Gastroenteritis is a problem that involves inflammation of your gastrointestinal tract and can be caused by several types of pathogens, notes the Cleveland Clinic, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. Exposure to contaminated food and water, other infected individuals and poorly washed utensils are among the most common routes of infection. Certain teas, especially herbal teas, may be useful in treating your gastroenteritis, but visit your doctor before using this natural healing measure.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, often called stomach flu, is a common health problem in the United States. According to the University of Illinois' McKinley Health Center, gastroenteritis is the No. 2 most common illness among Americans, second only to the common cold. Gastroenteritis affects your intestines and may cause numerous signs and symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle aches and mild fever. Most cases of gastroenteritis are not serious, although having other health problems -- such as kidney disease or diabetes -- may increase your risk for serious health complications.
Useful Herbal Teas
Several herbal teas may be useful in treating your gastroenteritis. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that goldenseal, milk thistle, red clover and lobelia may be the most helpful herbal teas used for this health purpose. Elderberry, olive leaf and echinacea may also be helpful in treating gastroenteritis. More clinical research trials may be needed to assess the actual health benefits of these herbal teas for this health purpose.
Featured Herbal Tea
Goldenseal herbal tea may be among the most helpful teas in treating your gastroenteritis. Goldenseal possess numerous health actions, notes naturopathic physician and herbal medicine expert Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," including antimicrobial action. This herbal tea is well-known for its ability to fight infections and inflammation throughout your body and disorders affecting your stomach. Further scientific inquiry may be needed to evaluate the efficacy of goldenseal tea in treating gastroenteritis.
Warning
Gastroenteritis -- especially gastritis in infants, seniors and people with weak immune systems -- may lead to dehydration if it is not treated properly. If you are diagnosed with gastroenteritis, review the safety and efficacy of all possible treatment measures for this health problem, including herbs that can be used in teas. Certain herbs may contain potent medicinal ingredients that cause powerful effects within your body and should only be used if you are supervised by a licensed health-care provider.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Gastroenteritis
- University of Illinois: Gastroenteritis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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