Lauren Kent – Mother Nature provides a host of natural remedies to ease many common digestive complaints. These herbs have been used traditionally by native cultures for years to soothe upset stomachs, promote regularity and address other digestive ailments.
Licorice: This sweet treat has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for treating digestive health issues. Licorice contains antioxidant flavonoids called glabridin that help keep your stomach acid balanced.
Cascara Sagrada: Spanish for “sacred bark”, Cascara Sagrada has been used for centuries by Native Americans as a natural laxative. The bark of the botanical contains anthraquinone, a plant compound that works by mildly irritating the colon, thereby stimulating bowel evacuation.
Chinese Rhubarb: First cultivated medicinally in ancient China, this species of Rhubarb has been used for thousands of years as a mild laxative. The root of this perennial also supports overall healthy digestion.
Fenugreek: Women who are breastfeeding may know fenugreek for its ability to promote milk flow, but the herb has several additional medicinal uses. Fenugreek’s high fiber content makes it a natural bulk-forming laxative. The herb also helps restore your body’s healthy digestive function.
Dandelion: This common lawn weed has been used for thousands of years to address digestive issues. Native Americans would boil Dandelion in water to treat stomach upset. And, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the botanical was used to address various stomach problems.
Fringe Tree: Native to the Southeastern United States, this tree is commonly known as “old man’s beard” because it produces white flowers that resemble a beard. The bark of the tree supports healthy digestive tract function.
Cape Aloe: Native to South Africa, Cape Aloe (also known as aloe ferox) promotes healthy digestive function and supports your body’s healthy response to constipation.
Aloe Vera: Commonly used to soothe sunburns, Aloe Vera’s healing powers go well beyond the skin. The juice of the Aloe Vera plant can help your body digest protein and absorb other critical nutrients from your diet. It also supports healthy bacteria levels in the stomach.
Amla: Also known as Indian Gooseberry, Amla is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that help your body’s natural defenses flush toxins from your body. Amla is also an excellent source of fiber to aid in overall digestion.
Peppermint: Used for both food and medicinal purposes since ancient times, peppermint promotes a healthy response to common stomach issues such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. The active plant compounds in peppermint calm the muscles of the stomach, which, in turn, improves the flow of bile. Your body uses bile to break down the fats in your small intestine. When bile is not flowing optimally, fat is not able to be broken down, which can lead to slow stomach emptying and other digestive complaints like boating and gas.
Fennel: This popular cooking spice has been used traditionally for thousands of years as a digestive aid. Fennel seeds contain phytoestrogens, plant sterols, and coumarin plant compounds that support digestive health by soothing the muscles of your stomach and digestive tract.
Lauren Kent is a writer, guest blogger, and consultant BlessedHerbs.com. Blessed Herbs specializes in Body Detox and Colon Cleansing Products. Having spent more than 15 years in the nutritional supplement industry, Lauren is passionate about helping people enjoy more active, vibrant lives through nutrition and supplementation. “When it comes to health, there’s no magic bullet. There’s no one pill that will cure all that ails us. What I hope others learn through my writing is that our bodies are a reflection of the nutrition we give it. Feed it right, and it will reward us.”
SF Source Rise Earth Oct 2015
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