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 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 poster to Dr. Clower no later than 4:00 pm on Monday 4/14