Calming and Soothing the Stomach with Herbs

Calming Herbs

When you are anxious or stressed out, your gut knows this more intimately than your brain does. Stress over time can compromise your digestive system and biome, and digestive issues can cause havoc with your mood and cause anxiety. People who suffer from sensitive stomachs often have nerve endings in their GI tract that are compromised. This condition isn't easily diagnosed.

The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is a network of nerves that control the GI function. The nerves of the ENS are in constant communication with our Central Nervous System (CNS). Nerve sensitivities account for most digestive issues. There are many factors that set our nerves off, ongoing stress being the most common. Our gut produces most of the serotonin in our bodies, which regulates our ability to feel happy and to relax, making it very important to maintain good digestive function and a relaxed attitude.

It's important to eat good quality food in a stress-free environment, but it's not always possible to guarantee ideal circumstances to do so. It's also not easy to reset an autonomic nervous system into re-establishing better gut health. The following herbs may assist in easing a jittery stomach, leading to more relaxed and optimal digestion.    

Chamomile: The Enteric Nervous System is sensitive to changes in the environment, more so than our Central Nervous System. Chamomile can calm the intestines and stomach and act as soothing anti-spasmodic.

Chamomile has been used to soothe stomach issues like IBS, colic, gas, diarrhea, cramps, indigestion for centuries. Chamomiles' affinity for the nervous system that governs our digestion, makes it ideal for those that have tension in their systems. As well as being a safe and effective remedy for children, drinking a cup of Chamomile tea is a great way to use this medicine. Chamomile in tincture form is also a convenient way to use this wonderful herb.  

Lemonbalm: Lemonbalm also known as Melissa, is really good for calming a nervous stomach. This herb has alkaloids that calm the nerve receptors in the GI tract, helping to lower digestive distress and inflammation in the gut. Lemonbalm relaxes the smooth muscle, easing spasms throughout the gut, helping reduce abdominal pain. Melissa is from the mint family, and mint plants with their array of volatile oils can help with digestive and anxiety-related problems. Lemonbalm can detoxify the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Try using Melissa if you have a nervous or sensitive stomach, and as a carminative herb to treat colic, indigestion, flatulence, or IBS. This plant is safe to use with children and has a pleasant taste, containing many beneficial actions that go beyond just digestive support.  

Soothing Herbs

Demulcent is the Latin word for Caress. Demulcents caress our GI tract with a soothing mucilage, a substance that coats and reduces inflammation along the mucous membranes within the GI tract. Demulcent herbs reduce irritation and dryness within the gut. Demulcents get things moving if constipated, help ease stomach ulcers, colitis, ease muscle spasms, and soothe intestinal discomfort of various kinds.  

Marshmallow: Marshmallow, or Althaea, is a gentle herb for soothing any inflammation along the GI tract. The roots contain mucilage, a sticky sweet polysaccharide, imparting a pleasant taste with ingredients that provide deep nourishment and restoration to the body. The mucilage also acts as a gentle laxative and helps treat discomfort from inflammation and conditions due to IBS, ulcers, diverticulitis, and gastritis.

It's best to make a cold infusion as opposed to hot tea. You don't want to heat the long-chain polysaccharides that make up the mucilage.

Add 1-2 Tbsp. of Marshmallow root to 1 cup of cold or room temperature water and let it infuse for a few hours until it takes on a thick consistency, strain and enjoy. You can also add it to smoothies in powder form. The tea can also be used in an enema which will cause direct healing in the colon. 

Licorice Root: Considered a cooling tonic and soothing demulcent to protect mucous membranes of the GI tract. Licorice is protective of the gut lining against stomach acid and gastric juices that can cause discomfort. In a trial with 100 participants that had peptic ulcers, licorice was found to be very effective and some were completely cured of their ulcer after the trial. The properties of this herb allow for it to have a gentle laxative effect while also being antidiarrheal.

Licorice shouldn't be used in large doses or in isolation and for long periods of time. It's considered a powerful synergist, it works best combined with other herbs to improve the actions of all the ingredients. It's ideal to combine with digestive allies like Ginger, Chamomile, or Fennel for a balanced digestive formula. Slowly with the dosage on this one as its sweetness is stronger than sugar and can be used as a sweetener substitute. Use a tiny pinch of the dry root with tea blends or with beverages and treats. 

*Please exercise caution if you have hypertension, as licorice has been known to elevate blood pressure.