Homeopathic and Alternative Medicine - NCLEX-PN

Black cohosh produces effects similar to those of estrogen.

Behavior therapy is a therapy that achieves results through conditioning. The therapy aims to reinforce desired behaviors and eliminated undesired behaviors.

Bilberry improves microcirculation in the eyes.

Arnica, a herbaceous plant, is the remedy most often used for states of shock after an injury, during which the injured person may refuse medical help due to fear of further injury. Pulsatilla is a plant that may be used for pain in the reproductive organs, restlessness, and other ailments. Nux vomica seeds may be used for gastrointestinal discomfort, anemia and erectile dysfunction. Cimicifuga is a plant that may be used to alleviate neurological disorders.

Calendula flower contains faradiol and the faradiol monoester, powerful anti-inflammatory and antiedematous triterpenoids, which have shown effects comparable to indomethacin. Yellow dock is as a laxative. Red raspberry leaf is a vasodilator, and may exacerbate inflammation. Hawthorne berry can be used to ameliorate symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Berberine has been used alone and in conjunction with fluconazole to successfully treat fluconazole-resistant candida infections. It has also been shown to have an inhibitory effect on Epstein-Barr DNA replication. Red yeast rice may be used to lower cholesterol. G_lycyrrhiza glabra_ can be used to decrease inflammation, and cough, and to promote ulcer-healing. Milk thistle is used as a remedy for hepatic disorders.

Arsenicum album is the most common remedy given for acute gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, especially when diarrhea and vomiting happen simultaneously, diarrhea is in small amounts constantly throughout the day, and the affected person is experiencing chilliness and marked tenderness in the abdomen. Graphites are most commonly used to treat skin disorders. Platinum is used to treat a range of psychological and physiological aspects of women's health. Belladonna may be used as a pain reliever, and and anti-inflammatory remedy.

Belladonna is the most frequently given remedy when otitis media is sudden onset, bright red and hot, and the child is restless and may be confused, anxious, or frightened. Pulsatilla is used to treat reproductive pain in both men and women, and for migraines. Natrum muriaticum is more effective as a remedy for chronic, not acute, disorders. Sulphur is most effectively used on the skin and eyes to treat irritation.

Red yeast rice contains monacolins, which block the production of cholesterol. Monacolin K has the same structure as lovastatin and functions similarly to reduce cholesterol. Nettle is best used as a painkiller, and to treat disorders of the excretory system. Kava is a sedative and anesthetic, and may also be used to treat social anxiety. Lavender has a calming effect, and is effective in inducing sleep.

Pulsatilla is most often given for otitis media when the child is clingy, weepy, refuses fluids, and wants to be held or carried. They may be hot or sensitive to heat and desire fresh air. Belladonna may be used as a pain reliever, and and anti-inflammatory remedy. Arsenicum album is commonly used to treat anxiety and gastrointestinal inflammation. Sepia is most often used to treat female reproductive-related ailments.

Hot and cold contrast therapy consists of submerging the painful joint in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then submerging it in cold or icy water for 30 seconds, then back to hot for three cycles. This treatment reduces pain and inflammation and is common in sports medicine. Infrared saunas use radiation to heat the sauna, rather than typical saunas, which primarily use convection. Both are effective for pain relief and relaxation. Hot fomentation can be used to decrease swelling and provide relief from pain due to menstrual cramps. Warming socks are used as a hydrotherapy treatment to increase circulation and raise body temperature, which can help when fighting infection.

Cantharis is indicated in urinary tract infections with frequency, dysuria, and frank hematuria. Patients may also experience flank or back pain, restlessness, and anxiety. Bryonia is used for pains associated with cold and flu. Medorrhinum has been used to treat urethral discharge in male patients with gonorrhea. Calcarea carbonica can be used to treat physical fatigue and muscle atrophy due to malnutrition and/or infections such as mononucleosis.

Apis is the most common remedy given for post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. The patient may be restless and heat intolerant. Other common symptoms are back pain worse in the area of the left kidney and pain or pressure on stooping. Berberine may be used for heart failure, skin burns, and some bacterial infections. Natrum sulphuricum is used to treat liver and gastrointestinal problems. Also, it may be used for headaches, and asthma. Palladium may be used for headaches too.

Passion flower has been studied widely for its uses as a sleep aid. It is also anxiolytic, and has been used to treat abdominal pain and GI upset, arrhythmia and hypertension, and topically for burns and hemorrhoids. Note: passion flower is not safe in pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Chicory can be used for its toxicity to internal parasites, namely intestinal worms. Goldenseal may be used as a remedy for the common cold and/or upper respiratory infections. Licorice may be used to treat inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

All of these mind-body therapies have been shown to increase the activity of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells.

Lycopus virginicus (bugleweed) and melissa officionalis (lemon balm) have both been shown to inhibit conversion of T4 into T3 in the peripheral tissues, and have been used to treat mild cases of hyperthyroidism. The other herbs listed have no specific effect on peripheral thyroid hormone conversion. Berberis vulgaris is used to treat respiratory conditions, and infections such as the cold and flu. A_pium graveolens_ has been used to treat pain. Panax ginseng has been used as a stimulant, and to treat sexual dysfunction in men. S_ymphytum officinale_ has been used to treat gout, and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Zea mays may help treatment of skin diseases. S_ambucus nigra_is best used to treat upper respiratory infections.

Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf extract contains antagonists of the histamine-1 (H(1)) receptor, thus decreasing symptoms of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Nettle leaf extract also contains factors that inhibit mast cell tryptase, preventing degranulation and release of a host of pro-inflammatory mediators that cause the symptoms of hay fevers, and inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and hematopoietic prostaglandin D(2) synthase. As a nutritive, nettle leaf is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. Nettle leaf has shown no benefit in treatment of psoriasis, though it may help to correct any underlying nutritional deficits.

Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) has shown significant antiviral activity against a wide variety of of enveloped viruses and retroviruses. Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) and a_vena sativa_ (milky oat seeds) are both better known for their sedative effects, and c_rategus spp_ (hawthorne) is used as an antiarrhythmic and mitigates oxidative stress in cardiomyopathies.

Uva-ursi contains the hydroquinone glycosides arbutin and methylarbutin, both of which have shown significant antimicrobial effects in the urinary tract. The other constituents listed have no effect on urinary infections.

Children needing chamomilla are hot, irritable, and very sensitive to pain. Infants are prone to colic and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They will often arch backwards when crying, and will be soothed when bounced, carried, patted, or swaddled. These infants experience difficult dentition and will chew their fingers before teething.

Arsenicum album and calcarea carbonica are both more often indicated for chilly babies that are prone to anxiety, while arnica is generally given for people who have experienced some sort of dissociative shock from a physical or emotional trauma.