Module 7 Review Questions

Transcription

1 Module 7 Review Questions Introduction to Module 7 1. Describe the immune system s role in maintaining our overall health. 2. Describe a few examples in which the functioning of the immune system goes awry. 3. What are some possible explanations for the rise in immune system disorders? What are some practices that can help children develop strong immune systems? Introduction to Immunostimulants, Immunomodulators, and Antimicrobials 1. List some potentially serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention. 2. What are immunostimulants? Should these herbs be taken long-term or for short periods? Do they have a quick or sustained effect? When would it be appropriate to take these herbs? What precautions are associated with this class of herbs? Give at least four examples of immunostimulants. 3. What are immunomodulators? Should these herbs be taken long-term or for short periods? Do they have a quick or sustained effect? When would it be appropriate to take these herbs? Give at least four examples of immunomodulators. 4. What is an herbal immune tonic? How are they different than immunomodulators? Give at least two examples of herbal immune tonics.

2 5. What is an herbal antimicrobial? Can any antimicrobial herb be used for any given infection? List at least three antimicrobial herbs. Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) 1. Describe an ideal habitat for boneset, and give at least one identifying characteristic of this plant. Why is proper identification extremely important with this plant? 2. What are pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and what is the concern around ingesting harmful PAs? What are the symptoms of PA damage? What populations are most vulnerable? 3. List at least three plants that contain harmful PAs, and give some examples of herbs you can use as a substitute. What look-alike of boneset contains harmful PAs? Does boneset contain harmful PAs? 4. List at least four of boneset s herbal actions. List two ways to prepare boneset for internal use, and two ways to prepare it for external use. Which preparation will optimize its diaphoretic effect? 5. List at least three indications for the use of boneset, and include both internal and topical uses. Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) 1. Which parts of spilanthes are medicinal? Can it be used fresh or dried? What causes spilanthes unmistakable numbing quality?

3 2. List at least three of spilanthes herbal actions, and describe its energetics. List at least three medicinal preparations you can make with this plant. 3. Describe how you would use spilanthes as an immune stimulant. At what point during an infectious illness is spilanthes indicated? Give a few examples of an infection that can be ameliorated by the use of this plant. 4. How could you use spilanthes for tooth health? 5. List the precautions and contraindications that should be considered when using spilanthes. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) 1. Are all species of Echinacea medicinal? E. angustifolia is way better than the other species, right? Can you use cultivars of this plant? 2. Which parts of Echinacea are medicinal? Why might you consider using the flowering tops rather than the root? Can this plant be used fresh or dried? 3. List at least three of Echinacea s herbal actions, and list three of the many ways to prepare this plant medicinally. 4. Describe Echinacea s role during infectious illness. Is Echinacea a short- or long-term remedy?

4 Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) 1. What parts of goldenseal can be used for medicine? List at least four herbal actions and at least three possible medicinal preparations for goldenseal. Why might some preparations be more effective than others? 2. Goldenseal contains several powerful alkaloids. Tell us about two of them. 3. Give two reasons that goldenseal might not be the best herb to use at the onset of a cold. At what point during a cold is the use of goldenseal indicated? 4. Besides the respiratory system, list three other organ systems that can be supported by goldenseal, and at least three indications for each system. 5. What are the concerns about harvesting goldenseal from the wild? List some sustainable analogues for goldenseal. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma or Monarda fistulosa) 1. What plant family does Monarda belong to? Why is it important to use scientific names with this group of plants? How does bee balm make Early Grey so very tasty? 2. What precautions should you take when harvesting bee balm from the wild? What time of year should you harvest bee balm (particularly to avoid fungal diseases overtaking your medicine)? 3. What parts of Monarda are medicinal? What parts are edible? List at least three ways to prepare this plant for food or medicine. What are Monarda s herbal actions?

5 4. How can bee balm be used to treat respiratory infections? List at least two medicinal preparations of bee balm that can relieve respiratory ailments. 5. Aside from respiratory support, describe at least three other indications for the use of bee balm. Are there any precautions or contraindications when using this medicinal? Calendula (Calendula officinalis) 1. Why is it preferable to use the whole flower head of calendula, rather than just the petals? 2. Can you use any variety of calendula as food or medicine? What should you look for when purchasing Calendula seeds? 3. List at least four of calendula s herbal actions. Describe two ways to prepare calendula for internal use, and two ways to prepare it for external use. 4. List five body systems that can be supported by calendula, and provide at least one indication for each system. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) 1. What toxic constituent is present in the elder plant? List the parts of the plant that contain this compound in order, from low to high levels of toxicity. 2. Is there a way to prepare elder that will reduce or eliminate its toxicity? Which types of preparation can be used freely, and which require more caution?

6 3. Describe an ideal natural habitat for elder (Sambucus nigra var. canadensis or S. nigra). List one identifying characteristic of the bark, leaf, flower, and berry (you can keep it broad, unless you really want to practice your botanical lingo!) 4. List at least four herbal actions for elderflower, and at least one indication associated with each action. Note: some indications are due to more than one action. For example, elder flowers do such a good job clearing up congestion because of a combination of three of their herbal actions. 5. List at least four herbal actions for elderberry, and at least one indication associated with each action. 6. What precautions and contraindications are associated with elder?