Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

5 natural herbs that boost gut health as per experts

“Having more good bacteria over bad helps the body fight off diseases. A healthy gut can digest, and absorb all the beneficial nutrients from food and excrete the unwanted residue,â€� – Shweta Shah, nutritionist, and founder of Eatfit24/7

5 natural herbs that boost gut health as per experts

Over the years experts have emphasised the significance of a healthy gut. This goes beyond ensuring proper digestion and extends to promoting overall health and bolstering the body's immunity.

Good gut health is crucial because it impacts the overall health and functioning of the body. When digestion, absorption, and elimination in the gut are compromised, other parts of the body may be adversely affected.


The term gut health refers to the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the digestive system and its functioning. Stress and an unhealthy diet can disrupt this balance. Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, can restore this balance.

According to Shweta Shah, a well-known nutritionist, and founder of Eatfit24/7, the presence of both beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut is a determining factor of a person's health.

“Having more good bacteria over bad helps the body fight off diseases. A healthy gut can digest, and absorb all the beneficial nutrients from food and excrete the unwanted residue,” she told The Indian Express.

Although adopting a healthy lifestyle is paramount, incorporating specific herbs into one's diet can also reportedly improve gut-related problems and enhance its overall performance.

A nutritionist, Lovneet Batra, states that in case of impaired digestive health, “your body loses its ability to utilise nutrients and unlock energy.”

To help in maintaining optimal gut health, the expert also recommends certain foods that facilitate and strengthen digestion.

So, here are five natural herbs that can enhance gut health:

Triphala

Triphala is a combination of three herbs, namely amla (Indian gooseberry), bibhitaki, and haritaki. Haritaki helps maintain a healthy bowel movement and gut health, bibhitaki is a mild laxative and translates to "fearless of disease," and amla balances stomach acid levels and makes the gut alkaline.

According to the site Onlymyhealth, Triphala is a natural and effective method to improve digestion and bowel movement. It is typically taken at night before bedtime and can be consumed with hot water. This herb is reportedly a common ingredient in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and can be a potent remedy for leaky gut, as it enhances nutrient absorption and improves gut function.

Additionally, Triphala is rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants and can alleviate gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Licorice root

Licorice root is another herb frequently used for promoting gut health. It can help alleviate irritation by forming a protective coating over the membrane lining and reducing inflammation. Studies have revealed that licorice root contains plant compounds that can relieve stomach discomfort and irritation.

Furthermore, licorice root has been found to possess antibacterial properties that can eliminate harmful gut bacteria, which may contribute to peptic ulcers.

Licorice is a prevalent dietary herb that aids digestion and soothes the stomach. Its high glycyrrhizin content helps maintain stomach acid balance for comfort and relief by supporting a healthy inflammatory response.

“Licorice root is a traditional herb which is the best probiotic for leaky gut syndrome,” Shah said.

Mint

Mint contains menthol, which can relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract. As per Shah, mint is a useful herb for treating indigestion and an upset stomach.

IBS is a common digestive disorder that causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits.

While dietary modifications and medications are common treatments for IBS, research suggests that using peppermint oil as an herbal remedy can be beneficial, a previous report in Healthline informs.

Mint is also reportedly helpful in relieving other digestive issues, such as indigestion and upset stomach. Indigestion occurs when food stays in the stomach for an extended period before moving into the rest of the digestive tract.

Several studies have reportedly shown that taking peppermint oil with meals can hasten the movement of food through the stomach, potentially relieving symptoms of this type of indigestion.

Ginger

The compounds gingerols and shogaols in ginger can stimulate contractions and empty of the stomach, which may help alleviate symptoms of nausea, cramping, bloating gas, or indigestion.

“It’s not just delicious. Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility ― the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Eating ginger encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn’t linger as long in the gut,” said Emma Slattery, a clinical dietitian at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Aloe vera

In addition to its topical uses, aloe vera can also be ingested and may have beneficial effects on the gut.

This herb is recognised as a natural laxative due to the presence of compounds and plant mucilage in the inner part of the aloe leaf. It can also have topical benefits in alleviating inflammation in the digestive tract.

“Aloe vera is full of fibres and gives relief from problems like constipation,” Shah said.

Additionally, aloe vera juice contains anthraquinone glycosides, which are plant compounds that have laxative effects that may alleviate constipation. However, research on this topic is reportedly outdated, and it is unclear whether using aloe vera juice to treat constipation is safe, Healthline informs.

Furthermore, early research indicates that aloe vera syrup may be effective in treating and alleviating symptoms of the digestive disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Additionally, there is promising research on using aloe vera extract to treat IBS.

More For You

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama attends a prayer meet held for his long life at the Dalai Lama temple in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

THE Dalai Lama said on Saturday (5) he hopes to live until he is more than 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday (6), and as China insists it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama told Reuters in December he might live to 110.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave by mid-July

Daytime temperatures meeting or exceeding set thresholds of 25°C

iStock

Met Office warns of potential third UK heatwave by mid-July

Key points

  • Met Office forecasts rising temperatures by mid-July
  • Possible third heatwave after record-breaking June
  • High pressure system likely to bring hot air from the Atlantic
  • Yellow rain warning and flood alerts issued in parts of Scotland and Cumbria

Possible heatwave to return by mid-July

The UK could experience its third heatwave in a month by mid-July, the Met Office has said. Forecasters expect rising heat and humidity during the second weekend of July, following two weekends of unusually warm weather in late June.

June was officially the hottest on record in England, and the return of high temperatures could mean another heatwave for parts of the country. However, the Met Office cautioned that it is too early to confirm how hot conditions will get.

Keep ReadingShow less
crypto

Two men have been jailed for defrauding investors of £1.5 million through a fake crypto investment scheme. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Two jailed over £1.5m crypto investment scam

TWO people who duped investors of £1.5 million by selling fake investments in crypto have been jailed for 12 years, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said.

Raymondip Bedi, of Bromley, and Patrick Mavanga, of Peckham, conned at least 65 people by cold-calling them between February 2017 and June 2019. They operated companies including CCX Capital and Astaria Group LLP.

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less