An Herbal Approach: the Digestive System
The digestive system is essential to our existence as it is responsible for the conversion of food into its components in order to be used in energy production. Its function relies on several organs in addition to the gastrointestinal tract. Both the pathway for food and the organs needed to create digestive secretions are wholly dependent on one another. When one falls out of balance others are bound to follow. Medicinal plants are perfect gatekeepers to digestive health! Before we dive into the benefit of herbs on our digestive system let us follow the path food takes as it moves its way through our bodies.
How the Digestive System Works
From the Universe into our Bodies
The digestive system begins with the mouth, where food and drink begin their conversion into energy. They first come into contact with saliva and the teeth. One begins the chemical breakdown while the other, the mechanical. The enzymes utilized at this stage are particularly designed to break down starches, amylase in particular.
Down the Throat and into the Stomach
Next the throat contracts to deliver food to the stomach. While the mouth's most drastic changes come mechanically, the stomach jumps into chemical digestion right away with an acid bath. Aided by the churning of the stomach muscles the food continues to be stripped into its components. Glands on the stomach wall release acid to regulate the process, dropping the pH to well below 3.
Through the Intestines and back into the Universe
Into the small intestine the sustenance is pushed now. Connected to the pancreas the small intestines continue to break down our food while nutrients and water absorb through its walls. Juices from the pancreas break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Also connected to the small intestines is the liver. It is responsible for creating bile to either use in the digestive process or to store in the gallbladder for later use. Bile has the capacity to breakdown fats and some vitamins, it also neutralizes the stomach acid, having a much higher pH.
The food continues on into the large intestines where digestion ends. The remaining water and nutrients are absorbed through the walls of the large intestine, entering directly into the bloodstream. The leftovers are compacted and excreted back into the Universe, thus the cycle of digestion is completed!
What controls digestion?
The main controls of the digestive system are the hormones. Released by the small intestine, they dictate how your digestive system operates. Aided by the mechanical muscle movements that push food from one organ to the next. From start to end assisted by the microbiome of our GI tract. They help extract nutrients and aid in complex chemical pathways. It only makes sense then, that if either our hormone levels or our microbiome are out of balance, our digestive system may suffer the consequences.
Imbalance in Digestion
When our digestion is disharmonious we may experience numerous uncomfortable symptoms. Some may be mild and others quite intense! From pain and nausea, to constipation or cramping, these symptoms are indicative of something greater going on in the digestive system. We may look to plants to aid in treating these symptoms!
Cramps
Take an overactive nervous or muscular system causing cramping, pain or IBS. Nervine tonics can be used to calm these disorders. If cramping is the issue at hand perhaps try an antispasmodic to ease the muscle tightness. Cramping and pain can also be caused by a backup. When suffering from constipation take a supplement with fiber or herbs that may loosen the stool.
Imbalance in Gut Microbiome
When it is something we consumed that induced our symptoms we should consider a microbial imbalance. Many herbs have antimicrobial activity or may even be anti-parasitic. Sometimes, however, it is more beneficial to use a probiotic to boost beneficial microbe levels. This is especially useful in overall digestive wellness rather than the overabundance of one specific microbe. Make sure to read reviews or consult a doctor to find the most appropriate probiotic as some may not be as effective as others.
Anxiety
Because of the nervous nature of many digestive disorders some may even be anxiety induced. The excess of stress hormones may cause upset stomach of even diarhhea. Thus, treating the cause may be more effective than treating the symptom. As well, issues with the digestive system may present themselves in other bodily systems such as the skin with acne or rashes, or the mind with headaches or sleep disorders.
Inflammation
And one of the most common issues presented is inflammation, in fact this may be the cause of many symptoms experienced! In particular those who suffer from IBS have an excess of inflammation leading to many uncomfortable symptoms including cramping, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.
Modes of Administration
Administer in a tea, tincture, or capsule, depending upon the herbs used and the intended purpose of the medicine. Teas are beneficial for dried herbs that may be assisted with the warmth of the brew. Like a cup of chamomile tea to soothe a stomach ache, some herbs transfer well in a tea! When fresh herbs are at hand consider a tincture, this cold process is perfect for plants that have qualities that degrade with heat. Tinctures are perfect for fast delivery especially. Others might be bitter and altogether not palatable; for those try capsules!
Herbal Therapeutics for the Digestive System
Adsorbents
These act to remove, draw out and attract substances to themselves. They are able to adsorb toxins and some bacteria. Ongoing studies are being conducted to examine their potential against infectious diarrhea. They are able to neutralize the toxins that cause diarrhea.
Try charcoal for adsorption of a toxin, use recently after ingestion
Pectin is a versatile adsorbent for removing heavy metals from our digestive tract.
Antidiarrheal
Herbs or substances (like adsorbents) that treat diarrhea. These may target bacterial infection or even promote a balanced microbiome. Probiotics are a great example, they contain beneficial organisms that are essential to optimum gut health. Some antidiarrheals work to ease overactive muscles. By slowing intestinal movement you may slow excretion as well.
Psyllium acts to absorb some of the water in loose stool and creates a lubricating gel which aids in combating diarrhea.
Goldenseal is used by Native Americans to treat infections that may cause excessive excretions due to its antimicrobial activity.
Adsorbents may also be used if toxins are the cause of diarrhea (see above).
Rhubarb has shown promising results in studies on its effects against diarrhea due to its tannin content.
Anti Inflammatories
Herbs that reduce inflammation may assist in pain management. These substances typically work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) in the digestive tract. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that makes prostaglandins (PGs), some PGs contribute to intestinal swelling/inflammation and pain. By selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase, inflammation may be reduced!
Chamomile is widely known for its anti-inflammatory actions.
Ginger is well known for its relief of nausea, partially due to it combating inflammation.
Chinese licorice and red sage or Chinese sage are both known to inhibit COX resulting in anti-inflammatory properties.
Black walnut is known to have dozens of compounds with proven anti-inflammatory activity.
Echinacea contains alkamides which are anti-inflammatory in nature.
Marshmallow root is an effective demulcent that works by decreasing inflammation with its gel-like excretions.
Antimicrobials
These inhibit and prevent infection. Plants contain many compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids, or alkaloids and tannins, that show antimicrobial action! Many of these exist in the essential oil of the plants so tinctures and teas are great modes of delivery.
Goldenseal is used by Native Americans to treat infections that may cause excessive excretions due to its antimicrobial activity.
This study showed the antimicrobial potential of oregano, thyme, cloves, and lavender essential oils. Since you cannot ingest essential oils directly, tinctures are a great mode of delivery for them. Alternatively making a tea and keeping it covered while it brews will allow the essential oils to release and be captured.
Tarragon and thyme are known to fight viruses and bacteria in the body due to their caffeic acid content.
Honey inhibits numerous microbe species and is especially effective against bacteria and ulcers.
Antiemetics (anti-nausea)
These herbs treat vomiting and nausea. The causes of nausea are numerous, and some are even defensive. Take the nausea caused by an ingested toxin, it is your body helping to purge itself of the unwanted compound. Other causes may be hormonal or stress induced. And recall the prostaglandins that were the cause of some inflammation, these may also cause nausea! So there is some crossover when treating inflammation and nausea, as there tends to be many combinations of therapeutic herbal actions.
Ginger is, once again, quite commonly known for fighting nausea!
Ginseng and grape seed extracts also show promising effects.
Anti-parasitics
These kill parasitic organisms including worms, protozoa, fungus and bacteria. These organisms require a compatible host to survive. By creating an inhabitable environment for them we may cleanse ourselves of them! Parasites tend to be the cause of many digestive abnormalities, so treating the causal organism is essential in stopping the symptoms.
Clove oil contains eugenol that is quite effective against certain parasitic infections.
Mint, in particular its essential oil, has a high potential to treat bacteria and fungal parasites.
Antispasmodics
These are used to treat stomach aches and pain caused by gut spasms. Some work by easing smooth muscle tension or overactive nerves. IBS is a particular disorder that may benefit greatly from antispasmodics. There are two common mechanisms for these herbs to function. One way is antimuscarinic, or preventing muscle contraction and the other is by the actual relaxation of the smooth muscles.
Cramp bark, as its name indicates, is amazing for soothing all types of muscle cramps, especially great for menstruation cramps.
Passionflower also shows antispasmodic traits.
Yarrow has many antispasmodic flavonoids.
Astringents
Astringent substances work by reducing blood loss and treating inflamed tissue in the GI tract. These are especially useful for stomach ulcers as these tend to be open sores. The active compounds of these herbs tend to be tannins, but they most likely work with a whole host of phytochemicals. Consistent use, however, may result in a decrease in nutrient absorption, so use only when needed.
Raspberry leaf
Chamomile is a very mild astringent and thus is useful when gentle action is desired.
Yarrow tincture is widely used in many cultures for its protective nature against ulcers.
Bitters
These infusions are tinctures designed to treat digestive irregularities. They have an inherently bitter taste, which gives them their name! And it is this taste that makes them so effective. They work by activating receptors on our stomach and gut lining, acting as a warning to secrete more digestive juices and stimulate digestive movement. Because of the nature of their action, when you are experiencing heartburn or any symptom of excessive stomach acid it is not advisable to use bitters.
Yarrow, dandelion leaf, and wormwood are all amazing in bitter tinctures.
Demulcents
These therapeutics form a protective music film over the GI tract lining. Much digestive irritation is caused at the walls of the GI tract, to soothe this irritation promoting the release of additional mucus may be helpful. These herbs typically contain polysaccharides that when they come in contact with water form a thick, slimy paste.
Slippery elm has been used for many years by Native to America to treat many GI symptoms including diarrhea. It is a demulcent providing lubrication of the mucus membranes. Make sure to source sustainably.
Psyllium acts to absorb some of the water in loose stool and creates a lubricating gel which aids in combating diarrhea.
Marshmallow root is an effective demulcent that works by decreasing inflammation with its gel-like excretions.
Digestive Stimulants
These work to increase digestive muscle mobility. In effect they are opposite to antispasmodics. They may aid in increasing the movement of food when it becomes slow moving or stagnant. Herbs that act as digestive stimulants are actually laxative in function! However, there are many other modes of action for laxatives besides muscle stimulation.
See laxatives below
Restoratives
These wholesome herbs work to restore overall balance to the system. These might be tinctures blends that aim to nourish and heal. In general restorative act gently to bring your digestion back into harmony. Use these even when no symptoms are felt to maintain wellness.
Fennel soothes muscles to allow for an overall calm system.
Lemon balm is another soothing herb that will help you maintain optimum gut health.
Chamomile is a great restorative because of how gentle it is, it can be taken frequently with no side effects.
Laxatives
These are extremely varied in their action but all help you pass stool more easily. Some are stimulating as we discussed previously while others can be bulk-forming or stool softening. When stool is too liquidy to trigger a bowel motion, absorbing some of its water can assist in triggering the movement. Typically fiber will do the trick! However, when stool is too dry adding water will assist your body in removing it more. Some laxatives are demulcent, creating a lubricating layer to help push the stool out.
The latex of Aloe vera has laxative properties.
Psyllium is once again a great fiber for digestive health! It will bulk the stool to promote regular bowel movements.
Castor oil is used in clinical trials to induce bowel movements.
