Category: Digestive Health

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Herbal Tincture for SIBO: Barberry, Thyme & Myrrh

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part  2 | Part 3 | FAQ

Herbal Tincture for SIBO: Understanding Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Herbal Clinic’s SIBO Tincture: Barberry, Thyme & Myrrh

A herbal tincture for SIBO has become one of the most-requested natural approaches to digestive discomfort. If you’ve been living with unexplained bloating, gas, or erratic digestion, the condition behind these symptoms may be more common than you think.

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. The small intestine normally hosts relatively few bacteria. When certain organisms colonize and multiply in the wrong part of the gut, they disrupt digestion. These bacteria ferment nutrients before the body absorbs them. The result is gas and metabolic byproducts that trigger a recognizable cluster of symptoms.

The signs of SIBO include bloating, excess gas, abdominal discomfort, irregular bowel movements, and fatigue. These symptoms overlap with many other digestive conditions, so SIBO often goes undiagnosed. Many people manage symptoms for months or years before identifying the underlying cause.

Why Bacterial Composition Matters in SIBO

Here’s why that matters: the bacteria that drive SIBO — including Streptococcus, E. coli, and Staphylococcus species — respond to plant-derived antimicrobial compounds. This is why herbal medicine has a long tradition of addressing intestinal infections and bacterial imbalance in the gut.

Herbal approaches to gut infections predate modern medicine by centuries. Western herbalists chose aromatic and resinous plants to discourage pathogenic organisms while supporting digestive function. Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporated antimicrobial resins and botanicals into digestive formulas thousands of years ago.

Herbal Clinic’s SIBO Tincture combines three time-tested antimicrobial herbs: Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha). Our team of herbalists and naturopathic doctors formulates it in-house as a 1:5 alcohol tincture at our Toronto facility.

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Why Barberry, Thyme & Myrrh Make a Powerful Herbal Tincture for SIBO

Barberry root bark (Berberis vulgaris) — key constituent in the formula

Why Barberry, Thyme, and Myrrh as a herbal tincture for SIBO? Each herb brings a distinct antimicrobial profile. Together, they cover multiple mechanisms of action — a hallmark of well-designed botanical formulas.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Barberry root is a potent antimicrobial with a long history in Western herbal medicine. Its key active constituents are isoquinoline alkaloids, most notably berberine. Researchers have given berberine significant attention for its activity against intestinal pathogens. Alongside its antimicrobial action, Barberry supports the liver, making it relevant for both gut infections and broader digestive health.

Barberry carries a strong affinity for the immune system. Practitioners sometimes use it interchangeably with Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), which shares a similar alkaloid profile. Berberine specifically targets bacteria implicated in SIBO, including E. coli and Staphylococcus species.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Familiar as a kitchen herb, Thyme has a deep medicinal history. The aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris are rich in essential oils — primarily thymol and carvacrol. These compounds deliver potent antimicrobial and carminative effects. Thyme works on both the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. In a herbal tincture for SIBO, its carminative action stands out: Thyme traditionally relieves gas and digestive spasm, addressing some of the most uncomfortable SIBO symptoms directly.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

Myrrh resin — known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Mo Yao — is one of the oldest documented medicinal substances in human history. Healers across Middle Eastern, Ayurvedic, and TCM traditions have used it for millennia. Its active constituents include sterols and volatile oils concentrated in the resin. Myrrh delivers primary antimicrobial action and supports immune function, making it effective against a broad range of infections.

All three herbs deliver antimicrobial activity as their primary action, yet each achieves it through different chemistry. Barberry works through alkaloids, Thyme through essential oils, and Myrrh through resin-bound volatile compounds. This multi-constituent approach is characteristic of thoughtful herbal formulation: complementary mechanisms that reinforce each other, rather than depending on a single pathway.

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How to Use Herbal Clinic's Herbal Tincture for SIBO

Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) — carminative and antimicrobial

Our team prepares the herbal tincture for SIBO using the classic tincturing method at a 1:5 ratio. That means one part dried herb for every five parts of a precisely calibrated alcohol-and-water solvent. We choose this ratio to optimize extraction of the active constituents: the isoquinoline alkaloids from Barberry root, the volatile essential oils from Thyme’s aerial parts, and the resin-bound compounds from Myrrh.

The alcohol percentage matters too. Resin-based herbs like Myrrh need a higher alcohol concentration than leaf-based herbs to fully dissolve their active compounds. Our herbalists calibrate this in-house at our Toronto facility. It is not a detail left to chance.

Quality Control and Sourcing

Before any batch reaches the bottle, our team evaluates it through two quality control steps. First, a third-party laboratory tests each batch for potency and purity. Second, our herbal team performs an organoleptic assessment — checking appearance, aroma, and taste against established benchmarks. This process applies to every tincture we produce.

Because tinctures are liquid extracts, the body absorbs them more readily than capsules. The liquid format makes them easy to combine with other tinctures when a practitioner recommends a broader gut health protocol. Many people incorporate this blend alongside probiotic support and dietary changes. We always recommend consultation with a naturopathic doctor or qualified herbalist for guidance specific to your situation.

The SIBO Tincture comes in four sizes: 100mL, 250mL, 500mL, and 1000mL. Our herbs come from a global network of suppliers, with preference for certified organic, wildcrafted, and sustainably grown plant material. We grow some herbs locally and support Canadian farmers wherever possible.

Whether you are new to herbal support for gut health or working with a practitioner on a targeted protocol, the herbal tincture for SIBO is one of our most purposefully formulated signature blends — three herbs with centuries of documented use and a clear shared purpose.

FAQ

  • Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
  • Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
  • Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
  • Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
  • Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
  • We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
  • We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Our products are made in Toronto, Ontario, Canada by a team of Herbalists and Naturopathic Doctors. The herbs and ingredients we use to make our products are sourced both locally and globally to keep herbs accessible and sustainable.

The majority of our herbs are certified organic, sustainably wildcrafted, or come from small-scale local organic farms that do not yet have organic certification. We always do our best to provide organic herbs in your formulas. We work with a variety of suppliers to keep costs low.

Although most of our products do not contain gluten, we do not have gluten-free certification for our production facility. Feel free to ask about any specific products and we’ll share whatever information we have available.

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

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Dandelion Root for Liver Health: The Herb in Your Backyard

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese liver and stress formulas.

Dandelion root for liver health has held a central place in herbal medicine for centuries. Traditional practitioners across Europe, Asia, and North America trusted this common backyard plant to support the liver, aid digestion, and cleanse the body. Modern herbalists continue that tradition — and the pharmacological profile of this plant explains why.

Part 1: What Is Dandelion Root? History, Origin and Traditional Use

dandelion root for liver health — bright yellow Taraxacum officinale flower in full bloom

Few plants carry as much undeserved baggage as the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Most people recognize it as the resilient yellow-flowered weed that reappears in lawns overnight. In herbal medicine, however, dandelion earns deep respect — not despite its abundance, but precisely because of it.

Origins and Botanical Profile

Dandelion belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Native to Europe and Asia, it now grows on every continent. Its English name comes from the French dent de lion, meaning “lion’s tooth” — a reference to the jagged edges of its leaves. Moreover, the whole plant is edible and medicinal, from root to flower, which makes it unusual even among well-known herbs.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners call the plant Pu Gong Ying. They have used it for thousands of years to clear heat and support the liver. European herbalists, similarly, catalogued dandelion as a primary herb for hepatic and digestive complaints — a tradition that spans from the medieval period through the 19th century. In North America, folk herbalists adopted it widely after European contact, and it has remained a staple of herbal practice ever since.

Leaf vs. Dandelion Root: Two Distinct Medicines

Herbalists distinguish between two main medicinal forms: the leaf (folia) and the root (radix). Each part offers different therapeutic strengths. Specifically, the leaf targets the kidneys and urinary system, acting as a gentle diuretic and anti-inflammatory. By contrast, the root carries a deep affinity for the liver and gastrointestinal tract — making it the form most closely associated with dandelion root for liver health.

Here’s why that matters: together, these two parts address a broad range of the body’s eliminative systems. As a result, herbalists often combine them as a leaf and root preparation to support the liver and kidneys at the same time.

A Food Herb With Medicinal Depth

Beyond medicine, dandelion has a long history as a food plant. Young leaves appear in salads across French, Italian, and Greek cuisines. Cooks use dandelion flowers to make wine, fritters, and syrups, while roasted dandelion root serves as a popular caffeine-free coffee substitute. In fact, this culinary history signals something important: dandelion is a gentle, nourishing herb the body tolerates well — what herbalists call a “food herb.”

Learn More About Liver Support Herbs at Herbal Clinic

Check Dandelion Leaf & Root Combo at Herbal Clinic

Part 2: Dandelion Root for Liver Health — Benefits and Key Properties

dandelion seed head representing the full plant used in herbal medicine

Dandelion root for liver health draws on a well-documented pharmacological profile. Herbalists classify the root’s primary action as alterative — a term describing herbs that gradually correct and improve metabolic and eliminative function. Its secondary actions include hepatic (liver-supporting) and laxative effects. Together, these make it a reliable choice for sluggish digestion and hepatic congestion.

Dandelion Root and the Liver: Understanding Bile Flow

Much of dandelion root’s reputation for liver health rests on its relationship with bile. Herbalists have long associated the root with stimulating bile production and encouraging its flow from the gallbladder. Bile plays a key role in breaking down dietary fats. When bile moves freely, the liver clears metabolic waste more efficiently. This is the classical basis for dandelion’s use as a bitter digestive tonic.

This is where it gets interesting: dandelion root contains a distinct set of active constituents that underpin this action. The root is rich in di- and triterpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and sterols. Taraxacin and taraxacerin — two sesquiterpene lactones — serve as the primary bitter compounds. They trigger a reflex response that primes the digestive system before a meal. Notably, these compounds differ from the flavonoids concentrated in the leaf, which is why the leaf and root produce distinct therapeutic effects.

Digestive and Eliminative Support

Beyond bile and the liver, dandelion root works directly on the gastrointestinal tract. Herbalists traditionally use it to relieve constipation and support regular bowel function, though its laxative action is mild — well-suited to chronic sluggishness rather than acute situations. Additionally, herbalists often combine dandelion root with Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) and Iris versicolor (blue flag iris) when addressing skin conditions. The reasoning: the liver, bowel, and skin share an eliminative relationship, and dandelion root supports all three pathways at once.

Kidney and Anti-Inflammatory Action from the Leaf

When the leaf joins the formula — as in a Leaf and Root Combo — the scope of action broadens considerably. Dandelion leaf acts as a diuretic with affinity for the kidneys and urinary system. Herbalists traditionally use it for urinary problems and systemic inflammation. Furthermore, the leaf’s flavonoids and terpenoids contribute anti-inflammatory properties that complement the root’s hepatic action. Together, the leaf and root cover the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and inflammation in a single plant.

So what does this mean for you? Whether your goal is digestive support, liver care, urinary health, or general detoxification, dandelion offers a preparation suited to that purpose. The whole-plant combo, in particular, addresses all of these at once.

Learn More: Dandelion Research Overview (National Institutes of Health)

Check Dandelion Root Tincture at Herbal Clinic

Part 3: How to Use Dandelion Root for Liver Health — Tinctures, Teas and Daily Wellness

dandelion seed head in full bloom representing herbal preparations

Dandelion root for liver health is available in several practical forms: tincture, tea, decoction, roasted coffee substitute, or whole food. Each preparation has a distinct character, and the right choice depends on your specific goals and daily habits.

Tinctures: Concentrated and Convenient

A tincture provides the most concentrated form of dandelion root. The alcohol extraction process captures the full range of the root’s active constituents — including the bitter sesquiterpene lactones that degrade in boiling water. At Herbal Clinic, our team crafts dandelion tinctures at a 1:5 ratio, which supports optimal extraction. We also calibrate the alcohol percentage specifically to the needs of the root, resulting in a potent, shelf-stable preparation with consistent delivery.

But there’s more to it than that. Tinctures also allow easy blending with complementary herbs. Dandelion root pairs well in formulas targeting liver and skin health, and it combines naturally with burdock (Arctium lappa), a traditional substitute for dandelion root. Whether you take it alone as a hepatic tonic or as part of a broader formula, a tincture fits easily into daily life. For more on how tinctures work, visit our beginner’s guide to making tinctures.

Teas and Decoctions

Dandelion root tea has long been a staple herbal preparation, and for best results, prepare the root as a decoction. Rather than simply steeping the root, simmer it in water for 15 to 20 minutes. Roots contain dense, fibrous material that requires longer extraction to release their compounds fully. The resulting brew has an earthy, mildly bitter flavour that herbalists traditionally recommend drinking before meals to prime the digestive system.

Roasted dandelion root offers a different experience altogether. Roasting changes the root’s flavour profile, producing a deeper, caramel-like taste that many people find much easier to drink daily. Furthermore, roasted root retains enough hepatic character to provide gentle liver support alongside its pleasant flavour — making it a practical entry point for everyday use.

Dandelion Root for Liver Health: Choosing Your Preparation

Ultimately, the best preparation depends on your primary goal. For targeted dandelion root for liver health support, a root tincture or decoction delivers the strongest action. For broader support across both the liver and kidneys, a Leaf and Root Combo covers more ground. In this case, the leaf contributes diuretic and anti-inflammatory flavonoids, while the root anchors the formula with its alterative and hepatic properties.

Dandelion also integrates naturally into daily wellness practice. Add young leaves to salads and smoothies. Use dandelion root tincture as a simple pre-meal habit that accumulates benefit over time. Because dandelion is a gentle, food-like herb with centuries of culinary and medicinal use, it serves as a practical starting point for anyone new to herbal medicine. You may also want to explore our guide to calendula — another accessible herb with strong eliminative and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, consult a qualified health practitioner before using dandelion if you take medications such as diuretics or blood thinners, if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have a known allergy to Asteraceae plants.

At Herbal Clinic, we source dandelion from suppliers who meet rigorous quality standards. Most of our herbs carry certified organic status, come from sustainably wildcrafted sources, or grow on permaculture farms. Dandelion, in particular, often comes in wildcrafted form — harvested from natural stands well away from pesticides and pollution.

Learn More About Digestive Health Herbs at Herbal Clinic

Check Dandelion Leaf & Root Combo at Herbal Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs. Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used. Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you. Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling. Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities. We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us. We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power. We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products to charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Are your products Canadian?

Our products are made in Toronto, Ontario, Canada by a team of Herbalists and Naturopathic Doctors. The herbs and ingredients we use to make our products are sourced both locally and globally to keep herbs accessible and sustainable.

Are your products organic?

The majority of our herbs are certified organic, sustainably wildcrafted, or come from small-scale local organic farms that do not yet have organic certification. We always do our best to provide organic herbs in your formulas. We work with a variety of suppliers to keep costs low.

Are your products gluten-free?

Although most of our products do not contain gluten, we do not have gluten-free certification for our production facility. Feel free to ask about any specific products and we’ll share whatever information we have available.

How should I use your products? What’s the recommended dose?

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

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Herbs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most difficult conditions to deal with. It’s hard to diagnose. It’s inconsistent. It’s annoying as heck for doctors to try to figure out.

Lab tests and other diagnostics rarely give a clear-cut picture. So it’s often viewed as a problem with physiological adaptation. The small intestine sends the message to slow things down because it needs more time to absorb nutrients.  This temporarily causes problems with elimination and transit time.

However, once toxicity accumulates to a certain point, the body tries to get rid of these things very quickly. And this cycle repeats.

IBS may be due to insufficient digestion, insufficient acid as an example, or it may be due to the consumption of damaging foods. Foods that hurt the small intestine.

So what can be done from a herbal medicine perspective?

Digestive support should be both bitter (from an action perspective) and warming. Demulcents are useful to soothe irritation and inflammation. Slippery elm, marshmallow, and aloe juice have been used traditionally for this purpose.

Nervines support the body in moving forward and being more relaxed. Laxatives, adaptogens, and alteratives may all be indicated, depending on the IBS case.

Here’s an example formula to consider:

Gentian 40mL

Archangelica 30mL

Meadowsweet 20mL

Ginger 10mL

Tincture: 1 tablespoon (15mL), ideally in a cup of warm water, taken after meals, especially lunch and dinner or larger meals.

If you have any questions about your particular IBS case, or just need digestive support in any capacity, please get in touch.

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The Dreaded SIBO

SIBO is the acronym for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Just like it sounds, it is what happens when there is unusual bacteria growing in the small intestine. These bacteria can process nutrients from food and create products like gas, which can then cause indigestion, irritable bowels, and prevent proper functioning of the digestive system.

So how does SIBO even happen in the first place?

One of the obstacles is that it is completely normal to have some bacteria in the intestines. Lots in fact. However, when certain organisms grow too high in number, they can skew the natural balance into SIBO. They can impair digestion and the regular functions of the intestines.

There are many normal and pathogenic bacteria associated with SIBO, including Streptococcus, E. Coli, Staphylococcus, and a laundry list of others.

The signs and symptoms of SIBO are: bloating, gas, constipation, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, and weakness. This set of symptoms doesn’t need to happen in everyone and for this reason can make SIBO hard to diagnose or assess quickly. It may take time to rule out other potential causes first.

There are many health conditions that increase the risk of SIBO. There are also medical procedures that can increase the risk of SIBO. So how do we get rid of SIBO and feel better? The conventional medical system usually suggests antibiotics. The obvious problem with this approach is that it will often kill healthy bacteria too. And of course, there’s no guarantee that once the slate is wiped clean, that the balance will be naturally restored.

It’s a good idea to consider probiotics if going this route. Also, there are many herbs that have antibiotic properties against the bacteria that cause SIBO. These include:

  • Goldenseal
  • Oregano
  • Garlic
  • Andrographis

These herbs can be used in many forms, but most commonly in tincture form. There’s also a common formulation with a bit of an unusual name… I won’t share it here, you’ll have to ask us for that. But it’s named the way it is because it doesn’t have the greatest taste. It’s a combination of Goldenseal, Myrrh, and Thyme.

If you think you may have SIBO, please get yourself checked out. There’s no substitute for an assessment by a qualified health practitioner.

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Herbs and Foods for Constipation

Constipation occurs when bowel movements are not happening frequently or regularly, or are difficult to pass. Most people suffer from constipation periodically.  Sluggish bowels produce chronic bloating and gas and cause significant discomfort. It’s always best to start with diet. The following foods for constipation were selected because they are supported by research and people can easily add them as part of their routine.

Rhamnus

There exist many herbs that act as laxatives. Rhamnus is one example. It helps to directly stimulate a bowel movement by activating the bowels. Other herbal laxatives may also help pull more water into the bowels, causing a bowel movement.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are rich in fiber and oil which both help relieve constipation.  Flax seeds are natural laxatives that can act as both a bowel lubricant and bulk laxative. They can be consumed whole, or ground. They can be frozen for preservation. Flaxseeds are rich in fiber: two tablespoons have roughly 4 g of fiber. Fiber-rich foods act as bulk laxatives because they absorb water and expands in the bowels.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has numerous health benefits research suggests it can help constipation.  One study showed hospitalized patients given olive oil received the same benefit as those taking the standard treatment. Olive oil acts as a bowel lubricant. When excess olive oil is consumed, it remains in bowels and helps to soften and lubricate the stool.

Prunes

Drinking prune juice is the most common home remedy for constipation and it has research to support it. Prune consumption was found to be associated with increased bowel movement and improve stool consistency. Furthermore, eating prunes may do more than just relieve constipation. They are loaded with antioxidants. Prunes contain high amounts of sorbitol which has a natural laxative effect. Sorbitol is an “alcohol sugar” that is not readily absorbed and pulls water into the stool.

As always, seek advice from a qualified health practitioner.

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Herbal Treatments for Morning Sickness

It is common to experience some nausea and vomiting in the morning, during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Although it is called morning sickness, a pregnant woman can experience nausea any time of the day. Have you ever tried ginger?

Ginger is important herb in both Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. It is used in herbal medicine to help promote digestion and reduce nausea. Studies show it relieves mild to moderate symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. How should you take it? Dried ginger can be taken in a dose range of 1-6g per day.

How safe is it? Ginger is generally very safe and has minimal side effects. It may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

Another potential option is peppermint. Peppermint in the form of oil can be sniffed to help reduce nausea symptoms. As a bonus, it is non-invasive and inexpensive.

Acupuncture and acupressure are other alternative therapies that you can use along with herbal medicine to help alleviate morning sickness. Feel free to visit one of our practitioners or our acupuncture clinic for an individualized treatment plan.

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15 Herbs to Support and Improve Your Digestion

Our digestive system is arguably the most important organ responsible for many key functions in the body. From producing inflammation/allergy responses to processing key neurotransmitters like serotonin, the digestive process, when unbalanced, can cause a myriad of health issues.

Luckily, there are a number of herbs that can both keep your digestive system functioning smoothly as well as help heal a gut that’s had the proverbial wrench thrown into it. There’s no question that dietary and lifestyle habits play a major role (e.g., sugar, wheat, dairy, and stress levels), but when the hardware is damaged, or when trying to prevent damage, there are a few helpful herbal go-tos you can count on.

Here are 15 medicinal herbs that have been organized into three categories: Bitters, Calmers, and Healers

Bitters
Bitters help stimulate digestion and are typically taken 5-30 minutes before a meal in tincture form. Keep the solution under the tongue for 30 seconds, which will stimulate saliva production. The digestive enzyme amylase is then released, needed for the breakdown of starches into sugars. Bitters also stimulate the secretion of bile from the gall bladder, helping to break down fats into fatty acids. Ultimately, they keep your digestive system on track where long-term use can help restore an underactive digestive system. Examples of bitters include:

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
Barberry root (Berberis vulgaris)
Gentian (Gentiana lutea)
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)

Calmers
The formal name for these herbs is carminatives. They help prevent gas formation in the intestinal tract, which can be extremely uncomfortable when eating foods that don’t agree with our system. We’ve all experienced bloating and cramping after eating the wrong foods – the beauty of these herbs are that most of them can be incorporated into the cooking process or added to a warm tea during your meal. Examples of calming herbs include:

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Cardamom (Elettaria cardomomum)
Caraway (Carum carvi)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Healers
These herbs often contain mucilage, similar in consistency to the mucous we produce, their thick and gooey consistency helps to coat the epithelial lining (skin) of our internal organs. In the same way that aloe vera helps soothe inflamed wounds topically on our skin, they also help soothe us on the inside. This helps move things along through our system and protects us against friction and inflammation along the way. Some examples of these are:

Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus fulva)
Aloe Leaf (Aloe vera)
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Mullein Leaf (Verbascum sp.)
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

While most medicinal herbs have traditionally been perceived as weeds, as such, they grow plentifully and have many benefits they can provide us with. Many of the herbs mentioned above can easily be grown in both indoor and outdoor gardens and are very forgiving to even the most inexperienced gardener. With 75% of modern pharmaceuticals coming from derivatives of plant sources, it’s no wonder more and more of us are returning back to the original source to help us in out personal healing journeys.

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Herbs for Ulcers

Ulcers can be located at multiple locations in the gastrointestinal tract. Peptic ulcers typically include gastric and duodenal ulcers found in the stomach and small intestine.

The symptoms are burning pain in the chest that can be associated with nausea and stabbing pain. Serious ulcers can cause internal bleeding resulting in dark stool or vomit.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and H. pylori infections are the two most common causes of ulcers but stress and alcohol are other factors that can increase the risk of ulcers.

Many herbs for ulcers can help improve symptoms and help provide support towards the healing process.

Demulcents soothe and protect inflamed mucous membranes.  The stomach itself is very susceptible to stomach acid so it produces mucous to buffer and protect the lining of the stomach. Demulcents can help restore the protective coating of the mucous membranes.

Astringent herbs help to close the wound and create a protective layer.  This prevents further damage and allows the internal layers to heal.

Antacid herbs can reduce stomach acid and thereby reduce further damage to the stomach and give the ulcer an opportunity to heal.

Vulnerary herbs modulate inflammation to stimulate mechanisms involved in wound healing.

An example formula or example herbs include: Plantago, Filipendula, Matricaria, Glycyrrhiza, and Althea. Of course, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from a qualified health practitioner. This ensures proper assessment and safety, as well as appropriate treatment recommendations.