Botanical Medicine I.pdf

Mucilage Group of Polysaccharides forming gel-like consistency when combined with water Bulking Laxatives Emollients soften, soothe, protect skin Demulcents soften, soothe, protect skin Pull water into colon to colon to soften and give bulk to stool Protective barrier that soothes and moistens infla...

Mucilage Group of Polysaccharides forming gel-like consistency when combined with water Bulking Laxatives Emollients soften, soothe, protect skin Demulcents soften, soothe, protect skin Pull water into colon to colon to soften and give bulk to stool Protective barrier that soothes and moistens inflammation, irritations or burns Soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissue Used topically and internally Remove excess mucous from lungs and soothes irritated lung tissue Apply as gel, salve, oil, cream, lotion, poultice Cooling, soothing and relaxing to raw, hot, irritated or inflamed membranes of digestive, respiratory and genitourinary tracts Promotes laying down of granualtion tissue to form scab or eschar sooner Helpful for dry, sticky mucous that is difficult to cough up Some demulcents have soothing effect distal to site of contact due to reflex response initiated at gut Allantoin is another constituent that has this action found in comfrey and plantain Bulking enhances body’s reflex signaling pathway to evacuate stool Aloe gel - Aloe barbadensis Psyllium seed - Plantago psyllium Flax seed - Linum usitatissimum Marshmallow root - Althea off) Aloe gel - Aloe barbadensis Plantain - Plantago major Chickween - Stellaria media Comfrey - Symphytum off) Herbs for soothing DIGESTIVE TRACT Marshmallow - Althea off Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra Slippery Elm - Ulmus fulva Herbs for soothing the RESPIRATORY TRACT Mullein - Verbascum thapsus Coltsfoot - Tussilago sp Herbs for soothing the GENITOURINARY TRACT Corn silk - Zea mays Vulneraryspeeds up natural wound healing process Calendula - Calednula off Comfrey - Symphytum off Plantain - Plantago Ianceolata / major Soothing Expectorant Helpful for unproductive and irritable coughs Relax bronchial tissues and looson mucus to be expelled Plantain - Plantago lanceolata Coltsfoot - Tussilago farfara Mullein - Verbascum thapsus Safety Concerns Condensed: pre-flanvanoids Green / Black tea - Camellia sinensis Red raspberry leaf - Rubus ideaus White Willow - Salix alba Tannins Tannins may be inappropriate in the following conditions: constipation iron deficiency + malnutrition Tannins should not be taken with other meds or supplements Herbs rich in hydrolysable tannins (Witch Hazel) should be reserved for topical use due to hepatotoxic effects Hydrolysable: use caution Horse chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum Witch Hazel - Hamamelis virginicus Uva Ursi / Bearberry - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Toning and tightening effect due to the ability to precipitate proteins & reduce secretions Usually found in those parts of a plant that are shed - leaves, fruit, & bark Tannin Organ Affinity / Tissue specificity Astringent Binding, tightening, & drying effect on tissues Reduce secretions & diarrhea via toning and tightening effect Reduce mucous membrane irritation, inflammation, and swelling Improve mucous membrane integrity & form a barrier against infectious agents Speeds would healing (vulnerary effect) Yarrow - Achillea millefolium Meadowsweet - Filipendula ulmaria Witch Hazel - Hamamelis virginiana Red raspberry leaf - Rubus idaeus Hemostatic Vulnerary Anti-diarrhetic Dry up secretions GI Tract Meadowsweet - Filipendula ulmaris Green / Black Tea - Camellia sinensis Kidneys Horsetail - Equisetum arvense Uva Ursi / Bearberry - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Lungs Plantain - Plantago lanceolata / major Cardiovascular system Horse chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum Yarrow - Achillea millefolium Blueberry / Bilberry - Vaccinium spp Female Reproductive System Shepard’s Purse - Capsella bursapastoris Red raspberry leaf - Rubus ideaus Skin & Connective Tissue Horse chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum Witch Hazel - Hamamelis virginicus Safety Concerns Salicylates High doses may be ototoxic and may induce transient hearing loss in Zn-deficient individuals Toxic overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy tinnitus and dizziness (“Salicylism“) Avoid in cases of salicylate allergy Ease pain and reduce inflammation. A group of simple phenolics with salicin, methyl salicylate and salicylic acid Anti-Inflammatory Analgesic Soothe and relieve pain Anti-Pyretic/Febrifuge control or reduce fever Helps body modulate inflammation (NOT suppress or promote) Usually salicylate, alkaloid and resin constituents Fever is a natural healing process and should only be interfered with if fever gets TOO HIGH Support and balances our own chemical mediators responsible for inflammation Lesson neural sensitivity and pain signals within nervous system (i.e., cytokines, interleukins, prostaglandins, leukotriene...) Inhibit cell sodium dependent channels to reduce action potential (pain signal) transduction along nerve fibers Stimulate and deplate Substance P Used in LOW DOSES for LONG PERIODS OF TIME Cayenne - Capsicum spp. California Poppy - Eschscholzia californica Cramp Bark - Viburnum spp White Willow - Salic alba Meadowsweet - Filipendula ulmaria Peppermint - Mentha piperita White Willow - Salix alba Bitters Wormwood - Artemisia absinthium Gentian - Gentiana lutea Oregon Grape - Berberis sp Dandelion - Taraxacum off. Bitter Greens Bitter, digestive stimulant (constituents brought together by their bitter taste) Hepatic cholagogues & choleretics Alterative Cholagogues stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder Gradually restores proper nutrition, elimination and metabolic function of body Choleretics increase the volume of bile produced by the liver Blood cleansers / purifiers / detoxifiers Aid in digestion of food and break-down of dietary fats Action on lymphatic, gastrointestinal, urinary and skin systems Supports healthy liver cells Improve body’s metabolism of nutrients, elimination of waste and contain macro/micro/phytonutrients Hepatoprotective - turmeric Improve body’s metabolism of nutrients, elimination of waste and contain macro/micro/phytonutrients Hepatotrophorestorative - Milk thistle Milk Thistle - Silybum marianum Goldenseal - Hydrastis canadensis Turmeric - Curcuma longa Dandelion root - Taraxicum radix Burdock - Arctium lappa Yellow Dock - Rumex crispus Cleavers - Gallium aparine Dandelion root - Taraxicum off radix Stinging Nettle Tops - Urtica dioica folia Red Clover - Trifolium pratense Stimulates Appetite Aids Liver in Detox Regulates Blood Sugars Stimulates PNS Mild Laxative Stimulates Release of Digestive Enzymes, Acid and Bile Marigold - Calendula off Green / Black tea - Camellia sinensis Hawthorn berries - Crataegus sp. Bilberry, blueberry, etc. Turmeric - Curcuma longa Chamomile - Matricaria recutita Flavonoids “Biological Response Modifiers” Made up of a carbon skeleton with 2 substituted benzene rings Mostly found in leaves, fruits, & flowers Antioxidant Anti-spasmodic / spasmolytics Redox (oxidation - reduction) regulators transfer of electrons Prevent or ease spasms or cramping within the musculature (smooth + skeletal muscles) Reduce oxidative damage - caused by ROS Inhibits the reduction of dehydroascorbic acid via glutathione by acting as H+ donors allowing resonance stabilization allowing damaging molecules to be unreactive Slows the aging of cells Anti-inflammatory Vascular tonic Connect tissue tonic Liver-protective Anti-allergic Anti-viral Anti-cancer Also, nervine relaxants and carminatives Salicylates, alkaloids, and volatile oils also have this action Hops - Humulus lupulus Chamomile - Matricaria recutita Peppermint - Mentha piperita Cramp bark - Viburnum opulus Ginger - Zinigiber off Colourful fruits and veggies Turmeric - Curcuma longa Hawthorn - Crataegus sp Green tea Reishi - Ganoderma lucidum Therapeutic Properties of Flavonoids with mode of action Neuroprotective Enhanced CBF Reduced neuroinflamm. Anti-aging Anti-cancer Scavenging ROS Loss of MMP Induced apoptosis Induced cytoxicity Anti-diabetic Enz inhibition Inhibition of glucose transporter Anti-inflamm. Inhibiting biosynthesis of protein cytokines Inhibition of pro inflammatory prostaglandins Anti-bacterial Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis Anti-fungal ROS accumulation Induced apoptosis Mitochondrial injury Oxidative damage to DNA Safety Concerns Generally safe, although internal use may increase salivation, perspiration, peristalsis and stimulate heart muscle to contract Most EO should NOT be used internally Internal use of EO is contraindicated in pregnancy Caution with topical EO as it may be caustic to skin Volatile Oils Garlic - Allium sativum Peppermint - Mentha piperita Lemon Balm - Melissa off Ginger - Zingiber off Lavender - Lavendula off Aromatic Herbs (complex mixture of > 100 compounds) Carminatives Rubefacients Promote and ease digestive system function Dilate the blood vessels and mildly stimulate the tissue it comes in contact with Soothe and settle gut wall to ease cramps Resins and V.O. are often responsible for this action Aid in gas removal from intestines Cleanses and nourishes affected tissue via improved blood and lymphatic flow Can both stimulate and relax smooth muscles of the intestines depending on body’s needs Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare Chamomile - Matricaria recutita Lemon Balm - Melissa off Peppermint - Mentha piperita Ginger - Zingiber off Draws blood from deeper parts of the body into the skin to benefit organs Mustard Seed - Brassica alba/niger Cayenne - Capsicum spp Castor Oil - Ricinis communis Onion & Garlic - Allium cepa & sativa Nervine Stimulants Beneficial effect on nervous system Nervine Relaxants Beneficial effect on nervous system Nervine Tonics Beneficial effect on nervous system Anti-Microbial / Immune Stimulants Stimulates the NS in cases of mental fatigue Eases physical and psychological tension in cases of restlessness and anxiety Strengthen and feed the NS in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion “Immune Boosters” (good at onset of cold or flu to fight pathogen) Peppermint - Mentha piperita Orange EO Caffeine HIGH DOSE = sedative Lavender - Lavendula off Passionflower - Passiflora incarnata Lemon Balm - Melissa off Oat tops - Avena sativa St. John’s Wort - Hypericum perforatum Gotu Kola - Centella asiatica Act directly againt bacteria or virus and stimulate innate immunological defences Tea Tree Oil - Melaleuca alternifolia Oil of Oregano - Origanum vulgare Echinacea - Echinacea spp Old Man’s Beard - Usnea spp Anti-Inflammatory Beneficially Affects Skin, Nervous System, Respiratory System, Digestive System and Circulatory System Safety Concerns Saponins Wild yam - Dioscorea villosa Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra Ginseng - Panax ginseng May have an irritating effect on mucuous membranes potentially causing urticaria, sneezing, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting May have hemolytic properties when taken intravenously or intramuscularly “Soap-like” Based on a steroid or triterpene fatsoluble base joined with a water-soluble sugar molecule Immunomodulator/ Deep Immune Tonics Saponins + polysaccharides have this action Benefit the responsiveness of the immune system Feeds and strengthens the immune system Support the cells involved in our immune defense Stimulate T-suppressor cells, macrophages, NKC, WBCs, & antibodies Adaptogenic to help with convalescence Used in chronic or recurrent disease states Astragalus - Astragalus membranaceous Medicinal mushrooms - Reishi, Shiitake, Chaga, etc. Schisandra - Schisandra chinensis Diuretic Stimulating expectorant Anti-catarrhal Activation of the muco-ciliary escalator & mucous membrane irritation Saponins, volatile oils, & tannins have this action Causes the respiratory system to expel thick, copious mucus from the lungs Thin and remove excess mucous from the body (usually ear, nose, sinuses, and throat) Helpful in congestive lung disorders Great for nasal and sinus congestion Blood root - Sanguinaria canadensis Eucalyptus Elderberry & Flower - Sambucus nigra Eyebright - Euphrasis off Wild Indigo - Baptisia tinctoria Goldenseal - Hydrastis canadensis Anti-inflammatory Anti-spasmodic Aphrodesiac Antioxidant Emmenogogue Cardiac stimulant Hormone modulating - mimics endogenous hormones Hepatoprotective supports Kuppfer cells Adaptogen - spares cortisol Regulate adrenal fxn Help build resilience to stress Improve energy and stamina Some are trophorestorative to the adrenal tissue Siberian Ginseng - Eleutherococcus senticosus Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera Schisandra - Schisandra chinensis Holy Basil - Occimum tenuifolium Ginsengs Safety Concerns All alkaloids have the potential to be toxic Must adhere to maximum weekly and daily doses with plants containing high levels of alkaloids Contraindicated in prgnancy and lactation Early signs of toxicity included... Dry mouth and eyes Pupil Dilation Heart Palpitation Rapid/Shallow breathing Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Delirium, confusion Anti-Spasmodic Analgesic Deadly Nightshade - Atropa belladonna Goldenseal - Hydrastis canadensis Oregon Grape - Berberis aquifolium Lobelia - Lobelia inflata Borage - Borage off. Comfrey - Symphytum off. Coffee Green Tea Chocolate Alkaloids Mixed group of constituents containing nitrogen-bearing molecule (commonly found in flowering plants) Nerve Stimulant Anti-Cancer Anti-Bacterial Anti-Arrhythmic Types of Alkaloids Indole Passionflower - Passiflora incarnata Peyote - Psilocybe sp, Lophophora williamsii Isoquinoline Corydalis - Corydalis ambigua California Poppy Eschscholzia californica Oregon Grape - Berberis aquifolium/vulgaris Goldenseal - Hydrastis canadensis Purine Coffee - Coffea arabica Tea - Camellia sinensis Vasodilatory Psychotropic / Hallucinogenic Anthraquinones Safety Concerns Largest subgroup of quinones Yellow-brown pigments, occur mainly as glycosides Major constituent responsible for stimulant laxative effects (dose & bowel flora dependent) Mostly a local action with little absorption Increased peristalsis + inhibition of H2O and electrolyte resorption by the intestinal mucosa 6-8 hours delay after ingestion before effects commence Cascara - Rhamnus purshiana Senna - Cassia angustifolia Aloe latex - Aloe barbadensis Turkey Rhubarb - Rheum palmatum AEs -> acute intestinal pain & cramping Long term use -> dependence, electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia), dehydration, interfere w/ absorption of meds, peroxidation of lipids in enteric mucosa Use caution in acute IBS/IBD, bowel obstructions, spastic colon, abdominal pain of unknown origin, children