Herbal Medicine for Digestive Tract Disorders

Ancestry of herbal healing

The earliest records of the medical use of plants stem from ancient Egypt, where the first medicinal plants, such as flax, castor oil plant, ginger, cinnamon, and ginseng, were cultivated. In India, knowledge of the use of ginger and cinnamon was developed. The Greeks discovered the hallucinogenic properties of belladonna, poppy, and mandrake, and in Rome, the famous Galen systematized knowledge of medicines and herbs. The Arabs significantly contributed to the development of herbal medicine, by engaging in the cultivation, distribution, and processing of medicinal plants and the production of medicines based on them through distillation, sublimation, and filtration of essential oils. It is worth mentioning that the Church played an important role in the development of herbal medicine, as gardens were created in monasteries, where medicinal plants were grown and later made available to people in the form of herbal teas or healing beverages. A perfect example is the Order of the Brothers Hospitallers, which still maintains the tradition of herbal medicine.

Contemporary herbal therapy (herbal medicines and synthetic drugs)

Herbal therapy, also known as phytotherapy, is a branch of alternative medicine that focuses on the use of herbal preparations to treat various ailments. It is a body of knowledge about the therapeutic properties of plant substances, their effects on living organisms, and the interactions between synthetic drugs and herbal products. The 19th century saw the development of analytical chemistry, which enabled the production of essential synthetic drugs, but also slowed down the progress of herbal medicine. Synthetic drugs were fast-acting and effective, but they also had many side effects. Today, we are witnessing a renewed interest in natural medicine, and according to the World Health Organization, around 80% of the world's population uses herbal medicines. Herbal therapy is not only popular in developing countries, but also in advanced ones. Consumers choose herbal remedies for various reasons, such as the desire to maintain or improve health, or to alleviate the unwanted side effects of synthetic drugs. Thanks to the development of phytochemistry and pharmacology, many new, previously unknown applications for herbal medicines have been discovered.

Utilization of medicinal plants in the treatment of digestive system disorders

Approximately 230 plant species are recognized as medicinal in Poland. The criterion for determining medicinal plants is the presence of active substances that affect human physiology. These include mucus and gum, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, essential oils, flavonoids, bitter principles, anthraquinones, phenols, coumarins, organic acids, and saponins. In addition, herbs provide many vitamins and microelements such as potassium, zinc, sulfur, iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, silicon, and many others. While medicinal plants are used in the treatment of a variety of diseases and organs in the human body, we focus in this article on their impact on the digestive tract. Although there are many medicinal plants, we will briefly discuss a few selected, commonly available, and well-known plants. It is worth noting that most of them are not only used in medical practice but also in everyday life in the kitchen as spices.

Common Basil Herb

It includes essential oils such as eugenol and 1,8-cyneol, due to which basil exhibits an effect that alleviates intestinal contractions and promotes a soothing digestion.

The ordinary chamber

It is employed not only in the art of culinary creations but also in the treatment or alleviation of digestive disorders such as poor digestion, cramping, nausea, or other discomforts related to the digestive tract, displaying an anti-diarrheal and beneficial effect.

Cinnamon, lavender, and lemon balm

Recommended for those with serious digestive issues, cramping, and bloating - all thanks to the ability to inhibit the motor functions of the stomach and intestines. Additionally, lemon balm and lavender possess a moderate calming effect.

Popularly termed as the common bloodthirsty one, this plant is well-known and valued in the treatment of digestive disorders.

Due to its spasmolytic effect of essential oil on the smooth muscles of the digestive system, the herb of the bloodthirsty one is often a component of many blends and preparations traditionally used to alleviate digestive disorders.

Dark brown cardamom with a red hue

The principal action of these plants is the alleviation of contractions.

Common pitcher plant

Thanks to a wealth of active components (e.g. tannins, choline, flavonoids, pectins, phytosterols), the common pitcher plant is used in cases of inflammation and contraction of biliary ducts, early signs of gallstones, inadequate liver function, treatment of inflammations and digestive disorders.

Ordinary cinnamon

Cinnamon fruits contain, among other things, essential oils, organic acids, waxes, herbs, resins, etc. This plant has a relaxant effect on the smooth muscles of the gut and the bile ducts, regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juice to the duodenum. Additionally, it stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, improving digestion. Cinnamon is also known for its anti-flatulence properties.

Seed celery\

Initiates the production of gastric juices, supports contractions of smooth muscles and the digestive tract, enhances intestinal peristaltic movements and limits the excessive growth of bacteria within, effectively subdues satiety as well, thereby significantly improving appetite, furthermore demonstrates a calming and strengthening effect.

It's an Italian copper basin

It is known primarily for its digestive, wind-powered and pollinating properties, which aid in the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Peppermint - a plant with a long history

Peppermint, a plant with a long history, is a rich source of essential oils, including menthol, as well as flavonoids, bitter compounds, tannins, organic acids, pectins, pro-vitamins A and C, and mineral salts such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, and molybdenum. This plant stimulates the secretory functions of the stomach and liver, increasing the production of gastric and bile juices, thereby facilitating digestion and absorption of food. Furthermore, peppermint alleviates unpleasant discomfort after heavy meals.

Uncommon Nettle

It contains, among other things, formic acid, mineral salts, carotene, vitamins C and K, and substantial amounts of chlorophyll. Nettle enhances the digestion of fatty foods, stimulates bile production, and decreases blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of nettle supports blood purification processes, including the elimination of excess cholesterol.

My grandmother, an evacuant

It functions as an evacuant and is employed in the management of obstruction. The seeds influence the delicate consistency of the intestinal contents and augment their volume, which in turn exerts pressure on the intestinal walls, enhancing their peristalsis and facilitating and hastening evacuation.

Healing monk

In phytotherapy, not just blooming plants, but also their roots and leaves are utilized. The healing monk is abundant in bitter substances, phytosterols, polysaccharides, resins, organic acids, tannins, provitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and mineral salts. The healing monk has a health-promoting impact on the digestive system, particularly on the liver, the biliary tract, and the duodenum. It displays a substantial capacity for bile production and excretion, lessens fat absorption, aids in cholesterol reduction, and alleviates constipation and bloating.

Common Romanians, a plant rich in nutrients

This plant contains significant amounts of sulfur, potassium salts, calcium, sugars, wax, iron acid, and potent essential oils. Rumen has been employed since antiquity as an aid in cases of stomach and intestinal discomfort. It plays a crucial role in regulating the function of all organs involved in digestion. Additionally, it possesses relaxant properties that assist in combating bloating, excessive gas expulsion, loss of appetite, and infections of the gastrointestinal and urinary system.

She has limited carbohydrate intake

The plant is well recognized by individuals on a reduction diet. Its constituents decrease the uptake of carbohydrates, thereby curtailing the accumulation of fat. Furthermore, white cabbage assists in lowering blood cholesterol and serves as an anti-inflammatory agent. An evident result of consuming white cabbage is the diminished craving, especially for sweets.

Regular linseed fiber

The primary function of linseed fiber is to ensure the protection of the digestive system from harmful substances. It is an effective remedy for issues with constipation. When in the intestine, flax seeds swell up, irritate its walls, and induce gentle cleansing reactions. Numerous research studies have shown that linseed fiber supports the treatment of stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and various intestinal disorders. It also aids in maintaining an optimal cholesterol level.

Adverse reactions and interactions

Unfortunately, we cannot approach herbal medicine without being critical. The use of plants in medicine has many benefits, but we cannot forget the drawbacks. Not all medical conditions can be treated with herbs. Just as synthetic herbal medicines have their bad and good sides, we must also keep in mind that they can cause mild side effects such as headaches, allergic reactions, but also exhibit toxic toxins, non-toxic toxins that lead to organ damage, and.