An Introduction to Herbal Medicine Dr Clower Alternative

An Introduction to Herbal Medicine Dr. Clower

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

What is herbal medicine? • Some definitions: – Herbal Medicine • History

Who uses herbal medicine? • • Consumers $4 billion annually Physicians Medical schools

How are herbs and drugs alike? • Therapeutic chemicals • Discovery • Administration • Research/testing • Side effects/toxicity

Classes of phytochemicals • Phenols • Quinones • Flavones, flavanoids • Tannins • Coumarins • Terpenoids • Alkaloids • Polypeptides

How do herbs and drugs differ? • • Potency Side effects Cost Target

Regulation of herbs and drugs • Vary from country to country • Drugs – FDA • Herbs – AHPA – NNFA • Safety with herbs – Be informed – Dosage – Side effects

Choosing an herbal remedy • Diagnosis • Drug interactions • Types of herbs – Specifics – Tonics – The “anti’s” – Adaptogens – Bitters – Carminatives – Demulcents – Expectorants

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

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 4: 00 pm on Monday 4/14