The Gastro-Intestinal System
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.