Hiatus Hernia: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A hiatus hernia is a medical condition where the upper part of the stomach bulges up through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, often caused by factors such as age, obesity, pregnancy, or chronic coughing.

The negative impacts of hiatus hernia on health can be severe, including acid reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and potential complications like esophageal stricture or respiratory problems. To relieve symptoms, herbal remedies such as licorice root, slippery elm, and meadowsweet can be used to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.

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

This article explains in detail what are the causes of hiatus hernia, 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 hiatus hernia?

The main causes of hiatus hernia are a combination of anatomical and physiological factors, including weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function, increased intra-abdominal pressure due to obesity, pregnancy, or chronic coughing, hiatal hernia types A and B are often caused by a protrusion of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus, and a significant association has been found between hiatus hernia and age-related degeneration of the diaphragm.

The main causes of hiatus hernia are a combination of anatomical and physiological factors, including weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function, increased intra-abdominal pressure due to obesity, pregnancy, or chronic coughing, hiatal hernia types A and B are often caused by a protrusion of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus, and a significant association has been found between hiatus hernia and age-related degeneration of the diaphragm.

• Obesity: Obesity is the most common cause of hiatus hernia due to increased abdominal pressure from excess weight, which can cause the stomach to bulge up into the chest through the diaphragmatic opening.
• Age: Age is a significant risk factor for hiatus hernia, as the diaphragm weakens with aging, allowing the stomach to herniate into the chest.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause hiatus hernia due to increased abdominal pressure and the stretching of the abdominal muscles, which can lead to the stomach bulging up into the chest.
• Hypertension: Hypertension can cause hiatus hernia by increasing abdominal pressure and weakening the diaphragm, allowing the stomach to herniate into the chest.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can cause hiatus hernia by weakening the tissues that support the diaphragm and allow the stomach to herniate into the chest.
• Trauma: Trauma, such as a severe blow to the abdomen, can cause hiatus hernia by damaging the diaphragm and allowing the stomach to herniate into the chest.
• Weakened Diaphragm: A weakened diaphragm, which can be caused by various factors such as congenital conditions or previous surgeries, can lead to hiatus hernia by allowing the stomach to herniate into the chest.
• Hiatal Stenosis: Hiatal stenosis, a narrowing of the esophageal hiatus, can cause hiatus hernia by restricting the passage of food and causing the stomach to herniate into the chest.
• Other Medical Conditions: Other medical conditions, such as scleroderma, can cause hiatus hernia by weakening the tissues that support the diaphragm and allowing the stomach to herniate into the chest.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hiatus hernia?

The main medicinal herbs used for hiatus hernia are Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum vulgare, Curcuma longa, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, Cinnamomum verum, Cinchona officinalis, Zingiber zerumbet, Ammi visnaga.

Zingiber officinale has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate symptoms of hiatus hernia. Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-ulcer properties that protect the mucous membranes of the esophagus from acid damage. Foeniculum vulgare and Curcuma longa have carminative properties that help to reduce symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux associated with hiatus hernia.

Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, Cinnamomum verum, Cinchona officinalis, Zingiber zerumbet, and Ammi visnaga have various mechanisms that help to regulate digestive function and alleviate symptoms of hiatus hernia.

• Zingiber officinale: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps with hiatus hernia by reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia due to its anti-inflammatory properties and gingerols which have gastroprotective effects.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) may help with hiatus hernia by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and improving the integrity of the lower esophageal sphincter due to its anti-inflammatory compounds and flavonoids.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) may alleviate symptoms of hiatus hernia by reducing spasms in the esophagus and alleviating dyspepsia due to its anise oil content and carminative properties.
• Curcuma longa: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps with hiatus hernia by reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia due to its anti-inflammatory compound curcumin which has gastroprotective effects.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis may help with hiatus hernia by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia due to its anti-inflammatory compounds and aloe-emodin which has gastroprotective effects.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera may help with hiatus hernia by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia due to its anti-inflammatory compounds and aloe-emodin which has gastroprotective effects.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) may help with hiatus hernia by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia due to its anti-inflammatory compounds and cinnamaldehyde which has gastroprotective effects.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona (Cinchona officinalis) may help with hiatus hernia by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia due to its anti-inflammatory compounds and quinine which has gastroprotective effects.
• Zingiber zerumbet: Zingiber zerumbet may help with hiatus hernia by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia due to its anti-inflammatory compounds and gingerols which have gastroprotective effects.
• Ammi visnaga: Bishop's weed (Ammi visnaga) may help with hiatus hernia by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia due to its anti-inflammatory compounds and sesquiterpenes which have gastroprotective effects.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hiatus hernia?

The main herbal preparations used for hiatus hernia are Tincture, Decoction, Capsules, Gel Caps, Ointment, Salve, Cream, Suppository, Poultice, Balm.

Tincture of Aloe vera, chamomile, and licorice root may be used to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. Decoction of marshmallow root, slippery elm, and meadowsweet may be used to form a protective barrier in the stomach and reduce acid production. Capsules and Gel Caps of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may be used to stimulate the production of mucus that protects the esophageal lining.

Topical preparations such as Ointment, Salve, Cream, Suppository, Poultice, and Balm containing anti-inflammatory herbs like calendula, comfrey, and ginger may be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the abdominal region.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the plant Passiflora incarnata may help with hiatus hernia by reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate the condition, as anxiety can increase the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, may aid in alleviating hiatus hernia symptoms by reducing inflammation and soothing the digestive tract, which can help to calm acid reflux.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the plant Carum carvi, also known as caraway, may help with hiatus hernia by reducing symptoms of flatulence and gas, which can contribute to the development of acid reflux.
• Gel Caps: Gel capsules made from the plant Cichorium intybus, also known as chicory, may alleviate hiatus hernia symptoms by supporting the health of the digestive system and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can help to regulate digestion and reduce acid reflux.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the plant Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, may help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with hiatus hernia.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Plantago major, also known as plantain, may aid in alleviating hiatus hernia symptoms by reducing inflammation and soothing the digestive tract, which can help to calm acid reflux.
• Cream: A cream made from the plant Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, may help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with hiatus hernia.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the plant Psyllium, also known as ispaghula, may help with hiatus hernia by supporting the health of the digestive system and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can help to regulate digestion and reduce acid reflux.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Arnica montana, also known as arnica, may aid in alleviating hiatus hernia symptoms by reducing inflammation and soothing the digestive tract, which can help to calm acid reflux.
• Balm: A balm made from the plant Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, may help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with hiatus hernia.