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| helps relieve constipation and has mild antiseptic properties. Oregon grape root is not recommended during pregnancy. Brew as a decoction: simmer 1 or 2 teaspoons root in 1 cup water for 10 to 15 minutes over low heat, tightly covered. Remove from heat and let stand another 5 minutes. |
| PAPAYA (Carica papaya). This familiar tropical fruit contains a protein digesting enzyme known as papain, which resembles the animal enzyme pepsin. Papain is used as a meat tenderizer. Bernard Jensen recommended making a tea from dried papaya seeds (simmer 1 tablespoon dry seeds in 1 cup water for a minute or two) as a digestive tonic. |
| PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita). An aromatic herb, peppermint contains volatile essential oils that improve digestion, alleviate flatulence and relieve feelings of fullness by speeding the transit of food through the stomach. |
| David Hoffmann recommends only one herb for the treatment of Crohn's disease, and that is peppermint, an opinion seconded by David Williams, M.D., in the March 1995 issue of his Alternatives newsletter. "Peppermint leaves and oil," wrote Williams, "were probably put on this earth specifically to treat gastrointestinal disorders." In Europe, peppermint is widely used for stomach, liver, gallbladder and pancreatic disturbances. It should be taken only when needed; Williams warns that regular, habitual use lessens its effect. He added: |
| Most physicians and herbalists don't realize that the active menthol ingredients in peppermint are rapidly absorbed in the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract. Taking peppermint in the form of tea, oil or tincture will have little, if any, effect on the lower bowels. With problems like IBS, enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules must be used to deliver the active ingredients to the colon. European studies have found that enteric-coated capsules are very effective in treating the disease. Doctors in this country who scoff at the use of peppermint for treating IBS are undoubtedly unfamiliar with the European use of enteric-coated products. The dosage generally recommended for IBS patients has been two to three capsules |
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