By Sonali Sadequee CHHC
November 2023
INTRODUCTION:
Digestive issues can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. If you've been struggling with gastrointestinal distress, whether it's due to dairy and gluten damage or other factors, you can turn to natural remedies to support the healing process. Here, we'll explore 20 different herbs, teas, juices, and beverages that can help rebuild your gut and alleviate digestive discomfort.
Note: Avoid ingredients that you already know do not agree with your system.
Ginger Tea:
Benefits: Reduces inflammation, soothes the stomach, and aids digestion.
How to Use: Steep fresh ginger slices in hot water or purchase pre-made ginger tea bags.
Drinking warm ginger tea just before or during a big meal may improve digestive health and prevent heartburn, stomachache and indigestion. This is because the root stimulates saliva flow, bile and gastric juice production, which jump starts the breakdown of the food you eat.
Lemongrass Tea:
Benefits: Alleviates bloating and supports healthy digestion.
How to Use: Steep lemongrass stalks in hot water to make a refreshing tea.
In addition to being wonderfully tasty, lemongrass tea has been shown to help soothe the stomach and keep digestive functions in check. Used as an ancient Chinese medicine remedy to help decrease symptoms in certain stomach issues such as bloating and constipation, lemongrass contains a compound called citral which provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also caffeine-free, making it an ideal after-dinner beverage or sleepy time tea
Peppermint Tea:
Benefits: Relieves indigestion, reduces gas, and eases cramps.
How to Use: Brew peppermint tea bags or steep fresh peppermint leaves.
Native to Europe and Asia, peppermint has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant, minty taste and health benefits. It contains natural chemicals that may help the digestive tract by reducing spasms in the gut, meaning your body is more relaxed and can more easily digest food after ingesting it. For this reason, it has also been found to be likely effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Fennel Tea:
Benefits: Soothes an upset stomach, aids in digestion, and reduces heartburn.
How to Use: To enjoy the therapeutic benefits of fennel, you can simply chew on the seeds, or make a tea by crushing them and pouring hot water over them.
Packed with fiber, fennel may help relieve constipation and other digestive problems that cause gas, as well as keep things moving properly in the digestive tract, though research has shown insufficient evidence for this.
Slippery Elm Tea:
Benefits: Promotes mucus production to protect the gut lining and reduce inflammation.
How to Use: Mix slippery elm powder with water and consume as a soothing tea.
Hemp Oil:
Benefits: Contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and support gut health.
How to Use: Add a tablespoon of hemp oil to smoothies, salads, or take it directly.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Benefits: Balances stomach acidity and aids in nutrient absorption.
How to Use: Mix one to two tablespoons of ACV in a cup of water and consume before meals.
Chamomile Tea:
Benefits: Relieves stress, calms the digestive system, and reduces inflammation.
How to Use: Steep chamomile flowers in hot water for a calming tea.
Aloe Vera Juice:
Benefits: Soothes the digestive tract, reduces inflammation, and supports healing.
How to Use: Consume 2-3 ounces of pure aloe vera juice daily, or add it to smoothies.
Turmeric Tea:
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce gut inflammation.
How to Use: Boil fresh turmeric or use turmeric powder in hot water for a warming tea.
Marshmallow Root Tea:
Benefits: Forms a protective layer in the gut, reducing irritation.
How to Use: Steep dried marshmallow root in hot water for a soothing tea.
Dandelion Root Tea:
Benefits: Supports liver health, aiding digestion and detoxification.
How to Use: Brew dandelion root in 1c hot water for a caffeine-free herbal tea.
Cabbage Juice:
Benefits: Rich in glutamine, which supports gut repair and healing.
How to Use: Make fresh cabbage juice or purchase it from health food stores. Drink about 1/2c/day.
Bone Broth:
Benefits: Contains collagen and amino acids that help repair the intestinal lining.
How to Use: If bone broth is powdered: Mix 1 scoop to 1c of warm water or mix with smoothie and drink daily.
If bone broth is liquid: Sip on homemade or store-bought bone broth as a nourishing beverage or put into soups and enjoy.
Chia Seed Water:
Benefits: High in fiber, chia seeds promote healthy bowel movements.
How to Use: Mix 1 TBS chia seeds in a bottle of water, let them swell, and drink this hydrating concoction within 2-4 hrs.
Licorice Root Tea:
Benefits: Reduces inflammation and helps heal the gut lining.
How to Use: Steep 2 TBS licorice root in 1c hot water for a sweet, soothing tea.
Mint-Infused Water:
Benefits: Refreshing and aids digestion, especially after meals.
How to Use: Infuse water with fresh mint leaves for a delightful, digestive boost.
Cranberry Juice:
Benefits: Contains antioxidants that support a healthy gut and urinary tract.
How to Use: Drink up to 1 cup per day. Opt for pure organic cranberry juice without added sugars.
Kombucha:
Benefits: Rich in probiotics, supports a balanced gut microbiome.
How to Use: Enjoy 1 bottle of store-bought or homemade kombucha as a fermented beverage throughout the week.
Lemon Water:
Benefits: Balances pH levels and promotes healthy digestion.
How to Use: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink in the morning.
Conclusion:
These herbs, teas, juices, and beverages can be powerful allies in your journey to heal your gut and overcome the damage caused by dairy and gluten. As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have severe digestive issues. Embrace these natural remedies as part of a holistic approach to gut healing and overall well-being.