1. An Introduction to Herbal Medicine
Dr. Clower

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

3. What is herbal medicine?
Some definitions:
Herb
Herbal Medicine
History

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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