5
The Endocrine System
The Endocrine System includes the Thyroid and the Parathyroid glands, the Adrenal glands,
the Pituitary gland, the Pancreas, the Sex glands (Testes or Ovaries), the Thymus gland and the Pineal gland.
Important hormones are manufactured by the Endocrine Glands and secreted directly into the blood stream by which they reach all parts of the body. Working together with the nervous system, the endocrine system and its hormones help control the coordination and synergism of all organ activity. These hormones can further affect body metabolism and growth development. When endocrine function is abnormal, certain abnormal changes leading to illness may occur.
Male and Female endocrine gland dysfunctions, along with their herbal treatment will be covered in the section of this book dealing with male or female reproductive organs.
Because of the great diversity of the endocrine glands in function, the format in this section of the book is somewhat deferent from the other sections.
The important Endocrine Glands are listed as follows:
1. The Thyroid gland; located in front of the neck and just below the trachea in front, the Thyroid gland is divided into lobes. It secretes thyroxin which stimulates body metabolism and growth. Excessive thyroid secretion may result in thyroid gland enlargement, protruding eyeballs, increased appetite, weight loss and other signs of hyperthyroidism. When thyroid secretion is deficient, symptoms such as edema, mental retardation and dwarfism may be seen.

2. The Adrenal Glands: (paired) are located one above each kidney. The cortical hormone secreted by these glands regulates body metabolism and increases body resistance to disease. Cortical hormone may increase the heart rate, blood vessel contraction, and blood pressure rise.

3. The Pancreas: Strewn about at random in the Pancreas are the Islands of Langerhans which secrete Insulin. When insulin secretion is inadequate, diabetes may result. When secretion of insulin is excessive, Hypoglycemia may result. The Acinous cells of the Pancreas Produce pancreatic juice that is used to aid digestion, a shortage of this will cause Poor digestion.

4. The Pituitary Gland: Located at the base of the cerebrum, it is divided into posterior and anterior lobes. The Pituitary secretes hormones that affect growth and development, urine volume, and other endocrine functions.

5. The Thymus Gland: Located in the middle of the chest, about midway between the base of the neck and the breast line. The secretions of the Thymus plays a role in the body's natural immunity.

6. The Pineal Gland: Located near the Hypothalamus gland at the base of the brain. It function is related to sleep disorders.

7. The Hypothalamus, located in the brain's cerebellum, apart from having a role in controlling the body's autonomic nervous system, also functions as an endocrine gland, secreting its own hormones, and as a connecting link between the brain's cerebral cortex and the pituitary gland.

Herbal Formulas for the Endocrine System
1. A formula for the whole Endocrine System.
Because the Endocrine system is so closely linked in the synergetic regulation of body functions, if one is dis-functioning the others are affected as well. This Herbal Formula is used for all Glandular dis-orders.
1. Suma (Pfaffia Paniculata)
2. Sarsaparilla (Similax Ornata)
3. Irish Moss (Chondrus Crispus)
4. Kelp (Fucus Versiculosus)
5. Bayberry (Myrica Cerifera)
6. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
7. Ceder Berry (Juniperus Ostiosprema)

A Herbal Formula for the Pancreas
1. Juniper Berry (Juniperus Commonus)
2. Ceder Berry (Juniperus Ostiosprema)
3. Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis)
4. Butcher's Broom (Ruscus Aculeatus)
5. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi)
6. Golden Seal (Hydrastis Canadensis)
7. Hawthorn (Crategnus Oxyacantha)





6
Skeletal System
The skeletal framework of the human body is made up of 206 bones of various shapes and sizes.

1. Bone structure and function.
Bone is comprised of three layers: 1. the periosteum. 2. osseous tissue. 3 bone marrow.
On the basis of their shape, bones are further classified as long, short, flat or irregular.

2. The functions of Bone
A. Body support
B. Protection of the brain and other internal organs.
C. Completion of various body movements through lever action of muscles attached to bone.
D. Manufacture of blood cells in the red marrow of the bone.

3. Important Bones
A. The Cranium: Forms the cranial cavity and the bony framework of the face.
B. The Spinal Column: Formed by 7 Cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, and the sacrum and coccyx. The prominence of the 7th vertebra is very noticeable when the head is lowered. It can be used as a land mark and originating point from which to count and locate the other vertebrae.
C. The Thoracic Cage: formed by the sternum, the thoracic vertebrae and 12 pairs of ribs.
D. The Pelvis: formed by the left and right hipbones, by the sacrum and the coccyx posteriorly, and by the pubic bone anteriorly.
E. The Extremities: the upper and lower extremities.



The Joints
1. Structure and Function
Individual bones meet at the joints. Depending on the range of movement some joints are simple and some are more involved. A joint consists of an articular Capsule, Articulating surfaces and Articular Cavity. A small amount of lubricating fluid is found inside the articular cavity that aids joint movement.
2. Important Joints
The important joints include: the mandibular joint, the shoulder joint, the elbow joint, the wrist joint, the hip joint, the knee joint and the ankle joint.

Disorders of Bones and Joints
1. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, occurring mostly in the elderly, characterized by degenerative changes in the joints, pain, stiffness, and swelling.
2. Osteoporosis: The abnormal loss of bony tissue causing fragile bones that fracture easily.
3. rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic, destructive dis-ease characterized by joint inflammation. marked by periods of remission and exacerbation. Symptoms include fatigue, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, morning stiffness, and painful swelling of two or more joints.
4. Gout: A dis-ease in which there is a defect in uric acid metabolism causing uric acid crystals to be deposited round the joints (usually the great toe or small finger) causing pain and swelling.
Herbal Formulas for the Bones
1. A formula to repair and strengthen weak bones
1. Feverfew (Chrysanthemum Parthenium)
2. Willow (Salix)
3. Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale)
4. Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)
5. Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense)
6. Yucca (Yucca Glauca)

2. A Herbal Formula for Gout and Arthritis
1.Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium)
2. Willow (Salix)
3. Comfrey (Symphytum Officnale)
4. Yucca (Yucca Glauca)
5. Burdock (Arctium Lappa)
6. Hydrangea (Hydrangea Arborescens)
3. A Herbal Formula for Osteoporosis
1. Comfrey (Symphytom Officnale)
2. Damiana ( Turnera Aphrodisaca)
3. Summa (Pfaffia Paniculata)
4. Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense)
5. Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinal)
6. Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)