what is Gastroenteritis (gastric flu)?
Inflammation of digestive tract, usually caused by a virus transmitted by personal contact; can also be caused by contaminated food or water, by specific food which produce an extreme allergic reaction, by a sudden change in diet (abroad, for example), or by any illness or drug which alters natural balance of bacteria in gut. Symptoms vary in severity, usually pass off within 48 hours; a bad case will cause repeated Nausea and vomiting, Diarrhoea, cramping Abdominal pain, Fever, and exhaustion; a mild case may be limited to vague nausea and a loose stool or two. In infants and elderly people, 'stomach upsets' can be serious as they easily lead to dehydration and even Shock. Best treatment is rest and plenty of fluids, though GP may prescribe drugs to control vomiting and diarrhoea.
So what help is available for gastric/stomach flu?. By drinking fluids little and often, you can replace the lost fluids, and prevent dehydration.
Herbal tinctures have shown in some cases to help, however it is best not to give these to infants, and pregnant women.
Here are some herbs that may help
Agarito (algerita) is a small-to-medium, evergreen shrub that produces an abundant spring crop of red berries. Its leaves are spine tipped, appearing somewhat like holly, and spread out palmately in threes. Valued by both humans and wildlife, the red berries can be made into an excellent jelly that Texans have been producing for generations. Not only does agarito fruit make a great jelly, it makes great pies, cobblers, and a very refreshing drink when mixed with sugar. Surprisingly, the documented medicinal uses of the plant far outnumber notations of its food use.
Medicinal Uses. Alkaloids in the roots provide the medicinal qualities of Berberis, and numerous groups used decoctions, poultices, and infusions to treat ailments ranging from fevers to stomach troubles and open wounds.
Cayenne, can rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines. It aids elimination and assimilation, and helps the body to create hydrochloric acid, which is so necessary for good digestion and assimilation, especially of proteins. All this becomes very significant when we realize that the digestive system plays the most important role in mental, emotional and physical health, as it is through the digestive system that the brain, glands, muscles and every other part of the body are fed.
