By now, it is well aware that herbs can have many wonderful benefits for your health. They can even sometimes help in sicknesses, where medication can’t! Today we are going to talk about which specific herbs help you keep your gut healthy and happy. It is crucial that you maintain a healthy gut because it influences all the other processes in your body. Herbs and some type of spices can help support a healthy digestive function, and the ability of your gut to break down all the food you consume on a daily basis. Furthermore, this process affects the way that your body absorbs and uses those nutrients.
What is a healthy gut?
Your gut is a collective name for all the parts of your digestive tract. They are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and rectum. However, there are also about 100 trillion bacteria that live inside your gut and help you break down food. These bacteria are so important that when you have to take antibiotics (which destroy all bacteria inside your body, the good, and the bad) doctors always prescribe you probiotics to maintain a healthy number of bacteria inside your gut.
There are two types of bacteria living inside your body – the first ones are “friendly” and necessary for supporting your overall health. The second type is the “bad” ones, due to the fact that they are responsible for increasing the risk of getting sick.
So, the only way that you can support a healthy gut is by balancing these two types of bacteria inside your body. Keep in mind that there are factors, such as stress and bad eating habits that can destroy the balance between good and bad gut bacteria.
How to Naturally Improve Gut Health with Herbs?
As mentioned before, in some cases, people take probiotics to help maintain a healthy gut. The reason is that probiotics are friendly bacteria that have the ability to survive in your digestive tract and assist in breaking down food, and not only that. It is interesting that certain herbs contain colonies of friendly bacteria living inside of them. Due to this fact, we are going to tell you which herbs can help you maintain a healthy gut!
9 Herbs to help improve your gut health naturally
1. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
– Soothes digestive discomfort and alleviates bloating.
– Relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
– Supports the flow of bile, aiding in digestion.
How to Use:
– Enjoy peppermint tea.
– Add fresh peppermint leaves to salads or beverages.
2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
– Eases nausea and promotes overall digestive comfort.
– Stimulates saliva production, initiating the digestive process.
– Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for gut health.
How to Use:
– Brew ginger tea.
– Incorporate fresh or ground ginger into meals and smoothies.
3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Calms digestive irritation and reduces inflammation.
– Relieves symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
– Acts as a mild sedative, promoting relaxation.
How to Use:
– Enjoy chamomile tea before bedtime.
– Use chamomile essential oil in aromatherapy.
4. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
– Relieves indigestion and bloating.
– Encourages the expulsion of gas from the digestive tract.
– Possesses antimicrobial properties.
How to Use:
– Chew fennel seeds after meals.
– Brew fennel tea or incorporate fennel into recipes.
5. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
– Soothes and protects the lining of the digestive tract.
– Supports a healthy mucous membrane in the stomach.
– Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
How to Use:
– Consume deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplements.
– Brew licorice root tea.
6. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
– Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
– Supports the reduction of symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
– Enhances bile production for improved digestion of fats.
How to Use:
– Incorporate turmeric into cooking.
– Consider turmeric supplements (with black pepper for better absorption).
7. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Soothes digestive discomfort and alleviates bloating.
– Relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
– Supports the flow of bile, aiding in digestion.
How to Use:
– Enjoy peppermint tea.
– Add fresh peppermint leaves to salads or beverages.
8. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
– Soothes irritation in the gastrointestinal tract.
– Forms a protective coating on the mucous membranes.
– Alleviates symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
How to Use:
– Consume slippery elm supplements or lozenges.
– Mix slippery elm powder with water and drink.
9. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
– Supports liver function and bile production.
– Acts as a mild diuretic, aiding in detoxification.
– Enhances digestion and alleviates constipation.
How to Use:
– Brew dandelion root tea.
– Incorporate dandelion greens into salads.
Conclusion
Incorporating these herbs into your daily routine can contribute to the promotion of gut health and overall well-being. Whether enjoyed as teas, added to meals, or consumed in supplement form, the digestive benefits of these herbs make them valuable allies in maintaining a healthy and balanced gut. As with any herbal remedies, it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those considering the use of herbal supplements.
Disclaimer:
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