What herbal remedies are used to treat indigestion?

Indigestion is simply a problem associated with the food one is consuming on a daily basis. Before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements consider your overall diet. You should rely on whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, unrefined whole grains, lean meat, chicken and fatty fish (salmon, black cod, etc.) and avoid packaged and processed foods which lack naturally occurring enzymes, nutrients and other essential cofactors that promote natural digestive function. Avoid over the counter and prescription antacids and proton pump inhibitors (i.e. tums, Prilosec...) as these medications reduce the production of hydrochloric acid required for digestion of protein and eradication of most bacteria found in food. These medications also reduce the absorption of essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. If necessary you can purchase a natural digestive enzyme supplement, ginger extract, DGL as well as probiotics for a healthy intestinal tract and to help relieve some of the symptoms. Once you make the necessary changes in your diet, your indigestion should subside substantially. If not try the supplements suggested.

Drinking tea is a fantastic herbal remedy for indigestion -- as long as you steep the right brew. Watch this video to learn which teas Dr. Stephen Atkins, an integrative medicine specialist, recommends to relieve indigestion.

The term indigestion is used to describe a variety of symptoms including a feeling of fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, burning or pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, or flatulence. While there may be many causes for indigestion, there are a number of herbs that can be used to support a healthy digestion. Herbs that are helpful for digestion can be classified in the following ways:

Bitter herbs: In our society today, bitter flavors are particularly limited, but most commonly found in black coffee, dark chocolate and certain leafy greens.  Bitters, however, are of major importance to the digestive system and to the rest of the body.  The following are included in the many actions of bitters:

• Stimulate appetite: This is especially helpful in conditions associated with reduced appetite, including depression.
• Stimulate release of digestive juices: These digestive juices are released from a number of organs in the body, including the pancreas and liver, and each of these “juices” play a role in breaking down fats and improving digestion.
• Aid the liver in detoxification work and increase the flow of bile: Many health problems have their roots in an overworked liver. This is the apparent value of bitters taken after meals, such as coffee and liquors like Chartreuse.
• Help the gut wall repair damage: In this case, bitters can actually stimulate self-repair mechanisms.

There are many bitter herbs ranging from mildly bitter (such as dandelion root) to intensely bitter (such as artichoke leaf or wormwood).

Demulcent herbs: These are herbs that are mucilage-rich. Mucilage is a substance that produces a slippery, coating effect. For example, the mucilage in the leaves and roots of marshmallow protect the mucous membranes of the stomach from damage caused by too much acidity. Other demulcent herbs include licorice and slippery elm.

Carminative herbs: These are herbs which are rich in essential oils. These pleasantly aromatic constituents reduce inflammation on the lining of the stomach and relax tense muscles. The result is a lessening of gas and the discomforts it produces. Carminative herbs include peppermint, chamomile and  ginger.

Before reaching for an over-the-counter medication, consider trying an herbal remedy or herbal tea utilizing one of the many digestive herbs listed to alleviate the discomforts of indigestion.