Hesi 6

Herbals and Alternative Therapies

By Dr. Candice Overholser, EdD, RN

Vitamins

  • Overview:

    • Most people do not need to take a multi-vitamin.

    • Most vitamins can be obtained through a healthy diet.

    • Fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic in large doses: Vitamins A, D, E, K.

    • Water-soluble vitamins can be eliminated via urine; generally not toxic.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

  • Vitamin A:

    • Essential for bone growth, epithelial tissue, skin, eyes, and hair.

    • Deficiencies can lead to blindness.

    • Loss of night vision is an early warning sign for Vitamin A deficiency.

  • Vitamin D:

    • Major role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

    • Often provided as a combination pill with calcium.

    • Can be obtained from sunlight; individuals without adequate exposure are at risk of deficiency.

  • Vitamin E:

    • Possesses antioxidant properties, protects cellular components and red blood cells (RBCs).

    • Caution: Do not take Iron and Vitamin E together as this can impair absorption.

  • Vitamin K:

    • Necessary for synthesis of clotting factors and prothrombin.

    • Administered to newborns at birth for this reason.

    • Acts as an antidote to warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

Water-Soluble Vitamins

  • B Complex Vitamins:

    • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):

    • Deficiency often seen in alcoholism; can affect short-term memory.

    • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):

    • Deficiencies often lead to dermatological issues.

    • Vitamin B3 (Niacin):

    • Decreases hyperlipidemia; may cause gastrointestinal upset.

    • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):

    • Necessary for synthesis of RBC/hemoglobin; often administered due to drug-induced deficiencies.

    • Vitamin C:

    • Aids in iron absorption and conversion of folic acid.

    • Does not prevent colds, despite common belief.

    • Can decrease the effects of anticoagulants.

    • Folic Acid (Folate):

    • Essential for body growth, particularly for pregnant women/fetuses.

    • Caution in patients taking phenytoin for seizures (lower levels can increase risk of seizures).

    • Vitamin B12:

    • Assists folic acid in converting to its active form in the body.

    • Promotes cellular division; crucial for RBC development.

    • Gastric parietal cells produce an intrinsic factor essential for absorption.

    • Lack of intrinsic factor may necessitate intramuscular (IM) administration of B12.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

  • Black Cohosh Root:

    • Exhibits estrogen-like properties.

    • Used for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal disorders.

  • Chicken Soup:

    • Breaks up respiratory secretions; functions as a bronchodilator.

    • Relieves anxiety.

  • Chondroitin:

    • Used for osteoarthritis; usually combined with glucosamine.

  • Dandelion Root:

    • Lowers blood sugar; decreases lactation after delivery.

  • Eucalyptus:

    • Suppresses cough; decreases respiratory secretions; highly toxic in children.

More Alternative and Complementary Therapies

  • Fish Oil:

    • Used to treat coronary disease, arthritis, colitis, depression, aggression, and ADD.

  • Garlic:

    • Lowers blood sugar; has anticoagulant effects; decreases blood pressure.

  • Ginger:

    • Used for nausea, motion sickness, and postoperative nausea.

    • Affects blood clotting.

  • Glucosamine:

    • Used for osteoarthritis, often in combination with chondroitin.

  • Green Tea Leaf:

    • Acts as an antioxidant; may prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease; enhances cognitive function.

Additional Alternative and Complementary Therapies

  • Lavender:

    • Treats insomnia and restlessness.

    • Caution advised when using with central nervous system (CNS) depressants; oil may be potentially poisonous.

  • Licorice:

    • Acts similarly to aldosterone.

    • Can block effects of spironolactone; may lead to digoxin toxicity.

    • Contraindicated in renal or liver disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and pregnancy.

    • Should not be taken with thyroid drugs, antihypertensives, or hormonal contraceptives.

  • Melatonin:

    • Commonly used to treat insomnia and jet lag.

  • Peppermint Leaves:

    • Used for nervousness, insomnia, cramps, and cough.

  • Sage:

    • May lower blood pressure and blood sugar.

    • Cautions necessary when combined with antidiabetic drugs, anticonvulsants, and alcohol.

Final Alternative and Complementary Therapies

  • St. John’s Wort:

    • Utilized for treatment of depression and PMS symptoms.

    • Cautions:

    • Thrombocytopenia has been reported.

    • Can increase sensitivity to light; avoid drugs that cause photosensitivity.

    • Serious reactions possible with SSRIs, MAOIs, digoxin, theophylline, AIDS antiviral drugs, sympathomimetics, antineoplastics, and hormonal contraceptives.

  • Turmeric:

    • Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

    • Commonly used to treat arthritis.