The Best Herbs For Tummy Troubles

Why these herbs?

If you are currently dealing with hot conditions (see below, hot vs cold symptoms & hot vs cold herbs) chronic heartburn or any sort of reflux/acid issues… I’d stay away from hot warming herbs like ginger & peppermint which can worsen symptoms

• Ginger Root
  • relieves indigestion, nausea, and a generalized upset stomach. Studies have shown that it contains plant compounds which help to protect your liver, gastrointestinal tract, and body from inflammation/cellular damage
  • ginger is my #1 recommendation for anyone who deals with nausea / vomiting
  • Ginger is naturally a hot/warming herb, it’s not recommended when dealing heartburn, reflux, ulcers, acid issues so keep that in mind
• Peppermint Leaf
  • Has antispasmodic properties which help to relax intestinal cramping/pain
  • Has cooling and analgesic(pain relieving) properties that relieves discomfort
  • Even with peppermint being a cooling herb, the menthol inside can act as warming which is why its not recommended when dealing with heartburn, reflux, ulcers, acid issues so keep that in mind
• Chamomile
  • Contains nervine(calm the nerves), anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, digestive, carminative, soothing properties which make it perfect for an upset tummy
• Lemon Balm
  • has anxiolytic(anxiety calming), antispasmodic, and carminative(relieves gas) properties.
  • Calms down an upset stomach, inducing an overall calming effect on the whole body helping it to relax during times of stress or sickness(upset stomach)
• Milk Thistle
  • Contains powerful antioxidants and plant compounds, like silymarin, which helps the liver and whole body detox.
  • Supports the liver which then ultimately supports the proper digestion of food, bile flow production, and proper function of the entire gastrointestinal tract.
  • Helps calm inflammation which makes it great for calming an upset stomach.

Why Sea Salt?

It’s important to specify sea salt not table salt. A high-quality sea salts typically contain upward of 60 trace minerals

Sea salt, like Celtic Sea Salt, actually contains electrolytes the body needs to thrive and heal like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These trace minerals are especially helpful when you’re sick or dehydrated

Sea salt has been a star ingredient in many forms of traditional medicine for centuries. Additionally, it’s been used to cool the body and regulate levels of water/moisture and also said to enhance kidney health, flush out toxins and promote proper digestion in the body.

By consuming sea salt in moderation each day, you also ensure that you maintain sufficient sodium levels, which helps balance your sodium-potassium ratios. Sodium and Potassium are two electrolytes — often featured in electrolyte drinks— that ensure that there’s proper fluid balance in your body’s cells as well as your blood plasma and extracellular fluid

Hot vs Cold Herbs

Hot/Warming Herbs

Warming herbs are used to treat weakness, coldness, inflammation, lower back pain, and impotence.

Sweet herbs focus on such problems as pain, detoxification, and general weakness.

The pungent herbs enhance circulation and blood and may be useful uplifting the endocrine system.

Warming herbs are not only warming but also drying(which is why, for colds/flus, its important to know if you’re dealing with a wet or dry cough to use the correct herbs)

Cold/Cooling Herbs

Cooling herbs are used to remove excess heat and increase strength.

Sour herbs are used to correct and support the reproductive system. Reduce sweating and treat cough, diarrhea, and incontinence.

The bitter herbs are used for constipation, cough, fever, vomiting, and digestion issues

Salty cool herbs detox the body and treat abnormal growths.

Why Choose Herbalism?

Practicing and learning herbalism for the past 5/6 years has been a wonderful experience. Herbs are such an amazing added support while you’re on a healing journey from illness or chronic illness. They are also a great alternative to modern man made drugs which can cause more symptoms/illness than what you originally started with! This is why I love herbs.

Herbs are so helpful at alleviating symptoms but they work best to give support to different organs and mechanisms in the body like supporting lymphatic drainage/detoxing, supporting the liver, regulating the nervous system, etc

When we learn our herbs and the different properties each one holds, it allows us to become even more connected with our bodies. How you may wonder? Well, when we know what to do when the body communicates to us, aka our symptoms, we will already have the knowledge and understanding at hand to help navigate those symptoms without excess worry or fear. Which grows a trust within yourself and also grows a deeper connection between your own body and mind allowing you to become very aware and connected when the body communicates(symptoms) in the future

Sources

• https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/gardening-pros-cons/cooling-vs-warming-herbs/
• Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Foret
• https://draxe.com/nutrition/sea-salt/