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The label ‘indigestion’ is used for a wide range of symptoms, all of which are due to a functional problem in the stomach caused by inappropriate eating habits. Indigestion (or dyspepsia) can be accompanied by pain, flatulence, heartburn and other symptoms. The causes of these symptoms can be grouped into four categories:

Irregular eating. The functioning of the body is characterised by rhythms, and the stomach—and in fact the whole digestive system—is no exception to this. If meals are taken irregularly, these rhythms are disturbed and functional problems may result. Shift-workers for instance are very prone to this.

Overeating and eating too quickly. If too much food goes into the stomach, either at any one time or in total over the day, the stomach will be overloaded and thus work with reduced efficiency. Overloading causes problems in the stomach which may affect the whole system. Obesity is the most common result. Also when food is eaten too quickly and not chewed thoroughly it causes problems; food will not be digested properly and may pass through the system in an undigested state.

Eating the wrong food. Many people are allergic to certain foods, even though the symptoms might not be very obvious. Any food that causes a problem should be eliminated from the diet altogether. A typical example is food containing gluten, such as wheat bread. Another common allergen may be cow’s milk.

Nervous tension. The stomach, like the whole digestive system, is easily affected by stress and anxiety.

By taking all these factors into account and by changing one’s diet and lifestyle accordingly, indigestion can be treated. There are a number of herbs that will speed up the healing process, but obviously they will have to be chosen according to the cause. The most important remedy is Meadowsweet, which will settle the stomach and reduce any excess acidity.

The demulcents can be very useful, a good one being Irish Moss, though the other digestive demulcents will also do.

If the digestion is sluggish, bitters like Gentian, Golden Seal and Wormwood will help.

If there is flatulence, the carminatives should be used as well. Good ones for the stomach are Aniseed, Balm, Cardamon, Fennel and Peppermint.

If there is nervous tension involved, the nervine relaxants are indicated, especially those that also aid digestion, such as Chamomile, Hops, Lavender, Rosemary and Valerian. In all cases consult the Herbal section to choose the most appropriate herb or combination of them to use in the individual case.