The Best Herbs to Support Your Digestive System

All healing starts in the digestive tract.

Nature is wonderful in the sense that everything around us can be a medicine in some way, shape , or form. The food we eat and the plants we ingest to support and nourish our bodies are part of that wonderful natural magic! Everything works together, as agonists and antagonists (like our muscles) and there are certain combinations that are extra, extra helpful.

For example, local and organic food over imported, mass produced food. Or eating alongside the seasons! Even our food combinations, like horseradish and beef, or sushi and wasabi (to kill parasites).

Your digestive system doesn’t only include your stomach, it involves the function, of your small and large intestine, pancreas, and liver. All these organs need to work together for the overall balance of your body.

Below I have listed the different herbs that support the digestive system, all with different functions (nature is so cool, everything is right there for us!)

1. Barberry

   Also known as Oregon Grape or Mahonia acts mainly on the liver, and combats mucous membrane inflammation (commonly found in sickness), fevers and infections.

   The major and important constituent in Barberry is Berberine. It is incredible at fighting inflammation, a common symptom of digestive issues, and helps strengthen the gut barrier, as it has a immunomodulating/ antibiotic action.

   This herb is not safe to take during pregnancy!

2. Goldenseal

   The King of Mucous Membranes! Phenomenal at healing mucous membranes of the digestive tract and respiratory tract. This herb also contains Berberine like Barberry, but it also contains another constituent called Hydrastine. A substance that is useful in healing uterine hemorrhaging. The two together support immune function as they fight bacteria.

   Goldenseal has antibacterial and antifungal actions, killing off digestive pathogens. It can be used to prevent and to treat ailments of the digestive system.

   This herb is not safe to take in large doses during pregnancy, or in cases of hypertension.

3. Gentian

   A bitter stomachic, excellent herb to use when the digestive tract it exhausted or during recovery from an illness. Has many herbal actions: emmenagogue, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and tonic. It’s antibiotic effect is mainly on the digestive and urinary tract.

   It is one of the best digestive bitters! A digestive bitter is a substance that stimulates the production of saliva, initiating the digestive system. And of course the herb does taste bitter haha.

4. Meadowsweet

   When food enters the stomach, it stimulates the secretion HCL (hydrochloric acid) from the stomach wall. More specifically, it is the parietal cells of the stomach wall that secrete HCL and an enzyme called pepsinogen (breaks down proteins). HCL and pepsinogen aid in the break down of food, in order for nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

   Meadowsweet is the most effective herb for regulating parietal cells. It is also used in the treatment of diarrhea., stomach issues and gastric ulcers.

   This herb was very popular in the UK before aspirin was created, used as a pain reliever, as it contains an aspirin-like compound called salicylate. So therefore, it may also exhibit an analgesic property.

I hope this helps you in any way, shape or form. This article is solely for educational purposes and one should always do their own research before consuming!

Thank you for reading,

Gabby :)