Stomach Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Stomach pain, also known as abdominal pain or epigastric pain, is a sharp, dull, or burning sensation in the upper or mid abdominal region, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and discomfort.

Causes of stomach pain can range from eating spoiled or fatty foods, gallstones, and inflammation, to stress, anxiety, and underlying medical conditions. If left untreated, stomach pain can lead to digestive issues, fatigue, and even chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. To alleviate stomach pain, herbal remedies such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile teas, and medicinal preparations like aloe vera juice and turmeric supplements can be effective.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, as some herbs can interact with medications or exacerbate symptoms.

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

The main causes of stomach pain are gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are often triggered by factors like eating spicy or fatty foods, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol, and experiencing stress.

Additionally, food poisoning from bacterial or viral infections such as Salmonella and norovirus can also cause stomach pain. Other causes include stomach ulcers, peptic ulcers, and gallstones, which can obstruct the flow of bile and cause severe abdominal pain. Furthermore, eating disorders like bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa can lead to stomach pain due to frequent vomiting and purging.

Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can also contribute to stomach pain in some individuals.

• Acid Reflux: Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation, which leads to pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen.
• Food Poisoning: Food poisoning results from consuming contaminated or spoiled food, leading to inflammation of the stomach lining, infection, and subsequent pain.
• Gallstones: Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, blocking bile flow and causing pain in the upper abdomen, especially after eating fatty foods.
• Appendicitis: Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which can become infected and cause severe pain in the lower right abdomen.
• Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is an inflammation of diverticula, small pouches in the digestive tract, often caused by bacterial infection, which can lead to pain and tenderness in the abdomen.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, often caused by changes in gut bacteria and increased sensitivity to food.
• Stress: Stress can exacerbate existing gastrointestinal conditions and cause stomach pain by releasing stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can slow digestion and cause discomfort.
• Hernia: Hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall, causing pain and discomfort in the affected area.
• Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are hardened mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, causing severe pain in the back and abdomen as they move through the urinary tract.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for stomach pain?

The main medicinal herbs used for stomach pain are Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrriza glabra, Curcuma longa, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha x piperita, Cinchona officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Piper nigrum, Cassia angustifolia, Ginkgo biloba.

Zingiber officinale contains gingerols and shogaols which exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with stomach pain. Glycyrrhiza glabra and Curcuma longa possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha x piperita and Piper nigrum have carminative properties that help release trapped gas and alleviate bloating, while Cinchona officinalis has been used to treat stomach pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe barbadensis and Cassia angustifolia help soothe and calm the digestive system, while Ginkgo biloba may aid in reducing nausea and improving digestion.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce stomach inflammation and alleviate pain associated with conditions such as gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that inhibits the production of stomach acid, thereby reducing the risk of acid reflux and alleviating symptoms of stomach pain.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the stomach, particularly in conditions such as peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare contains compounds that have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relax the muscles in the stomach and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating cramps and spasms associated with stomach pain.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita contains menthol, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate cramps and spasms in the stomach, thereby alleviating symptoms of stomach pain.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis contains quinine, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of stomach pain, particularly in conditions such as malaria, which can cause stomach pain.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis contains aloin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of stomach pain, particularly in conditions such as ulcers and gastritis.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum contains piperine, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of stomach pain, particularly in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
• Cassia angustifolia: Cassia angustifolia contains sennosides, compounds that stimulate bowel movements and help to relieve constipation, a common cause of stomach pain.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of stomach pain, particularly in conditions such as gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

What are the main herbal preparations used for stomach pain?

The main herbal preparations used for stomach pain are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Suppository, Salve, Poultice, Gel, Extract, Ointment, Cream.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs, often used for immediate relief from stomach pain due to its quick absorption into the bloodstream. Decoction is a liquid preparation made by boiling herbs in water, which can be more effective for stomach pain caused by digestive issues as it releases more bioactive compounds. Capsules contain powdered herbal extracts, often used for long-term management of stomach pain and are convenient for oral administration.

Suppositories, Salve, Poultice, Gel, Extract, Ointment, and Cream are topical preparations that can be used for stomach pain caused by inflammation or irritation, allowing the active compounds to be absorbed directly through the skin.

• Tincture: A tincture of plant extracts such as Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) or Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps with stomach pain by dissolving the active compounds in a solvent like ethanol or glycerin, allowing for rapid absorption and relief from digestive issues.
• Decoction: A decoction of herbs like Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) or Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps with stomach pain by releasing the bioactive compounds through heat, making them more accessible to the body and providing relief from inflammation and digestive issues.
• Capsule: A capsule containing powdered herbal extracts like Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) or Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps with stomach pain by releasing the active compounds in the digestive tract, where they can act on the stomach lining to reduce inflammation and provide relief from digestive issues.
• Suppository: A suppository made from herbs like Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) or Calendula (Calendula officinalis) helps with stomach pain by releasing the active compounds directly into the rectum, where they can act on the stomach and provide relief from digestive issues.
• Salve: A salve made from herbs like Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) or Arnica (Arnica montana) helps with stomach pain by applying a topical solution to the affected area, reducing inflammation and providing relief from digestive issues.
• Poultice: A poultice made from herbs like Willow bark (Salix alba) or Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) helps with stomach pain by applying a topical application of the plant material directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and providing relief from digestive issues.
• Gel: A gel made from herbs like Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) or St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) helps with stomach pain by providing a topical application of the plant's bioactive compounds, reducing inflammation and providing relief from digestive issues.
• Extract: A liquid or solid extract of herbs like Peppermint (Mentha piperita) or Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) helps with stomach pain by concentrating the plant's bioactive compounds, making them more accessible to the body and providing relief from digestive issues.
• Ointment: An ointment made from herbs like Calendula (Calendula officinalis) or Plantain (Plantago major) helps with stomach pain by applying a topical solution to the affected area, reducing inflammation and providing relief from digestive issues.
• Cream: A cream made from herbs like Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) or Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with stomach pain by providing a topical application of the plant's bioactive compounds, reducing inflammation and providing relief from digestive issues.