Stomach Growling: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Stomach growling, medically known as borborygmi, is the rumbling or gurgling sound produced by the movement of gas through the intestines.

This occurs when the stomach muscles contract and relax, often due to hunger, anxiety, or eating habits. Repeated stomach growling can lead to discomfort, bloating, and digestive issues.

Herbal remedies, such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile, can provide relief. Try consuming ginger tea, peppermint oil capsules, or chamomile tea to soothe the stomach.

However, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with allergies should consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs.

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

The main causes of stomach growling are the contraction and relaxation of the stomach muscles, known as gastric contractions, which occur when the stomach is empty and searching for food.

This process is mediated by the release of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the stomach to contract and secrete digestive enzymes. The growling sound is produced by the movement of gas, liquid, and food in the stomach, which creates pressure changes within the abdominal cavity. The frequency and intensity of stomach growling can be influenced by factors such as hunger, eating habits, and certain medical conditions, including gastroparesis and gastropexy.

In addition, the rate of gastric emptying, which is the time it takes for food to leave the stomach, can also contribute to the development of stomach growling.

• Hunger: Stomach growling is primarily caused by the stomach muscles contracting in anticipation of food, usually due to an empty stomach and lack of nutrients, prompting the body to seek nutrition.
• Digestion: The stomach growling sound is also produced by the movement of food through the digestive system, including the churning and mixing of food with digestive enzymes, which can cause contractions and vibrations in the stomach wall.
• Gas: Stomach growling can be caused by the buildup of gas in the digestive system, which can lead to contractions and vibrations in the stomach wall as the body tries to release the gas.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Stomach growling can also be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, which can cause contractions and vibrations in the stomach wall.
• Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can cause stomach growling by stimulating the stomach muscles to contract, often due to the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline.
• Food intolerance: Stomach growling can be caused by food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance, which can lead to digestive discomfort and stomach contractions.
• Gastritis: Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can cause stomach growling due to the irritation and inflammation of the stomach muscles, leading to contractions and vibrations.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause stomach growling due to the body's need for glucose to fuel the stomach muscles and other organs.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antihistamines, can cause stomach growling as a side effect due to their effects on the stomach muscles and digestive system.
• Pregnancy: Stomach growling can be caused by pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, due to the hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the stomach and digestive system.
• Other medical conditions: Other medical conditions, such as gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying, and inflammatory bowel disease, can also cause stomach growling due to the underlying inflammation and irritation of the stomach and digestive system.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for stomach growling?

The main medicinal herbs used for stomach growling are Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum vulgare, Cinnamomum verum, Cuminum cyminum, Curcuma longa, Mentha x piperita, Piper nigrum, Coriandrum sativum, Pimpinella anisum.

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce nausea and alleviate stomach discomfort. Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, soothes the mucous membranes in the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation and improving digestion. Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, relaxes the muscles in the stomach, reducing spasms and cramps, while Cinnamomum verum, or cinnamon, has antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, which reduces inflammation and improves digestion, while the other herbs, including peppermint, black pepper, coriander, and anise, also have various anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits that can help alleviate stomach growling.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate nausea and digestive discomfort associated with stomach growling.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe the stomach and reduce inflammation, which may help alleviate stomach growling and discomfort.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, contains compounds like anethole that have carminative and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve digestive discomfort, bloating, and stomach growling.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as Ceylon cinnamon, contains cinnamaldehyde that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate stomach discomfort associated with growling.
• Cuminum cyminum: Cuminum cyminum, or cumin, contains compounds like cuminaldehyde that have carminative and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve digestive discomfort, bloating, and stomach growling.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin that has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate stomach discomfort associated with growling.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, contains menthol that has a calming effect on the digestive system and can help relieve digestive discomfort, nausea, and stomach growling.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, contains piperine that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate stomach discomfort associated with growling.
• Coriandrum sativum: Coriandrum sativum, or coriander, contains compounds like linalool that have carminative and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve digestive discomfort, bloating, and stomach growling.
• Pimpinella anisum: Pimpinella anisum, or anise, contains anethole that has carminative and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve digestive discomfort, bloating, and stomach growling.

What are the main herbal preparations used for stomach growling?

The main herbal preparations used for stomach growling are Decoction Capsules, Tincture Drops, Suppository, Liquid Extract, Salve, Elixir, Gel Caps, Powder, Tea, Ointment.

Decoction capsules contain a concentrated herbal extract that helps to soothe the stomach lining and reduce inflammation, while Tincture drops are a concentrated liquid extract of herbs that can be taken sublingually to quickly calm digestive issues. Suppositories, on the other hand, are used to deliver herbs directly to the rectal area, where they can absorb into the bloodstream and target digestive issues. Liquid extract and Salve can be applied topically to the stomach area to provide relief, while Elixir and Gel Caps are liquid and capsule forms, respectively, that can be taken orally to provide a gentle, soothing effect on the stomach.

Powder and Tea are also used to provide relief from stomach growling, with Powder taken orally and Tea consumed to help stimulate digestion and alleviate discomfort.

• Decoction Capsules: Decoction Capsules help with stomach growling by providing a slow release of active compounds from the herb, such as Peppermint (Mentha piperita) or Ginger (Zingiber officinale), which can ease digestion and reduce inflammation in the stomach lining.
• Tincture Drops: Tincture Drops, made with herbs like Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) or Dill (Anethum graveolens), help with stomach growling by providing a concentrated dose of bioactive compounds that can quickly and effectively soothe the stomach and alleviate digestive discomfort.
• Suppository: Suppositories, typically made with herbs like Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) or Caraway (Carum carvi), help with stomach growling by delivering the active compounds directly to the affected area, providing rapid relief from digestive discomfort and inflammation.
• Liquid Extract: Liquid Extracts, such as those made from Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) or Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), help with stomach growling by providing a concentrated dose of bioactive compounds that can quickly and effectively soothe the stomach and alleviate digestive discomfort.
• Salve: Salves, typically made with herbs like Calendula (Calendula officinalis) or Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), help with stomach growling by providing topical relief from digestive discomfort and inflammation, although their primary use is for skin issues.
• Elixir: Elixirs, made with herbs like Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata) or Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), help with stomach growling by providing a concentrated and sweet-tasting liquid that can quickly and effectively soothe the stomach and alleviate digestive discomfort.
• Gel Caps: Gel Caps, containing herbs like Ginger (Zingiber officinale) or Turmeric (Curcuma longa), help with stomach growling by providing a slow release of active compounds that can ease digestion and reduce inflammation in the stomach lining.
• Powder: Powders, made from herbs like Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) or Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), help with stomach growling by providing a concentrated dose of bioactive compounds that can quickly and effectively soothe the stomach and alleviate digestive discomfort.
• Tea: Teas, such as those made from Peppermint (Mentha piperita) or Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), help with stomach growling by providing a gentle and soothing effect on the stomach, easing digestion and alleviating digestive discomfort.
• Ointment: Ointments, typically made with herbs like Aloe (Aloe vera) or Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), help with stomach growling by providing topical relief from digestive discomfort and inflammation, although their primary use is for skin issues.