Your intestines are organs shaped like tubes in your abdomen where digested food passes through when it leaves your stomach. Digested food first travels through your small intestine, which absorbs nutrients. The remaining waste continues to your large intestine for removal from your body. When your intestines become inflamed, the lining of the intestinal wall swells, causing abdominal pain. Certain herbs can soothe this discomfort, but consult a doctor before adding herbal treatments to your diet.
Psyllium
Psyllium is an herb that can help you excrete feces from your body because it stimulates your intestines. It is a known laxative employed for relief from the occasional bout of constipation. Common side effects include nausea and bloating. There is a risk of having an allergic reaction to psyllium and developing a skin rash or welts as a result, but this is rare.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara sagrada is a gentle laxative that improves intestinal functioning by contracting the muscles in the large intestine. As such, it may cause cramping. Cascara produces stool that is soft or formed that can readily be excreted from your body. Other uses for cascara include constipation, gas, hemorrhoids and inflammation of the large intestine. Since it is not habit-forming, cascara is generally safe for chronic use, unlike most laxatives.
Senna
Senna, a shrub from the Middle East, is a strong laxative that is readily available in drugstores. It is the most purchased laxative herb in North America, which MotherNature.com attributes to its high effectiveness and low cost. However, long-term use can make you prone to developing hemorrhoids.
Ginger
Ginger soothes the digestive system allowing food to move more easily through your intestines. If you have more than just indigestion, such as an irritable bowl or an ulcer, taking ginger will exacerbate these conditions. Consult your doctor about your symptoms and treatment options before attempting an herbal remedy.
Peppermint
If you look at the ingredients of an over-the-counter digestive aid, there is a good chance you will see peppermint listed. In addition to indigestion, you can use peppermint to treat constipation and bloating. If you have heartburn, peppermint may make it worse.
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