Herbs have been used for thousands of years to sooth and heal the gut. Over all that time these plants have stood the test of time and are still widely used by Natural health practitioners to help patients with stomach and gut issues. If you have nausea, heart burn, indigestion, upset stomach or diarrhea before reaching for the pink bottle check out the top 5 herbs, I recommend to sooth the gut. 

Let’s start at the beginning with Aloe Vera. The first known mention of aloe as a plant with healing properties may have been in Sumerian around 2200 B.C. on clay tablets that were excavated. This plant is very common and can often be found growing like a weed in certain climates. Ancient Egyptians used this herb widely for embalming but it was also told that Cleopatra herself used it to enhance the beauty of her skin. Today the ingredients can be found in numerous cosmetics and healthcare products. Although the outside of the plant is tough the inside fleshy part has a soothing effect on cuts, burns, chapped skin, sunburn and insect bites. This is why in ayurvedic medicine aloe gel is used as a tonic for those with a Pitta (fire) constitution.  There are over 300 species of Aloe but the three that are commonly used in herbal properties are Aloe perryi, A. ferox and Aloe Vera which is the one that most people are familiar with. For digestive issues It is most commonly used as Aloe Vera Juice or Gel. Aloe Vera can be made into the juice from the flesh of the aloe vera plant leaf. The leaf is crushed and filtered so that it can be provided in a liquid form for consumption. As mentioned, before it has soothing and healing properties which is why studies have shown that it can be used to help people with IBS and other inflammatory disorders of the intestines. In order for healing to take place in the intestines and stomach it is important to reduce inflammation. For the same reason Aloe Vera can be used for acute Acid reflux as the compounds help sooth secretions of acid in the stomach. It has also been used to heal and reverse gastric ulcers. Aloe contains anthraquinones which is a chemical compound which stimulates contractions in the walls of the digestive tract which gives it a laxative property. Studies have found that it can be used successfully in the treatment of IBS as it decreases irritation and inflammation in the stomach. When buying Aloe Vera should be Organic pure Aloe Vera Gel or Juice. Avoid it if it has any color. Aloe Vera is NOT green, it is transparent. Look for a shorter shelf-life as the product will be purer with less additives and preservatives. 

HERB TIP-Aloe Vera relieves IBS and any inflammatory disorder of the intestines as well as gastric ulcers

I have just recently started with my love and use of Fennel. I kept running into the plant at my local grocery store and wondering what I could use it for. I then stumbled into a blog about juicing fennel and I have been hooked ever since. This herb has been popular for cooking in Europe throughout history as the romans ate the plant’s seeds and young shoots, and the Anglo-Saxons included the herbs in many dishes. The ancient Greeks and romans believe that fennel would provide strength, courage, and a long life to those who ate it. Modern day studies have proven that the Greeks and romans were on the right track with this herb.  Fennel is used medicinally to aid in digestion. The active ingredient in fennel is anethole, fenchone, and estragole. The compounds together have shown in studies to be anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Additionally, these compounds work together to increase motility of the digestive tract. Fennel seeds may relax the muscles in the intestines which can relieve constipation as well as gassiness and acid reflux. If you are trying to lose weight this herb can be very helpful as it can suppress the appetite. A few tips for the moms out there. Fennel is not suitable for pregnant women as it as a uterine stimulant, however after pregnancy this herb is wonderful to help increase the flow of breast milk. When purchasing and using fennel the active ingredients are found in the plant’s leaves, stems and roots with the most concentrated forms of the compounds found in the seeds. 

HERB TIP- Fennel relieves constipation, acid reflux and gas.

Now I don’t like to play favorites with my herbs because they are ALL so great for you but ginger just packs such a punch it definitely should be at the top of your grocery list and included in your diet. Ginger is a spicy herb that is very soothing for the digestive tract. Used over 4500 years ago by the Greeks as well as the romans. It was imported from China and India. Medicinally it was used in ancient china and ayurvedic medicine and today it is used to help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting but it can do so much more. Gingers rhizomes contain chemicals known as gingerols and shogaols which stimulate the flow of saliva, bile and gastric secretions which relieve upset stomach while encourage gentle muscle contraction that move food through the digestive tract. Asian cultures understood the benefits of ginger which is why you see it used so much in their cooking. In china ginger has been used for treating arthritis, colic and heart conditions. Preliminary studies suggest that ginger may lower cholesterol and act as an antioxidant to prevent arterial plaque. Ginger was also used to relieve muscular strain from rheumatic conditions when added to massage oils.  Owing to its antiseptic action ginger is used for infections of the GI tract and stomach. Ginger contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a great herb for easing menstrual cramps, regulating blood sugar, preventing cell damage and ward off chronic disease. Ginger can be added to your tea, juiced daily in your masticating juicer, and sautéed into your favorite dish. The plant can be used fresh or dried but you should look for ginger with shiny, taut thin skin that is not thick and can be easily knicked by your nail. If you raise it to your nose and it smells spicy its fresh. Feel free to take a piece right off the end of a piece of a larger piece of ginger at the store. It should snap right off and if it doesn’t it may have been on the shelf too long. 

HERB TIP- Ginger relieves nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, and aids digestion 

Gentian was named after the ancient king of IIIyria, a country in the Balkan peninsula which is in the area of Greece. Supposedly he was the one to find the plants medicinal value. The Gentian herb has many species however the kind used medicinally is the yellow flowering type. Lutca comes from the latin word for yellow. Gentian was used in Egypt and mention of it was found on papyrus dating back to 1200 B.C. The Arabs and Greeks used Gentian for the stomach in order to kill intestinal worms, and deal with infections. By the middle ages it was used to cleanse and siinfect wounds and was used in cases of poisoning. Around the 1700’s they discovered that Gentian could be used as an appetizer before the meal and that it would act as a digestive bitter. Encouraging the body to produce bile and digestive enzymes that help break down the food. The active ingredient in Gentian is a bitter compound called gentiopicroside and amarogentin. Gentian is known as a pure bitter as the bitter taste in the plant also helps with its medicinal value. When you taste something bitter the body has a reflexive effect of increasing secretions of stomach juices and increase in bile which helps to break down fats into fatty acids. It also signals the pancreas to release enzymes for digesting. When you take Gentian before a meal it signals the body to start producing the enzymes necessary for break down and nutrient absorption of the food. As we age stomach secretions decline which can be a contributing factor to why so many elderly people are chronically constipated. 

HERB TIP- Gentian can be used for excessive fullness, loss of appetite, gas, diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn, and vomiting 

All of the plants so far have been native to other parts of the world but we travel to North America for the roots to Slipper Elm. Native American tribes used the bark for food, medicine, and for building. Traditionally it was used by the Cherokee tribe for coughs, skin conditions, and as an eye wash.  It is reported that George Washington’s army survived on porridge made from slipper elm bark during the battle at Valley Forge. This herb is a mucilaginous or slippery which makes it unique suited for ailments of the digestive tract. Recent trials have found that slipper elm is also an antioxidant which assist the immune system and reduced intestinal inflammation. What makes this herb so unique is that it is a demulcent and an astringent. It is excellent for inflamed mucous membrane linings in the digestive system as it simultaneously soothes and astringes the tissue of the intestinal lining. Joel E Richter, FACP chair of the department of gastroenterology and hepatology at the Cleveland clinic, recommends using them for 4-6 months. This length of time allows the inflammation to fully heal. If you are taking antacids this may be just the herb for you if your goal with your primary care doctor is to eventually wean off medications. Slipper elm is now available and approved for use by the FDA as an OTC in the form of teas, powders, lozenges, and capsules. 

HERB TIP- Slippery Elm can be used for heart burn, gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernias

Dr. Michelle Trias is a graduate from the University of Central Florida and completed her Doctorate in traditional naturopathy from the New Eden School of Natural Health and Herbal studies. Whether it's digestive discomfort, skin conditions, cholesterol, or fatigue, natural foods and herbs are the way back to better health. Dr. Michelle is on a mission to help you heal your gut and help you take control of your health and wellness. 

You can find Dr Michelle by visiting www.mynaturowellness.com where you can schedule an appointment to talk about your health goals.