A trip to a dicey looking Chinese restaurant can end up with you doubled up over your toilet, clutching your sides. Food poisoning is the worst, but a few medicinal herbs can give you some relief. If your food poisoning is mild (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as opposed to a high fever and intense cramps), these herbs can help alleviate your suffering. You might need to start off with low doses of these herbs as they could cause an allergic reaction in some people.
1. Bayberry
Bayberry comes from the berry family and its root is used to treat food poisoning. It contains a natural antibiotic called myricitrin which kills harmful bacteria in your gut that’s causing food poisoning. It’s most useful in treat diarrhea because of the natural tannins present in it. Bayberry can upset the sodium-potassium balance in some people, so if you have a history of kidney stones or heart disease, consult with a doctor before using it.
2. Catnip
If you have a terrible tummy ache and muscle spasms, catnip should be your go-to medicinal herb. The compounds in catnip relax your intestinal walls, so the muscles won’t spasm and cause you intense pain. Catnip can be brewed into a tea that will cure all your food poisoning woes. Sip on it a few times a day until you feel better.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile has been used in ancient medicine for centuries and it’s just as powerful today. Chamomile tea is often administered to colicky babies to soothe their tummy and the same principle can work on adults too. This tea loosens up your muscles, which gives you immediate relief from gripes. It’s completely safe, so drink as much of this tea as you need to.
4. Dill
Dill is so much more than just a salad garnish. It was used as a digestive aid in traditional medicine for centuries and now modern research has confirmed many of its powers. Dill can kill harmful bacteria in your gut that gave you food poisoning in the first place. It also relaxes your intestinal muscles to give you relief from pain. Dill contains anti-foaming compounds which can reduce gas in your tummy.
5. Ginseng
Ginseng is often considered the cornerstone of Chinese traditional medicine because it’s used extensively. Ginseng contains many powerful compounds that build up your body’s immunity. When you consume ginseng while you’re ill, it helps your body fight off invaders, letting you recover much faster. Regular consumption of ginseng can prevent food poisoning from recurring again because it protects your body from harmful bacteria.
6. Peppermint
There’s a reason why peppermint is such a popular after-meal digestive. Sucking on peppermint or drinking peppermint tea relaxes the walls of our intestine and reduces cramping. It also improves the body’s own digestion so it doesn’t fall prey to food poisoning again. Peppermint tea can also release excess gas from the small intestine which might be the cause for bloating.
7. Apples
Eating whole apples, skin and all, is very beneficial against food poisoning. The healing powers of apple comes down to an important fiber it contains called pectin. Pectin coats the insides of your intestinal walls, protecting it from harmful bacteria. Eating plenty of apples is important if you have diarrhea because it adds valuable fiber to your diet. Fiber adds bulk to your stools, so you won’t have to go running to the bathroom as often.
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon isn’t just a delicious spice, it’s also an effective remedy for food poisoning. Cinnamon increases production of digestive enzymes, helping your body break down food and kill harmful bacteria more effectively. It also decreases the amount of gas present in the small intestine, giving you relief from bloating and excessive flatulence.
