Chapter Eight Herbal Therapy



Home Care Association of New Hampshire

Licensed Nursing Assistant Medication-Certified

Herbal Therapy

Herbal therapy has become very popular over the last few years. Herbal medications ARE NOT regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as to purity or strength. Most people think of herbal therapy as harmless, it is not. Many herbal drugs interact with “over the counter” (OTC) and prescription drugs. Because herbal drugs are proclaimed to be “all natural”, we think of them as safe.

If a patient tells you that he or she is taking herbal supplements, be sure to report this information to the nurse.

Forms of Herbal Therapy

Herbs are plants or parts from plants. They have been used for thousands of years. Ironically, many prescription drugs come from plants. Foxglove is used to make Digoxin, which slows and strengthens the heart beat. The herb salicin is the source for asprin.

Some herbs are used in their fresh state. For example, aloe is used by breaking off one of the thick leaves and pressing the liquid inside the leaf on to a burn or abrasion.

Live herb plants are harvested and then dried. Drying stops the desired enzymes from breaking down. Dried herbs are normally effective for six months.

Extraction is another method for harvesting herbs. The desired therapeutic part of the herb is isolated and then soaked in alcohol or water. This helps to produce a reliable dose. Some extractions are processed further to become oils. The desired herb is extracted and then mixed with olive or vegetable oil. This prolongs the effectiveness.

Herbs can also be mixed with a semi-solid fat to become salves. These can then be made into a therapeutic balm, cream or ointment.

Herbal teas are becoming a very popular way to use herbs. The herbs are dried and then soaked in boiling water. Ginger tea is reported to be helpful for upset stomachs. Chamomile tea is used for stomach ailments as well.

Hazards of Herbal Therapy

Because of the lack of regulation, herbal therapy poses some health risks. People who are taking prescribed or OTC medications and use herbals must understand that there is no agency that has looked at drug interactions.

Dos and Don’ts about Using Herbal Supplements

• Don’t take if pregnant or trying to become pregnant

• Don’t take if breast feeding

• Don’t give to babies or young children

• Don’t take in large quantities

• Only buy herbs with the ingredients and amounts listed on the label

• Don’t stop taking prescription drugs before contacting your doctor

• Don’t give to babies or young children

• Use fresh herbs

• Don’t delay in seeking healthcare it you have an adverse reaction

• Herbs are not miracle cures

Commonly Used Herbs

Aloe Vera

• Used to treat minor burns, sunburn and insect bites

• Is a powerful laxative

• Can increase menstrual flow in small doses

Chamomile

• Used as a tea for GI upset

• Helpful for irritable bowel syndrome

• Can relieve infant colic (check with pediatrician)

• Can cause hives or bronchoconstriction

Dong Quai

• Used for menstrual cramps

• Can cause fever and excessive menstrual bleeding

Echinacea

• Stimulates the spleen to produce white blood cells and activate granulocytes, boosts the immune system

• Used for upper respiratory infections

• People with immune disorders should avoid using this

Garlic

• Reported to lower cholesterol

• May decrease blood pressure

• May reduce the blood’s ability to clot

• Used to reduce internal and external infections

• Warm garlic oil is used for ear aches

Ginger

• May increase the effectiveness of the immune system

• Used to treat disorders of the GI system

• Relieves nausea and pain

• Reduces swelling and stiffness from arthritis

Ginko Biloba

• Used to increase dilation of cerebral arteries

• Increases the uptake of oxygen and glucose

• Useful for treating dementia, intermittent claudication, vertigo and tinnitus

• Can cause headache and GI disturbance

Ginseng

• Short term relief of stress

• Is an energy booster

• Improves digestion

• Can be used for chronic conditions like arthritis

Kava Kava

• Promotes sleep and muscle relaxation

• Combats urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• When combined with Valerian and St. John’s Wort, may combat anxiety

Licorice

• Physiologic effect like aldosterone (antihypertensive) and corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory)

Peppermint

• Stimulates the appetite

• Aids in digestion

• Treats bowel disorders

• Hot tea stimulates circulation, reduces fever, clears congestion and restores energy

• When rubbed on the forehead, may relieve headache

Psyllium

• Used as a laxative

• Treatment of hemorrhoids

• Treatment of colitis, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome

Sage

• Used to heal wounds

• Tea relaxes a sore throat when gargled

• Helps to dry up breast milk

• Helps with hot flashes

St. John’s Wort

• Used to treat depression, anxiety and psychogenic disturbances

Saw Palmetto

• Relieves symptoms from benign prostatic hypertrophy

• Used as an expectorant

• Used for thyroid deficiency

Valerian

• Mild sedative

• Has an odor of “dirty socks”

Yarrow

• Stops bleeding wounds

• Used as a healing lotion or ointment

• Helps regulate the menstrual cycle

• Enhances circulation, lowers blood pressure

• Has an antispasmodic and antimicrobial effect

• Should not be used for epilepsy or by pregnant women

It is important to remember that herbal usage is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). All patients should inform their doctor if they are using herbal supplements.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download