a bouquet of gut health herbs

Herbs for digestion, supporting gut health and immunity.

The microbiome and the second brain: your digestive ecosystem.

Many of us know that the gut is called the “second brain” , but there's often confusion about what this really means. Here are fun facts your digestive system and the microbiome.

1. Your gut has its own nervous system.

  • This is called the enteric nervous system (ENS).

  • A really cool fact is that the ENS lines your entire digestive system with more than 100 million nerve cells.

  • Your body sends 9x the amount of information from the gut to the brain, than the brain does to the gut!

2. Happiness can start in the gut. 

  •  90% of serotonin and 50% of dopamine is created in the gut.

  • When this is out of balance, we don’t just feel physically uncomfortable, we’re actually being depleted of happiness hormones.

3. The microbiome influences a lot in your health too.

  • The weight of your digestive microbiome is about the weight of your brain (coincidence?!)

  • We are 99.9% identical in our genetic DNA, yet the genetic microbiome of our guts is less than 3% similar from person-to-person across the globe

  • Check out this 2018 report called “The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis” (Martin et al). It is just one of many reports and studies that shows how our microbiome and the communication between the CNS, ENS and other parts of the nervous system are connected to a number of diseases that affect not only digestion but the psyche and neurological disorders.

So what does this have to do with herbs? A lot! Read below.

YAY PLANT FACTS!

Herbs have a powerful ability to work with key physiological functions - especially with digestion.

They can soothe cramping, bloating, help peristalsis and repair proper digestive function. They also support the body to function more normally in order to support the proper functioning of the ENS and help the microbiome flourish!

Read below to discover herbs that are beneficial for digestion. Click on the linked herbs to learn more information on their origins, botany, traditional medicinal uses, modern day usage herb safety and fun facts. As time goes on, more herbs will be linked - so you can check back regularly to learn something new.

Demulcent Herbs

Bitter Herbs

  • Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

  • Gentian Root (Gentiana)

  • Dried Orange Peel Citrus (Citrus x sinensis)

  • Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)

Carminative Herbs

  • Agrimony (Agrimonia)

  • Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus)

  • Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

  • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Astringent Herbs

DIGESTIVE HERBS 101:

making sense of these terms

Herbalism a really beautiful practice and by gaining education on herbalism, we’re more empowered to make the right choices that resonate with us! Here’s a simple breakdown of what these common terms mean for herbs that have been used for THOUSANDS of years for medicinal benefits.

Please note, it is always a good idea to check with a trained health professional about what may be good specifically for you.

As a Clinical Herbalist, I value providing fun and balanced information. This info below is for educational purposes only.*

What are demulcent herbs?

Demulcent herbs soothe and protect different parts of our body by working on a cellular level, helping to repair inflamed cells. They have affinity for the digestive tract cell lining - the epithelial lining - as well as the respiratory system, the skin and more. They are viscous, creating a stickier coating to the lining.

This can be beneficial in cases of IBS, IBD, diverticulitis, leaky gut and other digestive conditions where the gut lining is more irritable and boggy.*

Great examples of demulcent herbs are Marshmallow Root (Althea officinalis), Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and Plantain (Plantago).

Marshmallow root on herb farm clinical herbalist Laura Rubin

What are carminative herbs?

Carminative herbs are herbs that break up gas, relieving cramps and bloating! They allow the body to more easily rest and digest.* Many of these herbs are in the mint family.

Great examples of bitter herbs are Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) , Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) , Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), and Star Anise (Illicium verum).

Lavender herb in basket herbalist farm

What are bitter herbs?

Bitter herbs have a bitter taste and quality, and this stimulates the liver to produce and release bile. On a geeky scientific level, many bitter herbs contain iridoides and sesquiterpenes that work to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.*

The bitter taste activates digestion to kickstart, not only releasing bile - but supporting important digestive enzymes to do their job! They can also help signal to the nervous system “hello, it’s time to relax!” This may be useful for constipation.*

Great examples of bitter herbs are Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), Gentian Root (Gentiana), Dried Orange Peel Citrus (Citrus x sinensis), Burdock Root (Arctium lappa).

Their plant extracts can be fun to add into mocktails with bubbly water.

Dandelion root and leaf herb

What are astringent herbs?

Astringent herbs help tigthen and tone our cells, providing support where the is laxity. Many plant tannins and resins are astringent. Yes, just like with wine (from grapes) - lots of plants have tannins!

Great examples of astringent herbs are Agrimony (Agrimonia), Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).

Yarrow herb in herbalist's hand farm

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information above is purely educational and cannot substitute professional medical advice. It is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose medical conditions. Consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns.