Heal your digestion in your own kitchen
Heal your digestion in your own kitchen
Food is medicine. In traditional cultures, common and inexpensive herbs that you can find in your kitchen are used on a daily basis to help heal the gut, reduce inflammation and promote healthy bowel movements. See below for my go to herbs. I use these herbs daily in teas, soups, stir fry, curries, and even in salads. Herbs are food, and food is medicine!
Ginger- reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, reduce inflammation, powerful antioxidant, great for weight loss, reduces morning sickness.
Burdock root- It works well as a source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that aids digestion and improves gut health. Additionally, this root contains flavonoids (plant nutrients), phytochemicals, and antioxidants that are known to have health benefits.
Dandelion- stimulate the function of the liver, kidneys and gallbladder. Dandelion has been used to relieve constipation, indigestion, inflammation and to remove water from the body. Dandelion is also rich in micro-nutrients like potassium, calcium and vitamins A and C. A recent study suggests that dandelion could have similar effects on the body as the weight loss drug Orlistat, which works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme released during digestion to break down fat.
Orange Peel - Help digestive system: play a role of up or down regulation of intestinal smooth muscles. This mean that it can promote sluggish motility or inhibit hyperactive motility of the gastrointestinal tract. It also helps digestion by stimulating secretion of the gastric juice.
Turmeric - Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can contribute to healthy digestion. It's used in ayurvedic medicine as a digestive healing agent. Now Western medicine has begun to study how turmeric can help with gut inflammation and gut permeability, two measures of your digestive efficiency.
Daikon- Raw daikon contains protease and amylase, types of digestive enzymes which facilitate the digestion of proteins and carbohydrates. The antioxidants in daikon were found to trigger bile flow. It also contains enzymes that enable the breakdown of fats, which makes it ideal for people with impaired digestion.
Mint- menthol, which is the active oil in the mint, has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help relieve indigestion and also soothe an upset stomach
Coriander- Coriander lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL), promotes liver functions and bowel movements.Coriander is good for diabetes patients. It can stimulate the insulin secretion and lower the blood sugar levels. It is rich in the fat soluble vitamin and antioxidant- Vitamin A, protects from lung and cavity cancers.. Coriander contains anti-inflammatory properties. This is why it is good against inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Coriander helps those suffering from anaemia. Coriander contains high amounts of iron, which is essential for curing anemia.
Fennel- fennel seed is an effective aid to digestion. It can help the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal system relax and reduce gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.
Cardamom - Cardamom as a tea is used traditionally to combat nausea, acidity, bloating, gas, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation
