Herbs

Question 1

Actions of Withania somniferum (Ashwangandha)

Answer 1

adaptogen, cognition, antioxidant, anxiety, insomnia, hypothyroid

Question 2

Actions/uses of Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus)

Answer 2

adaptogen/fatigue, prevention of infection/immune, diuretic

Question 3

Actions/uses of Bacopoa monnieri (Bacopa)

Cautions?

Answer 3

ADHD, cognitive decline, hypothyroidism, stress

Very safe!

Question 4

Actaea racemosa common name and uses

Answer 4

Black cohosh - perimenopause, menopause, hot flashes, cramps

Question 5

Matricaria recutita common name & uses, best preparation method

Answer 5

chamomile

anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, mild sedative so used in gastritis, low appetite, anxiety, cramps, IBS, insomnia

tea is best!!

Question 6

Actions/uses for Vaccinium macrocarpon and common name

Caution with??

Answer 6

Cranberry

Prevent UTI

May increase INR (international normalized ratio, used to standardize and compare results of prothrombin time which measures how long it takes for blood to clot) for those on Warfarin or Coumadin

Question 7

Uses for Echinacea

Caution with?

Answer 7

Flu, cold, sore throat, frequent sickness

May effect CYP450 enzymes, monitor. Avoid with immunosuppressives

Question 8

Sambucus nigra common name, uses, and cautions

Answer 8

Elderberry or elderflower

Prevent illness, flower for fever management

Theoretical concerns with autoimmune disease and covid

Question 9

Allium sativum common name, uses, and cautions

Answer 9

Garlic

Hypertension, MetS, dysbiosis, SIBO, influenza/cold

Don’t give w/blood thinners or bleeding disorders. Can lower BP - ok to eat in diet

Question 10

Zingiber officialis common name, uses, cautions

Answer 10

Ginger

Nausea, arthritis, poor circulation, poor motility, IBS, gas, bloating

Don’t use w/blood thinners except in food, not for those with a bleeding disorder

Question 11

Glycyrrhiza glabra - common name, uses and cautions

Answer 11

Licorice

Low cortisol, high T, PCOS, constipation, low BP, low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, leaky gut

Careful w/hypertension or edema, careful w/other K+ lowering meds,. MAY impact CYP3A4

Question 12

Peppermint uses and cautions

Answer 12

Migraines, headaches, IBS, dyspepsia - antispasmodic - “mint for mind & motility”

Caution w/immunosuppressive meds or calcium channel blocker

Question 13

Curcuma longa common name, uses, and cautions

Answer 13

Turmeric

Arthritis, pain, IBD, cancer prevention, autoimmune disease, fatty liver

NOT in pregnancy, avoid if anemic as it can reduce iron absorption