Difficulty Eating: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Difficulty eating, also known as dysphagia, is the inability or discomfort in swallowing food, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration if left untreated.

This condition is often caused by neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, or dementia, as well as esophageal conditions like esophagitis or achalasia. If left unaddressed, difficulty eating can lead to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies such as slippery elm, aloe vera, and licorice root can be used to soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the throat and esophagus.

However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of difficulty eating, 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 difficulty eating?

The main causes of difficulty eating are various and complex, with several factors contributing to this issue.

Research suggests that neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and cerebral palsy can affect swallowing and eating due to damage to the brain or nervous system. Gastrointestinal conditions such as achalasia, gastroparesis, and esophageal cancer can also impair eating by hindering the movement of food through the digestive system. Additionally, musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis, muscular dystrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can weaken the muscles involved in eating, making it difficult to chew and swallow.

Moreover, psychological conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and depression can also impact eating habits, leading to difficulty consuming food.

• Dysphagia: Dysphagia is a medical condition that causes difficulty swallowing due to a variety of factors, including muscle weakness, neurological disorders, and anatomical abnormalities, making it challenging for individuals to eat and drink safely.
• Dental Issues: Dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and missing teeth can cause pain and discomfort while eating, leading to difficulty consuming food and potentially affecting overall nutrition.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that causes stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, leading to discomfort, pain, and difficulty eating due to the sensation of food getting stuck or being regurgitated.
• Eating Anxiety: Eating anxiety, also known as food neophobia or orthorexia, is a psychological condition characterized by an excessive fear of eating or a rigid adherence to a specific diet, leading to difficulty consuming food and potentially affecting overall nutrition.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain, particularly in the face, neck, and throat, can cause discomfort and difficulty eating due to the associated muscle tension, bruxism, and altered oral motor patterns.
• Stroke: A stroke can cause damage to the brain's swallowing center, leading to dysphagia and difficulty eating due to muscle weakness, paralysis, or altered coordination of the swallowing process.
• Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that can cause difficulty eating due to the associated motor symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which can affect the coordination and speed of the swallowing process.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that can cause difficulty eating due to muscle weakness and paralysis, particularly in the face, neck, and throat, leading to dysphagia and potential malnutrition.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause difficulty eating due to muscle weakness, numbness, and fatigue, particularly in the face, neck, and throat, leading to dysphagia and potential malnutrition.
• Tremors: Tremors, particularly in the face, lips, and jaw, can cause difficulty eating due to the involuntary movements and altered coordination of the oral motor functions.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for difficulty eating?

The main medicinal herbs used for difficulty eating are Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginkgo biloba, Cinnamomum verum, Panax ginseng, Piper nigrum, Angelica sinensis, Foeniculum vulgare, Zanthoxylum bungeanum.

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with eating difficulties. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can aid in digestion and reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice root, stimulates appetite and improves digestion by increasing the levels of gastric acid and pepsin.

These herbs may also include Ginkgo biloba, Cinnamomum verum, Piper nigrum, Angelica sinensis, Foeniculum vulgare, and Zanthoxylum bungeanum, which have been traditionally used to improve digestive function and alleviate nausea and vomiting.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps with difficulty eating due to its anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with eating disorders.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, assists with difficulty eating by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, which can help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a common cause of eating difficulties.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, supports difficulty eating by soothing the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, thereby reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, a traditional herbal remedy, aids in difficulty eating by improving blood flow to the digestive organs, which can help alleviate symptoms of gastroparesis, a condition that affects the stomach's ability to move food into the small intestine.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, or cinnamon, helps with difficulty eating by regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, which can help alleviate symptoms of diabetes-related gastroparesis.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng, a traditional herbal adaptogen, supports difficulty eating by enhancing digestive enzyme activity and improving gut motility, which can help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, aids in difficulty eating by enhancing digestive enzyme activity and improving gut motility, which can help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis, or dong quai, helps with difficulty eating by regulating gut motility and improving digestive enzyme activity, which can help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, supports difficulty eating by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a common cause of eating difficulties.
• Zanthoxylum bungeanum: Zanthoxylum bungeanum, or Sichuan pepper, aids in difficulty eating by improving gut motility and regulating digestive enzyme activity, which can help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.

What are the main herbal preparations used for difficulty eating?

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

Tincture, a concentrated liquid solution, often contains digestive herbs like ginger, peppermint, and licorice root, which ease inflammation and soothe the stomach. Decoction, a strong liquid made by boiling herbs, typically includes slippery elm and marshmallow root, which coat and protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract. Capsules, containing powdered herbs such as caraway and anise, are designed to release the active ingredients in the stomach, promoting digestion and reducing discomfort.

The topical preparations like Gel, Suppository, Salve, Cream, Ointment, and Poultice, typically containing herbs like chamomile, aloe vera, and calendula, may help soothe and calm the digestive tract, promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, while Elixir, a sweet-tasting liquid, often contains herbs like lemon balm and meadowsweet, which may help stimulate appetite and alleviate digestive issues.

• Tincture: A tincture of Passiflora incarnata can help with difficulty eating by reducing anxiety and stress that may be contributing to eating difficulties, allowing the individual to relax and eat more comfortably.
• Decoction: A decoction of Ilex aquifolium can help with difficulty eating by increasing saliva production and improving digestion, making it easier to eat and digest food.
• Capsule: A capsule containing powdered ginger (Zingiber officinale) can help with difficulty eating by reducing nausea and inflammation in the digestive tract, making it easier to eat and digest food.
• Gel: A gel of slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) can help with difficulty eating by protecting and soothing the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort that may be contributing to eating difficulties.
• Suppository: A suppository of arnica (Arnica montana) can help with difficulty eating by reducing inflammation and discomfort in the digestive tract, allowing the individual to eat more comfortably and digest food more easily.
• Salve: A salve of calendula (Calendula officinalis) can help with difficulty eating by reducing inflammation and discomfort in the mouth and digestive tract, making it easier to eat and digest food.
• Cream: A cream of comfrey (Symphytum officinale) can help with difficulty eating by soothing and protecting the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort that may be contributing to eating difficulties.
• Ointment: An ointment of plantain (Plantago major) can help with difficulty eating by reducing inflammation and discomfort in the digestive tract, allowing the individual to eat more comfortably and digest food more easily.
• Poultice: A poultice of clay and herbs, including fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), can help with difficulty eating by reducing inflammation and discomfort in the digestive tract, allowing the individual to eat more comfortably and digest food more easily.
• Elixir: An elixir of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can help with difficulty eating by soothing and protecting the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort that may be contributing to eating difficulties.