There is a well-known phrase ‘we are what we eat’, eating makes us happy and having a good digestion helps continue that happiness. The kind of problems that poor digestive system can result in are innumerable and can surely not be very agreeable. They can be as varied as diarrhea, an upset stomach, gas or bloating and the most unpleasant of all, heartburn. Modern medication frequently takes a worse toll on your system by trying to counter balance your stomach acids. Doctors agree that it is very seldom just one thing causing digestion issues. There are many herbs for digestion that you can have, Jamison Starbuck, J.D., N.D., who happens to be a licensed naturopathic and homeopathic consultant prescribes: Gentian, Fennell, Ginger, Aloe and Peppermint.

These roots and herbs have been there for ages and and make ideal herbs for digestion. Peppermint is one of the ancient medicinal plants that we know of and is most commonly found in your garden or growing naturally. Author of the book “Herbal Medicine” Rudolph Weiss states that the peppermint herb has three primary benefits. It can persuade the gallbladder and liver to create more bile, which helps disinfect the stomach from any irregularities. It also boasts of aesthetic properties that anaesthetizes the mucous membrane which prevents nausea and vomiting and also aid in the lessening of gas and indigestion. This is a very simple herbal medicine for digestion that can be consumed in various forms, but generally the more enjoyable is tea.

According to the book written by Phillips, S., et al. “Zingiber officinale (ginger) — an anti-emetic for day case surgery,” Ginger is best known for its aromatic characteristics, think about that smell of freshly chopped ginger being fried while awaiting your order at a table in a restaurant or even the pervading scent in your kitchen when fresh ginger is being prepared. Ginger is also famous for its anti-nausea properties. In a trial conducted on a group of 80 very nervous young naval cadets, on the high tide at sea in 1988, they concluded that Ginger had significant benefits in lowering nausea and motionsickness. Not just that, it also revealed that Ginger was a good preventative measure, as well as cure.

Some herbs for digestion, like Aloe, Fennel and Gentian, allow for the control and prevention of stomach upsets. Fennel has a mainly strong impact against easing smooth muscle spasms and other digestive issues such as morning sickness. It has also been recognized to be used in persons undergoing radiation to help soothe their stomachs. Aloe, apart from having a naturally smoothing effect on your stomach, also contains vitamin C, amino acids and enzymes. Gentian happens to be one of the less familiar herbs for digestion. Owing to its bitter taste, which assists in encouraging digestive juices it makes it an excellent preventive measure against a stomach upset. Gentian also assists you in getting all supplementary nutrients into your system such as vitamin B12, and iron.

Getting hold of herbs for digestion can be as effortless as cultivating them yourself, or buying them at the local market, but remember, if you are not sure then you should get advice from a professional and don’t forget to drink lots of water. Remedies using herbs can work,   as long as they are used safely.