Abdominal Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Abdominal pain is a sharp, dull, or crampy discomfort in the abdominal region, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.

It can be caused by various factors, including gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel disease, food poisoning, or even stress and anxiety. If left untreated, abdominal pain can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and potentially life-threatening conditions. Fortunately, herbal remedies such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile tea can provide relief.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of abdominal pain, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of abdominal pain?

The main causes of abdominal pain are gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which account for approximately 70-80% of cases.

Other potential causes include musculoskeletal issues like abdominal muscle strain, kidney stones, and ovarian cysts. Infections, such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, and diverticulitis, can also cause abdominal pain, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Liver disease, pancreatitis, and abdominal aortic aneurysm are additional causes of abdominal pain in adults, while conditions like intussusception and pyloric stenosis are more common in children.

Furthermore, psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and stress can contribute to abdominal pain in some individuals.

• Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a medical condition where the appendix becomes inflamed, usually due to a blockage of the appendix by feces, which can cause severe abdominal pain, especially in the lower right abdomen.
• Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, often triggered by stress, food intolerance, or hormonal changes.
• Kidney Stones: Kidney stones, small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, can cause severe abdominal pain, especially in the back or side, as they move through the urinary tract.
• Peptic Ulcer: A peptic ulcer, an open sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, typically caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause abdominal pain, especially after eating.
• Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis, an inflammation of the diverticula, small pouches in the wall of the colon, often caused by bacterial infection, can cause abdominal pain, especially in the lower left abdomen.
• Gallstones: Gallstones, small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, can cause abdominal pain, especially in the upper right abdomen, as they block the bile ducts or cause inflammation.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease, including conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Hernia: A hernia, a protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weakened area in the abdominal wall, can cause abdominal pain, especially in the groin or upper abdomen, especially after heavy lifting or straining.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption, can cause severe abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen, and vomiting.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for abdominal pain?

The main medicinal herbs used for abdominal pain are Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrriza glabra, Curcuma longa, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha x piperita, Cinchona officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Silybum marianum, Angelica archangelica, Aloe vera.

Zingiber officinale has anti-inflammatory properties due to its gingerol and shogaol compounds, which reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Glycyrrhiza glabra's glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, relieving digestive issues and soothing the gut lining. Curcuma longa contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that reduces inflammation and pain, while Foeniculum vulgare's anethole has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, easing digestive discomfort.

Additionally, Mentha x piperita's menthol and Cinchona officinalis's quinine exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, while Aloe barbadensis and Silybum marianum's silymarin and Aloe vera's aloe-emodin have protective and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in healing and soothing the gastrointestinal tract, with Angelica archangelica's ligustilide showing antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the abdomen.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties that help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the abdomen, reducing pain and inflammation.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the abdomen by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, contains anethole, which has anti-inflammatory and carminative properties that help reduce pain and discomfort in the abdomen by relaxing the muscles and reducing gas and bloating.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, contains menthol and menthone, which have anti-inflammatory and carminative properties that help reduce pain and discomfort in the abdomen by relaxing the muscles, reducing gas and bloating, and improving digestion.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, contains quinine, which has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the abdomen by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and reducing fever.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, contains aloin and aloe-emodin, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the abdomen by relaxing the muscles, reducing swelling, and promoting wound healing.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, contains silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the abdomen by protecting the liver and reducing oxidative stress.
• Angelica archangelica: Angelica archangelica, or angelica, contains ligustilide and butylphthalide, which have anti-inflammatory and carminative properties that help reduce pain and discomfort in the abdomen by relaxing the muscles, reducing gas and bloating, and improving digestion.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains aloin and aloe-emodin, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the abdomen by relaxing the muscles, reducing swelling, and promoting wound healing.

What are the main herbal preparations used for abdominal pain?

The main herbal preparations used for abdominal pain are Decoction, Tincture, Suppository, Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Cream, Ointment, Gel, Elixir.

Decoction is a liquid solution made by boiling herbs in water to treat acute abdominal pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, such as Willow bark decoction containing salicylic acid, which mimics aspirin's pain-relieving effects. Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs used for chronic abdominal pain, like Dandelion root tincture to stimulate digestion and alleviate constipation. Suppository is a solid form of herbal medicine inserted rectally to treat localized abdominal pain, such as Aloe vera suppository to soothe and calm the rectal mucosa.

Other forms like Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Cream, Ointment, Gel, and Elixir may be used to treat abdominal pain by providing topical relief or systemic absorption of herbal active ingredients.

• Decoction: A decoction of the root of the Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) helps with abdominal pain by releasing the active compound berberine, which has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive tract and reduce cramping.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of the Peppermint (Mentha piperita) plant helps with abdominal pain by releasing menthol, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Suppository: A suppository of the root of the Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) plant helps with abdominal pain by releasing aloe-emodin, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that soothe the digestive tract and reduce cramping.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the seeds of the Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) plant helps with abdominal pain by releasing anethole, which has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that reduce pain and inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Salve: A salve of the root of the Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) plant helps with abdominal pain by releasing salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that soothe the digestive tract and reduce cramping.
• Poultice: A poultice of the root of the Ginger (Zingiber officinale) plant helps with abdominal pain by releasing gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that reduce pain and inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Cream: A cream of the root of the Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) plant helps with abdominal pain by releasing apigenin, which has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that soothe the digestive tract and reduce cramping.
• Ointment: An ointment of the root of the Turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant helps with abdominal pain by releasing curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that reduce pain and inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Gel: A gel of the root of the Epsom Salt (Magnesium sulfate) plant helps with abdominal pain by releasing magnesium, which has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that reduce pain and inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Elixir: An elixir of the root of the Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) plant helps with abdominal pain by releasing taraxasterol, which has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that soothe the digestive tract and reduce cramping.