The Human Body is an integration of instinctive Organ Systems made up of individual parts working together------ understanding how these parts work help us to understand the whole system. It is intricate in design and simple in function. It is delicate in balance yet robust in its Organs. It does not break down easily. It is self-regulating, unless we consciously interfere. If it malfunctions, we have only ourselves to blame. If one part of the system is impaired, the system will not function well or may not function at all. These characteristics are true of all systems in the human body. Therefore, it is necessary to know the various Organ Systems ( Which work Instinctively ) that make up the body and their functions. The collective function of the various systems is Homeostasis; to maintain an equilibrium.
These Organ Systems help to balance mood, growth, body temperature, development, metabolism and a lot more. Basic knowledge will make it easier for us to maintain it, make it last longer, prevent disease and when it does get ill, nurse it back to health.
A healthy state is a planned operation, disease is a consequence of willful neglect.
The Organ systems and Herbs that have affinity to them are given in brief.
Circulatory System
The system transports materials throughout the body. The blood and the Lymph flow through the body. They have separate functions but are intimately interconnected. The blood carries life sustaining materials to the cells. The Lymph carries waste from the cells back to the blood stream to be excreted. The Immune system joins them to protect the body against pathogens. All organ systems are interconnected and interdependent, but these three function as one. The blood carries Oxygen and nutrients from the lungs and food to the cells. The Lymph brings back waste from the cells to be excreted. The Immune system protects the body from disease. Examples of waste are Carbon Dioxide, Urea, Uric acid and Creatinine. The lymphatic system dumps its waste into the blood stream. The Circulatory system has three very intimately interconnected sub systems; Cardiovascular system, Lymphatic System and the Immune System.
Circulatory System = Cardiovascular System + Lymphatic System . + Immune System
Herbs that are known to keep the Circulatory System healthy are :
Motherwort
Cayenne
Ginkgo Biloba
Garlic
Cardiovascular System
The Cardiovascular system consists of the Heart and the Blood Vessels. The Heart is a two way pump. Its function is to circulate blood throughout the body. The blood vessels transport Blood. The functions of the system are, to transport
Oxygen from the Lungs to the cells
Nutrients to the Cells
Carbon dioxide from the cells to the Lungs
Waste matter like Urea, Uric acid, Creatinine dumped by the Lymphatic system to the Excretory organs like Liver and Kidneys
Chemicals (hormones, nutrients, salts)
Cells ( Produced by the Immune system ) that defend the body.
Regulate the body's fluid
Maintain Electrolytic balance; correct proportion of acid and alkali
Maintain body temperature; irrespective of the weather
Protect the body from infection
Protect the body from loss of blood by clotting.
The heart circulates oxygen laden blood from the lungs to all cells of the body. The oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide. The blood transports this CO2 to the lungs, where it will be expelled and oxygen absorbed.
The blood has two components. It has solid materials like Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and the Platelets. A liquid called the Plasma. Plasma transports nutrients, hormones, and other substances to the cells and bring back waste. Some Herbs that have affinity for the Cardiovascular System are :
Hawthorn
Arjuna
Motherwort
A detailed functioning of the Cardiovascular System and the specific action of the herbs on it are explained separately.
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Lymphatic System .
The lymphatic system includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and the lymphoid organs. The important organs are the spleen and the Thymus.
Lymph is a colorless fluid. It consists of infection fighting white blood cells. The fluid bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream.
The functions of the Lymphatic system are, the removal of interstitial fluid from tissues, absorb and transport fatty acids and fats as chyle from the digestive system, circulate white blood cells, to maintain fluid levels in the body and to collect Bacteria and Microbes and deliver them to the Lymph Nodes for destruction.
Some Herbs that have affinity for the Lymphatic System are :
Red Clover
Rehmania
Sweet Wormwood
Bupleurum
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Immune System
The immune system is the body's defense system. It fights infectious microorganisms. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that impair body systems and cause disease.
Parts of this system :
Cells and tissues forming a network.
Organs that work together to protect the body.
Chemical messengers that interact to protect the body from external invaders and its own internally altered cells
White Blood Cells(Leukocytes)
Functions of this system :
To guard the human body against disease and the pathogens.
Combat the infection.
Maintains homeostasis by eliminating damaged cells.
Herbs to protect this guard of our body are
Echinacea
Goldenseal
Indian Gooseberry
Ashwagandha
Gojiberry
Ginkgo Biloba
Garlic
Astragalus
Turmeric
Ganoderma
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Digestive System
The digestive system comprises of the Gastrointestinal Tract (GI tract) commonly known as the Alimentary canal. The organs forming part of this long tube ( Through which the food actually passes) are :
Oral Cavity or the Mouth,
Throat or Pharynx,
Esophagus,
Stomach,
Small Intestines,
Large Intestines or the Colon,
Rectum,
Anus.
The functions of the digestive system are to digest food and absorb or rather extract nutrients from it.
Digestion is the breakdown of food into small molecules, which are then absorbed into the body.
Herbs that nurture the Digestive System and heal disorders are:
Long Pepper
Fennel
Triphala
Psyllium Husk
Liquorice
Endocrine and Exocrine Systems .
There are two types of Glands in the human body. The Endocrine System incorporates Glands that secrete Hormones directly into the blood stream. The Exocrine Glands secrete their output onto the epithelial surface through a duct. These Glands are located all over the body. Some important Exocrine Glands are Sweat, Salivary, Mammary, Lacrimal, Sebaceous and Mucus. There are nine Endocrine Glands; Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Thyroid, Pineal Gland or the Third Eye, Thymus, Pancreas, Adrenal, Ovaries, Testes.
The Endocrine Glands select and extract materials from the blood, process it and secrete Hormones and Chemicals back into the blood stream to be transported to the organs requiring it. The Endocrine System is more important of the two and is the actual subject of this para. The Endocrine System regulates, controls and coordinates most of the functions of the body. It regulates:
Metabolism
Growth
Development
Tissue Function
Sexual Activity
Reproduction
Sleep
Moods or the Emotional aspects of life
Herbs associated with Endocrine System :
Astragalus
Ashwagandha
Liquorice
Siberian Ginseng
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Nervous System
The Nervous System consists of two parts; The Central Nervous System ( CNS ) and the Peripheral Nervous System ( PNS ).
The CNS comprises of the Brain and the Spinal Cord. The PNS includes the Sensory organs and all of the nerves that connect these organs with the rest of the body. The CNS controls and the PNS communicates with the rest of the Organs. The CNS receives information, evaluates and decides what orders are to be given. The PNScollects information from the whole body and relays it to the CNS. The Nerves then carry orders from the CNS to the muscles, glands, and organs to regulate their functions.
Herbs best suited to optimize the functioning of the CNS are:
Valerian
Shizandra
American ginseng
Ashwagandha
Herbs beneficial for the PNS are:
Ashwagandha
St. Johns Wort
Brahmi
Integumentary System. This system consists of the skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands.
Its main function is to act as a barrier and act as a shield to protect the body from the outside world. It also helps to retain body fluids, protect against disease, eliminate waste products, and regulate body temperature.
Herbs best suited to this system are:
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Neem
Basil
Amla
Liquorice
Aloe Vera
Turmeric
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Muscular System. The system is made up of muscle tissues that helps move the body and move materials through the body. In other words, this system moves you/ makes the movement of your body possible. Some Herbs that take care of the System are :
Bladderwrack
Horsetail
Sida Cordifolia
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Reproductive System
The human reproductive system ensures that humans are able to reproduce and survive as a species. It is made up of organs such as the uterus, penis, ovaries, and testes.
Female : Herbs that rejuvenate the Female Reproductive System are :
Manjakani
Shatavari
Chaste Berry
Male : Some Herbs that rejuvenate the Male Reproductive System are :
Saw Palmetto
Ashwagandha
Gokharu
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Respiratory System
The primary function of the respiratory system is to supply the blood with oxygen in order for the blood to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body. The respiratory system does this through breathing. It consists of the nose, larynx, trachea, diaphragm, bronchi, and lungs. Some Herbs that have affinity for Respiratory System are :
Eucalyptus
Lungwort
Borage
Skeletal System
The skeletal system provides the shape and form to the bodies. Provides support to the entire structure of the body. supporting and protecting our bodies, allowing bodily movement, producing blood cells, and storing minerals. Some Herbs that take care of the Skeletal System are :
Valerian
Turmeric
Sesame
Urinary System
The purpose of the urinary system is to filter out excess fluid and other substances from your bloodstream. Some fluid gets reabsorbed by your body but most gets expelled as urine. It regulates acid-base and electrolyte level, also maintains water balance in blood. Some Herbs that are associated with the Urinary System are :
Varuna
Gokharu
Cleavers