Herbs like peppermint and ginger are well known for their capacity to soothe the digestive system and promote gut health. We’ll give you five reasons to try herbs for digestion, and recommend one of the best-tasting herbal supplements on the market.
Clinical research continues to highlight the importance of the gut-brain connection in maintaining overall health and wellness. Correspondingly, there has been a heightened emphasis on digestive health. The importance of digestive health dates back thousands of years, with Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of modern medicine, asserting that “all disease begins in the gut.” Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the oldest forms of medicine, have a long history of using herbs for digestion. Even today, these traditional practices are employed by people of the Blue Zones, renowned for their enhanced health and longevity.
5 Great Reasons to Try Herbs for Digestion is an original (HealthXWire) article.
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Herbs for digestion:
Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine has long used herbs for digestion to address imbalances within specific doshas, or body types. Practitioners believed that lifestyle factors like diet could disrupt the gut-brain axis and impact the whole body. Although unaware of the scientific understanding behind the connection between food and genes, many experts consider Ayurveda to be the beginning of epigenetics. It is now known that lifestyle factors, including diet, can influence the expression or suppression of certain genes in the body. This foundational principle of Ayurveda is part of why practitioners have traditionally relied on specific herbs to address conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, leaky gut, inflammatory bowel diseases, and even bowel obstructions.
Herbs for digestion:
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Similar to Hippocrates, TCM practitioners also emphasize that wellness begins in the gut. Poor digestion can disrupt the flow of energy, known as Qi, in the organ meridian system. Since all systems in the body are interconnected, poor digestion can upset the body’s equilibrium, referred to as Yin and Yang. For centuries, TCM practitioners have utilized herbal prescriptions to alleviate issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, and acid reflux.
Herbs for digestion:
Modern science
Today, scientific research has compiled a substantial amount of evidence that validates what ancient forms of medicine have long understood. Natural remedies, including herbal therapies, have proven effective in treating and maintaining gut health. Studies indicate that herbal treatment can alleviate symptoms associated with a variety of digestive disorders, including gastroesophageal acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Furthermore, researchers have shown the positive impact of herbs on mental health, neurological conditions, and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, thanks to the gut-brain axis.
Herbs for digestion:
Peppermint
Known for its cooling properties, peppermint is an important herb in both Ayurvedic and TCM practices. Practitioners of Ayurveda and TCM believe that peppermint possesses the ability to soothe the stomach muscles, providing relief from symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Today, controlled clinical studies have provided evidence to support the safety and efficacy of peppermint as a treatment for IBS and indigestion.
Herbs for digestion:
Ginger
Ginger holds a revered status as a herbal remedy in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also the number one food recommended by TCM practitioners. In the realm of digestion, ginger is believed to stimulate the digestive system, helping the gut efficiently digest food. Typically, ginger is consumed before meals to improve gastrointestinal motility and accelerate the digestive process. Efficient digestion can help reduce post-meal bloating and gas. Moreover, ginger has been shown to be effective in controlling nausea and vomiting.
Herbs for digestion:
Cinnamon
Cinnamon, utilized in traditional medicine for centuries, offers many beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Traditionally, it has been used to treat minor digestive conditions such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Today, cinnamon is recommended to ease symptoms associated with IBS and other digestive conditions.
Herbs for digestion:
Turmeric
Ayurveda and TCM have used turmeric for centuries to support health and address various health conditions, including digestive health. Conventionally used to stimulate digestion and relieve flatulence, turmeric’s traditional use as a digestive stimulator has been supported by clinical studies. More recently, researchers have discovered that turmeric is also effective in reducing abdominal pain associated with IBS.
Herbs for digestion:
Cloves
Cloves have a rich history of medicinal use in both Ayurveda and TCM. Known for their pungent flavor, these warming spices are beneficial for supporting healthy digestion. By enhancing circulation, the bioactive compounds found in cloves help improve digestion and boost metabolism. Cloves have also been shown to stimulate mucus production in the stomach, providing protection against ulcers.
Herbs for digestion:
Tummy Honey by Medicine Man Plant Co.
With centuries of use and the support of modern science, there is clear evidence that herbal remedies support healthy digestion. Honey, another natural substance known for its prebiotic properties, has been used by ancient civilizations for centuries to treat digestive issues. Recent laboratory studies have identified its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, which contribute to maintaining digestive system health.
Medicine Man Plant Co. has harnessed the power of nature by combining these two natural products to create a product that helps your gastrointestinal system function at an optimal level. Inspired by tribal medicine men, Medicine Man Plant Co. uses a melting pot approach by using plants from all over the world to support health. Using modern science, each product is responsibly sourced and undergoes third-party testing to ensure quality.
Medicine Man Plant Co. was founded by Dr. Mark “Merriweather” Vonderbruggen, who blends his expertise in chemistry with his love for nature to create Tummy Honey. Tummy Honey combines honey with the digestive herbs peppermint and cloves to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and promote optimal digestion while reducing stomach discomfort. As Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better,” including your digestive health.
Herbs for digestion:
Final thoughts
Alternative medicine, including herbal treatments, has been successfully employed for thousands of years to maintain health. The Blue Zones are a modern example of the benefits of natural living. These five regions are renowned for their health and longevity, achieved through living a simple and natural life. Without relying heavily on modern medicine, these regions boast a high percentage of living centenarians and share common lifestyle characteristics. One of those similarities is the belief that nature will provide everything the body needs, including herbs, to promote healthy digestion.
For further information:
National Library of Medicine: The Microbiome in Health and Disease from the Perspective of Modern Medicine and Ayurveda
National Library of Medicine: Dysfunction of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neurodegenerative Disease: The Promise of Therapeutic Modulation With Prebiotics, Medicinal Herbs, Probiotics, and Synbiotics
National Library of Medicine: The Potential of Honey as a Prebiotic Food to Re-engineer the Gut Microbiome Toward a Healthy State
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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