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Herbal Medicine can be thought of as old home remedies for the bowel. They have been around for centuries and have been used by people with some success to treat symptoms. However, there are very few clinical trials of herbal treatments, so whilst they may benefit, I have no evidence to back them up!
Herbal medicines are made up from roots, leaves, flowers and berries which makes them a natural alternative to conventional medicines.A lot of sufferers swear by herbal remedies and because they have been used safely over centuries, they are certainly worth trying!
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Peppermint -
This definitely has a role and can be prescribed by doctors. It is one of the natural remedies for gas, wind and bloating. It has been proven to be an effective pain reliever, reducing spasm and also has an antacid property. This is why you see it so often in 'indigestion products'. It is the base for so many medicinal products. Doctors prescribe it for use as a peppermint oil capsule, although it can be drunk as a tea too. Peppermint should be taken before food as it increases gastric juice production.
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Ginger
Ginger has long been used as an antiemetic or anti–nausea herb. It is safe in pregnancy and can be taken in various forms including ginger root, crystallised ginger, biscuits and even as a herbal tea. It is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and also said to improve the intestinal muscle. It appears to relieve cramps and is good in indigestion too.
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Chamomile
I often recommend this to my patients as it is a relaxant and aids sleep. Part of the daisy family, its also thought to have antibacterial properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Its ideal when taken as a tea before bedtime, it also helps to relieve spasm, cramps and nausea symptoms too.
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Fennel
This herb I also recommend because of its anti-spasm properties. It reduces gastric acid production in the stomach and helps to reduce the wind and bloating commonly seen in IBS. One of the natural remedies for gas, it can be taken as a herbal tea or the light brown seeds can be chewed.
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Senna
This herb is obtained from senna pods and available as tablets, liquids or the pods themselves. They can be classified as one of the natural and old home remedies for constipation, commonly used by doctors in mild to moderate constipation. Other constipation natural remedies include prunes, grape juice and figs.
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Oregano
Oregano has anti-spasm properties and helps to reduce bloat, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
It comes as a leaf which is dried and can be taken as a herbal tea. It also comes as oil capsules.
Share your thoughts on herbal medicine!
What do you think about herbal medicine? Do you have any experience of this? What works for you? What doesn't? Share it!
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