13 Ayurvedic Herbs For Boosting Digestion

Daily work stress, a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits such as eating at irregular times, overeating, or eating on the go cause us to have unproductive digestive systems resulting in the overall shrinkage of gut health. As a result of this, we might face symptoms such as gas, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea and other gastric issues. Digestion plays a very significant role in deciding if the body is in good health or not. "Digestion isn't just a process where food gets breakdown and provide our body with energy and the required nutrients, rather a good digestive system is a cornerstone or the key that leads to a long and diseased free life," says qualified dietitian, diabetes educator and nutritionist, Garima Goyal. Whether you choose to create a healthy brewed decoction or into your food preparation, here are 13 herbs of Ayurveda that Garima claims can work wonders for boosting up the digestion process!

Cumin
"Commonly known as jeera among Indian people, these tiny seeds are used in almost every household as a remedy to bring some relief from the digestive problems, for instance bloating and gas. Cumin seeds have an anti-inflammatory property that reduces stomach discomfort as well as pain," says Garima. Cumin water generally stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and accelerates the digestion process, thus helping you fight gut issues. Cumin seeds are also magical spices that are said to provide relief to the to-be mother from many pregnancy-related problems.

Fenugreek
Fenugreek, commonly known as methi seeds in Indian households, is an excellent source of fibre and antioxidants. "Apart from this, they can act as a natural digestive, which helps in flushing out all the unwanted and harmful toxin out of the body. Fenugreek seeds also have a lubricating property that soothes the lining of the stomach and the intestines," says Garima. For those looking to get back into shape, drinking fenugreek water on an empty stomach every morning is an effective way to lose weight and burn belly fat naturally. 

Cardamom
You may have seen your parents or grandparents pass out cardamom or elaichi post heavy lunches or dinners ( often used to eradicate foul breath odour. Well, next time you may not want to pass up on the offer as Garima informs us of a very beneficial quality of the spice. "Cardamom has a very strong flavour and aroma, this aroma helps the body in activating the release of effective enzymes for digestion, especially when it is eaten after heavy meals," shares Garima. The chemical in cardamom helps to promote increased movement of the food form the intestines. Moreover, it also beneficial for curing problems related to stomachs like constipation, indigestion and gas.

Ginger
Ginger can work wonders for digestive health and soothe an upset tummy. "Ginger has great pain-relieving chemical compounds, digestive properties as well as immunity-boosting ability," explains Garima. "All these together protect your immune system from the harsh cold and cough; hence it is a tape ingredient used in winters in Indian curries, teas and even stir-fried foods," she adds.

Turmeric
Haldi (turmeric) is used in almost in every region in India as the core cooking ingredient. A little dash of turmeric isn't just used for its terrific colour but also because of its healing properties. Turmeric is considered as an anti-fungal, anti-viral, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory spice. It is also often used in ayurvedic medicine as a digestive healing agent.

Clove
Laung or lavang as we know it is mainly composed of eugenol oil, which is known for its excellent antiseptic, antioxidant, anaesthetic and astringent properties. "According to Ayurveda, the cloves are known as the 'KAPHAHAR' which signifies that tier ability to maintain a balance between the kapha and the dosha," points out Garima. Cloves are carminative, thus preventing from the formation of gas in the GIT (gastrointestinal tract) and even in the reverse case of expulsion as well. 

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is commonly known for its properties that help in improving the absorption and digestion of the nutrients from the food we eat. Additional, cinnamon is also known as an antibacterial agent that prevents infections in the gastrointestinal tract.

Black Pepper
Black pepper contains the compound piperine that eases off the digestion process and promotes the stimulation of the enzymes in the stomach that are beneficial for the digestion of proteins from the food we consume.

Fennel seeds
Consuming fennel seed helps in getting relief from gas, bloating and griping. Apart from this fennel seed as known as an excellent aid for the lymphatic system as they help in reducing nausea and soothe the acid refluxes. They are also a natural antispasmodic and helps in alleviating abdominal cramps, thus readily used for reducing abdominal pain caused by the tension of bowel and overeating.

Giloy 
This miraculous Ayurvedic herb is known in Indian for its excellent property of purifying blood and also fighting against the disease-causing bacteria. Giloy's antioxidant properties help in improving the immunity and aid the process of digestion.

Amalaki
its is also known as 'Amla' in India. This is a superfruit and is has been in use for thousands of years in Ayurveda. Amla provides the body with the natural sources of Vitamin C, which can be easily digested by the body. Traditionally Amalaki has been used to promote rejuvenation of the entire body and also been known to aid in the detoxification of the digestive system and also the GIT along with reducing the acidity and balancing the pH levels of the gut. India's organic Amalaki is an excellent product not only because of its properties promoting proper digestion but also of its contribution to the overall health and wellbeing of the whole body!

Ashwagandha
According to the Ayurveda, ashwagandha is a tiny woody plant that is known and considered to help in reducing the inflammations and boosting up the immunity of the body.

Garlic
Garlic is the most commonly used herb in Indian kitchens because of its benefits in treating various health issues. Garlic possesses anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antibacterial properties which help in treating numerous gut-related ailments.