
Natural Herbs and Spices for A Healthy Digestive System!
There are many natural herbs that can be used to improve digestive health. In the digestive system are 70% of the body’s immune cells. In order for your body to constantly execute its vital immunological activities, it makes sense to maintain intestinal health.
Eating healthily is one of the finest things you can do, and this may include a range of meals that have various herbs and spices in them. The following are just a few of the numerous herbs and spices that are great for enhancing intestinal health.
Licorice Root
This plant has adaptogenic properties that help to balance cortisol levels and increase the production of stomach acid. This herb is beneficial for patients experiencing leaky gut symptoms since it has the capacity to control cortisol levels, which may be brought on and aggravated by stress.
Additionally, licorice root supports the health of the stomach and duodenal mucosa. This plant also contains glycyrrhizic acid. This facilitates the stomach ulcer healing process.
Some medical professionals also suggest licorice root lessen the adverse effects of laxatives.
Ginger
Since ancient times, people have relied on ginger’s medicinal benefits to address a variety of stomach issues. It has anti-inflammatory qualities because of the zingerones and gingerols that are present.
It might be a clear sign that your digestive system may be inflamed if you have concerns with acne, eczema, psoriasis, or any other skin conditions.
Another advantage of ginger is that it contains fiber, which acts as a prebiotic to promote the development of good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle may be used to treat a wide range of digestive issues, including indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps, constipation, and flatulence. But bear in mind that milk thistle tea should only be taken in the recommended doses.
The benefits of milk thistle for bile circulation, cell regeneration, and liver inflammation reduction have become well known. All of these advantages significantly enhance one’s overall digestive health.
The demulcent qualities of milk thistle also hydrate and soften mucous membranes. As a result, it soothes stomach discomfort while also treating intestinal wall inflammation.
Peppermint
While some health gurus do not advise peppermint for digestive issues, other individuals swear by it.
It has been shown that the antispasmodic and relaxing effects of peppermint may ease cramps and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. This muscular relaxation makes it possible for uncomfortable intestinal gas to leave the body, relieving flatulence and bloating.
Because of the volatile oils in this plant, the gallbladder is stimulated and can secrete bile, which is necessary for breaking down fats.
It has been shown that the ingredients in peppermint tea enhance bile flow to the liver. Regular use of peppermint tea also aids in liver detoxification. For the digestive system to continue working at its best, a healthy liver is essential.
However, as was already said, some advice against using peppermint, particularly if you are experiencing issues with your upper digestive system, such as heartburn. The sphincter muscle that seals off the stomach and permits acid to reflux into the esophagus is relaxed by peppermint. As a result, heartburn or GERD symptom could become worse.
However, as you may have observed, peppermint is a common component in many over the counter (OTC) medicines that are intended to treat heartburn. So, we’ll leave it up to you to determine what works.
Cardamom
Another spice that helps to relieve indigestion, IBS, and intestinal spasms are cardamom. Intestinal gas and constipation have also been proven to be relieved by it.
Its strong aroma stimulates taste and other sense organs, causing salivation and facilitating simpler digestion. It increases the effectiveness of enzyme secretion, which further enhances digestion. Although your stomach will appreciate it more if you don’t overburden it in the first place, cardamom is beneficial when consumed after a large meal.
Coriander Seed
The important volatile oils and fatty acids in coriander seeds give them their distinctive tastes. Important fatty acids including oleic, linoleic, petroselinic, and palmitic acids are present in dried coriander seeds. These essential oils work as a unit to provide anti-flatulent and carminative properties that are advantageous for digestive health.
An excellent source of dietary fiber is coriander. Coriander seeds include 41.9 grams of fiber per 100 grams. By absorbing more water from the meal, this dietary fiber gives the food greater volume and promotes easier bowel motions. Together with flavonoid antioxidants, coriander’s fiber content prevents the growth of cancer in the mucosa of the colon.
Cumin Seed
Thymol, a substance found in cumin, stimulates the glands to produce more bile, acids, and other enzymes. This leads to better digestion, and because cumin seeds have high fiber content, they are advantageous for those who have hemorrhoids.
Additionally, cumin seeds might lessen the effects of flatulence by preventing the production of gas in the digestive system.
These herbs and spices are often included in pharmaceutical and complementary medicine treatments for digestive health issues. However, including them more often in meals made at home would be a more organic and holistic approach.