GI Herbs

Question 1

Gentiana Lutea

Answer 1

Bitter to stimulate digestion

Central to many classic digestive bitter formulas: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue

Question 2

Citrus peel

Answer 2

Bitter principles and d-limonene in the essential oil have effects on GI mucosa
Indications: dyspepsia, intestinal atony, hypochlorhydria, malabsorption, disordered digestion

Question 3

D-limonene

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Citrus peel contraindications

Answer 4

Hyperchlorhydria
Acute gastritis
acute diarrhea
acute IBD flare
acute peptic ulcer
zollinger-ellison syndrome
concomitant acid blocker drug therapy

Question 5

Carminatives

Answer 5

herbs w/ mild antispasmodic effects largely due to the volatile oils they contain

Question 6

Foeniculum vulgare

Answer 6

Carminative
Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammaotry, galactogogue, bitter
Specificity of seat: Hollow tubes

Question 7

Matricaria recutita

Answer 7

Carminative
Stomachic, antiemetic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, nervine, anti-ulcerogenic, bitter
Specificity of seat: GI tract and nervous system

Question 8

Zingiber officinale

Answer 8

Carminative
stomachic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiemetic
Specificity of seat: circulatory, digestive, respiratory

Question 9

Rumex crispus

Answer 9

Astringent
Nutritive, alterative, lymphagogue
Specificity of seat: GI mucosa, respiratory tract

Question 10

Geranium maculatum

Answer 10

Astringent

Styptic, used for lack of tone in the GI tract

Question 11

Althea officinalis

Answer 11

GI tract demulcent

Question 12

Ulmus fulva

Answer 12

GI tract demulcent

soothing to mucous membranes, anti-inflammatory

Question 13

Aloe barbadensis

Answer 13

Part used: inner leaf gel

Soothing to mucous membranes, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating

Question 14

Purgative

Answer 14

an agent that causes evacuation of the bowels

Question 15

Cathartic

Answer 15

can be interchangeable with purgative but often a cathartic is a stronger agent

Question 16

Bulk laxatives

Answer 16

Plantago
Salvia hispanica
Linum usitatissimum

Contain soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fibers absorb water and swell, important to drink enough water with them

Question 17

Plantago ovata

Answer 17

Bulk laxative

Use seeds and seed husks

Question 18

Psyllium actions

Answer 18

• 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

Question 19

Plantago indications

Answer 19

1. chronic constipation
2. d/o where easy bowel movements with a loose stool are desirable
3. restoration and maintenance of regularity
4. constipation due to duodenal ulcer or diverticulitis
5. hyperlipidemia

Question 20

Psyllium contraindications

Answer 20

• stenosis of GI tract
• obstructuion or threatening obstruction of the bowel
• poorly controlled DM

Question 21

Linum usitatissimum

Answer 21

indications: chronic constipation, colons damaged by abuse of laxatives, irritable colon, diverticulitis, mucilage for gastritis and enteritis
contraindications: ileus of any origin

Question 22

clinical uses of irritant laxatives

Answer 22

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

Question 23

cassia senna

Answer 23

irritant laxative

indicated in constipation and fissures

Question 24

rhamnus

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Aloe Gel

Answer 25

2 medicines in one:

1. gel: bulking agent and source of immune stimulating polysaccharides like glucomannan
2. bitter aloe resin which is a yellow anthraquinone glyroside and strong laxative

Question 26

Amni visnaga

Answer 26

Antispasmodic, diuretic

Question 27

Dioscorea vilosa

Answer 27

Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic

specificity of seat: smooth muscle