The gastrointestinal tract is one of the main systems of the human body, ensuring its functioning. The absorbed food, entering the gastrointestinal tract, is crushed, soaked in digestive juices and secretions containing enzymes, acids and other components necessary for its processing, then absorbed into the lymph and bloodstream. Undigested waste, after being processed in the large intestine, is eliminated from the body through the rectum.
Any problems in one of the parts of the digestive system affect the state of health, general well-being, condition of the skin, hair, and nails. At the same time, the number of intestinal and stomach diseases is steadily growing, and not only mature and elderly people suffer, but also children. There are many reasons for this, including primarily low-quality food products containing various artificial additives, preservatives, etc., lack of fiber in the diet, non-compliance with the diet, stress, depression, smoking, etc.
Modern medicine has a large number of methods and drugs for treating diseases of the intestines and stomach, but the effect of their use is either non-existent or does not last long. However, with long-term treatment, chemical drugs have many side effects - other organs and systems of the body suffer.
Based on this, more and more people are choosing folk remedies as an alternative for the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases. They act gently but effectively, have a minimum of side effects, and are affordable. By carrying out long courses of treatment, it is possible to achieve a complete cure for serious chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines, eliminate pain and inflammation, and normalize digestion.
Treatment of intestinal diseases with herbs
It is safe to say that there is no person who has not at least once encountered diseases of the small and large intestines, for example, banal constipation or diarrhea. Usually the thought of pharmaceutical drugs immediately arises, although it would be safer and more effective to use folk remedies for intestinal diseases. What intestinal diseases can be treated with herbs?
First of all, these are disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, poisoning, flatulence, cramps, and intestinal colic. In case of disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, a course of taking medicinal plants will help cleanse the intestines, normalize its functioning, eliminate inflammatory processes, heaviness, discomfort, dysbacteriosis, restore microflora, and get rid of parasites.
The use of herbs is effective for the treatment of intestinal diseases and in the presence of chronic diseases, such as inflammation of the small and large intestines, inflammation of the rectum, hemorrhoids, duodenal ulcers, polyps, etc. Herbal medicine can be used either independently or as a complement to drug treatment . In the latter case, the medicinal properties of plants help speed up the healing process and reduce the degree of side effects.
However, before you begin self-treatment of intestinal diseases with folk remedies, you should visit a doctor, undergo an examination, take tests to make an accurate diagnosis and find out the causes of the disease. Some seemingly harmless, but often recurring intestinal problems can signal the presence of a serious chronic disease.
For example, one of the symptoms of inflammation of the colon is diarrhea, sometimes in combination with constipation. Many disturbances in the functioning of the intestines occur due to stress, increased emotional stress, etc. In addition, for successful treatment it is very important to adhere to the diet and diet.
The use of herbs for the intestines is best done during the period of remission of chronic diseases.
Herbs that improve digestion
Malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract occur due to poor nutrition or impaired enzyme synthesis. A sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and daily stress have a negative impact on digestion. How can you help your stomach?
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Many gastroenterologists advise their patients to drink infusions of medicinal plants. Some herbs have a laxative effect, so they are used for constipation. Other plants, on the contrary, are prescribed for diarrhea. There are also folk remedies for heartburn and heaviness. Don't know which herbs to improve digestion and bowel function are right for you? We have divided them into groups especially for you.
Plants for heartburn and heaviness
Heaviness occurs due to insufficient production of digestive juices and enzymes. As a result, food stays in the stomach for a long time. Heartburn occurs due to increased acidity. Here is a list of digestive herbs that will help solve the problem:
- Celery root prevents acidity and reduces heartburn. It is taken raw, and infusions from the dried root are also prepared.
- Calamus root increases appetite and relieves heartburn. It is used in the complex treatment of gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers.
- Rosehip root stimulates the production of gastric juice and enzymes. Infusions speed up the digestion process in the stomach; they are used against heaviness, heartburn and gastritis.
- Chamomile flowers stimulate the secretion of the intestines and stomach, relieve spasms and pain. They clear the bile ducts, stimulating digestion. Chamomile is used for inflammatory processes, ulcers and gastritis.
- Celandine reduces the concentration of gastric juice, reducing the symptoms of heartburn and relieving pain from peptic ulcers. The plant is also effective as a remedy for flatulence and diarrhea.
Herbs for intestinal colic
Pain and spasms of the intestines are usually the result of an infectious disease, poisoning or poor patency of the digestive canal, which can be caused by a sharp contraction of the intestinal muscles. Colic can be so strong that it knocks you out of your usual rhythm. The following medicinal plants will help cope with them:
- Alder cones are recommended to be consumed in a course for chronic colitis and irregular bowel movements.
- Saxifraga soothes the intestines, improves fluid absorption, and normalizes stool. The root of the plant is used to treat the digestive system.
- Cinquefoil regulates contractions of the intestinal muscles, reduces the frequency and strength of spasms. Infusions and alcohol tinctures are prepared from the rhizomes of the plant.
Important!
If intestinal colic is accompanied by irregular bowel movements, then along with infusions for spasms, you should take medications for constipation.
Medicinal herbs for diarrhea
In cases of poisoning and infectious diseases, diarrhea is common. It can also be caused by intestinal dysfunction and alcohol abuse. Not sure which herbs will help stop diarrhea? Here is the list:
- St. John's wort prevents dehydration and stops diarrhea and vomiting. The herb is often used to treat poisoning.
- Oak bark stimulates digestive processes, removes toxins and poisons in case of poisoning, and helps get rid of abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Willow bark , due to its astringent effect, normalizes stool. It is used in the form of decoctions for diarrhea.
- Yarrow normalizes metabolic processes, prevents the formation of gases, and stimulates the absorption of water in the intestines. The herb is suitable for the treatment of dysentery, food poisoning, gastritis.
- Bearberry leaves have a strengthening effect and reduce intestinal spasms.
Plants that help with constipation
The most common causes of constipation are poor diet, spasms of the digestive tract and intestinal hyperfunction (increased water absorption). Do you want to get rid of constipation? Then use the following herbs for digestion:
- Plum fruits are rich in fiber, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Prunes have a persistent laxative effect.
- Centaury helps the body absorb nutrients as much as possible, stimulates the production of intestinal juices and enzymes, and helps cleanse the intestines.
- Valerian root reduces the formation of gases and softens stool.
- Senna ensures normal intestinal motility and acts as a mild laxative.
- Buckthorn bark stimulates the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract and reduces pain during bowel movements.
Interesting fact
Centaury began to be used to cleanse the intestines in Ancient Greece, and buckthorn bark - in Ancient China.
What to pay attention to
No matter how harmless medicinal plants may seem, they are also medicines, some of which are potent, more toxic and even poisonous. Therefore, before you start taking them on your own, you should consult with a doctor you trust, or better yet, a herbalist.
The doctor will select herbs and herbs that are effective for this particular disorder, the required dosage, and prescribe a course of treatment. Many people, especially older people, suffer from several diseases, including chronic ones. It is important to consider contraindications and possible side effects. Intestinal herbs should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy, as many of them have an abortifacient effect, for people prone to allergic reactions, and for children.
Treatment with folk remedies for inflammation of the large intestine
Colitis is an inflammation of the colon and its mucous membrane. It has acute and chronic forms.
Intestinal inflammation can develop as a result of eating hard-to-digest, spicy foods, chronic constipation, and systematic alcohol consumption. In addition, the cause of colitis can be pathogenic microorganisms such as salmonella, staphylococcus, streptococcus, etc., parasites, infection in the gallbladder, pancreas and other organs, allergies to certain foods, disorders of the nervous regulation of the intestines, stress, toxins.
One of the symptoms of inflammation of the colon is diarrhea, both on its own and in combination with constipation, pain in the intestinal area, flatulence, etc.
Recipes for treating colitis with herbs
Recipe 1
2 tbsp. Peppermint (leaves) pour half a liter of boiling water. Cover with a lid, wrap and leave until cool. Strain.
Take 1/2-1/3 tbsp. 2-3 times a day for 15-20 minutes. before meals.
In addition, mint infusion has a good effect for treating flatulence at home. For this purpose, it is taken in 100-200 ml doses. according to the same scheme.
Recipe 2
As a means of treating colitis with folk remedies, use 30% propolis tincture, which is taken 20 drops per half glass of warm water or milk 3 times a day an hour before meals. At the same time, you should adhere to the diet prescribed by your doctor for inflammation of the colon.
The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks. Improvement occurs starting from 5-10 days.
Recipe 3
Drink the whey obtained from making homemade natural cheese, half a glass 2 times a day.
Collecting herbs to treat colitis at home
The following collection of herbs, taken equally (by weight), has a good effect in the folk method of treating chronic colitis: oregano, shepherd's purse, knotweed, motherwort five-lobed, yarrow, St. John's wort, stinging nettle (leaves).
In the evening in a thermos 2 tbsp. collection, pour half a liter of boiling water. Insist until morning. Strain.
Take half a glass 3 times a day.
Herbal treatment for constipation
Constipation is difficulty in bowel movements or absence of bowel movements for more than two days. The causes of the disease are different. In a healthy person, isolated cases or short-term disturbances in intestinal activity can occur due to nervousness, as well as during a long trip, a change in the usual environment, a change in diet, which often happens on vacation, as well as when the rhythm of life changes.
Constipation can be a symptom of certain diseases, such as colon tumors, small intestinal obstruction, impaired intestinal motility, etc.
Herbal Recipes to Treat Constipation
Recipe 1
1 tbsp. buckthorn (bark) pour 250 ml. water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for half an hour. Remove from heat, cover, wrap and leave until cool. Strain, squeeze out the raw materials. Bring the resulting broth to its original volume using boiled water.
Take half a glass before bed. The effect occurs 10-12 hours after administration.
Recipe 2
2 tbsp. pour 250 ml of cassia aquifolia leaves (senna, Alexandria leaf). water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for half an hour. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, insulate and leave until cool. Strain. Using boiled water, bring the resulting broth to its original volume.
Take 1/2-1/3 tbsp. in the morning and at night.
Composition for treating constipation at home
A mixture of kefir (250 ml) and vegetable oil (1 tbsp), which is drunk at night, has a good effect in treating constipation with folk remedies.
Herbs to regulate bowel function
As a result of malnutrition: consumption of light, quickly digestible foods (meat, eggs, sugar, fatty, refined, dairy products), insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in fiber, overeating, sedentary lifestyle, intestinal motor function is weakened, which contributes to the development of chronic (atonic) constipation.
Recipes for treating constipation at home
Recipe 1
1 tbsp. dill (seeds) pour 250 ml. boiling water Cover with a lid, wrap and leave until warm. Strain.
Take 70-100 ml. 3 times a day before meals.
Dill is also effective in treating flatulence. To do this, prepare an infusion of dill seeds, as mentioned above, at the rate of 1 tbsp. raw materials for one and a half cups of boiling water.
Take 100 ml. 3 times a day half an hour before meals.
Recipe 2
1 tsp Pour 200 ml of wheat bran. boiling water Cover with a lid, insulate and leave until cool. No need to strain.
Take 1 tbsp with meals. 3 times a day. Usually 2-3 weeks are enough to normalize intestinal function.
Collection of herbs for the intestines for atonic constipation
Make a collection of the following plants, taken by weight: buckthorn (bark) and nettle (leaves) - 3 parts each, mint (leaves) - 2 parts, calamus and valerian roots - 1 part each.
2 tbsp. collection, pour half a liter of water, bring to a boil and boil over low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, wrap and leave until cool. Strain.
Take half a glass in the morning and evening.
Buckthorn
This plant is most often used as a mild laxative.
Buckthorn contains tannins, resins, glycosides and other components that can improve digestion, restore stool, enhance the action of colon peristalsis, restore microflora and cleanse the body of waste, toxins and decay products.
Buckthorn bark is best suited as a medicinal raw material.
Recipe. The decoction can be prepared as follows: add one tablespoon of dried buckthorn bark to 0.2 liters of boiling water. Close the lid and place on medium heat. Simmer for about twenty minutes, remove from heat and strain. Take ½ of the decoction twice a day - morning and evening.
Herbs for the intestines for diarrhea
Diarrhea is a single or frequent bowel movement with the release of liquid feces due to increased intestinal motility.
In a healthy person, a pathological condition can arise as a result of overeating, fermentation in the intestines caused by incomplete digestion of carbohydrates, consumption of food that causes increased peristalsis, food poisoning, overdose of laxatives, as a result of excessive anxiety, fear, stress.
Diarrhea can be infectious in nature, in which the causative agent is bacteria and viruses. Also, the disorder is one of the symptoms of inflammation of the large and small intestine, such as colitis, enteritis, enterocolitis.
For the treatment of diarrhea, traditional medicine has an extensive range of recipes, for example the following.
Recipes for treating diarrhea with herbs
Recipe 1
Use dried pears to prepare a decoction (without sugar), which you drink throughout the day instead of water. The fruits themselves should not be eaten, as they increase intestinal motility.
Recipe 2
3 tbsp. pour 400 ml of unrefined oatmeal. water and boil until tender. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, insulate and leave until cool. Strain.
Take 100 ml. 1-2 times a day.
Recipe 3
Chop milk-ripe walnuts together with green skins, fill the container 3/4 full, and fill to the top with vodka. Close the container tightly with a lid and leave in a dark place at room temperature for a week, remembering to stir periodically.
Take half a teaspoon no more than 2 times a day.
Collection of herbs for the treatment of diarrhea using traditional methods
Mix equal parts by weight of the roots of horse sorrel and snakeweed.
2 tsp collection pour 250 ml. water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, wrap and leave until cool. Strain.
Take 0.3-0.4 tbsp. 3-4 times a day.
Colon cleansing with various herbs
Herbal infusions are used to stimulate peristalsis and cleanse the gastrointestinal tract. They may consist of one, two or more plants. For example, they drink herbal infusions, which consist of dried stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots. The most important thing about them is that the medicinal properties of each plant enhance the overall therapy of the entire medicinal group. Based on their effect on the intestines, herbs are selected in the following proportion:
- sedatives that soothe (valerian rhizomes, peppermint leaves, motherwort, licorice) - 1 part;
- dissolving mucus (black peppercorns, a mixture of honey and horseradish) - 2 parts;
- laxatives (seaweed, flax seeds, figs) - 3 parts;
- choleretic and diuretic (nettle and stinging nettle, buckthorn, peppermint, hops and others) - 4 parts.
Such proportions were, of course, not chosen by chance, but taking into account many years of practice. The composition of the collection for cleansing the intestines of waste, toxins, and mucus is optimal for the body and completely harmless. If for prevention the collection is drunk within a week, then for treatment - within 4 weeks. The regimen for taking the medicinal drink is as follows:
- in the morning on an empty stomach;
- 2-3 times during the day half an hour before meals.
But for an enema, as a rule, one or two medicinal plants are used.
Herbs for colon cleansing
Most often, the following medicinal plants or only their parts are used for this procedure:
- flax seeds;
- horsetail;
- common senna;
- buckthorn;
- sagebrush.
Flax seeds
They are sold in any pharmacy. You can eat not only whole (wash under running water and dry), but also ground (in a coffee grinder, mortar). First, take whole flax seeds separately (two tablespoons throughout the day). Secondly, they are added to salads, cereals, and first courses. Thirdly, flaxseed flour can be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. The dose is 1-2 tablespoons, and you need to take 200-250 ml. water.
Flax seeds treat many diseases of internal organs
Also for medicinal purposes the following is prepared from flax seed:
- Infusion . In the morning, pour a small amount of boiling water over the seed flour. Infuse for a day, drink in the evening and eat the sediment. You can add coriander and fennel flour. The course of treatment is 30 days.
- Whole seed decoction . Pour 200 g of flaxseed into 3 liters of boiling water and cook for 2-3 hours. Then cool and filter. Drink a warm medicinal drink according to this scheme. In the morning 30 minutes before breakfast, in the afternoon half an hour before lunch, in the evening before bed. You need to drink 5-6 glasses of healing decoction a day.
Horsetail
There are many varieties of this perennial plant. But only horsetail is considered beneficial for the body.
Horsetail is used to cleanse the intestines
Since it has a number of advantages, it is widely used in medical practice to treat various diseases. Therefore, intestinal cleansing with herbs in many collections also includes the inclusion of horsetail. First of all, because of its beneficial qualities:
- ability to remove waste, mucus, toxins;
- destruction of microbes;
- wound healing;
- stopping bleeding;
- improving metabolism.
Recipe for horsetail decoction
4 tablespoons of dried herbs are poured into a glass of boiling water. If possible, use glass or enamel dishes. Heat in a water bath for 30 minutes from the moment of boiling. Cool for 10 minutes and strain. Drink horsetail decoction 100 ml. 3 times a day after meals. The cleansing course is carried out over three weeks.
Horsetail infusion recipe
2 tablespoons of dry crushed herbs are poured into a thermos and 0.5 liters of boiling water is poured. The mixture is infused for one hour. Take half a glass half an hour before meals 4 times a day.
Senna vulgaris
This herbal colon cleanse with senna allows you to achieve results quickly. The natural laxative contains sennosides, which irritate the mucous membrane of the large intestine. First of all, it is this effect that helps to quickly clear the intestines of feces.
Senna decoction recipe
One tablespoon is poured into 0.5 liters of cold water and placed on low heat. Bring to a boil and leave for 10 minutes. Then infuse for half an hour and be sure to filter. Drink 100 ml before bed. The rest of the broth is stored in the refrigerator. The next day the dose is increased by 20 ml. The course of treatment is 7 days. By the end of the week the volume should be 240 ml (a full glass).
Buckthorn
This medicinal shrub uses only the bark.
Buckthorn bark cleanses the intestines well
It has a positive effect on intestinal motility and peristalsis.
Recipe for making a decoction of buckthorn bark
Intestinal cleansing with herbs also includes a decoction of buckthorn bark. But it should be used carefully. Pour 1 tablespoon of raw material into a glass of boiling water and place in a water bath for 15 minutes. Cool, strain, add a glass of boiled water. Take 100 ml orally. twice a day. First in the morning on an empty stomach, and then in the evening before bed. In case of severe diarrhea, you should immediately stop taking the decoction.
Sagebrush
Only one type of herb is used for medicinal purposes - wormwood.
Decoctions and infusions of wormwood are used to syringe the rectum to improve motility and peristalsis.
This plant is a real storehouse of useful substances, which are collected in one place. Firstly, wormwood destroys rot, kills helminths, and stimulates the motor and secretory activity of the large intestine. Secondly, it promotes rapid cleansing of the rectum from feces.
For example, most often dry wormwood is used to prepare infusions and decoctions. They not only douche the rectum, but also give enemas. The powder can also be taken in dry form. In a word, cleansing the intestines with herbs using wormwood is a very necessary and effective procedure.
Treatment of flatulence with herbs
Flatulence is bloating due to the accumulation of gases in the intestines. Excessive gas formation can be observed in a healthy person after excessive consumption of certain foods: milk, legumes, fresh cabbage, potatoes, grapes, black or very fresh bread, beer, kvass, carbonated drinks, etc.
In addition, flatulence is a symptom of such problems in the body as intestinal obstruction due to stagnation of blood in the abdominal organs, some diseases of the small and large intestines, heart failure, and cirrhosis of the liver.
Recipes for treating flatulence
Recipe 1
2 tbsp. carrots (seeds) pour 300 ml. boiling water Cover with a lid, wrap and leave until cool. Strain.
Take 100 ml. 3 times a day, hot.
Recipe 2
Wash the potato tubers well and chop them together with the peel on a fine grater. Squeeze the juice out of the resulting mass using gauze.
Take 100 ml of freshly squeezed juice. in the morning on an empty stomach, after stirring well. Then you should go to bed for half an hour. After another half hour you can have breakfast.
The course of treatment is 10 days, then a 10-day break and the course is repeated.
Also, potato juice has a positive effect for the treatment of enteritis with folk remedies. It relieves inflammation and prevents the formation of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Take 70-100 ml. 2 times a day for 20 minutes. before meals, the first time in the morning on an empty stomach. The course of treatment is 14-20 days, a 2-week break and the course is repeated.
Collection of herbs for the treatment of flatulence using folk remedies
Make a collection of the following herbs, taken in equal quantities (by weight): peppermint (leaves), anise seeds, cumin and fennel.
2 tsp collection pour 250 ml. water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, wrap and leave until cool. Strain.
This is the daily portion. Drink it throughout the day, dividing it into 2 or 3 times.
How to improve digestion: herbal recipes
Do you want to normalize your stomach and intestines with the help of medicinal plants? We share effective recipes for decoctions and infusions that will help you!
Rosehip decoction for heartburn and heaviness
To prepare you will need the root of the plant:
- chop 10 g of dried rosehip roots;
- fill with hot water (2 tbsp.);
- put on low heat (or better yet, in a water bath);
- cook for 15 minutes;
- then leave for 3 hours covered.
It is better to take the product before meals, three times a day. Single dose: 150 ml. Rosehip decoction will not only relieve heartburn, but also restore appetite. It will also improve the efficiency of digestion.
Willow bark decoction for diarrhea
Prepare your diarrhea medicine according to the following instructions:
- Place 10 g of willow bark in a ladle;
- pour in 300 ml of boiling water;
- place in a water bath for half an hour;
- let sit until completely cool;
- strain.
Drink the decoction 4 times a day, 1 tbsp. l.
Herbal infusion for constipation and cramps
This folk remedy is prepared from a mixture of dried herbs. Save the recipe:
- put dried herbs in a thermos: 5 g mint, 10 g chamomile, 10 g valerian roots, 5 g fennel seeds;
- pour in 500 ml of boiling water;
- leave for 2 hours, then strain.
Take half a glass of infusion at night.
Remember: not only your well-being, but also the appearance of your skin depends on the state of your digestive tract. Therefore, we advise you to start drinking herbs as soon as possible!
Treatment of hemorrhoids with traditional methods
Hemorrhoids are varicose veins, often with inflammation and congestion of the veins in the anus and/or lower rectum.
The causes of the disease are different, these are chronic constipation, inflammation of the rectum, other intestinal diseases, bends of the uterus, dysfunction of the endocrine glands, weakness of the tissues of the venous apparatus, infections.
Also, the occurrence of hemorrhoids is promoted by a sedentary or sedentary lifestyle, heavy physical activity, excess weight, alcoholism, abuse of laxatives, and pregnancy.
Tincture for the treatment of hemorrhoids
50 gr. horse chestnut (flowers) pour half a liter of high-quality vodka. Close the container tightly with a lid and leave in a dark place at room temperature for two weeks, remembering to stir periodically. Strain, squeeze out the raw materials.
Take 30-40 drops 3 times a day. The course of treatment is a month.
Treatment of hemorrhoids with herbs (collection)
Mix the following herbs in equal quantities (by weight): trefoil, wormwood, gentian.
1 tsp collection pour 250 ml. boiling water Cover with a lid, wrap and leave until cool. Strain.
Take 15 ml. 1-2 times a day.