Upset Stomach: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

An upset stomach, also known as indigestion or dyspepsia, refers to a discomforting feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, bloating, and pain.

It's commonly caused by eating spicy or fatty foods, consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, and certain medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If left unaddressed, upset stomach can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and potentially serious complications like ulcers or stomach bleeding. To alleviate symptoms, consider using herbal remedies like peppermint, ginger, and chamomile in the form of teas, capsules, or tinctures.

However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, as they may interact with other substances and exacerbate underlying conditions.

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

The main causes of upset stomach are viral and bacterial infections, such as gastroenteritis, food poisoning from Salmonella and E. coli, and norovirus outbreaks.

Ingestion of spoiled or contaminated food, including dairy products, can also cause stomach upset due to the presence of pathogens like Listeria and Campylobacter. Other causes include eating spicy or fatty foods, consuming too much caffeine or carbonated drinks, and experiencing stress or anxiety, which can lead to increased acid production and inflammation in the stomach. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroparesis, can also contribute to stomach upset.

Furthermore, medications like antibiotics and NSAIDs can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and cause stomach discomfort.

• Food Poisoning: Food poisoning is a common cause of upset stomach due to the ingestion of bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that can cause inflammation and irritation in the stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Stress: Stress is a common cause of upset stomach due to the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can slow down digestion, increase acid production, and cause inflammation in the stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
• Eating Too Fast: Eating too fast is a common cause of upset stomach due to the swallowing of air, which can lead to bloating, discomfort, and nausea, as well as the inadequate chewing and digestion of food, which can cause stomach discomfort and pain.
• Food Allergies: Food allergies are a common cause of upset stomach due to the immune system's reaction to certain food proteins, which can cause inflammation, itching, and discomfort in the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
• Spicy Food: Spicy food is a common cause of upset stomach due to the presence of capsaicin, a compound that can irritate the stomach lining, cause inflammation, and slow down digestion, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, and abdominal pain.
• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance is a common cause of upset stomach due to the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, which can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort in the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
• Medications: Medications are a common cause of upset stomach due to their side effects, such as stomach irritation, inflammation, and slowed digestion, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes are a common cause of upset stomach due to the fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone levels during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, which can cause inflammation, bloating, and discomfort in the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common cause of upset stomach due to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, which can cause inflammation, irritation, and damage to the esophageal lining, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, and abdominal pain.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common cause of upset stomach due to the combination of abnormal bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal pain, which can cause inflammation, bloating, and discomfort in the stomach and intestines.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for upset stomach?

The main medicinal herbs used for upset stomach are Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha x piperita, Aloe barbadensis, Cinchona officinalis, Curcuma longa, Matricaria chamomilla, Aloe vera, Ginkgo biloba.

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate nausea and vomiting. Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, has anti-inflammatory and antacid properties that soothe the stomach lining and reduce heartburn. Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, contains anethole, which has carminative properties that help relieve gas and bloating.

Additionally, Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, and Curcuma longa, or turmeric, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of upset stomach, while Matricaria chamomilla, or chamomile, and Aloe vera help with relaxation and reducing inflammation.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps to alleviate upset stomach symptoms by reducing nausea and vomiting through its active compound, gingerol, which inhibits the serotonin receptors in the brain, thereby reducing the sensation of nausea.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, helps to soothe an upset stomach by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and protecting the mucous membranes from acid damage, thanks to its anti-inflammatory compound, glycyrrhizin.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, helps to alleviate upset stomach symptoms by releasing carminative compounds, such as anethole, which aid in the expulsion of gas from the digestive system, thereby reducing bloating and discomfort.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and reduce spasms, thanks to its menthol content, which has a relaxing effect on the muscles and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, helps to soothe an upset stomach by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, does not have a well-documented effect on upset stomach symptoms, its primary use is as a source of quinine.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, helps to alleviate upset stomach symptoms by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, thanks to its active compound, curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Matricaria chamomilla: Matricaria chamomilla, or chamomile, helps to soothe an upset stomach by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, thanks to its flavonoid and terpenoid compounds, which have a calming effect on the digestive system.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera, as mentioned earlier, helps to soothe an upset stomach by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, or ginkgo, does not have a well-documented effect on upset stomach symptoms, its primary use is as a circulatory aid and antioxidant.

What are the main herbal preparations used for upset stomach?

The main herbal preparations used for upset stomach are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Gel, Suppository, Tea, Salve, Ointment, Poultice, Elixir.

Decoction involves boiling herbs in water to extract their active compounds, which are then used to treat stomach issues due to their anti-inflammatory properties, such as Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Tinctures, on the other hand, are concentrated liquid extracts of herbs in a solvent like ethanol or glycerin, which can be taken orally to alleviate stomach upset, with Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) being popular options. Herbal capsules are another common preparation, containing dried and powdered herbs like Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) that can be taken orally to soothe the stomach.

Other preparations like Gels, Suppositories, Salves, Ointments, Teas, Poultices, and Elixirs are also used to treat upset stomach, with their respective ingredients such as Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) providing relief through various mechanisms.

• Decoction: A decoction of the dried roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, such as licorice root, helps with upset stomach by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and soothing irritated mucous membranes.
• Tincture: A tincture of the dried leaves of the plant Zingiber officinale, such as ginger, helps with upset stomach by reducing nausea and inflammation in the digestive tract due to its active compounds gingerols and shogaols.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the dried fruit of the plant Foeniculum vulgare, such as fennel seeds, helps with upset stomach by reducing spasms in the digestive tract and relieving gas and bloating due to its active compounds anethole and fenchone.
• Gel: A gel containing the dried leaves of the plant Aloe barbadensis, such as aloe vera, helps with upset stomach by soothing and calming irritated mucous membranes in the digestive tract and reducing inflammation.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the dried root of the plant Althaea officinalis, such as marshmallow root, helps with upset stomach by protecting and soothing the mucous membranes in the digestive tract and reducing inflammation.
• Tea: A tea infusion of the dried leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, such as green tea, helps with upset stomach by reducing inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract due to its active compounds catechins and theaflavins.
• Salve: A salve containing the dried resin of the plant Commiphora molmol, such as myrrh, helps with upset stomach by reducing inflammation and soothing irritated mucous membranes in the digestive tract.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the dried root of the plant Withania somnifera, such as ashwagandha root, helps with upset stomach by reducing inflammation and stress in the digestive tract due to its active compounds withanolides.
• Poultice: A poultice containing the dried leaves of the plant Plantago major, such as plantain, helps with upset stomach by reducing inflammation and soothing irritated mucous membranes in the digestive tract.
• Elixir: An elixir containing the dried root of the plant Panax ginseng, such as ginseng root, helps with upset stomach by reducing stress and improving digestion in the digestive tract due to its active compounds ginsenosides.