Working in harmony with all other bodily systems, the digestive system is integral to human health. Its basic primary function is to nourish the body. This bodily nourishment is a complex process that involves this system’s other functions: namely, breaking down the foods and beverages we consume, releasing the subsequent nutrients into the blood and lymph, and then absorbing those nutrients into the body. Ingestion, propulsion, mechanical and chemical digestion, absorption, and defecation are the main processes through which digestion occurs.
The digestive system is typically thought of in two separate categories: (1) the alimentary canal, also called the gastrointestinal tract, and (2) the accessory organs. Of all the anatomical structures, the small intestine is considered the primary digestive organ. It is in this 10-foot-long portion of the gastrointestinal tract where most digestion and absorption occurs. The large intestine, on the other hand, handles the final absorption of nutrients and water and the synthesis of specific vitamins, as well as defecation. Notably, the large intestines also house the trillions of microbes that are essential to our immunity and overall health.
The accessory organs also play a vital role. Specifically, the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder release secretions, including enzymes and bile, that are necessary for digestion. The liver produces and secretes bile that emulsify lipids, which helps with their digestion and absorption. The pancreas produces and releases enzymes and bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juices that neutralize chyme and aid enzymatic activity. And the gallbladder stores, concentrates, and releases bile (OpenStax, 2017).
RELEVANT HERBAL ACTIONS + HERBS
Alterative: Herbs with this action are useful for the digestive system when poor-functioning digestion and elimination are present. Malabsorption, constipation, liver dysfunction, and poor digestion may each be improved with the use of alterative herbs. They are effective for use with gastrointestinal conditions because they help to reduce infections and improve general health (Stansbury, 2018).
Examples:
Taraxacum officiale
Articum lappa
Mahonia aquifolium
Rumex spp.
Bitter: I adore bitters! Bitter herbs have a broad effect on the body’s physiology. They stimulate digestion through a reflex via the taste receptors on the tongue. Specifically, the promote the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder and enhance digestive effectiveness.
Examples:
Artemsia absinthium
Citrus sinensis
Gentiana lutea
Carminative: In the digestive tract, carminative herbs have an antispamodic action. More specifically, their high levels of volatile oils have an antispamodic effect on the mucus membranes and muscle coats of the gastrointestinal tract. They are effective at expelling gas and bloating, and often have pleasing tastes.
Examples:
Anthethum graveolens
Foeniculum vulgare
Mentha spp.
Pimpinella anisum
Demuclent: Rich in mucilage, demulcent herbs are trophorestorative to the mucus membranes of the alimentary canal. They help to soothe and protect inflamed and irritated tissues, especially the intestines. Among their other broad effects on the digestive system are: reducing irritation and burning, softening hard stools, preventing diarrhea, and reducing digestive spasms.
Examples:
Althea officianalis
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Linum usitatissmum
Ulmus rubra
Hepatoprotective/Hepatic: Herbs with this action help reduce liver damage due to toxic hepatic stressors and disease. Hepatoprotective herbs are believed to deliver antioxidant activity into liver hepatocytes and induce protective cellular mechanisms.
Examples:
Curcuma longa
Ganoderma lucidum
Silybum marianum
Schisandra chinensis
It's hard to overemphasis the essential nature of the digestive tract to overall health and wellness. What's also important to note is that many of these herbs have multiple, overlapping actions—making the categories somewhat arbitrary. Yet, where digestive herbs truly shine is in their role for preventative health: Gut herbs each day will indeed keep the doctor away!
References: Bone, K, & Mills, S. (2013); Cresci, G. A., & Bawden, E. (2015); Hoffmann, D. (2003); OpenStax. (2017); Stansbury, J. (2018).
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