bitters, carminatives, demulcents

Question 1

Gentiana Lutea

Answer 1

quintessential bitter herb

actions: bitter tonic to stimulate digestion. central to many classic digestive bitter formulas, analgesic, anti-inflammtory, cholagogue
indications: anorexia, dyspepsia, GI atony, malabsorption

Question 2

Citrus sinensis/Citrus aurantium - sweet and bitter orange peel

Answer 2

actions: bitter, carminative, corrigent
indications: dyspepsia, low appetite, malabsorption, gas and bloating

D-limonene, a constituent, is used in treatment of gallstones b/c it is a solvent of cholesterol. Also used in tx of GERD b/c promotes peristalsis and protects GI mucosa.

Question 3

Artemisia vulgaris- Mugwort

Answer 3

actions: bitter, carminative, febrifuge, nervine, antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, emmenagogue, vermifuge
indications: anorexia, dyspepsia, GI atony, malabsorption

Question 4

Artemisia absinthum- Wormwood

Answer 4

actions: bitter, carminative, febrifuge, antimicrobial, anthelminthic, antidepressant
indications: anorexia, dyspepsia, GI atony, malabsorption, intestinal parasites

high doses can be toxic

Question 5

Mahonia spp. - Oregon Grape

Answer 5

actions: alterative, digestive bitter, anticatarrhal, antimicrobial, cholagogue, mild laxative

specificity of seat- liver

indications:
skin conditions- psoriasis, eczema, herpes, pityriasis, acne, syphilis
poor GB function- nausea, fat malabs., digestive upset
infections- skin, eye, intestinal tract

Question 6

common bitter formulas, indications, C/I

Answer 6

gentian/scutellaria
gentian/ginger

indications:
dyspepsia, intestinal atony, hypochlorhydria, malabsorption

C/I:
hyperchlorydria
acute gastritis, acute diarrhea, acute IBD flare, acute peptic ulcer, Z-E syndrome, concomitant acid blocker drug therapy

Question 7

carminatives

Answer 7

herbs with mild antispasmodic effects, largely due to volatile oils they contain

examples:
Foeniculum vulgare - fennel
Pimpinella anisum- anise
Mentha piperita/spicata- peppermint/spearmint
Zingiber officinale- ginger
Matricaria recutita- chamomile
Angelica archangelica- Angelica
Elettaria cardamomum- Cardamom

Question 8

Mentha piperita- peppermint

Answer 8

Actions- antispasmodic, carminative, anti inflammatory, analgesic, antipruritic, cephalic
indications- colic, flatulence, IBS, indigestion, nausea

Question 9

Foeniculum vulgare- fennel

Answer 9

actions- antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, carminative, galactagogue, bitter
indications- flatulence, colic, mild spasmodic GI pains, modulates spasms related to purgative use
specificity of seat- hollow tubes