9 Debility, Fatigue, Adaprive and Functional Disorders – These conditions are traditionally treated with tonics, roborants and anal-eptics, most of which target a particular organ, as well as adaptogenic drugs (alterants), which can also be recommended in phases of increased physical stress. – Bitters are used to alleviate anorexia caused by severe disease, vegetative dysfunction, general asthenia, and reduced digestive enzyme function. They also help to speed up recovery from illness. – Adaptogenic drugs are mainly used to counteract non-infection-related stressors. Immunostimulatory, nootropic, and anabolic affects have also been observed. These drugs have, in particular, been found to stimulate the cerebral metabolism as well as corticoid synthesis in the adrenal gland and DNA and protein synthesis in various organs. – Herbal remedies are traditionally used in these indications. – No comparable chemical medications are available. Anabolic drugs are associated with numerous side effects. – Action: See Anorexia, p. 165; Immunodeficiency Diseases, p. 226; Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis of the Liver, p. 180. – Contraindications: Cf. pp. 93 and 70. • Milk thistle: Should not be used by children under 12 years of age. • Side effects: Mild laxative effects, nervousness, and intolerance reactions have been observed in isolated cases. • Garlic: Gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic reactions have been reported as rare side effects of garlic, especially when fresh. • There is a slight possibility of interaction with blood-thinning medications such as dicoumarol. – Dosage and administration • Tea: Steep 1 teaspoon of the finely chopped herb in 1 cup of boiling water for no more than 5 minutes. • Commercial tea bags can also be used. – Clinical value: Wormwood is very effective in stimulating the appetite. – Dosage and administration: Black currant juice should be diluted with hot water. Drink 1 glass at noon and in the evening. – Clinical value: Completely safe household remedy. – Wormwood: See tea preparation instructions listed above (Postflu Asthenia). – Siberian ginseng, milk thistle, garlic: Commercial products are recommended for these indications. They should be administered as recommended by the manufacturer. – Clinical value:
9.1 Non-age-related Debility
Clinical Considerations
General comments: States of organic or functional debility can occur owing to various diseases, organ damage, surgery, or emotional strain. These problems are usually temporary.
Herbal treatment measures
Clinical value of herbal medicine
Recommended Herbal Remedies (Overview)
Tonic bitters: Centaury herb (Centaurii herba, see p. 84); cinchona bark (Cinchonae cortex); artichoke leaf (Cynarae folium, see p. 36); gentian root (Gentianae radix); horehound herb (Marrubii herba, see p. 76); bogbean leaf (Menyanthidis folium, use only in combination with other herbal remedies); dandelion leaf and root (Taraxaci radix cum herba, see p. 54); chicory herb and root (Cichorii herba et radix).
Astringent bitters: Condurango bark (Condurango cortex, see p. 52): to be used only in combination with other herbs.
Aromatic bitters: Wormwood (Absinthii herba, see p. 129); bitter orange peel (Aurantii pericarpium, use only in combination with other herbal remedies); calamus root (Calami rhizoma, see p. 44); angelica root (Angelica radix, see p. 33); blessed thistle herb (Cnici benedicti herba); yarrow herb and flower (Millefolii herba et flos, see p. 131).
Acrid bitters: Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomi cortex from Cinnamomum cassiae or C. ceylanici); galangal root (Galangae rhizoma); ginger root (Zingiberis rhizoma, see p. 70).
Adaptogenic herbal remedies: Siberian ginseng root (Eleutherococcus radix, see p. 58). For further details, see Adaptogens, p. 227.
Other herbal remedies: Milk thistle fruit (Cardui mariae fructus, see p. 93); garlic bulb (Allii sativi bulbus, see p. 70).
Avoid garlic use for approximately 1 week before and after major surgery.
Range of Applications
Postflu Asthenia
Wormwood (see p. 129).
The herbal remedy should not be taken for more than 3 to 4 weeks at a time.
Convalescence
Black currant (see p. 350).
Postsurgical and Postinfective Conditions
Wormwood herb (see p. 129); Siberian ginseng root (see p. 58); milk thistle fruit (see p. 93); garlic bulb (see p. 70).
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
