Botanical Med Practical Cheat Sheet PDF

Botmed Practical Prep Key Action Definitions (Alphabetical Order): ★ Adaptogen: An herb that helps the body adapt to stress. ★ Alterative: An herb that gradually restores the proper function of the body and improves health and vitality. ★ Analgesic: A substance that relieves pain....

Botmed Practical Prep Key Action Definitions (Alphabetical Order): ★ Adaptogen: An herb that helps the body adapt to stress. ★ Alterative: An herb that gradually restores the proper function of the body and improves health and vitality. ★ Analgesic: A substance that relieves pain. ★ Antimicrobial & Anti-viral: An agent that kills microorganisms/viruses or stops growth. ★ Anti-inflammatory: A drug or substance that reduces inflammation in the body. ★ Antispasmodic: A drug or other agent that suppresses muscle spasms. ★ Astringent: A substance that causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to protect the skin and to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions. ★ Bitter: A substance that stimulates the appetite and improves digestion by increasing saliva and gastric juices. ★ Carminative: An agent that relieves flatulence. ★ Cholagogue: An agent that promotes the discharge of bile from the system, especially in its role of stimulating bowel activity. ★ Circulatory: An herb or substance that improves blood circulation. ★ Decongestant: An agent that shrinks swollen mucous membranes, especially in the nose, making it easier to breathe. ★ Demulcent: A substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes, especially in the mouth or throat. ★ Diaphoretic: An agent that promotes perspiration. ★ Diuretic: A substance that increases urine production. ★ Emmenagogue: An agent that stimulates or increases menstrual flow. ★ Endocrine modulator: An herb or substance that regulates hormone production or activity. ★ Euphoric: A substance that induces a feeling of intense happiness and well-being. ★ Expectorant: An agent that promotes the discharge of phlegm from the respiratory tract. ★ Galactagogue: An agent that promotes the flow of milk. ★ Hepatic: An agent that acts on the liver. ★ Hepatoprotective: An agent that protects the liver from damage. ★ Hypotensive: An agent that lowers blood pressure. ★ Immune modulator: An agent that regulates the immune system. ★ Immunostimulant: An agent that stimulates the immune system. ★ Laxative: A food or medicine that stimulates bowel movements. ★ Lymphatic: An agent that acts on the lymphatic system, a network of vessels that carry lymph, a clear fluid that contains white blood cells, throughout the body. ★ Nervine: An herb that calms and supports the nervous system. ★ Nootropic: A drug or other substance that is claimed to improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals. ★ Nutritive: Providing nourishment. ★ Parturient: An agent that assists in childbirth. ★ Sedative: A substance that reduces activity or excitement. ★ Silagogue: An agent that promotes the flow of saliva. ★ Topical antimicrobial: An agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the skin or mucous membranes. ★ Vascular tonic: An agent that strengthens and tones the blood vessels. ★ Vulnerary: A substance that promotes the healing of wounds.  *Regarding Pregnancy & Lactation* Preg A = safe, Preg B = shown adverse effects to animal foetus but no evidence of effects in human fetus OR vice versa, Lact C = lactation compatible with breastfeeding, Lact CC = caution/compatible, Preg CI = contraindicated, Preg D = discouraged, Lact SD = strongly discouraged Herb Key Actions Conditions Cautions & Pregnancy & Extra Contraindications Lactation Information Nourishing Avena sativa Nervine, Sedative, Anxiety, nervous Considered safe, nervine Nutritive, tension, depression, commonly used as (sleep-inducing). (Oat straw) Demulcent, IBD, insomnia food. Safety rating Excellent Vulnerary during pregnancy and demulcent for GI lactation not irritation and established. inflammation. Applied topically for skin conditions and excellent in baths. Potent and must Cannabis indica Analgesic, Appetite Migraines, Potent psychoactive Preg CI be used with (Cannabis) promoter, Euphoric anorexia, anxiety, when whole bud caution. Analgesic menstrual pain, preparation used. Botanicals in cancer pain Though often Insomnia and management, self-regulating when anxiolytic. cachexia, general smoked, in oral form, pain management, THC-containing insomnia Cannabis can lead to overdose (though not fatal). Therapeutic index can be narrow and will vary widely based on strain. CI during pregnancy. Eschscholzia Nervine, Sedative, Anxiety, insomnia, Considered safe, may Preg B Used as a specific californicum Antispasmodic, colic and cramping potentiate the effects of for anxiety, (California Analgesic other sedatives. Lact CC agitation, and poppy) insomnia. Humulus lupulus Nervine, Sedative, Anxiety, restless May worsen Preg B Potent sedative for (Hops) Antispasmodic, insomnia depression, may some, but shows female endocrine potentiate the effects of Lact CC little activity in modulator, bitter alcohol. Also others. Considered considered estrogenic. cool in nature. Avoid during Has been reputed pregnancy. as an anaphrodisiac, especially in males. Lactuca virosa Nervine, Sedative, Anxiety, restless Considered safe, but Preg B Can be a powerful (Wild lettuce) Antispasmodic insomnia, uterine avoided during sedative and even cramping, pain pregnancy. Lact CC hypnotic. Has conditions been reputed as an anaphrodisiac. Generally cooling, may be useful in heat patterns or hot constitutions. Potent and Lavandula spp. Nervine, Restlessness, Considered safe, rapid-acting (Lavender) Carminative, anxiety, headaches, though large doses of nervine, can be Antispasmodic, migraines, infusion or tincture used acutely to Topical depression, topical may cause mild calm rising antimicrobial infections, stomach upset due to anxiety insomnia high volatile oil content. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established. Leonurus Nervine, Anxiety, insomnia, Considered safe. Preg B Used especially in cardiaca hypotensive, delayed menses cases of anxiety (Motherwort) cardiotonic, mild Lact C with concomitant emmenagogue cardiovascular conditions, or irregular menses from nervous tension.  Matricaria Nervine, Anxiety, insomnia, Considered safe. Preg A Long infusion of recutita Carminative, nervous tension in Pleasant, widely used chamomile acts as (Chamomile) Vulnerary, the GI, GI ulcers, nervine tea, mild but Lact C a toning digestive, Antispasmodic, topical wounds and generally effective. with special Mild astringent, lesions, GI Especially useful in affinity for Mild demulcent disturbance in children as a nervine children and the children, teething during teething or elderly. upset digestion from nervousness. Melissa Nervine, Symptoms from May interfere with the Preg B An excellent officinalis Carminative, anxiety and nervous action of thyroid uplifting nervine, (Lemon balm) Antispasmodic, tension hormones (TSH Lact C useful in any Mild euphoric, (palpitations, antagonist). conditions Antiviral, sympathetic associated with Endocrine sweating, restless tension. Generally modulator (thyroid thinking), cooling. Also inhibitory), depression, GI particularly useful hypotensive disturbance from as a nervine for stress, insomnia, children. Used headaches and topically in viral migraines, infections. mild-moderate hyperthyroid conditions, hypertension Passiflora Nervine, Sedative, Insomnia, general Considered safe. May Preg B Slightly spicy in incarnata Hypotensive, anxiety and potentiate other flavor but overall (Passionflower) Antispasmodic, restlessness, anxiolytics. Lact C cooling. Effective Anti-inflammat. hypertension, nervine-sedative, neuralgia used especially in conditions presenting with nervous anxiety.  Piper Nervine, Mild Anxiety, insomnia, Although acute Preg B methysticum Euphoric, nervous tension, hepatotoxicity has (Kava kava) Analgesic, depression been effectively Lact CC Antispasmodic, disproven, long-term Antifungal consumption (210 mg A unique nervine Kavalactones qd) and anxiolytic shows elevated GGT. with mild A characteristic euphoric ichthyosiform skin properties when rash (dry, scaling) has used at been observed in appropriate dose. high-dose, long-term At larger doses users ingesting for the kava Botanicals in purpose of Insomnia induces intoxication. a mild euphoric intoxication Piscidia piscipula Nervine, Sedative, Anxiety, pain Considered non-toxic, Preg D A fairly strong (Jamaican Analgesic conditions, but avoided in sedative, useful in dogwood) Antispasmodic, insomnia, pregnancy. Lact SD pain from Antiparasitic menstrual cramping and cramping, restless sleep due neuralgia, migraine to pain (physical or emotional). Scutellaria Nervine, Anxiety, Considered safe. May Preg B Excellent nervine lateriflora Hypotensive, Mild particularly potentiate other with minimal (Skullcap) antispasmodic worrisome anxiety. anxiolytics. Lact CC soporific Digestive, nervous, properties, often or menstrual thought of as tonic symptoms  associated with and mild worry, insomnia adaptogen. Valeriana Nervine, Sedative, Deficient pattern Considered safe. May Preg A Effective officinalis Carminative, anxiety and potentiate other sedative, may (Valerian) Hypotensive, insomnia, sinus anxiolytics, Lact C induce grogginess Anodyne, congestion, pain particularly the next morning Antispasmodic, conditions benzodiazepines. if used in high Emmenagogue, dose. Some Decongestant individuals experience a “paradoxical reaction” in which valerian makes them feel restless and stimulated; this is seen especially in people with TCM heat/empty heat patterns. Valerian is generally considered a warm, Schisandra Adaptogen, Convalescence or Mild uterine stimulant, Preg B An excellent sinensis Astringent, conditions of but broadly considered tonic, particularly (Schisandra) Nervine, weakened vitality, safe. Lact CC for the feminine Hepatoprotective, skin conditions of aspect. Useful as a Alterative, deficiency, hepatoprotective Expectorant, diarrhoea in ongoing toxic Parturient (especially exposure or “daybreak hepatitis. Useful diarrhoea”), loose in cases where stool, nocturnal there is emissions, hepatitis, uncontrolled fluid hypothyroid, such as watery NAFLD mucus production, diarrhea, and loose stool  An excellent Cinnamomum Endocrine Type II diabetes, Considered safe as Preg CI warming zeylanicum modulator, diarrhoea, nausea, spice used in food in carminative, but (Cinnamon) Carminative, vomiting, URTI doses less than 5 g. can be too spicy Diaphoretic, Warming carminative, for some Astringent, can be too spicy for individuals. Antimicrobial, some. Generally CI in Antispasmodic pregnancy and lactation. Curcuma longa Circulatory, Type II Diabetes Not listed in Not listed in Not listed in (Turmeric) Carminative monographs monographs monographs Trigonella Endocrine Type II diabetes Not listed in Not listed in Not listed in foenum-graecum modulator, monographs monographs monographs (Fenugreek) Carminative Withania Adaptogen, Fatigue, nervous Considered safe. Preg Preg B An excellent somnifera hypotensive, exhaustion, chronic B, Lact C. non-stimulating (Ashwagandha) immune inflammatory Lact C adaptogen useful modulator, disease, anaemia, in promoting anti-inflammatory, lowered libido, performance and nootropic convalescence, recovery without hypothyroid the symptoms of presentations, Type overstimulation. II diabetes Sometimes thought of specifically as being useful as an adaptogen for the thyroid. Eleutherococcus Adaptogen Stress, exhaustion, Considered safe; may Preg B Eleuthero is an senticosus insomnia, mild potentiate cardiac archetypal (Siberian depression, medications. Lact C adaptogen. Ginseng) hypothyroid Increases resistance to oxygen deprivation of the heart. Useful in improving performance and stamina.  Generally thought Fucus Endocrine Thyroid May interfere with to exert its vesiculosus modulator, conditions related thyroid medications, influence on the (Bladderwrack) demulcent to iodine may alter thyroid thyroid via its deficiency, GI function. Safety rating iodine content. inflammation, during pregnancy and When used as hypothyroid lactation not whole plant, acts established. as GI demulcent Iris versicolor Alterative, Eczema, psoriasis, The fresh rhizomes are Preg B Excellent (Blue flag) Endocrine recurring infections, considered toxic, alterative with modulator, Hepatic, hypothyroid though both the dry Lact CC particular affinity Lymphatic conditions plant and tincture are for the lymphatics Cholagogue considered safe at and skin. Thought standard therapeutic to be an alterative doses. specific to the thyroid and adipose metabolism and likely has some direct activity at these tissues A potent Rhodiola rosea Adaptogen, Fatigue from Though not considered adaptogen. Works (Rhodiola) Vascular tonic overwork, lowered toxic, like Panax best when used in libido, ongoing ginseng, rhodiola may three-week cycles. physical or mental be too stimulating for Used acutely stress, altitude individuals showing during or sickness, ischaemic signs of restlessness, preceding times of heart disease, insomnia, dizziness, or known physical or hypothyroid anxiety. Safety rating mental stress during pregnancy and lactation not established. Rumex crispus Alterative, Chronic skin Not to be eaten fresh, Preg B Thought of as one (Yellow dock) Laxative, Hepatic, conditions, potentiates other of the best “blood Astringent, Mild constipation, stimulating laxatives. Lact CC purifiers” by the adaptogen convalescence, eclectics. Strong hypothyroid, and effective NAFLD alterative, also useful in building  the blood. Laxative. Excellent Scrophularia Alterative, Skin conditions Possible interaction alterative, nodosum Lymphatic, with itchy skin or with cardiac especially for (Figwort) Diuretic, Mild irritation, swollen glycosides. Safety in conditions of the laxative, lymph nodes, pregnancy and skin when there is Cardiotonic post-infection lactation not internal sluggishness, established. accumulation of hypothyroid toxins from infection. Stimulates breast Galega officinalis Hypoglycemic, Insufficient breast Will augment effects of milk production. (Goat’s rue) Galactagogue, milk production, other hypoglycemic Commonly used Diaphoretic blood sugar agents. Safety rating in hypoglycemic dysregulation, during pregnancy and treatment PCOS, Type II lactation not diabetes established. Effective oral Momordica Endocrine Type II diabetes, Considered safe and hypoglycemic charantia (Bitter modulator possibly PCOS consumed as food in agent. melon) (insulin), Bitter many Asian cuisines. Potential to cause hypoglycaemic events. Consumption of more than 2–3 of the fruit can cause GI pain and diarrhoea. Arctium lappa Alterative, Hepatic congestion, Considered safe, even Preg B Excellent (Burdock) Laxative, Hepatic, sluggish bowels, nutritious. alternative, often Nutritive eczema and other Lact C in combo with skin conditions, other primary IBS, type II alternatives. diabetes, nausea, Burdock’s sweet hypothyroid, flavor makes it a NAFLD useful partner to ginger in addressing nausea  Excellent hepatic Bupleurum Hepatic, Hepatic congestion, Avoided in cold alterative for sinensis Alterative, arthritis, chronic conditions or long-standing (Bupleurum) Anti-inflamm. inflammation, acute constitutions. Safety inflammation Hepatoprotective infections with rating during from physical or fever, NAFLD pregnancy and emotional lactation not accumulation. established. Useful in hepatitis as both a hepatoprotective and an anti-inflammatory Gentiana lutea Bitter, Hepatic, Sluggish digestion, Not to be used in cases Preg B A potent and (Gentian) Silagogue low appetite, of known ulceration. effective bitter constipation, Lact CC specific to bloating, NAFLD improving digestion Used to cool the Paeonia Female endocrine Any condition of Considered safe. liver and support lactiflora (Peony) modulator, female hormone Possible interaction smooth flow. Alterative, dysregulation, with anticoagulants. Useful in Antispasmodic, fertility challenges, Safety rating during dysmenorrhea and Mild adaptogen, acne, NAFLD pregnancy and other female Mild lactation not hormone patterns anti-inflammatory, established. of both deficiency Emmenagogue, and excess Nootropic Silybum Hepatoprotective NAFLD Not Listed in Not Listed in Not Listed in marianum (Milk Monographs Monographs Monographs thistle) Astragalus Immunomodulator Convalescence, General CI in Not listed in Pairs well with (Astragalus , recurrent infections, hypertension Monographs Angelica sinensis membranaceus) Immunostimulant, anemia Moderate Adaptogen, TCM builds blood Dong quai Female endocrine Convalescence, None reported Not listed in Primary herb for (Angelica regulator, secondary Monographs building blood sinensis) amenorrhea, and regulating weakness, debility,  tonic-adaptogen, irregular menses, menses of builds blood possibly menopause deficiency Codonopsis Adaptogen Convalescence, None Not listed in Often used in (Codonopsis particularly for the debility, asthma, Monographs immune formulas pilosula) digestive and digestive weakness and in change of respiratory system season soup Licorice root Adaptogen Convalescence, CI in hypertension Not listed in Licorice acts (Glycirrhiza particularly to ongoing stress, Monographs primarily as an glabra) adrenals, hypotension, aldosterone-like anti-inflammatory, asthma, eczema, endocrine demulcent, chronic or acute modulator, Pairs anti-viral, bronchitis, well with hypertensive emphysema, URTI, Bupleurum post-viral cough sinensis Chaga (Inonotus Tonic particularly Convalescence, Considered safe Not listed in Tonic properties obliquus) male tonic, active cancers Monographs anti-tumour, particularly anti-viral, cervical, viral anti-inflammatory infections, HIV, decreased libido Reishi Immunomodulator Convalescence, Considered safe Not listed in Useful medicinal (Ganoderma , anemia of chronic Monographs properties lucidum) immunostimulant, disease, long term anti-viral infections, cancer recovery, HIV, ME, asthma, COPD Shiitake Potent Convalescence, Considered safe Not listed in Safe, tasty, (Lentinula immunomodulator, anemia of chronic Monographs effective medicine edodes) immunostimulator, disease, long-term hepatic, infections, some anti-tumour, active cancers, HIV, anti-viral ME, elevated cholesterol, possibly herpes infections  Turkey tail Anti-tumour, Convalescence, Considered safe Not listed in Pairs well with (Trametes immunostimulant, active cancers Monographs other mushrooms versicolor) anti-microbial particularly gastric in combo. cancers, active Requires long infections decoction for optimal extraction Maitake aka Hen Anti-tumour, Convalescence, Considered safe Not listed in of the woods anti-viral, glucose breast, prostate Monographs (Grifolia regulating and colorectal frondosa) cancers, diabetes, HIV