Whether you are facing stomach pain caused by stress or a heavy meal, the beneficial effects of medicinal plants are undeniable. Below, we provide a brief overview of several of them.
1) Iberis amara (Bitter Candytuft): Regulates Stomach Muscles
This medicinal plant has a positive effect against stomach cramps while simultaneously stimulating its functions. Bitter candytuft is also appreciated for its beneficial effect against flatulence and bloating. Additionally, it protects against gastric ulcers, inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, and has a preventive effect against gastritis and heartburn.
2) Angelica: Treats Stomach Cramps
People suffering from feelings of fullness and bloating can try angelica tea. The essential oils and bitter substances it contains have a calming effect on stomach cramps, reducing bloating and feelings of fullness, and also have an antimicrobial effect.
Angelica can be consumed in the form of teas or as an ingredient in various medicinal preparations, due to its anti-inflammatory effect and preventive action against stomach ulcers. Moreover, this medicinal plant stimulates appetite in cases where it is affected by gastric issues.
3) Chamomile Flowers
Chamomile is probably the most well-known and oldest plant recommended for inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and calming the gastrointestinal tract. This type of tea is recommended for all gastric ailments due to its calming effect on the stomach and nerves. Additionally, chamomile tea regulates gastric juice production and acts as a calming agent for the stomach, having an anti-inflammatory effect against stomach ulcers.
4) Caraway
Numerous pharmaceutical products for relieving stomach pain contain caraway. Caraway regulates the production of gastric juices and prevents the occurrence of stomach cramps and colic. The essential oil from caraway seeds reduces gas formation in the intestines and prevents bloating.
It can also be consumed as tea, and caraway is recommended for stomach pain associated with heavy or fatty meals.
5) Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has a special effect: it protects cells and prevents the formation of ulcers in the stomach. Additionally, milk thistle regulates gastric acid production and protects against stomach cramps.
6) Lemon Balm Leaves
An irritated stomach can be calmed with lemon balm tea. It is sufficient to steep a few lemon balm leaves and consume the resulting tea to regulate bile production and stimulate digestion.
7) Mint Leaves
Mint tea is beneficial against feelings of nausea and stomach cramps. Consuming mint tea prevents stomach infections and ulcers.
In the case of inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, it is recommended to consume mint in smaller quantities to avoid further irritation of the stomach.
8) Greater Celandine
This medicinal plant stimulates stomach activity. The bitter substances, alkaloids, and flavonoids it contains have a soothing and calming effect, which simultaneously stimulates the entire digestive system.
Greater celandine should not be consumed directly but only in the form of preparations from pharmacies, as the alkaloid content can have toxic effects.
9) Licorice Root
Vegetable extracts from licorice root calm stomach cramps and prevent the occurrence of ulcers. Additionally, licorice root regulates acid formation in the stomach.
10) Fennel: Against Stomach Cramps and Bloating
This widely cultivated and medicinal plant in Central Europe is rich in potassium and essential oils. This plant is used in teas to alleviate gastrointestinal issues (e.g., abdominal cramps), with fennel having a calming effect on it. Due to the mild taste of fennel tea, it is also recommended for treating bloating and feelings of fullness, even in infants and children.
