| There are many old stomach remedies that still have | | | | two kinds of mint, which has long been known for its |
| value for us today. Stomach pain and upset frequently | | | | palliative properties. The use of mint predates the |
| results when the lining of the stomach has become | | | | Romans, though they first popularized the after dinner |
| irritated. Many plants are well known for their ability to | | | | mint. This herb has an antispasmodic capability that |
| soothe the stomach. | | | | helps it serve as a remedy to the digestive system. |
| In the famous Culpeper's Complete Herbal of 1687, | | | | The active ingredients in peppermint are methyl |
| great mention is made of caraway (Carum carvi). It is | | | | salicylate and menthol. These compounds are able to |
| said that "it is pleasant and comfortable to the | | | | reduce pain by activating the body's kappa-opioid |
| stomach and promoteth digestion." In this same vein, | | | | receptors, as well as having the aforementioned |
| Culpeper mentions horse parsley ("it warmeth a cold | | | | anti-spasmodic effect. Peppermint tea is another well |
| stomach"), angelica ("good preservatives in time of | | | | known remedy for soothing an upset stomach. |
| infection; and at other times to warm and comfort a | | | | Looking into the literature of herbal medicine shows |
| cold stomach"), and barley ("give great nourishment to | | | | that chamomile has also stood the test of time. This |
| persons troubled with fevers, auges and heats in the | | | | herb has been collected for more than 2,000 years |
| stomach"). Barley water and barley soup are popular | | | | and used to treat all sorts of digestive ills. In Europe it is |
| even today. | | | | called the "mother of the gut." Preparations with |
| The new world herb cayenne has a long history as a | | | | chamomile, such as chamomile tea, remain a popular |
| remedy for stomach troubles, as well as a tonic for | | | | household remedy for stomach ailments. |
| the heart. The Aztecs knew cayenne as a cure for | | | | The lining of the stomach is rich with nerve endings, |
| intoxication. Later, it was mentioned by no less than | | | | which is one reason why our stomachs may become |
| Christopher Columbus in the notes of his first voyage. | | | | upset so easily. There are two biochemicals in |
| Soon after, it became known throughout Europe as a | | | | chamomile that directly address this problem. A-bisobol |
| powerful herb. By the middle of the 19th century, the | | | | speeds the mending of the torn tissues, as with an |
| scholarly journal The Southern Botanic Journal was | | | | ulcer. Another chemical, chamazulene, acts as an |
| postulating that cayenne was helpful to the stomach. | | | | anti-inflammatory. Irritated stomach linings swell. The |
| Counter-intuitive though it may be, the use of cayenne | | | | anti-inflammatory agent in this herbal remedy shrinks |
| in remedies for stomach complaints is well established | | | | these tissues, providing the curative action. |
| and many preparations are available today. There is | | | | These are but a few of the old stomach remedies |
| even some modern thought that this pepper is not only | | | | that are readily available. Before we rush to add new |
| beneficial to an active ailment, but are can be used as | | | | medications to our arsenal, it makes sense to |
| a preventative. | | | | investigate the natural remedies that have a long |
| Moving from peppers to another old stomach remedy, | | | | history of being both safe and effective. |
| we reach peppermint. This herb is a hybrid between | | | | |