INDIGESTION - Herbal Remedies - CompleatMother.com

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Indigestion: Herbal Remedies

To treat indigestion, acid reflux and GERD there are many herbal remedies that will help. There are several effective remedies, but before you use them you should consult a

professional in the field of herbology or a professional naturopath.

Slippery Elm is the best herbal remedy for indigestion and digestive disorders. The powder of slippery elm herb in hot water is helpful in relieving inflammation of the digestive tract. Slippery elm is used to relieve gastrointestinal conditions, sore throats, ulcers, and respiratory irritations.

Short spells of indigestion can be treated with herbal teas, such as peppermint, chamomile, fennel, lemon balm or cinnamon. Each case may be treated differently depending on the individual, but the most common herbal treatments are dandelion, ginger, golden seal, marigold, meadowsweet and thyme.

Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine as an anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, nervine, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator. The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings. Additional uses in herbal medicine include an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains, and a very mild but efficient laxative. Mild chamomile tea in large doses is given throughout the day for fevers and allergies, but can help soothe an inflamed esophagus.

Fennel has been primarily used to stimulate good digestion. It relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract and has helped alleviate acid stomach, flatulence, food poisoning, motion sickness, feelings of fullness and gas, nausea and vomiting. Fennel is an aromatic stimulant that is good for all ailments of the gastrointestinal tract and relieves abdominal pain, colon disorders, gastrointestinal tract spasms and also helps to ease infant colic.

Lemon balm is effective in calming the digestive tract. It relieves dyspepsia, colic, gas, upset stomach, indigestion and stomach cramps (particularly when related to nervous tension). Goldenseal is also recommended for treating indigestion because it is thought to increase the flow of digestive enzymes and is considered an effective herb for improving overall digestion and easing disorders of the digestive tract. Specifically, it is used to treat heartburn (particularly when it is associated with emotional tension), inflamed peptic ulcers, constipation and indigestion. .

Peppermint promotes good digestion and improves the appetite. Its foremost use as a medicine (in both home remedies and pharmaceutical preparations) is applied to relieve indigestion and intestinal gas caused by certain foods. This explains its use in after-dinner mints and liqueurs.

There are many other herbs that can help in getting rid of indigestion, acid reflux and GERD. For more information you may refer to the following websites: www.herbalhealer.com and www.revolutionhealth.com.

Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.