title: An overview of herbal medications with implications for the school nurse.
abstract: Americans are increasingly using herbs and herbal preparations to treat a wide array of conditions ranging from colds to depression. Children and parents are ingesting herbs in greater quantities, as reflected by increased herb sales and telephone calls to poison information centers. Herbal preparations are being used for the management of insomnia, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. This trend introduces interesting opportunities and dilemmas for the school nurse. This article provides an overview of the seven most common medicinal herbs (garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, Echinacea, chamomile, valerian, and feverfew). It provides a guide to choosing herbal supplements, a framework for developing school-based herbal policies, and a discussion of the issues faced by school nurses.
authors.affiliation: Strong Health System, Rochester, NY, USA.
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Dockrell
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Leever
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016134:Organizational Policy; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012572:School Health Services; D012573:School Nursing; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations