Natural Remedies for Digestion
We are learning more and more every day about how our gut affects the functioning of many of our other body systems. We have as many neurons in our gut as in our brain. The gut is a major producer of neurotransmitters which modulate our moods. We have olfactory cells in our intestines, cells that we think of as detecting scents.. Research is showing that all the bacteria in the gut (and all over our bodies), collectively known as our microbiome affect all our body functions! These bacteria can have an affect on how we feel and think, how we take in vitamins and minerals and more.
Some ways of keeping a healthy microbiome is to eat a variety of foods, food high in fiber and fermented foods. Fermented foods include kefir, pickles (not all are fermented; check the label), kimchi, kombucha tea, miso soup, natto, unprocessed sauerkraut, tempeh, and yogurt.
Integrative Remedies For Simple Digestive Problems
General Digestive Health
- Taking liquid “bitters” before or just after meals can help with the digestive process. You can buy prepared bitters, you take just ¼ to ½ teaspoon. And yes, they taste bitter! Some people like to dilute the liquid in a little water or juice. The bitters stimulate your natural digestive juices so you get more out of the food you eat!
- Chewing a teaspoon full of digestive aiding seeds after a meal is a long time practice in Ayurveda. Keep a small bowl of a combinations of fennel, caraway and anise seeds on the table. Chew a small bit after meals as a digestive aid.
Heartburn
- Plants have been used for centuries to help with this problem.
- Aloe Vera Gel- Taking in a small amount (one to two tablespoons) can help. This plant has laxative properties so don’t overdo it. Don’t use in pregnancy or if breastfeeding.
- Marshmallow Root and Slippery Elm Bark are high in mucilage that can be very soothing for heartburn. You can buy slippery elm lozenges at the store.
- Licorice, particularly DGL licorice (deglycyrrhizinated) is frequently used to treat GERD and can help decrease the need for often used proton pump inhibitors (PPI), medications that have undesirable long term side effects.
If you have physician prescribed PPI’s check in with your provider before making any changes
Nausea
- Ginger is the go to herb for nausea; tea, powdered capsules (500mg three times a day), ginger candy, ginger snaps - see what works for you! Ginger can work well or motion sickness and morning sickness.
If you have nausea and vomiting, time to check in with a healthcare provider.
Gas/Bloating
- The term carminative is used for herbs that help with this problem. The same mix of seeds mentioned for heartburn can help here: anise, caraway and fennel. Other herbs such as peppermint (unless you have GERD), chamomile, lemon balm and ginger can help also, start with a simple tea.
Constipation
- Aloe Vera gel in small amounts can help relieve constipation. You can scoop a small amount off the inside leaf of the plant itself if you have one. Or you can buy the gel in a store and follow the label directions
- Psyllium seed husk is an excellent aid for constipation. It is a bulking laxative, not stimulating, so it is gentle. You can buy it at a natural food store. Take one to two tablespoons a day in water or juice. This is also much less expensive than commercial preparations.
An excellent book for creating tasty healing foods at home with herbs is: Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Foret
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