Herbal Medicine: Herbs for the digestive system

Question 1

What are the key herbal actions that support digestion?

Answer 1

Bitter (stimulates digestive secretions), aromatic digestive (enhances digestion), carminative (relaxes digestive muscles), demulcent (soothes mucous membranes), antiemetic (reduces nausea).

Question 2

What part of Aloe Vera is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 2

The inner leaf gel.

Question 3

What are the key constituents of Aloe Vera?

Answer 3

Polysaccharides.

Question 4

What are the main actions of Aloe Vera?

Answer 4

Anti-inflammatory for wounds, burns, and GI inflammation; speeds wound healing.

Question 5

What is the recommended intake of Aloe Vera juice concentrate?

Answer 5

25–100 ml/day.

Question 6

What is the safety consideration for using Aloe Vera?

Answer 6

Generally safe; avoid in pregnancy unless absence is guaranteed.

Question 7

What part of Cardamom is used medicinally?

Answer 7

The seeds.

Question 8

What are the main actions of Cardamom?

Answer 8

Carminative, gastro-protective, promotes circulation, aids in weak digestion, flatulence, and bloating.

Question 9

What is the recommended intake of Cardamom?

Answer 9

½–1 teaspoon daily.

Question 10

What is a safety consideration for Cardamom?

Answer 10

Avoid high doses in pregnancy and GORD.

Question 11

What part of Chamomile is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 11

The flowers.

Question 12

What are the key actions of Chamomile?

Answer 12

Anti-inflammatory, carminative, antispasmodic, antioxidant, mild sedative.

Question 13

What conditions is Chamomile beneficial for?

Answer 13

Indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcers, IBS/IBD, teething, colic, stress, insomnia, anxiety, eczema, diabetes.

Question 14

What is the recommended intake of Chamomile?

Answer 14

Infusion (tea) - 2 teaspoons dried herb.

Question 15

What is a safety consideration for Chamomile?

Answer 15

Known allergy to the Asteraceae family.

Question 16

What part of Fennel is used medicinally?

Answer 16

The seeds.

Question 17

What are the main actions of Fennel?

Answer 17

Antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, galactagogue.

Question 18

What is the recommended intake of Fennel?

Answer 18

1-2 teaspoons of crushed seeds infused for 10 minutes.

Question 19

What is a safety consideration for Fennel?

Answer 19

Avoid high doses in pregnancy and GORD.

Question 20

What part of Ginger is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 20

The rhizome.

Question 21

What are the main actions of Ginger?

Answer 21

Antiemetic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, circulatory stimulant.

Question 22

What is the recommended intake of Ginger?

Answer 22

3 teaspoons fresh or ½ teaspoon dried daily.

Question 23

What is a safety consideration for Ginger?

Answer 23

Caution in peptic ulcers and with anticoagulants.

Question 24

What part of Liquorice is used medicinally?

Answer 24

The root.

Question 25

What are the main actions of Liquorice?

Answer 25

Anti-inflammatory, mucoprotective, demulcent, expectorant, hepatoprotective.

Question 26

What is the recommended intake of Liquorice?

Answer 26

1-2 teaspoons daily.

Question 27

What is a safety consideration for Liquorice?

Answer 27

Avoid in hypertension, oedema, hypokalaemia, heart failure, and with diuretics.

Question 28

What part of Oregano is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 28

The leaves.

Question 29

What are the main actions of Oregano?

Answer 29

Antispasmodic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antioxidant.

Question 30

What is the recommended intake of Oregano?

Answer 30

1-2 teaspoons daily or as oil capsules.

Question 31

What is a safety consideration for Oregano?

Answer 31

Avoid high doses in pregnancy and breastfeeding; avoid long-term use.

Question 32

What part of Peppermint is used medicinally?

Answer 32

The leaves.

Question 33

What are the main actions of Peppermint?

Answer 33

Antispasmodic, carminative, antimicrobial, antiemetic.

Question 34

What is the recommended intake of Peppermint?

Answer 34

1 teaspoon per cup in infusion or as oil capsules.

Question 35

What is a safety consideration for Peppermint?

Answer 35

Avoid in GORD and salicylate sensitivity.

Question 36

What part of Slippery Elm is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 36

The inner bark.

Question 37

What are the main actions of Slippery Elm?

Answer 37

Demulcent; soothes GI/upper respiratory tract.

Question 38

What is the recommended intake of Slippery Elm?

Answer 38

2-3 teaspoons daily mixed in water (1 tsp:250 ml).

Question 39

What is a safety consideration for Slippery Elm?

Answer 39

Take 2 hours away from medicines as it may decrease absorption; ensure good water intake.