By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 18, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Gastroenteritis
Herbal creams for gastroenteritis are topical remedies infused with herbal extracts that help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea associated with gastroenteritis.
Examples of beneficial herbal creams include aloe vera, peppermint, and ginger creams, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
They provide quick relief, reducing discomfort and allowing individuals to recover faster, thus improving their quality of life and enabling them to return to their daily activities with greater ease.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for gastroenteritis, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Calendula officinalis
- 2. Aloe vera
- 3. Zingiber officinale
- 4. Ulmus rubra
- 5. Mentha x piperita
- 6. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 7. Curcuma longa
- 8. Althaea officinalis
- 9. Taraxacum officinale
- 10. Matricaria chamomilla
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for gastroenteritis?
- What ailments similar to gastroenteritis are treated with herbal creams?
1. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with gastroenteritis because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The cream soothes irritated tissues in the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort. Calendula's antiseptic qualities also help combat bacterial and fungal infections that can exacerbate gastroenteritis. Additionally, its antioxidant properties promote healing and regeneration of damaged tissues, allowing the body to recover faster from the infection and regain its natural digestive balance.
This natural remedy provides relief from gastroenteritis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Phenolic acids: They possess antimicrobial properties, which help to combat the underlying bacterial or viral infection causing gastroenteritis.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to soothe the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms such as nausea and vomiting associated with gastroenteritis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Flowers: They contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds, which help soothe and protect the digestive tract.
- Leaves: They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the digestive system.
- Seeds: They contain saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help alleviate gastroenteritis symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for gastroenteritis.
- Infuse calendula officinalis flowers in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil for about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the plant material.
- Mix 10 percent of the infused oil with 90 percent of a moisturizing base such as beeswax and coconut oil.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour the warm mixture into a clean glass jar and let it cool completely before use.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with gastroenteritis because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The gel extracted from the aloe plant contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract. Additionally, aloe vera has antimicrobial properties that can help combat bacterial and viral infections that often cause gastroenteritis.
By reducing inflammation and fighting off infections, aloe vera creams can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery from gastroenteritis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Anthraquinones: These glycosidic compounds help with gastroenteritis by reducing inflammation in the gut, alleviating diarrhea, and promoting the healing of damaged mucous membranes.
- Aloin: This anthraquinone derivative has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which aid in soothing the gut, reducing the severity of diarrhea, and preventing bacterial overgrowth.
- Acemannan: This polysaccharide has immunomodulatory effects, helping to regulate the body's immune response and reduce inflammation in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Leaves: Used due to their high gel content, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis.
- Gel from leaves: Used because its water-binding properties can help to protect and soothe the gastrointestinal tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
- Aloe vera extract from leaves: Used as it contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that aid in treating gastroenteritis symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for gastroenteritis.
- Harvest 100 grams of fresh aloe vera gel from 2 to 3 mature aloe vera leaves.
- Weigh 50 grams of aloe vera gel and transfer it to a blender.
- Blend the aloe vera gel at high speed for 30 seconds with 20 grams of coconut oil.
- Melt 20 grams of beeswax in a double boiler for 5 minutes over low heat.
- Mix the blended aloe vera mixture with the melted beeswax and allow it to cool for 30 minutes.
3. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, creams helps with gastroenteritis because it has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have natural antispasmodic effects that ease nausea and vomiting. Additionally, ginger has antimicrobial properties that combat the underlying infections causing gastroenteritis. By reducing inflammation, alleviating symptoms, and combating infection, herbal Zingiber officinale creams provide relief from gastroenteritis symptoms.
This makes it a popular natural remedy for digestive issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Gingerol: Gingerol is a phenolic compound that helps with gastroenteritis by reducing inflammation and alleviating nausea, thereby providing relief from symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps.
- Shogaol: Shogaol is a phenolic compound that helps with gastroenteritis by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, reducing inflammation, and easing digestive discomfort, making it an effective remedy for gastroenteritis.
- 6-gingerol: 6-Gingerol is a sesquiterpene that helps with gastroenteritis by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the digestive tract, ultimately alleviating symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are used because they contain the highest concentration of bioactive compounds, including gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
- Roots: Roots are used because they contain a high amount of ginger's active ingredients, including gingerol and shogaol, which help to alleviate nausea and reduce inflammation.
- Leaves: Leaves are used because they contain a lower concentration of bioactive compounds compared to rhyzomes and roots, but still possess anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for gastroenteritis.
- Infuse 100 grams of zingiber officinale roots in 500 milliliters of carrier oil for 48 hours at room temperature.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean container to separate the solids from the liquid.
- Add 10 grams of beeswax to the infused oil and heat the mixture in a double boiler at 160 degrees fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
- Whip 100 milliliters of distilled water with 20 grams of vitamin e oil and 10 grams of candelilla wax to create a smooth emulsion.
- Combine the cooled oil and emulsion mixtures in a ratio of 70:30 and pour the mixture into airtight containers for storage.
4. Ulmus rubra
Ulmus rubra, also known as slippery elm, creams helps with gastroenteritis because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The mucilaginous compounds in Ulmus rubra bind to the gut lining, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with gastroenteritis. This helps to calm irritated tissues and promote healing.
Additionally, the cream's demulcent properties create a protective barrier on the gut lining, allowing it to recover from inflammation and irritation, thereby alleviating symptoms of gastroenteritis and promoting overall gut health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Mucilages: These complex carbohydrates help form a protective barrier in the gut, reducing inflammation and soothing irritated mucous membranes to alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis.
- Tannins: These polyphenolic compounds have antimicrobial properties, which can help control the growth of pathogens responsible for gastroenteritis, such as bacteria and viruses.
- Gallic acid: A polyphenolic compound with antioxidant properties, gallic acid may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, contributing to the relief of gastroenteritis symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of slippery elm used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Barks: The barks of Ulmus rubra are used to make creams due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Leaves: The leaves of Ulmus rubra are used to make creams due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Roots: The roots of Ulmus rubra are used to make creams due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm for gastroenteritis.
- Harvest 100 grams of dried red elm bark from mature trees in the fall season.
- Combine the dried bark with 200 milliliters of carrier oil in a clean glass jar.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler over low heat for 30 minutes then let cool.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another container to remove solids.
- Mix the resulting liquid with 50 grams of beeswax and 50 milliliters of vitamin e oil to create a smooth cream.
5. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, creams helps with gastroenteritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive tract and calm nausea.
The menthol in peppermint creams triggers a cooling sensation that can ease cramping and spasms, making it easier to manage symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Additionally, peppermint's natural antispasmodic effects help to relax the muscles in the stomach and intestines, allowing the body to recover more efficiently from the viral or bacterial infection causing the condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Cineole: Helps with gastroenteritis by reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms such as nausea and vomiting due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Menthone: Eases gastroenteritis symptoms by relaxing the smooth muscles in the digestive tract and reducing spasms, which helps to alleviate abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
- Rosmarinic acid: Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive tract, which helps to alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Leaves: Leaves are used due to their high menthol content, which helps to reduce nausea and alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis.
- Stems: Stems are used for their ability to provide a cooling sensation when applied topically, which can help to soothe digestive issues.
- Roots: Roots are used for their rich concentration of menthol and menthone, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve gastroenteritis symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for gastroenteritis.
- Harvest 2 cups of fresh mentha x piperita leaves and flowers in the morning after dew has evaporated.
- Clean and dry the harvested mentha x piperita thoroughly using a clean cloth to remove impurities.
- Steep 1 cup of dried mentha x piperita in 2 cups of distilled water at 212 degrees fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Strain and combine the cooled herbal infusion with 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Whip the mixture using an electric mixer until it thickens and becomes a smooth creamy texture.
6. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with gastroenteritis because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The herb's active compound, glycyrrhizin, has been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, providing relief from symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The cream's moisturizing and protective effects also help to calm the mucous membranes, promoting healing and reducing the severity of gastroenteritis.
This makes licorice cream a popular natural remedy for treating digestive issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpene saponin helps with gastroenteritis by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which contribute to stomach pain and inflammation.
- Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
- Licoricidin: This isoflavane is a prenylated isoflavone that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help prevent the spread of gastroenteritis-causing pathogens and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Roots: The roots are used due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help alleviate gastroenteritis symptoms.
- Leaves: The leaves are used for their bioactive compounds, which have been found to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the treatment of gastroenteritis.
- Barks: The barks are used due to their rich content of glycosides and other bioactive compounds, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, helping to treat gastroenteritis symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for gastroenteritis.
- Extract 200g of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and soak them in 500ml of hot water for 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean container and discard the solids.
- Combine the liquid with 100g of coconut oil and 100g of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts and the mixture reaches 160 degrees fahrenheit in 20 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool before whipping it into a creamy texture for 10 minutes.
7. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, creams helps with gastroenteritis because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The active compound, curcumin, has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Curcumin also possesses antioxidant properties, which help to protect the gastrointestinal tract from oxidative stress and promote healing.
Additionally, turmeric creams have been found to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and viruses that cause gastroenteritis, providing a natural and effective remedy for this condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Curcumin: Curcumin, a phenolic compound, helps alleviate gastroenteritis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract, thus promoting healing and reducing symptoms.
- Demethoxycurcumin: DMC, a phenolic compound, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in the prevention of gastroenteritis by reducing the severity of symptoms and promoting a faster recovery.
- Beta-caryophyllene: Beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby alleviating the symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Rhyzomes: Curcuma longa rhyzomes are widely used to make creams for gastroenteritis because they contain a high concentration of curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Roots: Curcuma longa roots are used to make creams for gastroenteritis due to their high content of turmeric, a natural agent that helps reduce inflammation and soothe digestive issues.
- Seeds: Curcuma longa seeds are sometimes used to make creams for gastroenteritis as they contain oils with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, although their use is less common compared to rhyzomes and roots.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for gastroenteritis.
- Harvest 500g of fresh curcuma longa rhizomes and clean them thoroughly to remove dirt and impurities.
- Boil 1 liter of water and then soak 500g of curcuma longa rhizomes in it for 2 hours.
- Blend the soaked curcuma longa mixture with 200g of beeswax and 100g of coconut oil in a blender.
- Heat the blended mixture in a double boiler and stir it continuously for 30 minutes at 60 degrees celsius.
- Allow the mixture to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container for storage and use.
8. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, creams helps with gastroenteritis because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The mucilages present in the plant create a protective barrier on the gastrointestinal tract, reducing irritation and inflammation. This helps to calm diarrhea and stomach cramps associated with gastroenteritis, allowing the body to heal and recover from the infection.
The cream also helps to repair the damaged mucous membranes, promoting a speedy recovery and preventing further complications.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Mucilages: These complex carbohydrates help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing inflammation and irritation associated with gastroenteritis.
- Flavonoids: These plant-based compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, and promote healing in the affected areas of the digestive system.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce bacterial and fungal infections, as well as inflammation, in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby aiding in the recovery from gastroenteritis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Roots: The roots of Althaea officinalis are used to make creams for gastroenteritis because they contain mucilages, which have soothing and protective properties for the digestive tract.
- Leaves: The leaves of Althaea officinalis are used to make creams for gastroenteritis due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help to prevent infections in the digestive system.
- Buds: The buds of Althaea officinalis are used to make creams for gastroenteritis because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which can help to alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for gastroenteritis.
- Harvest 10 to 20 pounds of fresh roots of althaea officinalis for medicinal use in creams.
- Clean and dry the roots for 2 hours to prepare for infusion and grinding.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Mix 1 cup of the ground root powder with 2 cups of distilled water in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture for 30 to 60 minutes or until it reaches a temperature of 212°f.
9. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, creams helps with gastroenteritis because it contains anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.
The cream's diuretic properties help to alleviate water retention and relieve symptoms such as bloating and stomach cramps. Additionally, dandelion's prebiotic properties support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced gut microbiome.
This helps to regulate bowel movements and alleviate diarrhea, making it a potential natural remedy for gastroenteritis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in dandelion, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with gastroenteritis.
- Taraxasterol: Taraxasterol, a triterpenoid saponin, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help protect the gastrointestinal tract from damage and promote healing in cases of gastroenteritis.
- Inulin: Inulin, a prebiotic fiber, helps promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing symptoms of gastroenteritis such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Leaves: Leaves are used due to their high content of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Flowers: Flowers are used because they contain taraxasterol, a compound that may help alleviate gastrointestinal issues.
- Roots: Roots are used due to their high concentration of taraxasterol and other bioactive compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for gastroenteritis.
- Harvest 20-30 fresh taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers in the early morning for optimal potency preservation.
- Combine 20g of taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers with 100ml of olive oil in a clean glass container.
- Steep the mixture in a warm place for 2-3 hours or overnight to allow for oil infusion.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain the infused oil.
- Mix 20g of beeswax with 50g of coconut oil and 20ml of the taraxacum officinale infused oil to create a smooth cream consistency.
10. Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with gastroenteritis because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The active compounds in chamomile, such as apigenin and bisabolol, have been shown to calm digestive issues by reducing inflammation in the gut. This can help to alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea.
Additionally, chamomile's gentle antispasmodic effects can help to ease intestinal spasms, promoting a smoother digestive process and faster recovery from gastroenteritis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with gastroenteritis.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid helps with gastroenteritis by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation in the digestive tract.
- Matricaria esters: These esters have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help alleviate symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
- Bornyl acetate: As a terpene, bornyl acetate has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help combat bacterial and viral infections causing gastroenteritis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for gastroenteritis.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to calm digestive issues.
- Leaves: They are used due to their mild astringent properties that aid in reducing inflammation and soothing the digestive system.
- Seeds: They are used due to their sedative and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce nausea and alleviate digestive discomfort.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for gastroenteritis.
- Extract 25g of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers in 500ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to obtain a clear liquid.
- Mix 200g of vegetable oil such as sweet almond oil with the liquid from step 2 in a 1:1 ratio.
- Add 20g of beeswax to the mixture from step 3 and heat it gently for 10-15 minutes.
- Pour the mixture from step 4 into a clean container and let it cool and set.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for gastroenteritis?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with gastroenteritis is a blend of aloe vera, peppermint, and ginger.
Aloe vera soothes and calms the digestive tract, while peppermint reduces inflammation and eases cramps. Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce nausea and vomiting. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil can be added to the mixture to combat bacterial infections.
This combination can provide relief from the symptoms of gastroenteritis, promoting faster recovery and reducing the risk of complications.
What ailments similar to gastroenteritis are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to gastroenteritis/creams.html">gastroenteritis/creams.html">gastroenteritis that are treated with herbal creams are inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and peptic ulcers.
Herbal creams containing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
These creams may also contain antiseptic agents to prevent infection and promote healing.