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.
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