Indigestion is discomfort or pain in your upper abdominal region, although it is often accompanied by numerous other symptoms. Indigestion occurs when stomach acid irritates the sensitive mucosa lining the digestive tract. Herbal medicines may be used to treat indigestion. Discuss the use of herbs for this condition with your doctor before using any herbal remedies.
About Indigestion
In addition to abdominal pain or discomfort, indigestion may cause the sensation of bloating or fullness, heartburn, nausea and belching. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that indigestion is common and some people may even experience symptoms on a daily basis. There are many possible causes of indigestion, including gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, peptic ulcers or problems the pancreas or bile ducts. In rare cases, cancer may cause indigestion.
Herbs for Indigestion
Herbs have long been used to treat the symptoms associated with indigestion. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch reports that aloe vera juice is helpful in relieving heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms, and that anise seeds -- either chewed whole or ground into a powder and sprinkled on food -- can help treat stomach problems. Other beneficial herbs for indigestion include ginger, catnip, peppermint, papaya, fenugreek, chamomile and fennel.
A Commonly Used Remedy
The fruit and leaves of the papaya tree are commonly used in treating indigestion. Balch notes that papaya helps promote appetite and aids digestion. Papaya is particularly helpful in treating indigestion, heartburn and inflammatory bowel conditions. Plant chemicals contained in the fruit or leaves of the papaya tree include papain, methyl salicylate and beta-carotene. Papain, a proteolytic enzyme, is especially helpful in protein digestion. Powdered papain is also used to clean wounds.
Warning
Although most cases of indigestion occur after eating too much or too fast, your indigestion may be caused by a serious underlying condition. If you experience the symptoms of indigestion, schedule an appointment with your family doctor. Although indigestion does not usually lead to more serious health complications, it can greatly affect your enjoyment of life and the amount of food you eat, which sometimes causes you to lose weight. Herbs should be used under the guidance of a health care professional.
References
- National Health Service: Indigestion
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Indigestion
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
