Mucus In Stomach: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Mucus in the stomach, also known as gastric mucus, is a thick, protective layer of fluid that coats the stomach lining, preventing digestive enzymes from damaging the tissue.

Excessive mucus production can be caused by various factors, including dietary habits, food allergies, stress, and certain medical conditions. If left untreated, mucus in the stomach can lead to digestive issues, nausea, and abdominal pain, potentially impairing nutrient absorption and overall health. To alleviate mucus in the stomach, herbal remedies like slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root can be consumed as teas or added to meals.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, as some herbs can interact with other treatments or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of mucus in stomach, 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 mucus in stomach?

The main causes of mucus in stomach are often related to inflammation and irritation of the gastric mucosa, which can be triggered by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a common bacterial infection that causes chronic gastritis.

Other causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing inflammation and mucus production. Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can cause gastritis and mucus production due to their irritant effects on the stomach lining. Food allergies or intolerances, particularly to gluten or lactose, can also lead to inflammation and mucus production in the stomach.

Furthermore, certain medical conditions like Crohn's disease and celiac disease can cause chronic inflammation and mucus production in the stomach.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and leading to the production of mucus to protect the esophageal lining.
• Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, leads to inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining, resulting in mucus production for protection and healing.
• Food Intolerance: Food intolerance, particularly lactose intolerance, can cause inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining, leading to the production of mucus.
• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, causes inflammation and damage to the stomach lining, resulting in mucus production for protection.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, can cause the release of pancreatic enzymes that stimulate mucus production in the stomach.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, causes chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to mucus production for protection.
• Cancer: Cancer, particularly gastric cancer, can cause the production of mucus in the stomach as a tumor marker or as a result of tumor-related inflammation.
• Medication Side Effect: Certain medications, such as opioids or anticholinergics, can cause dry mouth and constipation, leading to mucus production in the stomach as a compensatory mechanism.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, particularly those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can cause changes in the stomach lining, leading to mucus production.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for mucus in stomach?

The main medicinal herbs used for mucus in stomach are Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cinnamomum verum, Foeniculum vulgare, Piper nigrum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Terminalia chebula, Aloe vera, and Ginkgo biloba.

Curcuma longa contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the stomach, thereby alleviating mucus production. Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerols and shogaols that help reduce inflammation and nausea associated with mucus in the stomach. Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice root, has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the stomach lining and reduce inflammation, while Cinnamomum verum, cinnamon, has antimicrobial properties that help combat bacterial overgrowth in the stomach.

Foeniculum vulgare, fennel, Piper nigrum, black pepper, Trigonella foenum-graecum, fenugreek, Terminalia chebula, amalaki, Aloe vera, and Ginkgo biloba have been traditionally used to alleviate digestive issues, including mucus in the stomach, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, helps to reduce mucus in the stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and carminative properties, which inhibit the production of mucus and alleviate digestive issues.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, helps to reduce mucus in the stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which thin mucus and promote its expulsion from the body.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, helps to reduce mucus in the stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, or cinnamon, helps to reduce mucus in the stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and carminative properties, which inhibit the production of mucus and alleviate digestive issues.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, helps to reduce mucus in the stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which thin mucus and promote its expulsion from the body.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, helps to reduce mucus in the stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and carminative properties, which inhibit the production of mucus and alleviate digestive issues.
• Trigonella foenum-graecum: Trigonella foenum-graecum, or fenugreek, helps to reduce mucus in the stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation.
• Terminalia chebula: Terminalia chebula, or haritaki, helps to reduce mucus in the stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which reduce inflammation and alleviate digestive issues.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps to reduce mucus in the stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have a known effect in reducing mucus in the stomach.

What are the main herbal preparations used for mucus in stomach?

The main herbal preparations used for mucus in stomach are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Ointment, Suppository, Poultice, Salve, Elixir, Gel, Lozenge.

Decoction involves boiling herbs in water to create a liquid extract that helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the stomach, thereby reducing mucus production. Tincture, on the other hand, is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs that can be taken orally to help break down and eliminate mucus in the stomach. Capsules or tablets are another form of herbal preparation that contain powdered herbs, which can be taken orally to help reduce mucus production and alleviate symptoms.

Additionally, ointments, suppositories, poultices, salves, elixirs, gels, and lozenges can also be used topically or orally to help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and break down mucus in the stomach.

• Decoction: A decoction of the dried root of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, can help to soothe and calm the stomach, reducing inflammation and mucus production due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties.
• Tincture: A tincture made from the dried flowers of the plant Echinacea purpurea can help to reduce mucus in the stomach by enhancing the body's immune response and reducing inflammation, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the dried seeds of the plant Psyllium husk (Plantago ovata) can help to reduce mucus in the stomach by adding bulk to the stool and promoting regular bowel movements, which can help to clear out mucus and other irritants.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the dried roots of the plant Calendula officinalis can help to reduce inflammation and mucus production in the stomach by applying its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties externally to the abdomen.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the dried bark of the plant Cinchona officinalis can help to reduce mucus in the stomach by delivering its anti-inflammatory compounds directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the dried leaves of the plant Plantago lanceolata can help to reduce mucus in the stomach by applying its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties directly to the abdomen, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Salve: A salve made from the dried flowers of the plant Calendula officinalis can help to reduce mucus in the stomach by applying its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties externally to the abdomen, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the dried roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, can help to soothe and calm the stomach, reducing inflammation and mucus production due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties.
• Gel: A gel made from the dried leaves of the plant Aloe barbadensis can help to reduce mucus in the stomach by applying its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Lozenge: A lozenge made from the dried roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, can help to soothe and calm the stomach, reducing inflammation and mucus production due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, and also providing a soothing effect on the mucous membranes.