TOUWS
1. It is a herb, traditionally known for providing relief from abdominal
discomfort caused due to indigestion.
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Answer:
Herbs for Indigestion
Bitters Carminatives Demulcents Overview
Three groups of herbs are helpful for indigestion, upset stomach and heartburn:
bitters, which stimulate digestion,
carminatives, which relieve gas, and
demulcents, which have a soothing quality.
Bitters - digestive stimulants
Bitter herbs are helpful for indigestion. It is thought that their bitter quality has the effect of stimulating digestive capacity through enhancing production of saliva and helping support both digestive enzymes and stomach acid.2 Bitter herbs are therefore effective when stomach acid is low. They are not recommended if the patient suffers from heartburn. In that case increasing already excessive stomach acid would aggravate the heartburn condition.
Interestingly, in Europe and South America there is a tradition of drinking digestive bitters, as an alcoholic drink at the end of meals. In Ayurvedic medicine, a decoction of bitter herbs may be given just before a meal to enhance digestion.
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) the edible plant Artichoke has mild bitter qualities. Research has demonstrated that artichoke extracts are helpful for those with indigestion.20 It is especially helpful when the cause of inadequate digestion is not enough production of bile from the gallbladder.21 Medical professionals generally recommend taking extracts which provide at least 500-1,000mg/daily of cynarin, which the main active component of artichoke. It is approved in Europe as a remedy for indigestion. Artichoke also contains many antioxidants.
Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) Research has demonstrated that celandine extract can help relieve cramping, feeling full and nausea that result from indigestion more effectively than a placebo.3. The dosage in the double-blind study was 4mg of chelidonine/capsule with 1-2 tablets/three times a day for 6 weeks. Celandine is potentially harmful for liver disease and there have been reports of hepatitis after use of celandine - so safety concerns are an issue.4
Wormwood is sometimes combined with carminative herbs for patients who suffer from indigestion. A double-blind research trial reported that combining wormwood with caraway, fennel and peppermint helped lessen gas and cramping.7
Horehound contains flavonoids, alkaloids, diterpenes (extracted from resin, ie marrubiin), and traces of volatile oils.10 The primary active ingredient, marrubiin and perhaps its precursor, premarrubiin, have the effect of increasing saliva flow and creation of gastric juices, and thus stimulate both the appetite and the digestive process.11
Boldo is a South American herb traditionally helpful for many digestive problems. This use may have arisen from its benefit impact on intestinal infections and liver functioning. Germany has approved its use for indigestion and gastrointestinal spasms. One study combined boldo with other herbs as well as artichoke and celandine and found after 2 weeks of treatment it reduced indigestion symptoms.
Bitters used in American traditional medicine include yellow dock, yarrow, goldenseal, vervain, and Oregon grape. In Europe barberry is a traditional bitter, used for indigestion. Animal research demonstrates that these herbs not only stimulate digestion but may relieve intestinal tract spasms causing cramps and gas.9
Picrorhiza, an Indian herb has similar functioning to boldo, although human studies have not yet confirmed its value.
Other bitter herbs include Andrographis, Bitter orange, Bitter melon, Blessed thistle, Centaury, Devil's claw, Dandelion, Elecampane, Gentian, Juniper, and Prickly ash.
Carminatives relieve gas
Carminatives, known as aromatic bitters, are helpful in relieving indigestion when the symptoms are belching and gas because they apparently reduce spasms in the intestinal system.12
Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Fennel(Foeniculum vulgare), Caraway (Carum carvi) These are probably the most well-studied carminatives and the best known and used. Double-blind trials demonstrate that combining peppermint with caraway oil, or peppermint, caraway, fennel, caraway, and wormwood reduce indigestion symptoms by reducing cramping and gas.13-15 Dosage: 3-5 drops essential oils or 3-5ml tincture, consumed in water 2-3 times a day. Or you can may tea of the herbs by grinding 2-3 teaspoons seeds (fennel, caraway) or peppermint leaves and simmer them for 10 minutes in a cup of water. An alternative method is to add a teaspoon of each to a quart jar, poor in boiling water let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then sip it gradually through out the day. Peppermint is also available as enteric-coated capsules.