Herbal Remedies For Indigestion - Treatments & Cure For Indigestion

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Indigestion is also known as dyspepsia or upset stomach. It might seem like an insignificant complaint when compared to the other health related issues. However, this painful ailment can affect the quality of your life. It is often accompanied by belching, abdominal bloating, nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, there are a few quick, easy and drug-free ways to relieve the pain and herbal remedy is one of them.

9 Herbal Remedies To Treat Indigestion

Cayenne

According to the evidence collected by NYU, using cayenne orally can relieve the pain caused due to dyspepsia. It is believed that spicy food causes stomach aches, but in fact hot peppers do not inflame the tissues that they come in contact with. In fact, they are not harmful for ulcers too. The hot peppers simply produce sensations that are same as those caused by the actual damage. Taking capsaicin orally can reduce the uneasiness in the stomach. It can be taken in the dosage (0.5 g – 1.0 g) 3 times daily (before meals).

A double-blind study on individuals with upset stomach was given placebo or 2.5 g of red pepper daily (the powder was divided and taken before each meal) for about five weeks. By the 3rd week of the treatment, people who were being treated with red pepper experienced significant improvement in nausea, bloating and pain compared to those taking placebo.

Peppermint

It is usually used to soothe dyspepsia. Due to its subtle numbing property, it is used to treat a range of health issues like flatulence, menstrual cramps, skin irritations, headaches, nausea and anxiety. Peppermint oil is used to treat various conditions that involve intestinal tract spasms.

Most of the studies have indicated that the peppermint oil is quite useful in treating IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). The herb calms downs the muscles that fight against digestive gas and also improves the flow of bile. Studies involving IBS treatment have indicated mild effects in reducing the symptoms of abdominal pain, flatulence and swelling. However, if the signs of dyspepsia are linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease, then it is best to avoid this herb.

Artichoke Leaf

The leaves of this herb were included in the traditional European medicine. It was used to stimulate the kidneys, due to its diuretic properties and also the bile flow from the liver to the intestine, which plays a major role in digestion. A lot of study has been done on the use of the artichoke plant in the traditional medicines and conclusions put forward that the plant indeed stimulate the gall bladder and kidney.

In the middle of the 20th century, a compound known as cynarin was isolated by the Italian scientists from artichoke leaf, which appeared to replicate the effects of entire artichoke. Another study in the year 2003, evaluated the use of this herb for dyspepsia. It was proved that artichoke leaf extract was much more effective and useful than placebo in treating the signs of functional dyspepsia. Six grams of dried herb (or its equivalent) is the recommended dosage per day. The extracts of artichoke leaf must be consumed according to the instructions on the label.

Ginger

This herb is being used for a long time (more than two thousand years) in the Arabic, Asian and Indian herbal medicines. In China, it is used to treat all types of disorders related to digestion. Even today, health care professionals commonly suggest ginger to prevent vomiting and treat nausea.

It is also recommended for stomach upset in mild form. While most of the anti-nausea medications work on the inner ear and the brain, ginger seems to work on the stomach directly. Usually, the standard dosage recommended is about 1g – 4g of powdered ginger daily. It has to be divided into 2 – 4 doses a day.

Turmeric

This spicy and super bright herb boast about an array of health benefits. Not many people are aware that besides imparting that golden glow to the curries, turmeric is used as an herbal remedy too. In traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, the herb is used to aid liver function and digestion, regulate menstruation, and relieve arthritis pain.

Traditionally, turmeric is used for stomach bloating, intestinal gas, diarrhea, stomach pain and heartburn. Curcumin is the superpower compound present in turmeric, which has a lot of beneficial properties. It also stimulates gallbladder contractions.

A study has shown that 87% of the participants in the group, who were administered curcumin experienced partial or complete symptom relief from upset stomach as compared to just 53% of the members in the placebo group. A dosage of about 500 mg of the herb, 4 times every day is recommended for dyspepsia.

Lemon Balm

This herb is commonly known as Melissa and belongs to the mint family. It has been widely used for hundreds of years for reducing anxiety, stress, easing indigestion, sparking appetite and abetting sleep. Nowadays, lemon balm is usually blended with other herbs, which is used to promote relaxation.

Data suggests that the herb, when used along with the other herbs is useful in treating indigestion. To reduce bloating, flatulence and indigestion capsules in the dosage of 300 mg to 500 mg, 3 times or as needed must be taken. The lemon balm tea can be prepared using 1.5 g to 4.5 g of dried herb in boiling water. Steep the mixture and drink about 4 cups daily. In tincture form, about 2 to 3 ml, 3 times per day is the suggested dosage.

Also Read

Home Remedies For Indigestion
Natural Cure For Indigestion
Home Remedies For Upset Stomach

Gentian

This is a popular bitter herb and there are hundreds of varieties of this herb available. All varieties of gentian contain a bitter component, which helps in stimulating digestion. The herb allays a wide-range of symptoms including bloating and indigestion. It also promotes the bile flow from the liver. About 2 g of this dried gentian root is suggested to be taken every day as a tea.

Wormwood

The bitter constituent of this herbal plant helps in reducing digestion problems. It was one of the ingredients in the alcoholic beverage absinthe that was well-known in France in the early 19 century.

The bitter component of this herb helps in stimulating digestive juice secretions, which results in treating and preventing bloating and indigestion. About 10 – 30 drops of this herb are recommended to be taken in the tincture form in a cup of warm water. It is advised not to use the herb for more than 3 weeks.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are used to fight acid indigestion, cramps, fight gas and to ease contractions in the intestinal region. It works as a carminative and helps in expelling gas and relieves indigestion. A typical dosage includes about 1 to 11/2 tsp of seeds a day.

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