Nutritives

Question 1

Medicago sativa (alfalfa)

Answer 1

Major Actions: Nutritive, Phytoestrogen, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective

Indications: poor nutrient status, chronic degenerative diseases, perimenopausal symptoms

Question 2

Equisetum arvense

(aka horsetail)

Answer 2

Actions: nutritive used to strengthen bones and connective tissue, diuretic, styptic

Question 3

Centella asiatica

Answer 3

Actions: nutritive, vulnerary, nervine, anti-inflammatory, circulatory tonic, alterative, decreases excessive scarring, hepatoprotective

Indications: chronic venous insufficiency, memory and cognitive support, anxiety, scleroderma, longevity

Cautions/CIs:

• Might induce a spontaneous abortion in pregnant women.
• may raise blood sugar and lipid levels, diabetic and hyperlipidemic patients should monitor their response
• Maximum duration suggested is 6 weeks, and at least, a 2-week break is needed after long duration use. Clearance of certain constituents is slowed after prolonged medicinal use causing them to build up in the body.
• No drug interaction reported to date
• Avoid in pregnancy due to emmenagogue effects.

Question 4

Avena sativa - Oatstraw

Answer 4

Actions: nutritive, nervine

Indications: nervous exhaustion, nervous headache, cardiac weakness due to nervous depression or debility, opiate withdrawal, nicotine withdrawal

Contraindications: an alcoholic extract was found to antagonize the antinociceptive effect of morphine in mice.

Question 5

Urtica dioica

(Stinging Nettle)

Answer 5

Actions:

• Leaf: alterative, nutritive, anti-inflammatory, urinary tract tonic
• Root: astringent, anti-inflammatory, multiple influences of hormone transformation related to BPH

Indications:

• Leaf: Skin conditions – chronic skin conditions - psoriasis, eczema, acne; Allergic Rhinitis – freeze-dried leaf
• Root: BPH, diarrhea

Contraindications/Cautions: Allergy to nettle.

Question 6

Nutritives generally…

Answer 6

• Rich in vitamins and minerals
• Also rich in an array of phytonutrients such as polyphenols, saponins, flavonoids etc.
• Often used as longevity tonics or superfoods
• Have a wide array of beneficial effects on the body