Digestive ailments are a problem that all of us face on a daily basis. Difficulties with digestion, a feeling of fullness, heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating and constipation or liver problems can happen to any of us. Herbs are a natural and proven way to deal with these ailments. What herbal teas and dietary supplements will help in the fight for a healthy digestive system and healthy bowels?
Teas and supplements for digestion
Peppermint – this is the first herb that comes to mind for most of us when we think about how to naturally aid digestion processes. And indeed – peppermint infusions have a beneficial effect on the digestive system: they regulate the secretion of gastric juice and bile and improve digestion. The most popular form of using peppermint is to prepare an infusion of peppermint leaves in the form of a herbal tea (such as Mint FIX – herbs for brewing).
Flaxseed – flax seeds (linseed) have a positive effect on intestinal peristalsis, in addition, they have a coating and shielding effect. They also support digestion due to their high content of dietary fiber and protein. Flax seed decoctions are recommended for people with digestive problems and constipation. Flaxseed can be drunk in the form of flaxseed decoctions or used as an addition to salads, smoothies, muesli, yogurt or baked goods.
It is also worth reaching for herbal blends for good digestion – such as the dietary supplement Sylimarol® Gastro, which, thanks to the content of three herbs (mint, caraway and chamomile) and thistle extract, comprehensively stimulates the work of the entire digestive system, including, among other things: improves the breakdown of food, acts as a diastolic and windbreaker, and supports liver function.
Herbs that support the liver and bile ducts
Herbs have always been used to support liver function, its protection and regeneration. They also often affect the bile ducts and stimulate bile production. The most popular herbs for the liver are spotted thistle and artichoke, sometimes supported by horsetail herb, nettle or birch leaf extracts.
Milk thistle – extract from the fruit of thistle contains silymarin (a complex of flavonolignans). These are compounds with anti-hepatotoxic properties, which means that they protect the liver from toxins, additionally support its work and stimulate its natural regeneration. In addition, thistle extract protects cells from oxidative damage, supports digestive processes and stimulates the physiological production of bile. What’s more – it also contributes to maintaining normal blood glucose levels,. Thistle liver support preparations are available in the form of: fruits for brewing, dietary supplements (e.g. Thistle in capsules), medicines (e.g. Sylimarol 70® mg) used supportively in liver disorders and after liver damage.
Artichoke – thanks to the content of cynarin, artichoke extract protects liver cells, has choleretic and cholagogic properties, which improves food digestion. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on maintaining normal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Artichoke extract also affects the regulation of blood sugar levels. It is available in the form of herbal dietary supplements (such as Artichoke in capsules).
With liver and biliary tract disorders, as well as with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, it is worthwhile to reach for supportive herbal remedies for digestion and liver based precisely on thistle and artichoke (such as Sylicynar®).
Herbal teas for bloating and constipation
Fennel – also known as fennel, helps relieve feelings of fullness, facilitates digestion and removes flatulence. Fennel fruits have substances in their composition with diastolic properties and stimulate digestion. For this reason, it is worth drinking fennel herbal tea especially after heavy and indigestible meals. Drunk on a daily basis – it regulates the digestive system and prevents the accumulation of gas in the intestines. And how to prepare fennel herbal tea? Just pour a teaspoon of dried fennel fruit or one sachet of herbs Fennel FIX – Nature Only into boiling water and brew under a lid for 5 to 8 minutes. It is advisable to give young children a slightly weaker tea.
Seneses – is a plant known for its laxative properties, and senescent teas and preparations are among some of the most widely used herbal remedies for constipation. Herbal tea made from the leaves and fruits of senesce relieves digestive discomfort, improves intestinal function and facilitates bowel movement. Importantly – it is intended only for short-term use for constipation. The most convenient form of taking senescence are teas for brewing (e.g. Senes FIX – Only Nature) – their effect is visible after several hours, so it is worth drinking an infusion of senescence in the evening to achieve the effect in the morning.
For those who have problems with intestinal peristalsis, proper functioning of the digestive system and regular bowel movements, herbal teas that are a mixture of the above herbs can be recommended (for example, digestive herbs for brewing Alax® FIX with senes and dill). Senese leaves stimulate intestinal function, and dill fruit has diastolic and windbreaking properties. The combination of these two herbs in the convenient form of a tea for brewing in sachets makes it easy to deal with the aforementioned digestive ailments.
