Question | Answer |
Astragalus | -Used to boost immune system.
-Study of mice with tumors showed drop in tumor size and cell count.
-Potentiates effects of diuretics, phenobarbital, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants. |
Bilberry | -Help the peripheral circulatory system by improving s/s of imparied peripheral blood flow.
-May exacerbate anticoagulation, and antidiabetic meds= hypoglycemia.
-First came to attention during WWII, pilots' night vision improved. |
Black Cohosh (Climicifuga Racemosa) | -Used for tx s/s of menopause.
-Potentiate the hypotensive effects of antihypertensives, and the hypoglycemic effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemics.
-If aspirin taken daily, don't mix with this. |
Black Pepper and Cayenne Pepper | -Black pepper, used for digestion problems.
-Cayenne pepper promotes increased blood flow to hands, feet, and central organs.
-Black pepper increases absorption of many drugs: dilantin,propanolol,rifampin,theophylline. |
Cardamom | -Spice
-Digestion
-Aroma |
Cats Claw | -Helps promote a strong immune system and decreases inflammaion.
-Has been used a a contraceptive and to terminate pregnancy.
-2 types: each contains a different type of oxindole alkaloid, one pentacyclic and the other tetracyclic. |
Cinnamon | -Used for type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
-AE: Increased HR a result of adults ingesting a large amount.In children, can cause cinnamon poisioning.
-Anit-coagulant properties and can thin the blood. Watch when taking with blood thinners. |
Co-Enzyme Q10 | -Low doses may improve muscle injury caused by Statin use.
-Co-Enzyme Q10 structurally similar to K2, therefore it may antagonize the effects of Warfarin.
-May interfere wit the body's insulin requirements in diabetics. |
Dandelion Root | -Works on the liver and gallbladder to help remove waste products.
-Tea can cause diarrhea initially.
-Meds (Tylenol, Ativan, and Valium) which are broken down in the liver,could work less with the use of this herb. Increases breakdown of meds in liver. |
Echinacea | -Commonly used to tx infections.
-Discovered by Native Americans as a remedy for sore throat,toothache, and snake bite.
-May exacerbate autoimmune disease. |
Elderberry | -May act as a laxative and/or diuretic. Can increase effect of diuretics, and diabetes meds.
-Should never be given to ped pts.
-Pregnant and breast feeding women shouldn't take this. |
Fennel Seeds | -Remedy for bed wetting.
-Can cause a pt's skin to be very sensitive to sunlight and cause severe sunburn.
-If pt has breast or ovarian CA, or endometriosis, then this can act like estrogen and cause s/s or conditions to become worse. |
Fenugreek | -Lowers cholesterol.
-Lowers blood sugar in diabetes.
-Inhibits liver CA and stimulates uterine contractions. |
Feverfew | -Used to prevent and relieve migraines.
-Used for infertility in men and women.
-Eating or chewing the fresh leaves results in canker sores, loss of taste, and swelling of the lips and tongue. |
Flaxseed | -Most commonly used as a bulk laxative.
-May lower blood glucose levels.
-Poisonous if unripe or raw when eaten. |
Garlic | -Proven to kill bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and viruses
-Bleeding when used with other antiplatelet agents: potentiates antidiabetic drugs;avoid before surgery
-Don't take without consulting a doctor if you have a bleeding/clotting disorder, or diabetes |
Ginger Root (Zingiber Officinale) | -May be used for diarrhea, stomach aches, and nausea.
-SE: gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea.
-May increase the effects of Warfarin or aspirin. |
Ginkgo Biloba | -Popular for improving memory.
-AE: altered equilibrium that can be reduced by gradually increasing the dosage when necessary.
-Other name= fossil tree |
Ginseng | -Used to counteract stress.
-Can lower blood alcohol levels.
-Commonly found in dietary supplements containing multiple ingredients. |
Glucosamine | -Used to tx arthritis, most commonly OA of the knees, hips, wrists.
-Some made from shellfish, possible allergic reaction.
-Closely monitor blood glucose levels, may increase. |
Godenseal | -May increase Digoxin levels.
-Believed that this drug can give a false negative urine drug screen.
-Other name = yellow root. |
Green Tea | -Used to prevent and tx certain types of CA. Bladder, breast, skin, and stomach.
-Caution for pt's on long-term anticoagulant therapy, vit K present in herb can decrease effectiveness.
-Caution with meds that dilate veins. |
Hawthron Berry | -Drug Interactions: meds for male sexual dysfunction(phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors)
-Known as "mother of the heart" dilates blood vessels, esp coronary vessels, reducing peripheral resistance=lower blood pressure.
-Safe Dose: 160-1800mg/day for 3-24 wk |
Horny Goat Weed | -Used most commonly for sexual functioning, acts on androgen.
-Acts by rising nitric oxide levels(relaxes smooth muscle=blood perfusion)
-AE: breathing difficulties and muscle spasms. |
Horse Chestnut | -Used for venous insufficiency issues like varicose veins.
-Tree and all its contents contain esculin which can be fatal if eaten before processed.
-A latex allergy= high risk of allergic reaction to horse chestnut. |
Lemon Balm | -Used as a nerve relaxant.
-Effective in herpes simplex lesions.
-inhibits the effects of thyroid stimulating hormone. |
Licorice | -anti-inflammation.
-AE: High blood pressure.
-Drug interactions: Aces, diuretics, digoxin |
Milt Thistle | -For tx of liver and gallbladder disorders.
-Women use cautiously if breast CA, uterine CA, Ovarian CA, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Acts like estrogen and makes worse.
-Can increase effects of meds that are broken down by the liver. |
Pomegranate | -Most known as a anthelmintic for tapeworm infestation.
-Can lower LDLs and prevent arteriosclerosis and heart disease, and keep carotid arteries clear from buildup.
-AE: rind, bark, and roots high in pelletierene alkaloids that could become poisonous |
Probiotics | -Replaces good bacteria in the intestine after antibiotic use.
-AE: Gas
-Check for a weak immune system or anything affecting immunity including AIDS or recent organ transplant before therapy. |
Psyllium | -laxatives and anti-diarrheal
-Must be taken with a full glass of water or other liquid (8oz,240ml) so that it won't swell in throat.
-Stimulates lower pelvis, pregnant women shouldn't take it. |
Red Yeast Rice | -In healthy people used to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
-Pts need liver test done periodically, can cause liver damage.
-Highly effective and reduce cholesterol levels up to 15%. |
Royal Jelly | -Secreted from young worker bees and then fed to the larva produced by queen bee.
-prevents or treats vascular diseases, esp hardening of the arteries and various other conditions assoc with aging.
-AE: mostly pertaining to allergic reactions and asthma |
St. John's Wort | -Used as antidepressant for mild-mod symptoms.
-Best to take in morning so that it doesn't affect sleep.
-D/C 2 wks prior to surgery. |
Saw Palmetto | -Approved to tx Stage I and II urinary problems of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
-Pt receives 320mg/day(can be 160 BID)
-Causes cyclooxygenase and platelet inhibition, so caution with warfarin= increased bleeding risk. |
Slippery Elm | -Coats digestive tract.(inhibit absorption)
-Inform pts to take 2hrs before or after other meds or herbs.
-Bark is dried then powdered. |
Turmeric | -Helps with pain and inflammation assoc with rheumatoid arthritis.
-Supports heart and blood vessel health by reducing harmful cholesterol levels.
-Teach pt that if gallstones have developed, don't treat with turmeric. |
Valerian Root | -Used as a sedative to promote sleep and reduce anxiety-assoc restlessness
-Stop 2 wks before surgery since it can prolong sedation.
-Used as a tranquilizer throughout WWII. |
Yohimbe | -Effective for erectile dysfuntion and sexual performance assoc with SSRI's.(increases blood flow to genital area)
-AE:kidney failure,seizure,heart attack.
-Narcan increases the chance of side effects such as anxiety, nervousness,trembling,hot flashes |