Herbal/Botanical Therapy

Question 1

Echinacea

Answer 1

Treats common cold
Can decrease effects of medicine for TB HIV and cancer

Question 2

Ginger root

Answer 2

Decrease nausea of morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea induced by sx

May decrease pain/stiffness for RA

Suppresses platelets aggregation
Don’t use in pregnancy

Question 3

Ginkgo biloba

Answer 3

Promotes vasodilation and may be used to increase recall ability and mental illness

Commonly use with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease
Used for erectile dysfunction if taking SSRIs
May interfere w/seizure medication- antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics
Interfere with clotting

Question 4

Valerian

Answer 4

Increase GABA to prevent insomnia
Promotes sleep and can become addictive
Drowsiness and depression
Caution w/mental health disorder
Avoid in pregnancy or breastfeed

Question 5

Black cohosh

Answer 5

Acts on female reproductive system as estrogen substitute
Menopause
Helps w HTN meds
Improves hypoglycemia along with diabetes medication