Diseases and Dysfunctions of the Digestive Organs

6 Diseases and Dysfunctions of the Digestive Organs


6.1 Diseases of the Mouth and Throat


Clinical Considerations


image General comments: Mouth and throat diseases can be caused by bacteria, (e. g., Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species), viruses, mycoses (e. g., Candida albicans), allergies, pseudoallergies, and autoimmune diseases.


image Herbal and general treatment measures: Mouth washes and gargles are mechanical measures for cleansing the mouth and increasing the blood flow in the oral mucous membranes. Depending on which secondary herbal substances they contain, they can also relieve pain and speed up the healing process.


image Clinical value of herbal medicine


– Herbal preparations are effective in counteracting bacterial, viral or non-specific mouth and throat diseases. They can be used alone or for adjunctive treatment parallel to established synthetic drugs.


– There are no known herbal remedies for fungal diseases of the mouth and throat.


– Astringents help to clear up drug-related oral eruptions, and bitters are used to counteract dryness of the mouth.


Recommended Herbal Remedies (Overview)


Demulcents

image Marshmallow root (Althaeae radix, see p. 91); mallow leaf (Malvae folium, see p. 89); ribwort plantain (Plantaginis lanceolatae folium, see p. 60); sage leaf (Salviae folium, see p. 114).


Action: Antitussive.


Contraindications: None known.


Side effects: None known.


Astringents

image Myrrh (Myrrhae); dried bilberries (Myrtilli fructus); silverweed (Potentillae anserinae herba, see p. 117); rhatany root (Rhataniae radix, see p. 111); sage leaf (Salviae officinalis folium, see p. 114); tormentil root (Tormentillae rhizoma, see p. 121).


Action: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, promotes wound healing.


Side effects: None known.


Aromatic Herbs

image Clove oil (Caryophylli aetheroleum, see p. 49); chamomile flower (Matricariae flos, see p. 47) myrrh; lemon balm leaf (Melissae folium, see p. 84).


Action: Bacteriostatic, bactericidal, virustatic. Some are antiphlogistic.


Contraindications: Chamomile: Known allergy to chamomile.


Side effects: None known.


Bitters

image Centaury herb (Centaurii herba, see p. 84); bogbean leaf (Menyanthidis folium); gentian root (Gentianae radix).


Action: Increases the flow of saliva by stimulating bitter receptors on the tongue.


Contraindications: Individuals with gastric or duodenal ulcers should not use gentian root.


Side effects: Although rare, headaches may occur.


Range of Applications in Acute Mouth and Throat Diseases


Acute Stomatitis (with less severe pain)

image Mallow leaf, marshmallow root, and sage leaf, either alone or using equal parts of each, as an infusion.


Dosage and administration: Use as a mouthwash or gargle, 3 to 6 times a day.


Clinical value: Herbal treatment alone is usually sufficient in mild cases. Otherwise, the herbal remedies can be applied for adjunctive treatment.


Acute Stomatitis (painful)

image Chamomile flower and sage leaf (1: 1) for infusions.


Alternative: Clove oil 5% in water base.


Suggested combination: Commercial slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra) preparations.


Dosage and administration: Place herbs in water, bring to a boil, then cover and steep for 14 minutes. Rinse mouth or gargle with 1 tablespoon infusion in a cup of warm milk, 3 to 10 times a day as needed.


Clinical value: Can be used alone to treat mild or moderate disorders. Also combines well with synthetic drugs and chemical remedies (e. g., lidocaine or tetracaine).


Isolated Mouth and Throat Ulcers (Aphthae)

image Myrrh tincture; sage leaf.


Dosage and administration


• Apply a few drops of myrrh tincture 1: 5 to the affected sites, 2 to 3 times a day.


Gargle: Briefly boil sage leaves in water (1:1) and steep for 14 minutes.


Clinical value: The effects of these herbs are comparable to those of their active constituents’ synthetic counterparts.


Pharyngitis with Dry Cough and Problems in Swallowing

image Mallow leaf; sage leaf; marshmallow root.


Dosage and administration: Prepare an infusion using one or more of these herbs. Gargle with the infusion several times a day.


Clinical value: The effects of these herbs are comparable to those of their active constituents’ synthetic counterparts. Clinical studies to confirm this are, however, not available.


Acute Glossitis and Aphthous Stomatitis

image Dried bilberry.


Dosage and administration: Steep 1 to 3 tablespoons of dried bilberries in 1 liter of water for around 15 minutes. Gargle with the infusion several times a day.


Clinical value: Studies comparing bilberry to its active constituents’ synthetic counterparts are not available.


Angina Tonsillaris

image Chamomile tea (see p. 47) and extract.


image Chamomile


sage tinctureRx: Extract. Salviae Fluidum, Extract. Chamomillae Fluidum, aa 20.0.


Dosage and administration


• Freshly made chamomile infusion from good-quality dried flowers should always be used. Gargle or rinse the mouth at hourly intervals.


Chamomile extract: Add 10 drops to a glass of water, or apply directly to the affected sites, 2 to 3 times a day. Also rinse the mouth with an astringent.


• Chamomile–sage tincture: Add 20 to 30 drops to a glass of water and gargle.


Arnica tincture (1:10): Add 1 teaspoon to a glass of water as hot as tolerable, gargle or rinse the mouth at hourly intervals, but do not swallow the preparation.


image Arnica flower should not be used by persons allergic to the plant. When selecting the remedy, the individual preferences of the patients should be taken into consideration.


Clinical value: Studies comparing these herbal remedies to their active constituents’ synthetic counterparts are not available.


Peritonsillar Abscess

image Arnica (see above) and chamomile (see Angina Tonsillaris).


Dosage and administration: Use arnica and chamomile preparations alternately. Gargle intensively, every half hour, with the infusion as hot as tolerable.


Clinical value: For adjunctive treatment.


Range of Applications in Chronic Mouth and Throat Diseases


Chronic Stomatitis, Chronic Pharyngitis, Smoker’s Catarrh

image We recommend the alternating use of demulcents (see p. 161), astringents (see p. 161), and bitters (see p. 161).


– Mucilaginous coverage on the free nerve endings responsible for pain development is best produced by alternately using astringents and demul-cents. The above conditions are characterized by permanent atrophy of most mucous glands. Bitters stimulate the remaining intact mucous glands.


Dosage and administration: The patient should intensively rinse the mouth with infusions made from the recommended preparations, alternating between the different types.


Astringents: 1 to 3 tablespoons of dried bilberry fruit (or 1 tablespoon of bayberry root and dried bilberry fruit 1:1) per liter of water.


TinctureRx 1: Tinct. Myricae 15.0. Take 1 teaspoon diluted in a glass of water.


Tincture Rx 2: Tinct. Myricae, Tinct. Salviae, aa 10.0. Take 1 teaspoon diluted in a glass of water.


Tincture Rx 3, for patients with severe inflammation: Tinct. Myricae, Tinct. Arnicae, aa 20.0. Take 1 teaspoon diluted in a glass of water.


Demulcents: Mallow leaves, slippery elm bark, marshmallow root. Prepare an infusion using one or more of these herbal remedies.


Bitters: Centaury herb, bogbean, and gentian root. Prepare an infusion using one or more of these herbs. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of the tea mixture to 1 liter of water.


Clinical value: Comparable treatment regimens with synthetic drugs do not exist. The elimination of harmful factors (e. g., cigarette smoking) can greatly improve the symptoms.


Chronic Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

image Undiluted rhatany (Krameria spp.) tincture.


Tincture Rx: Tinct. Krameriae, Tinct. Arnicae, aa 20.0.


Dosage and administration: Dilute 1 teaspoon in 1 glass of water and rinse or apply undiluted tincture to gums, 2 to 3 times a day.


Clinical value: Useful alternative to synthetic drugs. No comparative studies are available.


Inflammation and Mild Suppuration of the Gums

image Tincture Rx: Tinct. Sanguinariae 3.0,, Tinct. Myrrhae, 20.0.


Dosage and administration: Apply 1 tsp of the mixture diluted in 4 ounces of water to the gums, 2 to 3 times a day.


Clinical value: Good alternative to synthetic drugs.


Persistent “Lump” in the Throat or Need to Clear the Throat

image Centaury herb, bogbean, and gentian root. Prepare an infusion using one or more (equal parts) of these herbal remedies, or use the following tincture. TinctureRx: Tinct. Resina myrrhae 10.0.


Dosage and administration: Add 1 teaspoon tincture to a glass of water, or 1 to 2 teaspoons tea mixture to 1 liter of water. Rinse the mouth or gargle, several times a day.


Clinical value: Comparable treatment regimens with synthetic drugs and/or chemical remedies do not exist.


Dryness of the Mouth and Sicca Syndrome

image Same as for lump in throat sensation (above).


Action: Bitters stimulate the remaining intact mucous glands.


Clinical value: Alternative to artificial saliva.


Herpes Simplex Labialis

image Apply externally on the lesions either lemon balm leaf dry extract in creme base, or St. John’s wort oil.


Dosage and administration


• Apply 10–20 mg of the creme per cm2 of affected skin, 2 to 4 times of day.


St. John’s wort oil: Apply 1–2 ml of the oil to the affected area, several times daily.


Clinical value: Useful alternatives to the synthetic counterparts; however, no convincing clinical studies to test this have been published.


– St. John’s wort oil has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and may help reduce pain and inflammation.


image It is important to start treatment early, that is, as soon as the first signs appear.


6.2 Anorexia


Clinical Considerations


image General comments


– Appetite is defined as an instinctive desire for food. It has a specific control mechanism that is mainly localized in the hypothalamus and an unspecific control mechanism in the limbic system. Hence, appetite is essentially subject to emotional control.


– The gustatory nerves (vagus nerve) in the mouth trigger the production of saliva and gastric juices.


image Herbal and general treatment measures: Pleasant-tasting bitters can be used to stimulate the appetite and the production of gastrointestinal juices. The patients generally become accustomed to the prescribed herbs or herb preparations within a few weeks, so the herbal remedies soon lose their initial efficacy. This makes it necessary to periodically switch to different herbal preparations to maintain treatment efficacy.


image Clinical value of herbal medicine: Bitters used to stimulate the appetite are a prime example of the usefulness of herbal remedies because, in this case, no comparable synthetic alternatives are available.


Recommended Herbal Remedies (Overview)


image Classification: Bitters are divided into the following four groups: tonic bitters (tonic substances), astringent bitters (tannins), aromatic bitters (essential oils), and acrid bitters (pungent substances).


image Tonic bitters (amara tonica): Centaury leaf (Centaurii herba, see p. 84); artichoke leaf (Cynarae folium, see p. 36); cinchona bark; gentian root (Gentianae radix); horehound herb (Marrubii herba, see p. 76); bogbean leaf (Menyanthidis folium); dandelion root and herb (Taraxaci radix cum herba, see p. 54); chicory leaf and root (Cichorii herba et radix).


image Astringent bitters (amara adstringentia): Condurango bark (Condurango cortex, see p. 52—use only in combination with other herbal remedies); cinchona bark (Cinchona cortex).


image Aromatic bitters (amara aromatica): Wormwood herb (Absinthii herba, see p. 129); bitter orange peel (see p. 39 Aurantii pericarpium—use only in combination with other herbal remedies); calamus root (Calami rhizoma, see p. 44); angelica root (Angelicae radix, see p. 33); blessed thistle (Cnici benedicti herba); yarrow herb and flower (Millefolii herba et flos, see p. 131).


image Acrid bitters (amara acria): Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomi cassiae or ceylanici cortex); galangal root (Galangae rhizoma); ginger root (Zingiberis rhizoma, see p. 70).


image Contraindications


Gentian: Should not be used by individuals with gastric or duodenal ulcers.


Wormwood: Should not be used during pregnancy.


Calamus (sweetflag): Should not be used during pregnancy or by children under 12 years of age.


image Action


– Bitters initially stimulate the secretion of saliva. Once they reach the stomach, they stimulate the release of gastrin, thus enhancing upper gastrointestinal motility. Bitters also stimulate the secretion of bile, pancreatic juices, and pepsinogen.


– Bitters stimulate the appetite of patients who lack gastric juices (achylia) owing, for example, to chronic atrophic gastritis.


– Bitters do not stimulate the appetite of healthy individuals.


– Overdosage can lead to a digestion-suppressive effect.


– Bitters are usually not effective in treating cancer-related anorexia. Nonetheless, one should try the various preparations.


image Side effects


– Although rare, headaches may occur in sensitive individuals.


– Angelica root can cause photosensitivity. Individuals using it should avoid extensive sun exposure.


image Dosage and administration


– Bitters should be taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals and administered at doses large enough to be effective.


– Bitters should be briefly retained in the mouth before swallowing.


Range of Applications


To Stimulate the Appetite in Functional Achylia (lack of gastric juices) Secondary to an Acute Infection

image Gentian root; centaury herb; bogbean.


Dosage and administration


Gentian root: Steep 1 teaspoon of the finely chopped herb in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes.


Centaury herb: Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons in 1 cup of boiled water for 15 minutes.


Tea Rx: Centaurii herba, Menyanthidis folium, Calami rhizoma, aa 20.0. Simmer 1 tablespoon in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes. Single dose: 1 cupful. Heat before use.


Gentian extract: 0.5–2.0 g herbal preparation, 2 times a day, e. g., in pill form.


Centaury extract: 1–2 g, several times a day, e. g., in pill form.


Bogbean leaf tincture: 20 to 40 drops in ½ glass of water; sip slowly.


Gentian tincture: 20 to 40 drops in 1 glass of water before each meal (very potent).


image Bitter teas, extracts, and tinctures should be taken before each meal.


Clinical value: There are no synthetic drugs with comparable effects. Bog-bean tea has an especially potent effect. Swallowing bitter preparations in capsules is less effective than use of preparations where the bitter flavor is tasted in the mouth.


Anorexia in Generalized Fatigue or Exhaustion

image Additional indication: For general roborant and stimulant effects after surgery.


Tincture Rx: Tinct. Cinchonae comp. (described below), Tinct. Rhei vinosae, aa 25.0.


Dosage and administration: 1 teaspoon, 30 minutes before meals, 3 times a day.


Clinical value: Comparably pleasant taste, low-potency treatment.


Anorexia in Vegetative and Constitutional Weakness

image Combined Cinchona Tincture containing 6 parts cinchona bark, 2 parts bitter orange peel, 2 parts gentian root, and 1 part cinnamon.


Dosage and administration: 20 drops in a glass of lukewarm water, 30 minutes before each meal. Long-term use is recommended.


Clinical value: Easy to use, relatively good taste.


Gastric Anacidity, Achylia, and Anorexia (in the elderly)

image Tea Rx: Absinthii herba, Menthae piperitae folium, aa 30.0.


Dosage and administration: Steep 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes and strain. Take 1 cup, before meals, 2 times a day. Sip slowly.


Clinical value: This is a rather effective remedy, but is soon rejected by many patients because of its bitter taste.


Anorexia (early stages)

image Yarrow herb; peppermint leaf; centaury herb; calamus root.


Dosage and administration: Take 30 minutes before meals.


Tea Rx: Centaurii herba, Millefolii herba, Menthae piperitae folium, aa 20.0. Steep 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of boiled water. Drink, cold or lukewarm, before meals.


Calamus tincture: 5 to 10 drops in a glass of water, 3 times a day.


Clinical value: The effectiveness of these uses has not been documented in clinical studies. Calamus tincture should not be administered to children, or during pregnancy.


Lack of Appetite and Functional Upper Abdominal Complaints (in cases where carminative, cholagogue, and mild antispasmodic effects are desired)

image Angelica root; blessed thistle herb.


Dosage and administration: These teas, extracts, and tinctures should be taken 30 minutes before meals.


Angelica root: Steep 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of boiling water. Take 1 cup, 3 times a day.


Blessed thistle herb: Steep 2 teaspoons in 1 cup of boiled water for 30 minutes. Take 2 to 3 cups a day, before meals.


Angelica tincture (1: 5): 20 to 30 drops in a glass of water.


Blessed thistle tincture (1: 5): 10 to 30 drops in a liqueur glassful of water.


Clinical value: These herbs are useful in these indications as they have a beneficial effect on upper abdominal complaints.


Lack of Appetite and Insufficient Peristalsis

image Ginger root (see p. 70).


Dosage and administration: Ginger tea or tincture should be taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals.


Dried ginger root: Pour 1 cup of hot water onto 1 teaspoon of the coarsely powdered herb, then cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.


Ginger tincture (1: 5): 10 to 20 drops in ½ to 1 glass of water. Useful alternative remedy.


Clinical value: Rather well tolerated. Large interindividual differences in the efficacy of these remedies can be observed.


Anorexia in Severe Organic Diseases (Cancer)

image Calamus root.


Dosage and administration: Calamus tincture: 20 to 30 drops in a glass of water, 15 to 30 minutes before meals, 3 times a day.


Clinical value: Herbs that stimulate the appetite are not very effective for this indication.


6.3 Reflux, Gastritis, Gastroduodenal Ulcers, Dyspepsia


Clinical Considerations


image General comments


– Reflux is characterized by the symptomatic backward flow of the stomach contents (especially gastric acid) into the esophagus owing to weakness (insufficiency) of the gastroesophageal sphincter.


– Acute stomach diseases (acute gastritis) can be caused by a variety of factors, such as simple overeating, stress, alcohol, medications, acids, alkaline substances, and bacterial infections. Acute stomach diseases can become chronic. The upper layers of the gastric mucosa are affected.


Symptoms: Upper abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, bleeding.


Gastroduodenal ulcers occur when there is an imbalance of protective and aggressive factors. Erosions extending into the deep layers of the stomach wall can be found on the mucous membrane of the stomach and/or duodenum.


– Functional stomach disorders (diagnosis of exclusion) play a very important role, as they are found in 30–50% of all patients with upper abdominal complaints.


– Nervous disorders are suspected if no organic changes can be detected. It is difficult to distinguish nerve-related disorders from common upper abdominal complaints following meals (dyspeptic syndrome). The stomach and duodenum (nausea, belching, upper abdominal discomfort) as well as the small and large intestine (flatulence, cramplike abdominal pain, diarrhea) can be involved.


Ulcer-like dyspepsia: Nocturnal pain, episodic pain, pinpoint pain.


Dysmotility dyspepsia: Nausea or vomiting, premature satiation, belching, gas, upper abdominal tension, flatulence.


Reflux dyspepsia: Heartburn.


Aerophagia: Flatulence and belching.


image Clinical value of herbal medicine and herbal treatment measures


Reflux: Herbal remedies are used for adjunctive treatment only.


Gastritis


• The effectiveness of herbal remedies for autoimmune gastritis (type A) is still unclear.


• Treatment for Helicobacter pylori-related gastritis (type B) consists of eradicating the pathogen by way of acid blockade and antibiotic treatment. Herbal remedies can be prescribed as adjuvant measures.


• Drug-induced gastritis (type C) caused by salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications responds well to mucoprotective herbal remedies. Their use is, however, limited to adjuvant therapy.


Ulcers: Antacids, mucoprotective drugs, and antisecretory drugs (e. g., H2-antagonists and proton pump inhibitors) are normally used. In this case, herbal remedies are limited to adjuvant therapy.


Non-ulcer-related dyspepsia: A variety of herbal remedies are used to treat dyspeptic syndrome.


Recommended Herbal Remedies (Overview)


Antiphlogistics

image Chamomile flower (Matricariae flos, see p. 47); peppermint leaf (Menthae piperitae folium, see p. 102); balm leaf (Melissae folium, see p. 84); licorice root (Liquiritiae radix, see p. 85); fennel seed (Foeniculi fructus, see p. 65).


Action: Anti-inflammatory. Aromatic herbs also have bacteriostatic effects and increase the local blood circulation.


Chamomile flower: Chamomile alone is not a very effective ulcer treatment. Because of its general efficacy and virtual lack of side effects, it is still commonly recommended for adjunctive treatment at the onset of and during acute ulcer episodes. The greatest strength of chamomile lies in prevention.


Licorice root: Because of its antiphlogistic effects, the herb is mainly prescribed for treating ulcer-related conditions, but is also indicated in gastritis and dyspeptic syndrome.


Contraindications


Licorice root: Cholestatic liver diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, hypertension, hypokalemia, severe liver failure, and pregnancy.


Chamomile flower, dried and in alcoholic extracts: Known allergy to chamomile.


• Peppermint leaf and its preparations: Reflux.


Dosage and administration: Licorice preparations should not be used for more than 4–6 weeks at a time unless directed by a physician. Standardized licorice root extracts made with diluted ethanol and containing no less than 4.0% and no more than 6.0% glycyrrhizin should preferably be used.


• Deglycyrrhinated licorice extract (DGL) is very commonly recommended and available in capsules or tablets in North America. The preparation is nearly as effective as whole licorice, but with fewer side effects. The daily dosage is based on the equivalent to 200–600 mg glycyrrhizin.


Side effects: Undesirable mineralocorticoid effects occur after a weekly dose of ≥3.5 g glycyrrhizin (from licorice root). Rare cases of myoglobinuria have also been reported.


Demulcents

image Flaxseed (Lini semen, see p. 66).


Action: Soothing.


Contraindications: Bowel obstruction.


image Flaxseed may impair the absorption of other drugs. The patient using flaxseed should drink plenty of fluids, at least 150 ml after taking the herb.


Anticholinergics

image Belladonna (Atropa belladonna).


Action: Parasympatholytic. Alkaloids of the atropine group inhibit vagus nerve activity, reduce gastric juice secretion, and diminish intestinal motility. They are therefore used to relieve spasms, gastrointestinal colic, and gallbladder colic.


Contraindications: Narrow-angle glaucoma, mechanical gastrointestinal tract stenosis, benign prostatic hypertrophy with residual urine formation, acute pulmonary edema, and tachycardiac arrhythmias.


Dosage and administration


Belladonnae radix: Single dose 0.05 g; maximum single dose 0.1 g (equivalent to 0.5 mg total alkaloids). Maximum daily dose 0.3 g, equivalent to 1.5 mg total alkaloids calculated as L-hyoscyamin.


Belladonna extract: Single dose 0.01 g; maximum single dose 0.05 g, equivalent to 0.73 mg total alkaloids calculated as L-hyoscyamin.


image Belladonna is dispensed by prescription only.


Side effects: Dose-dependent side effects, such as dry mouth, blurring of vision, micturition disorders, headaches, and stupor.


Range of Applications in Acute Clinical Pictures


Acute Gastritis and Esophagitis (in viral infection)

image Chamomile.


Dosage and administration


Special chamomile therapy: The patient should drink 2 to 3 cups of fresh, hot chamomile tea (see p. 47), then lie on the back, left side, stomach, and right side for 5 minutes each. As an alternative to the tea, this therapy can also be performed using 30 to 50 drops of chamomile fluid extract or an appropriate commercial preparation, taken in a glass of hot water. The tea or diluted extract should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning.


image


• This therapy should be continued for a few days after the symptoms have ceased.


• Recovering alcoholics should not use chamomile extract because it contains alcohol.


Clinical value: Useful and effective treatment measure without side effects.


Ulcers with Nocturnal Pain and Localized Epigastric Hunger Pain

image Chamomile; licorice root.


Dosage and administration


Chamomile: see Acute Gastritis and Esophagitis.


Licorice root fluid extract (with 4–6% glycyrrhizinic acid): 1 teaspoon diluted in a small quantity of water, up to 4 times daily.


• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) chewable tablets. Take 2 to 4 380 mg chewable tablets before meals for acute symptoms, 1 to 2 tablets as a maintenance dose.


image Should be taken under medical supervision and for no more than a few weeks.


Clinical value: For adjunctive treatment.


Gastric Colic (Ulcerlike Pain without an Organic Finding)

image Belladonna (Atropa belladonna).


Dosage and administration


Tincture Rx: Tinct. Belladonnae with 0.02–0.03% total alkaloid content, Tinct. Valerianae, Spir. Menthae pip., aa ad 30.0. Take 8 to 10 drops in water, 3 times a day.


Clinical value: Useful for alleviating pain.


Range of Applications in Chronic Esophageal and Gastric Diseases


Chronic Esophagitis

image Flaxseed.


Dosage and administration: Grind flaxseed before use. Place 2 tablespoons of flax seed in ½ liter of water and bring to a boil. Strain and drink the liquid. The use of commercial products is recommended. Take 3 to 4 sips of the gruel, several times a day.


Clinical value: For adjunctive treatment.


Chronic Gastritis

image Fennel seed; peppermint leaf; lemon balm leaf; calamus rhizome (Calami rhizoma, see p. 44).


image Tea Rx: Foeniculi fructus, Menthae piperitae folium, Melissae folium, Calami rhizoma, aa 20.0.


image Flaxseed (see p. 66).


Dosage and administration


Tea mixture: Steep 1 teaspoon in a cup of boiled water for 10 minutes. Take 1 cup, 2 to 3 times a day. Sip slowly while hot.


Flaxseed gruel: Soak 1 to 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (daily portion) in ¼ to ½ liter of water overnight in the refrigerator. Drink lukewarm before breakfast or in portions distributed throughout the day.


Clinical value: For adjunctive treatment.


Chronic Gastritis in Very Underweight or Weak Patients

image Olive oil; flaxseed (see p. 66).


Dosage and administration


Olive oil:

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Jan 1, 2017 | Posted by in PHARMACY | Comments Off on Diseases and Dysfunctions of the Digestive Organs

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