Stomach complications such as stomachache, indigestion and nausea have several causes, ranging from diet, pregnancy or underlying medical conditions. Consuming medicinal herbs to treat stomach ailments is a natural alternative to chemical medications. However, some problems may require medical attention in which you should seek immediate medical care. You should always consult your physician prior to taking herbal remedies.
Motherwort
Motherwort is a safe medicinal herb used for hundreds of years in Chinese, European and Native American folk medicine, according to James Duke in the book "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Motherwort helps treat stomachache, menstrual pain, gas and indigestion. It works by increasing the volume of blood throughout the body, as well as delivering ample amounts of phytochemicals to relieve bodily stress due to improper or adverse reactions to diet, Duke notes. Taking one to 2 tsp. of motherwort in 1 cup of water, twice a day can help soothe the stomach, according to Duke.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an herb used across continents for various medicinal purposes. Several Native American tribes, for example, utilized ginseng for stomach disorders, including stomachache, gas, nausea and pain, according to Kim Pritts in the book "Ginseng: How to Find, Grow and Use America's Forest Gold." They also applied freshly chewed ginger as a wound application. According to Yukio Ogihara and Masaki Aburada in the book "Sho-saiko-to: Scientific Evaluation and Clinical Applications," drinking ginseng tea is effective in treating nausea, vomiting and upset stomach in pregnant women and may be helpful in stomach conditions following surgery and motion sickness.
Anise
Anise is a common herb used in Mediterranean dishes that may relieve nausea, belching, gas, bloating, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramps and sluggish digestion, according to Heather Van Vorous and David Posner in the book "The First Year -- Irritable Bowel Syndrome." This herb has anti-spasmodic and anti-fungal properties that may prevent fermentation and gas within the stomach and bowels. Van Vorous and Posner recommend brewing one to 2 tsp. of anise per 8 oz. of boiling water.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook"; James Duke; 2002
- "Ginseng: How to Find, Grow and Use America's Forest Gold"; Kim Pritts; 1995
- "Sho-saiko-to: Scientific Evaluation and Clinical Applications"; Yukio Ogihara and Masaki Aburada; 2003
- "The First Year -- Irritable Bowel Syndrome"; Heather Van Vorous and David Posner; 2001
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