Diverticulosis Health Dictionary

  1. Health Encyclopedia
  2. Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis: From 5 Different Sources

Weakness of the colonic wall due to “Western” diet responsible for dry, hardened and less bulky stools. Characterised by pouchings or “blow-outs” of the mucosa (diverticula) which when inflamed and under pressure (as from straining at stool) lead to a condition known as diverticulitis.

Two types: (1) multiple pockets with no pain. (2) hypertrophy of muscles of the colon with chronic spasmodic pain. Also an occupational hazard of saxophone players.

Symptoms. Continuous cramp-like pain in the left abdomen (iliac fossa), distension, flatulence, incomplete emptying of rectum. Colon is tender to touch and mass may be palpated. Constipation and left- sided pain are the hallmarks. Complications include abscess, faecal peritonitis from burst pouch. Differential diagnosis. On rectal examination, ulcerative colitis has fever, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhoea.

Alternatives. Tea. Equal parts, herbs: Agrimony (to stimulate a healthy flow of bile). Avens (to check excessive secretion by toning-up of bowel tissue). Hops (an alvine nervine for strengthening the walls). Liquorice (to support the immune system). Red Clover (anti-neoplastic to discourage malignancy).

For local sepsis. Suggested by high white cell count. Echinacea, Wild Indigo or Goldenseal. Where general toxaemia co-exists: Myrrh. For the chronic case with a silent abdomen, Fenugreek seeds relieve in most cases.

Fenugreek Seeds. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 10 minutes. Dose: 1 cup 2-3 times daily, seeds consumed as well as the liquor.

For constipation. Ispaghula seeds, (psyllium) in the form of Isogel, Normacol, Regulan or other brand. To increase bulk, soften and render stools easier to pass.

For abdominal discomfort. Peppermint oil: 1-2 drops in honey or milk.

Tinctures. Formula. Wild Yam 2; Marshmallow 1; Elderflowers (to reduce inflammation) 1; Ginger quarter. Dose: one teaspoon before meals thrice daily; every two hours acute cases.

Aloe Vera. Good responses observed.

Diet. The Hay Diet. Fluid intake important. For acute inflammatory cases food should be bland. Little muesli without bran. Bran makes an irritable bowel worse, fibre husk increasing irritability. Oatmeal porridge oats with mashed banana, molasses and honey. Arrowroot, Slippery Elm drinks. Fruit juices, grapes (no seeds), papaya fruit.

Avoid: ham, bacon, fried foods, pickles, caffeine drinks and alcohol. In chronic, non-inflammatory cases, bran relieves, producing soft easy-passing stool. On passing of the acute inflammatory stage the patient should gradually take into the diet fibre-rich foods with sufficient protein. See: DIET: HIGH- FIBRE.

Supplementation. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, folic acid, Bromelain enzymes. Bioflora, Lactoflora. Surgical operative measures may be necessary. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
A form of diverticular disease in which there are diverticula present in the intestine, particularly in the colon. Complications of diverticulosis may include intestinal bleeding and diverticulitis. The cause is believed to be lack of adequate dietary fibre (see fibre, dietary). Diverticulosis is very rare in developing countries.

Symptoms occur in only 20 per cent of people with diverticulosis. They usually result from spasm or cramp of the intestinal muscle near diverticula. Many patients have symptoms similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, such as abdominal pain, a bloated sensation, and changes in bowel habits. In severe cases, intestinal haemorrhage may produce bleeding from the rectum.

In patients with cramps, a high-fibre diet, fibre supplements, and antispasmodic drugs may relieve the symptoms.

A high-fibre diet also reduces the incidence of complications.

Bleeding from diverticula usually subsides without treatment, but surgery is an option.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
The presence of diverticula (see DIVERTICULUM) or sacs in the large intestine. Such diverticula are not uncommon over the age of 40, increasing with age until over the age of 70 they may be present in one-third to one-half of the population. They mostly occur in the lower part of the COLON, and are predominantly due to muscular hyperactivity of the bowel forcing the lining of the bowel through weak points in the bowel wall, just as the inner tube of a pneumatic tyre bulges through a defective tyre. There is increasing evidence that the low-residue diet of western civilisation is a contributory cause. The condition may or may not produce symptoms. If it does, these consist of disturbance of the normal bowel function and pain in the left side in the lower abdomen. If diverticulosis is causing symptoms, treatment consists of a high-residue diet (see CONSTIPATION) and an AGAR or METHYLCELLULOSE preparation.
Health Source: Herbal Medical
Author: Health Dictionary
Having congenital pouches of the type found in many organs, particularly the colon, that are benign, but, being little cul-de-sacs, are likely to become inflamed from time to time. Diverticulitis is the term for inflamed diverticula.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

Diverticulitis

In?ammation of diverticula (see DIVERTICULUM) in the large intestine. It is characterised by pain in the left lower side of the abdomen, which has been aptly described as ‘left-sided appendicitis’ as it resembles the pain of appendicitis but occurs in the opposite side of the abdomen. The onset is often sudden, with fever and constipation. It may, or may not, be preceded by DIVERTICULOSIS. Treatment consists of rest, no solid food but ample ?uid, and the administration of tetracycline. Complications are unusual but include ABSCESS formation, perforation of the colon, and severe bleeding.... diverticulitis

Cinnamomum Cassia

Blume.

Synonym: C. aromaticum Nees.

Family: Lauraceae.

Habitat: Native to China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

English: Chinese Cinnamon, Cassia Bark.

Ayurvedic: Tvak, Daalchini (bark).

Siddha/Tamil: Lavangappattai.

Action: Antispasmodic, carminative, antiputrescent, antidiarrhoeal, antiemetic, antimicrobial, mild analgesic. Used for flatulent dyspepsia, colic, irritable bowel, diverticulosis; also for influenza and colds.

Key application: In loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints such as mild spasma of gastrointestinal tract, bloating, flatulence. (German Commission E, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, ESCOP.)

The bark yields an essential oil containing cinnamaldehyde (82.2%) and eugenol (1.5%) as major constituents.

Cinnamaldehyde is a weak CNS stimulant at low doses and a depressant at high doses and has spasmolytic activity. It is hypotensive, hypogly- caemic and increases peripheral blood flow; it reduces platelet aggregability by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism.

Aqueous extract of the bark shows significant antiallergic activity in guinea pig. Diterpenes (Cinncassi- ols) are thought to be responsible for atleast some of the antiallergic effects.

The herb inhibited ulcers induced by ethanol, also ulcers induced by phenylbutazone; failed to prevent ulcers induced by indomethacin. (Planta Med 1989, 55(3), 245-248.)

The extract, when administered orally to rats with nephritis, prevents the increase of protein level in urine.

The bark markedly reduces blood pressure in experimental rats; exhibits tranquilizing effect and is used as an antiepileptic and sedative agent in drugs ofTCM.... cinnamomum cassia

Polygonum Bistorta

Linn.

Synonym: P. paleaceum Wall. ex Hook. f.

Family: Polygonaceae.

Habitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim and the hills of Assam.

English: Snake Weed, Bistort, Dragon Wort.

Unani: Anjabaar.

Action: Anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, astringent, demulcent, anticatarrhal, antidiarrhoeal. Used for internal haemorrhages, irritable bowel, diverticulosis, urinary and uterine affections. Used as a mouth wash and gargle for ulcerated mouth and bleeding gums.

The herb contains ferulic, sinapic, vanillic, syringic, melilotic, p-couma- ric, p-hydroxybenzoic, gentisic, sali- cyclic and ellagic acids, about 15-20% tannins mainly catechins.

When administered before the induction of adjuvant arthritis, the aqueous-ethanolic extract of the herb inhibited both the maximal oedema response and the total oedema response in rat.... polygonum bistorta

Roughage

Dietary ?bre is that part of food which cannot be digested in the gastrointestinal tract, although it can be metabolised in the colon by the micro-organisms there. Roughage falls into four groups: cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignins and pectins, found in unre?ned foods such as wholemeal cereals and ?our, root vegetables, nuts and fruit. It has long been known to affect bowel function, probably because of its capacity to hold water in a gel-like form. It plays an important role in the prevention of CONSTIPATION, DIVERTICULOSIS, IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS), APPENDICITIS, DIABETES MELLITUS and cancer of the colon (see INTESTINE). At present, many western diets do not contain enough roughage.... roughage

Arrowroot

Maranta. Maranta arundinacea L. A white powder from the rhizomes of maranta. Action: nutritive, demulcent.

Uses: Convalescence, weak stomach, colitis, diverticulosis. Mix 2 teaspoons with a little cold water into a smooth paste; add, slowly, half a pint boiling milk, stirring continuously. Flavour with nutmeg. Said to increase weight. The name is derived for its use for arrow wounds in tropical communities. ... arrowroot

Diverticular Disease

The presence of small protruding sacs or pouches called diverticula, in the wall of the intestines, and the symptoms or complications caused by them. The term diverticulosis signifies the presence of diverticula in the intestine. Diverticulitis is a complication produced by inflammation in 1 or more diverticula.... diverticular disease

Bilberry

Huckleberry. Vaccinum myrtillus L. French: Petit Myrte. German: Echte Heidelbeere. Italian: Baceri mirtillo. Fresh berries, rarely leaves.

Action. Anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, antemetic, astringent, diuretic, refrigerant, strengthens blood vessels, vein tonic. Inhibits growth of certain bacteria. Contains Vitamins A, C, P. Gather before fruit ripens.

Uses: Dropsy, gravel, violent irritable bowel, diverticulosis, nausea or vomiting, sore throat (gargle), leucorrhoea (douche), scurvy, Vitamin C deficiency. Popular in Russian Folk Medicine for gastro- enteritis and to reduce insulin intake in diabetes. Cleansing wash for old ulcers (decoction). Pharyngitis (gargle). Leukoplakia of the mouth, vagina and urethra – improvement reported. Crohn’s disease. Bacillus Coli infections. By stimulating production of visual purple improves vision, especially night vision. Varicose veins. Piles. Cystitis.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Decoction: 1oz to 1 pint water, remove vessel when boiling point is reached. Wineglass freely.

Liquid Extract, dose: 2-8ml.

Home tincture. Handful bilberries to 1 pint Vodka. Cork or cap. Shake daily for 1 week. Filter. Wineglass freely.

Formula. Combines well with Meadowsweet and Horsetail (equal parts).

Powder, capsules: 280mg. 2 capsules thrice daily between meals. (Arkocaps)

Diet. Cooked fresh berries are a popular dessert. Equal parts leaves of Wild Strawberry, Thyme and Bilberry substitute for domestic tea.

Fresh berries. Chew 1-3 teaspoons daily. ... bilberry

Bistort

Adderwort. Polygonum bistorta L. German: Matterkno?terich. French: Bistorte. Italian: Bistorta. Malayan: Se?ludang. Root and rhizome.

Action: powerful astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, anti-diarrhoeal, demulcent, anti- haemorrhagic.

Uses: Chiefly to arrest flow of internal bleeding. Haemorrhage from lungs, stomach or bowel. Irritable bowel, diverticulosis, incontinence of urine, uterine infection with discharge (vaginal douche), ulcerated mouth and spongy gums, nasal polypus (juice of fresh plant or decoction injected into nostrils), nosebleed (powder snuffed into nose), sore mouth (mouth wash).

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Decoction: (internal), 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half cup. Decoction may also be used as a douche.

Liquid extract: 15-30 drops, in water.

Powder: half a teaspoon in water or honey.

Tincture BHP (1983) 1:5 in 25 per cent alcohol.

Dose, 1-3ml (15-45 drops) in water. Gargle. Mouthwash. Ointment. ... bistort

Black Currant

Ribes nigrum L. German: Schwarze Ribsel. French: Bassis. Spanish: Grosellero. Italian: Grosularia nera. Garden fruit. Leaves, fruit.

Action: febrifuge (mild), astringent, diuretic, anti-rheumatic. Fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C, and have a Vitamin P effect. Anti-inflammatory for rheumatic disorders and gout. Nerve tonic. Hypotensor. Mild antispasmodic. Cooling.

Uses: As a tea in early stages of fevers until deeper-acting and more specific treatment is prescribed. Capillary fragility. High blood pressure (fruit). Sore throat (tea used as a gargle). Irritable bowel. Renal calculi, oliguria, renal colic.

Combination: equal parts: with Agrimony and German Chamomile for diverticulosis.

Preparations: Leaves: 1oz to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. One-half-1 cup freely.

Fruits: Black currant syrup, BPC.

Note: Seeds are twice as rich in gamma linolenic acid than an equivalent amount in Evening Primrose oil. Assists production of prostaglandins that control blood pressure and regulate metabolism. ... black currant

Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar. Rich in potassium and other associated trace minerals. What calcium is to the bones, so is potassium to the soft tissues.

Action: detoxifier, antiseptic, anti-catarrhal, bitter, stomachic, antimicrobial.

Uses: Often successful against staphylococcal and streptococcal infection (impetigo, etc). High blood pressure, dizziness, overweight, chronic headache, chronic fatigue, chronic lack of stomach acid in old age, diarrhoea, mucous colitis, diverticulosis, Crohn’s disease, nausea, vomiting, red-brick deposit in the urine. For shingles, to alleviate itching and burning: apply neat to skin, two-hourly day or night. The neat vinegar applied, freely, for ringworm, varicose veins, and burns to remove smarting. To prevent night sweats, wipe down with neat vinegar.

Dosage is an individual matter. 1, 2 or 3 teaspoons to glass of water at each meal is helpful for destroying harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and to maintain good general health. ... cider vinegar

Cinnamon, Chinese

 Cassia bark. Cinnamomum cassia Blume.

Action: antispasmodic, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, anti-emetic, carminative, anti-putrescent, aromatic, febrifuge, mild analgesic.

Uses: Flatulent dyspepsia, colic, irritable bowel, diverticulosis. Influenza and colds. Leucorrhoea (5 drops oil in honey before meals). Lung affections: chest rub. Loss of weight and malaise. Deficiency of stomach acid. Snakebite.

Preparations: Thrice daily, or more frequently in acute cases.

Tea: Quarter to half a teaspoon in each cup boiling water, hot tea or other beverage.

Tincture BPC (1949). Dose 30-60 drops (2-4ml).

Inhalant: Inhale steam from 20-30 drops oil or essence in 1 pint boiling water, with head covered. Chest-rub. 5 drops oil in 2 teaspoons Almond or Olive oil.

Not a front-line remedy. Much used to flavour medicines and toothpastes. Avoid in pregnancy. Combines well with Ginger (equal parts). ... cinnamon, chinese

Constipation

Failure of contents of the large bowel to be evacuated due to inactivity, chemical laxatives, ignoring body signals that the body is full, obsession with bowel movements, piles, diverticulosis with small pockets from the colon, lack of exercise, spastic condition, low-fibre foods, poor eating habits, nervous stress. Waste products stagnate, changing behaviour of intestinal flora friendly to the body and necessary for breakdown of food. Toxins formed from reabsorption may be the cause of chronic disease.

Constipation is usually due to an underlying condition which requires primary treatment: i.e. anaemia.

The habit of taking purgatives lessens ability of the bowel to do its work. Gentler-acting remedies are advised: Isphagula (Psyllium seeds, light). In prescriptions, it is good practice to include a remedy for the liver (Barberry, Wahoo) and the digestive system (Dandelion, Liquorice). For constipation of pregnancy – see PREGNANCY.

Alternatives. Senna. 1-2 teaspoons leaves or 5-7 pods to cup cold water left to stand overnight. Combined tea. Equal parts: Senna leaves, Chamomile flowers, Fennel seeds. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup, evening.

Psyllium seeds (Ispaghula, pale) 1, 2, 3 or more teaspoons aided down with sips of water, morning or evening.

Decoctions. Any of the following: Black root, Blue Flag, Buckthorn, Cascara sag, Dandelion root, Turkey Rhubarb, Wahoo, Yellow Dock.

Tablets/capsules. Dandelion. Calamus. Blue Flag. Seaweed and Sarsaparilla. Turkey Rhubarb. Damiana. Senokot.

“Natural Herb Tablet”: Holy Thistle 60mg; Aloes BP 50mg; Fennel powder BPC 15mg; Myrrh powder BPC 15mg; Extract Skullcap 10mg; Powdered Valerian BPC 30mg; Powdered Lime flowers BPC 1949 30mg. Two or more tablets as necessary. Variations of this formula are on sale throughout Europe and the UK.

Powders. Combinations. Alternatives. (1) Turkey Rhubarb, with trace Cayenne. Use powder, or rubbed Rhubarb root with aid of kitchen grater.

(2) Equal parts: Barberry, Liquorice, Senna pods.

(3) Turkey Rhubarb 6; Slippery Elm 1; Liquorice 1. (4) Senna 70; Buckthorn 5; Fennel 10; Mate 5; Elder 5; Psyllium (pale) 5. Dose: 500-750mg (2-3 00 capsules or one-third-half a teaspoon) once or twice daily, as necessary.

Tinctures. Formulae: (1) Turkey Rhubarb, with trace of Capsicum. (2) Dandelion 2; Cascara sag, 2; Barberry 2; Liquorice 1; Tincture Ginger half. Half-2 teaspoons in hot water, evening.

Standard sales. A large number of preparations are on sale including Potter’s “Lion Cleansing Herbs”, Monastery herbs, Priory herbs. Fybogel Orange to increase bulk in colon. Regulan, for high fibre regimen. Enema or gravity douche: half an ounce Chamomile flowers to 2 pints boiling water allowed to cool. Inject warm; repeat twice weekly until normal function is established.

Diet. Milk-free diet often curative. Teaspoon powdered Agar Agar with meals once or twice daily. Prunes soaked overnight. Yoghurt. Crude black molasses. Increase fibre-foods. Dandelion coffee.

Hay Diet. Impressive results reported.

Supplementation. Cod Liver oil.

Vitamins: A. B-complex, Thiamine, Niacin, C. P (bioflavonoids). Minerals: Calcium. Potassium. Zinc. ... constipation

Enema

A rectal infusion chiefly water given as an aid to evacuation of the bowel or, injected slowly can be an aid to dehydration. An enema may also be of great value in the treatment of some diseases. Injection of fluid (herb teas, etc) through a tube into the rectum, via the anus, to relieve constipation or convey medication or nutriment. A herbal tea may be given as a stimulating nervine (to rouse from severe prostration as in apoplexy, meningitis); relaxant (when the body is feverish and tense); or to re-activate after collapse and shock. Usual enemata: 2 pints herb tea.

Bayberry bark, Burdock root, Catnep, Lobelia, Fenugreek seeds, Raspberry leaves, Chickweed, Tormentil, Lime flowers, Mullein.

Evacuant Children. Catnep tea, with 2 teaspoons honey. Adults. Catnep, Raspberry leaves.

Stimulating nervine: Skullcap, Oatmeal, Oats, Bayberry bark.

Relaxant: Lobelia, Lime flowers, Mullein.

To re-activate after collapse: Teaspoon Composition powder. Ginger; or 20 drops tincture Myrrh.

To soothe pain of diverticulosis: Fenugreek seeds, Marshmallow root, Oatmeal.

Alternatives to coffee for cancer: Raspberry leaves, Red Clover flowers, Burdock root, Yellow Dock. For bowel infections: typhoid (Boneset and Skullcap – equal parts): dysentery (raspberry leaves 10, Myrrh 1): diverticulitis (German Chamomile 8, Goldenseal 1). Impacted faeces: Chamomile tea with teaspoon Olive Oil.

When the stomach rejects a medicine an alternative route is by enema into the bowel.

Olive Oil enema: 5oz Olive Oil in 20oz boiled water.

Myrrh enema: 20 drops Tincture Myrrh in 20oz boiled water for bowel infections.

Slippery Elm enema: half a teaspoon Slippery Elm powder in 20 boiled water.

Raspberry leaf enema: 1oz Raspberry leaves in 1 pint (20oz) boiling water; infuse until warm, strain and inject for irritable bowel and other conditions.

Enemas should not be given to children. ... enema

Diarrhoea

The world’s biggest killer of children. Inflammation of the bowel by production of too much mucous secretion.

Causes: faulty absorption of fats, bacterial or viral infection, nervous bowel, anxiety or psychosomatic disturbance, malfunction of the thyroid gland, etc.

Looseness of the bowels may sometimes occur as an acute cleansing eliminative effort by Nature to expel wastes and impurities. Dehydration can be serious in children. For presence of mucous or blood in the stool refer to DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS.

Differential diagnosis. Crohn’s disease, Gastroenteritis, Diverticulosis, Ulcerative colitis, Dysentery, Salmonella.

Travel diarrhoea: ‘blight of holiday and business trips abroad’ due to E. Coli. Acute, usually non- persistent self-limiting condition. Ginger, crystallised or powder in capsules or tablets is known to reduce the incidence in high risk areas.

Imported bloody diarrhoeas – salmonella, shigella or amoebic infections should receive special investigation by a competent authority, a consultant in infectious diseases. First-aid until the practitioner comes: 2-5 drops oil of Peppermint in water.

Children’s diarrhoea. Re-hydration after severe loss of fluids – glass of water containing 1 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons sugar.

Over 13,000 children die from this preventable disease every day, many in the developing countries. This simple combination of sugar and salt prevents dehydration, the most common cause of death from acute diarrhoea, and has helped save tens of thousands of lives.

Alternatives. Rest. Avoid caffeine and alcohol drinks. Plenty of astringent herb teas to reduce the associated hyperperistalsis. Children – half-dose.

Teas. Any one of the following: Agrimony, Avens, Burmarigold, Black Walnut leaves, Burnet (greater or garden), Ground Ivy, Ladysmantle, Hops (nervous bowel), Plantain, Peppermint, Periwinkle (vinca major), Meadowsweet, Silverweed, Shepherd’s Purse, Tormentil. Sage. Formulae: (1) equal parts; Raspberry leaves, Agrimony, Avens. Or (2) equal parts; Raspberry leaves, Plantain, Silverweed. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. For nerve exhaustion: add a sprinkle of Valerian.

Seeds. Coriander, Caraway or Fenugreek. Half a teaspoon to each cup water, brought to boil; vessel removed as soon as boiling point is reached. Half-1 cup freely.

Decoctions. Any one of the following: Bayberry, Cranesbill (American), Rhatany root, Sweet Chestnut leaves, Oak bark, Wild Yam, Iceland Moss.

Powders. Any one: Calamus, Bayberry, Oak bark, Cinnamon, Black Catechu, Wild Yam. Add pinch of Ginger.

Tinctures. (1) Combine Bayberry 2; Ginger 1. Or (2) Combine Bayberry 1; Raspberry leaves 2. One to two 5ml teaspoons thrice daily after meals.

Tincture, or spirits of Camphor: 5-10 drops in water every 3-4 hours for severe depletion of body fluids. Adults only.

Aloe Vera. Scientific papers confirm efficacy.

Dr Finlay Ellingwood. Castor oil: 5 drops every 2 hours.

Bilberry juice. Half-1 cup freely.

Goldenseal. Antibacterial. 5-10 drops, tincture, 3-4 times daily. Adults only.

Diet. Avoid cow’s milk. 3-day fast on fruit juices and herb teas alone, followed by gruel made from Slippery Elm, Oatmeal or Arrowroot. Yoghurt. Bilberry fruit. Carob bean products: chocolate or other preparations. Ensure adequate fluid intake.

Supplementation. Vitamins A, B12, C, D. Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc. Preventative. 2 drops oil of Peppermint morning and evening. ... diarrhoea

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. German: Griechisches Bockshorn. French: Fenugrec. Italian: Fieno greco. Indian: Methi. Arabian: Halbah. Iranian: Shembalita. Malayan: Halba. Seeds.

Properties similar to Irish Moss.

Constituents: flavonoids, volatile oil, saponins, alkaloids.

Action: leaves a soothing protective coating over irritated surfaces (internal demulcent, external emollient); nutrient, anti-inflammatory, galactagogue, hypoglycaemic. A natural lubricant for the colon. Oxytocic. Febrifuge. “A stimulating effect on bone healing.” (Hamdard Medicus, Oct/Dec 1988, Vol XXXI No 4)

Uses: Soothing and healing to mucosa of stomach, intestines. Gastric and duodenal ulcer. Diverticulosis, dysentery, colitis, diarrhoea, irritable bowel, fistula, Crohn’s disease. Weak digestion, poor appetite and general debility. Convalescence. Reduces level of blood sugar; transient effects in diabetes. For thin people anxious to put on weight. Cancer of the bowel, as a soothing mild analgesic. Sore gums, mouth ulcers, chronic cough, bronchitis. Has been used for kidney complaints in China as early as 1057 AD. Protection against thrombosis, embolism and angina. To increase milk in nursing mothers. Hiatus hernia, impotence.

Arabian medicine: “for alluring roundness of the female breast.”

Topical. Decoction used as a poultice for boils, abscesses, wounds.

Preparations: Freely.

Decoction. 1-2 teaspoons crushed seeds to each cup water gently simmered 15 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup; seeds should be eaten. More efficacious than alcoholic preparations.

Popular combination. (Tablets, powders) Fenugreek 275mg; Rhubarb root 6mg; Slippery Elm 9mg; Bayberry 6mg; Goldenseal 3mg.

Poultice. Powder or crushed seeds – see POULTICE.

Diet. Sprouts. Seeds readily germinate on a moistened surface to provide rich source of natural vitamins, lecithin and iron for addition to green salads. ... fenugreek

Fibre

It has been discovered that various cultures round the world, e.g. the Hunza Colony near Pakistan, the 7th-Day Adventists and others who eat high fibre foods have fewer cases of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Natives of Hunza may live to great ages and have few dental problems, emotional illness and never require a laxative. Today, foods may be over-processed.

Other diseases recognised to be characteristic of modern western civilisation and claimed to be causally related to diet are: appendicitis, coronary heart disease, hiatus hernia, diverticulosis, piles and other anal disorders, obesity, gall stones, hypertension, deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.

Low fibre intake results in slow transit of food and exposes potential carcinogens a longer period of time in contact with the alimentary canal. A high fibre diet tends to absorb a variety of environmental pollutants and eliminate them from the body.

Foods rich in fibre: wholemeal bread, grains, cereals, brown rice, beans, peas, boiled cabbage, sweetcorn, banana, prunes (stewed), dried apricots. One of the highest is All Bran, which has the highest proportion of dietary fibre among breakfast cereals with no preserves, artificial colouring or flavouring. Contains one-third fewer calories than most breakfast cereals and because of its glycaemic effect is useful in diabetic diet. ... fibre

Goldenseal

Yellow root. Eye Balm. Hydrastis canadensis L. Dried rhizome and roots. One of phytotherapy’s most effective agents. Versatile, with a wide sphere of influence.

Constituents: berberine, hydrastine, canadine, resin.

Action: alterative, choleretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, bacteriostatic against staphyococcus. (Complementary Medical Research Vol 2, No 2, p.139) Bitter, diuretic, haemostatic, laxative, oxytocic, powerful stomach and liver tonic, detoxifier. Increases blood supply to the spleen. Uses. Mucous membranes generally. Ulceration of mouth, throat, intestines. Heartburn, chronic dyspepsia, gastric and duodenal ulcer, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, liver damage. To assist function of old age. Drying to mucous surfaces and therefore indicated in all forms of catarrh (respiratory, vaginal etc). Proteinuria. Painful, excessive menstruation and bleeding from the womb for which the addition of Beth root (equal parts) enhances action. Itching of anus and genitals. Ear infections: internal and topical medication. Prostatitis. Bleeding gums. Tinnitus. Has a long history for use in sexually transmitted diseases. Once used to stimulate contractions of the womb to hasten delivery.

Preparations: Standard dose: half-1 gram. Thrice daily.

Decoction. Quarter to half a teaspoon dried rhizome to each cup water simmered gently in a covered vessel 20 minutes. Dose: half a cup.

Liquid Extract, BHC Vol 1. 1:1 in 60 per cent ethanol; 0.3-1ml, (5-15 drops).

Tincture, BHC Vol 1. 1:10, 60 per cent ethanol; 2-4ml, (15-60 drops).

Formula. Popular. All BHP (1983) standard powders:– Marshmallow root 100mg; Goldenseal 10mg; Cranesbill 30mg; Dandelion root 60mg. Traditional for the relief of indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, nausea and gastric irritation.

Powder. Dose: half-1g.

Lotion. Equal parts, Tincture Goldenseal and glycerine. For painting mouth, throat and lesions elsewhere. Goldenseal solution. 250mg powder shaken in 3oz Rosewater or Witch Hazel: filter. 5-10 drops in eyebath half-filled with water; douche 3 or more times daily.

Goldenseal ointment. 1 teaspoon (5ml) tincture in 1oz Vaseline; dissolve in gentle heat.

Mouth Wash. 5-10 drops tincture in glass water.

Vaginal douche or enema. 10 drops tincture to 2 pints boiled water; inject warm.

Notes. Liquid extract may be used instead of tincture, in which case half quantity is used. Not given in pregnancy, lactation or high blood pressure Not given with Eucalyptus to which it is antagonistic.

GSL, schedule 1

“GONE ALL TO PIECES” SYNDROME. Nervous disarray and weakness from severe emotional or physical shock.

Tablet: 45mg each, Skullcap, Lupulin, Hydrocotyle; and the aqueous extractive from: 90mg Gentian, 75mg Jamaica Dogwood. ... goldenseal

Intestine, Disorders Of

The intestine is subject to various structural abnormalities and to the effects of many infective organisms and parasites; it may also be affected by tumours and other disorders.

Structural abnormalities may be present from birth (congenital) or may develop later. They cause blockage of the intestine (see intestine, blockage of) and include atresia, stenosis, and volvulus. In newborns, meconium (fetal intestinal contents) may block the intestine.

Generalized inflammation of the intestine may result from viral or bacterial infections or from noninfectious causes, as in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Gastroenteritis is the term commonly applied to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Infection encompasses food poisoning, traveller’s diarrhoea, typhoid fever, cholera, amoebiasis, and giardiasis. Intestinal worm infestations include roundworms and tapeworms. Sometimes inflammation is localized, such as in appendicitis and diverticular disease.

Tumours of the small intestine are rare, but noncancerous growths, lymphomas, and carcinoid tumours (causing carcinoid syndrome) occur. Tumours of the large intestine are common (see colon, cancer of; rectum, cancer of). Some forms of familial polyposis may progress to cancer. Impaired blood supply (ischaemia) to the intestine may occur as a result of partial or complete obstruction of the arteries in the abdominal wall (from diseases such as atherosclerosis) or from the blood vessels being compressed or trapped, as in intussusception or hernias. Loss of blood supply may cause gangrene.

Other disorders that affect the intestine include peptic ulcers, diverticulosis, malabsorption, coeliac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.... intestine, disorders of


Health encyclopedia icon Health Encyclopedia

Recent Searches