Several herbs and supplements can help regulate the intestinal transit and calm the digestive disorders.

To fight against dyspepsia, an impressive number of plants are subject to traditional use. In 2002, an analysis of scientific data concluded that 44 herbal products were traditionally recommended to treat dyspepsia.¹⁰. The list below is therefore not exhaustive, but groups together approaches that are often used.

 Stress management. Stress management methods have proven to be effective on functional digestive disorders, whether it is irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia. Several methods have been proven, including cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, hypnotherapy and psychotherapy². These techniques allow you to relax and learn to manage pain. They are effective against bloating, stomach pain and nausea, as well as functional diarrhea.

See also the fact sheet Better resist stress: act on the soul and body.

 Artichoke. Artichoke leaves are known for their ability to relieve dyspepsia and aid digestion, since they increase bile production. These benefits have been demonstrated by several studies involving more than 1 patients. In 000, a study of 2004 people with irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia showed the effectiveness of artichoke leaf extracts to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms in these patients.⁷.

In 2010, an Italian study evaluated the effectiveness of a commercial mixture called Cinarepa and containing extracts of artichoke leaves, dandelion, inulin, turmeric and rosemary oil in treating dyspepsia in more than 300 patients. A 50% decrease in symptoms was observed in 80% of patients after 60 days of treatment (1 capsule per day)⁸.

 STW5. STW5 Iberogast®, a German preparation based on 9 plants, showed its effectiveness on dyspepsia, in a meta-analysis carried out in 2004³. The herbal preparation (German chamomile, bitter ibéris, angelica, caraway, lemon balm, celandine, licorice, peppermint) has been found to be effective in relieving heartburn and abdominal pain.

 Pepper mint (Mentha piperita). ESCOP recognizes the use of peppermint leaves to relieve inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. Traditionally, peppermint has been used to aid digestion, relieve nausea, and calm pain. The combination of peppermint essential oil and cumin essential oil also helped reduce symptoms of non-ulcerative dyspepsia, according to a clinical trial conducted in 2003.⁹.

Dosage

Take 3 to 4 cups of infusion per day (infuse, for 10 minutes, 1 tablespoon of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water).

 Ginger. Commission E recognizes the medicinal use of ginger to reduce symptoms of dyspepsia.

 Thistle. Commission E and WHO recognize the use of milk thistle seeds against symptoms of dyspepsia. In Europe, this plant is part of several pharmaceutical preparations intended for the treatment of various digestive disorders of hepatic and biliary origin.

 Turmeric. Commission E and WHO recognize the effectiveness of turmeric rhizomes in treating dyspepsia. In addition to a clinical trial that showed the superiority of turmeric (4 times 250 mg per day) over dyspepsia compared with placebo, preliminary studies in 2003 and 2007⁵ suggested that taking turmeric relieved symptoms caused by the bacteria H. pylori (700 mg, 3 times a day).

 Black radish. Commission E approved the use of black radish juice to treat dyspepsia resulting from poor bile circulation. Black radish would stimulate contractions of the intestine and promote the circulation of bile.

 Boldo. Commission E approved the use of boldo leaves, used as a spice in Chile, to treat dyspepsia and various gastrointestinal disorders. Boldo is also useful for constipation.

 Licorice. Commission E recognizes the use of licorice to prevent and treat gastric and duodenal ulcers. This plant is also recommended by naturopaths to treat gastroesophageal reflux.

 Cayenne. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne pepper, has been shown to be effective on symptoms of dyspepsia in a preliminary study⁶ (2,5 g of cayenne powder per day).

It also appears that the hot red pepper (chili), whose active ingredient is also the capsaicin, has a beneficial effect on disorders related to functional digestive diseases⁴. Combined with rice and consumed regularly, as in Asian food, chili peppers could have a calming effect on the inflammation of the digestive mucous membranes, contrary to what one might think.

 Chinese and Japanese Pharmacopoeia. Several Chinese and Japanese herbal preparations are used against functional digestive disorders, whether it is dyspepsia or irritable bowel. In 2009, a meta-analysis of 14 studies highlighted the effectiveness of the Chinese preparation “xiaoyao san modified”, in combination with conventional drugs or on its own, in reducing dyspeptic symptoms. However, the methodology of the various studies remains open to criticism.¹¹. Also in 2009, a Japanese review article highlighted the effectiveness of various Japanese preparations on digestive disorders, Rikkunnshi-to allowing, for example, to relieve dyspepsia¹².