Top 5 Herbs and Spices for Healthy Digestion

Adding herbs and spices to your meals presents an opportunity to support your gut health, as well as adding delicious flavor.  Many herbs have been used for thousands of years, not only because they taste so good but also because they aid in digestion.  Here are some of the top herbs and spices that prove to be the most beneficial to gut health and digestion:

1.     Turmeric – This ancient Indian spice is a potent anti-inflammatory and also supports digestion through detoxification of the liver.  It settles the stomach through balancing the acid, thus has been proven beneficial for those with peptic ulcers.

2.     Ginger – This root has been used in SE Asia for over 5,000 years.  It is one of the best herbs for digestion and several studies have specifically looked at its effects on gastric emptying.  Ginger is very effective in treating nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy and motion sickness.

3.     Fennel – Originally from the Mediterranean, fennel is a favorite herb for a wide range of digestive problems including gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and cramping.  If you are prone to these symptoms you can simply chew fennel seeds after every meal as a preventative measure.

4.     Peppermint – Peppermint tea strongly relieves many types of common digestive complaints such as gas and bloating.  Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are very beneficial for those with symptomatic IBS.

5.     Dandelion root – Dandelion root supports healthy digestion by its action on the liver.  A sluggish liver can cause gas, bloating and nausea.  Dandelion root is also high in inulin, a type of carbohydrate that supports healthy gut flora.