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:
– Herb – 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 • Tannins • Coumarins • Terpenoids • Alkaloids
O O
O O
quinone
O
• Flavones, flavanoids
O
flavone
OH
coumarin
HO
menthol
O
• Polypeptides
HO
H N
morphine
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