Anatomy and Physiology

• Gross anatomy of the esophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, and intestines
• Regulation of the digestive system
• The individual roles of the stomach, duodenum, pancreas, liver, and gall bladder in digestion
• Nervous innervation of the gut
• Hormonal influences on digestion
• Regulation of blood sugar

 Pathophysiology

• Conditions affecting the mouth: Stomatitis, apthous ulcers, halitosis
• Esophagitis and gastro-esophageal reflux disease
• Gastric and duodenal ulceration, oligochlorhydria
• Gall bladder dysfunction
• Hepatitis and liver cirrhosis
• Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel, celiac disease
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Parasites
• Hemorrhoids

Detailed Materia Medica

• Artichoke
• Ginger
• Catnip
• Chamomile
• Peppermint
• Fennel
• Witch Hazel and the astringents
• Gentian root and other bitters
• Cascara sagrada and other anthraquinone laxatives
• Licorice
• Marshmallow
• Silymarin
• Slippery Elm
• Thyme
• Meadowsweet
• Wild yam

Herbalists are justifiably confident in dealing with the GI. tract since we have so many tools from which to choose (too many to list here). Many other remedies will be mentioned and categorized by action with comparisons between agents which appear to have the same or substantially similar effects.

In addition to providing a thorough understanding of the normal functioning and pathological conditions which affect the digestive system, this module aims to demonstrate the fundamental importance of the digestive system in the pathogenesis of many apparently unrelated disease states and how careful attention and management of the digestive and eliminative functions are essential in maintaining good health.

• Herbal Preparations
• The Cardiovascular System
• Pharmacology
• The Nervous System
• The Immune System
• The Gastro-Intestinal System