Digestion

Your digestive system is attuned to your every mood. When we are happy, relaxed and have a meal all the digestive juices enzymes work and the food is absorbed in to the body and the waste evacuated. We just take it for granted that this will happen on a daily basis.

When you eat a meal the autonomic nervous system modifies the circulatory system so that more blood is sent to the digestive system. The food we eat is first broken down by chewing and by the action of saliva. It then passes down the esophagus and on to the stomach.

In the stomach it mixes with all the digestive enzymes and with bile from the gallbladder. Some of the food, after it has been absorbed in the bloodstream goes to the liver and anything that is not needed passes on to the large intestine, where water, and electrolytes, like sodium are extracted the remaining waste is then goes to the rectum for excretion.

Our digestive tract is a hollow tube about twelve yards long lined with mucous membrane that supply digestive juices to break down the food like the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. The digestive tract is surrounded by both longitudinal and circular muscle. These muscles contract in a wave like motion and the food is pushed through the digestive tract. This wave like motion consists of a series of relaxation and movement by the muscles. A bowl movement occurs at least once every twenty-four hours.

To have good health elimination is a vital function of the digestive tract. The intestines must rid the body of metabolic waste produce as well as voiding the residue of food and fluids. When this excretion is impaired a toxic waste builds up in the system.

When we are under stress the nervous system sends a secretion of hydrochloric acid into the stomach which contributed to the cause of peptic ulcers.

Using herbs to relax the nervous system directly aids the digestion of any food that is taken.

Herbs like hops and chamomile work at two levels. They relax an overactive stomach and bowel while sedating the central nervous system thus, giving the digestive the ability to work normally.

Indigestion is usually caused by:
Eating too quickly.
Eating  irregularly.
Eating the wrong foods.

Doing the above can cause
A feeling of heaviness
Dull stomach pain.
Bloating.
Heartburn.

An infusion of herbs like fennel, mint, dill, chamomile, anise seed or lemon balm have been shown to help flatulence when taken after a meal.

Gastritis and peptic ulcers are inflammation of the stomach lining and ulceration of the stomach. These require medical attention. Slippery elm powder seems to coat the lining of the stomach and protects against over acid secretions. This herb is usually taken by mixing the powder with milk or water and taking a few teaspoons when you eat or feel pain.

An infection or irritation of part of the digestive tract usually causes diarrhea. When this occurs it is wise to replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of water. Herbs that are known to help stop diarrhea are:
Agronomy and five-finger grass, with a pinch of ginger and cinnamon powder. For any diarrhea that last more that a day you should at once seek medical help.

Constipation is often the result of poor dies and lack of exercise also; a long-term use of laxatives may also cause constipation. This condition can be relieved by regular exercise and abdominal massage and using herbs that increase the muscle tone of the digestive tract. A high- fiber diet is essential. An infusion of   licorice, damiana, raspberry leaves, Goldenseal, rhubarb root  ginger and dandelion root also help to relieve this condition.

As the liver plays a central role in cleansing the body to; help regulate its function herbs such as dandelion root, barberry, bold, fringe tree, gentian and century are good tonics.