A healthy digestive system is essential for overall well-being, as it plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function. When the gut becomes inflamed, it can lead to terrible discomfort. As a result, this could lead to some digestive issues and a range of related health problems. Supporting a healthy digestive system through herbal remedies can be an effective way to help reduce inflammation.
What makes a Healthy Gut?
A healthy gut is home to a balanced microbiome—a diverse community of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that aid in digestion, absorb nutrients, and protect against harmful pathogens. This balance ensures that your digestive system functions smoothly. Key signs of a healthy gut include regular bowel movements, minimal bloating or discomfort, and strong immunity.
What Causes an Unhealthy Gut?
An unhealthy gut can often result from poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, or overuse of antibiotics. These factors can lead to imbalances in gut bacteria, resulting in symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Inflammation, one of the body’s natural responses to infection or injury, can also become a persistent issue in the gastrointestinal system, leading to chronic digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s defence against harm, such as infections or toxins. While acute inflammation can be normal, chronic inflammation is long-lasting and can contribute to various health issues. Inflammation in the gut can manifest as pain, discomfort, bloating, and more serious conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
If you think you have a serious inflammation problem, speak to your local doctor before trying any new medications. Speak to our helpful ASOHM team if you have any questions about beginning a gut recovery journey with herbal remedies
6 Herbal Remedies to Reduce Gut Inflammation
Herbal remedies can offer powerful, natural alternatives to support a healthy gut and reduce inflammation. Below are six herbal remedies known for their anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe the digestive system and improve gut health.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to the active compound curcumin. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive disorders and reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. Turmeric can soothe gut lining irritation, promote better digestion, and help ease conditions like IBS or ulcerative colitis. Adding turmeric tea to your daily routine, or taking curcumin supplements, can be an effective way to support gut health.
2. Triphala
Triphala, a traditional Ayurvedic herbal remedy, consists of three fruits—amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki—that work together to cleanse and rejuvenate the digestive system. Known to encourage more frequent bowel movements, which is beneficial in reducing gut inflammation. Its antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress and promote the healing of the gut lining, making it a popular remedy for chronic digestive issues. The recommended consumption method for Triphala is as a tea, consumed on an empty stomach.
3. Licorice Root
Licorice root has been used for centuries to treat a variety of digestive ailments, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps protect the gut lining by increasing mucus production, which can shield it from stomach acid and reduce inflammation. This makes licorice root an effective remedy for conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, and other inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal system.
Licorice root is a valuable medicine for both the digestive and respiratory systems. It acts as a gentle laxative, promoting bowel regularity, and is known for lowering stomach acid levels, which helps relieve heartburn and indigestion. Additionally, licorice root can heal stomach ulcers by forming a protective gel-like barrier over the stomach wall, allowing the tissue to recover from acid damage. Its antispasmodic properties also help ease spasms in the intestines, making it a useful remedy for issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not only a popular spice but also a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Its high concentration of antioxidants can help combat inflammation in the gut and support overall digestive health. Cinnamon is particularly useful in reducing gas, bloating, and cramping, which are common symptoms of gut inflammation. It also has antimicrobial properties, helping to balance gut bacteria and promote healthy digestion.
5. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is a herbal remedy that works wonders for soothing the gastrointestinal tract. It contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and soothes irritated or inflamed tissue in the digestive system. This protective barrier can help reduce symptoms of gastritis, heartburn, and inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery elm is often used in teas or lozenges to calm and heal the gut lining, offering relief from discomfort and inflammation.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint is well-known for its ability to soothe digestive discomfort, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. There are a variety of uses for peppermint, including Peppermint oil, which has been shown to reduce the symptoms of IBS by calming intestinal spasms and reducing gut inflammation. For digestive aid, prepare a brew of hot peppermint tea, from either the fresh or dried leaf, to experience the medicinal benefits of peppermint. Peppermint is one of the best carminative and antispasmodic agents, as it stimulates bile and digestive secretions. It helps relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, making it an effective remedy for bloating, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome.
A healthy gut can unlock a balanced body and mind. By reducing inflammation in your gut you can have a better understanding and the capability of maintaining long-term digestive health, reducing pain and other symptoms. Learn more about how incorporating herbal remedies can help naturally support the gut and promote better digestion in our herbal medicine course, and gain a deeper understanding of inflammation and pain recovery.
By introducing natural herbal medicine into your life, you can take significant steps towards supporting a healthier gastrointestinal system. Ask our founder Hilde Hemmes about the ASOHM course and what she recommends to reduce gut inflammation.