5 Herbs for Digestion

The key to optimal physical and mental health is in the gut. Digestion is important for breaking down foods into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. With the rise in industrial foods directing the trend of convenience over quality, it’s no surprise that so many people suffer from digestive issues.

Fortunately, there are herbal remedies that can make it easier for our bodies to digest whatever it is that we eat or drink throughout the day. The digestive organs act as a type of communication center to and from the brain and functions as one of the body’s frontlines in the fight against diseases. Listed below are 5 herbs for digestion that can help to coax our bodies back into balance or maintain balance if already achieved.

Cayenne

Cayenne is a moderately spicy chili pepper often used to spice up a recipe and has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The chili pepper is loaded with antioxidants, and most importantly, a phytochemical, capsaicin.

Capsaicin is responsible for the heat cayenne pepper brings and when ingested into the body, it tricks heat-sensitive pain receptors into thinking they’ve been exposed to something hot, even though the temperature isn’t a factor at all. This boosts your metabolism, reduces hunger, and improves digestive health.

While many may think spicy foods cause stomach problems, cayenne can actually boost the stomach’s defense against infections, increase in digest fluid production and help deliver enzymes to the stomach, aiding in digestion, and reducing the risk of stomach ulcers.

Fennel

The benefits of fennel are both culinary and curative. Different parts of the plant are used for cooking and the seeds can be found dried and whole, or crushed into a powder.

Fennel seeds are rich in fiber. A fiber-rich diet can help to relieve constipation, other digestive problems that can cause gas, and helps to keep things moving smoothly in the digestive tract. In addition, studies have shown that both the fennel plant and the fennel seeds have antimicrobial properties, anti-fungal qualities, and anti-inflammatory properties.

This may help to soothe swelling and irritation in the intestines and improve digestion.

Wild Yam

Wild Yam has been used as a medicinal herb for hundreds of years as a pain reliever and digestive aid. It’s known to be a good anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory, therefore it can reduce pain caused by abdominal cramping in an inflamed area. In addition, wild yam is believed to boost digestion by improving the function of the gall bladder and the liver.

Additional wild yam uses include:

• Energy

• Cholesterol

• Blood sugar

• Breast health and enhancement

• Improved sexual function

Chickweed

Chickweed is a common weed with small, star-shaped flowers. It contains many beneficial plant compounds including flavonoids, which may be responsible for its medicinal benefits. Its reputation was built on its high fiber content as it’s been used for gut health for centuries.

When this impressive weed is ingested, it can make it easier for the body to absorb nutrients and pass things along smoothly. Chickweed acts as a laxative and diuretic, which helps the body to flush out toxins.

In fact, chickweed can be used orally and topically. It’s also known for its powers to fight germs and heal wounds. Applying chickweed juice to minor wounds, irritated areas, and other skin problems, can increase heal time and reduce itchiness and irritation.

Hawthorn Berry

The hawthorn plant is actually a small, thorny shrub or tree in the rose family. It has small leaves, can have either pink, red or white flowers, with red or blackberries. In fact, it’s a key part of Chinese traditional medicine.

The berries contain fiber and act as a prebiotic, feeding your gut bacteria and is vital for maintaining healthy digestion. For centuries the hawthorn plant’s berries have been used to aid particularly in digestive issues, indigestion, and stomach pain. It reduces constipation which can alleviate indigestion.

Herbs for Digestion

While the human body tends to be quite complex, the herbs to support digestion doesn’t have to be. By introducing even one of these herbs for digestion into your diet, you’re adding numerous medicinal compounds into your life that you haven’t before.

It’s always a good idea to connect with a herbal practitioner for individual recommendations. Feel free to reach out to Greenbush Natural Products to have any questions answered, or if you need help choosing the right pure, natural herb for your unique needs.

*INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY. STATEMENTS IN THIS WEBSITE HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THE FDA DOES NOT EVALUATE OR TEST HERBS AND HEALTH FOODS. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE , TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. FOR DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN. USE HERBS IN MODERATION AND WATCH FOR ALLERGIC REACTIONS. REMEMBER THAT DIET, EXERCISE AND RELAXATION ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO YOUR HEALTH.