Theory Of Humors Essay, Research Paper

ASSESSMENT 1

Theory of Humors

CNRPS016

DIPLOMA OF APPLIED SCIENCE

(NATUROPATHY)

HERBAL MEDICINE

NAT10399

Teacher: Narelle Duncan

Due Date: 23 April 2001

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Questionnaire To Determine Your Dominant Humor

- Please select A, B, C or D to most closely match you!

1. Your hight is:

A Short B Medium/Short C Medium/Tall D Tall

2. Body shape is:

A Muscular B Average C Flabby D Slender

3. You walk like:

A Striding B Dragging C Plodding D Dancing

4. Your imagination is:

A Practical B Source of worry C Not utilised D Able to Fantasise

5. You spend your time:

A Thinking of the future B Thinking of the past C Being Introverted D Being Extroverted

6. With Money:

A Generous B Indifferent C Saver D Spender

7. Wear clothes that are:

A Useful & Comfortable B Soft colours to own taste C Classic, Plain& Practical D Bright, Stylish Flamboyant

8. In relationships:

A Bossy B Tragic C Steady D Romantic

9. When Offered an alcoholic drink (your reaction is):

A Purchase a round and play host B Think “ Will it really make me feel good?” C Question “Is it the right time?” D Think “What fun! Let’s have a drink”

10. Talking on the phone… you are:

A Short and to the point B Like to have lengthy discussions C Ordered, Pointby point D Chatty, and often forget the purpose

11. When ending the call… you say:

A “Have a nice day!” B “Take care!” C “Be good.” D “Have fun!”

12. You describe your character as …

A Dynamic,Active B Serious,Purposeful C Patient,Well balanced D Enthusiastic, Cheerful

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Questionnaire To Determine Your Partner’s Dominant Humor

- Please select A, B, C or D to most closely match you!

1. Their hight is:

A Short B Medium/Short C Medium/Tall D Tall

2. Body shape is:

A Muscular B Average C Flabby D Slender

5. They walk like:

A Striding B Dragging C Plodding D Dancing

6. Their imagination is:

A Practical B Source of worry C Not utilised D Able to Fantasise

6. They spend their time:

A Thinking of the future B Thinking of the past C Being Introverted D Being Extroverted

6. With Money they are:

A Generous B Indifferent C Saver D Spender

7. Wear clothes that are:

A Useful & Comfortable B Soft colours to own taste C Classic, Plain& Practical D Bright, Stylish Flamboyant

10. In relationships:

A Bossy B Tragic C Steady D Romantic

11. When Offered an alcoholic drink (they):

A Purchase a round and play host B Think “ Will it really make me feel good?” C Question “Is it the right time?” D Think “What fun! Let’s have a drink”

10. Talking on the phone… they are:

A Short and to the point B Like to have lengthy discussions C Ordered, Pointby point D Chatty, and often forget the purpose

11. When ending the call… they say:

A “Have a nice day!” B “Take care!” C “Be good.” D “Have fun!”

12. You would describe their character as …

A Dynamic,Active B Serious,Purposeful C Patient,Well balanced D Enthusiastic, Cheerful

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

I have chosen my partner, Jules as my assistant. We do not know each other very well since we have been going out only for a month, so it was interesting for me to compare how he sees me and how I see myself, and how I see him and how he sees himself.

The Result of Questionnaire for Jules

Score for Jules Score for Nami Total Score

A Choleric – 4 point A Choleric – 2 point A Choleric – 6 point

B Melancholic – 2 point B Melancholic – 4 point B Melancholic – 6 point

C Phlegmatic – 2 point C Phlegmatic – 2 point C Phlegmatic – 4 point

D Sanguine – 5 point D Sanguine – 5 point D Sanguine – 10 point

Although there was a little difference in the questionnaire that I filled out for Jules, and the one that Jules filled out for himself, they both show that his temperament is Sanguine, the Air. In the questionnaire that Jules filled out for himself, there is only one point difference between the Sanguine and the Choleric. He sees himself as the Sanguine but he also possesses the Choleric temperament. Which was not what I expected him to be, before conducting this test. What I expected his temperament to be was the Melancholic, the Earth. The reason why I thought his temperament would be the Melancholic was that, to me, he seems thoughtful, serious, purposeful and sensitive. He sometimes imagines the things to worry over. He is also neat and tidy. The factors made me think that he was the Melancholic type. The questionnaire that I filled out for him shows that I see him as the Sanguine but also the Melancholic. According to the questionnaire that I filled out for him, there is only one point difference between the Sanguine and the Melancholic. However looking at his job that he had before and the things he likes to do are more Sanguine than Melancholic type. He used to be a web designer and that is still what he wants to do. He loves party and music, though, since he moved up to Gold Coast from Melbourne, he has not gone out much, and he does not seem happy with the environment. That is probably what makes him look more Melancholic.

Although, there was only one point difference between the Sanguine and Choleric in the questionnaire that Jules filled out for himself, and one point difference between the Sanguine and Melancholic in the questionnaire I filled out for him, the Sanguine has the highest point in both sets, so it gives me the conclusion that his dominant temperament is the Sanguine, the Air. The change of his environment and the frustration that he feels for his present situation could be affecting and unbalancing his dominant temperament. Nevertheless the negative affection by environmental change, there is no huge difference in the score of each 4 humours, I would say that his character is balanced by all the four humours.

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

The Result of Questionnaire for Nami

Score for Nami Score for Jules Total Score

A Choleric – 8 point A Choleric – 5 point A Choleric – 13 point

B Melancholic – 1 point B Melancholic – 1 point B Melancholic – 2 point

C Phlegmatic – 0 point C Phlegmatic – 2 point C Phlegmatic – 2 point

D Sanguine – 3 point D Sanguine – 4 point D Sanguine – 7 point

Both the questionnaires that I filled out for myself, and Jules filled out for me, show that my temperament is the Choleric, the fire. In the questionnaire that I filled out for myself, it is obvious that I am the Choleric. Which I have always thought I was, and interestingly my star sign, Leo also relates to the Fire. Although I also expected that I would have the temperament of the Sanguine, I did not choose too many of the answers for the Sanguine. However, in the questionnaire that Jules filled out for me, there is only one point difference between the Choleric and the Sanguine. He sees me as the Choleric but also more the Sanguine than I think myself is.

The reason that I have expected I would be the Choleric is that the word, “Dynamic and Active” sounds the right word to express my character. I have always my goal oriented and move quickly to action. Being over in Australia by myself to make my dream, to be a Naturopath, come true is the typical Choleric side of me. I sometimes feel myself being arrogant, peevish and short temper which are the typical Choleric character. However I also have an opposite side, which I get depressed easily and worry things too much. Jules has chosen “Patient, Well balanced” for my character though, especially in the relationship, I have never felt balanced myself and my mind has always been unstable. I get more the Melancholic sometimes. One of the Choleric tendency to seek the perfection and the Choleric mental state, “weeping” might be the reasons to bring me the depression and emotional unbalance.

The both questionnaires that I filled out for myself, and Jules filled out for me, brought me the clear conclusion that my dominant temperament is the Choleric, the Fire.

According the total score of the questionnaire, I consider myself as too choleric that my character is negatively dominated by one humour. I suppose, to balance my temperament positively by all the 4 humours is needed.

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Conclusions: Two herbs required by Myself and my Assistant on the basis of the dominant humor could include:

For Jules:

BURDOCK

The reason I have chosen the Burdock for Jules is that Burdock has the cold and dry nature, which balances the Sanguine Hot and Moist nature. It is used to eliminate the toxins and purifies the body to balance the Sanguine temperament. The Burdock is eaten as a vegetable often in the Far East, especially in Japan. I use the Burdock to cook Japanese food often, so it is easy to take it into the daily nutrition.

ECHINACEA

The Echinacea is the other herb I have chosen for Jules to balance his dominant temperament, Sanguine. It also has the cold and dry nature, which is opposite to the Sanguine nature, hot and moist. The Echinacea is used to stimulate the immune system, blood circulation and bring up the vital force.

For Nami:

DANDELION

The reason I have chosen the Dandelion for myself is that the Dandelion has the cold and moist nature, which balances the Choleric Hot and Dry nature. I often feel the swelling of liver when I feel tired or week, so the medical properties of the Dandelion to stimulate the liver and kidney function would be good for me.

APPLE

The Apple is the other herb I have chosen for myself to balance my dominant temperament, Choleric. It is popular fruit and easy to be taken as daily nutrition. It has the cold and moist nature, which is opposite to the Choleric nature, hot and dry, so it would balance my Choleric temperament. The Apple is used to stimulate the liver function which has always been my week organ.

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Herbs for each humors

Herb For Sanguine:

Common name: Skullcap

Latin name: Scutellaria Lateriflora

Temperament: Sanguine

Reasons: ?The nature of the skullcap is cold and dry that balances the Sanguine hot and moist temperament.

Medical Properties:

? Skullcap contains scutellarin, a flavonoid with sedative and antispasmodic.

? Used as Antipyretic, analgesic, antitussive, transiently hypotensive,

? Tonic for the nervous system and is indicative of where the nervous system has become depleted.

? Remedy for nervous disorders, from mild anxiety to epilepsy.

? Quietening as well as anti-spasmodic effects, on nervous activity such as headaches of nervous origin, hysteria, insomnia and restless sleep.

? Remedy for colds, coughs, tumours, haemorrhoids, sore eyes and rheumatism.

? Effective in alleviating the symptoms of rabies.

? Some North American Indian tribes used as a sedative and promote menstruation.

? Used for the prevention of epileptic seizures.

? As historical uses, used for Hydrophobia, alcoholism, headaches from incessant coughing and rickets.

References:Ody, Penelope, 1995, The complete Medicinal Herbal, TokyoAllardice, P., Bone, K., Hutchison, F., 1994, MAGIC and MEDICINE OF PLANTS, NSW Fisher, C., Painter, G., 1996, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS FOR THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, NSW

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Herb For Sanguine:

Common name: Hops

Latin name: Humulus Lupulus

Temperament: Sanguine

Reasons: ? The nature of the Hops is cold and dry that balances the Sanguine hot and moist temperament.

Medical Properties:

? Antibacterial with activity against gram positive organisms.

? The central nervous system depressant action is believed to be due to the bitter resin and its metabolites. This bitter component of Hops also makes it a digestive stimulant.

? Whole extracts have a very effective spasmolytic action on smooth muscle.

? Has antihistamine and anti-oxytocic properties.

? Remedy for palpitations of neurogenic origin, in Cardiovascular System.

? Remedy for nervous coughs and irritable coughs.

? Treats the irritable bowel syndrome, mucous colitis, nervous dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease and anorexia.

? Influence tense nervous states; insomnia, neuralgia, excitability, priapism and restless and sleep disorders.

? The oestrogenic substances of Hops aid for dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, premature ejaculation and anaphrodisiac in men.

? Remedy for crural ulcers.

? Recommended as a tonic, diuretic and sedative.

References:Ody, Penelope, 1995, The complete Medicinal Herbal, TokyoAllardice, P., Bone, K., Hutchison, F., 1994, MAGIC and MEDICINE OF PLANTS, NSW Fisher, C., Painter, G., 1996, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS FOR THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, NSW

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Herb For Phlegmatic:

Common name: Ginger

Latin name: Zingiber officinalis

Temperament: Phlegmatic

Reasons: ?Ginger has hot and dry properties to overcome the cold and moist properties of Phlegmatic temperament.?Ginger stimulate the gastric secretion which is relate to Phlegm humor.

? Stimulates peristalsis and gastric secretion

? Provokes circulatory stimulation.

? Effective in the control of nausea and vomiting following operations and that associated with pregnancy.

Medical Properties:

? Antipyretic, analgesic, antitussive, antipasmodic, transiently hypotensive, suppression of gastric contractions, inhibition of prostaglandin PGF 2a synthesis. (PGA 2a stimulates contraction of sooth muscle.

? The ability to act as an anti-emetic and has proved to be more effective than a pharmaceutical antihistamine in reducing the vomiting and vertigo of motion sickness.

? Giving the heart a better force of contraction.

? Act as an anti-platelet aggregation agent and as an anti-inflammatory.

? Can be anticonvulsant and hypocholesterolaemic.

? Prescribed for coughs, colds, flu and hangovers.

? Believed to strengthen the lungs and kidneys in China.

? Zinger oil is used for a traditional treatment for spinal and joint problems in Japan.

? Zinger compresses are used in many parts of the world to relieve sinus congestion, kidney problems, menstrual cramps and various other aches and pains.

? Has stimulative, rubefacient and carminative properties.

? Taken internally for respiratory ailments and has been found to be effective for travel sickness.

References:Ody, Penelope, 1995, The complete Medicinal Herbal, TokyoAllardice, P., Bone, K., Hutchison, F., 1994, MAGIC and MEDICINE OF PLANTS, NSW Fisher, C., Painter, G., 1996, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS FOR THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, NSW

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Herb For Phlegmatic:

Common name: Thyme

Latin name: Thymus Vulgaris

Temperament: Phlegmatic

Reasons: ?Thyme has hot and dry properties to overcome the cold and moist properties of Phlegmatic temperament.?Thyme is used as the remedy for Asthma and coughing which is the symptoms of imbalance of Phlegmatic humor.

Medical Properties:

? Traditionally, Thyme has been used to relieve spasms and coughing.

? Potent antiseptic which does not however cause irritation.

? Increases mucus secretion.

? The volatile oil in Thyme is strongly anti-microbial and is taken up through the lungs and kidneys where it is able to exert this effect.

? The high content of tannin in the volatile oil has the relaxing effects.

? Has a primary role in treating respiratory tract problems especially in the lower tract.

? The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties give the herb a role in infectious conditions.

? Relaxing expectorant that can reduce spasmodic muscular activity.

? Remedy for bronchitis, pertussis, aspergilloisis, coughs, pleurisy, laryngitis, dry coughs, asthma, bronchial catarrh and nervous coughs.

? The bitter properties of Thyme are valued and it is used for liver disorders, in France.

? Remedy for Cystitis and enuresis in children.

? Treats the infected skin conditions, fungal infections, emphysema, tonsillitis, oral thrush and vaginal thrush.

? As historical uses, used to aid to labour and delivery; to bring on menstruation.

Promote perspiration for colds and fever.

References:Ody, Penelope, 1995, The complete Medicinal Herbal, TokyoAllardice, P., Bone, K., Hutchison, F., 1994, MAGIC and MEDICINE OF PLANTS, NSW Fisher, C., Painter, G., 1996, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS FOR THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, NSW

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Herb For Choleric:

Common name: Mullein

Latin name: Verbascum Thapsus

Temperament: Choleric

Reasons: ?The nature of the Mullein is cold and moist which balances the Choleric hot and dry temperament.

Medical Properties:

? Prescribed for respiratory ailments.

? Smoking Mullen leaves is an old folk remedy for coughs and asthma.

? Treat cystitis and a decoction to cure diarrhoea.

? Mullein leaf or flower tea was given for chest colds and bronchitis.

? Relieve inflammations; in laboratory tests extracts of Mullein show strong anti-inflammatory activity.

? Oil from the flower is also said to be good for earache.

? The saponins stimulate expectoration and make the mucus more fluid.

? In Respiratory Tract, acts as a mucous membrane tonic. Effects on bronchitis, tracheitis, respiratory catarrh, common, colds, coughs especially hard, persistent ones, haemoptysis, tuberculosis, pleurisy and whooping cough.

? Soothes and helps relax the bronchial musculature.

? Aqueous extracts of the flowers are active against the influenza virus.

? Behaves like an astringent without tannins.

? As historical use, roots were used for lasks and fluxes of the belly; ruptures; cramps and convulsions. And as gargle for toothache; as diuretic.

Flowers (oil) for piles; frost bile; for gout; warts (externally); belly-ache and colic; tumours; swellings; inflammation of troat.

Leaves (sun-dried) for irritation of respiratory tract.

References:Ody, Penelope, 1995, The complete Medicinal Herbal, TokyoAllardice, P., Bone, K., Hutchison, F., 1994, MAGIC and MEDICINE OF PLANTS, NSW Fisher, C., Painter, G., 1996, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS FOR THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, NSW

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Herb For Choleric:

Common name: Chickweed

Latin name: Stellaria Media

Temperament: Choleric

Reasons: ?The nature of the Chickweed is cold and moist which balances the Choleric hot and dry temperament.?It is used the treatment for excess menstrual flow that is one of the symptoms of the Choleric imbalance.

? Stimulates peristalsis and gastric secretion

? Provokes circulatory stimulation.

? Effective in the control of nausea and vomiting following operations and that associated with pregnancy.

Medical Properties:

? In modern practice mainly in its external applications.

? Treat both internal and external inflammations.

? Treat for eczema and skin inflammation

? As Historical uses, externally applied to liver inflammation, cramps, eye inflammation and convulsions palsy to heal sinews.

Internally for hydrophobia ( in combination); scurvy; constipation; coughs; hoarseness; obesity.

Has long been prescribed by herbalists as a tonic to restore the strength of the frail and sickly.

The remedy for colds, coughs, tumours, haemorrhoids, sore eyes and rheumatism

? The root is used for the remedy for the excess menstrual flow, nose bleeding and fever.

References:Ody, Penelope, 1995, The complete Medicinal Herbal, TokyoAllardice, P., Bone, K., Hutchison, F., 1994, MAGIC and MEDICINE OF PLANTS, NSW Fisher, C., Painter, G., 1996, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS FOR THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, NSW

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Herb For Melancholic:

Common name: German Chamomile

Latin name: Matricaria Recutita

Temperament: Melancholic

Reasons: ? The nature of Chamomile is hot and moist. It balances the cold and dry temperament of Melancholic.

Medical Properties:

? German Chamomile is the herb with a large number of active constituents though much of its activity is attributed to the volatile oil and flavonoid fractions.

? German Chamomile tea is used as a sedative.

? The tea has anti-inflammatory properties, especially useful in allaying arthritis and other conditions characterised by pain, heat, redness and swelling.

? The volatile oil contributes an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce histamine-induced allergic reactions.

? Remedy for respiratory catarrh, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma and high fever.

? One of the main systems to benefit given the actions of this herb is Gastrointestinal Tract. Chamomile treats the nervous dyspepsia, colic, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea due to nervous, indigestion, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

? Relieves the insomnia, nervous tension, digestive headaches, migraine and vertigo.

? Remedy for dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea due to psychological causes, morning sickness and mastitis.

? Treats the external inflammation, such as nappy rash, eczema, acne and wounds, etc.

References:Ody, Penelope, 1995, The complete Medicinal Herbal, TokyoAllardice, P., Bone, K., Hutchison, F., 1994, MAGIC and MEDICINE OF PLANTS, NSW Fisher, C., Painter, G., 1996, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS FOR THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, NSW

Name : Nami Matsumoto Student Number : 9050127101

Herb For Melancholic:

Common name: Oats

Latin name: Avena Sativa

Temperament: Melancholic

Reasons: ? The nature of Oat is hot and moist. It balances the cold and dry temperament of Melancholic. ? The Oat is used for anti-depression. The depression is the most common symptom of Melancholic imbalance.

Medical Properties:

? Has traditionally been considered as easily digestible food for convalescing patients.

? Used as an antidepressant.

? Modern folk healers mention Oats for nervous exhaustion and also advocate it as an antispasmodic.

? Helps to heal skin disorders.

? Treats the eczema.

? Good effect for dry skin, wounds, burns and neuralgia.

? Acts as a tonic or restorative to the nervous system and at the same time inducing a feeling of well-being.

? Acts as a tonic for the heart.

? Remedy for depression, melancholia, general debility, menopausal neurasthenia, neuralgia, neuritis, shingled and insomnia.

? As historical uses, used to treat conditions like leprosy, “the itch” and fistulas; prepared with vinegar as a means of getting rid of freckles and spots.

Bibliography

References:Ody, Penelope, 1995, The complete Medicinal Herbal, TokyoAllardice, P., Bone, K., Hutchison, F., 1994, MAGIC and MEDICINE OF PLANTS, NSW Fisher, C., Painter, G., 1996, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS FOR THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, NSW