Frequent in autumn/winter, gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the digestive system. Plants, essential oils, homeopathy… Tour of natural treatments and advice from Claire Saunier, holder of a DU in aromatherapy.
Has the gastro virus infected you? Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting… Tour of plants recommended in herbal medicine to relieve symptoms, essential oils and homeopathic medicines.
1. Common thyme herbal tea
“It is highly recommended to drink herbal teas during gastroenteritis, if only for fight against dehydration“, immediately recalls Claire Saunier, midwife and holder of a DU in aromatherapy. Thyme will act as a digestive tract disinfectant. Put 1 tablespoon of dried herbs in a cup of hot water and steep for 3 minutes.
2. Roman chamomile tea
Chamomile will help calm the intestines: it reduces vomiting and intestinal spasms. Infuse 5 g of chamomile in 200 ml of water for 10 minutes.
3. Rosemary herbal tea
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) activates digestive functions, especially the gallbladder. Infuse 5 g of rosemary leaf in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, filter then drink 2 to 3 cups a day.
4. Lemon balm tea
The lemon balm (Mélissa officinalis) also has renowned digestive properties. Put 1 tablespoon of leaves of lemon balm in a liter of water, boil for 10 minutes
5. Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), in the form of herbal tea, fresh or in lozenges, is known to relieve nausea passenger. Put the equivalent of 1 level teaspoon of powdered ginger in a cup of boiling water. Cover and let infuse for 10 minutes.
6. Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint EO (Mentha piperita) is very effective for combat vomiting and low energy. “You can use it inhaled, as often as necessary to combat nausea or take a drop on a sugar to eradicate nausea and vomiting“, specifies the specialist. Another option: Place a drop on the temples to restore your energy and a drop on a sugar to stop the nausea. Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, the people with epilepsy, asthma and children under 7 years old
7. Exotic Basil essential oil
The essential oil of basil (Ocimum basilicum) intervenes on digestion. It will help rebalance the digestive system to prevent it from evacuating its contents too quickly. “Place 1 to 2 drops of Basil essential oil in about ten drops of essential oil (10% dilution). Massage the belly with the mixture in a clockwise direction for 5 minutes” suggests Claire Saunier. Do not use in children under 12 years old, pregnant women and breastfeeding, people with cancer, people suffering from degenerative diseases.
8. Lemon essential oil
Lemon EO (Citrus limonum) can be used in smell as often as necessary to combat nausea. It can be used even in pregnant women (more than 3 months) and breastfeeding as well as in children over 6 years old.
9. What remedies in homeopathy against gastro?
Homeopathy can help relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis. We prefer:
► ARSENICUM ALBUM 9 CH in case of irritating nauseous stools, burning abdominal pain improved by hot drinks: Take three granules three times a day.
► NUX VOMICA 9CH in case of vomiting which relieves: take 3 pellets 3 times a day.
► IPECA 7CH in case of vomiting with violent spasms without relief afterwards, greenish diarrhea: take 3 granules, 3 to 4 times a day.
► VERATRUM ALBUM 5CH in case of nausea accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, malaise: Take 3 granules, 3 to 4 times a day.
► CHINA 5CH in case of painless diarrhea with a lot of gas and fatigue; 3 pellets 3 times a day
In all cases, reduce the number of doses as soon as the symptoms improve until the doses are stopped.
10. Rice cooking water
It is recommended to eat rice against diarrhea, which often occurs in cases of gastroenteritis. Don’t throw away the cooking water! This popular remedy for grandmothers allows you to rehydrate without causing nausea or abdominal heaviness: “Drink a glass of this drink once a day until you see relief”, recommends our interlocutor.
11. Probiotics
Pre and probiotics are precious allies for the intestinal flora abused by the gastro virus. Probiotics would bring relief to the duration and intensity of diarrhea. “Two bacterial strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG* and Lactobacillus casei are particularly recommended in this case”, says our specialist. To be taken for ten days. They are available over the counter in pharmacies.
12. Activated (or “activated”) charcoal
Charcoal is a detoxifying supplement that has a high adsorption power. The goal: get rid of gas and unpleasant flatulence, but also to help the body get rid of viruses. To be taken away from any other medication.
Thanks to Claire Saunier, midwife in charge of the care unit at the Estuaire private hospital in Le Havre, holder of a DU in clinical and scientific aromatherapy from the University of Strasbourg and trained within the French federation of homeopathy societies