Herbal Monographs - Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover the key concepts and facts from the lecture on herbal monographs, focusing on Chamomile and its various properties.

They provide a basic description of a botanical used for therapeutic purposes and serve as a resource for various professions regarding materia medica.

What is the purpose of herbal monographs?

A monograph typically includes a picture of the plant, Latin and common names, family name, parts used, constituents, actions, pharmacology, medicinal uses, pharmacy & posology, contraindications, and optional elements like energetics and folklore.

What are the key components of a monograph structure?

Matricaria recutita.

What is the Latin name for Chamomile?

Volatile oils, flavonoids, mucilage, coumarins, and tannins.

What are some constituents found in Chamomile?

Anti-inflammatory, carminative, and nervine sedative.

Name three actions of Chamomile.

How does azulene, a constituent of Chamomile, affect histamine?

It inhibits histamine release.

What are some medicinal uses for Chamomile?

Topical wound healing, gastrointestinal disturbances, inflammatory conditions, motion sickness, insomnia, anxiety, and allergic reactions.

What is the posology for an infusion of Chamomile?

1-3 tsp of dried herb per cup of water, steeped for 3-5 minutes, taken 1 cup three times a day.

What precautions should be taken when using Chamomile?

Use with caution in early pregnancy and in individuals with allergies to the Asteraceae family.

What are some possible interactions associated with Chamomile?

Potential interactions with antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, anti-diabetic agents, antihypertensives, CNS depressants, SERMs, and spasmolytics.

What taste and energetics are attributed to Chamomile?

Cooling and drying; sweet, pungent, and bitter taste.

What online resources can be used for creating monographs?

NNHPD Monographs by Health Canada, The American Botanical Council, and ESCOP.

What is a recommended structure for writing monographs?

Monographs should be in point-form or table format and should be no more than 1-2 pages in length.