This microteaching presentation discusses herbal medicine and some commonly used medicinal herbs. It outlines 10 herbs - Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Valerian, Ginkgo Biloba, Kava Kava, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, St. John's Wort, Saffron, and Chamomile - and their traditional uses in treating conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, and more. It notes that herbal medicines have benefits like being natural, safe, and having fewer side effects than conventional medicines. However, it also outlines limitations like potential toxicity, drug interactions, and contraindications for pregnant/breastfeeding women. The role of nurses in understanding herbal

1. MICROTEACHING
CHAIRPERSON -
DR. PRASANTHI NATTALA PRESENTER-
ADDITIONAL PROFESSOR MISS SAPNA SINGH
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING ROLL NO. MsNsg202103
NIMHANS (INI), BANGALORE 1ST YEAR MSc. NURSING
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
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2. HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbal medicine (also herbalism) is the study of
pharmacognosy and the use of medicinal plants,
which are a basis of traditional medicine.
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3. SIGNIFICANCE
Natural
Safe
Has fewer side-effects
Good for Age - related diseases
Available in High/Low/ Minimum costs
Its Potency and efficiency are high.
It is easily accessible too.
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4. AVAILABLE IN FORMS OF:
1. Extracts
2. Tinctures
3. Infusions
4. Decoctions
5. Pills and Powders
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5. HERBS USED AS MEDICINE
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6. 1. ASHWAGANTHA (Withania Somnifera)
 Root and berries are used to
produce a Ayurvedic
remedy
 GABA-mimetic activity
 Treat nervous exhaustion,
 Anxiety,
 insomnia and fatigue.
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7. 2. BRAHMI (Bacopa Monniera)
 Anti-inflammatory
 Treats depression,
 Anxiety,
 Nervous exhaustion and
 Cognitive impairment.
 ADHD
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8. 3. VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis)
A tranquilizer
Induces sleep
Relieves stress and
anxiety,
ADHD
Lowers blood pressure
Relieves menstrual cramps
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9. 4. GINKGO BILOBA
Improves memory
function
Useful in fatigue
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Dizziness
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10. 5. KAVA KAVA (Piper methysticum)
 Rhizome act as a topical
anaesthetic
 Treat anxiety
 Potentiate the effects of alcohol,
benzodiazepines, and other
sedative–hypnotic agents
 Lift depressive moods,
 Induce mental clarity
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11. 6. LEMON BALM (Melissa Officinalis)
 Inhibits GABA transaminase
 Treats acute stress and
anxiety.
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12. 7. PASSION FLOWER (Passionlora spp.)
GABA-system mediated
anxiolysis
Treat anxiety,
Depression
Insomnia
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13. 8. ST. JOHN’S WORT (Hypericum perforatum)
Inhibits the reuptake of
serotonin, dopamine and
noradrenaline
Modulates neuronal
excitability via
glutamatergic and
GABAergic mechanisms
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14. 9. SAFFRON (crocus sativus)
Increase monoamine re-
uptake inhibition
Treats depression &
anxiety
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15. 10. CHAMOMILE (Matricaria Recutita)
Useful for GI system
Allergic rhinitis,
ADHD
Restlessness,
Insomnia,
Dysmenorrhea,
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16. LIMITATIONS
Accidental consumption of toxic ornamental plants such as jade, holly
and poinsettia.
Can cause serious side effects.
Herbs can also interact with drugs, and caution should be used when
combining herbs with prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)
medications.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women
Not used in crisis situations
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17. ROLE OF NURSE
Nurses should have knowledge of herbal medicine to ensure safe and
effective practice.
Should become familiar with contraindications and adverse effects.
Encourage patient to discuss with their healthcare provider all natural
remedies they ingest. As some natural remedies may potentiate the
effects of psychotropic medications, while others may block the effects.
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18. Ask clients if they use any specific herbal preparations.
Informs clients not to combine herbal preparations with other medicines.
As this can lead to unwanted interactions.
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ANY QUERY?
ASSIGNMENT: Write difference between herbal
medicine and allopathic medicine.
THANK YOU