Digestive Herbs Flashcards by Vanessa Forstbauer

Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes, triterpenes, sterols, carotenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, potassium

Actions: Diuretic, hepatic, cholagoue antirheumatic, laxative, tonic, bitter

Taraxacum officinale

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Taraxacum officinale

What are the constituents and actions

Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes, triterpenes, sterols, carotenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, potassium

Actions: Diuretic, hepatic, cholagoue antirheumatic, laxative, tonic, bitter

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This herb is a powerful diuretic with an action similar to that of the drug furosemide

Taraxacum oficinale

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This is an herb that can be used safely whenever a diuretic is needed (even for water retention related to heart problems), because, unlike the usual effect of drugs that stimulate kidney function, it is one of the best natural sources of potassium (drugs cause a loss of vital potassium, which can aggravate any cardiovascular problem)

Taraxacum officinale

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This herb is most valuable tonic and perhaps the best widely applicable diuretic and liver tonic

Taraxacum officinale

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What parts of the taraxacum officinale plant are used? and what are they mainly used for?

Leaf - diuretic

Root - inflammation and congestion of the liver and GB

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What part of the taraxacum officinale herb is used for congestive jaundice and in a wider treatment for muscular rheumatism

The root of taraxacum officinale

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The root of this herb can be used for chronic jaundice, autointoxication, rheumatism, blood disorders, chronic skin eruptions, chronic gastritis, and aphthous ulcers

Taraxacum officinale

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Are there any safety considerations for taraxcum officinale? if so what?

Some people may, theoretically, have an allergic reaction to this herb if they are sensitive to plants in the Asterceae family.
Rare reports of people developing contact dermatitis, in people coming in frequent contact with the latex in the stem

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Constituents: Volatile oil, coumarins, flavonoids, phenylpropenoids, (lipids, fatty acids, sterols, proteins, carbohydrates)

Actions: Expectorant, antispasmodic, carminatives, antimicrobial, aromatic, galactogogue

Pimpinella anisum

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Pimpinella anisum
What are the constituents?
What are the actions?

Constituents: Volatile oil, coumarins, flavonoids, phenylpropenoids, (lipids, fatty acids, sterols, proteins, carbohydrates)

Actions: Expectorant, antispasmodic, carminatives, antimicrobial, aromatic, galactogogue

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This herb is used internally to ease griping, intestinal colic, and flatulence (based on volatile oil constituents)

Pimpinella anisum

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What part of the plant is used from Pimpinella anisum??

The dried seed is used

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Which herb is used internally for bronchitis and tracheitis when a persistent irritable cough is present and for whooping cough based on what actions of which constituent(s)?

Pimpinella anisum based on expectorant and antispasmodic actions of the volatile oil.

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What is Pimpinella anisum oil used for externally?

This helps to control lice and it may be applied as an ointment base for treatment of scabies.

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Are there any safety considerations for Pimpinella anisum

This herb may be an allergenic and photosensitizing.

It may also interfere with the activity of anticoagulant therapy.

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Constituents: Tannins (3%-21%), counarins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, glycosidal bitters

Actions: Astringent, tonic, bitter, diuretic, vulnerary, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, carminative, hepatic, cholagogue

Agrimonia eupatoria

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Agrimonia eupatoria
What are the constituents?
What are the actions?

Constituents: Tannins (3%-21%), counarins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, glycosidal bitters

Actions: Astringent, tonic, bitter, diuretic, vulnerary, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, carminative, hepatic, cholagogue

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This herb may be used to treat indigestion and is specific for childhood diarrhea.

Agrimonia eupatoria

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This is the herb of choice in early-stage appendicitis, and plays a role in treatment of mucous colitis

Agrimonia eupatoria

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This herb can be helpful for urinary incontinence and cystitis.

Agrimonia eupatoria

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This herb has a long tradition of use as a spring tonic. Used as a gargle, it helps relieve sore throat and laryngitis. Used in ointment form, it aids in the healing of wounds and bruises.

Agrimonia eupatoria

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Specific indications of this herb (from Priest and Priest) are general alimentary weakness, hepatic weakness, enuresis, diarrhea, leukorrhea, rheumatism, and arthritis

Agrimonia eupatoria

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Are there any safety considerations for Agrimonia eupatoria? If so, what are they?

No side effects or drug interactions have been reported

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Constituents: Tannins Actions: Astringent, antihemorrhagic, anti-inlammatory, vulnerary

Geranium maculatum

Geranium maculatum What are the constituents? What are the actions?

Constituents: Tannins Actions: Astringent, antihemorrhagic, anti-inlammatory, vulnerary

This herb is an effective astringent used for diarrhea, dysentery, and hemorrhoids.

Geranium maculatum

This herb can be used in combination with other relevant herbs to treat duodenal and gastric ulcerations associated with bleeding.

Geranium maculatum

When blood is lost in the stool, this herb can be used (but careful diagnosis is vital)

Geranium maculatum

This herb can be used for the treatment of menorrhagia or metrorrhagia. And as a douche to treat leukorrhea.

Geranium maculatum

Are there any safety considerations for Geranium maculatum? If so, what are they?

No side effects or drug interactions reported

What part of the plant Geranium maculatum is used?

The rhizome is used

Constituents: Sesquiterpenes, sequiterpene lactones, flavonoid glycosides Actions: Nervine, antispasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bitter, vulnerary

Matricaria recutita

Matricaria recutita What are the constituents? What are the actions?

Constituents: Sesquiterpenes, sequiterpene lactones, flavonoid glycosides Actions: Nervine, antispasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bitter, vulnerary

What part of the plant, Matricaria recutita, is used?

The flower head is used

This herb is widely used for a variety of conditions including: insomnia, anxiety, menopausal depression, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, colic, aches and pains of flu, migraine, neuralgia, teething, vertigo, motion sickness, conjunctivitis, inflamed skin, urticaria and many more...

Matricaria recutita

This herb is the most widely used relaxing nervine in the Western world. It is safe for use in all types of anxiety and stress-related disorders.

Matricaria recutita

This herb relaxes and tones the nervous system, and is especially helpful when anxiety and tension cause digestive sympotoms

Matricaria recutita

This herb is useful as a late night tea to ensure a restful sleep and is helpful for anxious children or teething infants when added to bath water.

Matricaria recutita

The antispasmodic action of Matricaria recutita has what peripheral effects?

This herb works on peripheral nerves and muscles, and thus indirectly relaxes the whole body. Further, when the physical body is at ease, the mind and heart follow. This herb prevents and eases muscle cramps (legs and abdomen). Add to the bath after a long day (essential oil or infusion) to relax the body and ease the cares and weight of a troubled heart and mind.

Matricaria recutita is rich in essential oil, which acts on the digestive system, by promoting proper functioning. What does this usually involve?

Soothing the walls of the intestines, easing griping pains, and facilitating the elimination of gas. A tea an relieve indigestion, and calm inflammations such as gastritis and help prevent ulcers.

``` Matricaria recutita Describe its effects as: 1) Anti-inflammatory 2) Mild antimicrobial 3) Anticatarrhal ```

1) Internally it is effective in the digestive and respiratory systems and has a similar action externally on the skin Steam inhalation - gets to the mucous membranes in the sinuses and lungs 2) Helps body destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms 3) Assists in the elimination of excess mucus build up in the sinus area - may be used to treat head colds and allergies, such as hay fever

Are there any safety considerations for Matricaria recutita? If so, what?

May cause aaallergic reations in people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceaae family (extremely rare)

Constituents: Volatile oil, diterpene bitters, flavonoids, phenolic acids, salviatannin (a condensed catechin) Actions: Crminative, anispasmodic, antimicrobial, astringent, anti-inflammatory

Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis What are the constituents? What are the actions?

Constituents: Volatile oil, diterpene bitters, flavonoids, phenolic acids, salviatannin (a condensed catechin) Actions: Crminative, anispasmodic, antimicrobial, astringent, anti-inflammatory

What part of the Salvia officinalis plant is used?

The leaf is used

This is a classic remedy for inflammations of the mouth, throat, and tonsils because of its volatile oils action upon the mucous membranes

Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis may be used as a mouthwash to treat which conditions? and as a gargle for?

Mouthwash: Gingivitis, glossitis and stomatitis Gargle: aphthous ulcers and aids in treatment of laryngitis, pharyngitis, and tonsilitis.

Salvia officinalis used as a compress promotes what?

Promotes wound healing

Taken internally this herb's carminative action... Can be used to good effect in dyspepsia. Decreases sweating Can be used to decrease the production of breast milk

Salvia officinalis carminative action

Are there any safety considerations for Salvia officinalis? If so, what?

Should be avoided in pregnancy - it stimulates the muscles of the uterus Adverse reactions with overdoses - more than 15g of leaf per dose) Adverse reactions with prolonged use Toxic constituent of essential oil, thujone, causes symptoms: tachycardia, hot flashes, convulsions, and dizziness.

Constituents: Triterpenes, volatile oil, chlorogenic acid Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, lymphatic, astringent, vulnerary, emmenagogue, cholagogue, antifungal

Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis What are the constituents? What are the actions?

Constituents: Triterpenes, volatile oil, chlorogenic acid Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, lymphatic, astringent, vulnerary, emmenagogue, cholagogue, antifungal

Can be used safely whenever there is inflammation on the skin (due to infection or physical damage) Can be applied for any external bleeding or wound, bruising, or strains. Benefit for slow-healing wounds and skin ulcers Ideal for first-aid treatment of minor burns and scalds Applied locally as a lotion, poultice, or compress

Calendula officinalis external uses

This herb internally: Has anti-inflammatory actions in the digestive system - treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. As a cholagogue - helps relieve GB problems and vague digestive complaints of "indigestion"

Calendula officinalis

Describe Calendula officinalis' effects as: 1) Emmenagogue 2) Anti-fungal

1) Has a reputation for helping with delayed menstruation, easing painful periods and as a normalizer of the menstrual process. 2) Can be used both internally and externally to combat fungal infections

Are there any safety considerations of Calendula officinalis? If so, what are they?

It is a possible allergen for those with sensitivities to the Asteraceae family

What part of the Calendula officinalis plant is used?

The petals and flower head are used

Constituents: Alkaloids, coumarins, resin, tanninns, volatile oil Actions: Stimulant (circulatory), tonic, alterative, carminative, diaphoretic, antirheumatic, hepatic

Zanthoxylum americanum

Zanthoxylum americanum What are the constituents? What are the actions?

Constituents: Alkaloids, coumarins, resin, tanninns, volatile oil Actions: Stimulant (circulatory), tonic, alterative, carminative, diaphoretic, antirheumatic, hepatic

What part of the Zanthoxylum americanum plant is used?

Bark and berry are used

This herb acts in similar ways to cayenne, but it acts slower.

Zanthoxylum americanum

This herb is appropriate for many chronic problems, such as rheumatism and skin disease. Its stimulating actions upon the lymphatic system, circulation, and mucous membranes give it a role in the holistic treatment of many conditions.

Zanthoxylum americanum

Zanthoxylum americanum is appropriate for any sign of poor infammation, such as?

Chilblains, leg cramps, varicose veins and varicose ulcers

``` Specific indications (from Priest and Priest) for this herb are: chronic rheumatic conditions, neurathenia and poor circulation, gastric distension, eructations and flatulence, and loss of sensitivity in injured nerves. ```

Zanthoxylum americanum specific indications

Are there any safety considerations of Zanthoxylum americanum? If so, what are they?

Theoretically, this is contraindicated for patients on anticoagulant therapy

Constituents: Volatile oil, flavonoids, polyphenolics and other tannins, phenylcarboxylic acids, coumarin, vitamin C Actions: Antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, antacid, antiematic, astringent

Filipendula ulmaria

Filipendula ulmaria What are the constituents? What are the actions?

This is one of the best digestive remedies available and will be indicated in many conditions (if approached hoistically). Protects and soothes the mucous membranes of the digestive tract - reducing excess acidity and easing nausea. Treatment of heartburn, hyperacidity, gastritis & peptic ulcerations

Filipendula ulmaria

This herbs gentle astringency is especially helpful in children's diarrhea. The presence of salicylates explains this herbs ability to reduce fever and relieve the pain of rheumatism in muscle and joints

Filipendula ulmaria | astringency and salicylates

Are there any safety considerations of Filipendula ulmaria? If so, What are they?

Should be avoided by people with salicylate sensitivity

Constituents: Allantoin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, phenolic acids, mucilage (choline, asparagine, volatile oil, tannins, steroidal saponins, triterpenes) Actions: Vulnerary, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, astringent, expectorant

Symphytum officinale

Symphytum officinale What are the constituents? What are the actions?

How does the presence of allantoin in Symphytum officinale act? What does it do?

Wound-healing | Stimulates cell proliferation (thus supporting wound healing internally and externally)

How does the demulcent mucilage in the root contribute to the healing properties of Symphytum officinale?

Powerful healing agent for gatric and duodenal ulcers, hiatus hernia, and ulcerative colitis Herb/root an also be used to good effect in bronchitis, and irritable cough to soothe and reduce irritation while promoting expectoration

What role does the astringency aspect of Symphytum officinale play in treatment?

This action makes it valuable for treatment of hemorrhages, wherever they occur

What part of the Symphytum officinale plant is used?

The root, rhizome and root are all used

How can the leaf of Symphytum officinale be used externally?

Will speed wound healing and foster proper scar formation | Used as a compress or poultice: used to treat any external ulcers, wounds, fractures, chronic varicose ulcers

Are there any safety considerations for Symphytum officinale?? If so, what are they?

Care should be taken with very deep wounds, as external application of this herb can cause tissue to form over the wound before it is healed deeper down, which can lead to abscess. Long-term use could be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic (pyrrolizidine alkaloids)...must be considered potentially genotoxic

What part of the menthe piperita plant is used?

The aerial parts are used

Constituents: Phenolic acids, essential oil, flavonoids, tannins Actions: Carminative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, antiemetic, nervine, antimicrobial, analgesic

Menthe piperita

Menthe piperita What are the constituents? What are the actions?

Constituents: Phenolic acids, essential oil, flavonoids, tannins Actions: Carminative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, antiemetic, nervine, antimicrobial, analgesic