Stomach Cramps Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Stomach cramps is a type of abdominal pain caused by muscle spasms in the stomach, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat stomach cramps due to their natural anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Herbs like peppermint, ginger, and chamomile are commonly used to treat stomach cramps, as they help to relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.
Herbal preparations such as teas, infusions, and tinctures, including those made from licorice root, dandelion root, and meadowsweet, can be effective in providing relief from stomach cramps due to their ability to soothe the digestive system and reduce pain.
What causes stomach cramps?
The primary causes of stomach cramps are food poisoning, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastrointestinal infections, such as those caused by the bacteria Salmonella or E. coli, which can irritate the stomach lining and cause severe pain.
Secondary causes include stress, menstruation, and certain medications, such as antibiotics, which can alter gut bacteria and exacerbate symptoms.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing stomach cramps include consuming foods high in sugar and salt, not drinking enough water, and engaging in activities that lead to physical stress, such as marathon running, which can put pressure on the digestive system.
Additionally, people with a sedentary lifestyle and those who smoke are also more likely to experience stomach cramps due to reduced gut motility and increased inflammation.
What herbs heal stomach cramps?
The medicinal herbs used to treat stomach cramps are Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), and Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), which have been traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Ginger's bioactive compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, exhibit their therapeutic actions by inhibiting the production of pain-causing prostaglandins and relaxing the muscles in the stomach.
Peppermint's menthol content helps to relax the muscles and reduce inflammation in the stomach, while Chamomile's apigenin and luteolin flavonoids have a calming effect on the digestive system.
These herbs work together to alleviate stomach cramps by reducing inflammation, relaxing the muscles, and promoting digestive balance.
What preparations treat stomach cramps?
The herbal preparations used to treat stomach cramps are teas, infusions, and decoctions that help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and ease spasms.
Drinking a warm infusion can also help to stimulate digestion and relieve discomfort, while a decoction may be used to help soothe and calm the digestive system.
Infusions and tinctures made from certain plants can also act as a natural antispasmodic, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of stomach cramps.
Additionally, herbal tonics and syrups can be used to help regulate digestion and prevent stomach cramps from occurring in the first place.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat stomach cramps.