Herbs can help Digestion

In my herbal medicine practice, one of the prevailing "themes" which seems to be at the root of the majority of 'imbalances' or 'sensitivities'; is a malfunctioning digestive system. There are such great helpers in the herbal medicine chest and so many botanicals which are easy to add to our daily routines and can make a huge difference in how we feel. Herbs can help digestion.

How well do you digest and assimilate your food?
Do you find that you are tired after eating?
Do you have heartburn symptoms?
Do you have gas, flatulence or bloating after eating?

The following herbs are digestive 'super powers'. 

Herbs can help digestion~ Here's a short list of some possibilities:

 

Caraway- provides tonic nourishment and aids digestion

 

Catnip herb- relieves gas and indigestion, relieves muscle cramps, induces sleep, nourishes nervous system

Chamomile- tea eases digestive upset, controls H-Pyloribacter responsible for many stomach ulcers. Tincture relieves insomnia.
Homeopathic  Chamomile can relieve earaches,  soothe irritability. Nourishes nerves.

 

Cilantro herb - Helps to detox body  from heavy metal (especially mercury) poisoning.

Coriander seed - stimulates the appetite and supports good digestion.

Dandelion - root stimulates bile production and flow 25%, nourishes liver, balances hormones, aids detox.
- herb; the greens can be a delicious  as a bitter...sauteed very simply (see here)
or can be  juiced for a balanced diuretic.

Fennel-  stimulates appetite and digestion, relieves gas, freshens breath

Fenugreek- eases digestion, reduces excess mucous secretions.

Ginger- relieves nausea, stimulates immune function, acts as a potent antioxidant. For more about ginger medicine, here's some info.

Lemon Balm herb - calming to the entire system, yet supportive and stimulating for digestion.
Strong antiviral, especially against herpes; excellent in cold sore remedies. Nourishes the nervous system.

Milk Thistle- protects the liver, stimulates growth of healthy liver cells, increases bile production and flow 40%, stimulates immune system response.

Peppermint- eases indigestion, gas, calming for the entire digestive system
Try as a supplement as an enteric coated essential oil capsule which can be very helpful with soothing  irritable bowel (IBS) symptoms

Spearmint - soothes upset tummy. Calming for the entire digestive system.
All the mints can support better digestion.

There's a very long list of 'carminative' herbs, as we call them. These fragrant herbs and spices promote better digestion and we can find ways to add them into our meals and brew new herbal teas to nourish ourselves! Come with me along this path ~ it's fun and delicious and yes.. Herbs can help digestion ~ so let's get started!
Here's a post ~ all about making herbal infusions/teas + decoctions! Use the Studio Botanica 'search' bar and find other ways to use lots of these herbs. Include them as often as possible and feel better!

 

Here's a favourite combination (thanks Kate Gilday) called WISE WATER TEA!

Wise Water Tea

Boil 1 litre of water. Place in a non-plastic thermos or 1 litre Mason jar with a lid.

Add 1 teaspoon each of cumin, coriander and fennel. Let steep for about 15 minutes.
Strain and drink a cup before breakfast and sip the rest throughout the day.

This combination of 3 herbs increases our digestive ability as well as extremely effective as detoxification tonic. It is a powerful  digestive tonic; a good support for the entire body! Make a batch and enjoy throughout the day.
* This combination has specific uses in herbal medicine circles; to help the body strengthen and clear toxins after cancer chemotherapy.

 

 There is a good chance that you would benefit from adding one or  a combination of these herbs to your daily tea or to your meals. If you would like to explore  "helping to improve digestion and assimilation" in more depth, you are  welcome to  contact me for a consult.

Here's to feeling our best + keeping 'the plumbing.. humming'
                 xo Carol

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