Herbs for Digestion

Question 1

Herbs for Digestion

Answer 1

CADAB
* Bitter: Stimulates digestive secretions e.g., gentian, dandelion root.
* Aromatic digestive: Promotes strong digestion e.g., cardamom.
* Carminative: Relaxes digestive smooth muscles e.g., peppermint, fennel.
* Demulcent: Soothes and heals mucous membranes e.g., slippery elm.
* Antiemetic: Reduces nausea and vomiting e.g., ginger.

Question 2

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis):

Answer 2

Actions and uses: Local anti-inflammatory for wounds, burns, GI inflammation and ulceration. Inhibits COX and hence the production of pro-inflammatory PG2 made from arachidonic acid. Speeds up wound healing (activates fibroblast collagen synthesis).
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Question 3

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Answer 3

Actions and uses: Carminative, gastro-protective. Traditionally used for weak digestion, flatulence and bloating. Promotes circulation; has shown positive effects on blood pressure in hypertension (thought to relate to antioxidant / diuretic properties). Demonstrated LOX-inhibiting (anti-inflammatory) properties.

Question 4

Chamomile (Matricariarecutita)

Answer 4

Actions and uses: Anti-inflammatory (COX-2 and NF-Κb inhibition), carminative, antispasmodic, antioxidant, mild sedative; indigestion gastritis, peptic ulcers, IBS/IBD, teething and infantile colic, stress, insomnia, anxiolytic (binds to GABA receptors), eczema (topical). Diabetes mellitus (inhibits gluconeogenesis and lowers insulin).

Question 5

Fennel (Foeniculumvulgare)

Answer 5

Actions and uses: Antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, galactagogue (appear to regulate the expression of ‘aquaporin’ proteins that facilitate movement of water across mammary cell membranes); indigestion, flatulence, bloating, colic, infantile colic, IBS, poor appetite and digestion; difficult lactation, bronchitis.
Intake: Infusion (10 mins) of hot water 1-2 tsp crushed seeds/day.

Question 6

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Answer 6

Actions and uses: Antiemetic, carminative, aromatic digestive, anti-inflammatory (inhibits LOX, COX and TNF-α), circulatory stimulant; weak digestion (its a prokinetic), nausea, morning / motion sickness, colic; poor circulation, dysmenorrhoea (↓ inflammation). Inflammatory joint pain and arthritis (e.g. OA, RA).

Question 7

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra):

Answer 7

Actions and uses: Anti-inflammatory (‘cortisol-like’ effects, e.g. inhibits phospholipase A2), mucoprotective, demulcent, adrenal tonic (potentiates cortisol by suppressing 5-β-reductase, thus increasing the half-life of cortisol), expectorant, hepatoprotective (antioxidants), anti-viral; GORD, gastritis, peptic ulcers (protects the gastric mucosa-↑ blood supply and mucus. H pylori (inhibit protein synthesis and is anti-adhesive). Coughs, sore throat; adrenal depletion, PCOS (inhibits testosterone production by the ovaries), viral infections (e.g. HSV, EBV –induces interferons).
- Mildly oestrogenic (isoflavone content) –antagonises exogenous oestrogen. Inhibits CYP1B1 (use for high 4-OH and oestrogen dominance; researched for role in triple negative breast cancer).

Question 8

Oregano (Oreganumvulgare)

Answer 8

Actions and uses: Antispasmodic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic / helminthic, antioxidant; GI infections including candidiasis, E. coli, K. pneumonia, B. hominis, H. pylori and salmonella. Flatulence, bloating,

Question 9

Peppermint (Mentha x Piperita)

Answer 9

Actions and uses: Antispasmodic (menthol in peppermint blocks calcium channels in GI smooth muscle), carminative, antimicrobial, antiemetic; nausea, colic, flatulence, ‘IBS’; colds / upper respiratory infections (use steam inhalation). Topical analgesic —tension headache, muscular and arthritic pain.