Hyperacidity Health Dictionary

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Hyperacidity: From 1 Different Sources

A condition in which excess acid is produced by the stomach. Hyperacidity is often confused with acid reflux or waterbrash. It occurs in people with a duodenal ulcer (see peptic ulcer) or Zollinger–Ellison syndrome.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Agrimonia Eupatoria

auct non L.

Synonym: A. pilosa Hook.f. non Ledeb.

A. pilosa Ledeb. var. nepalensis (D. Don) Nakai

Family: Rosacae.

Habitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to West Bengal at 9003,000 m, and in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya.

English: Agrimony, Stickle Wort.

Unani: Ghaafis.

Folk: Belu.

Action: Astringent, anti- inflammatory, hepatic, cholagogue, diuretic, mild haemostatic, antibacterial. Used for irritations and infections of the intestinal tract, gallbladder diseases, hyperacidity, colic, urinary disorders (bed- wetting, incontinence), sluggish liver, mucus membrane inflammations; externally for ulcerated and discharging skin, psoriasis and seborrhoic eczemas.

Key application: In mild, nonspecific, acute diarrhoea and in inflammation of oral and pharyngeal mucosa; as astringent. (German Commission E, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

The herb contains condensed tannins up to 8%, coumarins, flavonoids (glucosides of luteolin, apigenin and quercetin), polysaccharides, volatile oil. Luteolin 7-glucoside shows a chole- gogic action. Aqueous extracts inhibited Mycobacterium tuberculosis, also strains resistant to streptomycin and p-aminosalicylate. Essential oil is antibacterial, active against Bacillus sub- tilis.

The ethanolic extracts of the herb are used for their antiviral properties. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)

Coumarins interact with anticoagulants, and drugs that increase the risk of bleeding Furanocoumarin content increase photosensitivity. (Sharon M. Herr.)... agrimonia eupatoria

Asparagus Racemosus

willd.

Family: Asparagaceae.

Habitat: Native to Europe and West Asia.

English: Asparagus, Sparrow grass.

Ayurvedic: Shataavari, Vari, Shatviryaa, Shatmuuli, Shatpadi, Bhiru, Naaraayani, Bahusutaa, Atirasaa.

Unani: Haliyun.

Family: Asparagaceae.

Habitat: Found wild in tropical and subtropical parts of India, including the Andamans and ascending in the Himalayas to 1,500 m.

English: Indian asparagus.

Ayurvedic: Shataavari, Shatmuuli, Atirasaa, Bahusutaa, Shatpadi, Shatviryaa, Bhiru, Indivari, Vari. (Substitute for Medaa, Mahaamedaa.)

Unani: Sataavar.

Siddha/Tamil: Thanneervittan kizhangu, Sataavari Kizhangu.

Action: Used as a galactagogue and for disorders of female genitourinary tract; as a styptic and ulcer-healing agent; as an intestinal disinfectant and astringent in diarrhoea; as a nervine tonic, and in sexual debility for spermatogenesis.

Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of the tuberous root in gout, puerperal diseases, lactic disorders, haematuria, bleeding disorders and also recommends it for hyperacidity.

The plant contains saponins—sha- tavarins I-IV. Shatavarin IV is a glycoside of sarsasapogenin. The saponin in doses of 20-500 mcg/ml produces a special blockade of syntocinon (oxy- tocin)-induced contraction of rat, guinea-pig and rabbit uteri in vitro and in situ. It also blocks the uterine spontaneous motility.

The dried root yields sitosterol; 4,6- dihydroxy-2-O-(2' hydroxyisobutyl) benzaldehyde and undecanyl cetano- ate, and contains a large amount of saccharine matter, mucilage and miner- als—Ca (0.172), Cu (0.033), Na (14.60), K (8.32), Mg (0.169), Mn (0.0074), Ni (0.105) and Zn (0.072) mg/g(dry weight).

The root was found to reduce gastric emptying time comparable to that of metoclopramide. (J Postgrad Med, 1990, 36(2), 91-94).

The root extracts exhibited antiallergic activity in animal studies.

The root, when fed orally, acted as immunomodulator against induced sepsis and peritonitis in rats and mice.... asparagus racemosus

Cimetidine

Cimetidine is a drug (known as an H2 receptor antagonist) that is widely used in the treatment of PEPTIC ULCER. It acts by reducing the hyperacidity of the gastric juice by antagonising histamine receptors in the stomach.... cimetidine

Ranitidine

An H2-receptor antagonist drug used in the treatment of DUODENAL ULCER by reducing the hyperacidity of the gastric juice. The drug blocks the production of histamine produced by mast cells in the stomach lining. Histamine stimulates the acid-secreting cells in the stomach. Ranitidine, like other H2-blocking drugs, should be used in combination with an antibiotic drug to treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach. The drug should be given for up to eight weeks with repeat courses if ulcers recur.... ranitidine

Asparagus

Asparagus racemosus

Liliaceae

San, Mar, Hin, Mal: Satavari;

Ben: Shatamuli,

Guj: Ekalkanto,

Tel: Pilligadalu, Philithaga

Tam: Ammaikodi, Kilwari,

Kan: Aheruballi, Ori: Manajolo

Importance: Asparagus is a climbing undershrub with widespread applications as diuretic, cooling agent and an excellent safe herbal medicine for ante-natal care. It is useful in nervous disorders, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, tumours, inflammations, vitiated conditions of vata and pitta, burning sensation, hyperdipsia, ophthalmopathy, nephropathy, hepatopathy, strangury, scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberculosis, cough, bronchitis, gleet, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, leprosy, epilepsy, fatigue, hyperacidity, colic haemorrhoids, hypertension, abortion, agalactia, cardiac and general debility (Warrier et al, 1993).

Shatavari is described in Rigveda and Atharvaveda. In Ayurvedic classics it is prescribed as a cooling agent and uterine tonic. It is the main ingredient in ayurvedic medicines like shatavari gulam and shatavari ghrtam. Besides quenching thirst, its root juice helps in cooling down the body from summer heat, curing hyper-acidity and peptic ulcer. It contains good amount of mucilage which soothes the inner cavity of stomach. It relieves burning sensation while passing urine and is used in urinary tract infections. It contains an anticancer agent asparagin which is useful against leukaemia. It also contains active antioxytocic saponins which have got antispasmodic effect and specific action on uterine musculature. It is very good relaxant to uterine muscles, especially during pregnancy and is used to prevent abortion and pre-term labour on the place of progesterone preparations. Its powder boiled with milk is generally used to prevent abortion. It increases milk production in cows and buffaloes. Its preparations in milk helps in increasing breast milk in lactating women. Its proper use helps in avoiding excessive blood loss during periods. It clears out infections and abnormalities of uterine cavity and hence it is used to rectify infertility in women. The leaves are used to prepare toilet soaps. The plant has also ornamental value both for indoor and out door decorations (Syamala, 1997).

Distribution: The plant is found wild in tropical and subtropical India including Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is distributed from mean sea level upto 1500m in the Himalayas from Kashmi r eastwards. The crop is cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Predesh and northern states in India. However, most of the requirement of the industry is met through wild collections from forests. It is also grown in gardens.

Botany: Satavari, Asparagus racemosus Willd. belongs to the lily family, Liliaceae. Asparagus adscendens Roxb., A. filicinus Lam., A. gonoclados Baker, A. officinalis Linn. and A. sarmentosus Willd. are the other important medicinal plant species of the genus. A. racemosus Willd. is an armed climbing undershrub with woody terete stems and recurved or rarely straight spines. The tuberous succulent roots are 30cm to 100cm or more in length, fascicled at the stem base, smooth tapering at both ends. Young stems are very delicate, brittle and smooth. Leaves are reduced to minute chaffy scales and spines; cladodes triquetrous, curved in tufts of 2-6. Flowers are white fragrant in simple or branched recemes on the naked nodes of the main shoots or in the axils of the thorns. Fruits are globular or obscurely 3-lobed, pulpy berries, purplish black when ripe; seeds with hard and brittle testa.

Agrotechnology: The plant comes up well under a wide range of tropical and subtropical climate. Fertile moist sandy loam soils are ideal for its cultivation though it grows in a wide range of soils. Better root development is observed in soils in increased proportion of sand. However, a decline in the yield of the crop is noticed in soils containing previous year’s residue of the roots. Asparagus plant is best grown from its tuberous roots even though it can be successfully propagated through seeds. Since root tubers are of commercial value seed propagation provides economic advantage to the farmers. Seeds usually start germinating after 40 days and average germination is 70% (Tewari and Misra, 1996).

For the cultivation of the crop, the land is ploughed well with pre-monsoon showers and seed nurseries are raised on seed beds of approximately 1m width, 15cm height and suitable length. Seed nursery should be irrigated regularly and kept weed free. With the onset of monsoon in June-July the main field is ploughed thoroughly and pits of size 30cm cube are dug at a spacing of 60-100cm. Tiwari and Misra (1996) have reported that irrespective of more number of roots and higher fresh weight per plant under wider spacings, the per hectare yields were highest in the closer spacing of 30cm x 30cm. The pit is filled with a mixture of top soil and well decomposed FYM or compost applied at 10 - 15 t/ha and the seedlings are transplanted. Application of N, P2O5 and K2O at 60:30:30 kg/ha increases the root yield. Regular irrigation and weeding are required to realize higher yields. Standards are to be provided for training the plant (Sharma et al, 1992). Few pests and diseases are observed on this crop. Harvesting the crop after two years provided higher root yield than annual harvests in pots as well as in field experiments. Irrigating the field prior to harvest enables easy harvesting of the root tubers. The average yield is 10 - 15 t/ha of fresh root tubers though yields over 60t/ha have been reported.

Properties and activity: Asparagus roots contain protein 22%, fat 6.2%, Carbohydrate 3.2%, Vitamin B 0.36%, Vitamin C 0.04% and traces of Vitamin A. It contains several alkaloids. Alcoholic extract yields asparagin- an anticancer agent. It also contains a number of antioxytocic saponins, viz. Shatavarisn - I to IV (Syamala, 1997). Leaves contain rutin, diosgenin and a flavonoid glycoside identified as quercetin - 3 - glucuronide. Flowers contain quercetin hyperoside and rutin. Fruits contain glycosides of quercetin, rutin and hyperoside while fully ripe fruits contain cyanidin - 3 - galactoside and cyanidin - 3 - glucorhamnoside.

Root is demulcent, diuretic, aphrodisiac, tonic, alterative, antiseptic, antidiarrhoeal, glalctogogue and antispasmodic. Aerial part is spasmolytic, antiarrhythmic and anticancer. Bark is antibacterial and antifungal.... asparagus

Benefits Of Meadowsweet Tea

Meadowsweet tea is one of the many herbal teas with plenty of health benefits. It is made from the meadowsweet herb, which can be found in Europe and Western Asia. The plant, as well as the tea, helps you stay healthy. Find out more information about meadowsweet tea! About Meadowsweet Tea Meadowsweet tea’s main ingredient is meadowsweet, a perennial herb that grows in moist meadows. It is found in Europe and Western Asia; it has also been introduced and naturalized in North America. The stems are 1-2m tall, with dark-green leaves and delicate, white flowers called cymes, which grow in clusters. The flowers bloom from June to early September, and have a strong, sweet smell. The plant has a rich history. The flowers of the plant were found in a Bronze Age cairn in Carmarthenshire, along with the cremated remains of three people. They were also found inside a Beaker from Ashgrove, Fife, and a vessel from North Mains, Strathallan. In Chaucer’s “The Knight’s tale”, it is called Meadwort, representing one of the ingredients for a drink called “save”. Also, during the 16th century, it was Queen Elizabeth I’s favorite herb for strewing the floors in her chambers. The plant can be used as a strewing herb, thanks to its strong, pleasant aroma, as well as to flavor wine, beer, and other vinegars. The flowers are used with jams, to give them a subtle almond flavor. How to prepare Meadowsweet Tea It isn’t difficult to make a cup of meadowsweet tea. Just add one teaspoon of dried meadowsweet herbs (usually the leaves of the plant) to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Once the steeping time is done, strain to remove the herbs. You can add lemon and/or honey, based on your taste. Health Benefits of Meadowsweet Tea The meadowsweet tea comes with many health benefits, thanks to its main ingredient, the meadowsweet herb. The herb is known to include, among other substances, salicylic acid, essential oils, and tannins. The plant also contains the chemicals necessary to make aspirin, and from its roots you can obtain a natural black dye. The health benefits of the meadowsweet tea are just as important. First of all, it helps you with digestion. It protects the mucous membranes of the digestive tract by reducing excess acidity and easing nausea. It also helps with diarrhea. Meadowsweet teais often recommended when dealing with colds and the flu. It helps reduce the fever, as well as with headaches; it also treats coughs. Meadowsweet tea is used to treat heartburn, gastritis, peptic ulceration, and hyperacidity. It also helps relieve rheumatism-induced pain in muscles and joints. Side-effects of Meadowsweet Tea If you know that aspirin is not good for your health, be careful when drinking meadowsweet tea. As meadowsweet is one of the ingredients of aspirin, it might affect you to some extent. For example, in the case of about one out of five persons suffering from asthma, aspirin induced asthma symptoms. Those suffering from asthma need to keep in mind the fact that meadowsweet teamay induce asthma symptoms, as well. Meadowsweet tea might not be good for you if you’ve got internal bleeding problems. The herb might cancel the effects of prescribed blood thinners, therefore causing more harm than helping you. Also, don’t drink meadowsweet tea if you’re pregnant, as it might cause miscarriages. If you drink too much meadowsweet tea, you might get the following symptoms: blood in the stool, vomiting, or ringing in the ears; it might even lead to kidney problems. Plus, it is not recommended to drink more than six cups of tea a day, no matter the tea. If you drink too much, you’ll get headaches, dizziness, insomnia, irregular heartbeats, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Meadowsweet tea is definitely good for your body! Having all these health benefits, you won’t regret including it in your daily diet. If you’re sure you won’t get any side effects, then you’re free to enjoy a cup of aromatic tea!... benefits of meadowsweet tea

Café

Coffee (Coffea arabica).

Plant Part Used: Seed, leaf.

Dominican Medicinal Uses: The roasted seeds are traditionally brewed to prepare coffee and taken orally as a laxative, diuretic, stimulant, blood cleanser and for treating sexually transmitted infections or used as a mouthwash for toothache and inflammation of the mouth or gums. The seeds tinctured in alcohol are applied topically for arthritis and muscle pain. The leaves are typically prepared as a tea by infusion and taken orally for diarrhea, and may also be prepared as a bath for skin ailments.

Safety: The seeds and seed decoction are widely consumed and generally considered safe. One of the primary active constituents in coffee is caffeine. Potential adverse effects from excess coffee intake include diarrhea, insomnia, headache, heart palpitations, hyperacidity and stomach irritation. No data on the safety of the leaf in humans has been identified in the available literature. In animal studies, the leaf showed no evident signs of toxicity.

Contraindications: Excess caffeine consumption (including coffee) is not advised during pregnancy or lactation. Caution is advised in patients with renal dysfunction and hyperthyroidism. No data on the safety of the leaves in pregnancy, lactation or small children has been identified in the available literature.

Drug Interactions: Coffee may interfere with drug resorption. The following medications may inhibit caffeine metabolism or clearance: oral contraceptives, cimetidine, furafylline, verapamil, disulfiram, fluconoazole, mexiletine, phenylpropanolamine, numerous quinolone antibiotics (i.e. enoxacin, pipemidic acid, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin), idrocilamide and methoxsalen.

Clinical Data: Caffeine has been investigated in human clinical trials for its cognitive enhancement effects, and coffee has been studied as a colonic stimulant and common cold treatment.

Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In animal studies, coffee has shown hypercholesterolemic effects, and in vitro it has shown antioxidant activity.

* See entry for Café in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... café

Discover The Spectacle Of Dragon Well Green Tea

One of the most popular drinks in China, Dragon Well tea is part of the green teas family, having an inviting and a toasty flavor. A truly enjoyable and spectacular cup of tea.

Description of Dragon Well tea

Dragon Well tea is a type of pan-fried green tea, most commonly named Longjing tea from Hangzhou, Zheijang province in China, where is produced mainly by hand. During the production process, the Dragon Well is dried under a wood-fired Chinese pan called “wok”. This process removes the green, grassy taste and also inhibits enzyme activity. Due to the widespread opinion in China that the Dragon Well tea has a cooling effect, its popularity significantly increases especially during the spring and summer seasons. Often called the national tea of China, Dragon Well tea is often served to head of states and foreign delegations during their visits in China. Presented as a tribute to many generations, it was given even to Richard Nixon during his memorable encounter with Mao Zedong. This tea is very popular because of its unique properties:  jade color, vegetative aroma, mellow chestnut flavor and singular shape. It has a buttery, nutty, rich texture and an enjoyable dry finish. Commonly, Dragon Well tea is graded using a scale of six levels from superior quality to low quality so it is advisable to chose wisely when you decide to buy it. When the flavor can barely be sensed, it is clear that you deal with a poor quality.

How to store the Dragon Well tea

If the tea is sealed, keep it in a freezer. Cover with a box to insulate from temperature change. In order to get warm, leave it to room temperature before opening. This prevents condensation. After opening the package of Dragon Well tea, it is best to keep it away from light, moisture, smell and heat in an airtight container.

Ingredients of Dragon Well tea

Like most green teas, the Dragon Well tea contains amino acids, vitamins, flavonoids, proteins, calcium, iron, fluorine, theine and has one of the highest concentrations of catechins among teas, second only to white teas.

How to brew Dragon Well tea

When it comes to brewing Dragon Well tea, the best choice is a clear glass teacup, so that you can see the beauty of the leaves as they dance and unfurl in the water. It is really spectacular. Quality of tea is related directly to the beauty of the buds. Glass is most suitable also because it disperses heat quickly and prevents over-steeping. If you see that the buds have reached the bottom, this means that the tea is ready to drink. You should infuse a small amount of leaves in high temperature water for as long as it takes. Pour hot water at approximately 80 - 90 degrees Celsius. Immerse until most of the tea buds has sink to the bottom of the glass and the tea liquor turns yellow. This will take 5 to 10 minutes for the first infusion. During soaking, the tea brings out a soft, pure aroma, a yellow-green color and a rich flavor. Decant and leave a small quantity as you may use it as the seed for the next infusion. Infuse for another 2 to 4 times with progressively shorter steeping time.

Health Benefits of Dragon Well tea

All tea comes from the same plant named Camellia sinensis. The method of production creates the different types of tea. Dragon Well tea contains the highest content of antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants are proven to fight against certain cancers, lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reduce the likely-hood of getting the flu and other infections, boosting the immune function of our body and help reduce the signs of aging. It is also a fat burning accelerator so let’s not forget its important benefits for diets. There’s also enough fluoride found in green tea to aid against plaque and other oral bacteria.

Side effects of Dragon Well tea

Like any other green tea, Dragon Well tea may have few side effects like restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure due to the caffeine content. It may also cause pain in the stomach area or reduce the body’s absorption of iron by 25% so it is contraindicated to people with anemia, faintness, gastritis with hyperacidity, stomach and duodenal ulcer. In spite of few side effects, it is worth trying it and get to know its flavor. The spectacle of drinking this type of tea is truly unique and the flavor really satisfying.... discover the spectacle of dragon well green tea

Gardenia Jasminoides

Ellis.

Synonym: G. florida Linn. G. augusta Merrill.

Family: Rubiaceae.

Habitat: Native to China and Japan; cultivated in Indian gardens.

English: Cape Jasmine.

Ayurvedic: Gandharaaja.

Siddha/Tamil: Karinga.

Action: Plant—cathartic, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, antiperiodic. Root—antidysenteric. Also used in dyspepsia and nervous disorders. Fruits—used in gastric hyperacidity, constipation, cholestasis, internally and externally for inflammation and as a tranquilizer.

The plant contains iridoid glycosides—geniposide 56.03, genipin 1.72, gardenoside 2.16 and geniposidic acid 1.79 mg/g The stem and root contain oleanolic acid, D-mannitol and stig- masterol. The leaves contain an anti- fungal compound, cerbinal.

Geniposide is an important active principle of the fruit. The fruit also contain the carotenoids, crocin and crocetin. Aqueous and methonalic extracts of the fruit exhibited antioxidant activity due to the presence of geniposide and crocin; crocin was more potent than geniposide.

The extract as well as geniposide caused a remarkable decrease in GOT, GPT and ALP activities. They also produced a significant decrease in the level of total cholesterol in the serum of CCl4-induced and D-galactosamine- intoxicated rats. The crude extract as well as geniposide exhibited protective effect against induced hyperbiliru- binemia by effectively lowering serum bilirubin.... gardenia jasminoides

Magnesium

Magnesium is a light metallic element; it is one of the essential mineral elements of the body, without which the body cannot function properly. The adult body contains around 25 grams of magnesium, the greater part of which is in the bones. More than two-thirds of our daily supply comes from cereals and vegetables; as most other foods also contain useful amounts, there is seldom any di?culty in maintaining an adequate amount in the body. Magnesium is also an essential constituent of several vital enzymes (see ENZYME). De?ciency leads to muscular weakness and interferes with the e?cient working of the heart. The salts of magnesium used as drugs are the hydroxide of magnesium, the oxide of magnesium – generally known as ‘magnesia’ – and the carbonate of magnesium, all of which have an antacid action; also the sulphate of magnesium known as ‘Epsom salts’, which acts as a purgative.

Uses Compounds of magnesia are used to correct hyperacidity of the stomach and as a laxative (see LAXATIVES).... magnesium

Solanum Tuberosum

Linn.

Habitat: Native to South America; grown almost throughout India.

English: Patoto.

Ayurvedic: Aaluka, Aaruka, Golaalu. (Aaluka, yam of Indian medicine, is equated with species of Dioscorea.)

Folk: Aaluu.

Action: Potatoes are consumed as food. Extract of leaves is used as antispasmodic in cough. Potato juice is given as an adjuvant in the treatment of peptic ulcer for bringing relief from pain and acidity. Starch and very small quantities of atropine alkaloids reduce digestive secretions and stomach acids. Potatoes are good for patients suffering from hyperacidity; boiled potatoes make an excellent diet for those having hypertension.... solanum tuberosum

Ziziphus Oenoplia

Mill.

Synonym: Rhamnus oenoplia L.

Family: Rhamnaceae.

Habitat: North India and both the Peninsulas.

English: Jackal Jujube.

Ayurvedic: Laghu-badara, Shrgaala- badari.

Siddha/Tamil: Soorai.

Action: Fruits—stomachic. Root— given for hyperacidity and ascaris infection.

Stem bark and root bark contain cy- clopeptide alkaloids—zizyphines A, B, C, D, E, F and G, and zizyphinine. The bark contains 12% tannin.

Aerial parts exhibit diuretic and hy- potensive activity.... ziziphus oenoplia

Acidity

Heartburn, with acid eructations and a sensation of distress in the stomach, chiefly associated with peptic ulcer (duodenal) or gastritis.

Symptoms: local tenderness and stomach gas. The terms hyperacidity and hyperchlorhydria refer to excessive production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Alternatives. For preparation and dosage see remedy entry.

Teas: Agrimony, Balm, Black Horehound, Caraway, Catnep, Celery seeds, Centuary, Chamomile, Dandelion root coffee, Fennel, Irish Moss, Liquorice root, Meadowsweet, Parsley, Quassia, Red Sage. Tablets/capsules. Dandelion, Papaya, Goldenseal. Dosage as on bottle.

Powders: equal parts, Slippery Elm, White Poplar, Meadowsweet. Mix. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon) thrice daily and when necessary.

Tinctures. Formula: Dandelion 1; Meadowsweet 1; Nettles 1; Goldenseal quarter. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water thrice daily before meals.

Practitioner prescription. Dec Jam Sarsae Co conc (BPC 1949) 1 fl oz (30ml); Liquid Extract Filipendula 1 fl oz (30ml); Liquid Extract Taraxacum off. Half a fl oz (15ml); Ess Menth Pip 0.05ml. Aqua to 8oz (240ml). Sig: one dessertspoon (8ml) in warm water before meals. (Barker).

Diet: lacto-vegetarian. Garlic. Celery. Dried raw oats. Regular raw food days. Low fat. Powdered kelp in place of salt. Paw paw fruit. Regulate bowels.

Note: In view of the finding of gastric carcinoid tumours in rodents subjected to long-term anti-secretory agents, caution needs to be exercised over the long-term use of antacids that powerfully suppress the gastric juices. ... acidity

Bad Breath

Aetiology: Infection of throat, lungs, gullet, or stomach. A common cause is bad teeth and gums. The rock-like scale (plaque) on or between teeth may be due to neglected mouth hygiene. Halitosis is the anti-social disease. Where stomach and intestines are at fault, charcoal biscuits have some reputation.

Bad breath is often indicative of toxaemia or defective elimination via liver, kidneys and skin which should be the focus of treatment. Palliatives such as Papaya fruit (or tablets), Peppermint or Chlorophyll may not reach the heart of the trouble which could demand deeper-acting agents.

Liver disorders (Blue Flag root); hyperacidity (Meadowsweet); excessive smoking and alcohol (Wormwood); bad teeth and septic tonsils (Poke root); diverticulitis (Fenugreek seeds); gastro-intestinal catarrh (Senna, Agrimony, Avens); smell of acetone as of diabetes (Goat’s Rue); constipation (Senna, Psyllium seed).

May be necessary for serious ear, nose and throat problems to be resolved by surgery. For blockage of respiratory channels, Olbas oil, Tea Tree oil or Garlic drops relieve congestion. Many cases have chronic gingivitis and arise from dental problems improved by 1 part Tea Tree oil to 20 parts water used as a spray. Alfalfa sprouts have a sweetening effect upon the breath. Chew Parsley or Peppermint. Alternatives. Teas. Dill seeds, Fennel seeds, Sage, Nettles, Mint, Liquorice root, Alfalfa, Wormwood. Dandelion (coffee). Parsley.

Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag root, Goldenseal, Echinacea. Wild Yam. Chlorophyll. Calamus.

Powders. Mix, parts: Blue Flag root 1; Myrrh half; Liquorice half. Dose: 250mg (one 00 capsule or one- sixth teaspoon) thrice daily before meals.

Gargle. 5 drops Tincture Myrrh to glass water, frequently.

Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. Lemon juice.

Supplements. Vitamins A, B-complex, B6, Niacin, C (500mg). ... bad breath

Calamus

Sweet flag root. Acorus calamus L. Dried or fresh rhizome. Used since biblical times. Action: Carminative, diaphoretic, digestant, abdominal antispasmodic, bitter, antitussive, hypotensor, anti-bacterial.

Uses: History records its use in the plague and for rabies. Much esteemed by the Dutch for stomach complaints. Loss of appetite, weight. Gastric ulcer. Root-chewing discourages smoking. Hyperacidity. Anorexia nervosa. Menominee Indians used the powder for stomach cramp. Reputation in China for rheumatoid arthritis.

Maria Treben records a case of cancer of the stomach cured by placing a level teaspoon of the crushed root into a cup of cold water. This was left to stand overnight, strained in the morning and drunk six sips a day. Must not be boiled. Dose, 1 sip before and after each meal. 1 teacupful consumed daily.

Fresh roots may be pulped in a juice extractor and taken in teaspoon doses. Appears in the British Pharmacopoeia, 1934.

Preparations according to BHP (1983). Thrice daily.

Liquid extract, 1:1 in 60 per cent alcohol. Dose: 1-3ml (15-45 drops).

Tincture, 1:5 in 60 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2-4ml. The oil is not used, being reputed to have ‘carcinogenic properties’. (American Federal Register 9 May 1968)

Powdered root: 1-3 grams. ... calamus

Cinnamon Bark

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. German: Zimtbaum. French: Cannelle. Spanish: Canela. Italian: Cannella. Malayan: Kayu manis. Dried inner bark, and oil distilled from bark and leaves.

Constituents: tannins, essential oil, coumarin.

Action: stimulant astringent to the stomach. Aromatic, antimicrobial, carminative, antispasmodic, anti- diarrhoea, anti-worm; a warming remedy for cold conditions. Haemostatic, anti-putrescent, antiseptic, vermifuge. “A stimulating effect on bone healing” (Hamdard, Oct/Dec 1988, Vol XXXI No 4) Anti- diabetic.

Uses: Weak digestion, feeble appetite, flatulence, vomiting, hyperacidity, to promote secretion of gastric juices. Irritable bowel, summer diarrhoea. Influenza and colds. Wasting and cachexia (5 drops oil in honey). Infestation: body lice (rub with oil). Chest complaints: massage chest with 3 drops oil to 2 teaspoons Almond oil. The tea is used by the Chinese to boost insulin activity.

Combines well with Chamomile for stomach upsets; with Elderflowers and Peppermint for influenza. Preparations. Thrice daily, or as necessary.

Tea: Quarter of a teaspoon bark in cup of boiling water, hot tea, or other beverage, infuse 15 minutes. Essence of Cinnamon: 10-20 drops in water or beverage.

Langdale’s Cinnamon Essence.

Oil of Cinnamon: BP, 0.05 to 0.2ml.

Powder: half to 1 gram.

Liquid Extract BHP (1983) 1:1 in 70 per cent alcohol, dose 0.5 to 1ml. ... cinnamon bark

Gentian

Gentiana lutea L. German: Gelberenzian. French: Gentiane jaune. Italian: Genziana gialla. Arabian: Jintiyania. Indian: Pakhanbhed. Iranian: Gintiyana. Dried rhizomes and roots.

Constituents: Xanthones, iridoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, pectin, gum, no tannin.

Action: well-known traditional European bitter (all bitters are liver and pancreatic stimulants). Haemopoietic action speeds production of red blood cells. (Should not be given for overproduction of red blood cells as in polycythaemia.) Emmenagogue, sialagogue, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic. King of tonics. Digestant, increases gastric juices by 25 per cent, without altering pH. Appetite stimulant.

Uses: Alkalosis, feeble digestion in the elderly from gastric acid deficiency. Thin people anxious to put on weight. Jaundice – promotes flow of bile. Nausea, vomiting, travel sickness (with or without Ginger), bitter taste in mouth, diarrhoea with yellow stool, malaria (as a substitute for Quinine), post-influenzal or ME depression and lack of appetite, severe physical exhaustion (Ginseng). To antidote some types food- poisoning (salmonella, shigella, etc).

Preparations: Thrice daily. Average dose half-2g. Before meals.

Decoction: half-1 teaspoon to cup cold water; steep overnight. Dose: half a cup.

Tincture: 1 part powdered root to 5 parts Vodka; macerate 8 days. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons.

Tablets: formula. Skullcap 45mg; Hops 45mg; Asafoetida 30mg, and the aqueous extractive from 120mg Gentian and 90mg Valerian. Two tablets thrice daily for nervous exhaustion and stress disorders. Anorexia nervosa, specific combination: equal parts – Gentian and Valerian roots. One heaped teaspoon to each cup cold water; steep overnight. Dose – half a cup the following day, morning and evening. Contra-indications: pregnancy, hyperacidity. Gastric ulcer.

Note: An ingredient of anti-smoking preparations. Well-known in Chinese medicine. ... gentian

Holy Thistle

Blessed thistle. Carbenia benedicta Cnicus benedictus L. German: Benediktendistel. French: Chardon be?nit. Spanish: Cardo santo. Italian: Cardo beneditto. Herb.

Constituents: sesquiterpene lactones, mucilage, lignans, oil.

Action: Febrifuge, anti-haemorrhage, antibiotic, bacteriostatic, bitter, splenic tonic, expectorant, galactagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, carminative. Externally as an antiseptic. Antidiarrhoeal. Anti- flatulent.

Uses: Dyspepsia, loss of appetite, gastro-enteritis, liver and gall-bladder disorders. To increase a mother’s milk after pregnancy. Migraine, painful menstruation, sluggish circulation.

Combination, with Agrimony (equal parts) for anorexia nervosa.

Used in the production of Benedictine.

Externally, as a cleaning wash for discharging ulcers.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Tea. Dried flowerheads 1 teaspoon in each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Dose: 1 cup. Liquid extract. 1-3ml (15-45 drops).

Tincture, BHC Vol 1. 1:5, in 25 per cent ethanol.

Dose: 3-6ml.

Poultice. Flowerheads.

Diet. Flowerheads cooked as artichokes.

Large doses emetic. Avoid in pregnancy or hyperacidity. ... holy thistle

Hyoscyamus

Henbane. Hyoscyamus niger, L. German: Schwarzes Bilsenkraut. French: Jusquiame noire. Spanish: Beteno. Iranian: Sickran. Arabian: Bazrul-banj. Italian: Jusquiame nero. Indian: Khurasani ajvayan. Chinese: Lang-tang. Leaves and flowering tops.

Constituents: The leaves contain hyoscine, hyoscamine, scopolamine, choline, mucilage.

Action: Powerful brain relaxant, antispasmodic on smooth muscle, sedative. Inhibits release of acetylcholine as a neuro-transmitter (action similar to Belladonna). Analgesic, narcotic.

Uses: Rabies, delirium tremens, delirium of fevers, cystitis, travel sickness, bronchitis, asthma, renal colic, whooping cough. See: TRANSDERMAL PATCHES.

Preparations: Poultice. Leaves once used for painful rheumatism.

Pharmacy only. Herbal practitioners are exempted up to 300mg daily (100mg per dose). HYPERACIDITY. See: ACIDITY. ... hyoscyamus

Meadowsweet

Spireae ulmaria.

Filipendula ulmaria L. German: Ma?desu?ss. French: Ulmaire. Spanish: Ulmaria. Italian: Ulmaria. Leaves and stems. Contains salicin. The herbalist’s bicarbonate of soda. Contains salicylic acid which has an aspirin (anti-thrombotic) effect on blood vessels.

Constituents: flavonoids, oil, phenolic glycosides.

Action: antacid, anti-rheumatic, stomachic, astringent, antiseptic (internal), diaphoretic, diuretic, hepatic, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, mild urinary analgesic, anti-coagulant.

“A calming influence in an overactive digestive system.” (Simon Mills)

Uses: effective symptomatic relief of indigestion and other upper gastro-intestinal conditions associated with flatulence and hyperacidity. Gastric ulcer, gastric reflux, liver disorder, summer diarrhoea in children, cystitis, rheumatism, foul breath. Red sandy deposits in the urine with an oily film on the surface. Arthrosis, chronic rheumatism, oedema, urinary stone, cellulitis.

Combines well with Goldenseal and Marshmallow for gastric ulcer. Balanced combination of antacids with anti-flatulent: Meadowsweet, Parsley and Black Horehound (equal parts as a tea).

Preparations: Average dose 2-6 grams dried herb or in infusion. Reduced dose for children and the elderly.

Tea: 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup. Liquid Extract BHC Vol 1. 1:1 in 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 2-6ml. Tincture BHC Vol 1: 1:5 in 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 2 to 4ml.

Powder, capsules: 250mg. 2 capsules thrice daily before meals. (Arkocaps) ... meadowsweet


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