Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies. David Hoffmann
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Of course a large range of other actions are also represented here. For example, White Horehound can be used in a bronchitic condition where the appetite is weak and the digestion sluggish, or as a digestive remedy in cases where there is a lung weakness.
Sialagogues
The importance of the saliva in the digestive process cannot be overstressed. Digestion starts in the mouth and initiates a process that is continued in the gut. The saliva breaks down large carbohydrates into smaller units which can then be processed in other parts of the system. If time is not taken to chew food properly the saliva does not get to mix thoroughly enough with it and the whole digestive process is affected. Besides the bitters, which all stimulate the flow of saliva, other sialagogues are Cayenne, Ginger, Liquorice, Tamarind, and Turkey Rhubarb Root.
Hepatics
Hepatics are herbs that strengthen, tone and stimulate the secretive functions of the liver. This causes an increase in the flow of bile. Remedies that also promote the discharge of this bile into the duodenum are called cholagogues. In treating the whole body, it is often beneficial to aid the liver and its function as this most important organ is intimately involved in all body functions and the health of all tissues. The liver is involved in digestive problems via the bile. As its importance would suggest, there are many hepatic herbs available to us, and the most useful are Balmony, Barberry, Black Root, Blue Flag, Boldo, Dandelion Root, Fringetree Bark, Golden Seal, Vervain, Wahoo, Wild Yam and Yellow Dock.
Laxatives and Evacuants
Many herbs can promote the evacuation of the bowels, ranging from very mild laxatives to more violent and drastic purgatives. Such strong purgatives should only be used in extreme cases and under qualified supervision. The best laxatives are those that stimulate the natural secretion of digestive juices such as bile (the cholagogues), thus promoting evacuation. Some of these are Balmony, Barberry, Dandelion Root, Liquorice, Wahoo and Yellow Dock.
For a more powerful evacuant, consider Rhubarb Root, which in small dosage is also a mild astringent. Other valuable ones to consider are Aloe, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada and Senna. These stronger evacuants work mainly by chemical or neurological stimulation, irritating the lining of the intestines and causing an active expulsion of material.
Emetics
There are situations where expulsion of the content of the stomach is highly desirable, as in poisoning, where vomiting is often the appropriate treatment. Many plants can cause this reflex by either acting on the controlling nerves or by irritating the gastric lining. Good ones to use would be Balm, Ipecacuanha, Lobelia and Senega.
Anthelmintics
The anthelmintics are a group of stimulating herbs that do not really act on the digestive system itself but rather against parasitic worms that might be present. Please refer to the chapter on infections and infestations for more information.
Relaxants
Following the stimulants, we shall consider a group of properties that relax the tissue of the digestive system or reduce the overactivity of normal functions.
Demulcents
When the membranes of the digestive tract are irritated or inflamed, demulcent herbs can soothe and protect them. Out of the many demulcents that are active in different parts of the body, Comfrey Root, Hops, Iceland Moss, Irish Moss, Marshmallow Root, Oats, Quince Seed and Slippery Elm are most effective for the digestive system.
Carminatives
Many aromatic herbs contain volatile oils that affect the digestive system by relaxing the stomach muscles, increasing the peristalsis of the intestine and reducing the production of gas in the system. They thus support the movement of material through the system and relieve distension due to gas. Of the many carminatives, Angelica, Aniseed, Calamus, Caraway, Cardamon, Cayenne, Chamomile, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Peppermint and Thyme are among the best ones for the digestive system.
Astringents
The action of astringents lies mainly in their ability to contract cell walls, thus condensing the tissue and making it firmer and arresting any unwanted discharge. Of the many astringents provided by the plant kingdom, Agrimony, Bayberry, Cranesbill, Meadowsweet, Nettles, Oak Bark, Pilewort and Tormentil are suitable for the digestive system.
Anti-spasmodics
Anti-spasmodics are remedies that rapidly relax any nervous tension that may be causing digestive spasms or colic. The tension of our current lifestyle can manifest in many digestive conditions that necessitate the use of relaxing nervines or muscular anti-spasmodics. The best ones to use in cases of digestive problems are Chamomile, Hops, Lobelia, Mistletoe, Pasque Flower, Skullcap and Valerian. See the Herbal section for more details on each of these, in order to choose the best herb or combination for the individual case.
Anti-microbials
Infections can be the cause of digestive problems; they can also arise easily if the digestive system has been weakened by a disease. In either case, the use of anti-microbials will be helpful. Many of the herbs already mentioned are anti-microbials, such as Pulsatilla, Thyme and Wormwood, but the two outstanding ones are Echinacea and Myrrh.
Patterns of digestive diseases
In this section we shall review the digestive system starting from the mouth and ending with the rectum, referring to the common conditions but explaining their treatment in terms of the whole. It is valuable first to recognise a number of symptoms that are common to many diseases affecting the whole system but which have a particular relevance to digestion. These are constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, pain and loss of appetite.
Constipation
Contrary to common belief, constipation is not a disease but a symptom of some underlying problem. This could be inappropriate diet, a liver problem or even a physical blockage in the system. In any case, the cause must be identified and treated, as the long term use of laxatives in chronic constipation can eventually lead to other symptoms such as headaches, colic or even jaundice. Most constipation would not occur if the body were given a well-balanced diet with adequate levels of roughage.
In cases of chronic constipation, the muscles of the intestines have to be retrained to move the bowel content. The movement of the intestinal wall is a complex and highly integrated example of muscle control, designed to push the content onwards at the right time and with the right force. This natural peristaltic movement can be blocked by the long use of laxatives. Two things should be done to retrain the intestines: care should be taken that meals are eaten regularly (same time each day) and small amounts of appropriate herbs should be used to re-stimulate the peristalsis, for instance Cascara Sagrada.
A further factor that should not be underestimated is the attitude and state of mind of the person who is constipated.