Hiccups: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Hiccups, characterized by the sudden contraction of the diaphragm muscle, result in the characteristic "hic" sound and are often accompanied by an involuntary intake of breath.

Typically caused by eating too quickly, drinking too much, stress, or swallowing air, hiccups can also be a sign of an underlying medical issue such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or a neurological disorder. Prolonged hiccups can lead to discomfort, difficulty eating, and in severe cases, respiratory distress. To alleviate hiccups, herbal remedies such as ginger, fennel, and licorice root can be used in tea or capsule form, while herbal preparations like peppermint oil and chamomile can be applied topically or inhaled.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have allergies or underlying health conditions, and to follow proper preparation and dosing instructions to avoid adverse reactions.

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

The main causes of hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, which can be triggered by various factors such as eating too quickly or drinking too much, particularly carbonated beverages or hot liquids, which put pressure on the diaphragm.

Irritation of the nerves that control the diaphragm, including the vagus nerve, can also cause hiccups. Other potential causes include stress, excitement, or sudden changes in temperature, as well as medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In some cases, hiccups can be a side effect of medication, particularly sedatives or anesthetics.

Additionally, breathing in too much air or experiencing a sudden jolt to the diaphragm can also trigger hiccups.

• Eating too fast: Eating too quickly can cause hiccups due to sudden contraction of the diaphragm and irritation of the nerves that control breathing.
• Swallowing air: Swallowing air can cause hiccups by stimulating the nerves that control breathing and causing the diaphragm to contract irregularly.
• Drinking carbonated beverages: Drinking carbonated beverages can cause hiccups due to the rapid release of carbon dioxide gas in the stomach, which can irritate the nerves that control breathing.
• Eating spicy or acidic food: Eating spicy or acidic food can cause hiccups by irritating the nerves that control breathing and stimulating the diaphragm to contract irregularly.
• Stress and excitement: Stress and excitement can cause hiccups by stimulating the nerves that control breathing and causing the diaphragm to contract irregularly due to increased adrenaline levels.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, particularly those experienced during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can cause hiccups by affecting the nerves that control breathing and the functioning of the diaphragm.
• Anxiety and nervousness: Anxiety and nervousness can cause hiccups by stimulating the nerves that control breathing and causing the diaphragm to contract irregularly due to increased tension.
• Sudden temperature changes: Sudden temperature changes, such as drinking a cold beverage or eating a hot meal, can cause hiccups by stimulating the nerves that control breathing and causing the diaphragm to contract irregularly.
• Coughing or sneezing: Coughing or sneezing can cause hiccups by stimulating the nerves that control breathing and causing the diaphragm to contract irregularly due to sudden contraction of the abdominal muscles.
• Medical conditions: Medical conditions, such as laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and multiple sclerosis, can cause hiccups by affecting the nerves that control breathing and the functioning of the diaphragm.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hiccups?

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

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the stomach and diaphragm, thereby relieving hiccups. Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues, including hiccups, due to its ability to relax the diaphragm and reduce spasms. Piper nigrum, or black pepper, contains piperine which can stimulate digestion and relieve hiccups by improving gut motility.

Other herbs such as Cinnamomum verum, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cuminum cyminum, Mentha x piperita, Zanthoxylum bungeanum, and Pimpinella anisum have similar properties that may help alleviate hiccups by soothing the digestive system and relaxing the diaphragm.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps with hiccups due to its ability to stimulate digestion and relieve spasms in the diaphragm, which can cause hiccups.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, may help alleviate hiccups because of its anise oil, which has a calming effect on the nervous system and can soothe the diaphragm.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, contains piperine, which may help relax the diaphragm and alleviate spasms that cause hiccups, due to its antispasmodic properties.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the diaphragm and alleviate hiccups, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that may help relax the diaphragm and alleviate hiccups.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the diaphragm and alleviate hiccups, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Cuminum cyminum: Cuminum cyminum, or cumin, contains cymene, which has antispasmodic properties that may help relax the diaphragm and alleviate hiccups.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, contains menthol, which may help relax the diaphragm and alleviate spasms that cause hiccups, due to its antispasmodic properties.
• Zanthoxylum bungeanum: Zanthoxylum bungeanum, or Chinese prickly ash, contains zanthoxylum alkaloids, which may have antispasmodic properties that help relax the diaphragm and alleviate hiccups.
• Pimpinella anisum: Pimpinella anisum, or anise, contains anise oil, which has a calming effect on the nervous system and can soothe the diaphragm, potentially alleviating hiccups.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hiccups?

The main herbal preparations used for hiccups are Decoction, Tincture, Capsules, Poultice, Salve, Suppository, Gargle, Lozenges, Ointment, Tea.

Decoction of Fennel seed and Ginger is used to soothe the stomach and diaphragm, as it is believed to reduce spasmodic contractions. Tincture of Dill is another preparation used to calm the diaphragm and relieve hiccups by promoting relaxation. Capsules containing Dried Fennel seed and Ginger root are another form of administration, providing a more sustained release of active compounds.

Additionally, herbal preparations such as Poultice, Salve, Suppository, Gargle, Lozenges, Ointment, and Tea made from Fennel seed, Ginger, and Dill are also used to treat hiccups due to their antispasmodic and carminative properties.

• Decoction: A decoction of the dried root of Veratrum album can help alleviate hiccups by stimulating the vagus nerve, which is responsible for regulating breathing and heartbeat.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Passiflora incarnata can help calm the nervous system and reduce hiccup spasms, as it contains compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids that have a sedative effect.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the seeds of Nigella sativa can help treat hiccups due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce irritation in the diaphragm and surrounding tissues.
• Poultice: A warm poultice made from the leaves of Plantago major can help relax the diaphragm and surrounding muscles, reducing hiccup spasms by applying heat and pressure to the affected area.
• Salve: A salve made from the roots of Hydrastis canadensis can help soothe and calm the diaphragm and surrounding tissues, reducing hiccup spasms by applying a topical anesthetic effect.
• Suppository: Suppositories made from the seeds of Foeniculum vulgare can help relax the diaphragm and surrounding muscles, reducing hiccup spasms by applying a topical anesthetic effect and reducing inflammation.
• Gargle: Gargling with a solution made from the leaves of Mentha piperita can help calm the nervous system and reduce hiccup spasms, as it contains compounds like menthol that have a local anesthetic effect.
• Lozenges: Lozenges containing the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra can help soothe and calm the diaphragm and surrounding tissues, reducing hiccup spasms by applying a topical anesthetic effect and reducing inflammation.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the leaves of Aloe barbadensis can help relax the diaphragm and surrounding muscles, reducing hiccup spasms by applying a topical anesthetic effect and reducing inflammation.
• Tea: Drinking a tea made from the leaves of Camilia sinensis can help calm the nervous system and reduce hiccup spasms, as it contains compounds like L-theanine that have a sedative effect.