general materia medica 2 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are astringents or tannins used for?
Short term actions to decrease excretions and inflammation to mucous membranes
Indicated for upper gastro inflammation, open oozing wounds, haemorrhoids, constipation, and diarrhoea following non-infectious gut inflammation.
When are astringents best taken?
After meals
What conditions are anthraquinone laxatives indicated for?
Atonic constipation
They stimulate the bowel and are for short term use only.
What are some contraindications for anthraquinone laxatives?
Gut obstruction, bowel disease, diarrhoea, constipation associated with bowel irritability, long term use
Examples include cascara and Rheum palmatum.
What do bulking agents do?
Increase fecal mass to stimulate peristalsis
They are highly water absorbent laxatives that are demulcent.
What are bulking agents indicated for?
Constipation, IBD, blood sugar dysregulation, fluid retention
What conditions are bulking agents contraindicated in?
Anaemia, osteoporosis, malnutrition
What is the recommended intake for bulking agents?
Take separate to meals
What do choleretics do?
Increase bile production
What do chologogues do?
Increase bile flow from gall bladder
What are choleretics and chologogues indicated for?
Moderate cholecystitis, bilious conditions, intestinal congestion, chronic constipation from sluggish digestion
What are contraindications for choleretics and chologogues?
Bile duct obstruction, hepatocellular disease, intestinal spasm or ileum
What is the main effect of bitters?
Enhance digestion
What characterizes heat disposition?
Excess heat = general overactivity and irritation
Signs include increased metabolic rate, increased temperature, and inflammatory signs.
What are signs of cold disposition?
General under activity and depressed function
Includes decreased metabolic rate, pale skin, dull pain, fatigue.
What defines damp dispositions?
States of stagnation with excess fluid in tissues
Tongue is swollen with scalloped edges, and pulse is rolling and slippery.
What are the characteristics of dry dispositions?
Excess of dryness with general atrophy
Skin is dry and leathery, nails are brittle, and pulse is thin, deep, and weak.
What type of remedies are required for heat disposition?
Cooling remedies
What type of remedies are required for cold disposition?
Heating remedies
What type of remedies are required for damp dispositions?
Drying remedies
What type of remedies are required for dry dispositions?
Moistening and nourishing remedies
