Geriatric Mental Health Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Chapter 12 Complementary and Alternative Approaches 225
autoimmune conditions as well as immune defi ciencies. It can be
quite important in building resistance to infection in older patients
with low resistance, especially if used as a tonic prior to a disaster.
Reishi is a gentle, widely appropriate, yet effective remedy for treating
anxiety, insomnia, mania, mild to moderate depression, poor
memory, and impaired cognitive function. It has a very low potential
for adverse effects.
n Rosemary is a potent antioxidant and cognitive enhancer and is
recommended as a remedy for poor memory, a confused state of
mind, depression, and melancholy. Rosemary has the added advantage
of being an effective essential oil.
n Sacred basil is an adaptogen, a nervine, and a cognitive stimulant
and is used to elevate mood; combat depression, anger, and irritability;
and increase concentration, cerebral function, and memory. It
is an essential oil.
n Skullcap is a calming nervine that not only calms and soothes the
mind but also helps restore vitality in patients depleted from fatigue
and adrenal exhaustion. Skullcap is also useful for tics and spasms
and is especially useful where stress or emotional imbalance lead to
or exacerbate muscular tension.
n St. John’s wort has a proven track record as an effective remedy for
mild to moderate depression; for nerve-related pain and discomfort
such as sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, and other neuralgias; and
as a vulnerary, promoting the healing of tissue from wounds, burns,
and other injuries. St. John’s wort should not be combined with
pharmaceutical antidepressants.
n Valerian is a useful remedy for insomnia, anxiety, and for mild to
moderate depression.
Special Considerations: Safety, Contraindications,
and Herb-Drug Interactions
Certain factors must be considered for geriatric patients when determining
the appropriateness of a particular remedy: specific dosage, frequency,
and duration of herbal use. These factors include the potential for low
body weight and frailty, hypoacidity and slow absorption rate, reduced
renal function, reduced liver metabolism, and, perhaps most importantly,
the increased likelihood of multiple medical conditions and drug use. In all
cases, practitioners should consult a qualified herbalist when developing
a disaster preparedness plan that includes the use of medicinal plants.