Herbal Cures: Indigestion

Indigestion is a catch-all term used to describe any discomfort related to eating, including heartburn and nausea. Persistent indigestion can indicate an ulcer, a gallstone, or inflammation of the esophagus, and should prompt you to visit a doctor. Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and sometimes the throat or mouth, is caused by acid rising from the stomach into the esophagus. To avoid heartburn, drink sparingly during meals and eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Do not eat just before going to bed. Also, pass up fried and spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, chocolate, mints and aspirin--all of which relax the opening at the base of the esophagus, letting acid in.

Antacids soothe heartburn as well as acid indigestion; the oldest of these is baking soda. Commercial antacids often contain calcium carbonate (which may neutralize as much as twice the acid as baking soda), aluminum hydroxide (which tends to cause constipation), and magnesium salts (which tend to have a laxative effect). Combined, magnesium salts and aluminum hydroxide are more potent, and their side effects may negate each other. Besides antacids, which neutralize stomach acid, acid reducers are now available.

Herbal Remedies

Gingerroot It is known to quell nausea and aid digestion.

Chamomile This herb calms gastric spasms and soothes the digestive tract. To make a tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 to 3 teaspoons (or one tea bag) of finely chopped flowers. Let steep, then strain before drinking.

Peppermint The volatile oil in peppermint dispels gas and calms cramps. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tablespoon chopped dried leaves. Steep, then strain and drink.

Fennel It is a carminative, an agent that helps dispel gas from the intestines. To make a tea, steep 1 teaspoon crushed dried seeds in 1 cup boiling water, then strain. Or chew 11/4 teaspoons of seeds after a meal.