Lesson 2: Specific herbs for the endocrine system

Question 1

Summerise a review of the endocrine system.

Answer 1

• Controlled by Hypothalamus - Some organs have both endocrine and exocrine function (i.e. pancreas) - Heart also has endocrine function - Made up of several axis, HPA, HPO and HPT.

Question 2

What is the anterior pituitary controlled by and what does it release?

Answer 2

Controlled by Hypothalamus - TSH release - ACTH release - Prolactin release

Question 3

What are Adaptogens?

Answer 3

• Herbal holistic body tonics offering restorative capabilities - They Increase resistance to physical, environmental, emotional or biological stressors Well suited to the following: - Those in poor health due to excessive stress - Anyone convalescing - Those undertaking intensive exercise - Patients with endocrine disruption

Question 4

Name 4 herbs with Adaptogen actions?

Answer 4

1. withania (Withania somnifera) 2. rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) 3. Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) 4. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosos)

Question 5

What are Adrenal resoratives?

Answer 5

Adrenal restoratives are chosen to restore the function and vitality of the adrenal glands during or after periods of high stress.

Question 6

Name 2 herbs that have Adrenal restorative actions?

Answer 6

1. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 2. Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)

Question 7

Name 2 cautions/contraindications for the use of Adrenal restoratives?

Answer 7

1. Avoid in cases of headache and epilepsy 2. Avoid excessive concomitant use of coffee and other caffeine containing substances

Question 8

What are Thyroid stimulants?

Answer 8

• Restore function and morphology of thyroid gland - Stimulate secretion of thyroid hormones - Increase metabolism - Can be used in the management of obesity, weight gain, hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism

Question 9

Name 2 herbs with Thyroid stimulant actions?

Answer 9

1. Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) 2. bladderwrack (Fucus versiculosis)

Question 10

When are Thyroid stimulant herbs contraindicated?

Answer 10

For hyperthyroidism

Question 11

What are thyroid suppressants?

Answer 11

• Reduce secretion of thyroid hormones - Restore metabolism - Alleviate signs & symptoms of thyroid excess - Used to address overactive thyroid

Question 12

Name 2 herbs with Thyroid suppressant herbs?

Answer 12

1. bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) 2. motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Question 13

When are Thyroid suppressant herbs contraindicated?

Answer 13

During hypothyroidism,. pregnancy and lactation.

Question 14

What are anti-obesity herbs?

Answer 14

• Assist in the reduction of body weight - Important in the management of the client with an underactive thyroid - Bulking agents (i.e. mucilage containing herbs) assist in satiety.

Question 15

Name 3 herbs with anti-obesity actions?

Answer 15

1. bladderwrack (Fucus versiculosis) 2. coleus (Coleus forskolii) 3. gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)

Question 16

What are hypoglycaemic herbs?

Answer 16

Regulate and balance blood sugar levels Act by: - reducing the intestinal absorption of glucose - stimulating insulin secretion - increasing the amount of pancreatic cells and islets of Langerhans

Question 17

45 yr. old woman presents with severe hot ears, excessive palmar sweating, nervousness, increased anxiety and palpitations. What herbal actions are required?

Answer 17

• TSH antagonist - Sedative - Nervine - Peripheral vasoconstrictor - Adaptogen - Nervine tonic - Anti-hydrotic - tonic

Question 18

What formula of herbs would you recommend for the following actions required? - TSH antagonist - Sedative - Nervine - Peripheral vasoconstrictor - Adaptogen - Nervine tonic - Anti-hydrotic - tonic

Answer 18

1. Gotu kola(Centella asiatica) = adaptogen, nervine tonic 2. Bugleweed (Lycopus europaeus) = TSH antagonist, peripheral vasoconstrictor, sedative 3. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) = nervine tonic, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic, antithyroid 4. Withania (Withania somnifera) = adaptogen, tonic, sedative, nervine tonic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory 5. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) = adaptogen, adrenal restorative, anti-inflammatory

Question 19

22 yr old woman has been struggling with her weight for some time. She often feels very, cold ,lethargic and craves sweets. What herbal actions are required?

Answer 19

• Thyroid stimulant - Anti-obesity - Appetite inhibitor - Blood sugar regulator - Tonic - Adrenal restorative - Anti-inflammatory - Peripheral Circulatory stimulant - Depurative

Question 20

What formula of herbs would you recommend for the following actions required? - Thyroid stimulant - Anti-obesity - Appetite inhibitor - Blood sugar regulator - Tonic - Adrenal restorative - Anti-inflammatory - Peripheral Circulatory stimulant - Depurative

Answer 20

1. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) = thyroid stimulant, antiobesity 2. Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) = antiinflammatory, adrenal tonic/restorative, adaptogen 3. Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) = anaesthetising to sweet taste buds, appetite inhibiting, astringent, blood sugar regulating 4. Ginger (Zingiber off.) = circulatory stimulant 5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus off.) = antioxidant, circulatory stimulant, hepatoprotective

Question 21

Name a herb action that restores the function and vitality of the adrenal glands during or after periods of high stress?

Answer 21

Adrenal resorative

Question 22

Name a herb action that can regulate and balance blood sugar levels?

Answer 22

Hypoglycaemic

Question 23

Name a herb action that can assist in losing weight?

Answer 23

Anti-obesity

Question 24

Name a herb action that is a herbal holistic body tonic offering restorative capabilities?

Answer 24

Adaptogen

Question 25

Name a herb action used to address an overactive thyroid?

Answer 25

Thyroid suppressant

Question 26

Name a herb action used to stimulate the secretion of thyroid hormones?

Answer 26

Thyroid stimulant

Question 27

Chines foxglove (Rehmannia) belongs to which genus?

Answer 27

Rehmannia genus

Question 28

Which part of Chinese foxglove (Rehmannia) is used in herbal medicine?

Answer 28

The root

Question 29

What is Chinese foxglove (Rehmannia) normally used to treat?

Answer 29

Normally used to treat adrenal depletion.

Question 30

Liquorice belongs to which genus?

Answer 30

Glycyrrhiza genus

Question 31

Which part of Licorice is used for herbal medicine?

Answer 31

The root

Question 32

What is Licorice normally used to treat?

Answer 32

Normally used to treat endocrine disorders.

Question 33

Bladderwrack belongs to which genus?

Answer 33

Fucus genus

Question 34

Which part of Bladderwrack is used in herbal medicine?

Answer 34

The thallus (plant body)

Question 35

What is Bladderwrack normally used to treat?

Answer 35

Normally used to treat poor thyroid function and assist weight loss.

Question 36

Bugle weed belongs to which genus?

Answer 36

Lycopus genus

Question 37

Which part of Bugle weed is used for herbal medicine?

Answer 37

The aerial parts

Question 38

What is Bugle weed normally used to treat?

Answer 38

Normally used to treat hyperthyroidism

Question 39

Ashwaganda (withania) belongs to which genus?

Answer 39

Withania genus

Question 40

Which part of Ashwaganda (withania) is used in herbal medicine?

Answer 40

The root

Question 41

What is Ashwaganda (withania) normally used to treat?

Answer 41

Normally used to treat anaemia and debility.

Question 42

Identify this herb?

Answer 42

Ashwaganda (withania)

Question 43

Identify this herb?

Answer 43

Bladderwrack

Question 44

Identify this herb?

Answer 44

Chinese foxglove (rehmannia)

Question 45

Identify this herb?

Answer 45

Bugle weed

Question 46

Identify this herb?

Answer 46

Licorice

Question 47

Which herb contains steroidal lactones, alkaloids and saponins, and has an adaptogenic action?

Answer 47

Chinese foxglove (withania)

Question 48

Which herb is contraindicated in hypothyroid conditions?

Answer 48

Bugle weed