We use natural herbs for digestion all the time!

 

We have seen firsthand that herbs can be incredibly powerful tools for addressing digestive issues. From bloating and gas to more serious issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), herbs can help calm our digestive system and promote overall gut health.

In this article, we will introduce you to five of the best natural herbs for digestion and share tips for incorporating these herbs into your daily routine.

It was hard to pick five. There are so many more!

Some herbs, like Oregano Oil, work on fungus in the digestive tract like Candida.

Worried about Candida? Take a look at this blog post.

Introduction to Natural Herbs for Digestion

Our digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, and it plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. Digestive issues can look very specific such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.

They can be uncomfortable and disruptive to our daily lives.

We talked about gut health as a buzzword in the wellness industry, but it is so much more than that!

While there are numerous over-the-counter and prescription medications that can alleviate these symptoms, our community is always searching for natural remedies like herbs for a gentler, more holistic approach.

Herbs have been used for centuries to address digestive issues, and many of them have been studied extensively for their potential health benefits. Some herbs can help stimulate digestion, while others have anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties that can help heal the gut.

The best part is that most herbs are readily available and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

The Top 5 Natural Herbs for Digestion

1.  Ginger – the Powerhouse Herb for Digestion

Ginger is one of the most well-known herbs for digestive health, and for good reason. This root has been used for centuries to alleviate nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols that help stimulate digestion by increasing the production of digestive juices and enzymes in the stomach.

Ginger also increases motility, which is the moving of the contents of your digestive tract. If you have constipation, ginger can be a gentle support for this! Many clients with thyroid stress have this issue.

In addition to its digestive benefits, ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect the gut from damage. You can enjoy ginger in many forms, including fresh ginger root, ginger tea, and ginger supplements.

We love nutritional powders with the supportive aspects of ginger, and of course, tinctures with ginger.

2.  Peppermint – a Natural Remedy for Bloating and Gas

Peppermint is another popular herb for digestive health, and it is particularly effective at alleviating bloating and gas. Peppermint contains menthol, which has a relaxing effect on the muscles in the digestive tract. This can help ease bloating and cramping and promote healthy digestion.

This may also be good for the occasional bout of constipation. 

Peppermint tea is a simple and effective way to enjoy the digestive benefits of this herb.  If you’d like a more complex solution, that supports your gut health, the Dynamic Intestinal Cleanse from NutriDyn is a gentle way to support your microbiome. 

3.  Fennel – an Ancient Herb for Digestion

Fennel is an herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Fennel seeds contain compounds that can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and promote healthy digestion.

Fennel is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect the gut from damage. When we talk about “damage” we talk about keeping your gut lining happy.

You can enjoy fennel in many forms, including fennel tea, fennel supplements, and fennel seeds. Fennel can be consumed as a vegetable too, and is delicious in salads! It has a slight licorice flavor, and pairs well with orange.

4.  Chamomile – a Gentle Herb for Digestion

Chamomile is a gentle herb that is often used for its calming and relaxing properties. This herb can also be beneficial for digestion, particularly for people with mild digestive issues like bloating and indigestion.

Chamomile is also used like ginger, for nausea. It can support many of the same things as the other herbs, including gas, and bloating (1). This is such a common complaint from out clients!

Chamomile contains compounds that can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. It can also help soothe the nerves and promote overall relaxation, which can be helpful for people with stress-related digestive issues. Chamomile can be enjoyed as a tea or taken in supplement form.

Chamomile essential oil is also an alternative to a supplement. Diluting a few drops and rubbing on the abdomen can aid in lymphatic massage for digestion.

5.  Licorice Root – a Soothing Herb for the Digestive System

Licorice root is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its many health benefits. The benefits and cautions of licorice root are long, and deserve an entire blog post!

This herb contains compounds that can help soothe and protect the digestive system, making it a great choice for people with digestive issues like heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers (2).

For those who struggle with the stomach bacteria Helicobacter Pylori, licorice root may be your friend (2)

Licorice root can also help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the body. You can enjoy licorice root in many forms, including licorice tea, licorice supplements, and licorice root extract.

Do not consume in large amounts, or if you have blood pressure issues. Licorice root itself can change potassium levels. We love licorice in this tincture and this gentle tea blend.

How to Use Natural Herbs for Digestion

There are many ways to incorporate herbs into your daily routine for digestive health. Here are a few tips:

• Drink herbal tea: Many herbs can be enjoyed as a tea, which is a simple and effective way to enjoy their digestive benefits. Just steep the herbs in hot water for a few minutes and enjoy.
• Take supplements: If you prefer a more concentrated form of herbs, you can find herbal supplements in many health food stores and online. Be sure to follow the dosage on the label. Better yet, try testing with us, or book a consult so we can navigate the journey with you!
• Use herbs in cooking: Many natural herbs for digestion can be used in cooking to add flavor and promote healthy digestion. Try adding ginger, fennel, or turmeric to your meals for a digestive boost.
• Experiment with herbal remedies: There are many herbal remedies that can be used to address specific digestive issues. For example, a mixture of ginger, honey, and lemon can be helpful for nausea and vomiting.

Other Natural Supports Beyond Natural Herbs for Digestion Woes

In addition to herbs, there are many other natural remedies that can be helpful for digestive issues. Here are a few to consider:

• Stress management: This is NUMBER ONE on the list of things to address when it comes to your gut health. Stress can have a significant impact on digestive health, so finding ways to manage stress can be helpful. Try practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
  We have an entire class dedicated to this topic in our masterclass series, right here.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and can help promote healthy digestion. You can find probiotics in many foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, or even in a probiotic supplement.
• Fiber: Fiber is an important nutrient for digestive health, as it helps promote regular bowel movements and keeps the gut healthy. You can find fiber in many foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.  If you need supplemental fiber support, this formula is a great option too!

Natural Herbs for Digestion Can Be Simple

Incorporating herbs into your daily routine can be a simple and effective way to promote digestive health and alleviate digestive issues.

Yet, some people are nervous to try herbs in different ways, other than cooking.

Ever had a colicky baby? Gripe water, a blend of some of the herbs in this blog post, has been a safe, gentle and effective natural remedy for babies with digestive upset for a long, long, time.

Whether you want to try a steeped ginger tea, a fennel supplements, like the Dynamic Intestinal Cleanse, or a diluted chamomile essential oil, there are many herbs to choose from that can help support a healthy gut and help with occasional digestive discomfort.

In addition to natural herbs for digestion, consider probiotics, looking at your diet, and adding fiber. By taking a holistic approach to digestive health and incorporating natural herbs for digestion into your routine, you can promote overall wellness and feel your best.

Have you ever wondered what could be at the bottom of your digestion issues?

While you give natural herbs for digestion a try, a Dietary Scan, or a Sensitivity Scan, may be a great way to understand what dietary factors could support reducing stress in the digestive system.  The Full Scan or Balancing Scan can bioenergetically help you to understand what is at the root of it!

 

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/#:~:text=Chamomile%20has%20been%20valued%20as,fevers%20in%20children%20(36).
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7348626/