Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a collection of symptoms of stomach discomfort, including pain or burning in your upper abdomen, bloating, nausea and belching. According to MayoClinic.com, mild indigestion, although uncomfortable, is not a cause for concern, but you should call your doctor immediately if you have severe pain, vomiting, black or tarry stools, or jaundice. If you experience shortness of breath, sweating, or chest pain radiating to your jaw or arm, seek emergency medical care. Many people turn to herbal remedies to treat indigestion, but consult your doctor first.
Licorice
Licorice, botanically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. Licorice root, which has demulcent, or soothing, properties, has been used since ancient times as both a food and a medicinal remedy. Modern-day herbalists recommend it to treat indigestion. The University of Maryland Medical Center concurs that licorice may be helpful with indigestion, but notes that a constituent of licorice, glycyrrhiza, can cause dangerous side effects, and advises using DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., an internist in Annapolis, Maryland, advises drinking licorice tea for indigestion, saying it can equal acid blocking medications in its effects. UMMC recommends taking .4g to 1.6g of DGL extract three times a day for digestive problems but advises that you should consult your doctor first, as licorice can raise blood pressure and interfere with prescription drugs. People with heart disease, kidney problems, liver damage, hypertension or diabetes shouldn't take licorice at all.
Ginger
Ginger, botanically known as Zingiber officinale, has been employed for thousands of years as both a cooking spice and medicine to aid digestion and ease stomach upset. The rhizome, or underground stem, is used; UMMC notes that it contains volatile oils and phenol compounds, including gingerols. Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health states that the gingerols act directly on the gastrointestinal system to reduce nausea and indigestion, stimulating and toning digestive muscle to lessen irritation of intestinal walls. UMMC advises taking between 2g and 4g of the fresh rhizome daily for indigestion. Talk to your doctor before using ginger, especially if you have gallstones or are taking blood-thinning medications.
Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds are harvested from the Carum carvi plant, a perennial plant with delicate, filament-like leaves. Herbalists often recommend caraway seeds for indigestion, especially when bloating and gas are present. Altmd.com notes that the seeds are carminative, meaning they have a gas-reducing effect. TeaBenefits.com recommends infusing 1 tsp. of crushed caraway seeds in a cup of boiling water and steeping for 10 minutes; the resultant tea soothes the digestive tract and promotes gastric secretion and can be taken three times a day. There is some scientific research supporting the belief in the ability of caraway seeds to ease stomach discomfort. In a German clinical study published in the November 1999 issue of "Arzneimittel-Forschung," researchers found that a mixture of caraway and peppermint oils worked as well as cisapride, a pharmaceutical heartburn medication, to relieve symptoms in people with functional dyspepsia.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Indigestion Symptoms
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Licorice
- "Psychology Today" Magazine: Complementary Medicine: Is Your Antidepressant or Indigestion Medication Rotting Your Bones?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health: Ginger
- Alt MD: Herbal Remedies: Caraway
