7 Powerful Herbs for Healthy Digestion

As much as you may try to eat healthy there are plenty of times you are exposed to ‘dirty food’. This does not mean dirty in the literal sense but rather the rich, often unhealthy choices used in the preparation of certain dishes.

This can include the over use of butter, oil or sugar that makes the food taste good but can wreak havoc on your system. Therefore, it is important to find something, preferably derived from nature, that assists in digesting dirty food.

These 7 powerful herbs for healthy digestion may be a good addition. Check with your doctor first and then try one at a time during meals to see which may work best.

Look for reduced bloating, gas, belching, acid reflux, headaches and other symptoms you may be experiencing, especially after a meal.

Ginger

The root from this pungent plant has been a popular digestive aid for centuries. Cultures across the globe reach for ginger to ease upset stomach, diarrhea and nausea. Slice or grate and add to food, water or chew (careful, it’s spicy).

Turmeric (Curcumin)

According to The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), “Curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which some people think may help improve digestion.”

“One double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that turmeric reduced symptoms of bloating and gas in people suffering from indigestion.”

Best taken in capsule form.

Peppermint

Some people think sucking on a peppermint candy helps digestion. On the contrary, anything consumed that contains sugar is like pouring fuel on the digestive fire.

UMMC describes peppermint as calming the muscles of the stomach, improving bile production, and easing gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Taking enteric coated peppermint capsules is best as this coating prevents the oil from releasing in the stomach and causing heartburn (indigestion).

Do not use peppermint if you suffer from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Artichoke Leaf

Artichoke is an age-old plant found scribed on ancient Egyptian tablets and sacrificial altars.

According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, “Artichoke leaf extract proved significantly more effective than placebo for alleviating digestive symptoms.”

It goes on to describe how this leaf stimulates the gallbladder which in turn produces more bile to aid digestion.

Six grams of the dried herb or equivalent in capsule form is the recommended daily dose. Do not take artichoke leaf if you suffer from gallbladder disease.

Fennel Seed

Delivering a licorice-like taste, fennel is another ancient digestive remedy.

A few bites of its fresh stalk or a handful of these tiny seeds has the potential to quell an upset stomach in minutes.

A 2003 Russian study by the Department of Pediatrics, St. Petersburg Medical Academy concluded that, “Our study suggests that fennel seed oil emulsion is superior to placebo in decreasing intensity of infantile colic [chronic upset some believe is due to digestive challenges].”

Never give any herbs to a child without checking with your doctor first.

Coriander

These seeds that become cilantro contain the phytonutrients Cineole, Borneol, Limonene, Alpha-pinene and  beta-phelandrene which are all linked to anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. These compounds assist in combating gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.

Coriander also acts as a bowel ‘preparatory herb’ paving the way for digesting a large meal.

Half a handful is all you need. You can also add to food or take in capsules.

Cinnamon

Most would not think of cinnamon for anything other than adding to oatmeal or other breakfast food. However, when this herb is sprinkled on any food or added to a protein shake, digestive benefits could result.

It is high in fiber making for healthier large intestine flow and has the ability to control blood sugar for optimal gastrointestinal absorption.  It has also been found to battle E. Coli, an antibacterial strain that attacks the digestive system. Some have also reported that cinnamon helps ease their heartburn.

These 7 powerful herbs for healthy digestion help may be helpful if you struggle with digestion or just want to enhance your digestive process. Always check with your doctor before taking any herbs especially if you take any kind of medication.