WELLBEING
Trust your gut instincts There are many messages sent from your gut to your brain, so it’s worth listening to keep it in good health, writes TRUDY KITHER
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t gives you that “gut feeling” when something isn’t quite right, “growls” when you’re hungry and gives you an “upset tummy” when there’s something not quite right in your body. The gut is also sensitive to emotion so if you’re upset or worried you often don’t feel like eating. If you are not feeling well in the tummy, then you can feel sad, upset, worried, anxious, irritated – a range of negative emotions. The gut-brain connection is now widely recognised and for good reason. About 95 per cent of the brain’s serotonin receptors are located in your bowel so it makes sense that if your gut is not feeling right, it will ultimately affect your mood. This is another reason why it is important to maintain good gut health. Along with a healthy, sensible diet, herbs are invaluable for treating a
multitude of gut problems. A number of herbs are specific and incredibly effective for treating an “unhappy” gut. Symptoms include wind, grumbles, tight, bloated, acidic, spasms, pain and nausea or irregular bowel movements. Four herbs effective in treating gut problems are: Marshmallow Root is used to treat all inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including inflammation of the mouth,
gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis, colitis and more. It is also excellent for irritating coughs, bronchitis and conditions that have respiratory mucous involved. Marshmallow creates a soothing, protective coating over the lining of the gastrointestinal system. Meadowsweet is an effective antacid without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. In 1899 a drug company called Bayer, formulated a new drug
(acetylsalicylic acid) and called it Aspirin – a name derived from the old botanical name for Meadowsweet (Spirea ulmaria). Meadowsweet’s tannin and mucilage content act as a buffer against the side effects of isolated salicylates which can cause gastric bleeding. It is also effective for treating rheumatism because of the anti-inflammatory action of the salicylates. Fennel settles digestion and reduces abdominal bloating. It settles stomach pain, stimulates the appetite and has a diuretic and anti-inflammatory action. Fennel is also used by pregnant women for morning sickness, relieves flatulence and helps with colic and teething in babies. It makes an excellent treatment for cystitis and removing kidney stones when used in conjunction with Uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). Gentian helps promote the production of saliva, gastric juices and bile. It increases the absorption of nutrients across
the gut wall and also aids in the absorption of nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12. Gentian increases gastric secretion for the treatment of indigestion/acid reflux. Due to its action of accelerating the emptying of the stomach, it was used in the past as an appetizer and is often added to a herbal prescription for iron-deficient conditions such as women who are suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding. It is of utmost importance that professional naturopathic advice be obtained before using herbal medicines. A number of herbs have contraindications and are not suitable during pregnancy, lactation, certain medical conditions or pharmaceutical medications. An ethical, responsible practitioner will only prescribe and supply top quality herbal medicines that have proven quality and actions. Trudy Kither is a naturopath at Nature’s Temple, visit naturestemple.net.
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