Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Upper abdominal pain refers to discomfort or aching sensations in the upper portion of the abdomen, typically between the ribcage and the belly button.

This condition is often caused by digestive issues such as gastritis, ulcers, or gallstones, as well as other factors like anxiety, stress, or certain medications. If left untreated, upper abdominal pain can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even organ damage. Fortunately, herbal remedies like peppermint, ginger, and chamomile can provide relief by soothing the digestive system and reducing inflammation.

To use these herbs safely, consult with a healthcare professional and follow recommended dosages to avoid interactions with other medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of upper abdominal 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 upper abdominal pain?

The main causes of upper abdominal pain are often gastrointestinal in nature, with conditions such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) being common culprits.

Gallstones, which form when bile becomes supersaturated with cholesterol or bilirubin, can also cause severe upper abdominal pain, particularly in the right upper quadrant. Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, is another potential cause, often resulting from gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, or high-fat diets. Other possible causes include musculoskeletal issues such as costochondritis, and less commonly, conditions like liver disease, appendicitis, and even cardiac problems like myocardial infarction or pericarditis.

In some cases, upper abdominal pain may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as a pancreatic tumor or a ruptured spleen.

• Gallstones: Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver, and can cause upper abdominal pain due to inflammation or blockage of the bile duct.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing upper abdominal pain due to the irritation of the esophageal lining.
• Peptic ulcer: Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, causing upper abdominal pain due to the inflammation and infection of the ulcer.
• Hepatitis: Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections, which can cause upper abdominal pain due to the liver's irritation and inflammation.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, causing upper abdominal pain due to the inflammation and irritation of the pancreas.
• Appendicitis: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small organ located near the large intestine, which can cause upper abdominal pain due to the inflammation and infection of the appendix.
• Erosive gastritis: Erosive gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining becomes inflamed and ulcerated, causing upper abdominal pain due to the inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining.
• Biliary colic: Biliary colic is a condition in which the gallbladder contracts and becomes inflamed, causing upper abdominal pain due to the inflammation and irritation of the gallbladder.
• Hiatal hernia: Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the stomach bulges up through the diaphragm, causing upper abdominal pain due to the irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause upper abdominal pain due to the inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for upper abdominal pain?

The main medicinal herbs used for upper abdominal pain are Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum vulgare, Ginkgo biloba, Mentha x piperita, Panax ginseng, Cinchona officinalis, Cinnamomum verum, Silybum marianum.

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the digestive tract. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that alleviate upper abdominal pain. Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, soothes the digestive tract and reduces inflammation, while Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract and reduces spasms.

Other herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, Mentha x piperita, Panax ginseng, Cinchona officinalis, Cinnamomum verum, and Silybum marianum have been traditionally used to treat upper abdominal pain due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps alleviate upper abdominal pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, specifically the presence of gingerols and shogaols, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and reduce pain-causing chemicals.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, assists in alleviating upper abdominal pain through its bioactive compound curcumin, which exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, thereby reducing inflammation and modulating the body's response to pain.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate upper abdominal pain by reducing inflammation and stabilizing the stomach lining.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, helps alleviate upper abdominal pain due to its anise oil content, which has a calming effect on the digestive system and reduces spasms and inflammation in the stomach and intestines.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have a direct mechanism for alleviating upper abdominal pain, but its flavonoids may have anti-inflammatory effects and its terpenoids may improve blood flow, which may indirectly contribute to pain relief.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, contains menthol, which has a calming effect on the digestive system and relaxes the muscles in the stomach and intestines, thereby alleviating upper abdominal pain and reducing inflammation.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng, or ginseng, does not have a direct mechanism for alleviating upper abdominal pain, but its ginsenosides may have anti-inflammatory effects and its adaptogenic properties may help manage stress, which may indirectly contribute to pain relief.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, contains quinine, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, which may help alleviate upper abdominal pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the body's response to pain.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, or cinnamon, contains cinnamaldehyde, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate upper abdominal pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, contains silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate upper abdominal pain by reducing inflammation and protecting the liver from damage.

What are the main herbal preparations used for upper abdominal pain?

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

Decoction is used to relieve cramps and spasms due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties found in herbs like Peppermint and Ginger. Tincture is employed for its rapid absorption and action on the digestive system, often containing herbs like Dandelion and Fennel to reduce bloating and gas. Suppositories and Capsules are used for targeted and systemic delivery of herbs like Chamomile and Licorice root to soothe the stomach lining and reduce inflammation.

Salve, Poultice, Gel, Cream, Ointment, and Extract are applied topically to ease abdominal pain and discomfort associated with digestive issues, utilizing herbs such as Calendula and Turmeric for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

• Decoction: A decoction of the dried roots of Withania somnifera helps with upper abdominal pain by releasing its bioactive compounds into the water, which can then be absorbed by the body to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves and stems of Ginkgo biloba helps with upper abdominal pain by dissolving the plant's bioactive compounds in a solvent, which can then be absorbed quickly by the body to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region.
• Suppository: A suppository of the dried roots of Angelica archangelica helps with upper abdominal pain by releasing its bioactive compounds directly into the rectal area, where they can be absorbed quickly and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region through a localized effect.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the dried leaves of Melissa officinalis helps with upper abdominal pain by releasing the plant's bioactive compounds into the body, which can then be absorbed and reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region through a systemic effect.
• Salve: A salve of the roots of Echinacea purpurea helps with upper abdominal pain by releasing its bioactive compounds onto the skin, where they can be absorbed and reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region through a topical effect.
• Poultice: A poultice of the dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with upper abdominal pain by releasing its bioactive compounds onto the skin, where they can be absorbed and reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region through a topical effect.
• Gel: A gel of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis helps with upper abdominal pain by releasing its bioactive compounds onto the skin, where they can be absorbed and reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region through a topical effect.
• Cream: A cream of the dried roots of Valeriana officinalis helps with upper abdominal pain by releasing its bioactive compounds onto the skin, where they can be absorbed and reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region through a topical effect.
• Ointment: An ointment of the dried roots of Berberis vulgaris helps with upper abdominal pain by releasing its bioactive compounds onto the skin, where they can be absorbed and reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region through a topical effect.
• Extract: An extract of the dried leaves of Lavandula angustifolia helps with upper abdominal pain by releasing its bioactive compounds into the body, which can then be absorbed and reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the upper abdominal region through a systemic effect.