Natural Remedies for Digestive Tract Troubles

Stomach troubles are not only uncomfortable but also annoying. Constant upset stomach, acid stomach, indigestion, diarrhea, bloating, gas and ulcers can make each day a miserable experience. And while there are many over-the-counter products to help take care of these discomforts you may prefer trying something natural to help cure your problem. Luckily, there are many herbal treatments on the market to help with a troubled stomach.

Herbal treatments were used for centuries before modern medicines became more popular. And although most herbal treatments are available over-the-counter it does not make them any less dangerous than taking medication. Therefore, you should always read the entire warning label before taking an herbal medication. Some herbal medications can affect other medications you are taking so always consult your physician before mixing herbal treatments with your other medications.

Some herbal remedies available for stomach disorders include:

Birch - Made from birch bark and twigs of birch trees this herbal remedy is available as an essential oil, dried bark or as a tea. Experts suggest using 2 to 3 grams of bark boiled in water for 10-15 minutes to drink as a tea. Birch contains salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin to help eliminate inflammation and pain. It also contains a diuretic.

Side effects of birch bark can be skin irritation, allergies to the bark and nasal allergies. If these side effects occur, discontinue use.

Butterbur - Butterbur has been used for thousands of years to treat digestive tract disorders. This herb comes from the leaves, flowers, stems and roots of the Petasites hybridus, P. officinalis or Tussilago petasites. Butterbur is available as a standardized capsule, an extract or a liquid extract. It can also be steeped in water as a tea.

The main ingredient in Butterbur is petasin which helps reduce muscle spasms. Butterbur also helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

Side effects include adominal pain, breathing difficulties, difficulty swallowing, severe nausea and constipation. If you experience any of these side effects you should discontinue use immediately. Continued use of Butterbur has also been linked to cancer and liver damage.

Nutmeg - Nutmeg comes from the dried seed kernel of the nutmeg tree and is most commonly known for its use in baking and cooking. Nutmeg has been used for centuries to remove gas, prevent nausea and vomiting caused by other medications, to treat diarrhea, indigestion and abdominal pain. As an herbal treatment it is available in capsule form, as a powder and as an essential oil.

Experts suggest taking 1-2 capsules (200 milligrams each) for nausea or stomach upset or 3-5 drops of oil in a teaspoon of honey. For chronic diarrhea take 4-6 tablespoons of powder daily.

Since nutmeg is also used as a type of antidepressant it should never be used by persons taking antidepressants or heart medications. Symptoms of overuse of nutmeg can be hallucinations, delusions, confusion, nausea and constipation. If you experience any of these side effects you should stop taking nutmeg immediately.

Ginger - Ginger comes from the plant Zingiber officinale which grows in India, Jamaica and China. It is available in many forms, capsule, chewable tablet, tea, root, powder and extract. Ginger is effective for nausea, indigestion and motion sickness.

For nausea, experts suggest taking 500-1,000 milligrams of powder orally or 1,000 milligrams of ginger root.

Ginger can cause irregular heartbeat and slowing of the nervous system so do not take if you are currently on heart medications, blood thinners or antidepressants.

Other herbal remedies that can be used for the digestive system are Cats-Claw, Black Pepper, Celandine, Goldenseal, Mallow, Rue, Yarrow, Figwort and Parsley. Before using any of these, however, you should always read the labels carefully and consult your doctor.

Herbal remedies can be safe and effective if used wisely and carefully. Finding herbal remedies that work for you may give you peace of mind about taking a natural ingredient as opposed to man-made medications that may have harmful side-effects.