The most reliable way to supplement your diet with Lactobacilli is to make your own yogurt or sauerkraut, or to buy nutritional supplements which have been tested by an independent outside laboratory and which list the concentration of viable bacteria found on culture. Lactobacilli are killed by heat, moisture and sunlight. The making of tablets generates heat which lowers the number of viable organisms. Lactobacilli should be freeze-dried, in powder or capsules, in opaque moisture-proof containers, stored in the refrigerator. They should be consumed with meals. The strains which have been most extensively tested for their viability in the human intestine are L.acidophilus strain NCFM-2 and L.plantarum. L. acidophilus is well-suited to growing in the small intestine, where it is normally one of the dominant bacterial species. L. plantarum has growth characteristics which lead it to grow especially well in the large intestine. The daily dose should be between one billion and ten billion viable bacteria. More may cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Lactobacilli not only colonize the intestinal tract but grow well in the vagina and the urethra, where they prevent growth of pathogenic bacteria. The application of vaginal spermicides like nonoxynol-9, found in many contraceptive creams, may kill Lactobacilli and give pathogens more ready access to the urinary tract. Taking Lactobacilli by mouth or inserting Lactobacillus capsules into the vagina, may restore genital tract symbiosis and prevent infection.

Bifidobacteria

The beneficial bacteria which normally predominate in the large intestine are called Bifidobacteria. Declining levels of Bifidobacteria in the elderly allow accumulation of toxin-producing Clostridium species, which have been implicated in the development of cancer in the large bowel. Taking Bifidobacteria in a dose of three billion organisms per day, lowers the level of Clostridia in the bowel and also reduces the concentration of chemicals which are thought to promote cancer.

The growth of Bifidobacteria in the large bowel is strongly affected by diet. Bifidobacteria thrive on vegetable fiber and on the complex sugars that occur in certain vegetables. These complex sugars, known as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), are especially concentrated in garlic, onion, artichoke, asparagus and chicory root. A synthetic form of FOS is available as a food supplement in the United States. Extensive research conducted in Japan, the U.S. and Europe demonstrates that supplementing the diet with FOS encourages the growth of Bifidobacteria and discourages the growth of most undesirable bacterial species in the intestine. One teaspoon a day of FOS lowers the concentration of toxic bacterial enzymes in the large intestine. These enzymes, called beta-glucuronidase and glycholate hydrolase, are able to convert normal constituents of the stool, derived either from food or from bile, into carcinogens (chemicals which cause cancer). Regular consumption of foods rich in FOS may decrease the risk of colon cancer. A complete guide to maintaining a healthy intestinal milieu and avoiding the problems associated with its disruption are the foci for Chapter Eight, “Poisons from Within.”

Yeast against Yeast

“Nutritional yeast” has been used as a dietary supplement for generations, as a source of vitamins and minerals and for treatment of digestive complaints. After treating hundreds of yeast-allergic patients, I was very reluctant to prescribe yeast for anyone, until I discovered a preparation which the French call “Yeast Against Yeast”. The yeasts which invade human tissues, causing yeast infection, are mostly members of the genus Candida. The yeast used in baking bread or brewing beer belong to the genus Saccharomyces. Yeast Against Yeast is Saccharomyces boulardii, a microbe which inhabits the surface of many different plants and which was first isolated from lichee nuts in Southeast Asia by French scientists during the 1920’s. Saccharomyces boulardii has been used in Europe for decades to treat acute diarrhea and controlled trials have shown it effective in preventing or treating diarrhea brought on by antibiotics. S. boulardii appears to exert its beneficial affects by inactivating bacterial toxins and by stimulating intestinal immune responses. S. boulardii has been available in natural food stores in the United States since 1991. People who are allergic to baker’s yeast may also be allergic to S. boulardii, but for most people, including women with chronic Candida infection, Yeast Against Yeast lives up to its name.

]]> 6227 https://healthy.net/2000/12/06/the-treatment-of-diarrhea-with-homeopathic-medicines/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-treatment-of-diarrhea-with-homeopathic-medicines Wed, 06 Dec 2000 13:28:02 +0000 https://healthy.net/2000/12/06/the-treatment-of-diarrhea-with-homeopathic-medicines/ For the first time in history an American medical journal has published research on homeopathic medicine. The journal, Pediatrics, has published important research on the homeopathic treatment of acute diarrhea in children, a condition which is considered the most serious public health problem in many developing countries.

Although various European medical and scientific journals have published research on homeopathy in the past, including The Lancet, British Medical Journal, and European Journal of Pharmacology, this new article represents a breakthrough for both homeopathic medicine and for American medicine.

The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the treatment of Nicaraguan children. Conducted by physicians at the University of Washington and University of Guadalajara, the study included 81 children, ages six months to five years.

All the children in the study received oral rehydration fluids to prevent dehydration. While these fluids significantly reduce fatalities from dehydration, they do not treat the underlying infection which is causing the diarrhea.

Those children given an individually chosen homeopathic medicine recovered from the diarrhea approximately 20% faster than those children given a placebo.

Homeopathic Medicines for Acute Diarrhea

Although acute diarrhea is not as serious a public health problem in developed countries, it is still a common and discomforting problem to both children and adults. Fortunately, homeopathic medicines can be very effective in treating people with symptoms of diarrhea.

People with diarrhea who may benefit from Arsenicum have stools that are acrid and tend to burn the anus. Most typically, people who need Arsenicum develop symptoms as the result of eating spoiled or tainted food or eating too much fruit. They usually feel exhausted, yet are restless in bed, unable to find a comfortable position. They are also very anxious and tend to feel fearful about being alone. Their worst symptoms are at and after midnight, and they are very thirsty but for sips only of fluids at a time. They are extremely chilly, and cold drinks tend to irritate them, while warm drinks provide some relief. They tend to break out in a cold sweat, and feel better when covered.

People who need Podophyllum usually experience gurgling in the abdomen with a very sudden urge to have a stool. The stools are profuse and offensive smelling, and are usually expelled with great force and little pain, followed by great exhaustion after each stool. These people may experience severe weakness in the anal sphincter, causing a sensation that they cannot hold anything inside the rectum. Their diarrhea is aggravated by eating, drinking, and moving around and may alternate with a headache. They may gag and have empty retching, they have a great thirst for cold fluids, and they may experience painful cramps in their feet, calves, and/or thighs. This diarrhea is sometimes experienced in teething infants and in children who have eaten a lot of fruit.

Chamomilla is indicated primarily in infants and children, especially when they are extremely irritable, quarrelsome, fitful, and inconsolable. Typically, they ask for something and then reject it once it is offered. Only rocking and being carried provide temporary relief of their discomfort. They are aggravated by heat, worse in the evening until midnight, and better from cold drinks. Teething or colicky infants who experience diarrhea tend to need this remedy. Their diarrhea tends to be offensive, green, and slimy, like chopped grass, and it smells like rotten eggs.

Mercurius is known to be most effective in treating people with diarrhea who have the “never completely done” sensation–that is, no matter how many times they have diarrhea, they still feel that they have more left. Typically, they experience much retching during release of the stool, and the stool may have some blood in it. This retching tends to exhaust them. They are sensitive to extremes of temperature and may at one time feel chilly and at another time feel feverish. In any case, their symptoms are worse at night. They sweat profusely, have offensive breath, usually salivate onto the pillow, and tend to be quite slow and weak both physically and mentally. They commonly have a strong thirst for cold fluids.

Sulphur is a remedy for people who experience a sudden, involuntary expulsion of their diarrhea, including when they think they are passing gas. The diarrhea is thin, watery, offensive, acrid, and smells of rotten eggs. It tends to be painlessly expelled, and the most frequent problems are at 5am and at night. Cold sweat on the face and feet are common, and these people are very thirsty for cold drinks and have little appetite. Emotionally, they are irritable and weepy with indifference to their appearance and to their bodily odors.

Veratrum album is indicated when people have diarrhea and vomiting and are very chilly and weak. Despite being chilly, they tend to crave ice cold drinks. They may also have bloated abdomens and experience stomach cramps.

Dose: Take the 6, 12, or 30th potency after each time you have a stool that is not normally firm. If symptoms are strong and no changes have occurred in twelve hours, consider another remedy. If symptoms are mild, wait for at least 24 hours before changing remedies. Stop taking any medicine if obvious improvement is experienced.

HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT HOMEOPATHY?

The best source of homeopathic books, tapes, home medicine kits, and software is:

Homeopathic Educational Services

2124B Kittredge St.

Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 649-0294

(510) 649-1955 (fax)

Leguminosae

Names: Indigoweed

Habitat: Indigenous to Canada and the USA

Collection: The root is unearthed in the autumn after flowering has stopped. Clean the root and cut, dry well.

Part Used: Root.

Constituents:

• Isoflavones; genistein, biochanin A etc

• Flavonoids

• Alkaloids such as cytisine

• Coumarins

• Polysaccharides
  

Indications: Wild Indigo is a herb to be considered wherever there is a focused infection. It is especially useful in the treatment ofinfections and catarrh in the ear, nose and throat. It may be used for laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and catarrhalinfections of the nose and sinus. Taken both internally and as a mouthwash it will heal mouth ulcers, gingivitis and help in the control ofpyorrhea. Systematically it may be helpful in the treatment of enlarged and inflamed lymph glands (lymphadenitis) and also to reduce fevers. Externally an ointment will help infected ulcers and ease sore nipples. A douche of the decoction will help leucorrhoea.

Ellingwood has lot to say about this neglected remedy: “The agent has been widely used for many years by our practitioners in the treatment of typhoid conditions, and has established its position as an important remedy. It has an apparent dynamic influence upon the glandular structure of the intestinal canal, directly antagonizing disease influences here and re-enforcing the character of the blood, prevents the destruction of the red corpuscles and carries off waste material. In malignant tonsillitis and diphtheritic laryngitis it has been long used with excellent results. In phagedena with gangrenous tendencies wherever located, it has exercised a markedly curative influence. It is useful in dysentery where there is offensive breath and fetid discharges of a dark prune juice character.

“In scarlet fever, with its specific indications, it is a useful remedy. Large doses are not necessary, but it should be employed early and the use persisted in. In the treatment of low fevers this agent is said to exercise marked sedative power over the fever. Homeopathic physicians prescribe it to control the fever. There is no doubt that in proportion as the cause of the fever is destroyed, the temperature abates. Any inhibitory influence directly upon the heart and circulation cannot be attributed to it, yet it soothes cerebral excitement to a certain extent, having a beneficial influence upon delirium.

“It is advised in all diseases of the glandular system, and in hepatic derangements especially, with symptoms of the character. In the various forms of stomatitis, putrid sore throat and scarlatina; in inflammation of the bowels, where there is a tendency to typhoid conditions, especially ulcerative inflammation of any of the internal organs; in dyspepsia, with great irritability and offensive decomposition of food; in scrofula and in cutaneous infections, the agent should be long continued. In the long protracted and sluggish forms of fevers, with great depression of the vital forces; in ulceration of the nipples or mammary glands, or of the cervix uteri, it is spoken highly of. There is a dynamic influence exercised by Baptisia upon the entire glandular structure of the body, more particularly upon the intestinal glands. This influence directly reinforces the blood in its effort to throw off the disease and restore normal conditions. It is because of this influence that it is of value in typhoid.

“Dr. Hainey says that in whatever condition the patient complains of difficult respiration, where the lungs feel compressed, where the patient cannot lie down because of fear of suffocation, if he sleeps, he has found Baptisia in small doses every hour positively curative. He got this suggestion from a homeopathist and he has proven it to be reliable. “Others have found typhoid cases with the characteristic symptoms, where the brain seems to be overwhelmed with toxins, where the patient has times where the breathing is rapid or panting, alternated with slow respiration, in which this remedy is very prompt. The condition may also be present in diphtheria, and in the so-call black measles or other highly infectious disorders. “It will thus be seen that the agent is properly classed among the alteratives, as its alterative properties stand first, but its pronounced tonic influence will be quickly observed. It overcomes weariness “that tired feeling, ” produces a sense of vigor & general improved tone and well-being.”

Combinations: For the treatment of infections it may be used with Echinacea and Myrrh. For lymphatic problems it can be combined with Cleavers and Poke Root.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l/2-l teaspoonful of the dried root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take lml of the tincture three times a day.

Citations from the Medline database for the genus Baptisia

Wild IndigoBeuscher N Kopanski L [Stimulation of immunity by the contents of Baptisia tinctoria]

Planta Med (1985 Oct) (5):381-4Beuscher N Scheit KH Bodinet C Kopanski L [Immunologically active glycoproteins of Baptisia tinctoria]Planta Med (1989 Aug) 55(4):358-63

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Cruciferae

Habitat: A common plant growing in many parts of the world.

Collection: The herb can be collected from February until
October.

Part Used: Aerial parts.

Constituents:

• Flavonoids; luteolin-7-rutinoside andquercitin-3-rutinoside

• Polypeptides of undetermined structure
  
• Plant acids; fumaric and bursic acids
  
• Bases; choline, acetylcholine, histamine, tyramine.
  

Actions: Astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory.

Indications: This easily recognized plant may be used
wherever a gently diuretic is called for, for instance in water
retention due to kidney problems. As an astringent it will prove
effective in the treatment of diarrhea, wounds,
nose bleeds, and other conditions. It has specific use
in the stimulation of the menstrual process whilst also being
of use in the reduction of excess flow.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a “mild relaxing and gently stimulating to the kidneys and urinary tract: relieves
atonic and catarrhal conditions, and controls hemorrhages. Tonic
to the pelvic organs. Especially indicated when the urine is heavy
with phosphatic and `brick dust ‘sediments” They give the
following specific indications: vesico-renalirritations from
atonic states. Enuresis. Passive capillary hemorrhages,
functional menorrhagia, bleeding fibroid tumors,
metrorrhagia. Congestive leucorrhoea. Internal hemorrhage
of lungs and bowels, recurrent epistaxis. Hemorrhoids.

Ellingwood recommends it for the following pathologies: hæmaturia,
passive hemorrhage, chronic menorrhagia, intestinal
hemorrhage, gastric hemorrhage, atonic
dyspepsia, diarrhea, dysentary, bleeding
piles. Externally may be applied to bruised or strained
muscles, rheumatic joints.

Combinations: Combines well with Agrimony, Cranesbill
or Periwinkle

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling
water ontol-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse
for l- minutes. If it is used for menstrual conditions, it should
be drunk every 2-3 hours during and just before the period. Otherwise
drink it three times a day. Tincture: take l-2ml of the tincture
three times a day.

Citations from the Medline database for the genus
Capsella

Shephard’s Purse Iurisson SM. [Vitamin content
in shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa pastoris (L.)Medic.)]

Farmatsiia (1976 Jul-Aug) 25 (4):66-7 Kuroda K
Akao M. Effect of Capsella bursa-pastoris on liver catalase activity
in rats fed3′-methyl-4-(dimethylamino) azobenzene.

Gann (1975 Aug) 66 (4):461-2 Kuroda K Akao M Kanisawa
M Miyaki K. Inhibitory effect of Capsella bursa-pastoris extract
on growth of Ehrlich solid tumor in mice.

Cancer Res (1976 Jun) 36(6): 1900-3 Kuroda K Akao
M Kanisawa M Miyaki K. Inhibitory effect of Capsella bursa-pastoris
on hepatocarcino-genesis induced by 3-methyl-4-(dimethylamino)
azobenzene in rats.

Gann (1974 Aug) 65(4): 317-21 Kuroda K Kaku T.
Pharmacological and chemical studies on the alcohol extract of
Capsellabursa-pastoris.

Life Sci (1969 Feb 1) 8(3): 151-5 Kuroda K Takagi
K. Physiologically active substance in Capsella bursa-pastoris.

Nature (1968 Nov 16) 220 (168): 707-8 Kuroda K
Takagi K. Studies on capsella bursa pastoris. I. General pharmacology
of ethanol extract of the herb.

Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther (1969 Apr) 178 (2): 382-91
Kuroda K Takagi K. Studies on capsella bursa pastoris. II.
Diuretic, anti-inflammatory &anti-ulcer action of the herb.

Part Used: The rhizome.

Constituents: Tannins including gallic acid, with the level being highest just before flowering.

Actions: Astringent, anti–haemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary.

Indications: American Cranesbill is an effective astringent used in diarrhoea, dysentery and haemorrhoids. When bleeding accompanies duodenal or gastric ulceration, this remedy is used in combination with other relevant herbs. Where blood is lost in the feces, this herb will help, though careful diagnosis is vital. It may be used where excessive blood loss during menstruation (menorrhagia) or a uterine hemorrhage (metrorrhagia) occur. As a douche it can be used in leucorrhoea.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls of the rhizome in a cup of cold water and bring to boiling. Let simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Allergic reactions can occur immediately, or they can be delayed and take days to surface. A delayed allergic reaction can make it more difficult to pinpoint the allergen.

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction are respiratory congestion, eye inflammation, swelling, itching, hives, and stomachache and vomiting. Food allergies can contribute to chronic health problems, such as acne, asthma, bedwetting, diarrhea, ear infections, eczema, fatigue, hay fever, headache, irritability, chronic runny nose, and even difficulty maintaining concentration (attention deficit disorder, or hyperactivity). Food allergies can also cause intestinal irritation and swelling that interferes with the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Even if you are providing your child with a wholesome, nutritious diet, if she is consuming foods to which she is allergic, she may not be able to absorb food properly, and therefore may not be deriving the full benefits of all the foods she is eating.

The most common foods that cause allergic reactions in children are wheat, milk and other dairy products, eggs, fish and seafood, chocolate, citrus fruits, soy products, corn, nuts, and berries. Many children also are allergic to sulfites, which are found in some frozen foods and dried fruits, as well as in medications. Some people seem to be genetically predisposed to food allergies. If family members, especially parents, have food allergies, there is a greater chance a child will have the same difficulties.

Sometimes, if all the irritating foods are eliminated from a child’s diet for several months, her body will have a chance to rest and heal, after which it will be able to handle small amounts of these foods without reacting. Sometimes, too, there is an underlying issue such as a parasitic or yeast infection in the intestine that is contributing to the allergic response. If these underlying problems are cleared up, the child’s body may be less reactive to certain substances.

It has been observed that some children actively dislike the foods that produce an allergic reaction. They seem to know instinctively that certain foods will cause a problem. If your child continually refuses particular foods, it may be wise not to force the issue.

Paradoxically, however, some children seem to be particularly drawn to the very foods that cause a problem. For example, many children are allergic to peanut butter, a staple in many homes. Children who continually ask for peanut butter, or those who enthusiastically eat lots of wheat bread, wheat crackers, and wheat cereals, or who crave milk, ice cream, and other dairy products, may actually be exhibiting an allergy to those foods.

EMERGENCY TREATMENT FOR FOOD ALLERGIES Occasionally, an allergic reaction is so severe it can be life threatening. If your child exhibits rapidly spreading hives or has difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. If there is any sign that your child is having difficulty breathing due to a severe allergic reaction, especially if she has a history of severe reactions, take her immediately to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. If you cannot transport your child yourself, call for emergency help and stress the urgency of the situation. Every second counts. If an emergency adrenaline kit, such as the Ana~it or EpiPen, is available, administer it immediately, followed by 50 milligrams of an antihistamine such as Benadryl. Do not give your child anything to eat or drink if she is having difficulty breathing. Even if your child responds quickly to the administration of the emergency adrenaline kit, she should still be taken to the emergency room for professional evaluation and treatment.

Conventional Treatment

The most important part of treating food
allergies, obviously, is to identify- and then avoid-the foods that are
causing your child’s reaction. There are two techniques, the elimination
diet and the rotation diet, that enable you to do this (see Elimination Diet
and Rotation Diet. Once you have identified the foods or classes of foods that cause symptoms in your child, remember to read the labels on all the processed food products you buy. Many food products will contain one or more of the substances you have identified as the source of your child’s allergy.

In cases of severe multiple food allergies, oral cromolyn sodium (Gastrocrom) may be prescribed as a preventive measure. This is the same drug that is used in inhaled form to prevent asthma attacks.

If your child suffers from recurrent allergic reactions, an antihistamine may be recommended.

Dietary Guidelines

Use an elimination diet to determine which foods are causing your child’s symptoms. Some of the foods that most commonly cause a reaction are dairy products, wheat, citrus fruits, nuts (including peanut butter), corn, soy products, cane sugar, and eggs. You may wish to try eliminating these first.

Always read product labels and be aware of the ingredients in manufactured food products, especially additives such as artificial flavorings and colorings. Processed foods often contain a surprising array of ingredients and additives. It’s better to base your child’s diet on whole foods that you prepare yourself.

Nutritional Supplements

For age-appropriate dosages of nutritional supplements, see Dosage Guidelines for Herbs and Nutritional Supplements.

Calcium and magnesium help to reduce sensitivity and nervousness associated with allergies. Give your child a combination liquid containing 250 milligrams of calcium and 125 milligrams of magnesium, twice a day, for two to three months.

Give your child 50 to 100 milligrams of pantothenic acid, twice daily, at least one hour away from food, for one month to support adrenal function.

The B vitamins help support adrenal function. Give your child a vitamin-B complex supplement, twice a day, for two to three months.

Vitamin C helps to stimulate immune function. Give your child one dose of vitamin C, in mineral ascorbate form with bioflavonoids, twice a day, for two to three months.

General Recommendations

Use an elimination or rotation diet to identify the food or foods that are causing your child’s allergic response.

Because allergic reactions can take a wide variety of forms, from headaches to bedwetting, you may want to consult other entries in this book that correspond to your child’s symptoms.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent your child from developing a food allergy. It goes without saying, however, that you should make sure she is not exposed to any known allergens.

Dosage Guidelines

Diet

Herbal Medicine

Homeopathy

Bach Flowers

Acupressure

From Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand, N.D., L.Ac., Robert Rountree, MD, Rachel Walton, RN, ©1994. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.

Rubiaceae

Folk names: Ipecac, Rio, Matto Grosso.

Habitat: Native to tropical South America, including Brazil, and cultivatedin southern Asia.

Part used: Root and rhizome.

Collection: The root of this small South American shrub is gathered throughout the year, although the Indians collect it when it is in flower during January and February.

Constituents:

• Isoquinoline alkaloids; usually about 2-3%, consisting mainly of emetine and cephaeline, with psychotrine, O-methylpsychotrine, emetamine and protoemetine

• Tannins; ipecacuanhin and ipecacuanhic acid

• Glycosides such as ipecoside (a monoterpene isoquinoline derivative) & saponins

• Allergens, a mixture of glycoproteins of mol. wt. 35, 000-40, 000

• Miscellaneous; starch, choline, resins.
  

Indications: Ipecacuanha is mainly used as an expectorant in bronchitis and conditions such as whooping cough. At higher doses it is a powerful emetic and as such is used in the treatment of poisoning. Care must be taken in the use of this herb. After an effective emetic dose has been given, large amounts of water should be taken as well. In the same way that Ipecac helps expectoration through stimulation of mucous secretion and then its removal, it stimulates the production of saliva. It has been found effective in the treatment of amoebic dysentery.

Combinations: In bronchial conditions Ipecac combines well with WhiteHorehound, Coltsfoot and Grindelia. In amoebic dysentery it may be used with American Cranesbill or Echinacea.

Preparation and dosage: Infusion; as this is a very powerful herb, only a small amount should be used. 0.0l-0.25 grams of the herb are used for an infusion. Pour a cup of boiling water onto a small amount of the herb (equaling the size of a pea) and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. This can be drunk three times a day. If you need to use it as an emetic, l-2 grams should be used, which equals l/4 – l/2 teaspoonful when used for an infusion.

Part Used: Inner bark.

Constituents: Mucilage, composed of galactose, 3-methyl
galactose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid residues.

Actions: Demulcent, emollient, nutrient, astringent, anti-inflammatory.

Indications: Slippery Elm Bark is a soothing nutritive
demulcent which is perfectly suited for sensitive or inflamed mucous
membrane linings in the digestive system. It may be used in gastritis,
gastric or duodenal ulcer, enteritis, colitis
and the like. It is often used as a food during convalescence
as it is gentle and easily assimilated. In diarrhea it
will soothe and astringe at the same time. Externally it makes
an excellent poultice for use in cases of boils, abscesses
or ulcers.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is ” the best demulcent
for internal and external use. It lubricates and soothes alimentary
mucosa, relieves intestinal irritation, and quietens the nervous
system” They give the following specific indications: acute
gastritis and duodenal ulcer, gastritis, diarrhea,
dysentary, enteritis. Inflammation of the
mouth and throat. Vaginitis. Burns,
scalds and abrasions. Haemorrhoids and anal
fissure. Varicose ulcer. Abscesses, boils,
carbuncles, inflamed wounds and ulcers.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: use l part of the
powdered bark to 8 parts of water. Mix the powder in a little water
initially to ensure it will mix. Bring to the boil and simmer gently
for l0-l5 minutes. Drink half a cup three times a day. Poultice:
mix the coarse powdered bark with enough boiling water to make
a paste.

Menyanthaceae

Names : Buckbean, Marsh Trefoil.

Habitat : Marshy ground in Britain and Europe.

Collection : The leaves are best collected between May and July. The maybe dried in the sun or under moderate heat.

Part Used : Leaves.

Constituents :

• Anthraquinone derivatives, including emodin,
  aloe-emodin, chrysophanol and rhein glycosides, frangula-emodin, rhamnicoside alaterin and physcion.
  
• Flavonoid glycosides.
  

Indications : Bogbean is a most useful herb for the treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has a stimulating effect upon the walls of the colon which will act as
an aperient, but it should not be used to help rheumatism where there is any colitis or diarrhea. It has a marked stimulating action on the digestive juices and on bile-flow and so will aid in debilitated states that are due to sluggish digestion, indigestion and problems of the liver and gall-bladder.

Combinations : For the treatment of rheumatic conditions it will combine well with Black Cohosh and Celery Seed.

Preparations
& Dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take l-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.