Without a doubt, our digestive system is one of the most important parts of our body. Its main function is to help absorb all essential nutrients to maintain optimal health. A healthy digestive system also ensures your body regularly flushes out waste products.
Unfortunately, we do not take digestive problems seriously. Either we hop on over-the-counter medicines to treat them or simply regard them as heartburn and ignore. But it isn’t just heartburn that is associated with a common symptom of digestive issues. Problems like gas, bloating, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, food intolerance, acid reflux, celiac disease, diverticulitis, lactose intolerance, and irritable bowel syndromes are also quite common when a person is suffering from digestive disorders.
So what do you do?
Over the centuries, people have used herbs and spices to treat digestive disorders. While you can always consult a medical professional, the following top herbal remedies are surely going to help you.
1. Ginger
In addition to preventing digestive problems, ginger is a great herb for improving digestion too. It stimulates the flow of enzymes and digestive juices and helps reduce nausea, bloating, indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Ginger naturally has antibacterial, carminative, and anti-inflammatory properties to help with digestive problems. To make yourself a medicated ginger tea, boil 1 tsp of grated ginger in 1 cup of water and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the ginger out and add a teaspoon of raw honey.
Drink your tea 2-3 times a day to achieve effective results!
2. Peppermint
Peppermint is another herb that effectively prevents digestive problems. The anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and carminative properties help treat intestinal cramps, vomiting, bloating, gas, and nausea.
To prepare your peppermint tea, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint leaves to one cup hot water and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mint out and drink it. Add a teaspoon of honey for additional benefits and improved flavor. Drink at least two cups per day.
Also, use fresh peppermint leaves in your salads and recipes to gain more benefits.
3. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are great for treating digestive disorders and improving health. They are often used as a treatment for low stomach acidity, indigestion, and heartburn. The seeds also hold benefits for irritable bowel syndrome and offer relief from bloating and intestinal spasm.
To aid digestion, simply chew one teaspoon of fennel seeds after a meal. Other options include drinking fennel tea or adding crushed fennel seeds in your salads and breakfasts.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV plays a vital role in maintaining your digestive system’s health. The acidic ingredient balances out the alkaline levels in your body. It effectively treats problems like heartburn, stomachache, and indigestion.
In a cup of warm water, add 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar along with a teaspoon of raw honey and drink 2-3 times in a day for best results.
5. Psyllium Husk (Isabgol)
More commonly known as isabgol, it is a great herbal remedy for promoting overall digestive health. Rich in insoluble fiber, psyllium husk is a natural laxative that improves bowel movements. It also helps prevent flatulence, gas, and constipation.
Add one tablespoon of psyllium husk into a cup of yogurt and eat fresh. You can also add 1/2 to 1 tsp in a glass of warm milk or water for consumption. It’s best to drink it before bed for best results.
Final Word
In addition to using these herbal remedies, seek medical assistance for proper treatment. Also, avoid lying down immediately after having your meals to avoid the risk of nausea and heartburn.