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Best ayurvedic herbs for boosting digestion

Best ayurvedic herbs for boosting digestion

Daily work stress, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits such as eating at irregular times, eating too much or eating on the go cause us to have unproductive digestive systems resulting in the overall shrinkage of gut health. Best ayurvedic digestive tablets could be of tremendous help when it comes to aid in digestive disorders.

As a result of this, we might face symptoms such as gas bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea and other gastric issues. Digestion is very important for a healthy body and mind. Not only is digestion a process wherein food is broken down and energy is released into the body. It is the cornerstone for a disease-free life.

Ayurveda is the foundatio`n of herbal medicine in India and Asia. Here the belief is that it is better to have herbal decoctions or medicines rather than swallowing chemical pills. To relieve yourself from such indigestion issues you can inculcate the following ayurvedic herbs and spices in your daily lives.

Cumin or Jeera:

Cuminum cyminum plant gives us the spice cumin. It is used in a variety of dishes and lends its distinctive flavour to chili, tamales and various Indian curries. Its flavour is slightly earthy, nutty, spicy and warm.

Studies have confirmed that cumin promotes digestion and reduces food borne infections.

Cumin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that reduces stomach discomfort as well as pain. It also increases the activity of digestive enzymes, potentially speeding up the digestion process.

Cumin also increases the release of bile from the liver. Bile helps digest fats and certain nutrients in your gut. Ayurvedic digestive pills can be made with cumin extracts.

Cumin water stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and accelerates the digestion process, thus helping you fight gut issues.

Cumin seeds are also popular amongst expecting women, as it is considered to be a magical spice that provides relief to the pregnant mother from many pregnancy-related digestive issues.

Fenugreek or methi:

A common spice found in every household, fenugreek or methi seeds are full of anti-oxidants and fibre. It is a natural digestive and helps in flushing out toxins from the body.

Fenugreek seeds also have lubricating property that soothes the lining of the stomach and intestines. Consuming fenugreek seeds also aids indigestion and facilitates bowel movement.

They also prevent constipation and stomach ulcers that cause a lot of discomfort.

Furthermore, fenugreek seeds have detoxifying properties which help in getting rid of unwanted belly fat and thus loss of body weight.

Cardamom or elaichi:

Most of us have seen our parents and grandparents pass on some “elaichi” post heavy lunches or dinners. There is a strong reason behind this although most of us use it to eradicate foul or bad odour.

The strong flavour and aroma of cardamom, helps the body in activating the release of effective enzymes for digestion, especially when it is taken after heavy meals.

The chemical in cardamom helps to promote increased movement of food from the intestines. It also works in curing problems related to stomach like constipation, indigestion and gas.

It is often mixed with other spices to relieve nausea and vomiting.

Turmeric/haldi:

Everyone is aware of this core cooking ingredient used in every nook and corner of the country. Turmeric is not only used for its dash of colour but also for its healing properties.

The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can contribute to a healthy digestion. Not only this but turmeric is also anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.

Apart from rendering colour to curries, it also kills any fungal properties present in any other ingredient. It also heals the digestive system. Turmeric provides strength to bones and muscles. This is the reason turmeric is found in many ayurvedic digestive medicine.

Ginger/adrak:

Ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal.

Ginger can be used as fresh, dried or powdered or as an oil and juice. Ginger can work wonders for digestive health and soothe an upset tummy.

It’s peculiar abilities can heal an upset stomach. It has great pain relieving and immunity boosting properties.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It is responsible for ginger’s medicinal properties.

Chronic indigestion is characterised by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach.

It is believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion. Interestingly, ginger has been shown to speed up the emptying of the stomach.

Clove/ laung:

Cloves hold an important place in Indian medicine and Ayurveda for their amazing benefits. Clove is composed of eugenol oil which is a popular antiseptic, anaesthetic, antioxidant and astringent properties.

It is known as “Kaphahar” and signifies as the ability to balance the kapha and the dosha.

Consuming cloves in the morning helps you treat any digestive problems. Cloves increase the secretion of digestive enzymes which prevent digestive disorders like constipation and indigestion.

Cloves are full of fibre which is good for digestive health. Which ayurvedic medicine is best for digestion? Often you will be wondering like this. Inculcate these herbs and spices into your daily lives.

Cinnamon/dalchini:

Cinnamon is a spice that is made from inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum.

The distinct smell and flavour of cinnamon is due to the oily part, which is very high in the compound Cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamon is rich in properties that help in improving the absorption and digestion of the nutrients that the body gets from the food we consume.

Additionally, cinnamon is a great antibacterial agent that prevents internal infections and protects the gastrointestinal tract.

Black pepper/ Kali Mirch:

Black pepper comes from the Sanskrit word pippali, was once known as black gold. It was sought after spice, due to its ability to enhance flavour in foods, acts as a preservative and add heat to a dish.

Black pepper helps to stimulate hydrochloric acid in your stomach, so you can better digest and absorb the food you eat. It has carminative properties too, which helps to reduce discomfort and gas buildup in your intestines.

Piperine is a component found in black pepper. It is considered a type of anti-oxidant that helps to lower the risk of chronic illness.

Fennel/saunf:

Fennel seeds also known as saunf in Hindi, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Foeniculum Vulgare, which is the same species of carrot, caraway, dill cumin and parsley family.

The rich array of nutrients and powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in fennel seeds are valuable in treating digestive and respiratory ailments.

Saunf seeds are used extensively in curing stomach inflammation. Saunf powder controls the secretion of gastric acid and calms the intestinal lining.

Saunf seed extracts possess strong carminative properties that help to relieve belching and gas. The antispasmodic action works to ease abdominal cramps caused due to indigestion.

Moonseed/ Giloy:

Giloy is a magical ayurvedic herb known for its excellent purification properties. It helps in purifying blood and prevents the entry of any bacteria into the body.

The anti-oxidant property of giloy helps in boosting immunity and thus aids in digestion. Giloy stem can help improve digestion, reduce constipation, acidity, gas and bloating. It works well for people with weak digestive system.

Indian gooseberry/Amla:

Amla is a superfruit and has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. Amla provides the body with natural sources vitamin C which can be easily digested by the body.

The fibres in amla berries help the body regulate bowel movements and may help to relieve symptoms like conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

It helps in detoxification of the digestive system and also the GIT along with reducing the acidity and balancing the pH levels of the gut.

Garlic:

Garlic is a well-known spice which needs no introduction. It is used all over the world in each and every cuisine. Garlic is used in treatment of various health issues.

Garlic helps to eliminate toxins from the system. Garlic is renowned in Ayurveda for its ability to ignite the digestive fire.

The sulphur content in garlic gives it antibiotic properties which in turn flushes toxins out. Inculcate these herbs in your lives and reap their benefits to the fullest.