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Top 10 Herbs To Soothe Gut Inflammation

In the past few years, chronic inflammatory diseases have been on the rise. Inflammatory response, Immune response and Modulation of the immune system are affected by nutritional imbalance, infections and toxins/irritants. This in turn causes long term damage and irreversible complications if left untreated. It’s no secret that a balanced and healthy diet keeps inflammation at bay. Consuming a diet rich in anti-inflammatory compounds helps in reducing inflammatory symptoms tremendously.

Here are top 10 herbs that you should bank on to bring down the inflammation in the gut.

1. Curcumin longa

Commonly known as turmeric, this Indian indigenous plant has been studied extensively due to anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This herb acts on several inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and enzymes involved in autoimmune diseases. Moreover, it has a potent antioxidant action by acting on free radicals which contribute to cellular damage. Curcumin has also been reported to reduce symptoms such as excessive bloating, abdominal pain commonly associated with gut inflammation.

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2. Ashwagandh

Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that is used in both Ayurveda and Unani. This herb has anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties. It nourishes muscle mass and bone and acts on stress hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine which when raised cause various gastrointestinal issues. Ashwagandha has a unique property of “enhancing Ojas” which is the enhanced level of the human body and is the end result of properly digested food.

 

3. Oregano

Oregano is a herb that is extensively used in our day-to-day routine. But not many people are aware that it is a phytobiotic which means that it has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano oil is primarily made up of 2 components namely, carvacrol and thymol. These compounds have a hydroxyl group that binds to the cell lining of pathogenic bacteria thus showing an antibacterial action. After being studied extensively, it has been reported that the antibacterial compounds of the oil help in preventing the formation of pathogenic bacterial biofilm present in the intestine.  Apart from this, it also helps in regulating the gut bacteria and improving the intestinal barrier which contributes to a healthy gut.

4. Stinging nettle

Commonly used as a wild vegetable, this plant has a peculiar design with spiky leaves belonging to the nettle family. Historically this plant was consumed when there was a scarcity of vegetables and as a fertilizer. Over the past few years due to advancements in technology, this herb has been studied more extensively. The leaves and root contain vitamins (A, C, K, and B), (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium), fats and essential amino acids while the seed contains vitamins (A, C, K, B, E), minerals (iron, silicon, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium), folic acid and essential fatty acids. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-ulcer properties. Toxins present in the body cause inflammation. The alkaline action of stinging nettle neutralises the inflammation thus causing relief. It also helps in improving nutrition absorption in the stomach thereby preventing toxin accumulation thus reducing inflammation in the gut.

 5. Chamomile

The literal translation of chamomile is “ground apple” due to its distinct floral smell. This tiny flower only produces a maximum of 2% essential oil, but contains more than 120 compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins and α-bisabolol which exerts an antibacterial action. It has anti allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant and analgesic properties. It is traditionally used for multiple gastrointestinal conditions such as intestinal gas, ulcers, colic and irritable bowel. It acts by soothing the stomach and relaxing the intestinal muscles due to anti-inflammatory action.

6. Spearmint

A perennial herb, spearmint is usually used to make soothing teas, essential oils and is commonly used as a flavouring agent. This herb contains active compounds such as rosmarinic acid which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, hepatoprotective and immunosuppressant activities. Due to these properties, this particular herb has been used vastly in ancient Iranian and Nepalese medicine to reduce symptoms of indigestion and flatulence disorders.

7. Fenugreek

A staple spice in most Indian households, this spice has many beneficial properties such as antibacterial, aids in lactation, gastric stimulant, antidiabetic and has a liver protective action. The seeds contain non-starch polysaccharides such as saponins, hemicellulose, mucilage, tannin, and pectin. These compounds help in easier digestion and increase the bulk of stool thereby improving the bowel movements and reducing constipation. Apart from reducing digestive symptoms, this herb helps in reducing LDL-cholesterol levels by inhibiting bile salts reabsorption in the colon.

8.    Fennel

Fennel is an ancient spice with wide use in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. It is consumed in raw, steamed and grilled form in salads and herbal teas. It contains fat, protein, carbohydrates, water, trace minerals such as iron, copper, zinc; vitamins such as A, C, E, K, B and amino acids. Furthermore, it has several beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral. The essential oil helps in regulating the intestinal smooth muscle motility thus reducing intestinal gas. Apart from this, fennel helps in reducing symptoms of gastritis, dyspepsia, colic and irritable colon. 

9.    Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic plant used as a spice in cooking, as a preservative and for its medicinal properties. Rosemary extracts contain phenolic compounds, rosmarinic acid, camphor, ursolic acid and carnosol. It has antibacterial, antidiabetic, ant-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Rosemary extract has a gastroprotective action against gastric ulcer. Apart from this it also has a protective action against broad range toxins (mycotoxins). Thus, inhibiting growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut and reducing inflammation at cellular level.

10.  Sage

Sage is an ancient plant used in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic properties to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Sage contains polyphenols and flavonoids, essential oils, tannins and polysaccharides which exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepato- protective properties. Compounds such as carnosol and carnosic acid exert an anti-inflammatory action on cellular level in cases of gut inflammation by reducing the inflammatory compounds produced by the body.

References:

  • Ghasemian M, Owlia S, Owlia MB. Review of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines. Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2016 Jan 1;2016.
  • Umadevi M, Rajeswari R, Rahale CS, Selvavenkadesh S, Pushpa R, Kumar KS, Bhowmik D. Traditional and medicinal uses of Withania somnifera. The pharma innovation. 2012 Nov 1;1(9, Part A):102.
  • Wang Y., Yang Z., Zhou Y., Tan J., Sun H., Sun D., Mu Y., Peng J., Wei H. Effects of different amino acid levels and a carvacrol–thymol blend on growth performance and intestinal health of weaned pigs. J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol. 2022;13:22
  • Leyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB. Essential oils of oregano: Biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties. Molecules. 2017 Jun 14;22(6):989.
  • Bhusal KK, Magar SK, Thapa R, Lamsal A, Bhandari S, Maharjan R, Shrestha S, Shrestha J. Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review. Heliyon. 2022 Jun 22:e09717.
  • Mahendran G, Verma SK, Rahman LU. The traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of spearmint (Mentha spicata L.): A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2021 Oct 5;278:114266.
  • Jhajhria A, Kumar K. Fenugreek with its medicinal applications. Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res. 2016;41(1):194-201.
  • Yakut HI, Koyuncu E, Cakir U, Tayman C, Koyuncu İ, Taskin Turkmenoglu T, Cakir E, Ozyazici A, Aydogan S, Zenciroglu A. Preventative and therapeutic effects of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed extracts against necrotizing enterocolitis. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 2020 Aug;44(8):e13284.
  • Alavi MS, Fanoudi S, Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Mehri S, Hosseinzadeh H. An updated review of protective effects of rosemary and its active constituents against natural and chemical toxicities. Phytotherapy Research. 2021 Mar;35(3):1313-28.
  • Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular medicine reports. 2010 Nov 1;3(6):895-901.
 
CategoriesUncategorized

5 best supplements to detox your body

Over the past few years, toxins have increased exponentially in our environment, be it in the air, the food we eat or the water we drink.These toxins, which can originate from various sources such as industrial pollution, pesticides, heavy metals, and chemicals used in food production, pose a growing concern for human health. Our body has natural mechanisms for detoxification, primarily carried out by organs like the sweat glands, liver, kidneys, and intestines. These organs work tirelessly day in and day out to eliminate harmful substances and reduce the toxic burden within our bodies

Common signs of poor detoxification: 

  • Fatigue 
  • Chronic skin conditions
  • Chronic digestive issues 
  • Cravings 
  • Mood disorders

In the realm of functional medicine, detoxification is the method by which the body’s toxins are reduced by improving the overall health of the individual. This is done by correcting the nutrient deficiencies thus, providing the body an optimal environment to detox itself. Ensuring the human body remains efficient in eliminating toxic chemicals hinges significantly on maintaining a healthy diet, which offers a diverse range of essential nutrients and antioxidants crucial for repairing damaged cells. However, today the soil isn’t rich enough in nutrients, hence it’s difficult to rely for these nutrients for food alone. 

Various supplements can help support the elimination of toxins from the body. 

 

1. Activated Charcoal

Charcoal when treated at very high temperatures turns into an odourless and flavourless powder known as activated charcoal. The heat causes a reduction in the size of the pores thereby increasing the surface area. When consumed, this unique property helps in binding the toxins and unwanted substances in the body which are eventually excreted by the body. 

2. Chlorella

Known as a superfood, this algae is found in fresh and saltwater bodies. Rich in amino acids, potassium and magnesium this has a plethora of health benefits such as improving immunity and cholesterol levels. In terms of detoxification health, chlorella binds with heavy metals which reduces the toxin build up thereby improving overall health of the individual. 

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3. Milk thistle

Legend says the distinct purple flowers of milk thistle are caused by a drop of Virgin Mary’s milk which fell on the leaves. The seeds contain silymarin which helps to stimulate and increase bile production, strengthen the liver cells and aid in detoxification of the liver. 

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4. NAC

N-acetylcysteine, a potent antioxidant, is a plant antioxidant found in onions and has been in use since the 1960s. NAC is a precursor of glutathione which is known as the “master antioxidant in the body” which helps in neutralising free radicals present in the body. It has a special ability to protect the liver from any type of oxidative stress and also helps in regulating the glutamate levels which help in learning, behaviour and memory.

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5. Garlic

Garlic is one of the best naturally available detox foods. It contains organosulfur compounds which helps improve the function of the detoxification enzymes and increases the amount of glutathione in the body. It has been reported that garlic promotes liver function thus reducing toxins present in the body. 

Check out this Garlic supplement:
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FAQ’s 

 
What are the signs that you need to detox your body?
You have poor energy, poor gut health and chronic skin conditions. 
 
Is activated charcoal harmful?
Activated charcoal is not harmful. It should be taken under the guidance of a practitioner. 
 
References: 
 
  • Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A. Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014 Jan;4(1):1-14. PMID: 25050296; PMCID: PMC4103721.
  • Mokhtari V, Afsharian P, Shahhoseini M, Kalantar SM, Moini A. A Review on Various Uses of N-Acetyl Cysteine. Cell J. 2017 Apr-Jun;19(1):11-17. doi: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4872. Epub 2016 Dec 21. PMID: 28367412; PMCID: PMC5241507.
  • Abenavoli L, Capasso R, Milic N, Capasso F. Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytother Res. 2010 Oct;24(10):1423-32. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3207. PMID: 20564545.
  • Hoegberg LCG, Shepherd G, Wood DM, Johnson J, Hoffman RS, Caravati EM, Chan WL, Smith SW, Olson KR, Gosselin S. Systematic review on the use of activated charcoal for gastrointestinal decontamination following acute oral overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021 Dec;59(12):1196-1227. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2021.1961144. Epub 2021 Aug 23. PMID: 34424785.
  • Merino JJ, Parmigiani-Izquierdo JM, Toledano Gasca A, Cabaña-Muñoz ME. The Long-Term Algae Extract (Chlorella and Fucus sp) and Aminosulphurate Supplementation Modulate SOD-1 Activity and Decrease Heavy Metals (Hg++, Sn) Levels in Patients with Long-Term Dental Titanium Implants and Amalgam Fillings Restorations. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Apr 16;8(4):101. doi: 10.3390/antiox8040101. PMID: 31014007; PMCID: PMC6523211.