GI Herbs Flashcards
Gentiana Lutea
Bitter to stimulate digestion
Central to many classic digestive bitter formulas: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue
Citrus peel
Bitter principles and d-limonene in the essential oil have effects on GI mucosa
Indications: dyspepsia, intestinal atony, hypochlorhydria, malabsorption, disordered digestion
D-limonene
used in tx of gallstones b/c it is a solvent for cholesterol
also used in tx of GERD –> promotes peristalsis and protects GI mucosa
Citrus peel contraindications
Hyperchlorhydria Acute gastritis acute diarrhea acute IBD flare acute peptic ulcer zollinger-ellison syndrome concomitant acid blocker drug therapy
Carminatives
herbs w/ mild antispasmodic effects largely due to the volatile oils they contain
Foeniculum vulgare
Carminative
Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammaotry, galactogogue, bitter
Specificity of seat: Hollow tubes
Matricaria recutita
Carminative
Stomachic, antiemetic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, nervine, anti-ulcerogenic, bitter
Specificity of seat: GI tract and nervous system
Zingiber officinale
Carminative
stomachic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiemetic
Specificity of seat: circulatory, digestive, respiratory
Rumex crispus
Astringent
Nutritive, alterative, lymphagogue
Specificity of seat: GI mucosa, respiratory tract
Geranium maculatum
Astringent
Styptic, used for lack of tone in the GI tract
Althea officinalis
GI tract demulcent
Ulmus fulva
GI tract demulcent
soothing to mucous membranes, anti-inflammatory
Aloe barbadensis
Part used: inner leaf gel
Soothing to mucous membranes, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating
Purgative
an agent that causes evacuation of the bowels
Cathartic
can be interchangeable with purgative but often a cathartic is a stronger agent
Bulk laxatives
Plantago
Salvia hispanica
Linum usitatissimum
Contain soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fibers absorb water and swell, important to drink enough water with them
Plantago ovata
Bulk laxative
Use seeds and seed husks
Psyllium actions
- increase in passage time of the bowel content in cases of diarrhea
- in cases of constipation seed husk causes a decrease in passage time b/c of an increase in stool volume
- lowers serum cholesterol level
- reduces postprandial blood glucose elevations
Plantago indications
- chronic constipation
- d/o where easy bowel movements with a loose stool are desirable
- restoration and maintenance of regularity
- constipation due to duodenal ulcer or diverticulitis
- hyperlipidemia
Psyllium contraindications
- stenosis of GI tract
- obstructuion or threatening obstruction of the bowel
- poorly controlled DM
Linum usitatissimum
indications: chronic constipation, colons damaged by abuse of laxatives, irritable colon, diverticulitis, mucilage for gastritis and enteritis
contraindications: ileus of any origin
clinical uses of irritant laxatives
classic bowel cleansing formula for constipation and bowel torpor cause habituation and continued uses may be difficult to reduce use not indicated in pregnancy or active diarrhea not indicated in children under 12
cassia senna
irritant laxative
indicated in constipation and fissures
rhamnus
irritant laxative: can be too harsh and cause griping and a watery diarrhea
Indications: constipation, atonic conditions of intestine, chronic hemorrhoids due to bowel atony, may enter milk of nursing mother to treat a constipated infant
Aloe Gel
2 medicines in one:
- gel: bulking agent and source of immune stimulating polysaccharides like glucomannan
- bitter aloe resin which is a yellow anthraquinone glyroside and strong laxative
Amni visnaga
Antispasmodic, diuretic
Dioscorea vilosa
Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic
specificity of seat: smooth muscle
