Digestive system Flashcards
- Angelica root
Angelica archangelica
Apiaceae
Root, rhizome
Actions:
Antispasmodic, cholagogue, bitter, aromatic, spasmolytic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic
Indications:
Loss of appetite, peptic discomforts, mild spasms of the GIT, flatulence, enzyme stimulation
Contraindications:
Pregnancy
May produce photosensitivity
- Cinnamon
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Lauraceae
Bark
Actions:
Carminative, aromatic digestive, astringent
Indications:
Loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints, bloating, flatulence, mild spastic conditions of GI tract, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, uterine haemorrhage, menorhagia
Contraindications:
Known allergy
Pregnancy
- Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Umbelliferae
Fruit (seed)
Actions:
Carminative, appetite stimulating
Oestrogen modulating, antimicrobial, expectorant
spasmolytic, galactogogue
Indications:
Dyspepsia, bloating, flatulence, infantile colic, spasmodic gastiric complaints, abdo pain, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, obesity
Contraindications:
Pts who suffer from “celery-carrot-mugwort-spice” syndrome
Allergy rare
- Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria
Rosaceae
Aerial parts
Actions:
Antacid, antiinlfammatory, mild urinary antiseptic, astringent
Indications:
Gastric ulcer, dyspepsia, hyperacidity, heartburn, diarrhoea, IBs
Contraindications:
None known
salicylate sensitivity
- Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Labiatae
Aerial parts
Actions:
Expectorant, diaphoretic, sedative, carminative
Indications:
Bronchitis, chronic nasal catarrh, common cold
Hysteria, anxiety
Petit mal
Contraindications:
None known
- Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
Asteraceae
Flower
Actions:
Antiinflammatory, spasmolytic, carminative, mild sedative, antiulcer, vulnerary, diaphoretic
Indications:
GI spasm, IBs, flatulence, bloating
Infantile colic, anxiety, travel sickness, diarrhoea, restlessness
Contrindications:
Known allergy (Asteraceae)
Tea can reduce iron absorption
- Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
Labiatae
Aerial parts
Actions:
Carminative, spasmolytic, mild sedative, diaphoretic, TsH antagonist, antiviral (topically)
Indications:
Infantile colic, indigestion, flatulence, tenseness, irritability, functional GIT complaints
Contraindications:
None known
- Peppermint
Mentha piperita
Labiatae
Leaf
Actions:
spasmolytic, carminative, analgesic, antipruritic
Cholagogue, antiemetic, antitussive
Antimicrobial, mild sedative, diaphoretic
Indications:
Non-ulcer dyspepsia, bloating, flatulence, gastritis, enteritis, GI, gallbladder & bile duct spastic complaints
Nausea, vomiting, morning sickness
Contraindications:
Oeophageal reflux (lowrs sphincter pressure)
salicylate sensitivity, aspirin induced asthma & gallstones
Tea can reduce iron absorption
- Aniseed
Pimpinella anisum
Apiaceae/Umbelliferaw
Fruit (seed)
Actions:
Antimicrobia;, antispasmodic, expectorant, carminative
Indications:
Dyspepsic conditions
Resp catarrh
Contraindications:
None known
Allergy
Oestrogenic activity - may affect hormone therapy (OCP, HRT) in excessive doses
- Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Labiatae
Leaf
Actions:
Expectorant, spasmolytic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, rubefacient
Indications:
stomachitis, halitosis, dyspepsia, chronic gastritis colic, flatulence, diarrhoea
Contraindications:
None known
Allergy
- slippery elm
Ulmus fulva
Ulmaceae
Bark (inner)
Actions:
Demulcent, nutrient, emollient, antitussive
Indications:
Inflammation or ulceration of stomach or duodenum
Convalescence, colitis, diarrhoea
Contraindications:
None known
Caution in severe constipation
May interfere w pharmaceuticals (muscilage)- separate by 2hrs
- Ginger
Zingiber officinalis
Zingiberaceae
Rhizome
Actions:
Carminative, antiemetic, spasmolytic, peripheral circulatory stimulant, antiplatelet, diaphoretic, digestive stimulant
Indications:
Prophylaxis & treatment of nausea & vomiting from motion sickness & postoperative
Drug induced nausea, dyspepsia, colic, flatulent dyspepsia, cramping
Contraindications:
Gallstones (except under close supervision)
TCM dried ginger cautiously in pregnancy
Caution in peptic ulceration, reflux or other gastric diseases
May incease absorption of meds - separate doses
High dose may thin the blood
Do not exceed 2g dried ginger in pregnancy
