Herbs for digestion
There is a huge number of common problems hindering our ability to digest our food properly. Where we might be missing a trick, is actually getting to the cause, of the cause, of the cause of these digestive issues.
We have been primed to reach for an OTC remedy so well, we automatically go for the quick fix and when we feel better, we get on with our lives while the underlying issue is still insidiously brewing underneath.
Some of the common symptoms of digestive insufficiency can include bloating, belching, pain, flatulence, heartburn, nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea, all of which unfortunately most people put up with as if they are ‘normal’ occurrences.
So let’s take a look at some of the main reasons why we may have digestive insufficiency:
Low stomach acid could mean we are not absorbing nutrients from the food we eat, which could lead to major problems down the line, or we could simply have sluggish digestion. This is where our lovely bitter herbs can help. The bitter compounds stimulate appetite and also HCL secretion so that we can break down the food that enters the stomach, and absorb the nutrients into our bloodstream. Some of our favourite bitters are Dandelion, Angelica, Ginger, and Cinnamon.
Our liver and gallbladder may not be producing or secreting enough bile acids, which are important substances for emulsifying and digesting fats. Liver loving herbs, cholagogues and choleretics (to help increase bile) such as Dandelion, St Mary’s Thistle, Gentian, Turmeric and Globe Artichoke can help improve overall digestive function.
If we are chronically or acutely stressed or anxious, our enteric nervous system in the gut which sends signals to and from the brain kicks in causing spasm and increased motility and we can feel nauseous and even cause vomiting and can shut down our digestion completely. There are many amazing nervine, apaptogenic & spasmolytic herbs to soothe and calm our nervous systems such as Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Withania, and Skullcap.
If you suffer from heart burn or gastrointestinal inflammation we have Marshmallow, Chamomile, Licorice and meadow sweet which are beautifully demulcent, anti-inflammatory, soothing and muco-protective.
OR we may have overindulged when we sat down to a 10-course degustation with matching wines – because why the hell not! Carminative herbs can settle down the discomfort of dyspepsia (indigestion), spasms and gas such as Peppermint, Fennel, ginger, Aniseed, Chamomile, Lavender and Cloves.
So why not try some of Little Wildling Co’s organic herbal tea blends which have been hand crafted especially with your wellbeing in mind, and drink your way to better digestive health with the benefits of herbal medicine:
HIBERNATE & CHILL https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/hibernate-chill
I NEED A MOMENT https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/i-need-a-moment
I AM A GODDESS https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/i-am-a-goddess
REHAB (Cleanse & Detox) https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/rehab-cleanse-detox
PEPPERMINT, LEMON MYTLE & LAVENDER https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/peppermint-lemon-myrtle-lavender
GREEN TEA, MINT & ROSE https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/green-tea-mint-rose
DIRTY DANDI CHAI https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/dirty-dandy-chai
ALIVE & ENERGISE https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/alive-energise
BLACK (BERRY) HEART https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/test-black-berry-heart
I AM GOLDEN https://ww.littlewildlingco.com/products/i-am-golden-jar
MINTY MATCHA https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/minty-matcha
Even though there is much we can do in regards to our diet, lifestyle, hydration, eating habits and attitudes, as well as managing stress and anxiety, its important to know that there may be more serious issues behind these symptoms, and to ensure you work with a practitioner to get to the bottom of them.
References:
Boyd. A, FX Medicine Article: “Key Herbs and Nutrients to Support Healthy Digestion”.
Bone, K: The Ultimate Herbal Compendium, 2007.