12 Amazing Ayurvedic Herbs That Heal the Stomach Lining and Ease Digestive Complaints
Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, offers a holistic approach to health and wellness.
One of the key aspects of Ayurveda is the use of natural herbs to ease various ailments while digging deeper to find out the cause.
Ayurvedic herbs that heal the stomach lining have a history of being particularly effective.
The stomach lining, which plays a crucial role in digestion and overall gastrointestinal health, can be compromised due to various factors such as stress, poor diet, infection, and the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Conditions like gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), ulcers, colitis, Crohn's disease, and general digestive discomfort can result.
The following Ayurvedic herbs that heal the stomach lining are renowned for their ability to soothe and protect the gut lining.
12 Amazing Ayurvedic Herbs That Heal the Stomach Lining and Ease Digestive Complaints
1. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root is an excellent example of one of the herbs that heal the stomach lining.
It contains compounds that help to increase the production of mucus in the stomach, which acts as a protective barrier against stomach acids.
This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), peptic ulcers, or ulcers in the mouth, as it helps to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation.
Licorice root also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which further support the healing process.
While it balances all three doshas, it can aggravate Kapha dosha when used excessively due to its oily, slimy, and heavy properties.
Caution is advised in using licorice with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Tea can be made from Licorice root powder or individual tea bags can be purchased.
I have enjoyed these teabags from Traditional Medicinals which are available on Amazon.
Licorice Root Powder can be purchased from Athreya Herbs, one of my go-to companies for herbs and oils:
2. Amla or Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry or Amalaki, is one of the potent Ayurvedic herbs that heal the stomach lining while it provides numerous other health benefits.
It is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes the healing of the stomach lining.
Amla has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective remedy for gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), acidity, and other digestive issues.
Additionally, Amla acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting the stomach lining from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Regular consumption of Amla can help restore the health of the stomach lining and improve overall digestion.
Amla benefits all three doshas and can be consumed in warm water.
Amla is one of the three fruits used in the renowned Triphala formula for digestion which will be discussed later in this post.
Athreya Herbs offers an Organic Amalaki Powder:
3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is one of the herbs that heal the stomach lining with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties.
The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has been extensively studied for its ability to heal the stomach lining.
Curcumin helps to reduce inflammation and protect the stomach lining from damage caused by excess stomach acid and other irritants.
It also promotes the production of bile, which aids in digestion and reduces the likelihood of digestive disturbances.
According to my respected Ayurveda teachers consuming actual turmeric instead of the extracted curcumin helps increase the bioavailability of this herb.
You may find different information on the internet, however, my teachers have explained that fresh and powdered turmeric have natural buffers that allow the turmeric to be digested and assimilated into the body easier than curcumin in a tablet.
Turmeric balances all three doshas but aggravates Pitta and Vata dosha when used in excess.
Turmeric is most effectively used in daily cooking because it is fat-soluble and preparing it in meals with fat will allow the body to absorb the helpful benefits.
It can be consumed in powder or capsules but may be less bioavailable to the body in these forms, however, taking it with meals rich in oil may help with that absorption.
One way to get turmeric in your diet is to make Turmeric Milk before bed.
The milk will provide fat from the milk and you could even add some ghee.
Here's a recipe for Turmeric Milk:
Athreya Herbs offers a lovely Organic Turmeric Powder:
If you're traveling, capsules may be a handy way to get some extra Turmeric in your diet by taking them with oily foods (good oils, of course!).
Athreya Herbs sells Turmeric Capsules:
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera is another one of the highly effective herbs that heal the stomach lining.
It is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of gastritis, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers and other digestive issues.
Aloe Vera juice is particularly beneficial as it helps to cool the stomach, reduce acidity, and promote the healing of the stomach lining.
Its natural enzymes (NIH) aid digestion and its antimicrobial (killing or preventing the growth of microorganisms) properties (NIH) help to prevent infections that could further damage the stomach lining.
Aloe Vera fresh leaves or juice pacify all three doshas, but the powder aggravates Vata dosha.
Some health food stores sell large aloe leaves that can be filleted into 1-inch pieces and consumed daily.
According to Medical News Today, regularly consuming Aloe Vera juice can improve gastrointestinal health and restore the integrity of the stomach lining.
While fresh is better if you can find it, I've used this Lily of the Desert Organic Aloe Vera Juice available on Amazon. Just be aware that it does have small amounts of potassium sorbate and citric acid to prevent mold and other growths in the bottle, so it's not 100% pure.
Aloe Vera Powder (Kumari Powder) like this one from Athreya Herbs can be added to warm water, but this form aggravates Vata dosha.
5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is widely used for its digestive properties because it helps stimulate digestion, reduce nausea, and alleviate stomach discomfort and is also one of the herbs that heal the stomach lining.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial in healing the stomach lining and reducing inflammation caused by conditions such as gastritis.
It also helps to increase the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which can aid in the digestion of fats and proteins, reducing the strain on the stomach.
Ginger is better for those with a Vata or Kapha dosha constitution as it is warming in nature and may be too heating for certain people with a predominance of Pitta dosha.
If Pitta dosha is the culprit in your digestive issues, lean more toward cooling options such as Marshmallow Root, Licorice, Aloe, Amla, Fennel, or Slippery Elm as herbs that heal the stomach lining.
To support digestive health, ginger can be consumed in various forms, including fresh ginger, ginger tea, or powdered ginger.
Here are some ginger recipes for digestion:
Organic Ginger Powder is available at Athreya Herbs:
Buddha Teas, a company that I have used and like, has Ginger Tea Bags available on Amazon.
6. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Slippery Elm is a lesser-known but highly effective option for herbs that heal the stomach lining.
Like Licorice root, it works by coating the stomach lining with a protective layer of mucilage, which helps to prevent further irritation from stomach acids.
This benefits individuals with ulcers, acid reflux, IBS, or gastritis, as it provides relief from symptoms and promotes healing.
Slippery Elm also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce gastrointestinal tract inflammation.
Slippery Elm pacifies Vata and Pitta doshas while aggravating Kapha dosha and Ama.
It can be consumed as a tea or in capsule form to support the healing of the stomach lining.
Celebration Herbals is a well-known company offering Slippery Elm teabags on Amazon.
7. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
One of the herbs that heal the stomach lining, Holy Basil (or Tulsi), is a sacred herb with numerous medicinal properties.
It is particularly beneficial for the stomach lining due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Holy Basil helps to reduce the production of excess stomach acid, which can irritate the stomach lining, and promotes the healing of ulcers.
It also supports overall digestive health by improving digestion and reducing the symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Due to its heating nature, Holy Basil reduces Vata and Kapha doshas and aggravates Pitta dosha when used in excess.
Regular consumption of Holy Basil, either as a tea or in its fresh form, can significantly improve the health of the stomach lining.
The easiest way to consume Tulsi (Holy Basil) is in a tea form.
Organic India has an entire line of Tulsi tea bag options, plain or with other herbs, like rose, licorice, turmeric, and more on Amazon.
8. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Marshmallow root is another one of the highly effective herbs that heal the stomach lining.
Like Slippery Elm and Licorice, it contains mucilage, which coats and soothes the stomach lining, while providing relief from irritation and promoting healing.
Marshmallow root also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract (Healthline).
It is particularly beneficial for individuals with ulcers, as it helps protect the stomach lining from further damage and promotes healing.
This is one of my favorite teas to carry with me when traveling because it cools Pitta dosha as it nourishes Vata dosha.
Marshmallow root aggravates Kapha dosha and Ama because of its cooling, slippery, and heavy nature.
Marshmallow root can be consumed as a tea or in capsule form to support the healing of the stomach lining.
Budha Tea brand available on Amazon has lovely Marshmallow root teabags.
9. Triphala
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy that consists of three fruits: Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica).
This powerful combination has a blend of herbs that heal the stomach lining and support digestive health.
Triphala balances the digestive system, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing of ulcers and other digestive issues.
It also promotes bowel movements, helping to cleanse the digestive tract and improve overall gut health.
Regular use of Triphala can help to restore the health of the stomach lining and improve digestion.
Some people may find Triphala to be drying and can take it in hot water with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ghee to give it more lubrication and take the herbs directly to the tissues.
Triphala Powder is available from Athreya Herbs.
They also offer a special preparation of Triphala ghee (created through a lengthy cooking process) that carries the Triphala directly to the tissues.
Triphala Tablets are also available at Athreya Herbs:
10. Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel seeds, one of the cooling and soothing herbs that heal the stomach lining, help improve digestion while reducing gas and bloating.
Fennel seeds also help to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which can aid in the digestion of food and reduce the strain on the stomach.
Fennel pacifies all three doshas.
Chewing on fennel seeds after meals or drinking fennel tea can help to improve digestive health and support the healing of the stomach lining.
Organic Fennel Seeds are available from Athreya Herbs.
11. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body to cope with stress.
Chronic stress is one of the leading causes of digestive issues, including gastritis and ulcers.
By reducing stress, Ashwagandha helps protect the stomach lining from damage and promotes the healing of existing damage making it one of the herbs that heal the stomach lining.
It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support overall digestive health.
Ashwagandha pacifies Vata and Kapha dosha and aggravates Pitta dosha due to its heating effect.
Ashwagandha can be consumed in capsule form or as a powder mixed with warm milk or water.
Organic Ashwagandha Powder is available at Athreya Herbs:
Organic Ashwagandha Tablets are also available at Athreya Herbs.
12. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari, one of the herbs that heal the stomach lining, is an adaptogen like Ashwagandha mentioned above, but rather than being warming, it is cooling.
The demulcent property, similar to Marshmallow, Licorice, and Slippery Elm, helps to coat and lubricate the mucous membranes and ease issues like gastritis, ulcers, colitis, Crohn's disease, and acid reflux.
Because of Shatavari's cooling anti-inflammatory properties, it eases burning in the stomach and hyperacidity.
Shatavari is pacifying for Vata and Pitta doshas, and aggravating for Kapha dosha due to its building and lubricating effects.
When a woman is experiencing high estrogen levels, Shatavari should be used cautiously or avoided.
It can be consumed in hot milk or water, or taken in the form of medicated ghee.
Organic Shatavari Powder can be purchased from Athreya Herbs.
Organic Shatavari Ghee, a medicated ghee, is also available from Athreya Herbs.
Conclusion
Healing the stomach lining is crucial for maintaining overall digestive health and preventing conditions like gastritis and ulcers.
Ayurvedic herbs that heal the stomach lining offer a natural and effective way to improve digestive health.
Herbs like Licorice Root, Amla, Turmeric, Aloe Vera, Ginger, Slippery Elm, Holy Basil, Marshmallow Root, Triphala, Fennel Seeds, Ashwagandha, and Shatavari have been used for centuries in Ayurveda as herbs that heal the stomach lining and support overall health.
Incorporate these herbs that heal the stomach lining into your daily routine so you can naturally improve your digestive health.
However, it is important to remember that while these herbs can be highly effective, they should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Additionally, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management are also crucial components of maintaining a healthy stomach lining and overall digestive health.
Book a consultation to learn more about how these herbs for healing the stomach lining and other Ayurvedic practices may be able to help you.
Sebastion Pole's Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditiona Practice was used for reference for this post.
It is a phenomenal resource for understanding Ayurvedic herbs and my absolute favorite source. It is available on Amazon.
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