Herbs to Have on Hand For Digestive Health

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.

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Herbs for Respiratory Problems

After a disaster the stress does tend to lower immune system levels. Do not be surprised if loved ones get colds, flus and bronchitis that they cannot seem to shake.  Here are some options for some herbs that you can buy at a discount and store or even dry or make a tincture of yourself.  You do not have to stock them all but stocking just a key few of them good be valuable in an emergency.

 

If a bad cough or bronchitis sets in try the following –

 

Black Radish – Improves lung congestion and circulation

Boneset – Contains compounds that help reduce mucus in the lungs. Ca

Echinacea –A powerful antibacterial and anti-viral agent

Chickweed – Moistens the lungs and clears up lung congestion

Coltsfoot – – Relaxes spasms of the bronchial tubes. Warning! – Don’t take ephedra if you suffer from anxiety, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure or are taking medications for insomnia or depression.

Gingko Biloba – Improves microcirculation in the lungs

Golden Seal – Purifies the blood and acts as an antibacterial and anti-viral age

Mullein – Improves circulation and relieves chest cough

Myrrh – A natural antibiotic and anti-viral agent

Slippery Elm Bark – Calms a cough and soothes the throat.

Wild Cherry Bark –  Soothes the throat and is good for a cough

If you have a person in your family with asthma in your family you might want to keep the following on hand –

Ephedra – Relaxes spasms of the bronchial tubes. Warning! – Don’t take ephedra if you suffer from anxiety, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure or are taking medications for insomnia or depression.

Ginkgo biloba – Contains an active ingredient called gingolide B that may help widen airways

Lobelia – The extract is an expectorant and relaxant of the smooth bronchial muscles and is helpful to take to halt an attackMullein Oil – This oil is said to stop coughs and unclog bronchial tubes when taken orally in tea or fruit juice.

Pau d’arco – This is a natural antibiotic that reduces the inflammation of the bronchial tubes

Keep in mind that you should always consult with a doctor if you are any other type of medication for asthma.  If the asthma medication runs out these are good to have in stock.  This is especially true because anxiety and stress often provokes asthma attacks!

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