Herbal Medicine Quiz

Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)

• 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

Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)

• 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

Mentha x piperita (Peppermint)

• 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

Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)

• 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

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

• 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

Ulmus rubra (Slippery Elm)

• Belongs to the Ulmaceae family
• Main active constituent: mucilage
• Actions: demulcent and emollient
• Indications: oesophagitis, colitis, peptic ulcer, gastritis, and diarrhoea
• Topical uses: boils, burns, and wounds
• Cautions: take away from other medication

Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)

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