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

O

O

flavone

OO

quinone

OO

coumarin

OH

mentholHO

O

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