Medicinal plants for indigestion

Medicinal plants and bitter substances can prevent and relieve indigestion.

22.12.2010

The President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists, Erika Fink, said that medicinal plants and bitter substances are a relatively simple method to prevent digestive problems caused by fatty meals. For example, bitter substances would stimulate the appetite because they immediately stimulate the production of digestive juices. At the same time the feeling of satiety enters faster, as the digestion is considerably accelerated. However, to maximize the effect of bitter tea and extracts of, for example, gentian root or dandelion, they should be taken at least half an hour before meals, the President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists recommends. In addition, bitter tea works best if left in the mouth for a while, Fink explained. However, those who suffer from an inflamed stomach, an inflammatory gastrointestinal disease or an irritable bowel should refrain from bitter substances. The same applies to inflammation of the gallbladder or gallbladder, said the expert. As a general rule, consult a doctor before using the product for complaints with preparations containing a bitter substance.

Bitter substances have an appetite-stimulating and digestive effect
Bitter substances are the most diverse substances referred to which is essentially only the bitter taste in common. They are said to have a very positive effect on digestion. Researchers have discovered that humans have sensors for the bitter taste not only in the mouth but also in the gastrointestinal tract. As soon as we eat bitter food, a signal wave goes to the brain and triggers a variety of metabolic reactions such as immediate salivation and increased production of digestive juices. Thus, the bitter substances stimulate the production of digestive juices and promote digestion in general. By faster digestion of food, the feeling of hunger immediately decreases and the cravings for more go back. This also reduces the total intake of food, according to the assessment of the current studies. In addition, the bittern stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, which has a positive effect on the breakdown of absorbed nutrients, said the President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists.

Essential oils of medicinal herbs against feeling of fullness
Also recommended against feeling of fullness are, according to Erika Fink, medicinal herbs with essential oils, which can have an antispasmodic and digestive effect. For example, a tea made from fennel seeds has a calming effect on indigestion. Before the preparation, the fennel seeds should be slightly squeezed with a mortar or the outside of a spoon, so they better release their essential oil in the infusion, advises the President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists. Similar digestive effects can be achieved with tea from bitter-containing plants such as wormwood, bitter orange peel, ginger or plain coffee, Fink continued. (Fp)

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Image: David Stichling