Herbs for Stomach Aches, Indigestion, Heartburn and Nausea

Everyday stress, spicy foods and over eating can cause digestion problems. There are several herbs that are specifically targeted for digestive problems because they contain plant sterols which help our immune system to function better. The most common herbs used for stomach aches are peppermint, ginger, dandelion, and chamomile. The next time you have heartburn, indigestion, nausea, a stomach ache, or stomach cramps try one of these natural herbal remedies to ease your pain.

Peppermint for Stomach Pain

This natural herb has the distinct aroma of fresh peppermint. You can enjoy a cup of peppermint tea right after you eat or before you go to bed at night. To brew this herb all you do is place fresh peppermint tea in a tea bag and allow it to steep for fifteen minutes. If you don't want to brew tea, there are also peppermint oil capsules, peppermint candy, or gum. Peppermint is also great for anyone who suffers from IBS. Peppermint does a great job with digestive problems because it acts as a sedative to the stomach. It relaxes the muscles in the stomach and allows the flow of the compounds that help to digest all of the fats that are in the foods we may eat.

Ginger for Nausea

Ginger is one of the most commonly known and used herbal remedies for stomach aches and nausea. It's also a great natural remedy to help calm the symptoms of motion sickness and also can relieve the symptoms of morning sickness problems associated with pregnancy. Ginger may also help lower blood pressure. There are two ways to take this herb. You can slice fresh ginger into quarter sizes and then simmer them for about four minutes in a cup of water. After simmering is done add a teaspoon of fresh honey and stir. Let it stand for ten to fifteen minutes before you drink it. You can also find relief by munching on ginger snaps or some ginger candy. Drinking some flat ginger ale soda can also be a great way to ease a tummy ache.

Dandelion for Heartburn & Indigestion Pain

The dandelion is very versatile and cost effective because you can use any part of dandelion for various purposes. Making an herbal tincture from the dandelion root and taking about 10-20 drops at the beginning of a meal is a very effective method to prevent heartburn. If you've already got a tummy ache and need relief, then dandelion tea is a very effective and fast working remedy. To make dandelion tea, use about 6 leaves for one cup of tea. Tear the leaves into strips and put in the bottom of your cup and pour boiling water over them. Let the leaves steep for 5-10 minutes and then strain the tea. Dandelion tea is very bitter so you'll need to sweeten it with some honey or sugar.

Chamomile for Stomach Cramps

The chamomile herb looks exactly like a fresh daisy and has the aroma of fresh apples. Place a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water and let it steep for fifteen minutes. Chamomile tea has calming properties, decreases stomach activity and helps to coat the stomach as well. Just be sure that you can smell the aroma of apples from the chamomile tea before you buy it because if you can smell apples this is the way to tell that it is fresh.

Summary
If you or your loved ones are prone to stomach aches, indigestion, heartburn, or nausea you might want to keep plenty of peppermint, ginger, dandelion, and chamomile herbs on hand. Or grow your own herb garden and fill it with these natural herbal remedies straight from mother earth.

Sources:
www.rain-tree.com
www.ahcd.net