Abdominal Cramps Natural Treatment Methods

• Problems, such as stomach belching, can be treated with a number of herbal products and teas
• Rosemary oil can relieve abdominal cramps when added to bath water
• Using good bacteria can help reduce problems with stool incontinence and intestinal gas

The stomach is a vital part of our digestive system. This is where the food that we take in for sustenance stays on hold and is processed into a simple soluble form for further assimilation into our bloodstream. Given that we eat three basic meals a day plus a couple of snack times and the numerous drinks we take in during and between mealtimes, we can imagine how busy and vulnerable to fatigue and sickness our stomach can be.

Common Causes of Abdominal Cramps

One of the stomach disorders we are familiar with is gastritis. It is caused by repetitive irritation to the stomach lining and if left untreated can develop into stomach ulcer. Symptoms of abdominal cramps, stool incontinence and abdominal bloating usually occur after a meal.
Appendicitis, indigestion and food poisoning are other examples of common stomach illnesses.

An abdominal cramp is the painful tightening of the muscles in the abdominal area and is quite prevalent in a good number of stomach disorders. Hence, it is important to determine the exact stomach ailment causing the abdominal pain to ensure accurate treatment.

Some Natural Treatment Choices

There are prescription drugs as well as natural remedies available for temporary relief from abdominal cramps. Those looking into natural therapy should consider the following nutritional supplements and herbal remedies:

• Calcium and magnesium – Supplements of these essential minerals are especially effective for people with high stomach acid levels. These minerals have alkaline properties that relax muscles thereby providing relief from abdominal cramps.
• Acidophilus – This is a combination of good bacteria that aid in the digestion of food. One example is yogurt.
• Fennel, peppermint, chamomile and slipper’s elm – These provide relief for those suffering from stomach irritations. They can be taken in tea form. Just mix one teaspoon of any of the four with a cup of boiling water and drink.
• Gentian root – This root can aid in digestion and to be taken in tea form.
• Lemon balm, peppermint, St. John’s Wort and valerian – Herbal teas from these herbs have calming properties and are effective in healing damaged nerves
• Rosemary oil – People suffering from stomach ailments can put five drops in bath water and soak in it to ease their discomfort.
• Amica – the oil in diluted form can be used for massaging the abdominal area to relieve stomach cramps.
• Aloe Vera – Peptic ulcer sufferers can seek respite from stomach pains and abdominal cramps by extracting herb juice from the whole leaves.
• Licorice – the roots can be used for herbal tea for stomach pain relief but not to be taken for a long period of time as it may increase blood pressure. However, there is a variety called DGL or deglycyrrhizinated licorice which produces no side effects.
• Burdock herb, slippery elm, Turkish rhubarb and sheep sorrrel – A combination of these herbal remedies together with DGL and aloe vera juice is effective for unusually resistant stomach illness.
• Anise – A teaspoon of the seeds steeped in a cup of boiling water then strained and drank can ease painful feeling from intestinal gas. Anise is not safe for infants, however.
• Ginger – Made into tea or its juice extracts mixed with water is effective for stomach pain, stool incontinence and nausea. A popular ingredient in over the counter digestives, laxatives and antacids.
• Turmeric – This spice member of the ginger family; it is present in a lot of Indian cuisine. Turmeric enhances the flow of bile, lessens the formation of gas and protects the lining of the intestines. However, do not consume in large amounts as it may cause gastric upset. Gallstone sufferers must refrain from consuming this herb because it may aggravate their condition.
• Cinnamon – The bark of this herb is effective for treating chronic diarrhea, kidney trouble and stomach cramps.
• Blackberry – This fruit is useful in treating abdominal pain with diarrhea and stomach belching.
• Celery leaves – Two grams of dried and crushed celery leaves added to one gram of rock salt can be consumed for stomach pain relief.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.