Herb
Treatment Support
intestinal antispasmodic
Application
tea, capsule, tincture
Colic, adult
Etiologic and Other Factors Leading to Adult Colic (Internal)
Colic in adults typically refers to severe, intermittent abdominal pain caused by spasms or obstruction in hollow organs like the intestines, gallbladder, or urinary tract. Common causes include:
- Gastrointestinal Causes:
- Bowel obstruction (e.g., adhesions, hernias, or tumors).
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Gallstones (biliary colic).
- Gas buildup or severe constipation.
- Urinary Causes:
- Kidney stones (renal colic).
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Inflammatory Causes:
- Diverticulitis.
- Appendicitis.
- Vascular Causes:
- Mesenteric ischemia (poor blood flow to the intestines).
- Other:
- Food intolerances or allergies.
- Stress-induced abdominal spasms.
When to Seek Professional Help
Seek immediate medical care if:
- Pain is severe, persistent, or worsening.
- There is fever, chills, or signs of infection.
- Nausea, vomiting, or an inability to pass gas or stool occurs.
- Blood is present in stool, urine, or vomit.
- Pain radiates to the chest, back, or shoulders.
- You experience symptoms of dehydration or shock (e.g., dizziness, rapid heart rate, or low blood pressure).
Treatment Plan for Colic, adult
When to Treat at Home with Herbs
Home remedies are suitable for mild, non-life-threatening colic (e.g., due to gas, mild IBS, or indigestion). Herbs to consider:
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): Soothes muscle spasms in the GI tract.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Reduces gas and bloating.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Eases nausea and aids digestion.
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomlla): Relieves mild cramping and inflammation.
- Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale): Supports digestion and liver health.
What to Look Out For
- Signs of improvement after using herbs (within hours): reduced pain, better digestion, or passing gas.
- Worsening symptoms: If pain increases or new symptoms (like fever or blood in stool) develop, seek medical care immediately.
Always use herbal remedies with caution, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
Christopher Hobbs:
“It is best to eat lightly and to eat easily digested foods. Avoid common allergens for at least 3 weeks to see if they play a role in the production of symptoms. These foods are wheat products, dairy products, especially pasteurized cow dairy, and eggs. An herbal program can include intestinal antispasmodics such as wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and intestinal heat-clearing herbs like yellow dock (Rumex crispus) and Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium).”
Generated by ChatGPT; edited and supplemented by Dr. Christopher Hobbs PhD
Herbal Remedies for Colic, adult
Herb
Treatment Support
Application
Herb
Treatment Support
intestinal antispasmodic
Application
tea, oil
Herb
Treatment Support
intestinal antispasmodic
Application
tea, tincture, capsule
Related Colic, adult conditions
Additional Ailment
Herb
Application
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
