Naturopathic Treatment of
Indigestion
Herbal Treatment of Indigestion
Indigestion is discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest, which is often accompanied by belching wind and bringing up acid through the gullet into the mouth (see Acid Stomach).
One of the main causes of indigestion is overeating and eating too quickly. It can also be caused by a diet high in rich and fatty foods, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol, and drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola. Occasionally, indigestion can be caused by stomach cancer, but this is unusual in people under forty years of age. Symptoms of indigestion can also be caused by other ailments, such as gallstones, hernia, obesity and ulcers. Indigestion can be aggravated by aspirin and most anti-arthritis medicines.
People suffering indigestion for the fist time after the age of forty, or who experience a change in bowel movements, or who experience weight loss or frequent pain, should consult a medical practitioner. Subsequently, it may be necessary, in order to make a diagnosis, to carry out a barium meal and X-ray, or an endoscopy (an examination of the stomach and upper part of the intestine with a flexible, lighted tube) in hospital. An antacid may be prescribed, or a drug to reduce the amount of stomach acid.
Fasting for twenty four hours, taking only liquids such as apple juice or herb teas may help the digestive tract to recover from indigestion caused by overeating or an excess of rich foods. Spells of indigestion lasting longer then twenty four hours require a consultation. Slippery Elm powder in hot water is helpful in relieving inflammation of the digestive tract. Warm compresses over the abdomen can ease colic and stomach cramps.
Short spells of indigestion can be treated with herbal teas, such as peppermint, camomile, fennel, lemon balm or cinnamon. Longstanding and recurrent indigestion require consultation by a herbalist. Each case will be treated individually, and may be treated with herbs such as dandelion, ginger, golden seal, marigold, marshmallow, meadowsweet and thyme.
Indigestion can also be treated with acupuncture and acupressure.
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