Herbal & Natural Remedies Flashcards
6 cards from real Alternative Medicine practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Herbal & Natural Remedies flashcards as text
Which herb is most commonly used in US alternative medicine as a natural remedy for migraine prevention due to its ability to reduce platelet aggregation?
Answer: Feverfew
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been studied for migraine prevention, with parthenolide inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing neuroinflammation.
In herbalism, what term describes a substance that soothes and protects inflamed or irritated mucous membranes?
Answer: Demulcent
Demulcents are herbs rich in mucilage that coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes in the throat, digestive tract, and urinary system.
Which quality standard is most important for a practitioner to verify when recommending herbal supplements to US clients?
Answer: Third-party testing and USP or NSF certification
Third-party certification (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab) ensures herbal products contain what the label claims at the stated dose and are free from contaminants.
What is the primary concern when combining St. John's Wort with prescription medications in a US clinical setting?
Answer: It induces CYP3A4 enzymes, reducing effectiveness of many drugs
St. John's Wort is a potent inducer of the CYP3A4 enzyme pathway, which can significantly lower blood levels of medications including antiretrovirals, contraceptives, and warfarin.
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is most frequently used in US alternative medicine practice to address symptoms associated with which life stage?
Answer: Menopause
Black cohosh is one of the most studied herbs for menopause symptom relief, particularly hot flashes and mood changes, and is widely used in US integrative women's health.
Which regulatory body in the US oversees herbal supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994?
Answer: FDA
The FDA regulates dietary supplements including herbal products under DSHEA, though manufacturers are responsible for safety before marketing, unlike prescription drugs.