Bloating and slowed intestinal motility? Frangula, charcoal, fennel and chamomile can be a valid aid for stimulating the intestine, reducing the feeling of a bloated belly, finding lightness and well-being . The four phytotherapeutic remedies used alone or in balanced preparations can be of great relief when the intestine is acting up.
Slow intestine or lazy intestine often results in constipation and abdominal swelling and sometimes nausea.
The causes can be numerous : the bacterial flora may not be adequate, as in the case of dysbiosis, a sedentary lifestyle can further slow down peristalsis, an incorrect diet can be one of the causes of constipation. Food intolerances and allergies can also contribute to slowing down the action of our intestine or increasing the sensation of bloating and heaviness.
The first rule to improve the motility of our intestine and reduce abdominal swelling is to have a healthy diet and a correct lifestyle , not too sedentary, try to control stress, promote digestion from the beginning of the process through chewing slow and prolonged.
If, however, despite these precautions, the problem persists we can resort to some phytotherapeutic remedies.
The four main allies against bloating and intestinal motility problems are: buckthorn, charcoal, fennel and chamomile. Each of these plants contains active ingredients that can help us overcome difficulties related to a sluggish intestine.
Frangula: stimulate the intestines gently
Strawberry, a plant of the Rhamnaceae family, is known for its laxative properties and its ability to stimulate intestinal peristalsis. It owes its effectiveness to the bark, rich in anthraquinone glycosides, active ingredients that resist digestion in the stomach and are transformed only by the bacterial flora of the intestine. Once in the large intestine they promote peristalsis. Not only that: their presence reduces the absorption of the water that remains available and increases the volume and softens the stool, promoting evacuation. Frangulin, a substance contained in the frangula, contributes to the tone of the intestinal walls, is not irritating and does not cause habituation
Vegetable charcoal: and abdominal swelling is resolved
To counteract abdominal swelling it is possible to use vegetal charcoal or activated charcoal. What is it about? Of the residue from the combustion of vegetable products carried out in an environment with little oxygen and without a naked flame. The material thus obtained is very porous, an important characteristic to facilitate the absorption of intestinal gases and other substances; porosity in fact increases the surface area available to filter and absorb the substances it comes into contact with. Warning: charcoal has a high absorption power, so be careful not to take it together with medicines, as it could partially reduce their effectiveness. It has purifying properties and is considered an anti-poison. In case of meteorism, presence of gas in the intestine, it is recommended to take it with fennel.
Fennel: ally of digestion and rich in fibre
Fennel, a plant belonging to the Apiaceae species, has numerous therapeutic properties. It is antioxidant, purifying and diuretic. It also promotes digestion and is rich in fibre. It is therefore a precious ally to promote intestinal transit. Fennel, it is said, has carminative properties, that is, capable of counteracting the reduction of intestinal gas. It is often used in combination with charcoal because the charcoal absorbs the gas present and is due to the fermentation of digestion residues, while fennel reduces its formation. The two remedies therefore guarantee a double action and an optimal result.
Chamomile: the help for intestinal motility problems you don't expect
Chamomile, a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, is known above all for its relaxing and sedative properties. Its use has been known since ancient times: the Egyptians, for example, used it as a painkiller against neuralgia.
In reality, chamomile is also a phytotherapeutic remedy with carminative properties, capable of reducing the production of intestinal gas and/or promoting its expulsion. It is an excellent muscle relaxant and anti-stress, promotes digestion and calms stomach spasms and cramps. It is in fact rich in bisabolol which promotes the relaxation of the muscles of the stomach and intestines.