Herbal Solutions for Common Digestive Complaints

[Guest guest]

Herbal Solutions for Common Digestive Complaints JoAnn Guest Jun 17, 2004

23:35 PDT

Herbal Solutions for Common Digestive Complaints

 

 

The number of people who suffer from heartburn is estimated at 100

million. By offering 'symptomatic' relief to sufferers, the antacid

business has become a three billion-dollar industry.

Antacid medications are sold without offering consumers any 'vital'

information concerning the 'causes' and 'complications' of heartburn

and digestive problems. Over 25 million Americans take antacids twice a

week. Even more take

prescription drugs on a daily basis to find relief for heartburn and

indigestion.

 

The dangers of antacids: \

 

Using antacids may cause damage to the lining of the esophagus

(e.g., precancerous ulcers).

Biochemists report that one of the long-term side effects of

blocking acid production is a *compromised* immune system;

 

Hydrochloric acid is an essential component in the complete

digestion of food and protects the body from *pathogenic* bacteria.

 

Calcium-based antacids (e.g., Tums) may damage the kidneys if taken

over a long period of time.

Magnesium based antacid products (e.g., Mylanta and Maalox) and

aluminum- based products (e.g., Rolaids) should not be taken by anyone

experiencing kidney problems.

 

Antacids do not heal the tissue that has been inflamed or injured by

stomach acid. Before treating acid reflux and indigestion with there OTC

drugs, consumers ought to ask their health professionals four questions:

 

 

What could be causing me to suffer from heartburn and indigestion?

Will the treatment that you are recommending heal my body or will it

simply provide symptomatic relief?

 

Will I experience side effects from the product(s) that you

recommend and will I be in any danger as a result of consuming the

product(s)?

 

Can you recommend any natural healing therapies that would resolve

my problems safely and effectively?

 

If your health professional is not able to recommend safe and

efficacious ways to treat acid reflux and chronic indigestion, you

may want to begin searching for one who can.

 

 

One way to find a medical doctor who is competent in recommending

natural therapies is by contacting the American College for

Advancement in Medicine www.acam.org.

 

ACAM will provide a list of licensed medical doctors in your

location who have been trained in prescribing natural therapies. Another

source of help is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

(AANP) at 1-206-298-0125.

Naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training in

natural therapies.

--

What are the chief causes of Acid Reflux?

--

The chief cause of digestive problems is our standard american diet

which is typically high in refined processed 'fats' and low in 'fiber',

filled with chemicals, additives, preservatives, simple refined sugars

and refined carbohydrates.

 

A diet of processed, devitalized foods does not contain sufficient

" enzymes " necessary for proper digestion. Furthermore, minimal

processing and *heating* destroys the precious 'enzymes' that are vital

for complete digestion.

 

Antacids actually " shut down " digestion. In order to build health

and avoid digestive problems, we need to 'optimize' digestion and

heal the 'inflammation' caused by acid reflux.

 

Coffee, alcohol, tobacco, carbonated beverages, and chocolate

further aggravate numerous digestive problems. Many sufferers find that

even tomatoes and citrus fruits are problematic.

 

---

COMMON PROBLEMS WITH ANTACIDS:

---

CALCIUM CARBONATE AND ACID REBOUND-

 

Calcium carbonate is especially fast-acting. Within a few hours,

however, the body will overcompensate by producing an extra " surge "

of acid.

 

PROBLEMS WITH SODIUM BICARBONATE:

 

When used for long periods of time, sodium bicarbonate can cause

increased acidity throughout the body.

Highly acidic body chemistries (systemic alkalosis) are involved in

health problems such as arthritis, kidney stones, nausea and mental

confusion.

 

 

ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE AND BONE LOSS:

 

Antacids containing aluminum can contribute to phosphate deficiency

when used for long periods of time.

This is because the 'phosphate' in food 'reacts' with the 'aluminum'

in the antacid to form a solid material that is simply passed in the

stool.

 

In order to keep enough phosphorus in the blood, the body will take

it out of bones. Bone " demineralization " is especially a problem for the

older people who tend to use these products regularly.

 

 

ALUMINUM AND IMPAIRED MENTAL FUNCTION:

 

Although the FDA and manufacturers say that " aluminum " in 'antacids'

is not " absorbed', however numerous studies since 1986 have repeatedly

proven that it IS,

especially in cases of kidney problems and in the presence of 'acidic'

foods such as citrus fruits, coffee, or soda pop.

 

There is increasing evidence that aluminum is involved in

Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's

disease and some other nervous system problems.

 

 

THE BOTTOM LINE:

 

Stomach acid is " required " for good digestion.

Poor digestion produces heartburn.

 

People with heart-burn take antacids.

 

Antacids reduce stomach acid. OOPS-more heartburn.

 

Stomach acid is required for good mineral absorption, including

calcium & magnesium. Calcium carbonate *antacids* " neutralize " the

stomach acid " needed " for their *absorption*.

 

The stomach's job is to produce and hold digestive acid and enzymes.

When antacids are used regularly, the stomach senses this and, over

time, increases its acid production " rate " set point.

 

Taking antacids to reduce acid can lead to the production of

*excessive* acid which results in even more discomfort.

 

-

OTHER SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTACIDS:

-

 

Use of antacids can cause bowel irregularities including

constipation, nausea and diarrhea with occasional vomiting.

They can lead to kidney stones, 'demineralization of bones', bone

pain and muscle weakness with cramping.

 

They can be counted on to produce " malabsorption' of many essential

minerals.

 

The list of diseases that have been associated with low gastric

acidity include, but are not limited to:

 

Anemia, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, celiac disease,

dermatitis, diabetes, eczema, gallbladder problems, hepatitis,

lupus, osteoporosis, psoriasis and

problems with over and under-active thyroid glands.

 

 

To avoid these and other low stomach acidity problems, utilize

digestive enzymes and eat copious amounts of raw foods with each meal.

 

This section was Originally published in the The H. E. L. P.,

Natural Health Newsletter and edited by Kay Lubecke, B.A., M.S.

Certified Herbalist and Nutritional Counselor

 

------------------------------

Different types of antacids can interfere with the absorption of

various minerals.

---

Literally ANY antacid can " interfere " with the *absorption* of iron,

zinc, and other minerals by *neutralizing* stomach acid.

 

 

Aluminum-containing antacids can bind with phosphorus and interfere

with its absorption, and this can further lead to

calcium " depletion " (calcium loss).

 

 

Antacids that contain calcium may also compete for absorption with

iron.

 

Calcium antacids may alter the *absorption* of magnesium.

 

 

Calcium-containing antacids, when taken with zinc supplements, may

substantially decrease 'zinc' absorption.

 

Finally, calcium antacids impair the absorption of Manganese and

" chromium " which are essential for maintaining optimum blood glucose

levels.

 

---

Safe and effective relief from indigestion and acid reflux is

available.

 

A dietary supplement containing digestive enzymes is important for

anyone who wants to optimize the digestion and assimilation of

cooked food.

Effective digestive formulas contain ingredients such as amylase,

invertase, glucoamylase, protease, malt diastase, cellulase,

peptidase, lipase, lactase and acid-stable protease.

 

Researchers have also discovered that dietary and supplementary

ingestion of Lactobacillus species (friendly bacteria) such as L.

acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and L. bifidus

support the body nutritionally and play a therapeutic role as well.

 

These Lactobacillus species produce enzymes that aid in the

digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

 

--- If

you have food allergies, sampling homemade dishes can seem a lot

like playing a game of Russian roulette, when you're left wondering:

Which one will trigger a reaction this time?

 

The pancreas produces and secretes various enzymes (called

" proteolytic enzymes " , including trypsin, chymotrypsin,

carboxypeptidase, and so on) that break down proteins into smaller

components called " amino acids " .

 

These substances, in turn, help create other enzymes, hormones and

body tissue for growth and repair.

 

If the pancreas doesn't 'neutralize' the acid coming from the

stomach with " bicarbonates " , the proteolytic enzymes (the ones that

break down food protein) are destroyed.

 

This can result in incomplete or " foreign " *protein* molecules

being absorbed into the " bloodstream " and circulating throughout the

body. This can greatly increase your risk of strokes and cardiovascular

disease.

 

Your body's immune system naturally attacks these *foreign* molecules.

This series of events may be the basis for an " allergic reaction. "

Antibiotics may also contribute to these types of reactions.

 

-------------------------------

" Peyer's patches " have an important job as well.

---

 

The *lymphatic* system has " representatives " in the digestive track

called Peyer's patches and they perform an important function.

 

These clumps of lymphatic tissue are spread throughout the 'small

intestine'.

 

*Fat* molecules, unlike other nutrients, are generally too

" large " to be absorbed directly from the intestine.

So they are

'absorbed' by the Peyer's patches and transported along the lymphatic

system and eventually released into the blood stream where they can be

carried throughout the body.

 

Between 80 to 90 percent of all the 'fat' absorbed from the gut

requires the help of the " lymphatic " system

-------------------------------

 

Contrary to what the huge drug companies that make antacids and H2

blocker drugs say, excessive " acid " production is almost 'never' the

reason for heartburn, acid digestion or ulcers.

 

In fact, it is now estimated that up to one-third of all bleeding

ulcers is the RESULT of taking " NSAID " drugs such as aspirin and

ibuprofen.

 

Antacids and H2 blockers alleviate symptoms for a short while by

buffering acid and decreasing acid secretion, but can actually

'aggravate' the underlying problem; which is really too " little " acid in

the stomach.

 

With 'chronic use' of these medications, digestion is 'compromised' and

the absorption of many important vitamins and minerals is

minimized/decreased .

 

--- A

few years ago, if you asked your physician what causes ulcers,

he or she would promptly reply that too much stomach " acid " was to

blame.

Now we know that a spiral-shaped bacteria called Helicobacter pylori

(H. pylori for short) is the primary culprit.

This bacteria tends to 'suppress' acid 'production' and creates holes in

the stomach's protective mucous layer, allowing acid to seep through and

burn holes in the delicate tissue underneath.

 

An H. pylori infection can also

cause symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.

--------------------------------

Natural Alternatives to Drugs--

--------------------------------

---

Some Dietary Alternatives:

 

Eating a balanced diet of unprocessed, organic whole foods is your

foundation for a healthy stomach. Eat an organic green salad or raw

organic vegetables at least once a day.

 

 

To help increase stomach acid, drink a glass of room temperature

water a half-hour before eating. If that doesn't help, you can add a

tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

 

If neither of these solutions work, try taking a betaine

hydrochloride supplement (HCI) with your meal.

Since stomach acid production declines as we age, HCI

supplementation can be a good anti-aging strategy.

 

Natural heartburn therapies include deglycyrrhizinated licorice

extract or DGI. Try one or two 380 mg tablets on an empty stomach,

three to four times a day.

 

A glass of room temperature water, raw cabbage or potato juice

(organic) and herbal teas,(lukewarm, no lemon) can bring quick

relief.

 

Fresh organic papaya, ginger root, plantain or banana can help as well.

 

If you do need to lower your stomach 'acidity' you can use a form of

organic sulfur called MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in supplement

form, 1,000 mg daily.

 

Remember, your stomach " acid " is one of your front line defenses

against harmful bacteria (candida, parasites, worms, e-coli, etc).

Suppress it and the rest of your systems have to work " overtime " to

protect you.

 

Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D is a best-selling author in the field

of health and nutrition.

This excerpt is from his latest book,

" Prescription Alternatives " co-authored with Virginia Hopkins.

 

------------------------------

Digestive Cocktail:

-----------------------------

Every one of the ingredients in this tasty dessert contains

significant amounts of stomach-soothing anti-ulcer compounds.

 

 

Pineapple

Blueberries

Organic Ground cinnamon

Organic Ground cloves

Organic Ground ginger root

Raw Honey or Stevia (optional)

Unripe Banana

 

Cut up the bananas and pineapple, the amount and proportions will

vary depending on how many people you're serving and which fruits

you like the best. Place them in a serving bowl and add the blueberries.

Season to taste with the cinnamon, cloves and ginger root (try to be

generous) and sweeten with raw honey (if using).

 

If you like, you can also make a between meal drink by

blending blueberry juice, pineapple juice, a banana and the spices

listed above. Garnish each serving with a peppermint sprig.

 

---

 

Ginger Root is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity, but it is

considerably less known as an herbal treatment for Indigestive.

 

In fact, ginger contains 11 compounds that have demonstrated anti-

ulcer effects. These chemical compounds are a real mouthful, but I

think that you might find it interesting to know just how much

anti-ulcer chemistry can be concentrated in a single humble spice.

 

Here they are in order, from most to least abundant:

6 shogaol, 6 gingerol, 8shogaol, 8 gingerol, 10 gingerol, ar-curcumene,

beta-bisalene, 6-gingediol,

betases quiphellan-drene, 6 gingerdione and 6 paradol.

 

Eating ginger root is a pleasant tasting treatment for

ulcers, according to Paul Schulick, New England herbalist and author

of the combination of raw honey and ginger is particularly effective. In

addition to the antibacterial compounds, that are

available from ginger, raw honey has antibacterial action, and the two

together seem to produce synergistic effects.

 

 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) –

 

German physicians have always been more open to herbal medicine than

doctors in the United Sates, and they have researched herbal

alternative extensively. Commission E, the body of scientists that

advises the German counterpart of the Food and Drug Administration,

approves licorice as a digestive aid.

 

This recommendation is based on the medical traditions of Asia, the

middle east and Europe, plus literally dozens of scientific studies.

 

Licorice contains several compounds, including glycyrrhizin acid.

Licorice and its extracts are safe for normal use in moderate amounts,

up to about three cups of tea a day.

It is better to use a slightly processed form of the herb called

deglycyrrhizated licorice (DGL).

It essentially increases the production of " protective mucus " in the

stomach.

 

 

In one good study, DGL was at least as effective in speeding

healing as the newest class of pharmaceutical drugs called 'histamine'

blocking agents that were designed to do this.

 

DGL also seems to protect the digestive lining from aspirin's ulcer

" promoting " effects.

 

Commercial licorice preparations containing DGL are readily

available in natural food stores that sell herbs. If you have

digestive problems, this is the preferred form of licorice to take, but

clearly some of the power of the herbs is lost with the lost

glycyrrhizin.

 

If you'd like to take licorice from time to time, as an ulcer

preventive. When you're brewing some other herbal

tea, add a little licorice.

 

Licorice by itself makes a sweet, pleasant tasting tea, and when

added to other teas, it serves as a sweetener.

 

 

H. pylori virus is linked to stomach *cancer*, so you must take

these conditions seriously.

 

 

If you have ongoing digestive problems, be sure to eliminate all

gastrointestinal " irritants " , such as tobacco, NSAIDS, coffee (both

caffeinated and decaf) and soda pop.

 

---

 

Unripe Banana--

 

Bananas are an old folk remedy for many gastrointestinal problems

because they sooth the digestive tract. And studies with

experimental animals suggest that bananas do, in fact, have a soothing

effect on the stomach.

 

One researcher noted that " bananas may be another useful addition to

such well established anti-ulcer foods as raw cabbage, green tea,

garlic and legumes.

 

Raw Cabbage juice—

is a hallowed folk remedy for ulcers. It turns out that cabbage and

its juice contain considerable amounts of two compounds with anti-

ulcer activity,

 

glutamine and S-Methyl-methionine.

 

 

Melvin Werbach, M.D. assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at

the University of California, Los Angeles, school of medicine and

author to the excellent nutritional influences on illness, cites a

study of people with digestive ailments who were given raw cabbage juice

as a treatment.

 

Ninety-two percent showed significant improvement within three weeks

compared with 37 percent of those taking a placebo without cabbage

juice.

In studies of just the active compound 'glutamine', daily doses

of 1,600 mgs proved more effective than conventional antacids in

treating ulcers.

The folk recommendations for digestive problems is to drink one

quart of raw cabbage juice a day.

 

 

Calendula--

 

Calendula, sometimes known as pot marigold, has antibacterial,

antivirus and immune stimulating properties.

 

Calendula has been shown to alleviate symptoms of chronic stomach

inflammation which doctors call " hypersecretory gastritis.

Clinical trials in Europe have proven its effectiveness.

You can make a tea with the dried herb or take a tincture. I

personally enjoy a cup or two of tea made with about five teaspoons

of fresh calendula flowers. It is especially good with lemon balm If

you have hay fever, however, you

might want to avoid taking this herb, because people who are allergic to

ragweed may react to calendula as well, if you take it and have a

reaction –itching or any other discomfort—discontinue use.

 

Fennel tea would also be fine -- as would anise, chamomile,

coriander or caraway tea. There are other herbs that have a reputation

as carminatives for the intestinal tract --

but fennel is the one I recommend most frequently.

 

 

Chamomile—

 

several herbalists I admire recommend chamomile tea,

notably Rudolf Fritz Wiess, M.D. the dean of German medical

herbalists, and author of Herbal Medicine.

 

He writes that`the remedy of choice for digestive ailments is

chamomile. …there can be no other remedy more tailor-made, including all

synthetic products. Widely used as a digestive aid in Europe, chamomile

is uniquely suited to treating digestive ailments, including ulcers.

This is because it combines anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic

and stomach soothing properties.

 

 

Pineapple--

 

Like cabbage, pineapple is fairly well endowed with " glutamine " , a

compound useful for digestion. Pineapple also contains bromelain, a

most effective digestive aid.

 

Bilberry and blueberry--

 

Both of these fruits contain compounds known as " anthocyanosides " .

In studies with experimental animals, these compounds have been shown to

offer significant protection against ulcers and other digestive problems

They help stimulate the production of mucus that protects the stomach

lining from digestive acids.

 

Meadowsweet--

 

Like willow bark, meadowsweet is a type of " herbal aspirin " . Aspirin

in high doses causes ulcers, so it might seem strange to recommend

it as an ulcer treatment. Many prominent herbalists do, however

among them, British herbalist David Hoffmann author of several good

herbals including " The Herbal Handbook " .

 

The active compounds in meadowsweet are " salicylates " .

Aspirin, on the other hand,-- is nothing but salicylates,

Hoffmann says that while pure salicylates do indeed *cause* ulcers,

Whole Madowsweet helps " prevent " and " treat " them 'despite' its

salicyate content.

Other chemical compounds in whole meadowsweet, among them tannins,

phenolid glycosides and the herbs essential oil, give it an

antiulcer effect.

 

Hoffmann unflinchingly maintains that meadowsweet is one of the best

digestive herbs and recommends it for ulcers and heartburn.

This makes sense to me.

Several plants with proven anti-ulcer effects, including chamomile,

also contain salicylates.

 

Rhubarb--

 

In a Chinese study of 312 people with bleeding ulcers, rhubarb

helped

improve some 90 percent within a few days., I'd be careful when

using this herb though, as its also a powerful laxative,. If you

experience diarrhea, cut back the amount you're taking or

discontinue use altogether.

 

Turmeric--

 

This culinary herbs used in Indian and Asian curry dishes, might be

called the poor persons ulcer treatment. In a good study by

physicians in Thailand, turmeric (250 mgs capsules taken three times

a day) relieved ulcer pain only about half as well as pharmaceutical

antacids after six weeks,

 

 

Red Pepper--

 

Many Americans believe that hot spices cause ulcers. The truth is,

they don't. In fact, they may even protect the stomach and duodenal

lining against them. Capsaicin, he compound that gives red pepper

the heart helping properties, has been shown to reverse the damage

in

experimental animals that were given high, ulcer causing doses of

aspirin,.

 

Gentian—

 

this is one of several 'bitter' herbs traditionally used to aid

digestion. Commission E reports that the 'bitter' compounds in

gentian stimulate the flow of saliva and stomach secretions.

 

Garlic--

 

Garlic is a potent, broad spectrum antibiotic. Paul Bergner, editor

of Medieval Herbalism suggests that those who are wary of

pharmaceutical antibiotics for ulcer treatment might want to try a

course of garlic therapy.

 

This would involve eating nine raw garlic cloves a day. You can chop

the garlic and mix it with any food that makes it palatable, such as

carrot juice. Try blending two raw cloves of garlic with one carrot,

for instance, I tried it and the combination tasted better than I

thought it would. It's a painless way to take a couple of cloves of

garlic.

 

You can also try whipping up an antic-ulcer gazpacho, heavy on the

garlic and red pepper.

 

 

Cabbage soup:

 

You'll have to do a little experimenting to arrive at a flavor that

pleases you. If you try the optional spices, use them sparingly,

they are delicious in cabbage soup.

The flavor is rather exotic.

 

3 cups water

2 cups shredded cabbage

2 cup chopped celery

1 cup diced organic potatoes

½ cup chopped okra

1 cup diced onions

½ cup chopped green pepper

Ground red pepper

Ground ginger

Ground black pepper

Ground cinnamon

Ground clove

Dried licorice root

 

Place the water, cabbage, celery, potatoes, okra, onions, and green

pepper in a soup pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, Reduce the

heat, cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Season to

taste with the red pepper, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon cloves and

licorice.

 

Other Useful Supplements & Herbs:

 

Fennel

Alfalfa

Aloe Vera Juice

Celery

Brown rice

Black Walnut

Kelp

Peppermint oil

Yarrow

Organic Yogurt

Organic Papaya

Proteolytic Enzymes

Acidophilus

 

 

 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

 

How about ginger as an herbal alternative to cimetidine (Tagamet),

ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid)? It would sure taste a

lot better!

 

There are hundreds of herbs that can help soothe a troubled tummy.

Here are several that I recommend.

 

Camomile (Matricaria recutita).

 

Commission E, the German group of scientists that makes

recommendations on herbal safety and effectiveness, considers camomile

effective for

relieving many gastrointestinal complaints, including indigestion.

 

Andrew Weil, M.D., professor at the University of Arizona College of

Medicine in Tucson and author of Natural Health, Natural Medicine,

says that the best home remedies for upset stomach are camomile and

peppermint tea.

 

Personally, I prefer peppermint, but both are effective.

While drinking camomile tea is fine, the tincture is probably more

effective.

Camomile tea has only 10 to 15 percent of the herb's carminative

essential oil, while tinctures prepared with 100-proof alcohol have

much more.

 

Peppermint (Mentha piperita).

 

Most herbalists, myself included, have a special regard for

peppermint's ability to relieve indigestion. I've needed peppermint

more often since 1990, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

gave

me a bad case of indigestion by ruling that peppermint is

ineffective for stomach distress. This does not mean that peppermint is

useless.

 

Frankly, it means that the FDA's evaluation was useless.

 

Commission E endorses peppermint tea for treating indigestion. Given

a choice between an FDA pronouncement and a Commission E endorsement,

I'd go for the German decision. Those folks did some research and really

know what they're about.

 

Peppermint tea works well, but I'm also partial to mint juleps,

which, it turns out, work even better. Varro Tyler, Ph.D., dean and

professor emeritus of pharmacognosy (natural product pharmacy) at Purdue

University in West Lafayette, Indiana, notes that most of the

carminative oils in peppermint and other mints are relatively

insoluble in water.

 

As a result, mint tea doesn't contain much of the plant's

stomach-soothing constituents.

It does contain enough to make it

effective, but a peppermint tincture, which is made with alcohol,

contains more. So if for some reason you don't want to drink a

julep, you can use a tincture instead. Follow the package directions.

 

 

Dyspepsi-Kola

 

If I had frequent bouts of indigestion, I'd mix up some of this

tincture, which I guarantee tastes better than Mylanta.

 

I have no recipe, so I just mix my herbs according to what I happen

to have on hand. Here are the herbs I include: a dash each of angelica,

anise, camomile, coriander, fennel, ginger, rosemary and turmeric

with two dashes of any of the mints, especially marjoram and peppermint.

 

It's okay to leave some out and to alter the mixture to suit your

personal tastes.

 

Steep these herbs overnight in the refrigerator in a mixture of

alcohol and water (one shot of vodka per cup of spring water). You can

drink this as a tea or add some to pineapple juice.

 

 

 

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum).

No wonder coriander helps soothe indigestion: Its essential oil is

carminative, antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal and a muscle

relaxant. Traditional herbalists valued coriander, especially to

counteract the stomach-upsetting properties of laxative herbs such

as buckthorn, cascara, rhubarb and senna. In Amazonia, wild coriander

(Eryngium foetidum), with nearly the same chemistry, is added to the

daily bean ration, perhaps to alleviate the flatulence the beans

could generate.

 

 

papaya (Carica papaya) and pineapple (Ananas comosus).

Both of these fruits contain enzymes (proteolytics) that break down

protein.

 

Naturopaths and people who advocate juicing for health,

among them medical anthropologist John Heinerman, Ph.D., author of

Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, maintain

that papaya and pineapple juice are good for relieving indigestion.

 

If they're right, you should also get benefits from eating other

fruits that contain proteolytic enzymes, such as kiwifruit or some

figs, after meals. If I had chronic indigestion, I might have these

fruits for dessert more often.

 

Red pepper (Capsicum, various species).

Americans often believe that hot spices upset the stomach. But much

of the rest of the world knows better--that hot spices like red pepper

help soothe it.

 

Red pepper also stimulates digestion.

 

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis).

South African physicians recommend rooibos (pronounced roo-ih-bus)

tea as an effective stomach soother that's gentle enough to treat infant

colic, according to the late economic botanist Julia Morton, D.Sc. (Dr.

Morton, author of some of the best books in the field, including The

Atlas of Medicinal Plants of Middle America, was killed in a car crash

in 1996.

It is a great loss for everyone involved in the study of medicinal

plants.) Unfortunately, rooibos is available in only a handful of stores

in the United States.

 

 

Assorted carminative herbs.

 

If anything, there are too many herbal carminatives. In my database,

I have more than 500 carminative entries, including all of the plants

mentioned in this chapter. Most are supported by at least some research.

 

 

Also included are agrimony, allspice, apples, basil, bay, beebalm,

buckwheat, burdock, caraway, cardamom, catnip, celery, chervil,

chives,

cloves, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, horehound, hyssop,

lemon balm (also known as melissa), lemongrass, lovage, marjoram,

nutmeg, onions, oregano, papaya, parsnips, pennyroyal, rosemary,

sage, savory, tarragon, tea, thyme, turmeric, vanilla and yarrow.

 

Feel free to try any of these herbs to relieve indigestion.

 

Assorted essential oils.

 

Aromatherapists often recommend a few whiffs of a number of

different carminative oils to settle a troubled tummy,

including aniseed, basil, bergamot, camomile, cinnamon, clove,

coriander, fennel, garlic, ginger, hyssop, juniper, lavender, lemon,

lemongrass, onion, peppermint, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon and

thyme. Do not ingest these oils, though, as some of them can be

fatal in even small doses.

The essential oils are meant to be used externally

 

" The Green Pharmacy "

James Duke, PhD

 

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO "

Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

We have made every effort to ensure that the information included in these pages

is accurate. However, we make no guarantees nor can we assume any responsibility

for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or

process discussed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mail is new and improved - Check it out!