Herbal Remedies For Gastric Disorder

Gastric disorders often include gastritis, heartburn or reflux, dyspepsia or indigestion, hyper-acidity, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, etc. Most of them may cause pain, nausea, bloating, belching, vomiting, flatulence, headache and several other discomforts. While Inflammatory Bowel Disease and chronic ulcers should be treated by a doctor, most other gastric disorders can be treated with herbs. Herbal remedies for gastric disorders are the best as they are gentle and natural for the system. Some of them are briefly mentioned below.

Juices & Mixtures

Coconut water, juices of spinach, carrot, potato, aloe vera, cabbage, coriander (added to fresh buttermilk) and lemon are effective in treating gastric disorders. Asafetida mixed in cumin water, curd and buttermilk, rice gruel, a tablespoon of cinnamon water, and honey are also effective. So is probiotic yogurt.

Bitter Herbs

Bitter herbs are unrivaled stomach tonics, promoting digestive juices, peristalsis and the flow of bile. Chamomile is an excellent tonic for the liver and digestive system. Gentian, Centuary, Boldo, and Mugwort are bitter and immensely useful herbal remedies for gastric disorders.

Other Herbs

Ginger is a wonder medicine for any stomach related irritations and diseases. Ginger juice mixed with salt or honey, or ginger tea, can be very effective. Peppermint is another useful herb; its ability to calm cramping stomach and intestinal muscles makes it a superb treatment for indigestion. Other useful herbs are: Artichoke, Goldenseal, Marshmallow, Marigold and Bishop's Weed, Carom seed, Asparagus, Bell pepper, fennel, garlic, cardamom, Goldenseal, Bayberry and turmeric, ajwain, mint, lavender, rosemary, juniper, valerian, lemon balm, yarrow, slippery elm, aniseed, clove, Haritaki, (also known as Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Nishoth (Operculina terpethum), Mulathi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Marich (Piper nigrum), i.e., Pepper. Laxative herbs such as Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Rhubarb, and Buckthorn besides Aloe Vera resin, will greatly help heal the stomach and intestines. Antispasmodic herbs relieve cramping and spasms, and include Cramp Bark, Black Haw, Lady's Slipper (very rare and hence expensive).

Fruits

Apples and carrots contain malic acid and tartaric acid which help neutralize stomach acids. Papaya seeds and pineapples, blueberries, cherries and tomatoes and vegetables like squash and Cranberry can also fight gastric problems. Orange is another effective indigestion remedy. So are grapes.

Oil rubbing

Rubbing a carrier oil (i.e. Olive, Castor, Almond, or Grape Seed oil) into the stomach and massaging 1-3 drops of one of the essential oils supra into the stomach area, will also be effective.

Water

Water is the best medicine for all diseases. Water consumption must be sufficient to meet the requirements of the body.