Herbal Medicine II - The Digestive System

Question 1

The Digestive System

Answer 1

The digestive system responds well to herbs because remedies come into direct contact with the mucous membranes of the GIT, making effects direct & fast-acting.

Question 2

Anti-emetic:

Answer 2

Anti-emetic: Reduces nausea and vomiting.
* Ginger rhizome is the foremost anti-emetic. It also stimulates appetite, digestion and has warming and circulatory effects.
* Infuse 2–3 slices of fresh ginger or ¼ – ½ teaspoon dried ginger powder in a cup of just boiled water.

Question 3

Antacid:

Answer 3

Antacid: Reduces digestive burning sensations and inflammation.
* Meadowsweet leaf heals mucous membranes of the oesophagus and stomach.
* Note: Tea better than tincture as alcohol can aggravate.

Question 4

Bitter:

Answer 4

Bitter: Increases digestive processes.
* Gentian root stimulates acid, enzyme and bile production, enhances nutrient assimilation and waste elimination.
* Take 10 drops on the tongue or in a small glass of water before meals.

Question 5

Anthelmintic:

Answer 5

Anthelmintic: Destroys parasites.
* Wormwood leaf is used for killing intestinal worms and other parasites.
* 1 tsp infused 3 x daily.

Question 6

Carminative:

Answer 6

Carminative: Relieves gas and bloating.
* Peppermint leaf and other aromatic herbs warm and relax smooth muscles in the digestive system relieving gas, bloating and colicky pain.
* 2 tsps infused after meals.

Question 7

Choleretic and Cholagogue:

Answer 7

Choleretic: Increases the production of bile by the liver.
Cholagogue: Increases release of stored bile from the gallbladder.
* Dandelion root has both actions as well as cooling and detoxifying properties.
* 1 tsp decocted 3 x daily.

Question 8

Astringent:

Answer 8

Astringent: Tones and ‘dries’ the bowel.
* Agrimony leaf contains ‘tannins’ which dry and tone the lining of the digestive tract. Gentle herb traditionally used for children with diarrhoea.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 9

Hepatic:

Answer 9

Hepatic: Strengthens and supports the liver.
* Milk thistle seeds protect and help regenerate the liver, by increasing glutathione (antioxidant), supporting detoxification and increasing protein synthesis in hepatocytes.
* 1 tsp decocted 3 x daily, or ground and sprinkled onto food —tastes good!

Question 10

Laxative:

Answer 10

Laxative: Promotes bowel elimination.
* Linseeds are bulking agents that swell up in the colon and stimulate evacuation. Also ‘moisten’ and lubricate the bowel due to ‘slimy’ mucilage.
* 2 tbsps daily sprinkled onto foods.

Question 11

Purgatives:

Answer 11

Purgatives: Strong laxatives.
* Senna, cascara sagrada, rhubarb root and aloe leaf resin, contain a phytochemical called ‘anthraquinone glycoside’ which irritates the colon and leads to a powerful watery evacuation.
* Frequent use can cause dependency resulting in chronic constipation.
* Try to avoid these herbs (except for occasional acute use). Instead focus on gentle ‘bulking’ laxatives, liver-stimulating herbs (bile has a natural laxative effect), carminatives, diet, hydration and exercise strategies.

Question 12

Formula for acid reflux / gastritis:

Answer 12

• 1-part meadowsweet leaf - heals gastric mucosa.
• 1-part liquorice root - powerful anti-inflammatory.
• 1-part marshmallow root - contains ‘mucilage’ (soothes, protects and promotes healing).
• Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily before meals.
• Note: Liquorice is contraindicated in high blood pressure.

Question 13

Formula for low appetite and weak digestion:

Answer 13

• 5 drops gentian root tincture - stimulates acid, enzyme, pancreatic juice and bile production.
• 5 drops ginger rhizome tincture - stimulates ‘digestive fire’.
• Dose: 10 drops on tongue, or in a small glass of water 15 mins before meals.
• Western herbalists use bitters while in Eastern traditions spices are preferred for stimulating digestion. This mix takes best from both worlds!

Question 14

Formula for gas, bloating, colic and IBS.

Answer 14

• 1-part peppermint leaf - relaxes digestive smooth muscles (carminative).
• 1-part fennel seed - relaxes digestive smooth muscles (carminative).
• 1-part chamomile flower - anti-inflammatory, carminative, and nervous system relaxant (if the mind relaxes so does digestion!).
• Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily after meals.

Question 15

Formula for diarrhoea:

Answer 15

• 2 -parts peppermint leaf - carminative, mild astringent.
• 1-part cinnamon bark - carminative, antimicrobial, astringent (this combination of actions makes it a good ‘simple’ remedy for diarrhoea).
• 1-part agrimony leaf - digestive astringent.
• Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily.
• Taking as a tea provides extra fluid to compensate losses from diarrhoea.

Question 16

Formula for constipation.

Answer 16

• 1-part dandelion root - increases bile production.
• 1-part yellow dock root - tones, regulates bowel.
• 1-part liquorice root - gentle laxative.
• 1-part fennel seed - relaxes bowel tension.
• 1-part marshmallow root - lubricates bowel.
• Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (decocted) per cup, 3 cups daily. Or 5 ml / 0.17 fl. oz tincture in small glass of water 3 x daily. May be needed for a few months to re-train and regulate the bowel.