Medicinal herbs help treat stomach disorders and significantly help improve digestion. Raw cabbage juice has notable antiulcer and wound-healing properties on the stomach. It has been proven that some peptic ulcers healed after drinking half to one glass of cabbage juice before meals for three weeks.
List of Stomach Disorders
Stomach acidity – This symptom is also known as pyrosis. It appears through a burning sensation, which is usually located in the “stomach mouth,” Which automatically is the part of the digestive tract that joins the esophagus and the stomach. The stomach always has a required acidity level for digestion. However, it is not perceived as acid. The acid sensation is perceived in the esophagus when stomach acid flows up, leaving the stomach and reaching the lower area of the esophagus.
Phytotherapy uses plants that protect the digestive mucous membrane and absorb or neutralize acid excess. Unlike antacid medicines, medicinal herbs do not present backlash effects (an increase in acidity after the medicine’s effects have passed).
Lack of Gastric Juice – Gastric juice is necessary for digestion, although most of its components are later reabsorbed in the intestine. A lack of gastric juice affects all digestive processes, causing a bloated stomach, intestinal fermentation, and even anemia.
Some medicinal herbs can increase gastric juice production by stimulating the secreting glands. All bitter plants, spices, and seasoning or flavoring plants raise gastric juice production. Before administering any herb to increase gastric juice production, an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the lack of gastric juice is required so that any malignant ailment may be adequately treated.
| Sweet flag | Pineapple |
| Angelica | Lesser centaury |
| Cinnamon tree | St. Benedict thistle |
| Turmeric | Gentian |
| European pennyroyal | Milfoil |
Dyspepsia—This disorder manifests through difficult digestion, a bloating or painful sensation in the stomach, flatulence, and burning, usually after meals. Dyspepsia also describes any mild epigastric discomfort in the stomach, the biliary channels, or the intestine.
Alimentary, nervous, or functional reasons may cause bad digestion or gastric dyspepsia. In this case, there is no organic damage to the digestive system. However, it may also be caused by organic reasons, such as gastric or duodenal ulcer, stomach cancer, pyloric valve stenosis (narrowing this valve at the base of the stomach), and other severe ailments.
Once the cause of dyspepsia is ascertained, medicinal herb-based treatment can be remarkably effective in helping the body re-establish the balance of digestive processes. Of course, unhealthy diet habits that frequently cause dyspepsia, such as incorrect chewing, excess food, especially fatty food, and toxic substances such as tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or coffee, must be corrected in all cases.
Bloated Stomach – This disorder is also known as hypotonia or gastric ptosis. It is caused by dilatation of the stomach due to an excess of food or obstacles when emptying. However, in most cases, this ailment has physical constitutional causes. It usually happens to tall, thin people of the leptosomatic constitution and shows itself through gastric dyspepsia’s symptoms. The medicinal herbs recommended here invigorate the stomach and stimulate its emptying, thus alleviating the discomforts of gastric ptosis.
Vomiting—Besides the herbs mentioned here, all those with antispasmodic properties are useful since they prevent stomach spasms, usually associated with vomiting. Of course, the causative agent of vomiting must always be identified.
Stomach Aches – The most common causes of stomach aches are dyspepsia, gastroduodenal ulcer, and gastric nervous (neuritis stomach). These herbs contribute an effective, physiological way to alleviate stomach aches. However, they must only be administered after the causative agent of the aching has been identified.
Stomach Nervousness—Emotional states have a decisive influence on stomach functions through the autonomic nervous system. Pavlov experimentally proved this fact with his famous dogs. Almost half of all visits to digestive specialists have nervous causes. These herbs combat stomach spasms and balance the autonomic nervous system, thus avoiding gastric discomfort caused by an excited, emotional state.
Stomach Gas—Gas in the stomach is frequently produced by nervous causes or diet transgressions. These herbs have carminative properties; that is, they eliminate any excess gastric gasses or flatulence. As in any other case, the causative agent must always be identified.
Gastric Hemorrhage – This severe symptom always demands specialized medical care. It can manifest itself through hematemesis (vomiting blood). Once the diagnosis is made, the following herbs can be beneficial.
Gastritis – Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can be caused by many factors, including irritation by agents such as drugs, alcohol, and chemical products and medicines (especially aspirin and other anti-inflammatory substances); food that is too hot or too cold, inadequate chewing caused by tooth problems or fast swallowing; and bacterial and viral infections, such as hepatitis and influenza.
Besides correcting the causes, treating gastritis requires a mild diet (which may include raw, well-chewed meals) and administering one or several of these plants with soothing and protective properties.
| Carrot | Oats |
| Bennet | Olive tree |
| Licorice | Hartstongue |
| Chickweed | Cassava |
| Cat’s tail | Flax |
| Psyllium | Burnet |
| Great burnet | Lady’s mantle |
| Calendula | Avocado |
Chronic Gastritis—Chronic gastritis must be diagnosed based on a stomach biopsy. This disease is more commonly the sign of some underlying disorder, such as gastric or duodenal ulcers, iron deficiency anemia, or other conditions that involve the stomach. It can also be related to a decrease in gastric juice production. These herbs invigorate digestive functions and promote the regeneration of the atrophied gastric mucosa, which is the most important symptom of chronic gastritis.
Stomach Ulcer—Also known as gastroduodenal and gastric ulcer, it commonly occurs in the stomach wall and the duodenum near the junction with the stomach. It is a pitting of the stomach mucous membrane, often from 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter, which may heal and open several times again during the year.
It may be caused by exogenous (listed in the gastritis epigraph) or endogenous reasons related to the organic constitution. Hydrochloric acid in gastric juice is one of the causative agents of ulcers. Certain micro-organisms also play a role in ulcer formation.
The herbs mentioned here can decisively contribute to healing gastroduodenal, though recovery will never be complete as long as the causative agents are not eliminated.
Phytotherapy provides effective remedies for treating stomach afflictions, such as gastritis or peptic ulcer. However, an unhealthy diet or inadequate food can prevent medicinal herbs from acting at their best intensity rate.
Frequently Asked Question
Can herbs help with stomach disorders?
Some herbs have been used for centuries to relieve stomach disorders. Modern research also supports using specific herbs for conditions like indigestion, nausea, and bloating. However, it’s important to note that herbs shouldn’t always replace conventional medical treatment, especially for severe or chronic conditions.
What are some popular herbs for stomach disorders?
Here are some widely used herbs for stomach disorders:
1. Ginger: Great for nausea and vomiting.
2. Peppermint: Helps with indigestion, gas, and bloating.
3. Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory properties that may aid digestion.
4. Fennel: Eases bloating and gas.
5. Chamomile: Can relax the digestive tract and promote calmness.
How do I use herbs for stomach disorders?
Herbs for stomach disorders can be used in various ways:
1. Teas: Steep dried herbs in hot water.
2. Capsules/Tablets: Take standardized extracts.
3. Tinctures: Concentrated liquid extracts.
4. Essential oils: Use diluted for aromatherapy (peppermint, ginger).
Are herbs safe for everyone?
While generally safe, herbs for stomach disorders can interact with medications or worsen certain conditions. Always consult with your family doctor before using herbs, principally if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health issues.
Where can I buy reliable herbal products?
Purchase from reputable health food stores, herbalists, or online retailers specializing in quality herbal supplements for stomach disorders. Look for brands that provide clear labeling and information about the herbs used.
Can herbs for stomach disorders help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Some herbs may offer relief for IBS symptoms. Peppermint oil has been shown to lower abdominal pain and bloating in specific people with IBS. However, more research is required to determine various herbs’ long-term benefits and effectiveness for IBS.
Are there herbs for stomach ulcers?
Preliminary research suggests that certain herbs might protect against ulcers, but more studies are needed. Importantly, do not rely solely on herbs to treat ulcers. Always consult a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can herbs help with acid reflux or heartburn?
Some herbs, like slippery elm, may offer temporary relief by coating the esophagus. However, seeing a doctor is crucial for persistent acid reflux or heartburn to determine the fundamental cause and address it appropriately.
How long does it take for herbs to work on stomach disorders?
The effect of herbs can vary depending on the individual, the herb used, and the severity of the stomach disorder. Some herbs may provide quick relief (like ginger for nausea), while others might need long-term use to see benefits.
Should I always choose herbs over conventional medicine for stomach disorders?
No. Herbs for stomach disorders can be a favorable addition to your treatment plan. Still, they should not replace conventional medicine, especially for severe stomach disorders. Always consult a doctor for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423. Print. [stomach disorders]
- General Information on Herbs and Stomach Issues:
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
- The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC): https://www.umm.edu/
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/
- Ginger: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Peppermint: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
- Turmeric: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Last update on 2024-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API