Herbs for Digestive Health
Healing the Gut
A 2013 survey suggested that 72 percent of Americans live with digestive symptoms such as reoccurring diarrhea, gas, bloating, frequent bowel movements, and abdominal pain.1 Disturbingly, many of these symptoms are indicative of a decreased ability to digest, absorb, and assimilate nutrients from the food we eat. In the long run, this causes a reduction in overall health and wellbeing.
Healing the gut is essential for any digestive issues that are chronic, including food allergies or intolerance, reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, leaky gut, and Celiac, to name just a few. This is my four-step process to encourage digestive healing and proper nutrient assimilation. Firstly, eliminate gastrointestinal irritants. Other issues to address include eating a nutrient-dense, whole foods diet, digesting properly, and soothing and healing the digestive system.
1) Eliminate Irritants and Non-foods:
Many people with digestive issues have food allergies and sensitivities. These foods must be eliminated to allow the digestive system to heal. I recommend looking at common allergens such as dairy, oats, soy, corn, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, rancid fats, eggs, genetically modified foods, coffee, chocolate, and black tea. It is also helpful to stay away from processed foods, preservatives, MSG, food colorings, alcohol, and sugar. Bad fats are hard to digest and increase inflammation. Avoid fried foods, hydrogenated oils, and polyunsaturated vegetable oils derived mostly from soy, corn, safflower, canola, sunflower, rice bran, and grape seed oils.
In order to pinpoint other irritants, I encourage my clients to keep a health journal, tracking foods, beverages, bowel movements, and any symptoms they may be having. Using an Elimination Diet, eliminating many foods from the diet and then adding them back in, one by one is invaluable to catch either multiple or subtle irritants.
2) Eat Nutrient Dense Foods and Herbs:
I believe all humans do better eating whole, organic, nutrient-dense, non-GMO foods. I recommend preparing foods properly, including soaking nuts and grains overnight to reduce phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors. Bone broth is very high in gelatin and L-glutamine (an amino acid), both extremely healing to the tissues of the gut. Good quality fats such as Omega 3 fatty acids, ghee, coconut oil, high-quality animal fats, and monounsaturated oils such as olive, almond, pecan, cashew, peanut, sesame, and avocado oils are all healing to the digestive system.
Fermented foods such as miso, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchee encourage good bacterial digestive health. Prebiotics are non-digestible foods that feed gut bacteria. They include trans-galactooligosaccharide, inulin, fructooligosaccharide (FOS), and lactulose. Sources of prebiotics include acacia gums (Gum Arabic), seaweed, yacon root, breast milk, Jerusalem artichoke, jicama root, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, burdock, garlic, leeks, onion, asparagus, bananas, apples, and chicory root.2
Mineral-rich herbs are nutrient-dense and easily digested. They can be cooked in soups and foods, or made into tea.
Herbs: Rubus spp. (Raspberry), Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion), Arctium lappa (Burdock), Urtica dioica (Nettles), Trifolium pratense (Red clover), Equisetum spp. (Horsetail), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Avena spp. (Oat straw), Medicago sativa (Alfalfa), Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile), Rumex crispus (Yellow dock), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hibiscus), Rosa spp. (Rosehips)
3) Make sure you are Digesting Properly:
To make sure we are digesting properly, we need to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs rest, relaxation, and digestion. Try practicing mindfulness with eating, by eating in a relaxing environment, with peace, and with intention. Taking ten deep breaths before beginning a meal can be helpful. Smell and taste foods thoroughly, chewing well. Using digestive supplements and herbs can be extremely helpful.
Supplements that aid in digestion can help add to the digestive juices that are essential for proper digestion of food and assimilation of nutrients. I often suggest a client use digestive enzymes, including protease, lipase, carbohydrate, and nuclease. Hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen are also helpful. Use these supplements for several months to provide added support and an increase in nutrient absorption. After a few months of healing, the digestive system is usually able to take these functions on by itself. I always recommend that people have these supplements on hand in case they travel, go out for a meal, or accidentally eat something that causes digestive upset.
There are several herbal categories that aid in digestion.
Bitter Tonics: As the name suggests, bitters have a bitter taste, which stimulates digestive and liver function. Bitters are generally used about 15 minutes before eating to encourage proper digestion. They need to be tasted to work properly.
Herbs: Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) leaf and root, Arctium lappa (Burdock), Frasera speciosa (Green gentian), Achilllea millefolium (Yarrow), Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Gentiana spp., (Gentian), Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Mahonia spp. (Oregon grape root)
We know that the liver plays a major role in digestion. Using herbs to help support or stimulate the liver can have an immense impact on the health of the digestive tract. Some of our best herbs for the liver include cholagogues and hepatics.
Chologogues: stimulate bile flow in the liver and gallbladder.
Herbs: Mahonia spp. (Oregon grape root) root, Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) root, Cynara scolymus (Artichoke) leaves, Berberis spp. (Barberry) root, Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe tree)
Hepatics: support or stimulate liver function.
Herbs: Arctium lappa (Burdock), Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion), Silybum marianum (Milk thistle), Gentiana spp. (Gentian), Mahonia spp. (Oregon grape root) root, Achilllea millefolium (Yarrow), Rumex crispus (Yellow dock)
4) Soothe, Heal, and Rebuild with Supplements, Herbs, and Essential Oils:
Note: I prefer to use capsules and powders, as tablets are harder to digest and have more inert fillers.
Probiotics: The Human Microbiome Project has discovered that some 10,000 species of microorganisms live in and on the human body, outnumbering our own cells by about ten to one.3Microorganismsplay a direct role in our health, influencing immune response, mental health, detoxification, and hormonal regulation, to name a few.4The two main groups of “good” bacteria include lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. There are many different species within each group, and numerous strains within each species. To choose a probiotic, look for a capsule with a minimum of 5 billion CFUs (colony forming units) in each dose, and a good range of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacter species.
L-Glutamine: is an amino acid that reduces inflammation and scar tissue in the intestines, as well as enhancing the protective mucosal lining of the GI tract. A typical L-Glutamine dose is 5-10 gm. of powder 2-3 times a day.
Herbal remedies that help to soothe, heal, and rebuild the digestive system include astringents, carminatives, and demulcents.
Astringents: help pull together inflamed or congested tissues. Tannins bind with proteins on mucus membranes, skin, and other tissue. This helps draw the tissues together, increasing proper function and helping prevent irritation and infection. Note: my favorite herbal astringent to heal long-term digestive inflammation is Fireweed, used as a regular tea.
Herbs: Quercus alba (White oak), Camellia sinensis (Green tea), Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Uva ursi), Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet), Hamamelis spp. (Witch hazel), Geranium spp. (Geranium), Chamerion angustifolium (Fireweed), Juglans nigra (Black walnut), Rumex crispus (Yellow dock), Rubus spp. (Raspberry), Achilllea millefolium (Yarrow)
Carminatives: aid in digestion through a high content of essential oils. They soothe the gut walls and help to reduce gas.
Herbs: Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Pimpinella anisum (Anise), Carum carvi (Caraway), Elettaria cardamomum (Cardomum), Angelica spp. (Angelica), Matricaria chamomila, Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Demulcents: soothe and coat mucus membranes with mucilage. This allows for better healing and long-term protection of the digestive system.
Herbs: Althea officinalis (Marshmallow), Ulmus rubra (Slippery elm), Glycyrrhiza spp. (Licorice) (DGL licorice is Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which has had the glycyrrhizin removed. DGL can be used long term and should not affect blood pressure), Linum usitatissimum (Flax) seed, Avena spp. (Oat), Plantago ovata (Plantain)
Essential Oils For Intestinal Conditions:
I especially like to use essential oils topically (not internally) as a gentle massage or rub for the stomach or intestines during times of discomfort or digestive distress. Essential oils can easily be added to a massage oil or castor oil pack for the abdomen. Add 10-12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil.
Essential Oils: Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel), Cinnamonum verum(Cinnamon leaf), Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), Helichrysum italicum, Citrus limonum (lemon), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Citrus aurantium (Petitgrain), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Salvia officinlais (Sage), Satureja montana (Savory), Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree), Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) thymol
Recipes:
The following are some recipes that encourage healing of the gastrointestinal tract. For best results, I recommend using a combination of both internal and external treatments.
Castor Oil Pack:
Castor oil packs can be very healing to the digestive system. They encourage better circulation and lymphatic drainage of the pelvic region. They help to maintain healthy tissue and help to heal wounds, infections, stagnant conditions, digestive system irritations, and inflammations.
Get unbleached and un-dyed cotton or wool cloth. Wash and dry before using it.
Saturate the cloth with castor oil
Place the cloth on your lower abdomen and cover it with a large plastic bag or clean cloth. Over this, place a heating pad or hot water bottle.
Sit for 30 minutes to one hour
The cloth only needs to be washed or disposed of when the oil starts to smell rancid, around every two weeks
Castor oil packs should be done from 3 to 5 times a week
Ten drops of Tummy Oil (see below) can be added to your castor oil pack to amplify the healing process.
Digestive Bitters
2 ounces Gentian root (Gentiana lutea) (by weight)
2 ounces Angelica spp. (Angelica) root
1 ounce Citrus x sinensus (Orange) peel
1/2 ounce Zingiber officinale (Ginger) root
1/2 ounce Elettaria cardamomum (Cardomum) seed
16 ounces Brandy (by volume)
1 once Honey (by volume)
Grind herbs together into a coarse powder. Place in a glass jar, add the brandy, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Label and set aside for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Press and add 1 oz. of honey to the tincture mixture. Mix thoroughly. Take 15 drops on the tongue 15 minutes before a meal to improve digestive function.
Tummy Oil
10 drops Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) essential oil
6 drops Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) essential oil
4 drops Zingiber officinale (Ginger) essential oil
4 drops Mentha piperita (Peppermint) essential oil
2 ounces carrier oil
Mix all of the essential oils together in 2 ounces of a fixed, cold-pressed carrier oil of your choice such as olive, hazelnut, almond, apricot kernel, jojoba, or macadamia nut oil. Massage over the stomach and intestines as needed for gas, bloating, intestinal cramps, upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation.
Soothing & Astringent Capsules
2 parts Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)
2 parts Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet)
1 part Glycyrrhiza spp. (Licorice)
1/2 part Rumex crispus (Yellow dock)
Mix powdered herbs together and encapsulate in gluten-free “OO” capsules. These capsules support irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, Celiac disease, as well as encouraging recovery post diarrhea, microbial infections, parasites, or healing from food allergies. Directions: 2 capsules 3 x a day for flare-ups and 2 capsules a day for maintenance.
In conclusion, living with long-term gastrointestinal distress makes it hard to digest and assimilate our nutrients, which is essential for overall health and wellbeing. By eliminating gastrointestinal irritants, eating a nutrient-dense diet, encouraging proper digestion, and soothing and healing the digestive system, we can live longer and healthier lives.
Citations:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-best-prebiotic-foods
© Elaine Sheff, Clinical Herbalist, RH (AHG)