NPLEX 2 - Botanical Medicine Review

Achillea millefolium

• Yarrow

• Hit with an Yarrow

• HEMOSTATIC

• Topical for wounds, styptic for menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, hemorrage, hematuria

• (Also some bitter, anti-inflam)

• Caution: Preg, combining with PPI (all bitters)

Aconitum napellus

• Anodyne

• Neuralgia,pain

• Toxic, narrow therapeutic window, lethal ventricular fibrillation, chest pain

Actaea racemosa

• (black cohosh)

• uterine tonic, spasmolytic

• PMS, dysmen, menor, arthritis, myalgia

• CI: Early preg

Aesculus hippocastanum

• Venotonic, topical for bruises

• A/E: nausea (same as for many herbs) • Herb side effect scaling

Allium cepa / sativum

• Lipids, athero, angina, impotence, htn, DM

• (CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH)

• Topical antifungal

• CI: Bleeding/anticoagulants

• Intx: Hypoglycemic

Aloe vera

• Topical for burn, frostbite, wound

• Internal for demulcent, immune, inflam

• Toxicity: GEL VERY SAFE! (esp externally)

Whole leaf is extreme laxative

Althaea officinalis/ Marshmallow

• Demulcent in GI tract (gastritis, ulcer)

• Demulcent in urinary tract (cystitis, UTI)

• CI: Wet cough

• Demulcents common CI in "wet cough"

• Safe

Angelica sinensis

• Uterine tonic

• Amen, endo, menopause, infert, PMS

• CI: Bleeding, menorragia, anti-platelet

Arctium lappa

• Alterative (specific to liver)

• Skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema)

• Blood sugar regulation

Additionally: dyspepsia, biliary insufficiency, hepatitis.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

• Urinary antiseptic, UTI with alkaline urine

• CI: preg

• AE: nausea, mild toxicity so watch dosing

Arnica montana

• Topical vulnerary and anodyne

• Bruises, sprains, strains

• CI: Broken skin, NOT FOR internal use

Artemisia annua, absinth, vulgaris

• Malaria, parasite, cancer

• Toxic: High dose neurotoxic!

• Absinthum: bitter (anti-parasite, malaria) • Annua: digestive, a bit sweeter

• Vulgaris: less used

Asclepius tuberosa

• Expectorant, anti-tussive

• Fever, cough, pneumonia, bronchitis

CI: Preg

Rarely used

Aspidosperma quebracho

• Stimulating expectorant for non-dry coughs

• CI: dry cough, preg, lactation, children

• Rarely used

Astragalus membranaceus

• Immune modulator

• Infx, cancer, autoimmune • Safe

Atropa belladonna

• Blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, THEREFORE causes smooth muscle relaxation and inhibits secretions, and acts as anodyne

• Muscle spasms, pain

• CI: BPH, closed-angle glaucoma

• AE: causes dryness

• Interaction: Potentiates effect of anticholinergics (ex. trycyclic antidepressants)

Avena sativa

• Anxiolytic, nervine, nutritional

• hypolipidemic as food

• SAFE

Bacopa monierri / tinctoria

• Memory, cognition

- very SAFE

Baptisia tinctoria

• Immune-modulating, anti-microbial**

• Pharyngitis or other infections, anti-viral

• AE: tachypnea, tachycardia (generally means slightly more dangerous than your average herb)

Berberis aquifolium (Mahonia)

• Anti-microbial, chronic skin esp psoriasis or acne, bitter

• A/E: nausea or other GI symptoms

Berberis vulgaris

• Cholagogue, hepatic

• Liver disease, GB, gallstones, jaundice

• LIVER STUFF= "Theliverisvulgar"

• CI: preg, Bile duct obs., Many drug interactions**

Boswellia serrata

• Anti-inflammatory (d/t resin constituent)

• Asthma, UC, OA, RA, etc...

• very SAFE

Bryonia alba

• Anodyne, immune, some sedation

• Pain, infection

• A/E: abd pain, n + v, diarrhea, not really used internally

• Rarely used

Calendula officinalis

• Demulcent, anti-inflam, vulnerary

• Dermatitis, wounds

• SAFE

Camellia sinensis

• Green Tea

• Anti-oxidant, etc

• Tannins (astringent)

• CI: Insomnia?

Cannabis sativa

• Analgesic, sedative, anti-emetic

• CI: Preg, abuse potential, Psychiatric issues like schizophrenia

Capsella bursa-pastoris

• Styptic (antihemorrhagic), menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, postpartum hem

• CI: Major bleeding (b/c is not effective)

Interaction: Anticoagulants

Capsicum frutescens

• Antiplatelet, digestive stim

• Topical anodyne, anti-inflam (OA, RA, etc)

• A/E: Burning

• Interaction: Anticoagulants

Cassia / Senna alexandrina

• Catharsis for Constipation

• Direct stimulation of bowel movement

• CI: Long-term use, laxative dependence

Caulophyllum thalictroides

• (blue cohosh)

• Uterine tonic, parturifacient (during late preg)

• CI: Early preg

• MR CC (Mr. CC guarantees deliveries)

Ceanothus americanus

• Hepatoprotective

• Ex: NAFLD, Fatty liver, hepatitis

• SAFE

"Americanus have fatty livers" potential way to remember

Centella asiatica

• Nervine, Antipyretic, Mental-Tonic

• Nervous insomnia, poor memory, infections, venous insufficiency

• "100 year old Asian woman with venous insufficiency, dementia from her old age."

Chamaelirium luteum

• "Cham Luteum tonifies the corpus luteum of your uterus"

• Uterine tonic - Amenorrhea, dysmen, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, miscarriage

• SAFE

• MR CC

• Expensive $$$, usually alternatives used

Chelidonium majus

• Choleretic, cholagogue - GB

• Billiary insuf, gall stone prevention

• AE: Nausea, vomiting

• CI: Hepatic failure, preg, lac

Chionanthus virginicus

• Hepatic, cholagogue, bitter

• LIVER, GB

• Generally safe

• CI: obstruction, cancer (bile duct, pancreatic)

Cineraria maritima

• Cataract topically

• CI: internal use d/t hepatotoxicity (P.Alkaloids)

Cinnamomum zeylanicum

• GI Issues (N+V, diarrhea)

• Causes gastric stimulation, so may be CI for ulcers (good pre-ulcer, not good for active ulcer)

• Diabetes* + Metabolic syndrome*

• Caution: GERD, severe gastritis

Coleus forskohlii

• Activates cAMP**

• Adaptogen, Cardiotonic, Immune

• Bronchial irritation, dry cough, hoarseness,

asthma** (main), weakness or debility

• Reduce inflam. , dec. BP, anti-glaucoma, positive inotropic, prevent platelet agg, bronchodilation

• Interaction: warfarin, digoxin

Commiphora mukul

• "GUGGUL GUM / GOOGLE"

• Hyperlipidemia, LDL

• Also anti-inflam

• CI: IBD

• Drug Intx: Beta blockers

Commiphora myrrha/molmol

• coMMiphora MolMol is Myrhh

• Myrrh is anti-infx, anti-microbe

• Infections (GI, vaginal, etc)

• SAFE

Convallaria majalis (lily of the valley)

• Milder form of digitalis

• CHF, arythmmia

• Same Intx: Diuretic, beta-blockers, much more

Cordyceps sinensis

• Asthma (relaxes smooth muscle), cough, bronchitis, respiratory disorders

• Potentiates epinephrine**

• CI: Auto-immune, some drug interactions (Think epinephrine)

Corydalis amibua and spp.

• Lots of functions (used as additive)

• Gastritis, pain, parasites, arrythmia, bacteria

• Hypnotic, sedative, tranquilizing

• Largely for GI SYSTEM

• Can be Toxic, use caution

• Not really used

Crataegus laevigata/oxycantha (Hawthorne)

• All heart problems

• CHF, angina, arrhythmia, htn

• SAFE

Curcuma longa

• Anti-inflam, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer

• SAFE

Cynara scolymus

• "Sionara Lipids!"

• Hyperlipidemia, liver/GB issues (also bitter as

many hepatic herbs are)

• CI: Digestive stim (GERD, etc)

Datura stramonium

• Similar to Atropa belladona (recommend thinking about them the same way)

• Which means? Spasms, pain all potentially valid.

• CI: BPH, closed-angle glaucoma

• A/E: Dryness

Drug Intx: Potentiates anticholinergics

Digitalis purpurea

• CHF, arrhythmia

• Toxic: Narrow therapeutic window, OD lethal Intx: Many drugs... caution!

Dioscorea villosa

• "Die spasms!"

• Spasmolytic

• Dysmen, endometeriosis, PMS, spasms

• SAFE

Echinacea augustifolia/purp/pall

• Infection, influenza

• Anti-microbial, inflam-modulating, anti-viral

• Pall: not really used

• August: more tingly taste (more potent? Unknown)

• CI: Long-term use, possibly auto-immune

Eleutherococcus senticosus

• Immune-modulating herb, thus:

• Infection, cancer, auto-immune

• Adrenal support

• Adverse: Irritability, insomnia

Ephedra sinica

• Banned by FDA in 2004 (indicated but in unsafe category)

• Helps you breathe (alpha adrenergic agonist)

• I: Sinusitis, asthma, COPD, rhinitis

• CI: HTN, DM, hyperthyroid

A/E: Agitation

Equisetum arvense

• Urinary Tonic

• Chronic skin issues (acne, etc)

• UTI, kidney stones (urinary system issues)

• SAFE

Eschscholzia californica

• Anxiolytic, sedative (like opium but milder)

• California poppy

• Drug Intx: benzo

Eucalyptus globulus

• URI, pharyngitis, tonsillitis

• Topical for arthritis

• Not as tincture, only as essential oil

• CI: internal use may cause a/e

Eupatorium perfoliatum

• Fever and infections

• CI: Hepatotoxic (Pyrrylizadine.Alkaloids.)

Eupatorium purpureum

• Gravel root - gets the gravel out of you

• Urolithiasis, renal calculi, gout

• CI: Hepatotoxic (P.A.)

Euphrasia officinalis

• Eyebright - "nose and eye-itis"

• Inflam, allergy - Rhinitis, conjunctivitis, sinusitis

• SAFE

Foeniculum vulgare

• Carminative (dyspepsia, gas, IBS) - likely largest function

• Fytoestrogen

• Galactagogue for lactation

• SAFE

Fucus vesiculosus

• Bladder Wrack

• IODINE SOURCE**

• Used for Thyroid** health: goiter, hypothyroidism

• General caution- goldlielocks zone for iodine amounts

Galium aparine

• "Golum skin"

• Lymphatic system tonic

• Chronic skin infx

• UTI, urolithiasis

• SAFE

Ganoderma lucidum

• Reishi

• Deep immune activation (adaptogen, bacteria, cancer, anti-oxidant, etc)

• CI: Auto-immune

Gelsemium sempervirens

• Specific to trigeminal neuralgic pain**

• Stimulates then depresses neural function

• Antispasmodic, cardiosedative

• Fever, insomnia, pain

• EXTREMELY TOXIC - not used

• A/E: Sedation

• CI: hypotension, preg

Gentiana lutea

• Bitter - largest function

• hepatotonic

• A/E: Nausea

• CI GI stim

Geranium maculatum

• Vulnerary, anti-inflam

• Tannins therefore astringent!

• GI health

• Hemorrhage, menorrhagia, diarrhea, varicose veins

• A/E: Nausea

Ginkgo biloba

• Cerebrovascular insufficiency, including depression, dementia, memory

• Arterial insuff, intermittent claud, impotence

• Anti-cancer

• CI: Bleeding

- Drug intx: anticoagulant intx d/t bleeding

Glycyrrhiza glabra

• Inflammation, immune, demulcent

• Hepatoprotective

• Gastritis, PUD, H. Pylori

• drug Intx: Drugs that cause hypokalemia digoxin, quinidine, gentamicin

Grindelia robusta

• Grinding cough that is spasmodic

• Resin therefore increase mucous (we also stated resins are anti-inflammatory)

• Safe

Gymnema sylvestre

• Diabetes** (one of the best)

• Cravings, weight loss, etc

• "Like you went to the GYM"

Hamamelis virginiana

• Astringent

• Venous congestion, varicose veins (similar to aesculus), diarrhea

• Fairly safe

Harpagophytum procumbens

• Inflammation (gout, OA, RA) topical

• In some creams

• Safe

Humulus lupulus

• Insomnia, bitter, phytoestrogen

• "I'll HUM until your bitter woman sleeps"

• CI: Gastric stim

• Caution in depression (research suggests not a good choice)

Hydrangea arborescens

• Kidney and bladder stones

• Diuretic, anti-lithic

• No known side effects

• OD: Vertigo, chest pain

Hydrastis canadensis

• King of Mucous membranes

• Bitter, antimicrobial, immune, anti-H.pylori

• Toxicity: possible dysbiosis, GI stim

Hyoscyamus niger

• Similar to Atropa belladonna and Datura

• (Sedative, hypnotic, anti-spasm)

• Pain, urinary spasms, IC

• CI: BPH, etc - but more toxic, visual blurring

Hypericum perforatum (St. Johns Wort)

• Depression, cancer, anti-viral (CMV/EBV)

• Toxicity: PHOTOSENSITIVITY

• Intx: LOTS, SSRI

Inula helenium

• "In U there is a Hel that wants to get out and escape through your lungs"

• Asthma, COPD, cough, URI, bronchitis, parasites

• Safe

Iris versicolor

• Lots. Lymphatic/Thyroid**, GI (n+v)

• Cholagogue, choleretic

• Alterative (chronic skin, acne, eczema, psor)

• AE:n+v

Juglans nigra

• Intestinal parasites**

• For fungal infx

• CI: Preg, GI irritation

Juniperus communis

• antimicrobial, UTI (urinary sedative and anti-septic)

• Topical myalgia

• CI: renal damage is cautioned

Larrea tridentata

• The trident in your liver

• I: Allergic rhinitis, Cancer, Infection

• (NOT REALLY USED)

• Caution: Hepatotoxic, caution in liver disease

Leonurus cardiaca

• Palpitations (cardiaca), uterine tonic (anti-spasmodic, menstrual disorders), bitter

• Safe-ish (GI upset In high doses)

Leptandra virginica

• Hepatotonic, choleretic, cholagogue, bitter

• CI: Gastric stim

• No one uses this

Ligisticum porteri

• "STICUM UP! Before I blow your Liver away"

• ANTI-VIRAL**, Liver issues, cholecystitis, GI stasis

• (Chronic Fatigue, Fibro, EBV starting to show up)

• Strong medicine

• CI: rash

• GI irritation (emetic)

Ligustrum lucidum

• "Music heals. So STRUM that guitar until

you are infection and cancer free"

• I: Infx (immunostim), cancer

• Safe

Linum usitassismum / flax

• Constipation, cholesterol

• Used whole seed usually, or ground

• SE: GI (nausea, bloat, gas)

• CI: IBS, IBD

Lobelia inflata

• "Inflates your lungs"

• Wet Cough, lung disease, URI, smoker cough

• Nervine, diffusive pulmonary tonic

• A/E: n+v

• OD: death (more caution than usual)

Lomatium dissectum

• "Dissects viruses"

• I: Viral infections

• Strong herb (high dose acute use)

• A/E: (common) WHOLE BODY RASH, photosensitization

Lycopus virginicus

• Hyperthyroidism (heart palp, anxiety)

• CI: preg, lac, antithyroid drugs intx

Matricaria chamomilla

• Lots of stuff

• I: Children, GI, skin, anxiety, preg, infx, n+v

• Safe

Medicago sativa

• Phytoestrogen

• (endometriosis, infertility, menopause)

• Safe

Melaleuca alternifolia/ Tea Tree

• Antifungal, antimicrobial, TOPICAL (essential oil only)

Melissa officinalis

• Hyperthyroidism

• Anxiety with GI (dyspepsia, IBS, colic)

• Nervine

• CI: Hypothyroid, GERD

Mentha piperita

• Carminitive, spasmolytic, GI stuff

• Dyspepsia, colic

• CI: Digest stim

Mitchella repens

• "Repens the uterus"

• Parturifacient, uterine tonic

• Dysmen, infert, fibroids

• CI: Early preg

• MR CC guarantees deliveries

Momordica charantia/ Bitter Melon

• Diabetes, psoriasis, bitter

• Used as whole food, chewed

• CI: wet cough, gastric stim

Olea europea/ Olive Oil

• Htn, viral infx, bitter (tincture comes from leaf)

• Anti-fungal (oil comes from the fruit)

• CI: GI stim

Panax ginseng Panax quinquefolium

• Immune, Diabetes possibly, Fatigue(adaptogen), Phytoestrogen

• Ginseng: strong stim, stimulating adaptogen (not immune)

• Quinqu: immune stim

• CI: preg

Passiflora incarnata

• Anxiety, insomnia

• Helps you "Pass out"

• Fairly safe

Pausinystalia yohimbe

• CI: anxiety* (b/c alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist)

• Main use: ED

• If patient on viagra**, etc - do not use.

• "Part used is the bark. Got wood?"