10 Herbs To Improve Digestion

Indigestion can really create chaos in life. Physically, mentally and emotionally, it can make a total mess of your day. If you don’t start your morning with proper bowel movement, you could spend the rest of your day feeling a sense of discomfort. Any problems with the digestive tract (made up of the large and small intestines) can also have a serious detrimental effect on your overall health. Prolonged digestion related issues are known to be the cause of some major diseases. It’s important, therefore, to keep the digestive system in control. Apart from staying hydrated with loads of water all through the day, try out these excellent herbal remedies to improve your digestion quickly, and without side-effects. Below are the herbs to improve digestion. You may try them and see the effect on your digestive system.

Triphala

Triphala is one herbal remedy that is easily available and commonly used for long-term benefit to the digestive system. It’s an Ayurvedic combination of amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki fruits that detoxifies the system and helps the cleansing process. The interesting thing about this herb is that it can cure both, diarrhea (when taken in small doses) and constipation (in large doses). Ideal for both children and adults, Triphala, when regularly taken, works as a laxative and helps ease bowel movement.

Turmeric Root

Turmeric root (biological name Curcuma Longa) is another herb that stabilizes the digestive system with its anti-inflammatory properties. The curcumin present in turmeric is effective in preventing ulcerations and gastritis, and in improving bowel movement. It can be taken as a spice or as a powdered herb in capsule form with meals. Used to promote digestion since ancient times, it reduces gas and bloating. It stimulates bile production in the liver, and promotes excretion of the same through the gall bladder, thereby enhancing the digestion of fats by the body..

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha Xpiperita) is not just good to taste but also helps to improve digestion. Peppermint oil can be used in capsule form to check dyspepsia, with the oil working as a good relaxant. The capsules are generally coated with enteric, which helps delay the effect of the herb till it reaches the right place down the digestive tract. Another easy way to take this herb is to brew 1 teaspoon of its dried leaves as tea, to be consumed thrice a day.

Ginger

Among the various benefits of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale), curing indigestion is an important one. Ginger in tea does more than simply make the concoction tastier; it actually helps digestion by increasing the secretion of digestive juices. Besides improving digestion, it helps relieve nausea and is also beneficial in motion sickness. Solid food flavored with Ginger tastes well and also works effectively to aid digestion. Ginger is proven to improve the passage of food through the upper part of the intestine, thereby easing digestion.

Cinnamon

Another great herbal cure for indigestion is the Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum Verum), which is best consumed when warmed, for maximum effect. One teaspoon of chopped Cinnamon can be mixed in tea and consumed three times a day to cure loss of appetite, dyspeptic problems, bloating, etc. It can also be added to many other recipes to give them a unique flavor and therapeutic properties.

Fennel Seeds

The aromatic Fennel Seed has traditionally been used to treat indigestion, flatulence and colic, besides helping relieve gas. Used in cooking, fennel seeds help by attacking intestinal gas, and treating bloating, loss of appetite, among other stomach problems.

Burdock Root

Burdock Root has strong antioxidant properties that help detoxify the kidneys and gall bladder. The constituents of the herb – namely phenolic acids, quercetin and luteolin – give it the necessary curative attributes.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera’s health benefits seem endless. The leaf of this super herb helps make digestion smooth and eases constipation. Irritable bowels are best treated with this herbal remedy, which has great healing powers. Aloe Vera juice can reduce abdomen pain caused by indigestion.

Cumin

Cuminum Cyminum, popularly known as Cumin, is also a great herb when it comes to improving digestion and treating problems arising out of indigestion, such as piles and fissure, etc. It works by stimulating the secretion of pancreatic enzymes – necessary to boost digestion.

Oat Plant

The fiber-rich Oat Bran from oat plant helps remove unwanted matter from all corners of the intestines to keep digestion smooth. It helps alleviate acidity and is best taken for breakfast to keep the digestive system smooth and trouble-free. Regular intake ensures long-term benefits, as the whole grain gets digested slowly, thereby aiding reduction of excess acid secretion.