What are digestive herbs?Digestive herbs help you digest things right? Well yes, in a roundabout way, they help improve your body's natural ability to more easily digest things. The world we live in today is filled with more food choices than the human being has ever been confronted with, whether it's fast food, a slow cooked meal or some processed meat out of a can. The choices seem almost endless. With all these new food choices in mind, the body has a few methods to communicate with us when we make poor food choices. Some of us have the luxury of an iron stomach while others experience many food sensitivities that trigger negative responses from the body. The body's methods of communication are categorically referred to as indigestion and can manifest themselves in the following manner: heartburn, upset stomach diarrhea, gas, bloating, burping, irritable bowel syndrome, hard stool and general stomach discomfort.
I am quite confident that every reader of this article has at least experienced some stomach dysfunction in their life. Many of you may have turned to antacids or other over-the-counter remedies sold at your local retailer. You may not have been aware of it, or you might be newly discovering that there are digestive herbs that have stood the test of time. These herbal stomach remedies are inexpensive and effective in dealing with general stomach problems. Let's go on to explore aloe vera, peppermint and ginger. Aloe veraAloe vera has been used since ancient times to soothe upset stomachs. Aloe vera has two beneficial effects on the stomach and intestinal tract. One of its beneficial effects is the anti-inflammatory properties that it exerts on the intestinal lining. This helps to soothe disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The second beneficial effect exerted by aloe vera is its laxative effect. Due to the latex substance present in the plant. These two benefits work synergistically to help ease digestion and improve the process overall. Let's look at some current research conducted on aloe vera and confirm its beneficial properties.
A study conducted in March of 2004 by the Centre for Adult and Paediatric Gastroenterology in London, delved deeper into aloe vera's calming effect. The findings showed that ingestion of aloe vera gel caps significantly reduced several factors of inflammation known as reactive oxygen metabolites. They extrapolated their findings in their conclusion and suggested that aloe vera's anti-inflammatory effects on the digestive tract would be beneficial for those suffering from irritable bowel disease. Because not much is known about this disease, findings like this are promising for those who suffer from this very life altering digestive disorder. Refer to our aloe vera category to learn more about this versatile plant.
PeppermintPeppermint is referred to as a carminative herb. This classification is given to herbs that are known for soothing the stomach and reducing painful, as well a socially unacceptable, gas. We could all use a little less gas, at least in our person. Peppermint has been used by holistic medicine since the early 18th century, when it was first recognized and actively recommended by herbalists for people with digestive problems. Its usage has not dramatically changed however, its packaging has undergone a bit of a facelift in that it is now available in an easy to carry and consume gelcap.
Let's look at some recent research that continues to provide evidence that peppermint is a great natural way to soothe digestion problems. A recent double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted in Italy in 2007 found that people with a very severe digestion problem, known as irritable bowel syndrome,benefitted from oral administration of peppermint oil. The findins showed that it dramatically reduced the symptoms associated with IBS, when compared to placebo. The researchers saw a reduction of symptoms by as much as 50% in the group taking the oral peppermint supplements. If peppermint can do this for sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome. Then we can infer it has powerful effects over very mild upset stomach symptoms. Here is a link to our peppermint category so you can learn much more about this exciting and versatile herb.
GingerGinger has been used by the ancient Chinese as far back as 2500 years ago. It was generally recommended for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and rheumatism. It has also been studied by modern science to help those suffering from general digestion woes. This herb has such a calming effect that it is even recommended to those with nausea related to seasickness or travel. Ginger, like aloe vera, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties which make it ideal for soothing stomach ailments.
Ginger is recommended for pregnant women to deal with their nausea and vomiting problems. It is usually recommended that pregnant women do not take it more than four days in a row. It has also been found to be as effective as ibuprofen in people suffering from arthritis. Ginger helps to soothe the stomach and lower inflammation. Its bitter properties also encourage the liver to produce more bile and enhanced digestion further. Please refer to our ginger category for more exciting information about this powerful herb.
You Are What You EatWith the fact that we just can't stop eating to overcome our ever looming digestion problems and the many unknowns that reside around prescription drugs, it is good to know that there are some tried and true remedies from mother nature. If you are having recurring stomach problems, please consult your physician and make sure it is okay for you to try using aloe vera, peppermint and ginger to deal with your digestion woes. Eat and be merry with digestion herbs from A1supplements at the lowest price. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. References:http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FKA/is_5_61/ai_54542163/ http://www.a1supplements.com/Peppermint-p-1-c-508.html http://www.a1supplements.com/Aloe-Vera-p-1-c-413.html http://www.a1supplements.com/Ginger-p-1-c-472.html http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm
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