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The stomach is where digestion truly begins — where food is broken down by acid and enzymes into a form the body can absorb. When the stomach is irritated, inflamed, or under-secreting, the effects ripple through the entire digestive process and beyond. In my years of teaching herbal medicine, I have found the herbs for gastric health to be among the most immediately effective in the entire materia medica. Meadowsweet, liquorice, slippery elm, chamomile — these plants have been used for stomach complaints for centuries, and for good reason. The posts in this section explore the herbs, the conditions, and the practical knowledge you need to support a healthy stomach naturally.
ASOHM News
21 November 2017
Sage or salvia officinalis, as it is scientifically called, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is a valuable remedy for throat/mouth problems, intestinal/digestion complaints and menopausal hot flushes, to name just a few. It is a native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, where the leaves of this small evergreen, perennial […]
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ASOHM News
13 August 2017
An overload of toxins in your body will lead to chronic illness, premature ageing and death. You and I are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals, they are everywhere — all the time. They are in the air...
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ASOHM News
9 August 2017
Yarrow has an important place in the history of herbs. It has two agents which promote blood coagulation, several which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving action, and others which are antiseptic. As well as healing internal and external wounds, yarrow counters diarrhoea and dysentery relieves intestinal troubles regulates menstrual periods acts as a diuretic aids the function […]
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ASOHM News
20 May 2017
Have a read of our latest blog post to find out more about natural remedies for arthritic and inflamed joints. Contact us to find out more about our courses.
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Anti-Cancer
29 April 2017
Beetroot juice is one of our most valuable juices, containing four vitamins, nine important minerals and over 200 different active elements. Read more.
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ASOHM News
23 April 2017
Raw potato juice is a natural antacid with proven benefits for indigestion, gastric reflux, eczema, and dark circles. Discover how this simple remedy works.
Read article →Gastric complaints range from the mildly uncomfortable — occasional heartburn or indigestion — to the more serious, such as gastric ulcers or GERD. Herbal medicine has something to offer across this spectrum, though more serious conditions always warrant medical assessment. The herbs discussed here are drawn from both clinical research and longstanding traditional use in European herbal medicine.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a beautifully effective herb for gastric acidity — it is anti-inflammatory, mildly antacid, and protective of the stomach lining. Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) creates a soothing mucilaginous coating over irritated mucous membranes. Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Liquorice root — specifically deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) — has strong evidence for supporting gastric ulcer healing.
Several herbs have solid evidence for supporting ulcer healing. DGL liquorice has been compared favourably to conventional antacids in some studies for both gastric and duodenal ulcers. Calendula (Calendula officinalis), marshmallow root, and slippery elm are also used to soothe and repair the stomach lining. It is important to establish the cause of ulcers — including testing for Helicobacter pylori — before treatment, and medical supervision is advised.
Peppermint is excellent for intestinal spasm and bloating, but it can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter. For those with heartburn or reflux, chamomile is a better choice. For stomach cramping without a reflux component, peppermint tea is generally very well tolerated and effective.
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) is commonly caused by H. pylori infection, NSAID use, excess alcohol, or chronic stress. Herbs with anti-inflammatory and mucosal-protective properties — meadowsweet, chamomile, calendula, slippery elm — can help soothe the inflamed lining while causes are addressed. Chronic gastritis should always be medically evaluated.
Absolutely. The gut-brain axis is very real, and stress is one of the most common triggers for stomach discomfort, including gastritis, ulcers, and functional dyspepsia. Nervine herbs such as chamomile and lemon balm, which address both the gut symptoms and the nervous system component, are particularly well suited to stress-related gastric complaints.
Yes — and in many cases they are just as important as the herbs themselves. Reducing caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and highly processed foods while increasing fibre-rich and alkaline foods can significantly reduce gastric symptoms. Eating smaller meals more frequently, chewing thoroughly, and not eating late at night are also important habits. Herbs work best alongside these changes.
A gastric ulcer occurs in the stomach lining itself, while a duodenal ulcer occurs in the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Both are managed in broadly similar ways with herbal medicine, though the choice of specific herbs may differ. Both should be medically confirmed and monitored.
If you have found yourself returning to these articles because you or someone you love is struggling with gastric health, I encourage you to go deeper. Our herbal medicine course covers the gastro-intestinal system in an entire dedicated lesson — giving you the physiological understanding and herbal knowledge to approach these conditions with real confidence. View our lesson packages and enrol today.