Herbs That Can Improve Gut Health
Herbs and spices are good sources of healthy nutrients. They supply the body with a little bit of almost all the nutrients that the body ought to function well. Coupled with nutrients, herbs, and spices are also packed with natural properties like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, digestive properties, and analgesic properties, among others.
The herbs and spices discussed in this article are digestive herbs and spices. These herbs and spices are actively involved in protecting gut health. They do this by boosting digestion and enhancing the healthy absorption of food and food nutrients in the blood. Many herbs globally were used in ancient times to boost gastrointestinal health and were common only in regions like Peru, India, and the Middle East.
Today, these herbs are still very much in the business of boosting gastrointestinal health and supporting the function of the digestive system. They are also widely used in different parts of the world, not just in India, Peru, and the Middle East.
Properties of Herbs for Digestion
Every digestive herb has a unique bioactive property that makes it an effective remedy for indigestion and healthy protection for gastrointestinal health. With a healthy digestive system, everything in your body will go right; your immune system will be at its best, your energy levels will rise, the toxin amounts in your blood will drop, and you will feel nourished and healthy.
In addition to using digestive herbs to boost gastrointestinal health and the digestive system, it is also important to eat healthily. Consuming healthy and natural foods packed with high amounts of nutrients and other natural properties will also support the digestive system’s health. In other words, while using these herbs, ensure you are on a balanced diet; avoid processed foods or foods with additives, trans fat, and artificial preservatives.
This article elaborates on the different herbs and spices that contain natural properties that are effective enough to boost the digestive system’s health.
Digestive Herbs and Spices That Improve Digestion
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most common digestive spices that, when used in the preparation of foods, boost the digestion of that food while protecting the digestive health in the process. It is one of those digestive spices that have been in use since ancient times. It was common only among Romans and Indians for gastrointestinal health benefits.
Cinnamon is packed with digestive properties that help break down foods in the stomach and ensure the healthy absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Coupled with being a healthy digestive spice, it is also a great source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus as much as it protects the digestive system, it also prevents inflammation and the production of free radicals that cause oxidative damage and cell death in the body. Why not add this spice to your diet today?
Fennel
Fennel is one of the least discussed herbs in the world of herbs. However, people who know about fennel and use it are the ones enjoying the benefits that this herb has to offer. Fennel, according to research, is packed with high amounts of bioactive compounds that boost digestion and eliminates processes that may lead to indigestion. Fennel herbal tea helps reduce the bloating associated with indigestion.
Studies have also shown that it has active compounds that also support liver health. Coupled with these, it is also appetitive; that is, it boosts your appetite and urges you to eat more. Thus, when you place yourself on a balanced diet and consume fennel herb, your fennel herb helps you eat more of your balanced diet while improving the function of your digestive system in the process. Making fennel herb is quite easy. All that you need to do is brew dried fennel leaves in hot water and drink the tea produced from this process.
Psyllium
One of the most active agents in psyllium is its fiber content. It is one of those herbs that have high fiber contents, enough to boost your digestive health and kick out indigestion and all symptoms of indigestion. Studies have shown that consuming psyllium herb is one of the best ways of topping your fiber intake daily.
Its fiber content makes it a healthy choice of digestive herb. This is because not only does it improve digestion, but it also helps in the east movement of the bowel. In other words, psyllium’s fiber is capable of both aiding digestion and also helping the body get rid of food waste faster. Coupled with these, psyllium is also packed with other natural digestive properties that enhance food absorption and nutrients into the blood system.
Turmeric
Like a cinnamon spice, turmeric is another healthy spice mostly used for culinary purposes. In some cases, people use it for medicinal purposes too. Turmeric is a healthy source of natural compounds that relieve the symptoms of indigestion and ensure the healthy digestion of food in the body. In addition, these natural compounds in turmeric are also effective in boosting liver health. That is, it supports liver health by aiding in the detoxification process. Turmeric is also packed with other natural properties like antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which work hand in hand in combating the bacteria that cause indigestion and the painful feeling and discomfort that comes with indigestion.
Turmeric is easy to incorporate into your diet. You can either slice it up raw and sprinkle it on your vegetable salad or blend it with your smoothie. You can also cook your stews, soups, and pasta with dried turmeric powder.
Licorice Root
Herbs are made from every part of the licorice plant, ranging from the leaves to the stems and the roots. For digestive health purposes, the root of the licorice plant is used. It used to be common only in India and China and was only used as a flavoring agent then.
However, today, licorice root has proven to be more than just a flavoring agent. It is a healthy herb that supports gut health. Its ability to support digestive health is courtesy of its glycyrrhizin property. This property is known for improving digestion and soothing the stomach if there are any symptoms of indigestion. Besides boosting gut and digestive health, licorice root herb also helps combat inflammation. All you need to do with licorice roots to enjoy this digestive health benefit is boil the roots for up to 15 minutes.
Caraway
Most people do not know about the caraway herb. Fortunately, it is one of the herbs that can boost the function of your digestive system. It supports the digestive system by encouraging the release of some substances that aid in the absorption and digestion of food nutrients in the body.
In cases of severe indigestion, using a caraway herb will eliminate the bloating and relieve the cramps that come with indigestion. It also helps in the east movement of the bowel and prevents the fermentation of foods in the stomach. All you need to do is steep some dried caraway leaves in hot water and leave them to sit in the water for about 5 to 7 minutes. Sieve out the dried leaves and drink the tea you got through that process.
Rosemary
Rosemary is mostly known as a flavoring agent in foods, and it is known as a herb. It is packed with a healthy oil that contains a property known as rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid is the most active property in rosemary, and all the health benefits that the herb has to offer human health are courtesy of the oil.
This oil is both anti-inflammatory and digestive. It improves the function of gastrointestinal health. It boosts digestion and prevents severe gut health conditions. Coupled with its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, it is also an antioxidant and supports cognitive health. These are enough reasons to give rosemary a try.
Conclusion
As much as different health conditions can cause indigestion, they can also be treated through different methods. However, choosing a natural method involving herbs and spices is advisable. This is because they are safe to utilize and have no side effects. You should try these herbs and spices out.
