Gastroparesis Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Gastroparesis is a medical condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying, where the stomach muscles are weakened, leading to slowed or halted digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Herbal remedies have been increasingly used to treat gastroparesis due to their potential benefits in improving digestive function, reducing symptoms, and promoting overall well-being.
Certain herbs such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) have been shown to enhance digestive enzyme production and alleviate nausea, while others like fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and anise (Pimpinella anisum) may help reduce spasms and inflammation in the stomach.
Herbal preparations such as ginger tea, peppermint oil capsules, and fennel tinctures can be beneficial in treating gastroparesis due to their ability to stimulate digestive function, reduce discomfort, and promote relaxation.
What causes gastroparesis?
The primary causes of gastroparesis are diabetes, particularly type 1, and certain medications such as anticholinergics and opioids, which can disrupt nerve signals to the stomach.
Secondary causes include viral infections like gastroenteritis, as well as conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, which can damage the nerves responsible for stomach motility.
Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of developing gastroparesis include a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet, which can lead to obesity and insulin resistance, further exacerbating diabetic gastroparesis.
Additionally, a history of gastric surgery, such as gastric bypass, can also contribute to the development of gastroparesis by disrupting normal stomach function.
What herbs heal gastroparesis?
The medicinal herbs used to treat gastroparesis are Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), and Triphala (a blend of three Indian herbs: Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki).
These herbs have therapeutic actions that stimulate digestion, reduce nausea, and alleviate abdominal pain, which are beneficial for managing gastroparesis symptoms.
Ginger contains bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve gastric motility, while Peppermint contains menthol that can relax the muscles in the stomach and reduce spasms.
Triphala, on the other hand, contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids that can help regulate bowel movements and improve digestion.
What preparations treat gastroparesis?
The herbal preparations used to treat gastroparesis are decoctions, infusions, and teas made from various plants that help to stimulate digestion and ease nausea.
These preparations can include bitters, which stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gut motility, as well as carminatives, which reduce inflammation and relieve bloating.
Some herbal preparations, such as those with expectorant properties, can help to thin mucus and improve food passage through the digestive system, while others with anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation in the stomach and small intestine.
Additionally, certain herbal preparations with antispasmodic properties can help to relax the muscles in the stomach and reduce symptoms of gastroparesis.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat gastroparesis.