Healing your gut with herbs + roots
Nature is abundant with roots and leaves that can heal many health conditions. What must have our ancestors done without the ability to go to a pharmacy and pick up medications? Foraged in nature and found some wonderful herbs!
Ginger Root: With very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols ginger is an excellent herb for intestinal inflammation. Ginger is known to be very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. It is an excellent carminative, and promotes the elimination of intestinal gas, and relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract.
Usage: Make a fresh ginger tea, add to your stir-fry or chew on a piece!
Echinacea: Echinacea is a wonderful herb to boost your immune system and help the body fight toxins caused by a leaky gut.Echinacea also exerts direct antiviral activity and helps prevent the spread of bacteria by inhibiting a bacterial enzyme called Hyaluronidase.
Usage: Drink some tea or take a supplement of 125mg/2x a day.
Slippery Elm: Another remarkable herb that helps soothe the mucous lining of our cells. It is also a demulcent and relieves inflammation or irritation.
Usage: Mix .a teaspoon of the powder in warm water and drink immediately.
Licorice root: Packed with health-boosting properties, licorice root is soothing to the mucous membranes by stimulate production of prostglandins that promote healthy cell healing.
Usage: Never hurts to drink a cup of tea! Or supplement with two deglycerrhized licorice tablets, as needed up to four times daily.
Aloe Vera: A wonderful plant that is well known for it's soothing properties. Aloe Vera is typically taken topically to soothe skin conditions but can be taken internally to reduce inflammation in the gut.
Usage: Drink 5 oz aloe vera juice 2x a day
References:
Bauman, E., Friedlander, J. Therapeutic Nutrition. Penngrove, CA: Bauman College, 2016.
Murray, Michael, N.D. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York: Atria Books, 2005.
Watson, B., Smith, L. Gut Solutions Renew Your Life Press, 2004
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