Food poisoning occurs when you have consumed food contaminated with bacteria or toxic substances. The stomach pain, nausea and vomiting caused due to food poisoning can be eliminated through medical care. Herbs can be used to lend a helping hand to the recovery process as well. Herbs which can be used to treat food poisoning include Asian Ginseng, Peony, Astagalus, Ginger, Skullcap, Licorice, Andrographis, Ginger, Oregon Grape, Goldenseal, Rosemary, Peppermint, Chamomile, Bittervine, Milk Thistle and Barberry.
Herbs can destroy the bacteria or toxins in the body and give relief from food poisoning. Antibacterial herbs with antimicrobial properties are the most effective in curing the problem. Let us examine some of the best herbal remedies to cure food poisoning. Please consult the doctor before taking any of these herbal remedies.
Best Herbal Remedies For Food Poisoning
Goldenseal
Hydrastis Canadensis is the botanical name by which this herb is also known. Goldenseal contains healing properties which help to alleviate the symptoms of food poisoning. Goldenseal contains substances which destroy harmful bacteria in the colon. As food poisoning is caused by the ingestion of harmful bacteria infected food, Goldenseal can be a very efficacious herbal remedy for food poisoning.
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Goldenseal also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion. This makes it ideal for dealing with symptoms of food poisoning such as indigestion and vomiting. You can take this herb in supplement form for best results.
Ginger
Zingiber Officinale is the Latin name of this herb. Ginger is vital for soothing the inflammation in the stomach. It also relieves nausea caused by food poisoning. Ginger contains a substance called gingerol which soothes stomach pain and cramps when you are suffering from food poisoning. This herb is also antibacterial.
So, if the food poisoning is caused due to the ingestion of bacteria infected food, Ginger can be a great herbal cure to combat the problem. You can crush fresh Ginger root and make it into a paste. Add honey and pepper and consume this daily for lessening the severity and intensity of the symptoms of food poisoning. You can also make delicious Ginger tea using the crushed, raw root of this herb and consume it to ward off food poisoning.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a very popular culinary herb. It is also used as an aid for memory. This aromatic kitchen herb also has medicinal properties which make it a very good remedy for food poisoning. Chemical compounds called rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid found in Rosemary help to preserve the freshness of food by destroying toxins and pathogens.
This ability of Rosemary can be utilized to cure food poisoning as well. Researchers have found that fresh Rosemary herb has been found to destroy harmful microbes with ease and rapidity. You can add chopped Rosemary leaves to your dishes and soups for availing the benefits of this herb. Not only will it prevent food from getting contaminated, it will also destroy harmful microbes in your gut which are causing the food poisoning.
Peppermint
Mentha Piperita is the Latin name by which this herb is also known. Peppermint has been known since ancient times to be a good herbal cure for food poisoning. Peppermint contains menthol which cools and soothes the stomach. Peppermint is also antispasmodic and this helps to relieve the stomach cramps associated with food poisoning.
Peppermint tea can be brewed from fresh leaves of this herb and consumed to dispel the flatulence and indigestion as well as heat in the stomach caused due to food poisoning induced acidity. If you are feeling too nauseous to drink the tea, you can also suck Peppermint candy or drops to relieve the discomfort caused by food poisoning. Peppermint leaves can also be chewed raw for good results.
Chamomile
Matricaria Recutita is the botanical name of this herb. Chamomile is a nervine herb which is known as a good remedy for anxiety, depression and insomnia. This herb is a natural sedative. Chamomile is also known for another medicinal property. It is very effective for aiding digestion. As one of the chief symptoms of food poisoning is indigestion, Chamomile can be quite useful as a remedy for this condition. Heat some water and bring it to boiling point.
Add Chamomile leaves to this and some natural sweetener. You can drink this soothing Chamomile tea 2 to 3 times in a day for relieving the nausea and stomach problems such as diarrhea which may accompany food poisoning. Do not take this herbal remedy if you are pregnant or nursing. Avoid this herbal remedy if you are allergic to Rag Weed.
Andrographis
The botanical name of this herb is Andrographis Paniculata. It is also called Chiretta in India. Another name by which this herb is referred to is Carmantine. This herb is native to South Asian countries like India, China and Sri Lanka. The underground stem and leaves of this herb are used to make medicines because of the remarkable curative powers of this herb. It is used as a cure for many diseases and disorders.
This herb can cure poisoning in the blood caused due to snake bites. Andrographis is also an antidote for food poisoning, because it is a blood purifier. You can soak the leaves of this herb in water overnight and then strain the liquid. Drink the liquid in the morning for some weeks in order to get complete relief from the symptoms of food poisoning.
Bittervine
The botanical name of this herb is Mikania Micrantha. Bittervine has been found to alleviate the symptoms of food poisoning caused due to bacteria like E.coli and S.aureus. This herb has been used to cure food poisoning, indigestion and nausea in Jamaica since many years. Bittervine can be taken in supplement or extract form for best results.
As Bittervine contains potent antibacterial properties, it is a very useful herbal remedy for food poisoning. It destroys the bacteria in the bodily system and ensures a return to a healthy life. Bittervine has been found by researchers to be most effective for curing food poisoning when it is taken in extract form.
Milk Thistle
Silybum Marianum is the botanical name of this herb. It is useful for curing food poisoning caused due to ingestion of deadly Amanita mushrooms. An active ingredient in Milk Thistle called silibinin heals the stomach and eases the discomfort caused due to food poisoning following the consumption of toxic mushrooms. You can take Milk Thistle extract to treat the symptoms of food poisoning.
You can also crush Milk Thistle seeds in water and drink this mixture for getting relief from food poisoning. Milk Thistle can also be used to deal with food poisoning caused due to the ingestion of other toxic foods, according to some herbalists. Do consult with a medical health care professional before opting for this herbal remedy.