Herbal Remedies for Digestion

Herbs have long been used medicinally to treat stomach conditions and to maintain a healthy digestive system. While digestive issues can take many forms, one thing seems to remain constant for any condition – getting relief comes from treating the underlying condition instead of just treating the pain. This is where herbal medicine is superior to conventional medicine. Herbs provide a whole body healing approach, helping the body to thrive and function from a place of wellness instead of simply putting a band-aid on the problem.

There are many herbal remedies for digestion!

Peppermint is one of the most studied herbs for digestion, and the research proves its effectiveness for people with indigestion, gas, nausea, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Several tests conducted by The University of Maryland Medical Center confirm that peppermint helped 75% of people with IBS. Compounds in the peppermint plant seem to activate the anti-pain channel in the colon, and they calm the muscles of the stomach, improving the flow of bile and allowing gas to pass. For people with heartburn or GERD, however, peppermint should be avoided.

How can you take peppermint as an herbal remedy for digestion?

Try hot tea that has peppermint in it, like Naturally Calming Tea or an herbal supplement that contains peppermint, like Erba Vita Digest, which also includes many of the other herbs we have listed below, or Erba Vita Gastro, which is includes peppermint in its unique formulation.

Fennel has traditionally been used by many cultures to relieve gas in adults and children alike. It works by soothing the stomach muscles, stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, reducing inflammation in the stomach and intestines, and it even helps the body absorb the nutrients from our food. Fennel seeds are carminatives, which means they help treat and/or prevent gas. Fennel helps not only with gas, but also indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and it may also help fight off intestinal bacteria and fungi. Fennel is often used to treat colic in infants.

How can you take fennel as an herbal remedy for digestion?

Try an herbal supplement that contains fennel. For kids, try Erba Vita Gassy Kids Syrup, which contains not only fennel, but also chamomile, lemon balm and linden. You can also add fennel seeds to your meals to add flavor and help with digestion.

Anise helps to promote digestion and relieve gas, indigestion and bloating. It is antispasmodic, allowing relaxation of the stomach and intestinal muscles, and it can even help prevent bacterial infections in the intestines.

Ginger has been highly studied by the medical community. It has been proven to stimulate the release of digestive enzymes in the body, helping the body break down food and absorb the nutrients from it. It is effective at treating nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion and stomachaches. Just remember that less is more in the case of ginger because too much can backfire and actually cause heartburn, bloating and gas.

How can you take ginger as an herbal remedy for digestion?

Try hot tea that has ginger in it, like Green Chai Tea or an herbal supplement that contains ginger, like Erba Vita Digest, which also includes many of the other herbs we have listed in this article.

Chamomile is a wonderfully calming herb, especially when it comes to the stomach. It is antispasmodic so it helps to relax the stomach and intestinal muscles, making it an effective treatment for stomach cramps, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, colic and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also anti-inflammatory, helping to heal the intestines and stomach after an infection.

How can you take chamomile as an herbal remedy for digestion?

Try hot tea that has chamomile in it. For kids, try Erba Vita Gassy Kids Syrup, which contains not only chamomile, but also fennel, lemon balm and linden.