8 remarkable Herbs Proven to Restore Digestive Health

​This month I have been covering the importance of a healthy gut to our overall health. It is amazing how our digestive system is not only limited to digestion but also to other functions like Immune response, nutrient absorption, hormone regulation, vitamin production, detoxification, mood management, among many other functions. This means that 

the health of our gut is super important for our overall well-being. The great news is that any damage to our gut can be reverse with lifestyle changes and herbs.

A few of the best-known herbs to restore digestive health include: 

• Marshmallow has been used for centuries to treat many illnesses, such as coughs and colds, infections, and to improve digestion. Research suggests that marshmallow is effective to treat digestive disorders, including leaky gut syndrome by restoring the integrity of the gut lining by forming a protective layer around small junctions. Also it seems to be beneficial for people suffering from other forms of inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Additionally, marshmallow has been shown to help lower or prevent heartburn, stomach ulcer symptoms, diarrhea, and constipation. Reason being, marshmallow coats the inside of the stomach and prevents acid from causing discomfort and “burning.”
• Slippery elm has been used successfully for many years to treat wounds, burns, boils, psoriasis, and other external skin conditions. Similarly, to marshmallow, studies have shown that slippery elm also helps protect against ulcers and excess acidity. Additionally, it has been shown to improve constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and other issues associated with IBS and diverticulitis. Slippery elm is an endangered species. Therefore, use with caution or use marshmallow root instead.
• Licorice is anti-inflammatory and has many antioxidants. It is also an adaptogen, and it has been used for thousands of years for many uses, including for coughs, adrenal fatigue, leaky gut, and heartburn.
• Many of plantain’s active constituents have shown antibacterial and antimicrobial properties as well as being anti-inflammatory and antitoxic. It has been used for hundreds of years to relieve the discomfort of bee stings and insect bites, stop the itching of poison ivy and other allergic rashes, and promote healing in sores and bruises.
• Chamomile is considered to be one of the most ancient and versatile medicinal herbs known to humanity. So much so that it is often referred to as a panacea. Chamomile is commonly used for liver cleanse, heals digestive issues, and improves many different health conditions, including anxiety and depression, allergies or hay fever, muscle spasms, PMS and other menstrual disorders, insomnia, skin disorders, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, rheumatic, pain, and hemorrhoids, amongst many others. It is also an anti-inflammatory.
• Peppermint provides a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body. It also contains antimicrobial properties, can help freshen bad breath, and soothe nausea, headaches, and digestive issues. It also has a soothing effect on the gastric lining and colon because of its ability to reduce muscle spasms. In fact, it has been shown to treat IBS effectively.
• Barberry and goldenseal both plants contain Berberine which acts on the smooth muscles that line the intestines, helping improve digestion and reduce gastrointestinal pain. Barberry is an effective treatment for diarrhea, including both traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea caused by food poisoning. A few studies have suggested that it improves gastrointestinal problems faster than antibiotics. Studies also showed that berberine relieves bacterial diarrhea without any negative side effects.
• Comfrey is soothing and healing for the mucus membranes of the mouth and digestive tract. It can be used any type of irritation or inflammatory condition of these tissues including inflamed gums, sore throats, laryngitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diverticulitis and diarrhea. Due to the high controversy of comfrey, only use comfrey under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Herbs unique healing properties have a direct effect upon the lining of the digestive system. The herbs constituents can directly touch the cells of the mucosa without first having to be digested. Thus, the body can quickly reap the benefits to reduce inflammation, relax muscles, combat bacterial infection, or promote wound healing. For this reason, I often recommend teas for digestive disorders.

Select a few of these herbs and create an herbal tea formula. Make sure your formula contains one demulcent herb such as marshmallow, slippery elm, or licorice. Or you can use the digestive formula that I have designed specifically for this program. You can find it on my website by clicking on this link. Your other option is to buy the individual herbs to create your formula or buy a pre-formulated digestive herbal tea from a reliable source.

​Drink two cups of this tea every day. Make with one-half ounce of herb for sixteen ounces of water. Simmer on low heat for twenty minutes (covered). Dose and consistency are critical for this tea to work. (You will need to take this tea for at least three months.)

Always buy organic and from a reliable company such as Herb-Pharm, Gaia Herbs, or my brand, Moongazing Herbal Apothecary. Remember, the quality of the herb is directly correlated to its effectiveness.

Remember, I'm here to support you! ​ call or email if you have any questions,

Toni
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