pipe cleaners - gastrointestinal problems

Vegetarian Times, August, 2000 by Amy Rapaport

There's nothing more uncomfortable, or potentially embarrassing, than gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Whether it's a simple stomachache or bloating or something more serious like irritable bowel syndrome or colitis, no digestive ailment is ever pleasant. Amazingly, one-third to one-half of all adults--more than 62 million people--suffer from some sort of digestive illness. Second only to the common cold, GI problems rank among the top reasons people seek medical advice. And most of these problems are directly related to the foods we eat and the way we live.

Consequently, we do have a choice in the matter. Not only can we stop over-indulging in the foods that leave us feeling miserable, but experts say we can alleviate most digestive problems by following a few basic lifestyle rules. Along with taking the herbal remedies listed below, they suggest drinking at least eight glasses of water per day, getting regular exercise, reducing stress (yoga and meditation are great for that) and avoiding greasy, fatty foods. They also advise chewing food slowly and thoroughly so it's easier to digest. As always, if your symptoms persist or if you suspect your GI discomfort may indicate a more serious problem, it's important to consult a medical doctor.

This month's contributors are Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, a Seattle herbalist and author of Herbal Defense (Warner Books, 1997); and Mindy Green, director of education at the Herbal Research Foundation in Boulder, Colo.

Herb           Function

Chamomile      Antispasmodic and calmative;
(Chamomilla    soothes upset stomach, spastic
recutita)      colon, hiccups and bloating

Dandelion      Hepatic herb; stimulates liver function;
(Taraxacum     has diuretic properties; provides
officinale)    relief from heartburn and gas

Fennel         Antispasmodic; stimulates movement
(Foeniculum    of food through the stomach
vulgare)       and intestines; reduces bloating
               and gas after heavy, greasy meals

Ginger         Antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory;
(Zingiber      increases metabolism and
officinale)    moves food through intestines;
               relieves gas, stomachaches, nausea
               and motion sickness

Marshmallow    Mucilage; coats stomach and neutralizes
root           stomach acids, relieving
(Althea        symptoms of gastritis, ulcers, bloating,
officinalis)   heartburn and especially colitis

Peppermint     Antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory;
(Mentha        calms digestive spasms,
piperita)      relieves gas and boosts the flow of
               bile and digestive juices for better
               gastrointestinal health

Herb           Dosage

Chamomile      Tincture: 10 - 30 drops, as needed
(Chamomilla
recutita)      Tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried flower in 1 cup
               boiling water for 10 - 15 minutes;
               drink as needed

Dandelion      Tincture: 15 - 30 drops, 3x/day
(Taraxacum
officinale     Tea: Steep 1 - 2 tsp. dried root in 1 cup
               boiling water, up to 3x/day

Fennel         Tincture: 15 - 30 drops, 3x/day, or as needed
(Foeniculum
vulgare)       Tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried root in 1 cup boiling
               water for 10 - 15 minutes, 3x/day, until
               symptoms abate

Ginger         Tincture: 15 - 30 drops, 3x/day until
(Zingiber      symptoms abate
officinale)
               Tea: Steep 1 tsp. fresh or dried root in 1 cup
               boiling water for 15 - 20 minutes; drink as
               needed

Marshmallow    Tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried root in 1 cup boiling
root           water for 10 - 15 minutes; drink as needed
(Althea
officinalis)   Powder: Mix 2 Tbs. with honey, yogurt or
               water; take 3x/day as needed

Peppermint     Tincture: 20 - 40 drops, 3x/day
(Mentha
piperita)      Essential oil: Pour a few drops on a tissue
               and inhale as needed

               Tea: Steep 1 tsp. fresh or dried flower or leaves
               in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes; 3x/day

               Lozenges: In a pinch, organic mint lozenges
               will provide some relief

Herb           Comments

Chamomile      Use organic chamomile because the herb is frequently
(Chamomilla    sprayed with pesticides. Buy the dried
recutita)      flowers whole, making sure they still have
               fragrance. Avoid tea bags, which are not as fresh.

Dandelion      Use dandelion leaves in salads; roast the roots to
(Taraxacum     make a good coffee substitute. One cup of
officinale     greens has more vitamin A than a carrot.

Fennel         Chew seeds after meals to freshen breath and
(Foeniculum    relieve gas. Fennel is safe, inexpensive and
vulgare)       extremely tolerable.

Ginger         Nibbling on crystallized ginger throughout the
(Zingiber      day can also provide relief.
officinale)

Marshmallow    Wrap roots and leaves in hot gauze or cloth and
root           apply externally to stomach to increase blood flow
(Althea        and reduce pain.
officinalis)

Peppermint     Avoid if you're prone to acid reflux or are
(Mentha        pregnant. Never give to young children because the
piperita)      menthol in peppermint often causes a choking
               sensation. Because spearmint is cooling, it may be
               a better choice for heartburn.