Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Some of the plants which are used for treating the gastro-intestinal disorders are Adrak, Triphala, Lahsun, Podina, Kanlaunji, Zamikand, Soya, Jeera, Isapgol etc,.

1. Adrak for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Biological Name : Zingiber officinalis

Ginger has to be used in food stuff so that it works effectively in treating dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, vomiting, spasm and any other pain in the stomach.

2. Triphala : Harr, Bahera and Amla for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Biological Name : Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Emblica officinalis respectively.

These three fruits together are called as triphala. Triphala is an ayurvedic remedy for treating various gastro-intestinal disorders. Two teaspoonfuls of triphala powder should be taken daily during bed time for clearing constipation and allied complaints.

3. Lahsun for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Biological Name : Allium sativum

Allium is an ancient intestinal antiseptic which expels gas from the stomach and cleans the alimentary canal. A paste of 5 cloves mixed with honey when taken daily on a bread improves appetite, digestion and removes flatulence.

4. Podina for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Biological Name : Mentha arvensis

Mentha is useful in indigestion, tenesmus, diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be used in the form of chutney or liquid.

5. Kanlaunji for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Biological Name : Nigella sativa

Kanlaunji is useful for stomach troubles. 50 g of kanlaunji is soaked in vinegar, dried and powdered. This powder, about 6 to 10 g when used after meals clears gas and indigestion and it also gives strength to stomach, spleen and kidney.

6. Zamikand for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Biological Name : Amorphophallus companulatus

Zamikand is used for treating piles and given as a restorative in dyspepsia and debility. It is a hot carminative in the form of a pickle.

7. Soya for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Biological Name : Foeniculum vulgare

Soya is used for treating indigestion, colic and flatulence and it has to be eaten during the cultivated season only.

8. Jeera for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Biological Name : Cuminum cyminum

Jeera is useful for indigestion, loss of appetite, flatulence and bloated feeling. It is taken as zeera-50 g, and soaked in vinegar and dried. To this 6 g of powdered and dried ginger, 4 g of black salt are added. 20-25 g has to be taken after meals.

9. Isapgol for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Biological Name : Plantago ovata

Isapgol is useful in dysentery and chronic diarrhoea. It also works as a soothing agent for mucous membranes and removes constipation.

Medicines for the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders:

Ayurvedic Medicines

• Diarrhoea and Dysentery – Katujarist (for blood dysentery), Amibica
• Indigestion – Lavan Bhaskar Churna, Hingavasti Churna
• Constipation – Triphala, Kabzhar

Unani Medicines

• Diarrhoea and Dysentery – Pech, Malti basant, Jawarish Amla
• Indigestion – Pachnol, Majoon Mukavy Meda
• Constipation – Kurs Mulayyan, Majoon Anjir, Isapgol

Homeopathic Medicines

• Diarrhoea – China Complex
• Indigestion – Hydrastis Complex
• Dysentery – Merce Sol Complex