The
Digestive System
Digestion is fundamental to good health, providing and processing
nutrients required by the body for sustaining normal function.
Food is digested by being mixed with acids and other digestive juices,
but if this process is disrupted then putrefaction of the food slurry occurs, causing
indigestion and the generation of excessive gas.
Stress will aggravate all of these problems, and may also cause IBS and
excess release of acid into the stomach.
Other disturbances may also develop including inflammation of the
stomach, intestines or bowel, leading to ulceration and other chronic conditions.
Sluggish Digestion
The traditional way of treating a sluggish digestion is by using the
bitter herbs. The best of these is probably gentian, which stimulates the flow of gastric
juices and thereby aids digestion. Combined with ginger and orange extract, this forms an
excellent remedy for a weak and underactive digestive system.
Inflammatory Conditions
If there is inflammation present, such as with gastritis or ulcers,
stimulating herbs must not be used. It is better to employ healing and soothing
anti-inflammatory herbs such as marshmallow and liquorice for these cases. Mastic may also
be valuable if heliobactor pylorii is present, as sometimes occurs with inflammatory
conditions.
Gall Bladder
Care needs to be taken with gall bladder problems, especially if stones
are present. Gentle flushing herbs, such as barberry are recommended, together with
biliary calculi 6x to help resolve the stone. Olive oil flushes should NOT
be employed as these may cause the stone to lodge in the bile duct - a very painful and
potentially serious problem.
Irritable Bowel
Irritable Bowel is of course a very common disorder, especially in
those prone to stress. The antispasmodic herbs are best employed here. These will often
relieve the symptoms quickly, although stress reducing nervines will also be required in
any really effective mixture. A good combination for this purpose used in my clinic is
dandelion herb, burdock root, skullcap herb, chamomile and peppermint oil.
Constipation
Another very common problem is constipation. This usually occurs when
there is a lack of proper bowel tone, poor peristaltic action, and a lack of moisture in
the stools. One must of course ensure an adequate intake of fibre here. Generally
speaking, laxatives cannot be recommended since they eventually cause the bowel to become
lazy.
Herbs which stimulate the flow of digestive fluid and encourage
hydration are preferred, although gentle peristaltic stimulation can also be used. For
this purpose, we use rhubarb and barberry compound - a gentle but effective formula.
Diet
In all the above cases, a well balanced and moderate diet should be
followed, generally eating small meals, chewing slowly, and eating at regular times.
Pricing
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