Indigestion
Indigestion occurs when the body has trouble breaking down and assimilating foods into nutrients. The correct medical term is dyspepsia. The discomfort can happen to anyone, although the people more likely to experience it are pregnant women, people who eat a lot of refined or processed foods and those who drink a lot of coffee or alcohol or who smoke.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include heartburn or a burning/pain sensation in the stomach and sternum area, feeling bloated or heavy after a meal, gas, flatulence, belching, nausea and a poor appetite. Vomiting sometimes occurs.
Causes
A large portion of digestive problems can be traced to what kinds of food are eaten and to poor eating habits. For example, processed, refined or altered food stresses the digestive organs and can wear them out. Saturated fats and hydrogenated oils can slow down digestion. Consuming large amounts of coffee, alcohol and cigarettes can cause a condition where the stomach is overly acidic. Other things that can contribute to indigestion include eating too fast, eating under stress, not chewing your food well and drinking a lot of liquids with your meals which serves to dilute the digestive acids. Other factors that may come into play are the acids and enzymes of the stomach, food allergies or sensitivities and certain combinations of different types of food.
Cautions
See your doctor for indigestion problems when you feel continuous pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in your chest even after taking antacids; if you develop shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, sweating, dizziness, fainting, a general weakness or pain that radiates from your chest into your back, arms or jaw; or if you also have changes in the appearance and frequency of your bowel movements. Consult your doctor if stomach pain is frequent and causing you distress.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Angelica – this herb is famous for relieving spasms and flatulence. It is often candied and served after a rich meal. You can take Angelica in liquid extract form, or by making an herbal tea from dried root.
- Caraway – thought to stimulate the secretion of gastric juices and relieve flatulence and fullness after a meal. Research has demonstrated that Caraway oil relaxes intestinal muscles.
- Boldo - drink 3 cups of infusion a day to help improve digestion and treat flatulence.
- Dandelion – this general tonic also relieves gas and aids the digestive system.
- Cinnamon – the essential oil derived from cinnamon can ease cramping, gas and bloating.
- Fennel – take this herb in a mild tea to relieve belching and gas. Fennel is gentle enough to be given to infants and small children. Take the tea after meals. Fennel can also be taken in capsule form.
- Gentian – after a fatty meal, this bitter herb will relieve bloating and flatulence. Gentian helps with the secretion of digestive juices.
- Horehound – take a tea made from this herb after a meal to relieve gas.
- Ginger – this herb has long been used to help digestive problems. Ginger can ease an irritated stomach and belching. Take ginger as a tea, a tablet or as a candied treat.
- Peppermint – another tried and true remedy for the digestion, peppermint tea can give fast relief from belching, cramps and trapped gas. It works as an antispasmodic in the digestive tract. Peppermint can also be taken as a tablet or be added to a glass of water to be sipped as needed.
- Turmeric – this herb can relieve stomach irritation.
- Chamomile – this herb can be taken as a tea or as a tablet. Chamomile is very soothing for indigestion. It works as an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and it also relieves gas.
- Slippery elm – take this herb as a tablet or as herbal tea and other digestive ailments. It forms a protective coating in the stomach.
- Star Anise - take an infusion to relieve digestive problems and flatulence.
- Basil - drink an infusion of dried basil leaves to help digestion and improve the appetite. It can also help with relieving bloated stomach and flatulence.
- Sage - take an infusion of Sage to help stomach discomfort and bloating.
- Black Mustard - can be taken in small doses to help indigestion. Best taken as an infusion before meals.
- Cayenne - stimulates digestive system and aids indigestion, flatulence and colic. Sprinkle small amount of powder onto food.
- Papaya - has a calming, soothing effect on digestive system. Helps to breakdown proteins. Take in tablet form.
- Globe Artichoke - take to treat indigestion, nausea and flatulence. Take as liquid extract, tablets or capsules.
- Meadowsweet - aids digestions and soothes muscle spasms.
External Applications
For mild indigestion, use the following oils in a burner or massage over the stomach. When using in massage, always dilute oils in carrier oil. Essential oils that may be useful include; basil, chamomile and peppermint.