Herbal Medicine: Herbs for the digestive system Flashcards
What are the key herbal actions that support digestion?
Bitter (stimulates digestive secretions), aromatic digestive (enhances digestion), carminative (relaxes digestive muscles), demulcent (soothes mucous membranes), antiemetic (reduces nausea).
What part of Aloe Vera is used for medicinal purposes?
The inner leaf gel.
What are the key constituents of Aloe Vera?
Polysaccharides.
What are the main actions of Aloe Vera?
Anti-inflammatory for wounds, burns, and GI inflammation; speeds wound healing.
What is the recommended intake of Aloe Vera juice concentrate?
25–100 ml/day.
What is the safety consideration for using Aloe Vera?
Generally safe; avoid in pregnancy unless absence is guaranteed.
What part of Cardamom is used medicinally?
The seeds.
What are the main actions of Cardamom?
Carminative, gastro-protective, promotes circulation, aids in weak digestion, flatulence, and bloating.
What is the recommended intake of Cardamom?
½–1 teaspoon daily.
What is a safety consideration for Cardamom?
Avoid high doses in pregnancy and GORD.
What part of Chamomile is used for medicinal purposes?
The flowers.
What are the key actions of Chamomile?
Anti-inflammatory, carminative, antispasmodic, antioxidant, mild sedative.
What conditions is Chamomile beneficial for?
Indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcers, IBS/IBD, teething, colic, stress, insomnia, anxiety, eczema, diabetes.
What is the recommended intake of Chamomile?
Infusion (tea) - 2 teaspoons dried herb.
What is a safety consideration for Chamomile?
Known allergy to the Asteraceae family.
What part of Fennel is used medicinally?
The seeds.
What are the main actions of Fennel?
Antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, galactagogue.
What is the recommended intake of Fennel?
1-2 teaspoons of crushed seeds infused for 10 minutes.
What is a safety consideration for Fennel?
Avoid high doses in pregnancy and GORD.
What part of Ginger is used for medicinal purposes?
The rhizome.
What are the main actions of Ginger?
Antiemetic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, circulatory stimulant.
What is the recommended intake of Ginger?
3 teaspoons fresh or ½ teaspoon dried daily.
What is a safety consideration for Ginger?
Caution in peptic ulcers and with anticoagulants.
What part of Liquorice is used medicinally?
The root.
What are the main actions of Liquorice?
Anti-inflammatory, mucoprotective, demulcent, expectorant, hepatoprotective.
What is the recommended intake of Liquorice?
1-2 teaspoons daily.
What is a safety consideration for Liquorice?
Avoid in hypertension, oedema, hypokalaemia, heart failure, and with diuretics.
What part of Oregano is used for medicinal purposes?
The leaves.
What are the main actions of Oregano?
Antispasmodic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antioxidant.
What is the recommended intake of Oregano?
1-2 teaspoons daily or as oil capsules.
What is a safety consideration for Oregano?
Avoid high doses in pregnancy and breastfeeding; avoid long-term use.
What part of Peppermint is used medicinally?
The leaves.
What are the main actions of Peppermint?
Antispasmodic, carminative, antimicrobial, antiemetic.
What is the recommended intake of Peppermint?
1 teaspoon per cup in infusion or as oil capsules.
What is a safety consideration for Peppermint?
Avoid in GORD and salicylate sensitivity.
What part of Slippery Elm is used for medicinal purposes?
The inner bark.
What are the main actions of Slippery Elm?
Demulcent; soothes GI/upper respiratory tract.
What is the recommended intake of Slippery Elm?
2-3 teaspoons daily mixed in water (1 tsp:250 ml).
What is a safety consideration for Slippery Elm?
Take 2 hours away from medicines as it may decrease absorption; ensure good water intake.
