What are Gut Healing Herbs?
Are you part of the 60-70 million Americans who are affected by a digestive disease? If so, you’ve probably heard of the potential benefits of herbs. But what exactly are #goodgut healing herbs, roots and seeds? You may be surprised at how common these are, and how easily you can incorporate them into your diet. The next time you go grocery shopping, look out for these gut-healing herbs, roots, and seeds!
What makes an herb gut-healing? Because certain herbs contain colonies of healthy bacteria living on them, when ingested, they act synergistically with the bacteria and microbiota already in our gut. Probiotics are live bacteria that thrive in the digestive tract and have amazing benefits for our health! Working with our microbiota, herbs offer wonderful benefits for maintaining a healthy gut.
What are the benefits of gut healing herbs?
According to a research study, incorporating a combination of herbs, roots and seeds such as slippery elm, guar gum, circumin, and peppermint oil decreased the severity of participants’ gastrointestinal symptoms by 60-80%. Gastrointestinal symptoms that were decreased included: indigestion, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive flatulence, and poor energy levels. Although gut healing herbs are not limited to those listed above, there are tons of other #GoodGut herbs that are likely to provide the same benefits!
We recommend using herbs, roots, and seeds that you likely already have in your kitchen such as ginger, fennel, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, and peppermint. Ginger eases gas, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. It also helps with hydration during hotter months and when feeling sick. Fennel promotes digestion, decreases gas, and freshens breath. Peppermint relieves indigestion, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. Peppermint is also considered a remedy for irritable bowel syndrome! Fennel is especially beneficial for nursing mothers who want to produce more breast milk. Rosemary is a nervous system relaxer, antioxidant, circulatory stimulant, and an antiseptic. Cinnamon is a smooth muscle relaxant, helpful in treatment for hypertension, bronchial spasm, diarrhea, and constipation.
How can I incorporate gut healing herbs into my diet?
Gut-healing herbs, roots, and seeds can be easily incorporated into your diet by using them in stir frys, soups, salads, smoothies, and baked veggies!
Incorporate herbs and spices into pasta sauces like basil, thyme, and oregano.
Make salads with herbs as the main ingredient (we love using parsley to make Tabbouleh!).
Top soups with fresh herbs like cilantro and rosemary.
Add fresh herbs to drinks (mint lemonades, rosemary iced teas, and chamomile in hot tea).
Sprinkle lavender, rosemary, and mint leaves on sorbets or add them to make fruit-infused water.
It’s also worth noting how fun it can be learning to grow herbs in your garden at home! Not only will a home garden produce fresh organic herbs, but it can save you money in the long run. We also recommend purchasing organic herbs (fresh or dried) at a farmers market.
Check out our favorite smoothie recipes that incorporate #GoodGut healing herbs, roots, and seeds below! You can also substitute any ginger or herbs with Gut Nurture to reap all the #GoodGut benefits from a variety of these herbs!
Gut Healing Herb Recipes
Brain Smoothie for mental clarity, focus, concentration, and memory retention
½ cup blueberries
½ cup concord grapes
1 cup dark leafy greens (kale, collards, spinach, arugula, etc.)
½ - 1 tsp turmeric
1 orange
Cardio Smoothie for improved blood pressure, cholesterol, circulation, and decreased plaque
1 cup green tea
½ cup blueberries
½ cup raspberries
½ cup pomegranate seeds
½ cup watermelon
½ cup beet
1-2 collard green leaves
Optional:
Cranberries
Kale
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Inflammation Control Smoothie
½ cup blackberries
½ cup citrus or tropical fruit (papaya, tangerine, apricot, guava, nectarine, etc.)
1 large collard leaf
1 large kale leaf
½ cup pomegranate seeds
½ inch chunk ginger root
1 inch chunk turmeric root
Water to taste/texture
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References
Berger, M. (2021, February 11). What is So Amazing About Using Herbs to Promote Gut Health?. Maryland University of Integrative Health.
Ried, K., Travica, N., Dorairaj, R., & Sali, A. (2020). Herbal formula improves upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms and gut health in Australian adults with digestive disorders. Nutrition Research, 76, 37-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2020.02.008