Herbal Medicine & GIT Disorders

Human GIT anatomy

Diseases of the GIT Stomatitis, oesophagitis, gastritis Dyspepsia, Irritable bowel syndrome food intolerances and allergies peptic ulceration Crohn’s disease Ulcerative colitis Dyspepsia, Gastro-oesophageal reflux Chronic gastrointestinal infections Constipation. Digestive deficiency and anorexia

Case study A female patient aged 42 complained of chronic episodes of discomfort and distension in the right lower abdomen associated with a feeling of malaise sometimes. She was intolerant of fatty foods and her past medical history revealed that she had lived in subsahran African countries for an extended period during which time she had amoebic dysentery and malaria. A number of recent medical tests, including colonoscopy, could not find any abnormalities. She also had a history of heart damage of undefined origin for which she is using β-blockers.

Case Summary Gender: Age: Symptoms: Other conditions: Type: Frequency: Duration: Other conditions: Other medications:

Prescriptions Rx Hydrastis 1:2 20 mL Mentha piperita 1:2 15 mL Silybum marianum 1:1 15 mL Matricaria chamomilla 1:2 20 mL Valeriana 1:2 20 mL TOTAL 90 mL Dose: 5 mL with water three times daily. Slippery elm powder: one teaspoon with water three times per day

Therapy rationale: Drug Main action Role Hydrastis : Mentha piperita: Silybum marianum: Matricaria chamomilla: Valeriana: Slippery elm: Hints: Actions include nerve tonic, antiseptic, , demulcent , antiinflammatory, hepatotonic, spasmolytic

Further discussion Suggest dietary plan (Do and Do not have foods) Suggest a replacement for these specific ingredient Mentha piperita Silybum marianum Can the antiflammatory drug liquorice used instead of chamomile?

Formula indications (HW) The following two formulas are prescribed for the same condition, Identify? Discuss how their indications may vary. Formula A Each tablet contains Senna leaves extract 10mg Rhubarb extract 10mg Vegetable charcoal 100mg Formula B Each tablet contains Psyllium husk 100mg Bentonite 10mg Pectin 10mg Wheat bran 10mg