The anxiety and stress of a tolerating a disaster as well as eating off-schedule and not being able to necessary control the diet can play havoc with the digestive system.
Constipation results when waste material moves too slowly through the large bowel resulting in infrequent elimination.
Herbs that can help discourage and alleviate the symptoms of constipation are –
Alfalfa Extract – contains chlorophyll, which detoxifies the body.
Cascara Sagrada – acts as a mild laxative
Golden Seal – a mild laxative
Milk Thistle – aids liver functions and helps to soften stools so they can be eliminated easier
Rhubarb Root – a powerful laxative
Senna Leaves – a powerful laxative and diuretic
Yerba Mate – a very powerful anti-parasitic laxative that cleanses the bowels and that should be taken with a great deal of water.
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent and loose watery stools and has many causes including contaminated water, stress, food allergies, a reaction to caffeine, eating unripe or rancid foods, food poisoning or a viral or bacterial infection. It is also a very common drug side effect of recreational, over the counter and prescription drugs.
If you suffer from bouts of diarrhea the following herbs might be helpful –
Blackberry root bark – Used specifically to relieve the discomfort and symptoms of diarrhea.
Cayenne – Prevents infection and helps intestinal lining repair itself
Chamomile – Soothes the intestine and relieves cramps
Ginger – Brewed as a tea it helps relieve the discomfort of cramps and abdominal pain
Raspberry Leaves – Soothes cramping and is a binding agent
Slippery Elm Bark – Is a binding agent that soothes and moistens the digestive tract
There are also herbs that can be helpful to have on hand if you have food poisoning.
Food poisoning can ravage the digestive system. At the first sign of food poisoning try taking a dropperful of alcohol-free goldenseal extract every four hours. It is a natural antibiotic that aids in destroying bacteria in the colon. Use goldenseal with caution if you are pregnant or allergic to ragweed.
You can also take milk thistle and red clover to aid in liver and blood cleansing after an episode of food poisoning.
Use lobelia as an enema to rid the boy of the toxins created in the colon by the food poisoning.
Good old fashioned indigestion can be remedied by the following –
Anise seeds – Helps regulate the production of gas and relieve a sour stomach
Catnip – Settles the stomach and relieves gas
Chamomile – Relives gas and relaxes the intestines
Fennel – Soothes the stomach and relieves nausea and gas
Goldenseal – Kills any bacteria that may be the cause of the indigestion
Ginger – Drunk as a tea or chewed in the dried form can be used to combat nausea
Parsley – A few sprigs in a glass of warm water can help relieve indigestion
Slippery Elm – Can help relieve gas and inflammation of the colon
Having some of these herbs on hand could relieve a great deal of discomfort for those suffering from indigestion especially if there is no Pepato Bismol or other remedies available.