4 Medicinal Plants to Calm Indigestion Naturally

Indigesation
Photo Credit: Flickr

We all at some point seek some remedy to calm indigestion naturally. It may be because we have exceeded a banquet, because something has made us feel bad or because we have a weakened digestive system. Discover which are the best medicinal plants?

In this article, we share what are the best medicinal plants to calm indigestion naturally, as well as some simple and effective tips. In this way, we can relieve digestive discomfort with infusions or extracts of plant origin.

How to Calm Indigestion Naturally?

  1. Ginger

First of all, ginger is a medicinal food that we should consume daily. We are grateful for its numerous healthy properties. Although it is a great diuretic and depurative, in this case, we focus on its ability to calm indigestion.

Eating ginger, both fresh and dry, is effective in reducing discomfort such as flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea, as well as being a great option in case of gastric ulcer. We can take it in infusion or also add it to food to improve digestion and enhance the flavor of the recipe.

  1. Green Tea

Secondly, we refer to an ancestral medicinal plant that is very popular throughout the world. We talk about green tea, an antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory drink.

Green tea
Image by M. Maggs from Pixabay

Green tea is a medicinal plant that promotes good digestion, as it fights gas and reduces heaviness. In addition, their habitual consumption also helps prevent tooth decay and reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

From green tea, we have to take into account its caffeine element, which is why it is a stimulating infusion. In addition, it can prevent the absorption of iron, so it is more advisable to take it out of meals.

  1. Mint

Peppermint is a common infusion to calm indigestion. In fact, many people consume it after food, often combined with pennyroyal. Studies show that it has the property of relaxing the gastrointestinal tract.

This plant, in addition to being consumed in infusion, also offers its essential oil as a topical and oral remedy. However, in its pure state, it is very irritating and should always be applied with caution, diluted properly and at the recommended dose. In addition, it may not be beneficial for people with gastroesophageal reflux.

Read Also: Healthy Breakfast Ideas Recipes

  1. Cinnamon

Finally, cinnamon is another medicinal plant that has been used since ancient times as a remedy for many conditions. Among them, it helps reduce inflammation, fights free radicals, reduces blood sugar levels and stimulates our body naturally.

As for the digestive system, cinnamon could help calm indigestion and the discomfort caused by gastric ulcers. It also promotes liver function and prevents intestinal parasites or Helicobacter pylori so prevalent.

At the medicinal and digestive level, we recommend opting for the Ceylon cinnamon variety. We can take it in infusion, in extract or add it to our daily recipes. It is very common for all kinds of sweets and desserts, but it is also an excellent spice in our stews, meats, sauces, stir-fry, etc.

Tips to Calm Indigestion:

Finally, in addition to taking these medicinal plants regularly to calm indigestion, we can also follow these tips if we often suffer from digestive discomfort:

  • Chew food well and try to eat in a relaxed and unhurried environment.
  • Do not combine too many different foods in the same meal.
  • Dispense with dessert at lunch and leave sweet foods for breakfast or snacks.
  • If the discomfort persists and is increasingly intense, we must see a doctor to rule out possible food intolerances.

Now we know some medicinal plants that can facilitate digestion and prevent some common discomforts naturally. In addition, these final tips can be very useful, especially if we frequently suffer from heartburn, heaviness, gas or flatulence, stomach pain, etc.

READ MORE: 6 Amazing Benefits of Gunpowder Green Tea

Bibliography:

  • Koo, MWL, & Cho, CH (2004). Pharmacological effects of green tea on the gastrointestinal system. European Journal of Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.07.023
  • McKay, DL, & Blumberg, JB (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1936
  • Kundu, S., Ghosh, R., Choudhary, P., & Prakash, A. (2014). Health benefits of various Indian culinary herbs and comparative statistical analysis for organoleptic properties of Indian teas by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.