Friday February 19th, 2021

Caring for your digestive system

Digestive problems are very frequent in our society due to a slew of factors, including our diets and nervous system disorders.

The modern lifestyle and personal habits lead us to eat quickly and to eat a higher number of fatty foods that simply do not help us digest our food well.

At other times, people may have slow, uncomfortable or difficult bowel movements because they secrete less saliva, making the digestive process difficult.

Phytotherapy is very efficient for treating digestive woes, and there are certain plants that are most suitable for the stomach: calming plants, plants to sooth the stomach, antacid plants…

Among the most-used plants, we can highlight a few of them:

  • Angelica: the root of this plant is used for its stimulating effect on gastric secretions, contributing to slower digestion, eliminating intestinal gas and creating a feeling of fullness.
  • Fennel: the fruit’s essential oil relieves intestinal spasms and prevents intestinal gas.
  • Yarrow: is employed for its anti-inflammatory properties in problems involving the stomach’s mucous lining and for minor gastrointestinal spasms.
  • Marshmallow: has traditionally been used for its mucilage content to relieve gastritis.
  • Boldo: the European Medicines Agency approves its traditional use to relieve symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion, involving heaviness, stomachache, burning and gas) and minor spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders.

Other plants like licorice, green anise, lemon balm and camomile are some of the conventional plants used to improve digestive problems.

Obviously, they will help, but we have to do our part to eat a balanced and healthy diet.