6 Herbs that Enhance Digestive Health

6 Herbs that Enhance Digestive Health
(Shutterstock*)
9/7/2014
Updated:
8/17/2014

By Natural News, Healing the Body

Digestion problems are never a pleasant situation to have to deal with. Not only are they often painful, such problems can lead to embarrassment as well. Fortunately, there are a number of herbs that are often used in everyday cooking that are also prized for their ability to calm the digestion system.

Sage

A powerful antiviral herb, sage also helps aid in keeping the digestive system running smoothly. In addition to helping the stomach digest protein, sage also helps to dispel gas. A calming and soothing herb, sage is perfect for helping to calm the nerves and keep anxiety at bay. Ground sage can have a flavor that is bitter and fresh sage tends to mold quickly. Rubbed sage is a versatile form of the herb.

Oregano

One tablespoon of oregano contains more antioxidant power than an entire cup of blueberries, making this popular herb also one of the most powerful when it comes to easing digestive woes. Oregano is a highly alkaline herb, making it the ideal choice for fighting inflammation as well as acidity.In addition, oregano can also stimulate the digestive system and prevent constipation.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular herb due to its delicious aroma. A yeast overgrowth in the stomach and intestines can lead to a host of problems and rosemary can fight those. It is a good remedy for indigestion, bloating, gas, pain and constipation. Though there are supplements available, eating fresh or dried versions of the herb is much more effective.

Lavender

Lavender is well known the world over for its calming properties. Indeed, when a person becomes tense and anxious, their digestion begins to slow. This sluggishness can result in some discomfort. Using lavender in foods can help calm the intestines and keep them moving as they should. As an alkaline food, lavender also helps reduce acidity and inflammation.

Peppermint

Peppermint is known to be one of the top herbs when it comes to stimulating the digestive system. It calms the acid that is present in the stomach while also taming its overall reactions. While fresh peppermint is the number one choice when it comes to treating constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas and indigestion, its tea form is highly useful as well.

Thyme

This herb has natural calming properties that make it the ideal additive to foods when an upset stomach strikes. Because it also has antiviral compounds, adding thyme to foods can help a tummy weather a virus. Thyme is also great at fighting yeast overgrowth as well as the bad bacteria that can make the stomach uncomfortable.

Before reaching for those over-the-counter medications or the prescription medication that has awful side effects, try adding one of the above herbs to foods to aid in a healthy digestive system.

*Image of “herbs“ via Shutterstock

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