Best Herbs for Digestion & Gut Health
Herbs that soothe the digestive tract, support healthy gut flora, and ease common GI complaints.
66 herbs Β· Page 6 of 7
Marshmallow Root θ―θθ΅
Named after its traditional use in making marshmallow candy. The root is a powerful demulcent β coats and soothes mucous membranes in the gut, throat, and urinary tract.
Plantain Seed (Che Qian Zi) 车εε
Not the banana-like fruit β this is a different plant. Used in TCM for urinary issues, eye health, and to clear heat. Rich in mucilage fiber for digestive health.
Sichuan Pepper θ±ζ€
Beyond its culinary fame, used medicinally for abdominal pain, parasites, and toothache. Contains unique hydroxy-alpha-sanshool compounds with analgesic properties.
Wormwood θ¦θΎ
Famous as the key ingredient in absinthe. Medicinally used for parasites, digestive issues, and in antimalarial research. Contains artemisinin β basis of Nobel Prize-winning malaria drug.
Angelica Root (European) 欧η½θ·
The European cousin of Dong Quai. Used for digestive complaints, respiratory issues, and as a circulatory stimulant. Popular in Scandinavian traditional medicine.
Javanese Turmeric θͺζ―
Distinct from common turmeric. Used in TCM for blood stasis, abdominal masses, and menstrual pain. Contains xanthorrhizol with antimicrobial and hepatoprotective properties.
Raw He Shou Wu ηδ½ι¦δΉ
The unprocessed form β used as a laxative and for detoxification in TCM. More toxic than the prepared form. Associated with liver injury in some case reports. Use only under professional guidance.
Raw Licorice (Sheng Gan Cao) ηηθ
Unprocessed licorice β in TCM clears heat and detoxifies, different from honey-fried licorice which tonifies the spleen. Used for sore throat, cough, and poisoning.
Honey-Fried Astragalus ηι»θͺ
Astragalus root prepared by stir-frying with honey. This processing changes its properties in TCM β makes it better for tonifying the middle jiao (digestive energy) versus raw astragalus for the exterior.
Alisma (Ze Xie) ζ³½ζ³»
A diuretic herb that drains dampness downward and out. Used for edema, urinary difficulty, and dizziness from phlegm-dampness. Part of several classical kidney formulas.