Digestion

Frangula alnus

Frangula bark is a stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. Use for 1 week at most; not under 12 or in pregnancy.

Dried Herb & Tea

Ricinus communis

A strong, fast-acting laxative with well-known efficacy for short-term constipation. Do not use it on your own to start labour.

Carrier Oil

Linum usitatissimum

Taken with plenty of liquid, flaxseed may help soften stools in habitual constipation; drinking enough fluid with it is essential.

Seed

Zingiber officinale

Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion.

Spice

Mentha × piperita

Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache.

Essential Oil

Plantago ovata

Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines.

Dried Herb & Tea

Senna alexandrina

A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. No longer than 1 week; not for children under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dried Herb & Tea

Hypericum perforatum

St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill.

Dried Herb & Tea

Momordica charantia

A folk remedy of bitter melon steeped in olive oil. Small studies saw a modest fall in blood sugar; it has not been shown to heal ulcers.

Syrup & Paste

Piper nigrum

The world's most widely used spice. Its piperine markedly increases the absorption of some compounds, such as curcumin from turmeric.

Spice

Cuminum cyminum

An essential spice for meatballs and pulses. Small clinical studies saw mild benefit for bloating, IBS symptoms and weight control.

Seed

Rhus coriaria

A sour, red spice. Small clinical studies reported modest improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes.

Spice

Pimenta dioica

A fragrant spice reminiscent of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg combined. Traditionally used for indigestion and wind; there are no clinical data.

Spice

Pimpinella anisum

Aniseed tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for cough that comes with a cold.

Seed

Cynara cardunculus (syn. C. scolymus)

Artichoke leaf is traditionally used for indigestion with fullness, bloating and wind; it must not be used with gallbladder disease.

Dried Herb & Tea

Ocimum basilicum

An aromatic culinary herb. Traditionally used for indigestion and wind; calming effects have only been seen in animal studies.

Dried Herb & Tea

Laurus nobilis

A Mediterranean herb that flavours food. Traditionally used for indigestion and wind; effects on blood sugar come only from small early studies.

Dried Herb & Tea

Rhamnus cathartica

Anthraquinone-containing fruits with a very strong laxative effect. Used only short term and at low doses for occasional constipation.

Seed

Capsicum annuum, Piper nigrum, Allium sativum

A Louisiana-style blend of cayenne, black pepper, garlic, onion and thyme. It flavours food; any health effect comes from its spices.

Spice

Elettaria cardamomum

A ginger-family spice that flavours coffee and desserts. Traditionally used for indigestion and wind; other effects come from small early studies.

Spice

Centaurium erythraea

Centaury herb tea is traditionally used for mild indigestion and temporary loss of appetite; do not confuse it with St John's wort.

Dried Herb & Tea

Matricaria recutita

A gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation.

Dried Herb & Tea

Terminalia chebula

A component of the Ayurvedic Triphala blend. Traditionally used as a mild laxative and, at low doses, as an astringent; clinical data are limited.

Spice

Cinnamomum verum

Ceylon cinnamon bark tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for mild diarrhoea.

Spice