Restore Your Stressed Gut With These Powerful Herbs

When we’re uncomfortable and stressed, our gut is the first place in our body that feels and holds that tension. You’ll notice your digestion is off, and your hormones get off balance. In times of heightened uncertainty, the gut may benefit from extra care and calm.

In Ayurveda - a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing, good digestive function is the foundation to good health. Triphala is one of the oldest and most well-known herbal formulas in Ayurveda.

TRIPHALA

Triphala is an herbal formula composed of three fruits: amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki. It comes in capsules or a powder that you can mix with water. The powder is the method I suggest because digestion begins on the tongue, so having the powdered mixture hit your tongue will give you optimal results. You can take it twice daily with water before or after meals to promote the gastrointestinal tract and healthy elimination. Just make sure that your triphala is organic and non-GMO. I order mine online from Banyan Botanicals.

SHATAVARI

Another Ayurvedic product I like is shatavari, an adaptogen to support female reproductive health. The word “shatavari” translates to “she who has a hundred husbands.” It is traditionally taken throughout a woman’s life to support and promote healthy hormonal and reproductive function. You can also take this in powdered form or in capsules daily with food.

TULSI

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine that originated in India. Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb that helps to adapt the body to stress, boost energy, relieves anxiety and improves mood. I drink this tea nearly every day. You can find it in most grocery stores.

ASHWAGANDHA

One of my daily go-to’s is Ashwagandha, one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, improve concentration, decrease depression, and reduce cortisol levels. Again, this can be taken in powdered form, or in capsules. I typically combine many of these herbs into one magical potion of goodness!

You can find all of these herbs through Banyan Botanicals, or through Organic India. They are inexpensive ways to naturally get your digestion back on track, reduce stress and balance your hormones. You have to be consistent with these herbs in order for them to work, so include these in your daily lineup of supplements for best results.

I don’t have any affiliations with either of these companies, so I am not endorsing one over the other. They are both great companies that offer organic, non-GMO products that I personally shop.

3-DAY GUT RESET

You may also benefit from doing a short 3-day gut reset, and no…not one of those juice fasts that can send shocks through the system, but a gentle cleanse where you eat actual food. Here’s a good one that’s based in Ayurvedic principals. And a good tip - Banyan Botanicals has a kitchari spice mix to make this recipe SUPER EASY!!!

When detoxing, be gentle on yourself, don’t do strenuous exercise, and consume lots of cilantro and dandelion greens. You can also take activated charcoal or psyllium husk to help aid in detoxification naturally. Sweating is another great way to detoxify the body. All of these are inexpensive remedies you can find just about anywhere. As always, choose organic, non-GMO.

Our gut microbes are super sensitive to our environment and are affected by our emotions so be mindful of how you eat, what you think, feel, say and do.