Chamomile for gastritis

It is not easy to live with patients with inflamed gastric mucosa, because you have to take into account the possibility of getting an exacerbation along with food, and with it pain, nausea, sometimes vomiting, belching, a feeling of fullness of the organ, heaviness in the epigastrium, general malaise and weakness. Over time, people adapt to their pathology, using various folk methods for prevention, as well as in acute conditions, herbs that help eliminate inflammation. One of the most popular, used for gastritis, is chamomile.

Can you drink chamomile if you have gastritis?

Its chemical composition will help to understand this. Chamomile contains essential oil, and one of its components, azulin, which is the main active ingredient, is valuable for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-allergenic properties. [ 1 ] In addition, it contains glycosides, coumarins, free organic acids, mucous, protein, tannins, bitters, carotene and other components that reduce inflammation, normalize the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, reduce gas formation, and have an anesthetic effect. All these qualities make the plant popular for gastritis. [ 2 ]

Chamomile for gastritis with high acidity

Excessive secretion of gastric juice leads to irritation of the mucous membrane of the organ, causing symptoms of the disease. Herbalists claim that in addition to the above-mentioned beneficial properties, chamomile reduces acidity, thereby eliminating the factor that provokes inflammation.

Some doctors also recommend drinking it for low acidity. In the official instructions on the pack of chamomile, in the section “Pharmacological action” there is a formulation “increases the secretory activity of the digestive glands”. And it is indicated for any gastritis, ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, because it relieves spasms of the organ walls, heals damage, strengthens the walls of blood vessels. [ 3 ]

Chamomile for chronic gastritis

Rarely does anyone manage to finally get rid of gastritis after its acute form. As a rule, dietary violations, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and drug treatment result in new periodically recurring attacks. You have to live with this, adapting and neutralizing the manifestations of the disease. Chamomile is the best choice for relieving pain, healing inflammation, better absorption and digestion of food, and getting rid of flatulence.

The chronic form is inherent in various types of gastric inflammation, with different etiology, acidity and course. Therefore, the possibility of treatment with chamomile depends on the specific diagnosis and should be determined by a doctor.

Chamomile for atrophic gastritis

Atrophic gastritis is characterized by thinning of the stomach walls, loss of the ability of the digestive glands to produce the secretion necessary for digestion of food. Cell atrophy occurs, which cannot be stopped. This process is fraught with the development of a malignant neoplasm.

Along with medications that relieve inflammation and stimulate digestive processes, gastroenterologists recommend using folk methods, including herbs that increase or decrease acidity (depending on the need), saturate with the necessary nutrients, and improve peristalsis.

Chamomile is more suitable for hyperacid gastritis, but at the same time it will have a bactericidal, regenerating effect, will help slow down the development of the disease and will be useful for any pathology of the organ.

How to drink chamomile for gastritis?

The therapeutic effect of chamomile treatment is not achieved immediately, but after several months of use. With increased acidity, such a period is quite acceptable, but due to the fact that the plant contains substances with antacid properties, long-term treatment of hypoacid gastritis is undesirable and can be limited to 1-2 weeks.

There are several methods of preparing the potion:

• chamomile decoction for gastritis - 3 tablespoons of raw material are poured with a glass of boiling water, placed in a water bath for 15 minutes. After cooling, cool, squeeze, bring the volume with boiled water to the initial, take warm 3 times a day before meals. A single dose for adults is a third of a glass, children 12-14 years old - a quarter, 7-12 years old - 2 tablespoons, 3-7 years old - one, 1-3 - dessert;
• chamomile infusion for gastritis - the same proportions of chamomile and hot water are placed in a thermos for 5-6 hours, or overnight;
• chamomile tea for gastritis - you can't completely replace regular tea with chamomile, but you can drink it as a course of treatment before your main meal. Not only will your digestive organs benefit, but your nervous system will also benefit, and your sleep will improve. In this case, it's convenient to use a packaged plant (no need to strain); [ 4 ]
• chamomile, St. John's wort and yarrow for gastritis - a combination of other medicinal herbs will enhance the healing effect of chamomile. Thus, St. John's wort not only relieves inflammation, but also has a tonic, astringent, antimicrobial, regenerating property. Yarrow improves appetite, promotes proper metabolism, heals wounds. A small spoon of each of the three plants is poured with a glass of hot water and infused for at least half an hour, then taken according to the rules described above.