
Osha has an affinity for the respiratory tract and is good for acute viral URIs. Also can be helpful when cough, cold or flu lingers.
A secondary action is as a heating diaphoretic and it will help open the sinuses at the onset of upper respiratory
What constituents make Ligusticum porteri contraindicated in pregnancy?
Alkaloids and glycosides
What part of Ligusticum porteri do we use?
Root
What herb is not used much in Western herbalism but is used commonly in TCM as a longevity tonic?
Ligustrum lucidum
What is the primary action and medicinal uses of Ligustrum lucidum?
Action: Immune modulator
Uses: Can be used for both acute and chronic conditions.
Enhances WBC count after chemo or radiation.
Can be used for acute infections like bronchitis, tonsillitis, gingivitis, laryngitis, dysentery, gastroenteritis and UTI's.
Used with Astragalus to treat cancer.
What herb has many similarities to Astragulus in how it enhances cell proliferation in immune system and marrow?
Ligustrum lucidum
Are there any known toxicities or contraindications for Ligustrum lucidum?
No
What part of Ligustrum lucidum is used?
Fruit
What key constituent of Larrea tridentata is a powerful antioxidant that inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase?
NDGA - nordihydroguaiuretic acid
What are the primary actions and uses of Larrea tridentata?
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant
Uses: Internally - cramping and joint pains, allergies, parasites.
Externally - reduce inflammation and pain, promote healing.
Treats various infectious conditions both topically and internally (skin abrasions, cuts, insect stings/bites, pharyngitis, tonsillitis.
What's the maximum amount of time to take Larrea tridentata?
8 weeks.
What are the contraindications for Larrea tridentata?
Pregnancy and lactation
Active hepatitis, hepatic or renal damage (monitor liver enzymes if there is concern)
What desert plant has been shown to be highly antimicrobial against Shigella, Salmonella, Candida albicans, Pseudomonis, E. coli, Staph aureus, Staph pyoogenes, Staph viridens, and even partially effective against Neiserria gonorrhea and TB?
Lomatium dissectum (Desert Parsley)
What herb has a high affinity for the lungs?
Lomatium dissectum (Desert Parsley)
What are the contraindications for Lomatium dissectum (Desert Parsley)?
Pregnancy
Also, the resins occasionally cause a sensitivity reaction in some people that causes a maculopapular rash resembling measles. (They will get it a few hours within taking and it will disappear several days after discontinuing it)