We see medicinal herbs every day but what do we really know about the plants that have transformed our lives? Who could guess that the humble dandelion is a boon for the liver, or that liquorice is useful for the treatment of peptic ulcers? Rachael Hannan explores the herbalist’s cabinet.

Food is essential to life and good digestion is the key to a healthy body and mind. Our digestive system exists to efficiently break down food and extract vital components like proteins and vitamins, to be used by every cell in the body. It must also rid the body of the harmful by-products of digestion and the many other toxins that circulate in the body.

Herbal medicine provides an effective alternative for treating such problems, either with herbal teas, powders or tinctures. Any significant change in bowel habit that lasts for more than a few weeks should be checked with a healthcare professional. Other conditions that involve our digestive systems and can respond well to herbal treatment include Crohn’s disease, candidiasis, mouth ulcers, food intolerance, diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis.If your digestive system is not functioning as it should, it is more likely that you will feel discomfort and this may eventually lead to disease. It is hardly surprising that many medical conditions, that are not primarily digestive problems, are in fact intimately linked with poor digestion such as acne, asthma, headaches, psoriasis, painful periods, and chronic coughs.

Digestive conditions that can be treated by herbs

Constipation: When you pass hard or infrequent bowel motions. It can cause headaches, bad breath, wind, piles and worsen skin conditions.

Diarrhoea: Occurs if the colon is irritated by certain foods or by ‘tummy bugs’. Diarrhoea can be extremely serious in young children or the frail or elderly. If in doubt consult a healthcare professional.

Haemorrhoids (piles): When the veins serving the rectum become contorted and bulge. This causes pain, itching and often bleeding. Bleeding from the back passage should always be checked by your doctor.

Acid reflux/heartburn: Where the acidic content of the stomach returns to the gullet, causing a burning pain and bloated feelings in the chest or stomach area.

Dyspepsia/indigestion: Pain or discomfort in the lower chest or abdomen after eating; may be associated with bloating, nausea and vomiting. This can be caused by an under-functioning liver or pancreas, which may lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients.

Wind: Poorly digested food, food sensitivities or excess stomach acid are just some of the causes of trapped or excessive wind. Also known as colic in babies.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Can be extremely distressing, causing right or left-sided abdominal pain with constipation and/or diarrhoea. Stress is nearly always a factor.

Halitosis: Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors including tooth decay, gum disease, or poor digestion.

In The Herbalist's Medicine Cabinet

The following information is provided as a brief introduction only and not as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please call the Herbal Health Advice Line - 01392 426022 before self-prescribing treatment.

German Chamomille: (Matricaria recutita syn Chamomilla recutita) - Asteraceae
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter. Useful in virtually all gastro-intestinal problems, a calming nervine that helps in insomnia, anxiety and many childhood conditions. Applied topically is helpful in eczema, cradle cap, burns, dandruff. Contains chamazulene, mucilage, coumarins, flavonoids and glycosides.

Contraindications: none known.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) - Asteraceae: The root is a liver restorative, promoting bile flow and having a mildly laxative effect. The leaf is an outstanding diuretic containing high levels of potassium. Used whenever the liver needs support in dealing with toxins and hormones i.e. skin conditions, hormonal problems, digestive problems. The leaf is used in water retention, cardiac oedema, high blood pressure, potassium deficiency. Contains bitter glycosides, triterpenoids, inulin, potassium, vitamins A,B,C,D.

Contraindications: avoid leaf in hypotension and hyperkalaemia.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) - Rosaceae: An outstanding anti-inflammatory herb which is also diuretic and a liver remedy. Useful in reflux, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, rheumatic pain. Contains salicylic glycosides, mucilage, citric acid, volatile oil.

Contraindications: salicylate sensitivity, gout.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) - Ulmaceae:
Highly demulcent and emollient. Is also a pro-biotic which helps restore the gut flora to normality and is nourishing in its own right. Excellent in gastritis, reflux, peptic ulcers, enteritis, colitis, diarrhoea. Applied topically in cases of boils or abscesses. Contains mucilage and tannin.

Contraindications: none known.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) - Lamiaceae:
Antispasmodic, carminative, promotes bile flow. Useful in colds and flu, sluggish digestion, flatulence. Topically the essential oil is cooling (small quantities). Contains menthol, tannins, bitter principle.
Contraindications: none known, though can cause headaches/stomach cramps and may increase heartburn. Not suitable for infants. Take advice if pregnant.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) - Asteraceae: Anti-inflammatory, carminative, sedative, bitter, vermifuge, insecticidal. Indicated in poor digestion, anorexia, parasite infestations (high doses needed), flatulence, stress-induced gut problems, arthritis. Contains azulenes, absinthin, volatile oil, isovaleric acid.

Contraindications: peptic ulcers, pregnancy, young children, epilepsy. High doses and an Australian race of the herb, have proved carcinogenic. In the absence of further research it is safest not to take the root internally and to limit the internal use of the leaf to a maximum of six continuous weeks.

Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) - Polygonaceae: A mild purgative and dermatological agent. Indicated in atonic constipation, psoriasis and eczema. Contains tannins, and anthraquinone glycosides.

Contraindications: diarrhoea, spastic colon.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - Lamiaceae:
A digestive herb with sedative and uplifting properties. Excellent in nervous dyspepsia and restorative in anxiety and depression. Contains tannins and bitters.

Contraindications: none known.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - Lamiaceae: A circulatory and nervous stimulant which is also a digestive herb. Excellent in depression, poor circulation (particularly to the head), poor concentration, sluggish digestion. Contains borneol, camphor, cineole.

Contraindications: high blood pressure, pregnancy, hyperactivity.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - Fabaceae: Steroidal demulcent and expectorant useful in peptic ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, gastritis, colitis, high cholesterol levels. Mimics ACTH, causing aldosterone-like retention of water and reduces haemoglobin levels. Contains glycyrrhizin, glucose, flavonoids.

Contraindications: hypertension, hypokalaemia, pregnancy, anaemia, kidney disease, digoxin/digitoxin therapy.