An Introduction to Herbal Medicine

1
An Introduction to Herbal Medicine

• Dr. Clower

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Alternative Medicine

• Nutritional therapies
• Supplementation
• Relaxation therapies
• Exercise
• Manipulative therapies
• Aromatherapy
• Homeopathy
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Herbal Medicine

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What is herbal medicine?

• Some definitions
• Herb
• Herbal Medicine
• History

4
Who uses herbal medicine?

• Consumers
• 4 billion annually
• Physicians
• Medical schools

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How are herbs and drugs alike?

• Therapeutic chemicals
• Discovery
• Administration
• Research/testing
• Side effects/toxicity

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Classes of phytochemicals

• Phenols
• Quinones
• Flavones, flavanoids
• Tannins
• Coumarins
• Terpenoids
• Alkaloids
• Polypeptides

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How do herbs and drugs differ?

• Potency
• Side effects
• Cost
• Target

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Regulation of herbs and drugs

• Vary from country to country
• Drugs
• FDA
• Herbs
• AHPA
• NNFA
• Safety with herbs
• Be informed
• Dosage
• Side effects

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Choosing an herbal remedy

• Diagnosis
• Drug interactions
• Types of herbs
• Specifics
• Tonics
• The antis
• Adaptogens
• Bitters
• Carminatives
• Demulcents
• Expectorants

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Methods of administration

• Capsules
• Fresh vs. dry
• Teas, infusions, decoctions
• Tinctures, glycerites
• Infused oils
• Essential oils
• Sprays
• Tablets
• Standardized extracts
• Simple or formula

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Your assignment (15 points)

• You will be assigned an herb
• Research your assigned herb/plant
• What part of the plant is used?
• Active component?
• Method of administration?
• What is it used for?
• Side effects?
• Interactions with drugs?
• Cite references
• Summarize information on PPT poster (48 by 36)
  for in-class discussion
• E-mail poster to Dr. Clower no later than 400 pm
  on Monday 4/14