Herbal pharmacology: The gastrointestinal system

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are one of the main public health problems around the World, with 2,346,869 related deaths (both sexes) in 2015. In this chapter gastrointestinal diseases are grouped according to the affected portion of the GI tract: the proximal, the intermediate and the distal digestive tract. Also, different essential oils which are used as treatment are described. It is important to highlight the pharmacological activity of the peppermint oil in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea and vomiting treatment; as well as the treatment using citrus oil in peptic ulcer disease. Moreover, the usage of essential oils in colorectal cancer (CRC), which is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States.