14 Must Try Herbs to Support Healthy Digestion

 

When it comes to your physical health, you may be overlooking a very important part of your body: your digestive system. Since your digestive tract is about 25 feet long and works hard to handle the nutrients you put into your body as well as removing the toxins from everyday eating, it’s an important muscle to focus on.

When your digestive tract isn’t working properly you’ll put yourself at risk for irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, cancer, ulcers, malabsorption and so many other health risks. Not only this, but studies have shown that your gut health affects your skin and mental health. This is why I feel it’s so important to discuss the digestive system.

Your digestive system is challenged every single day by toxins in the environment and especially in the food and water supply.  The toxins slow down and damage your digestive system.

Stress is a major contributor to digestive problems.  Do you remember learning in grade school about the flight or fight system?  When you’re under stress, your body is prepared to fight or flee.  To prepare, your energy and blood supply are directed away from your digestive organs and toward your musculoskeletal system so you can fight or flee.

Negative emotions and thought patterns are also damaging to your digestive system.

We live in a world of pollution, toxins, poor quality food and never-ending stress.  Is it any wonder we have an epidemic of digestive issues?

GMOs are linked to digestive problems, among other things. Antibiotics and growth hormone are other additives being excessively pumped into the animals we are eating, which means we’re then consuming these excess antibiotics and hormones. And some processed foods actually contain toxic chemicals, often used to prevent spoilage and enhance flavor. ~Kristin Cavallari

I never had any digestive issues that I knew of, but I suffered from acne for so many years.  It wasn’t until I learned that my skin health was a direct reflection of my gut health that I started to pay attention.

I started to eliminate certain foods from my diet, especially toxic, processed foods and incorporating more whole foods, herbs and spices.  That is when things actually started to change for me.

You need to be careful about what medications and over the counter drugs you use to soothe your digestive issues.  The medications are targeted to treat symptoms, not the cause, and many come with unwanted side effects.

Lucky for us, Mother Nature is miraculous.  She created the plants we need to care for ourselves.

Since I believe in using herbs to support healthy digestion, I wanted to give you a resource of options to use. These herbs will encourage regular bowel movements so that you can rest easier knowing that your digestive tract is functioning properly at all times.

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Herbs To Support Healthy Digestion

 

There are no incurable diseases — only the lack of will. There are no worthless herbs — only the lack of knowledge.
— Avicenna

 

Constipation Relief

Constipation can happen to the best of us. Whether you’ve been drinking too few fluids, suffering from an illness, or just not making your digestive health a priority, you’ll want to know what herbs can help with constipation relief.

These are the best herbs to support healthy digestion when you’re constipated:

 

• Senna Leaf– stimulates bowel movements
• Cascara Sagrada– stimulates muscle contractions in the intestines
• Marshmallow Root– forms a coating over the digestive tract
• Mullein Leaf– removes the mucoid layer from the small intestine
• Aloe Leaf– a natural laxative
• Barberry Root– stimulate and regulate the digestive system

 

 

Maintaining Healthy Digestion

Below you’ll find a list of herbs to support healthy digestion. Each has a specific use that will help keep your digestive tract running smoothly so that you can feel healthier.

 

• Chia Seeds – helps with proper bowel movements due to chia seeds being high in Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• Psyllium seed – get relief from the cramping that comes when your digestive system isn’t functioning properly as well as fiber for maximum digestive health.
• Fennel – helps speed up the digestive process all the while reducing gas.
• Caraway – for use with loss of appetite and other digestive disorders.
• Cumin – this herb has many properties but for the digestive tract health it helps aid in digestion.
• Lemon Balm  –  the perfect herb to help get your digestive system working when you’re experiencing poor digestion health due to stress.
• Ginger– protects and heals the gut.
• Turmeric– relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract and gently pushes food through the intestines.

 

 

Related Article >>> 9 Plant Based Foods That Will Boost Your Mood <<<

These herbs to support healthy digestion can be used in many forms throughout your day. Although chia seeds might not technically be considered an herb, I wanted to include it as an option for you. I mostly use chia seeds in my smoothies and baked goods.  Sometimes I sprinkle them in my cereal or over a salad.  I’ll be honest here, I do not like chia pudding.  I have been inspired by all the beautiful photos and recipes on Instagram, but it’s not my thing.  It’s a texture thing for me, but you might love it so don’t hesitate to try it.

Try this Strawberry Chia Smoothie Bowl recipe.

 

Using Essential Oils for Digestive Health

Fresh and dried herbs have powerful health benefits.  The essential oils made from these herbs are also extremely powerful.  You can use pure essential oils in addition to and instead of fresh or dried herbs.

It’s important to note essential oils are very strong and only a small amount is needed.

Try adding a drop of fennel, ginger or peppermint oil to a cup of warm tea if you have any digestive upset.

Add a drop of turmeric essential oil to your morning coffee for powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Learn more about cooking with essential oils here in this free download

 

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

When it comes to using herbs to support healthy digestion, you’ll feel better and more empowered to use a natural remedy to prevent digestive related diseases.

Digestive and gut health is critical to overall health and wellness.  Adding herbs and spices to your diet is one way to start healing your gut.  If you’re ready to take the next steps, I invite you to check out my 7 Day Gut Health Transformation.  Start healing your gut and living your best life today.