Digestive disorders are especially amenable to treatment by herbs and spices, herbalist David Hoffman says. Through absorption and metabolism, plant chemicals can affect all the systems of the body, but they also directly affect the tissues of the gastrointestinal system upon contact. The effect of spices on the gastrointestinal tract can vary according to your age, sex and health condition. Speak to your physician before using spices for medical purposes.
Carminative Effects
Celery seed, wormwood, cinnamon, aniseed and ginger are among the spices described as having carminative effects in David Hoffmann's book "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine." Carminative spices facilitate the passing of intestinal gas, and in some cases, inhibit the gas from forming. Hoffman notes that the carminative properties of spices may be because of plant-produced organic compounds known as terpene oils.
Protective Effects
The gastrointestinal mucosa is the innermost lining of the stomach and intestines. It plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Injuries to the gastrointestinal mucosa can stem from the use of pharmaceutical drugs such as aspirin, certain diseases and alcohol abuse. Black pepper, red pepper and ginger may provide protection against gastrointestinal mucosal injuries, according to a study described in the April 2010 issue of "Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism." In the study described, animals retained normal amounts of protective antioxidant enzymes in their gastrointestinal mucosa after being administered ethanol, the type of alcohol that is consumed in beverages. These studies must be confirmed in humans before spices can be widely recommended for mucosal protection.
Antispasmodic Effects
Digestive spasms can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and other digestive disorders, but they can also occur in healthy people as a reaction to stress and anxiety. Cardamom, fennel seed, caraway seed and aniseed may all be helpful in relaxing muscles and ameliorating digestive cramps and spasms, according to Bharat Aggarwal of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in his book If you have gastrointestinal spasms that are severe or persistent, consult your doctor.
Irritant Effects
Some spices can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, especially in people who have been diagnosed with digestive disorders such as esophagitis and irritable bowel syndrome. According to gastroenterologist Steven R. Peikin in his 2005 book, "Gastrointestinal Health: The Proven Nutritional Program to Prevent, Cure, or Alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcers, Gas, Constipation, Heartburn, and Many Other Digestive Disorders," excess acid secretion and esophageal spasms are among the mechanisms by which spices can exert negative gastrointestinal effects. Black pepper, chilis, cloves, mustard seed and nutmeg are among spices that may cause discomfort, but reactions vary. There is generally no need to avoid these spices if you have never had negative gastrointestinal reactions to them. If they bother you, try cutting back on their use or substituting other flavorings.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffman; 2003
- "Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism"; Gastrointestinal Protective Effect of Dietary Spices During Ethanol-induced Oxidant Stress in Experimental Rats; U.N. Prakash et al; April 2010
- "Gastrointestinal Health: The Proven Nutritional Program to Prevent, Cure, or Alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcers, Gas, Constipation, Heartburn, and Many Other Digestive Disorders": Steven Peikin, M.D., 2005
- "Healing Spices"; Bharat Aggarwal; 2011
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