Plants for Digestion Hops Used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine to stimulate appetite, ease digestion and relieve colic. It is also believed that hops can stimulate secretions of the stomach. Bergamot Bergamot is a popular garden plant due to its unusual shaped flowers, in its wild form the flowers are normally a stunning crimson colour. The flowers are edible so are commonly mixed into summer salads to add colour. The essential oil extracted from Bergamot can be used to treat intestinal worms as well as soothe the stomach and help boost the appetite. When massaged into the abdomen it is also believed to aid digestion and relieve symptoms of colic and gas. Caraway Caraway is used as an aid for flatulence by placing it in breads, cakes and soups. The young leaves can also be put in salads. It is the essential oils extracted from the plant that are responsible for the plant’s antispasmodic and digestive properties. Roman Chamomile A tea made from the dried flowers of roman chamomile can be used to aid the symptoms of digestive disorders, flatulence and period pain. It can also be used to sooth headaches and reduce fevers. Chicory Within the root of chicory there is one of the highest concentrations of a soluble fibre that aids digestion in the intestines as well as increasing the flow of bile, which supports digestion. Fennel The volatile oils in fennel provide the biggest benefits for digestion because they help relieve gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Consequently it is highly recommended for those with irritable bowel syndrome. Feverfew Feverfew is believed to reduce stomach irritation as well as stimulate appetite and improve digestion; however, its main medicinal use is to relieve headaches. Lemon Balm Herbalists believe lemon balm can reduce problems such as nausea and vomiting as well easing other problems such as poor appetite and colic due to the plant’s antispasmodic and calmative properties. Marshmallow This is an ancient healing herb that is edible and can be taken to internally heal stomach problems, ulcers and gargles. When the leaves, flowers or roots are used to make a tea it can also help with gastro-­‐intestinal complaints. Tashkent Mint Tashkent mint is used for culinary purposes however it can also be used in boiling water for an alternative to tea or coffee which aids digestion. Applemint The leaves and flowers of applemint can be used to make a tea which has a relaxing effect on the stomach and reduces flatulence. Yarrow Yarrow is bitter, pungent and aromatic which means that it is useful for digestion as it invigorates appetite, increases digestion and increases the absorption of nutrients by the body. It is also a natural antibiotic for various illnesses. Clary Sage Clary sage is most useful in the form of an essential oil which can be used to promote digestion and relieve indigestion by expelling gas. It can also stimulate the release and maintenance of stomach “juices”. Peppermint Most people are aware of the flavouring of peppermint in toothpaste, chewing gum and tea but are not aware of the medicinal properties the physical plant can provide. Peppermint tea has been a favourite cure for indigestion since Biblical times. The peppermint used now in tea is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint which in turn has stronger medicinal properties than the two original plant species. In tea form the mint can be anti-­‐bacterial, increase gastric juices, relieve gas, nausea and morning sickness. Mugwort Mugwort aids the digestive system because it is a mild nervous stimulant, therefore it reduces tension in the digestive transect. Mugwort tea does not taste particularly nice but is good for anyone with a slightly atonic digestion. It is also used to get rid of internal worms. According to some traditions the physical plant can be placed on the floor with mint, fennel and wormwood to help keep fleas and insects away. White Horehound Similar to all the mint species found in the physic garden, white horehound stimulates digestion, eases bloating and gas. It is often considered a weed but when consumed in the form of a tea, extract or syrup it has many traditional medicinal purposes. Musk Mallow The powder created from the seeds of musk mallow can be used to treat oral cavities and digestive ailments such as inflammation and irritation of the digestive system. The seeds can also be chewed whole as a breath sweetener. Savory The Romans introduced savory to Britain where it was used in kitchen gardens and formal gardens. It relieves gas and flatulence and can help relieve the symptoms of colic, diarrhoea and altitude sickness. Coriander Coriander is a common herb used in cooking but the seeds can be used for the medicinal treatment of upset stomach, loss of appetite, hernias, nausea, diarrhoea, bowel spasms and intestinal gas. It can also be used to prevent food poisoning. The dried herb is also added as flavouring to herbal teas. Sweet Marjoram Sweet marjoram can be used in the form of a culinary herb to treat a number of aliments; however, when created into a tonic it can cure several digestive related problems. This is because the herb can increase the efficiency of digestive enzymes and saliva. Thyme Like many of the herbs mentioned, thyme benefits the digestive system, in this case thyme helps dislodge the mucus coating of the intestinal tract and relieve intestinal cramping. The oils from thyme can also help reduce gas.