The gastrointestinal tract (GI) stores, digests, absorbs nutrients and eliminates wastes. The digestive system organs are under the control of GI peptides (endocrines, paracrines, and neurocrines), and innervated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). We are normally not conscious of the activities of the ANS nor do we exert any willful control over them. The ANS can be divided into the extrinsic nervous system and intrinsic or enteric nervous system.

The extrinsic nervous system is in turn divided into the parasympathetic and the sympathetic branches. Parasympathetic innervation is supplied by the vagus and pelvic nerves. Long preganglionic axons arise from cell bodies within the medulla of the brain and the sacral region of the spinal cord. These preganglionic axons enter the organs of the GI tract and synapse mainly with cells of the enteric nervous system.

Sympathetic innervation is supplied by preganglionic efferent fibers from the spinal cord to the prevertebral ganglia. Postganglionic fibers from these ganglia then innervate elements of the enteric nervous system.

The secretory, motility and absorptive functions of the organs that constitute the digestive system are integrated to deal with the digestion and absorption of food. This integration is mediated by regulatory systems that monitor events within the GI tract and in the external environment. This results in commands to the various organs to either increase or decrease their activities. Problems arise when the monitoring system or the organs cannot function properly.

HERBS
From time to time we fall prey to digestive problems. The system can become sluggish leading to constipation or overactive leading to excessive secretions, inflammation, and diarrhea or become infected. The plant kingdom has a whole battery of remedies to take care of these problems. To keep things simple, I have divided the remedies into three broad categories; stimulants, relaxants and tonics. Under the stimulants are the bitters; which stimulate appetite and the laxatives; which affect bowel movement. The relaxants can be divided into astringents; herbs that contain chemicals which bind to mucous membranes and surface proteins and demulcents; herbs that possess soothing properties by shielding or forming a mucilaginous coat over surfaces, which through a reflex mechanism can relax the smooth muscles of the gut. The tonics in order to produce a homeostatic effect, can stimulate one organ whilst relaxing another. The carminatives can successfully be categorized as a tonic because although, they have antispasmodic or spasmolytic effect on smooth muscle, they can increase or stimulate stomach secretions, promote bile flow and have antiseptic action.

FRIEDLI ENTERPRISES
Georges-Louis Friedli, PgDip., MSc, PhD.
georges-louis@friedli.com