Digestive Flatulence and Indigestion

Despite varying symptoms, many digestive problems may stem from body imbalance, hasty eating, wrong nutrition, or general stress. Some health professionals suggest faulty digestion can sometimes be helped by adding hydrochloric acid tablets to the daily diet . The following is a rundown of herbs that can relieve many temporary digestive inconveniences and may, with improvements in eating, chewing well, and stress management, relieve some chronic conditions. Since persistent digestive problems may be an indication of other systemic conditions, consult a health professional.

Anise Drink bruised anise seed tea, or add drops of anisette liqueur to alleviate wind and colic.

CarawayDrink bruised caraway seed tea, or prepare a cold infusion to control infant or adult flatulence. Caraway julep: Bruise 2 tablespoons of the seed in 2 cups of cold water. Steep it for six hours, then strain. Dose: 1 to 3 teaspoons, depending on the age of child.

Cayenne Cayenne pepper is sharp on the tongue but benign and effective for most digestive complaints. Add a few grains (up to 1/8 teaspoon) to chamomile, peppermint, or other suggested digestive teas to relieve the feeling of discomfort.

Centaury The root of this flower was always used by the herbalist Kunzle to overcome heartburn.

Chamomile Sweet, apple scented, and benign, chamomile tea is the tea to use to control intestinal spasms. Use it also as an enema and for an abdominal poultice.

Cinnamon The aroma and the volatile oil of this bark are valuable assets in indigestion and flatulence control. Add it to other herbal teas, and use it with any seeds or cloves.

Cloves Make a tea with 1 tablespoon to a pint of boiling water, or add bruised cloves to other herbal teas.

Coriander Use this interesting seed in cooking, or add it crushed to various compound powder drinks.

Cumin Combine it with other herbs in digestive teas.

Dill Bruise a teaspoon of the seeds and add that to half a cup of boiled water. Steep and strain. This is a marvelous carminative (eliminates gas) for infants.

Fennel This is another outstanding herb to ease stomachache. Soak bruised fennel seeds in cold water (see caraway julep) or in hot tea (cool it first) for infant colic or digestive unease.

Ginger In India, Europeans who suffer from indigestion are given ginger tea instead of regular tea. Ginger tea is stimulant and carminative, and therefore useful in dealing with infant colic or flatulence.

Juniper BerriesA berry cure for indigestion and flatulence: Eat and carefully chew four berries on the first day, five on the second day, six on the third day, seven on the fourth day, up to twelve berries a day. Next, work backward from twelve until only five are taken in a day. The husks may either be swallowed or discarded.

NutmegA tiny amount of grated fresh nutmeg may be added to any herbal tea to help relieve flatulence.

Peppermint Peppermint leaves, peppermint essence, or drops of peppermint oil are invaluable aids in all digestive discomforts, including diarrhea. Spearmint may also be used for flatulence.

Valerian The herb is useful for occasional stress or nervous attacks, for nervous headache, or for flatulent indigestion, but should not be used on a steady, daily basis. Use a small pill, or a tiny amount of refrigerated fresh valerian juice (German import).

Vinegar Small amounts of apple cider vinegar and water will often relieve indigestion and heartburn. If the treatment works, it frequently indicates that the body has a shortage of the acids needed in the digestive system. Apple cider vinegar and honey (1 tablespoon each) plus a cup of water may also be used once to several times a day to help rebalance the body.