Article courtesy of BCHA professional member and former President, Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, RH (AHG) Medical Herbalist
To view entire article with additional information, please visit: http://aeblog.alchemyelixir.com/2010/03/08/digestive-aids-back-to-the-basics-with-herbal-medicine/
Herbal medicine offers invaluable aid for chronic digestive disorders as well as common symptoms of overeating including heart burn, indigestion, cramping and bloating. As most herbal medicines are taken orally, they come into direct contact with the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, offering quick relief. Herbal medicines offer gentle, non-habit forming alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medications and are suitable for long term aid. The medical actions of herbs are often categorized into groups according to their therapeutic action.
Digestive stimulants help to increase or improve digestive activities. Two of the main categories of stimulant herbs are bitters and hepatics (herbs which support the liver). Bitters have been used traditionally, sipped before meals. Herbal bitters act to stimulate the release of gastric juice and digestive enzymes for optimal digestion. They also help to increase appetite. Bitters have a general tonic action on digestion, stimulating the body's self repair mechanisms. Some bitter herbs include wormwood, centaury, yarrow and gentian. Bitter herbs are consumed in small amounts and should not be ingested in conditions of excess stomach acid or ulcers. Hepatics are herbs that strengthen tone and support the liver. The liver is our primary organ for cleansing and detoxification, facilitating the deactivation of hormones, drugs, food additives and pollutants. The liver is involved in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is also involved in both the synthesis of cholesterol and its breakdown into bile salts. In addition, the liver provided storage for fat soluble vitamins. Examples of Hepatic herbs include: dandelion root, wild yam root, yellow dock root.
Digestive Relaxants, in contrast, help to reduce over-activity and relax tissues. These herbs are used in a clinic environment to reduce bloating and stomach distension. Carminative herbs are plants that contain volatile oils, the component of the plant that imparts the familiar fragrant/aromatic scent associated with many dried herbs. Their main action in digestion is to soothe and settle the gut wall, ease cramping and expel wind from the stomach and intestines, while providing gentle anti spasmodic properties. Some common carminative herbs containing a characteristic scent include caraway seed, fennel seed, peppermint leaf, ginger root and anise seed.
Herbal medicines are gentle and ideal for incorporating into ones daily routine. Digestive herbs can be used in either tea or tincture form. An adult general dosage for herbal teas is 1 tsp. of the herb for every cup of boiled water, steeped for 15 minutes; 3-4 cups daily will provide a medicinal dose. When using tinctures, the dosage varies depending upon the herbs used. A standard adult dose is generally 2-3 ml taken 2-3 times daily.
About Katolen
Katolen Yardley, MNIMH -Medical Herbalist
Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
Katolen is a Medical Herbalist and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, currently in private practice. She has been employed in the Holistic Health field since 1993, with clinical experience since 1995.
Katolen has been involved in curriculum development for numerous educational programs; she is adjunct faculty at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine and offers seminars and lectures to the general public. She is an instructor and clinic supervisor of a Dominion Herbal College approved student training clinic. Katolen is the current President of the Canadian Council of Herbalist Associations (CCHA) and a second term president of the Canadian Herbalist’s Association of BC (CHA of BC). She is the author of the book – The Good Living Guide to Natural and Herbal Remedies (release date August, 2016)
From 1998 until 2015, she appeared monthly on Global Television Morning News, where she offered herbal information to the public. Katolen has been a guest on the Discovery Channel’s Healthy Home Show, has been published in the British Journal of Phytotherapy, Shared Vision Magazine, Elated News, Choices Markets Newsletters and Living + Magazine, she is a guest speaker at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, has presented at international conferences including Phytotherapy Canada, the BC Pharmacy Association, the Canadian Herbalists Association of BC, Health Action Network, Kootenay Herb Conference, Vancouver Island Herb Gathering, Powell River Women’s Health Network, Washington State’s Northwest Herbal Fair, Northern California Women’s Herbal Symposium, North West Herb Symposium, Nanaimo Horticultural Society, the BC Post Secondary Support Staff Conference and appeared in interviews on the Dr. Don Show, the Simi Sara Show, Access Television, Health Stuff You Need to Know Podcast, CKVN News, CBC National News, The Weather Network, CBC Talk Radio, CKNW’s World Today and CFML Radio.
Her personal interest in health lies with the emotional connection to wellness and dis-ease. She specializes in women's health issues, skin dis-ease and nervous system disorders and believes in providing usable tools for healing through inspiration and education.
For 6 years Katolen managed the production of a busy herbal company, responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the manufacturing procedures of herbal formulations.
Follow her on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/katolenyardleyherbalist/
