HERBS FOR THE NCLEX
1.BILBERRY:
Description: prevents production and releases histamine and prostaglandin, Relaxes smooth muscles
Inhibits platelet aggregation, Reduces permeability and strengthens capillary wall membrane
Use:
For simple diarrhea
Prevention and treatment of the eyes disorders
Diabetes
Antioxidant varicose veins and hemorrhoids
CAUTION:
May increase coagulation time ,May interfere with iron if taken internally, Use
cautiously with ASA, anticoagulants , Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation
2.BLACK COHOSH
Use:
For PMS and decreases menopausal symptoms
CAUTION:
Should not be used for more than 6 months. Overdose can cause dizziness, visual
disturbance, bradycardia and diaphoresis.
3. ECHINACEA
Improve immunity system and activates T lymphocytes, reduce inflammation. Used to treat colds,
fever and UTI's.
Use:
Prevention or reduction of symptoms of cold/ influenza
Boost immunity system
Treatment for herpes simplex and Candida
Improve healing
Regime should consist 8 weeks on and 1 week off, because in prolonged use it can suppress the
immunity and hepatotoxicity.
CAUTION:
May interfere with immunosuppressive agents, methotrexate, and ketoconizole.
Don't use for HIV/AIDS, Do NOT use with immunosuppressants, contraindicated in
alcoholism, children and pregnancy, lactation
4. FEVERFEW
Description: inhibits platelets aggregation, Suppress production of prostaglandin
Inhibits release of serotonin.
Uses:
Migraine, menstrual pain, Asthma, dermatitis, psoriasis, Arthritis, Fever
Recommended dosage 50 to 125mg dried herb with or after meals
CAUTION:
This herb should not be taken with Coumadin, aspirin, NSAIDS, thrombolytics or
antiplatelet meds because it prolongs the bleeding time.
Adverse effects:
Allergic reaction, lip and tongue swelling, Palpitations, increased menstrual flow
Sudden withdrawal may cause muscle ache and stiffness ,may interfere with clotting
mechanisms, not be used with anticoagulants, Not for pregnant women
5. GARLIC
Uses:
Reduction of cholesterol
Tx. of hypertension
Reduce risk of stroke
Anti carcinogenic
CAUTION:
Inhibits platelet aggregation. Contraindicated in GI ulcers, bleeding disorders. Garlic
may decrease normal blood clotting and should be used with caution in patients on
anticoagulants such as Warfarin /Coumadin, ASA and other herbs affecting
coagulation. May increase effect of diabetic drugs
May cause; Vertigo, garlic breath, GI irritation, nausea and vomiting
6. GINGER
Use:
Antiemetic, improve appetite, treatment for motion sickness
Diuretic, digestion aid, dyspepsia, relief of muscle pain, antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial
CAUTION/Adv. Effects:
Headache, anxiety, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, asthma attach,
postmenopausal bleeding. Not to be used with bilberry, feverfew, garlic, ginkgo, or
other anticoagulants like ASA
7.GINKGO
Use:
Supposed to improve memory and can used to treat depression. It also improves peripheral
circulation, Promote cerebral vasodilatation to improve short term memory, treats Peripheral
diseases like Raynaud’s, improves concentration and improvement of early stage senility of
Alzheimer's
CAUTION: Not to be used with anticoagulants, MAO inhibitors, Antiplatelets.
It increases the bleeding time in clients taking NSAIDS, cephalosporin’s and valproic
acid.
Avoid use of unprocessed ginkgo leaves, contain Urushiol responsible for itch and
found in Poison Ivy
8.GINSENG KOREAN
Uses: Ginseng has been used to stimulate the adrenal gland and thereby increase energy. It also may
apparently have some beneficial effect on reducing blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus
and improve glycosylated hemoglobin and cholesterol levels. Most common use is for fatigue (mental
or physical). May apparently improves body ability to reduce stress and prevent diseases and
psychomotor performance
CAUTION:
Ginseng can cause elevation in blood pressure, headache, vomiting, insomnia, and nose bleeding.
Ginseng can also cause falsely abnormal blood tests for digoxin level.
It is unclear whether ginseng may affect female hormones. Its use in pregnancy is not recommended.
Ginseng may affect the action of the normal blood clotting element (platelets). It should be avoided in
patients taking aspirin, NSAIDS or anticoagulants such as warfarin.
Ginseng may also cause headaches, tremors, nervousness, and sleeplessness. It should be avoided in
persons with manic disorder and psychosis.
Adv. Reactions:
Insomnia, palpitation and pruritus. Avoid concomitant use with caffeine.
9. GINSENG SIBERIAN
Uses: used as an anti-inflammatory.
Elevates lymphocyte T count, boost for immunity system
Enhances physical and mental performance under stress
CAUTION:
It decreases the effects of Anticoags and NSAIDS.
Use with caution with estrogen because it can cause clotting and lead to cardiac disease.
Should not be taken with corticosteroids because the combinations of these two can
result in extremely high levels of corticosteroids.
High doses can cause liver problems
Contraindications in pregnancy, premenopausal women, hypertension, CNS
stimulants.
10. HAWTHORN
Acts as antioxidant that decreases damage by free radicals to cardiovascular system by increasing
levels of Vit. C
Decreases peripheral vascular resistance to decrease blood pressure and acts like an ACE inhibitor
Increases strength of myocardial contraction and decrease heart rate
- treat mild hypertension
- treatment of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis
- prevent and treatment of chronic angina and treatment of early congestive heart failure
CAUTION:
Contraindicated with concomitant use of prescription antihypertensive or nitrates
Adv. Effects:
Nausea, fatigue, perspiration and cutaneous eruption of the hands, sedation
11.KAVA KAVA
Used to treat insomnia and mild muscle aches and pains.
CAUTION:
Increases the effect on the CNS suppressants and decreases the effects of levodopa.
Also increases/potentiates the effect of MAOI's. CAN CAUSE COMA WHEN COMBINED
WITH ALPRAZOLAM
12. MA HUANG (Ephedra). Banned??
Is a CNS Stimulant, used for weight loss and enhanced energy levels.
CAUTION:
DO NOT USE with as Ma Huang increases the effects of MAOI's as this may cause a
Hypertensive crisis, can cause cardiac arrthymias, insomnia, nervousness, depression
in children and dizziness.
13. MILK THISTLE
Beneficial in the tx. Of Hepatitis. The seeds of Milk Thistle exert anti hepatotoxic and
hepatoprotective action on liver toxins. Stimulates regeneration capacity of the liver
Uses:
Reduces hepatotoxicity, cirrhosis, hepatitis
14.SAW PALMETTO
USES:
Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia( BPH), treatment of asthma, bronchitis, treatment of
gynecomastia
CAUTION:
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interact with
SAW PALMETTO
Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting. Taking saw palmetto along with medications
that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. There is
some concern that it might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using
saw palmetto at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Contraceptive drugs interact with SAW PALMETTO
Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Saw palmetto might decrease the effects of
estrogen in the body. Taking saw palmetto along with birth control pills might decrease
the effectiveness of birth control pills. If you take birth control pills along with saw
palmetto, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.
Estrogens interact with SAW PALMETTO
Saw palmetto seems to decrease estrogen levels in the body. Taking saw palmetto along
with estrogen pills might decrease the effectiveness of estrogen pills.
14. ST. JOHN'S WORT
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin. Used to treat mild to moderate depression. Increases adverse CNS
effects when used with alcohol or antidepressants meds.
NOT FOR TREATMENT OF SEVERE DEPRESSION OR SUICIDAL IDEATION
CAUTION:
Not to be used with other antidepressants, SSRI, MAOI, or food containing tyramine
Not to be used with opiates, OTC cold or flu. May cause photosensitivity. May decrease
digoxin levels. Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation or children
15.VALERIAN ROOT
Action similar to benzodiazepines, but non-addicting, non-dependence, no morning hangover
USES:
Sedative, reduction of anxiety, treatment of insomnia
CAUTION:
Not to be used together with other sedatives or antidepressants
May cause hepatotoxicity : monitor liver function and avoid in hepatic dysfunction