A poor functioning digestive system has lost some of the ability to turn what's consumed into a form the body can use. Poor digestion can express itself in many ways, not only indigestion and heartburn but chronic fatigue, weight gain and a compromised immune system.

The term dyspepsia, impaired digestion, is a common medical condition, frequently due to gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). In addition to an upset stomach,bloating and gas, dyspepsia is characterized by chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, upper abdominal fullness and feeling full earlier than expected when eating. It can be accompanied by bloating, belching, nausea, or heartburn. Excess stomach acid caused by heavy smoking, alcohol use, caffeine, improper diet such as spicy, greasy foods or stress can cause gastritis, an irritation, inflammation, or infection of the stomach lining.

Most people suffer from heartburn at one time or another. In fact heartburn has nothing to do with the heart - it is a digestive problem. Occasional heartburn can often be relieved by herbal remedies for indigestion. It has been estimated that up to 70 percent of prescriptions written for Nexium and Previcid are unnecessary. Proton pump inhibitors are one of the mostly widely used class of drugs in the country and are cash cows for the drug companies. New studies show they have far more side effects that previously thought. ⁴

Gentian's bitters improve digestion

Bitters : Bitter herbs are unrivaled stomach tonics. They improve the appetite, promoting digestive juices, peristalsis and the flow of bile. Angelica's concentration of bitters make it an excellent digestive aid especially in cases of nervous stomach and tension-related digestive disorders. Gentian is also useful for gastro-intestinal inflammation. ² Gentian root's bitterness increases gastric secretions,promotes digestion, and calms an upset stomach.¹ Centuary is an extremely bitter herb, and a very useful one. The use of centuary is ancient, and its use is mentioned in Greek mythology. A half cup of centuary tea before meals can be taken to improve digestion and prevent heartburn, gas and bloating. The bitter principles in chamomile stimulate the gastric juices, making it excellent for the liver and digestive system. It calms nausea, and relieves gas especially in cases of nervous excitability. Boldo is a South American remedy for indigestion. Drink this bitter tea before meals improve digestion and prevent heartburn, gas and bloating.

The Artemisias : Mugwort is a bitter tonic that stimulates digestion and relieves gas and is more palatable than the closely related wormwood. Artemisia dracunculus, better known as tarragon has an aromatic property reminiscent of anise which adds mouth watering flavor to any dish, as well as acting as a digestive aid. To get the full value of tarragon, use the fresh herb, as it loses much flavor and potency in the drying process. Hop extracts relax smooth muscle, especially that of the digestive tract. Hops are therefore used in combination with other herbs to treat such disorders as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and nervous stomach. In cold infusion of horehound is a bitter tonic to the digestive system. Scientific evidence also shows that, as marrubiin breaks down in the body, it strongly stimulates bile production.³

Using Aromatherapy

The aromamatic oils of Chamomile , Fennel , and Anise all have carmative properties and can be used in abdominal massages to help ease gas and bloating, and improve appetite.

Herbs Used for Digestion/Indigestion

Ajwain Seed * Andrographis * Angelica * Anise Seed * Apple * Artichoke, Globe * Bergamot * Black Pepper * Black Seed Oil * Blessed Thistle * Boldo * Caraway * Cardamom * Cayenne Pepper * Centaury * Chamomile * Cinnamon * Clary Sage * Codonopsis Root * Coleus Forskohlii * Coriander * Cumin * Dandelion * Dill * Fennel * Fumitory * Galangal Root * Gentian * Ginger * Holy Basil * Horehound * Jambul * Jasmine * Licorice * Mugwort * Papaya * Parsley * Pineapple * Sage * Savory, Winter, Summer * Spearmint * Watercress * Wormwood *

Agrimony For: Colitis, peptic ulcers
Profile	Tonic to the digestive system, agrimony is a useful remedy for healing peptic ulcers and for controlling colitis. The bitter principles in the plant regulate the function of the liver and gallbladder. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Alfalfa For: Stomach ulcers
Profile	Herbalists have long used alfalfa to treat ulcers, with good results. The bioflavonoids found in alfalfa build capillary strength and reduce inflammation of the stomach lining, while alfalfa's vitamin A helps to maintain the stomach's health. The herb's enzymes aid in food assimilation Phyllis A. Balch. . (),

Allspice - Pimenta For: Carminative Digestive
Profile	Pimento is an aromatic stimulant and carminative to the gastro-intestinal tract, resembling cloves in its action. It is employed chiefly as an addition to tonics and purgatives and as a flavoring agent. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Angelica For: Nervous stomach, digestive disorders.
Profile	Angelica's concentration of bitters make it an excellent digestive aid especially in cases of nervous stomach and tension-related digestive disorders. Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Asafoetida For: irritable bowel syndrome, gas and colic
Profile	Asafoetida is a local stimulant of mucous membranes, especially in the alimentary tract. As a result, it is useful in reducing flatulence and easing colic, and as a laxative medicine. Asafoetida oil relieves gas buildup and irritation in irritable bowel syndrome. It also calms muscle spasms and digestive disturbances associated with anxiety. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Bergamot For: Colic, gas
Profile	To aid digestion, and relieve colic and gas, a blend of bergamot oil can be used to massage the abdomen. Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Black Pepper For: Atonic dyspepsia, impaired digestion
Profile	Aromatic, stimulant, carminative- Black pepper said to possess febrifuge properties. Its action as a stimulant is specially evident on the mucous membrane of the rectum, and so is good for constipation, also on the urinary organs. On account of black pepper's stimulant action it aids digestion and is specially useful in atonic dyspepsia and torpid condition of the stomach. It will correct flatulence and nausea...Black pepper has also been used in vertigo, paralytic and arthritic disorders. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Blessed thistle For: Liver tonic
Profile	Blessed thistle is an excellent tonic for the liver and is known to repair damaged liver cells. . A distinctive bitter, blessed thistle can be used as a digestive aid before meals. Rosemary Gladstar, Herbal Healing for Women (1993)

Bromelain For: Improve digestion
Profile	Bromelain can effectively improve the digestion of proteins and other foods. It assists the body by enhancing the assimilation of herbs, vitamins and other nutrients.

Calamus For: Digestion, heartburn
Profile	Sweet flag, or calamus has been used since ancient times for its effects on the digestive system and the lungs. In Europe it is used as a digestive aid, helping to counter acidity and ease heartburn and dyspepsia. The root was also chewed to help toothache and to help stop smoking. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Caraway oil For: Candida infections/Digestive Aid
Profile	Caraway oil is strongly fungicidal and effective (particularly against bacterial and candida infections). Caraway cuts down on intestinal gas -the seeds have been considered good digestive aids since ancient Egyptian times. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Cayenne For: Digestive enzymes
Profile	Cayenne fights internal bacteria, relieves gas, and accentuates the action of digestive enzymes. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Centaury For: Heartburn, dyspepsia, muscle aches
Profile	The dried herb is given in infusion or powder, or made into an extract. It is used extensively in dyspepsia, for languid digestion with heartburn after food, in an infusion of 1 OZ. of the dried herb to 1 pint of water. When run down and suffering from want of appetite, a wineglassful of this infusion Centaury Tea - taken three or four times daily, half an hour before meals, is found of great benefit. The same infusion may also be taken for muscular rheumatism. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Chamomile For: Nausea, gas
Profile	The bitter principles in chamomile stimulate the gastric juices, making it excellent for the liver and digestive system. It calms nausea,and relieves gas especially in cases of nervous excitability. Chamazulene also stops stomach irritation caused by the release of free radicals that activate histamine. This explains chamomile's traditional use in soothing upset stomach.

Cinnamon For: Loss of appetite, heartburn
Profile	Recommended by German Commission E for treating loss of appetite and stomach upset- cinnamon prevents bloating and flatulence and treats heartburn and nausea James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Cinnamon For: Vomiting, gas, diarrhea
Profile	Carminative, astringent, stimulant, antiseptic; more powerful as a local than as a general stimulant; is prescribed in powder and infusion but usually combined with other medicines. It stops vomiting, relieves flatulence, and given with chalk and astringents is useful for diarrhoea and haemorrhage of the womb. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Codonopsis For: Peptic ulcers
Profile	Codonopsis has been used for centuries to treat appetite loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. Laboratory studies suggest that codonopsis extracts act by reducing the secretion of pepsin in the stomach, and by slowing the rate at which the stomach passes food to the intestines. In animal studies, codonopsis can prevent the formation of peptic ulcers induces by stress. Mountain Rose. . (),

Coleus Forskohlii For: Healthy weight, nutrient absorption
Profile	Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for promoting a healthy weight, it acts as a digestive aid and increases nutrient absorption.

Fennel For: Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating
Profile	Fennel is useful to relieve abdominal cramps, gas and bloating. One of the best digestive aids, the seeds can be used in cooking, or made into a tasty licorice tea. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

Flax seed For: Intestinal cleanser
Profile	Ground seed lubricates the digestive tract, a safe but efficient intestinal cleanser that provides fiber Flax seed should not be used for extended periods of time and adequate water must be taken with it.

Gentian For: gastro-intestinal inflammation, appetite
Profile	Gentian's bitters improve the appetite, promoting digestive juices, peristalsis and the flow of bile. Gentian is also useful for gastro-intestinal inflammation (one of its alkaloids, gentianine, has been shown to be anti-inflammatory), and for controlling fevers. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Gentian For: Digestive, Tonic, Anthelmintic
Profile	Besides being unrivaled as a stomachic tonic, Gentian possesses febrifuge, emmenagogue, anthelmintic and antiseptic properties, and is also useful in hysteria, female weakness, etc. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Gentian For: Gallstones and indigestion
Profile	Gentian helps to ease gallbladder problems and indigestion. Taken thirty minutes before eating, it increases the appetite, stimulating the production of digestive juices and pancreatic activity, and boosting the blood supply to the digestive tract and intestines. It is especially helpful for fat and protein digestion. Gentian also stimulates the production of bile. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Gentian root For: Upset stomach, Bitters, digestion
Profile	Gentian root's bitterness increases gastric secretions,promotes digestion, and calms an upset stomach. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Ginger For: Nausea, motion sickness
Profile	One of the best herbs for controlling nausea of all types- especially effective in curbing motion sickness, morning sickness, and postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Improves digestion.

Horehound For: Digestive tonic
Profile	Marrubiin's stimulation of the central nervous system in turn stimulates the stomach to secrete digestive juices. This relieves feelings of fullness by helping the stomach digest food. The reaction also stimulates the flow of bile, which eases flatulence by changing the chemical composition of the contents of the large intestine. Horehound also stops high and low blood-sugar reactions after eating high-carbohydrate meals and snacks. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Horseradish For: Digestion, Diuretic
Profile	Taken with oily fish or rich meat, either by itself or steeped in vinegar, or in a plain sauce, it acts as an excellent stimulant to the digestive organs, and as a spur to complete digestion. It is a very strong diuretic, and was employed by old herbalists in calculus and like affections. The root is expectorant, antiscorbutic, and if taken too freely, emetic. It contains so much sulphur that it is serviceable used externally as a rubefacient in chronic rheumatism and in paralytic complaints. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Jasmine For: Digestion
Profile	Jasmine warms and strengthens a cold, weak stomach. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Licorice For: Intestinal ulcers
Profile	Studies have shown that licorice accelerates the healing of intestinal ulcers. It is anti-inflammatory and very soothing to mucous membranes. To use licorice for heartburn or reflux, choose a special kind calls DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) licorice. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Mallow For: Gastrointestinal tract, Blood sugar
Profile	Most of the therapeutic ability comes from the large concentration of mucilage and pectin. Pectin is a soluble fiber that keeps the gastrointestinal system running smoothly and helps tame blood sugar. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Mugwort For: Stimulates digestion
Profile	Mugwort is a bitter tonic stimulates digestion and relieves gas. Drink a half cup warm before or after heavy meals.

Papaya For: Proteolytic enzymes
Profile	The papaya fruit is valued for its proteolytic enzymes, that help digest proteins.

Parsley For: Gas, digestive aid
Profile	The parsley herb is well known for helping to expel gas, aid digestion, and freshen breath. Chew a few leaves of this attractive plate garnish after a meal.

Rue For: Coughs and bronchitis
Profile	Rue is useful in treating coughs, colic, and flatulence. Externally it is an active rubefacient, which accounts for it's action in treating sciatica. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

Savory For: Gas and Flatulence
Profile	Savory has aromatic and carminative properties, and though chiefly used as a culinary herb, it may be added to medicines for its aromatic and warming qualities. It was formerly deemed a sovereign remedy for the colic and a cure for flatulence, on this account, and was also considered a good expectorant. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Snakeroot For: Fevers, digestion
Profile	Stimulant, tonic and diaphoretic, properties resembling those of valerian and cascarilla. In small doses, it promotes the appetite, toning up the digestive organs. It has been recommended in intermittent fevers, when it may be useful as an adjunct to quinine. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Spearmint For: Gas, children
Profile	Spearmint relieves gas and tummy troubles, much like peppermint, but its effects are less powerful, making it better suited for use in children.

Yellow dock For: Constipation ,digestive distress
Profile	Constipation and digestive distress are common side effects of iron supplements. A spoonful of molasses with 10-15 drops of yellow dock root tincture in a glass of warm water is a better way to increase iron and improve elimination. Susun Weed, New Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way (2002)

Yellow dock For: Blood purifier for chronic skin diseases
Profile	It is largely prescribed for diseases of the blood, from a spring eruption, to scurvy, scrofula and chronic skin diseases. It is also useful in jaundice and as a tonic to the stomach and the system generally. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Digestion/Indigestion Information

• Constipation :
  Reserve strong laxatives such as senna, aloe, cascara sagrada, and turkey rhubarb for those occasions when all else fails.
• Diarrhea :
  There are many time-honored herbal treatments for common diarrhea, that can in fact be just as helpful, if not more than many over-the counter remedies.
• IBS :
  Herbs and spices when used in preparation of a healthy diet can help maintain good digestion, lessening IBS symptoms.
• Nausea :
  Learn how to use natural herbs and spices to curb nausea and upset stomach.
• Parasites/Worms :
  Herbs are often used in intestinal cleansing and anti-parasite support.
• Culinary :
  Herbs can be thought of as food, medicine, or better yet food pharmacy. They add micro nutrients and vitamins, digestive enzymes and great taste to any meal.