Herbal Medicines

New model question of NCLEX test now including the nurse knowledge of common used herbal medicine. Commonly used herbs are following here:

Aloe: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect
Angelica: antispasmodic and vasodilator
Bilberry: improves microcirculation in the eyes
Black cohosh: produces estrogen-like effect
Cat’s claw: antioxidant, immune system, lowers the blood pressure
Chamomile: antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory, mild sedative
Dehydroepiandrosteron: convert to androgens and estrogen, is used for erectile dysfunction.
Echinacea: stimulates immune system
Evening primrose: to metabolize fatty acid
Feverfew: anti-inflammatory, used for headaches, arthritis, and fever
Garlic: antioxidant, lowers cholesterol levels
Ginger: anti-emetic

Ginkgo biloba: antioxidant, improves memory
Ginseng: increase physical endurance and stamina
Glucosamine: amino acid to synthesize cartilage
Goldenseal: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, anticoagulant and to increase blood pressure
Kava: anti-anxiety and skeletal muscle relaxant, sedative effects
Melatonin: hormone that regulates sleep, used for insomnia
Milk thistle: antioxidant, used for liver and gallbladder disease
St. John’s wort: antibacterial, antiviral, and antidepressant
Saw palmetto: anti-estrogen activity, used for UTI infections and BPH
Valerian: to treat nervous disorder (anxiety, restlessness, insomnia)
Zinc: antiviral, immune system