Herbs for Stomach Bloating and Distension?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: name not given
Posted on: April 29, 2005

Hopefully you may direct me to the right herb. I have bloating, distension and hardness on the top part of the gut above the belt line. It’s not the lower colon or intestine. When I was in Houston at the Mexican flea market, I purchased an non irradiated natural herb from a mexican woman. My sister-in-law interpreted for me, as I showed the woman the part of the gut that I was having problems with. My sister-in- law could not get the name of the herb. It completely got rid of the big gut, softened the stomach and took away all distension. It was not a laxative. The woman could not speak English, and I don’t know what the herb was. I would apprecicate your help. All I could understand her as saying was an herb for "inflammation" for that part of the gut. Could you please help. Unfortunatly, the herb went so fast, it was sold out. Could you direct me? Also, are your herbs natural and not irradiated?

Unfortunately, I can’t help you with the name of the Mexican herb. All cultures have their own special remedies for health problems.

I recommend that you consult with a health care practitioner to determine the cause of your bloating. Inflammation in the stomach area can lead to serious illness or death if not treated.

Bloating and distension can be caused by an ulcer, by excess acidity, poor digestion or improper diet. Undigested food remaining in the stomach starts to ferment, causing the bloating and discomfort. For permanent relief, your diet should include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding vinegar, pickles, all dairy products (which are the top acidity promoters), pork, shellfish, pasta, soft drinks (pop), fried foods, cigarette smoking, caffeine and all food containing sugar, sweeteners or refined flour. The best basic diet includes a small amount of fish, brown rice that has been soaked in water for at least 8 hours before cooking, onions and garlic. To these basics, add green salads with extra virgin olive oil, lightly cooked vegetables and seasonal fruit. To promote an acid/alkaline balance, the majority of your daily food intake should be fresh vegetables. Chew raw vegetables slowly before meals to promote digestive juices.

Stress and tension can promote irritation, ulcers and hyperacidity. Food sensitivities and drugs, including anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medicine, irritate the stomach lining. Avoid any foods that cause you digestive distress.

Herbs that are helpful include German chamomile which is a calming digestive, and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) which is an antacid, anti-inflammatory digestive herb used in excess acidity and ulcer. Slippery elm bark powder provides a protective coating to the intestinal tract that protects against acid. It is especially effective at bedtime, to provide protection from acids while sleeping. Take slippery elm by mixing a tablespoon of the powder in water to form a porridge consistency.

Richters does not sell irradiated herbs. All of our dried herbs are organic.

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