Herbs for Stomach Problems

In this article you will learn what are the most useful herbs for upset stomach and for stomach problems in general.

Stomach problems are definitely some of the most common ailments affecting most people in our world today.

According to the “National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse” about 60-70 Million Americans alone are currently affected by various digestive disorders.

Most of the common stomach problems are usually caused by everyday triggers, including bad eating habits, pregnancy, stress and other mild side effects caused by conventional prescription medications.

However, you are advised to visit a health practitioner if you are experiencing regular, persistent stomach problems that never seem to go away as they may be an indication of serious underlying medical conditions.

Failing to address such issues in a hasty manner may lead to even more serious health problems, including chronic heartburn, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, chronic constipation, Diverticular disease, gastroesophageal diseases and peptic ulcers.

Herbal Treatment For Stomach Pain

However, this does not always have to be the case as this comprehensive article is going to educate you on the common easy-to-find natural herbs that can alleviate both minor and major stomach issues while allowing you to live a happy fulfilling life while helping you keep diseases at bay.

Ginger

There are various effective herbs that can be used to alleviate all manner of stomach problems. However, “Zingiber officinale” or Ginger as it is commonly known has a unique ability to treat both vomiting and nausea making it different from other herbal remedies.

A recent scientific study that was carried out in the year 2014 revealed that the ginger herb contains impressive anti-ulcer properties that make it an efficient herb in treating and managing ulcers.

Aside from alleviating vomiting, nausea and cancer Ginger may also be beneficial for calming cramps, reduction of stomach gas, improving appetite, helping with digestion, calming the tummy, alleviating stomach pain, increasing digestive secretions and colic.

The natural herb is readily available in various forms, including herbal teas, tinctures, and capsules. However, fresh ginger is considered to be the most potent form, hence, one should peel, grate and use the herb in its original form for even better results.

Pregnant women are advised not to consume large doses of the ginger herb while people under blood-thinner medications or those who have undergone surgery are asked to keep away from the herb entirely.

Peppermint

The peppermint herb is a beneficial weed that can grow well in most environments. Peppermint which works best in settling the stomach also helps in stimulating appetite, aiding digestion and is considered to be one of the best menstrual cramps remedies.

The natural herbal treatment for stomach pain is a carminative, making it able to easily expel stomach gas. One can decide to chew peppermint leaves, make its herbal tea or buy ready-to-consume peppermint herbal supplements. Consuming just a single cup of the herbal tea, particularly for bloating, gas among other common digestive complaints.

Scientific evidence has suggested that peppermint essential oil containing menthol has strong antispasmodic effects on the digestive muscles. Peppermint’s calming fragrance soothes stomach nerves, making it a popular remedy for irritable bowel syndrome.

A scientific study¹ that was published in the “Journal of Gastroenterology” proved Peppermint’s effectiveness in alleviating stomach problems by revealing that irritable bowel syndrome patients that took peppermint oil capsules during the experiment experienced a 50% reduction in flatulence and bloating and a further 40% relief from abdominal pain.

Pregnant women are asked to refrain from using this herbal treatment for stomach pain unless when under a qualified health care professional’s supervision.

Turmeric

Turmeric root which also goes by the botanical name “Curcuma longa” is a common curry spice with impressive curative and healing properties. The natural herb acts both as a potent tonic and effective stimulant, making it highly beneficial for treating most intestinal problems.

Curcumin which is a pigment that provides the turmeric root with its distinctive yellow color is an active ingredient with strong anti-inflammatory properties that are comparable to those of ‘cortisone’ which is the conventional drug used to treat inflammation. Curcumin also has the ability to alleviate pain directly.

By effectively suppressing inflammation, stopping bleeding and increasing the stomach’s mucin content, the turmeric herb helps prevent all manner of ulcerations including peptic ulcers, colitis, peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

Chamomile

This natural herb is considered as one of the safest and most gentle herb. Chamomile has various anti-inflammatory, carminative and antispasmodic beneficial qualities that make it highly effective in combating most of the common gastrointestinal issues.

A great deal of scientific research that has been carried out on the natural herbal remedy has shown that Chamomile’s natural sedative properties have the ability to easily soothe the digestive tract mucous membrane, thus relieving heartburn, flatulence and digestive discomfort particularly those caused by anxiety or stress.

The best and simplest way to take this herb is by an Herbal tea. It will also help you sleep better. 

The wonderfully scented herb from the “Sunflower” family also has the ability to calm the stomach nerves, soothe intestinal cramping, alleviate nausea and assist with various types of digestive pains and disorders.

Dandelion

The wonderful Dandelion natural herb contains various components, including zinc, riboflavin, manganese, ascorbic acid, iron, phosphorous, calcium, vitamin B, carotene, flavonoids and sterols that are very essential to the body especially in treating stomach issues.

The powerhouse of beneficial health nutrients is mainly known for its liver cleansing, diuretic and blood purifying effects. Dandelion is also effective in purifying the lymphatic body system as well as improving digestion.

The natural treatment for stomach pain is also effective in aiding those suffering from diarrhea. Dandelion leaves are often consumed to prevent the occurrence of stomach aches and to increase stomach hydrochloric acid levels. All these unique benefits make Dandelion a wonderful natural laxative and digestive tonic that effectively promotes bowel movements.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an impressive fragrant shrub that is thought to be very efficient in dealing with all the digestion and stomach issues in general. The natural herbal treatment for stomach pain promotes stronger and better digestion through stimulating the production of bile as well as detoxifying the liver.

Rosemary is also able to increase one’s appetite, help in alleviating dyspepsia, reduce stomach cramps, manage indigestion, and treat abdominal stiffness, bloating and constipation.

The natural herbal remedy also has the ability to relax stomach digestive tract muscles, thereby relieving any form of stomach discomfort. This property is very crucial in digesting starchy foods, especially red meat.

Fennel

Fennel when consumed as a herbal tea or essential oil form has a positive effect in alleviating abdominal pain. A group of scientist decided to examine the antioxidant and anti-ulcerogenic of the herbal remedy’s extracts in the year 2007. They soon came to the conclusion that the natural herb has the ability to significantly reduce all types of gastric mucosal lesions.

These amazing protective characteristics were due to the Fennel herb’s impressive ability to increase the number of antioxidant activities while reducing lipid peroxidation in the body. It is important to note that the Fennel herb has a similar taste to that of Licorice. People who love raw Fennel can easily chew on the fresh herb to ease bloating and indigestion immediately after meals.

Licorice Root

Licorice Root which is also referred by its botanical name “Glycyrrhiza glabra” is a natural herb that works in alleviating stomach issues by guarding the digestive mucous membranes through increasing the production of “mucin” which is a type of secretion that protects the gut linings against digestive juices and stomach acid.

It should be noted that consuming the natural herb in its original state may cause various health complications in a majority of people; hence herbal users should only consume the already processed Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root (DGL) supplement.

DGL is basically a type of licorice supplement without “glycyrrhizic acid” which is a relatively harmful ingredient that can increase a person’s blood pressure and their water retention levels.

CONCLUSION

When looking for conventional treatments for alleviating all types of stomach issues, one should consider consuming herbal products as they are not only as potent or better than prescription drugs but also have fewer side effects. We hope you found the right herbs for stomach problems in this post.

However, as mentioned in the introductory part the occurrence of frequent chronic stomach complications might be an indication of serious underlying health issues, hence one should not hesitate but visit a health practitioner when they occur.