Normacol Health Dictionary

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Normacol: From 1 Different Sources

For relief of non-persistent constipation. Combines the bulking agent Sterculia, with the natural stimulant Frangula. Useful in pregnancy and for management of colostomies and ileostomies. For ‘high residue diet’ management of diverticular disease of the colon and other conditions requiring a high fibre regime. For the initiation and maintenance of bowel action after rectal and anal surgery. Preparation: Oral administration. Brown coated granules containing Sterculia BP 62 per cent and Frangula BPC (1949) 8 per cent. Dosage: adults: 1-2 heaped 5ml spoonfuls, once or twice daily, after meals. Children (6-12 years) half above amount.

Overdosage or where not adequately washed-down with fluid may lead to intestinal obstruction. Contra-indication: intestinal obstruction. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia

Diverticulosis

Weakness of the colonic wall due to “Western” diet responsible for dry, hardened and less bulky stools. Characterised by pouchings or “blow-outs” of the mucosa (diverticula) which when inflamed and under pressure (as from straining at stool) lead to a condition known as diverticulitis.

Two types: (1) multiple pockets with no pain. (2) hypertrophy of muscles of the colon with chronic spasmodic pain. Also an occupational hazard of saxophone players.

Symptoms. Continuous cramp-like pain in the left abdomen (iliac fossa), distension, flatulence, incomplete emptying of rectum. Colon is tender to touch and mass may be palpated. Constipation and left- sided pain are the hallmarks. Complications include abscess, faecal peritonitis from burst pouch. Differential diagnosis. On rectal examination, ulcerative colitis has fever, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhoea.

Alternatives. Tea. Equal parts, herbs: Agrimony (to stimulate a healthy flow of bile). Avens (to check excessive secretion by toning-up of bowel tissue). Hops (an alvine nervine for strengthening the walls). Liquorice (to support the immune system). Red Clover (anti-neoplastic to discourage malignancy).

For local sepsis. Suggested by high white cell count. Echinacea, Wild Indigo or Goldenseal. Where general toxaemia co-exists: Myrrh. For the chronic case with a silent abdomen, Fenugreek seeds relieve in most cases.

Fenugreek Seeds. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 10 minutes. Dose: 1 cup 2-3 times daily, seeds consumed as well as the liquor.

For constipation. Ispaghula seeds, (psyllium) in the form of Isogel, Normacol, Regulan or other brand. To increase bulk, soften and render stools easier to pass.

For abdominal discomfort. Peppermint oil: 1-2 drops in honey or milk.

Tinctures. Formula. Wild Yam 2; Marshmallow 1; Elderflowers (to reduce inflammation) 1; Ginger quarter. Dose: one teaspoon before meals thrice daily; every two hours acute cases.

Aloe Vera. Good responses observed.

Diet. The Hay Diet. Fluid intake important. For acute inflammatory cases food should be bland. Little muesli without bran. Bran makes an irritable bowel worse, fibre husk increasing irritability. Oatmeal porridge oats with mashed banana, molasses and honey. Arrowroot, Slippery Elm drinks. Fruit juices, grapes (no seeds), papaya fruit.

Avoid: ham, bacon, fried foods, pickles, caffeine drinks and alcohol. In chronic, non-inflammatory cases, bran relieves, producing soft easy-passing stool. On passing of the acute inflammatory stage the patient should gradually take into the diet fibre-rich foods with sufficient protein. See: DIET: HIGH- FIBRE.

Supplementation. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, folic acid, Bromelain enzymes. Bioflora, Lactoflora. Surgical operative measures may be necessary. ... diverticulosis

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (ibs)

Previously known as “mucous colitis”, “spastic colon”. Believed to be associated with psychomatic rather than allergic phenomena. Food is said to be responsible for one-third cases. X-ray fails to reveal evidence; prostaglandins implicated. Females more susceptible than men. Cow’s milk and antigens in beef can precipitate.

Symptoms. Spastic colon: colon held in spasm. The two main symptoms are abdominal pain and altered bowel habit. Pain relieved on going to stool or on passing wind. Diarrhoea with watery stools on rising may alternate with constipation. Sensation that the bowel is incompletely emptied. Flatulence. Passing of mucus between stools. The chronic condition may cause anaemia, weight loss and rectal blood calling for treatment of the underlying condition.

Indicated: astringents, demulcents, antispasmodics.

Treatment. If possible, start with 3-day fast.

Alternatives. Teas. (1) Combine equal parts; Agrimony (astringent), Hops (colon analgesic), Ephedra (anti-sensitive). (2) Combine equal parts; Meadowsweet (astringent) and German Chamomile (nervine and anti-inflammatory). Dose: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely, as tolerated. Bilberry tea. 2 tablespoons fresh or dried Bilberries in 1 pint water simmered 10 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.

Note: Old European: Chamomile and Caraway seed tea. 1 cup morning and evening.

Decoction. Formula. Tormentil root 2; Bistort root 2; Valerian root 1. Dose: 2 teaspoons to each cup water simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup 3-4 times daily.

Tablets/capsules. Calamus. Cramp bark. Goldenseal. Slippery Elm, Cranesbill.

Formula. Cranesbill 2; Caraway 2; Valerian half. Dose: Powders: 750mg or half a teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 1-2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 2-4 teaspoons. Thrice daily.

Practitioner. RX tea: equal parts herbs Peppermint, Balm and German Chamomile. Infuse 1-2 teaspoons in cup boiling water and add 3 drops Tincture Belladonna.

Formula. Tinctures. Black Catechu 2; Cranesbill 1; Hops quarter. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water or honey, thrice daily.

Psyllium seeds (Ispaghula). 2-5 teaspoons taken with sips of water, or as Normacol, Isogel, etc. For pain in bowel, Valerian.

Fenugreek seeds. 2 teaspoons to cup water simmered 10 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. Consume seeds. Cinnamon, tincture or essence: 30-60 drops in water 3-4 times daily.

Menstrual related irritable bowel. Evening Primrose.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, with neurosis. Treat thyroid gland (Bugleweed, Kelp, etc).

With severe nerve stress: add CNS (central nervous system) relaxant (Hops, Ladies Slipper, Roman Chamomile)

Oil of Peppermint. A simple alternative. 3-5 drops in teaspoon honey, or in enteric-coated capsule containing 0.2ml standardised Peppermint oil B.P., (Ph.Eur.)

Intestinal antispasmodics: Valerian, Chamomile, Balm, Rosemary.

Diet. “People with IBS should stop drinking coffee as it can induce a desire to defecate.” (Hallamshire Hospital Research Team)

Dandelion coffee. Fenugreek tea. Carrot juice. Bananas mashed into a puree with Slippery Elm powder. Yoghurt. Gluten-free diet.

Supplements. Calcium lactate tablets: 2 × 300mg thrice daily at meals. Floradix. Lactobacillus acidophilus to counteract toxic bacteria. Vitamin C (2-4g). Zinc. Linusit.

Note: Serious depression may underlay the condition. Anti-depressants sometimes relieve symptoms dramatically.

Chronic cases. Referral to Gastrology Outpatient Department. ... irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)


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