Common Herb Chart

SCI/201 Version 5

University of Phoenix Material

Common Herb Chart
Complete the following table using information from sources other than the course text. Provide
references.
Discuss in the first column the various therapeutic uses for the herbal agent.
Write in the second column a summary of some available scientific studies that provide evidence for
efficacy in any of the therapeutic uses listed in the first column. If there are no good scientific studies, note
the absence of good studies.
List in the last column any potential side effects or possible adverse reactions that could occur with the
use of the herbal agent.
Name of
herb

Glucosamine

Echinacea

Garlic

Therapeutic use

Scientific studies

Cautions and warnings or

side effects

Commonly used for arthritis;

most often osteoarthritis.

Scientific studies show

that there is insufficient
evidence that
Glucosamine is effective
on painful bladder
syndrome, knee pain,
multiple sclerosis,
temporomandibular joint
(TMJ) arthritis, weight
loss, and glaucoma.

Glucosamine can cause

some mild side effects
including nausea,
heartburn, diarrhea, and
constipation. Uncommon
side effects are
drowsiness, skin
reactions, and headache.

Echinacea is widely used to

fight infections, especially the
common cold and other upper
respiratory infections.
Echinacea is also used against
many other infections including
the flu, urinary tract infections,
vaginal yeast infections, genital
herpes, bloodstream infections
(septicemia), gum disease,
tonsillitis, streptococcus
infections, syphilis, typhoid,
malaria, and
diphtheria.(WebMD, 2015)

Laboratory research
suggests that echinacea
can stimulate the bodys
immune system

Typically safe for most

people when used shortterm. There is not enough
information to know if
echinacea is safe for longterm use. Some side
effects have been
reported such as fever,
nausea, vomiting,
unpleasant taste, stomach
pain, diarrhea, sore throat,
dry mouth, headache,
numbness of the tongue,
dizziness, insomnia,
disorientation, and joint
and muscle aches.
(WebMD, 2015)

It is best known as a flavoring

for food. But over the years,
garlic has been used as a
medicine to prevent or treat a
wide range of diseases and
conditionsused for many

Some of these uses

are supported by
science. Garlic actually
may be effective in
slowing the
development of

Garlic has been used

safely in research for up to
7 years. When taken by
mouth, garlic can cause
bad breath, a burning
sensation in the mouth or

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Common Herb Chart

SCI/201 Version 5

Ginger

Ginkgo
biloba

conditions related to the heart

and blood system. These
conditions include high blood
pressure, high cholesterol,
coronary heart disease, heart
attack, and hardening of the
arteries
(atherosclerosis).(WebMD,
2015)
Some people apply garlic oil to
their skin to treat fungal
infections, warts, and corns.

atherosclerosis and
seems to be able to
modestly reduce blood
pressure. There is some
evidence supporting the
topical use of garlic for
fungal infections like
ringworm, jock itch, and
athletes foot. some
scientists have
suggested that it might
have a role as a food
additive to prevent food
poisoning. There is
some evidence that
fresh garlic, but not
aged garlic, can kill
certain bacteria such as
E. coli, antibioticresistant
Staphylococcus aureus,
and Salmonella
enteritidis in the
laboratory. WebMD,
2015)

stomach, heartburn, gas,

nausea, vomiting, body
odor, and diarrhea. These
side effects are often
worse with raw garlic.
Garlic may also increase
the risk of bleeding. There
have been reports of
bleeding after surgery in
people who have taken
garlic. Asthma has been
reported in people working
with garlic, and other
allergic reactions are
possible.

Used as a spice and can also

be used as a medicine. It can
be used fresh, dried and
powdered, or as a juice or oil.
Ginger is commonly used to
treat various types of stomach
problems, including motion
sickness, morning sickness,
colic, upset stomach, gas,
diarrhea, nausea caused by
cancer treatment, nausea and
vomiting after surgery, as well
as loss of appetite. Other uses
include pain relief from arthritis
or muscle soreness, menstrual
pain, upper respiratory tract
infections, cough, and
bronchitis. Ginger is also
sometimes used for chest pain,
low back pain, and stomach
pain.(MedLinePlus, 2014)

Lab and animal studies

have found that ginger
may,
theoretically:Lessen
swelling, Lower blood
sugar, Lower
cholesterol, Protect
against Alzheimer's
disease, Prevent blood
clotting(WebMD, 2015)

In small does there are

very few side effects.
When taken in large
doses, it may cause
Gas,Heartburn,Upset
stomach and Mouth
irritation (WebMD, 2015)

Ginkgo is often used for

memory disorders including
Alzheimers disease. It is also
used for conditions that seem to
be due to reduced blood flow in
the brain, especially in older
people. These conditions

The leaves are

generally used to make
extracts that are used
as medicine. However,
a few medicines are
made from the seed, but
these are not well

It can cause some minor

side effects such as
stomach upset, headache,
dizziness, constipation,
forceful heartbeat, and
allergic skin reactions.

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Common Herb Chart

SCI/201 Version 5
include memory loss,
headache, ringing in the ears,
vertigo, difficulty concentrating,
mood disturbances, and
hearing disorders. Some people
use it for other problems related
to poor blood flow in the body,
including leg pain when walking
(claudication), and Raynauds
syndrome (a painful response
to cold, especially in the fingers
and toes).(WebMD, 2015)

Kava

Lavender

Kava is a plant native to the

South Pacific. The root is used
for medicine. Kava is used to
calm anxiety, stress, and
restlessness, and treat sleep
problems (insomnia). It is also
used for attention deficithyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
epilepsy, psychosis,
depression, migraines and
other headaches, chronic
fatigue syndrome (CFS),
common cold and other
respiratory tract infections,
tuberculosis, muscle pain, and
cancer prevention. WebMD,
2015

The flower and the oil of

lavender are used to make
medicine. Lavender is used for
restlessness, insomnia,
nervousness, and depression. It
is also used for a variety of
digestive complaints including
meteorism (abdominal swelling
from gas in the intestinal or
peritoneal cavity), loss of
appetite, vomiting, nausea,

studied.

There are some BIG

safety concerns about
kava. Many cases of
liver damage and even
some deaths have been
traced to kava use. As a
result, kava has been
banned from the market
in Switzerland,
Germany, and Canada,
and several other
countries are
considering similar
action WebMD, 2015

Insufficient evidence for

treatment in Agitation,
eczema, Colic,
Constipation, and
depression.

There is some concern

that ginkgo leaf extract
might increase the risk of
liver and thyroid cancers.

Not recommended for use.

Serious illness, including
liver damage, has
occurred even with shortterm use of normal doses.
The use of kava for as
little as one to three
months has resulted in the
need for liver transplants,
and even death. Early
symptoms of liver damage
include yellowed eyes and
skin (jaundice), fatigue,
and dark urine. If you
decide to take kava,
despite warnings to the
contrary, be sure to get
frequent liver function
tests. Using kava can
make you unable to drive
or operate machinery
safely. Do not take kava
before you plan on driving.
"Driving-under-theinfluence" citations have
been issued to people
driving erratically after
drinking large amounts of
kava tea. WebMD, 2015
When taken by mouth,
lavender can cause
constipation, headache,
and increased appetite.
When applied to the skin,
lavender can sometimes
cause irritation.

Copyright 2014, 2012, 2010, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Common Herb Chart

SCI/201 Version 5

intestinal gas (flatulence), and

upset stomach. Some people
add lavender to bathwater to
treat circulation disorders and
improve mental well-being. By
inhalation, lavender is used as
aromatherapy for insomnia,
pain, and agitation related to
dementia. MedLinePlus, 2014

St. Johns
wort

Fish oil

Can ease mild to moderate

depression, Other uses include
heart palpitations, moodiness
and other symptoms of
menopause, attention deficithyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD), and seasonal affective
disorder (SAD). MedLinePlus,
2014

-Fish oil is used for a wide

range of conditions. It is most
often used for conditions related
to the heart and blood system.
Some people use fish oil to
lower blood pressure or
triglyceride levels (fats related
to cholesterol). Fish oil has also
been tried for preventing heart
disease or stroke.
- Women

sometimes take fish

oil to prevent painful periods;
breast pain; and complications
associated with pregnancy such
as miscarriage, high blood
pressure late in pregnancy, and
early delivery.
-Fish oil is also used for
diabetes, asthma,
developmental coordination

France has banned the

use of St. Johns wort
products. The ban
appears to be based on
a report issued by the
French Health Product
Safety Agency warning
of significant
interactions between St.
Johns wort and some
medications. Several
other countries,
including Japan, the
United Kingdom, and
Canada, are in the
process of including
drug-herb interaction
warnings on St. Johns
wort products.
The active ingredients in
St. Johns wort can be
deactivated by light.
-Fish oil can be
obtained from eating
fish or by taking
supplements. Fish that
are especially rich in the
beneficial oils known as
omega-3 fatty acids
include mackerel, tuna,
salmon, sturgeon,
mullet, bluefish,
anchovy, sardines,
herring, trout, and
menhaden.
- The scientific evidence
suggests that fish oil
really does lower high
triglycerides, and it also
seems to help prevent
heart disease and
stroke when taken in the
recommended amounts.

Aside the interaction with

many drugs, other side
effects include: trouble
sleeping, vivid dreams,
restlessness, anxiety,
irritability, stomach upset,
fatigue, dry mouth,
dizziness, headache, skin
rash, diarrhea, and
tingling.

- High doses of fish oil

might also reduce the
immune systems activity,
reducing the bodys ability
to fight infection.
-Fish oil can cause side
effects including belching,
bad breath, heartburn,
nausea, loose stools,
rash, and nosebleeds.
Taking fish oil
supplements with meals or
freezing them can often
decrease these side
effects.

Copyright 2014, 2012, 2010, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Common Herb Chart

SCI/201 Version 5
disorders, movement disorders,
dyslexia, obesity, kidney
disease, weak bones
(osteoporosis), certain diseases
related to pain and swelling
such as psoriasis, and
preventing weight loss caused
by some cancer drugs.

Ironically, taking too

much fish oil can
actually increase the
risk of stroke.

Other

References
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medlineplus.html
http://www.webmd.com/

Copyright 2014, 2012, 2010, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.