Herbal Medicine Quiz

Study Notes

Belongs to the Asteraceae family
Actions: carminative, mild sedative, vulnerary, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, mild bitter, mild astringent, and diaphoretic
Indications: gastrointestinal spasm, IBS, flatulence, bloating, nervous dyspepsia, travel sickness, infantile colic, anxiety, restlessness, dysmenorrhoea, and amenorrhoea
Topical uses: eczema, wound healing, and bacterial skin disease
Cautions: people with sensitivity to Asteraceae should avoid oral and topical use; chamomile tea can reduce iron absorption

Belongs to the Lamiaceae family
Actions: carminative, relaxant, spasmolytic, mild sedative, diaphoretic, and antiviral (topically)
Indications: sleep disturbances, restlessness, irritability, dyspepsia, flatulence, depression, and common cold
Topical uses: herpes
Contraindications: none known

Belongs to the Lamiaceae family
Actions: spasmolytic, carminative, cholagogue, antiemetic, antitussive, and mild sedative (internally); antimicrobial (both); analgesic and antipruritic (topically)
Indications: dyspepsia, flatulence, chronic digestive problems, GIT spastics, gastritis, respiratory catarrh, common cold, nausea/morning sickness, and IBS
Topical uses: headaches
Contraindications: gastro-oesophageal reflux (lowers esophageal sphincter pressure)
Cautions: may reduce iron absorption (take away from meals and supplements); may repress lactation

Belongs to the Malvaceae family
Main active constituent: mucilage
Actions: demulcent, emollient, diuretic, vulnerary, expectorant, and antilithic
Indications: diseases of mucous membranes, strangury and urinary issues, irritations of mucosa, dry cough, gastric/peptic/duodenal ulcer, and UTIs
Topical uses: ulcers, wounds, eczema, and mouth inflammation (gargle)
Interactions: absorption of other medications may be retarded
Contraindications: none known

Belongs to the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family
Actions: anti-inflammatory, mucoprotective, demulcent, antiulcer, adrenal tonic, expectorant, antitussive, mild laxative, anti-cariogenic, and antiandrogenic
Indications: gastric and duodenal ulcers, GORD, gastritis, PCOS, infertility, dysmenorrhoea, adrenal insufficiency, inflammatory conditions, upper respiratory catarrh, cough, and bronchitis
Topical uses: eczema, melasma, mouth ulcers, and herpetic lesions
Contraindications: cholestatic liver disorders, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, hypokalaemia, severe kidney insufficiency, and congestive heart failure

Belongs to the Ranunculaceae family
Actions: antihaemorrhagic, anticatarrhal, mucous membrane trophorestorative, antimicrobial, bitter tonic, and antibacterial