Peristalsis is responsible for the movement of food and waste products through the digestive system and for transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
The small intestine is about 6.5 m in length and has 3 sections: the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. Partially digested food from the stomach is forced along the intestine by peristalsis.
The small intestine is concerned with the digestion and absorption of food. Digestive enzymes and bile are added to the partly digested food in the duodenum via the bile and pancreatic ducts (see biliary system). Glands within the walls of each section of the small intestine produce mucus and other enzymes, which help to break down the food. Blood vessels in the intestinal walls absorb nutrients and carry them to the liver for distribution to the rest of the body.
The large intestine is about 1.5 m long. The main section, the colon, is divided into an ascending, a transverse, a descending, and a pelvic portion (the sigmoid colon). The appendix hangs from a pouch (the caecum) between the small intestine and the colon. The final section before the anus is the rectum.Unabsorbed material leaves the small intestine as liquid and fibre.
As this material passes through the large intestine, water, vitamins, and mineral salts are absorbed into the bloodstream, leaving faeces made up of undigested food residue, fat, various secretions, and bacteria.
The faeces are compressed and pass into the rectum for evacuation.... intestine
Investigations of swallowing difficulty may include oesophagoscopy or barium swallow (see barium X-ray examinations).
Treatment depends on the cause.... swallowing
Habitat: Native to Europe; commonly occurs in North West India, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
English: Chicory, Indian Endive.Ayurvedic: Kaasani.Unani: Kaasani Dashti (Barri).Siddha/Tamil: Kasinikkeerai.Action: Diuretic, laxative, chol- agogue, mild hepatic. Excites peristalsis without affecting the functions of the stomach. Used in liver congestion, jaundice, rheumatic and gouty joints.
Key application (herb and root): In loss of appetite, dyspepsia. (German Commission E.)The herb contains inulin (up to 58% in the root); sesquiterpene lactones (including lactucin and lactucopicrin); coumarins (chicoriin, esculetin, es- culin, umbelliferone and scopoletin); the root includes a series of glucofruc- tosans. Raw chicory root contains only citric and tartaric acids; roasted chicory contains acetic, lactic, pyru- vic, pyromucic, palmitic and tartaric acids. The carcinogenic hydrocarbons and floranthene are also reported in the chicory (a potent carcinogen 3,4- benzpyrene has been detected).Added to coffee, chicory root counteracts caffeine and helps in digestion.An alcoholic extract of the plant was found effective against chlorproma- zine-induced hepatic damage in adult albino rats. The cholagogue activity is attributed to polyphenols.The sedative effect of chicory is attributed to lactucopicrin. The sedative effect antagonizes the stimulant effect of tea and coffee. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)The extracts of roots were found to be active against several bacteria.Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder; leaf—10-20 ml juice; root—50- 100 ml. (CCRAS.)... cichorium intybusPeople should be aware that normal bowel habits vary greatly, from twice a day to once every two or even three days. Any change from normal frequency to irregular or infrequent defaecation may signal constipation. Furthermore, before laxatives are prescribed, it is essential to ensure that the constipation is not the result of an underlying condition producing ‘secondary’ constipation. Individuals should not use laxatives too often or indiscriminately; persistent constipation is a reason to seek medical advice.
Bulk laxatives include bran and most high-?bre foods, such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal foods. These leave a large indigestible residue that holds water in the gut and produces a large soft stool. Isphaghula husk, methyl cellulose and stercula are helpful when bran is ine?ective. Inorganic salts such as magnesium sulphate (Epsom Salts) have a similar e?ect.
Stimulant laxatives – for example, bisacodyl, senna and docusate sodium – stimulate PERISTALSIS, although the action may be accompanied by colicky pains.
Faecal softeners (emollients) There are two groups: surface active agents such as dioctyl sodium and sulphosuccinate which retain water in the stools and are often combined with a stimulant purgative; and liquid para?n which is chemically inert and is said to act by lubrication.
Osmotic laxatives These substances act by holding ?uid in the bowel by OSMOSIS, or by altering the manner in which water is distributed in the FAECES. Magnesium salts are used to produce rapid bowel evacuation, although one of them, magnesium hydroxide, should be used only occasionally. Phosphate or sodium citrate enemas (see ENEMA) can be used for constipation, while the former is used to ensure bowel evacuation before abdominal radiological procedures, endoscopy and surgery.... laxatives
A related condition, congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, occurs in babies (commonly boys) about 3–5 weeks old, and surgery produces a complete cure.... pyloric stenosis
Action: cholagogue, digestive, hepatic.
Uses: Indigestion. To increase bile production in liver disorders and to increase intestinal peristalsis. Dyskinesias. Gall bladder disorders. Constipation. Dyspepsia.
Preparations: Powder. 230mg capsules; 3 capsules midday and evening 15 minutes before meals. (Arkocaps)
Freshly pressed Juice: half-1 cup daily. If too pungent mix with a little Slippery Elm powder. ... black radish
Habitat: Indigenous to North America, Europe, Asia; found in Kumaon, eastwards in West Bengal, Sikkim, Asam, Khasi Hills, Manipur and in Western Ghats.
English: Common Club Moss.Folk: Naaga-beli (Nepal), Bendarali (Maharashtra).Action: Sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic. At one time used for urinary disorders (spasmodic retention of urine, catarrhal cystitis and chronic kidney disorders), and as a gastric sedative in gastritis.
The plant contains alkaloids (about 0.1-00.2%), including lycopodine, ly- codoline, faucettimine and lycoflexine; triterpenoids including clavatol and oxoserrat derivatives; flavonoids including apigenin; polyphenolic acids including dihydrocaffeic.Lycopodine produces uterine contractions and stimulates peristalsis in the small intestines of rodents.The plant contains (dry basis): lipid 4.06 and desmethylsterols 0.05%.Used in homoeopathy for distended abdomen, cough, cystitis, renal colic and disorders of menstruation.Chinese Club Moss, equated with Huperzia serrata, is a different herb. Its constituent, huperzine A is thought to be beneficial in dementia due to its effect on acetylcholine levels.L. annotinum Linn., L. complanatum Linn. (American Club Moss) and L. selago Linn. are among other species of Lycopodium occurring in India.... lycopodium clavatumHabitat: Throughotu India, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
English: Cowhage, Horse-eye Bean.Ayurvedic: Aatmaguptaa, Kapikac- chuu, Rshabhi, Adhigandhaa, Ajadaaa, Kacchuraa, Laan- guli, Rshyaproktaa, Svaguptaa, Shyaamguptaa, Markati, Kanduraa, Kevaanch, Shuukashimbi.Unani: Konchh.Siddha/Tamil: Poonaikkaali.Action: Seed—astringent, nervine tonic, local stimulant, used in impotence, spermatorrhoea, urinary troubles, leucorrhoea, traditionally used for male virility. Also used in depressive neurosis. Hair on fruit— vermifuge, mild vesicant; used for diseases of liver and gallbladder. Leaf—applied to ulcers. Pod— anthelmintic. Root and fruit—spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic. Root— CNS active.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the seed in impotence and paralysis agitans; the root in vaginal laxity.The seeds contain the alkaloids, mu- cunine, mucunadine, mucunadinine, prurieninine, pruriendine and nicotine, besides beta-sitosterol, gluthione, lecithin, vernolic and gallic acids. They contain a number of bioactive substances including tryptamine, alky- lamines, steroids, flavonoids, cou- marins and cardenolides. L-DOPA is present in the seed as well as in the stem, leaves and roots.Major constituents of the hairs on the pod are amines such as 5-hydroxy- tryptamine (serotonin), and a proteolytic enzyme mucuanain. (Serotonin was present only in pods.)Prurieninine slowed down heart rate, lowered blood pressure and stimulated intestinal peristalsis in experiments carried out on frogs. The spas- molysis of smooth muscles was caused by indole bases.Seed diet produced hypoglycaemic effect in normal rats, however, such diet had insignificant effect on alloxan- treated rats.There is some evidence that Cow- hage might be useful for chlorproma- zine-induced hyperprolactinemia in men. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.) (Males with hy- perprolactinemia frequently face im- potency.) (Cured seeds are used in Indian medicine for male sexual dysfunction.)Mucuna cochinchinensis Cheval.; synonym M. nivea (Roxb.) DC.; Sti- zolobium niveum Kuntze (cultivated in Bengal and Bihar for edible pods and seeds) is known as Lyon Bean (Khamach in Bengal). The pod yielded L-DOPA (0.06%).Dosage: Cured seed—3-6 g (API, Vol. III); root—3-6 g powder for decoction (API, Vol. IV.)... mucuna pruritaHabitat: Native to Europe; introduced in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Bhutan and the Nilgiris.
English: Buckthorn (related species), Cascara Sagrada, Sacred Bark.Action: Bark—stool-softener, non-habit forming stimulant laxative, pancreatic stimulant. Used for dyspepsia and habitual constipation.
Key application: In occasional constipation. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO.) As a stimulant laxative. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The bark contains up to 10% an- thraquinone glycosides, consisting of the cascarosides A, B, C and D, about 70% of the total; other glycosides in minor concentrations include barbaloin, frangulin, chrysanol, glycosides based on emodin, aloe-emodin, emodin- oxanthrone and chrysophanol; dianthrones, and free aglycones.The cascarosides act on large intestines and stimulate peristalsis. The emodin exhibits antispasmodic activity in isolated rat intestine. Its anti- inflammatory and antiseptic action was also demonstrated.Rhamnus catharticus Linn., is equated with common Buckthorn, R. purpurea Edgew. with Purple Buckthorn. R. purpurea is found in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal.Dried bark of Rhamnus frangula L. (Alder Buckthorn) and dried ripe berries of Ramnus catharticus are also used against constipation. (German Commission E, WHO.)Long term use or excessive amounts may cause albuminuria, haematuria, slowing ofintestinal transit and cardiac irregularities. (Sharon M. Herr.)Rhamnus triquetra Brandis (known as Gudlei, Fagoraa, Gardhan in Punjab; Gaunt in Garhwal and Kumaon and Katheraa in Jaunsar) is found in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal. The bark is used as a tonic, astringent and deobstruent. Kaempferol, its 7-O- methyl ether and 4'-O-methyl ether, physcion-8 beta-D-glucoside, emodin and its 8 beta-D-glucoside were isolated from the whole plant. Emodin exhibited CNS depressant activity. (Fi- toterapia, 65, 1994.) The plant exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and a nonspecific antispasmodic activity. It induced cardio-stimulation which might be due to the endogenous release of catecholamines.Rhamnus napalensis Wall. ex M. Laws. (known as Archal in Nepal; Biringa and Birringguli in Assam) is found in eastern Himalayas and the hills and plains ofAssam, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and northern Andhra Pradesh, ascending up to an altitude of 2,000 m. The fruit, pounded and macerated in vinegar, is prescribed for the treatment of herpes.... rhamnus purshianaHabitat. Native to Asia but now found in temperate zones.
Constituents. Alkaloids, isoflavones, coumarins, sterols. Contains eight essential enzymes:– amylase (digests starches), coagulase (coagulates milk), invertase (converts sugar into dextrose), emulsin (acts upon sugars), peroxidase (oxidases blood), lipase (fat-splitting enzyme), pectinase (forms a vegetable jelly from pectin), protase (digests protein). Together with its rich content of vitamins and minerals, Alfalfa offers an effective aid to cover a wide range of diverse conditions.
Vitamin content: pro-Vitamin A (B-carotene), B6, C, D, E, K, P. Yields 20,000 to 40,000 units Vitamin K to every 100 grams, and is therefore a useful preventative of high blood pressure.
Minerals. Alfalfa yields 10 times more mineral value than average grains. Roots penetrate subsoil as far as 125 feet, thus enabling it to absorb vital mineral nutrients beyond the reach of other vegetation. Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium.
Action. Anti-cholesterol, anti-haemorrhagic, anti-anaemia, anti-coagulant. Traditional anti-diabetic activity (South Africa).
Uses: To promote strong bones and rebuild decayed teeth. Nutrient to increase weight and vitality. Lumbago, rheumatism, dyspepsia, back ache, fistula, chronic ulcer, infections of sinus, ear, nose and throat. Affections of respiratory tract, certain forms of insulin-dependent diabetes. Rich in chlorophyll, it stimulates growth of supportive connective tissue and is useful for collagen disease – arthritis etc. Assists granulation of tissue in healing of wounds, abscesses. Relieves constipation by gently activating peristalsis of the bowels. Frequent cups of tea have a diuretic effect relieving dropsy, kidney, bladder and prostate disorders. Fattens thin people. Builds up after surgical operation. Hyperlipidaemia. Repair of radiotherapy damage.
Preparations: Tea: 2-3 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes. Drink freely.
Diuretic tea. Herbs: Alfalfa 3, Couchgrass 2, Buchu 1, Wild Carrot 1. Mix. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily.
Liquid extract, BHP (1983), 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. Dose: 5-10ml thrice daily.
Green drink. Fresh Alfalfa passed through a blender; juice drunk in wineglassful doses. Alfalfa ‘sprouts’ are grown from seed in a shallow tray and contain 150 per cent more protein than wheat or corn. Daily rinsed with water, they are allowed to germinate to about half inch in height when they are chopped and used in salads. See: SPROUTS.
Any one of these preparations favourably influences nutrition in cases of anorexia nervosa, neurasthenia, insomnia, feeble appetite, and to increase the flow of milk in young nursing mothers. Taken regularly, it is believed to dispose to mental and physical well-being.
Capsules (powder). 250mg: 2 capsules thrice daily during meals. (Arkocaps) Tablets. 500mg. (Meadowcroft)
Note: Alfalfa should not be taken with Vitamin E, the action of which it vitiates. ... alfalfa
Action: emmenagogue, abortifacient, vermifuge. Perhaps the best known laxative of history. Stimulates peristalsis. Stool softener.
Uses: chronic constipation, with a carminative to prevent griping. Said to have anti-malignant activity. An ingredient of the Natural Health Tablet.
Dose. Barbados aloes: 50mg (MD). Cape aloes: 100mg (MD). Aloin: 20mg (MD). Tincture Aloes BPC 1949. Dose: 2-8ml. ... aloes
Symptoms. Respiratory difficulties and irritating cough. Thick sputum changes colour with infection. Sweat is high in salt. Evil-smelling stool. Treatment by or in liaison with general medical practitioner only.
Until recent years the condition was fatal by death from pneumonia. Carriers may be symptomless. Survival is largely in the hands of physiotherapists and osteopaths who give postural drainage. Differential diagnosis. Infant’s asthma, bronchitis, coeliac disease.
Having regards to missing enzymes (digestive and others) a hard look at food proves rewarding. Individuals may lack the necessary enzymes to break down wheat; one reason why wheat products should be avoided. Production of mucous is reduced considerably by the gluten diet in which oats, wheat, rye and barley are avoided. See: GLUTEN-SENSITIVE DISEASE.
To avoid infection, herbal antibiotics: Wild Yam, Echinacea, Wild Indigo, Goldenseal, Myrrh. Alternatives. To stimulate production of pancreatic enzymes, and peristalsis. Daily physiotherapy to prevent retention of viscid secretions.
Supportive treatment. To liquefy mucus.
Teas: Hyssop, White Horehound, Gotu Kola. Fenugreek seed. Alfalfa.
Tablets/capsules. Lobelia. Iceland Moss. Goldenseal. Echinacea. Wild Yam.
Powders. Formula: equal parts: Elecampane, White Horehound, Dandelion; pinch Cayenne. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.
Tinctures. Formula: equal parts: Elecampane, Lobelia, Dandelion. Few drops Tincture Capsicum. One to two 5ml teaspoons in water 3-4 times daily.
Friar’s Balsam. Inhalation helps to thin mucus from the bronchi.
Supplementation. In addition to Selenium and Vitamin E: Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D. Pancreatic enzymes. High calorie intake. ... cystic fibrosis
Some people are born with double ureters, on 1 or both sides of the body.
This sometimes causes reflux of urine, incontinence, or infection.... ureter
Treatment by or in liaison with general medical practitioner.
Attention to water supply. Water should be boiled for five minutes to destroy cysts. Avoid fruits and salad materials from unhygienic sources and exposure to flies.
Alternatives. Agrimony, Balm, Bayberry, Bistort, Blue Flag, Burdock, Calamus, Catechu (black), Cranesbill, Echinacea, Fenugreek, Garlic, Goldenseal, Holy Thistle, Ipecacuanha, Ladies Mantle, Marshmallow, Mullein, Nettles, Pulsatilla, Raspberry leaves, Red Clover, Shepherd’s Purse, Slippery Elm, Spurge (hirta), Tormentil root, Thyme (garden), Wild Yam, Witch Hazel, Yarrow.
Tea. Equal parts: Holy Thistle, Marshmallow, Thyme. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily or every 2 hours acute cases.
Decoction. Combine, Wild Yam 1; Marshmallow root 1; Echinacea 2. One heaped teaspoon to two cups water. Simmer gently 20 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily: every 2 hours acute cases.
Formula. Equal parts: Bayberry, Burdock, Echinacea, Peppermint. Dose: Liquid extract: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: one to two 5ml teaspoons. Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half teaspoon) in water, honey or fruit juice, thrice daily: every 2 hours for acute cases.
Practitioner. (1) Tincture Ipecacuanha (BP 1973). Dose: 0.25-1ml as prescribed.
(2) Formula. Liquid Extract Echinacea 15ml; Liquid Extract Monsonia ovata 4ml; Liquid Extract Marigold 4ml; Tincture Goldenseal 2ml; Oil Cinnamon 1ml. Distilled water to 240ml (8oz). Dose: 1 dessertspoon (8ml) every 3 hours. (A. Barker)
Preventative: two Garlic capsules at night.
Note: Fenugreek tea: frequent cupfuls. Good results reported. Drink plenty of fluids: milk, oatmeal porridge, vegetable juices. ... dysentery, amoebic
When elimination of body wastes is held up by a chronically-overloaded bowel general health may suffer. A constipated colon, with accumulations of hard faeces, obstructs peristalsis and loses its ability to evacuate effectively. Toxaemia follows, with gross interference of digestion of food.
As contents putrefy, toxins are re-absorbed, poisoning the blood. Such self-induced disease may lie at the root of sluggish liver function, skin disease, blood pressure, and aches in muscles similating rheumatism.
To clean out a clogged colon, injection of a herbal tea into the rectum not only proves effective but brings about a healthful purgation and release from tension. 2-3oz herb is brought to the boil in 1 gallon water, simmered for one minute, and allowed to cool. The tea is strained when warm and injected.
Enema herbs include: Soapwort, Chamomile, Marshmallow, Catmint, Raspberry leaves, Chickweed. Alternative: 20-30 drops Tincture Myrrh added to boiled water allowed to cool. ... hydrotherapy, colon
Treatment. Depends upon the cause. Though cure is impossible, some herbs tend to prevent stiffening, and ameliorate symptoms. Others may assist function as in paralysis ileus (paralysis of muscles of the intestinal walls) where Ispaghula seeds provide bulk and promote peristalsis. To strengthen the nervous system: Oats. Circulatory stimulants and nerve restoratives are indicated. Nettle tea is helpful. Limbs have regained temporary sensation on being beaten with the herb; others have lost rheumatism. Virginia Snake root had its reputation among early American Eclectics.
For a mild or temporary condition:– Teas: Nettles. Yerbe Mate.
Other alternatives:– Tablets/capsules. Prickly Ash. Black Cohosh.
Formula. Equal parts: Gentian, Ginger, Ginkgo.
Dose – Liquid extracts: 1-2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 1-3 teaspoons. Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). Thrice daily.
Cystitis: to relieve: Bearberry or Cranesbill tea.
Practitioner. Tincture Nux vomica: 10 drops in 100ml water. Dose: one teaspoon every two hours (temporary).
Thomson School. 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper mixed with 2 teaspoons Lobelia herb or seeds. Half a teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half a cup 2-3 times daily with honey.
Diet. Lacto-vegetarian.
Supplements: B-complex, B6, B12, E. Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc.
For other paralytic conditions see: MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, MYASTHENIA GRAVIS, POLYMYELITIS, STROKE, SYRINGOMYELIA.
Treatment of severe nerve conditions should be supervised by neurologists and practitioners whose training prepares them to recognise serious illness and to integrate herbal and supplementary intervention safely into the treatment plan. ... paralysis
The kidneys make urine by filtering blood.
The urine collects in the renal pelvises and is then passed down the ureters into the bladder by the actions of gravity and peristalsis.
Urine is stored in the bladder until there is a sufficient amount present to stimulate micturition.
When the bladder contracts, the urine is expelled through the urethra.... urinary tract
Food and the products of digestion are moved from the throat to the rectum by peristalsis (waves of muscular contractions of the intestinal wall).
Food is broken down into simpler substances before being absorbed into the bloodstream.Physical breakdown is performed by the teeth, which cut and chew, and the stomach, which churns the food. The chemical breakdown of food is performed by the action of enzymes, acids, and salts.
Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars. Proteins are broken down into polypeptides, peptides, and amino acids. Fats are broken down into glycerol, glycerides, and fatty acids.
In the mouth, saliva lubricates food and contains enzymes that begin to break down carbohydrates. The tongue moulds food into balls (called boli) for easy swallowing. The food then passes into the pharynx. From here, it is pushed into the oesophagus and squeezed down into the stomach, where it is mixed with hydrochloric acid and pepsin. Produced by the stomach lining, these substances help break down proteins. When the food has been converted to a semi-liquid consistency, it passes into the duodenum where bile salts and acids (produced by the liver) help to break down fats. Digestive juices released by the pancreas into the duodenum contain enzymes that further break down food. Breakdown ends in the small intestine, carried out by enzymes produced by glands in the intestinal lining. Nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The residue enters the large intestine, where water is absorbed. Undigested matter is expelled via the rectum and anus as faeces.... digestive system
All voluntary skeletal movements are initiated in the part of the cerebrum (main mass of the brain) called the motor cortex. Signals are sent down the spinal cord along nerve fibres, and from there along separate nerve fibres to the appropriate muscles. Control relies on information supplied by sensory nerve receptors, in the muscles and elsewhere, that record the position of the different parts of the body and the amount of contraction in each muscle. This information is integrated in specific regions of the brain (including the cerebellum and basal ganglia) that control the coordination, initiation, and cessation of movement.
Skeletal movements can also occur as simple reflexes in response to certain sensory warning signals; the movement is automatic and less controlled, involving far fewer nerve connections.
Some body movements do not involve the skeleton. For example, eye and tongue movements are brought about by contractions of muscles that are attached to soft tissues. These movements may be voluntary or reflex.
Movements of the internal organs are involuntary; they include the heartbeat and peristalsis.... movement
There is usually severe abdominal pain. After a few hours, the abdomen feels hard, and peristalsis stops (see ileus, paralytic). Other symptoms are fever, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
Diagnosis is made from a physical examination. Surgery may be necessary to deal with the cause. If the cause is unknown, a laparoscopy or an exploratory laparotomy may be performed. Antibiotic drugs and intravenous infusions of fluid are often given. In most cases, a full recovery is made. Intestinal obstruction, caused by adhesions, may occur at a later stage.... peritonitis
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