Herbal remedies for indigestion
THOUGH THE evidence is scanty, there’s no harm in trying some herbal remedies to help ease indigestion —for example, a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea after dinner; a small handful of anise seeds, as offered at Indian restaurants; a sip or two of angostura bitters (containing the herb gentian); or a piece of ginger candy. But because some herbs can aggravate other digestive conditions, such as heartburn, gastritis, and ulcers, it’s important to know that what you have is simply indigestion (what doctors call non-ulcer dyspepsia or irritable stomach). Peppermint, a common folk remedy, contains menthol and other substances that may help stimulate digestive juices and relieve intestinal spasms. But after-dinner mints, chewing gum, and tea may not contain enough peppermint oil to be effective. On the other hand, peppermint oil (especially in capsules that are not enteric-coated) can worsen gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (heartburn), because it relaxes the esophageal sphincter. Like peppermint, chamomile may also have an antispasmodic effect in the intestines. Other traditional remedies for indigestion include cardamom, coriander, cumin, fennel, garlic, ginger, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and turmeric. Lab studies suggest that such herbs and spices boost digestive processes. How much they’ll help in the small amounts normally used in cooking, however, is uncertain.
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"Herbal remedies for indigestion"