Is there anything worse than a stomach ache? Fortunately, there are herbs that can alleviate some digestive issues. But you have to be careful, because not all herbs can be used to treat all stomach problems.
We talk about some of the most common herbs for tummy issues and what they may be best suited for.
How to choose the right plant.
Whenever someone is looking for a plant for a specific disease, the first question to ask is what is causing it? Indeed, what relieves one evil can aggravate another and vice versa.
When it comes to herbs for upset stomach, nausea, and other tummy issues, the answer is the same.
There are many different causes for digestive upset, so there are different remedies to alleviate them.
Contents
Mint.
There’s a good reason mint is a staple in medicinal gardens and medicine cabinets around the world. It is incredibly effective in calming all kinds of stomach ailments. Chances are you’ve had at least one cup of peppermint tea in your life, probably brewed in childhood to soothe nausea or an upset stomach.
Peppermint works well for various gastrointestinal issues, as its antispasmodic properties can help relax intestinal cramps caused by irritable bowel syndrome. It also has cooling and analgesic properties, which allows it to relieve all kinds of gastrointestinal discomfort.
That being said, peppermint can also be a stimulant. Therefore, it can aggravate conditions such as heartburn and ulcers. In fact, the same antispasmodic properties that relax intestinal cramps can also relax the esophageal sphincter. When this happens, stomach acid can back up into the esophagus. As you can imagine, this can significantly increase stomach acid.
Fennel.
When it comes to herbs for stomach upset, these are also herbs that can help prevent gas.
Fennel is surprisingly tasty and has a slightly salty licorice flavor. Its seeds have been added to baked goods for thousands of years, and its juicy bulb can be sliced or grated and eaten raw or cooked. Chew fennel seeds to relieve gas, nausea and bloating, or make an infusion (tea) from the seeds and/or leaves. This tea can also be taken to stimulate the appetite.
Hyssop with anise.
If you like the taste of licorice, as with fennel above, add aniseed hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) to your list of herbal remedies. It is another member of the mint family, so it has similar properties. Many people use anise hyssop as a flavoring agent for less flavorful herbal concoctions. Its natural sweetness and licorice flavor make what would otherwise taste bad more palatable.
Raspberry leaf.
They have antispasmodic and astringent properties ideal for calming lower abdominal spasms and diarrhea. If you’re dealing with nasty food poisoning, or if you’re celiac and congested, try brewing a cup of equal parts peppermint tea and raspberry leaves (to create about 1 teaspoon per cup of water ). This should help dry things out nicely while calming abdominal cramps.
Chamomile.
This beautiful little herb has several different actions that can benefit a variety of stomach ailments. It has a sweet aroma and apple flavor.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is safe and when mixed with anise hyssop, lemon balm and catnip can create an infusion that relieves gas and headaches. ‘stomach. People with a ragweed allergy may react badly to chamomile. So if you have this allergy, try drinking just a little weak chamomile tea at first to test your tolerance level.
Ginger.
It is one of the best herbs for all kinds of stomach ailments. Contains gingerols and shogaols that neutralize both discomfort and pain.
A mild ginger tea can do wonders to combat morning sickness that women experience during pregnancy. If you get motion sickness during car or plane trips, grab some gingerbread cookies as a snack. Do not take it in case of heartburn or ulcer.
catnip.
Interestingly, the same herb that sends our feline friends into a frenzy can have such a calming effect on us. Like mint and fennel, catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a carminative herb that relieves gas and bloating.
Yarrow.
Not only is it good for healing wounds, but it also has wonderful astringent properties. It can be used to soothe various stomach disorders and problems, especially those related to the gallbladder. Additionally, the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of yarrow make it effective in treating food poisoning caused by bacteria. It is particularly effective against E. coli, Salmonella and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, known to cause stomach ulcers.
Licorice root.
It is emollient and moisturizing, just like marshmallow, so it also coats and protects the delicate mucous membranes of the throat, stomach and intestines. That’s why it helps counteract that horrible burning that happens when stomach acid rises in our throat. Keep in mind that if you have low potassium, high blood pressure, or edema, you should only take licorice in small doses, as it may harm you. Also consult a doctor before taking licorice root if you have kidney disease.
Melissa.
Another member of the mint family. Recommended for all kinds of stomach ailments. It has anxiolytic, antispasmodic and carminative properties. As such, it is good for treating indigestion caused by stress and anxiety. Its antispasmodic properties can reduce menstrual cramps, as well as abdominal/intestinal cramps caused by estrogen fluctuations. Even better, its calming effects can also help you sleep well while easing your stomach issues.
Meadowsweet.
This plant is anti-inflammatory and has pain-relieving properties. Therefore, it is ideal for calming digestive problems caused by inflammation and chronic diseases. It can relieve heartburn.
Marshmallow root.
The properties of marshmallow can help you relieve stomach upset and gastrointestinal problems. It is effective in calming the problems of the esophagus, stomach and intestine. You can use marshmallow to soothe the sting of acid reflux and relieve the pain caused by peptic ulcers. Marshmallow components are also good for relieving constipation.
Determine the cause of your upset stomach: Don’t just treat the symptoms.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, it is important to determine the cause of stomach pain, rather than simply applying remedies.
Remember that many conditions can have similar symptoms, so if you have a problem for more than a few days, or the pain and discomfort is severe, see your doctor.
Also, as with all medications – standard or herbal – it’s essential that you do your research before taking anything. In this way, you will be able to determine possible side effects, contraindications to any prescription or allergy.
Any of these herbs can help relieve stomach upset, but only if you know what is causing your stomach issues. Remember to consult your doctor before starting any herbal treatment.
