Abdominal pain is a collective name for many complaints in the stomach area. Abdominal pain can be caused by many causes and can be diverse in nature. Despite the diversity of stomach aches, there are a number of herbs that work in many cases. These include: wild thyme, cinnamon, angelica and dill. Home remedies can be made from these herbs, which are completely natural. For stomach ache, a tea is usually best suited, but a bath can also help. In case of long-term abdominal pain or severe abdominal pain, it is important to determine the cause. When in doubt, always go to the doctor.
Wild thyme ( Thymus serpyllum )
All aerial parts of wild thyme can be used as a medicine for stomach ache. Wild thyme contains essential oils, which reduce cramps and promote digestion. It also contains bitter and tannins. These promote the production of digestive juices and overall digestion. Wild thyme tea can help with abdominal pain, stomach cramps and bloating. To prepare this tea you will need:
- 2 tablespoons dried wild thyme
- water
Boil plenty of water. Crumble the thyme finely into a cup and add the water until the cup is completely full. Then you filter the whole thing. You can sweeten the tea with honey if desired.
The bark of a cinnamon tree / Source: Marion Schneider & Christoph Aistleitner, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Wild thyme / Source: Borealis55, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylanicum )
The bark of the cinnamon tree can be used as a medicine. It contains, among other things, antispasmodic and digestion-promoting essential oils, mucilages that can soothe irritations in the stomach and tannins that promote digestion. Cinnamon tea can help with digestive complaints, a feeling of fullness and cramps in the stomach area. The tea can also be used for strong menstrual complaints. To make the tea you need:
- 2 pieces of cinnamon
- water
Grind the cinnamon. Ideally this is done in a mortar, but it can also be done with a knife, for example. Pour a quarter liter of boiling water over the cinnamon and let it steep for ten minutes. Strain the tea for him to drink. The tea is best drunk immediately after a meal.
Please note: It is wiser not to use cinnamon during pregnancy or if you suffer from stomach or duodenal ulcers.
Angelica ( Angelica archangelica )
Angelica, also called Angelica, angélique or large angelica, can be used for abdominal pain. The dried root contains essential oils and bitter substances, which promote digestion and soothe cramps. The bitter substances further stimulate the production of gastric juices. Angelica tea can reduce the symptoms of abdominal pain and cramps. For a cup of tea you need:
- 1 teaspoon dried angelica root
- 1 cup of water
Chop the carrot finely. Boil the water and add the chopped carrot. Let it all boil for five minutes. Strain the tea and let the liquid cool to a drinkable temperature. The optimal effect can be obtained by drinking three cups of tea per day, spread throughout the day.
Angelica / Source: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Dill / Source: Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Dill ( Anethum graveolens )
The dried flowers of dill can be used for stomach ache. The leaves can also be used, but they contain fewer active substances. The active ingredients are essential oils. These limit cramps and at the same time stimulate the functioning of the stomach. Dill works especially well for lower abdominal complaints. For this purpose it is processed in a sitz bath. For this bath you need:
- 30 grams of dill seed
- water
Boil a liter of water and add the seeds. Let it boil for a while and then steep for 5 minutes. In the meantime you can fill the bath. After steeping, add the water with seed to the bath. If desired, you can first strain the liquid so that there are no pieces of seed in the water.
