Ancient teachings from around the world tell us that our emotional state has a dramatic impact on our physical health; they reflect an understanding that human beings are emotional creatures and that there is an intricate connection between our emotions and what is happening in our physical body. There's a particularly deep relationship between our emotions and thoughts—both conscious and unconscious—and our digestion.
The oldest systems of medicine consider digestion to be one of the key factors to our health. From Ayurveda, to Chinese, Tibetan, Egyptian, and different Rainforest cultures, and beyond, all regarded diet as an essential component to prevention and thriving. Interestingly enough all the ancient healing cosmologies, all had hundreds, if not thousands, of years of clinical experience, through trial and error, on the healing capabilities of medicines, foods, and their impact on our body and mind. There was no distinction from food to medicine, nor was there a distinction from body and mind. Food wasn’t just associated as fuel, it was respected as a supportive medicine, being medicinal in itself, as well as an optimal carrier for plant medicine.
Many doctors from different traditions, have declared that all dis-eases start in the gut. A faulty diet, along with stress or other psychological issues, lead to imbalance. It’s essential to note that every body is different, and every single digestive tract interacts differently to food and medicine. This if for many reasons, from cellular memory, to muscle memory, to digestive history, to physical + emotional history, and beyond! All these major factors affect how your digestion runs. Don’t be swayed into eating what might be trendy because it worked for other people. Same goes for herbs. Do not consume unless you actually know that your body needs it, and you understand the impact of the medicine. If not, you might just be the reason your gut isn’t performing as you’d like it to.
Its all about digestive quality
The quality and strength of your digestion dictates the ability of your body to properly absorb the nutrients from food and medicine. Even if you think you have the best dietary habits, it will do you little good if the digestive tract is malfunctioning and your body struggles to process the essential nutrients locked away in your food. In cases of deficient digestion and deeper digestive problems, as little as half (in severe situations, even less) of what we consume in terms of actual nutrients—vitamins, minerals, protein (amino acids)—is actually assimilated into our bloodstream and used by our bodies.
Deficiency
The common symptom found in today’s gut, is deficiency. This is due to the underperforming digestive tract in most individuals nowadays, which arises from poor eating patterns, along with lifestyle habits that have become unfortunately normal in Western culture. I’d say that stress it the leading cause of deficiency. Stress doesn’t just come from a busy life, or an overloaded workplace, it can also come from emotional stress (sadness, anger, worry, etc.) as well as environmental stress (polluted air, toxic water, heavy metals and contaminants in agriculture, etc.) The gut is constantly trying to adapt and create a homeostatic state between the outside world and the inside. If the outside stressors are constantly being brought in, along with psychological stressors, (not to mention our cellular memory and ancestral inheritance), all these contribute to an underperforming digestive tract.
You really are what you eat. Living a “perfect” dietary life, but a poorly maintained state of mind, equals bad digestion. It’s that simple.
The Brain and The Belly
Did you know that a major portion of our nervous system is located in our intestines? Also known as the ‘enteric nervous system’ (ENS) by Western doctors, and commonly known as our “second brain”. The ENS is the reason the “gut feeling”, or "the second brain" was coined to the gut, because the ENS can operate independently of the brain and spinal cord, and the central nervous system. (Isn’t that amazing?) For example, scientists were shocked to learn that about 90% of the fibers in the primary nerve, known as the vagus, carries information from the gut to the brain and not the other way around. Example are when we feel butterflies in our stomach, or when we suddenly get an intuitive hit on what do to in a moment of danger, or a powerful feeling about someone, or a telepathic connection, or a psychic hit… these all stem from our second brain.
Another major fact is that 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, as well as about 50% of the body’s dopamine. Also, your intestines produce and co-regulate 30 other neurotransmitters identical to those found in your brain and are used by the central nervous system to regulate our hormones, mood, stress levels, sleep patterns, mental functioning and any number of other essential body processes.
Lets get down to the herbs!
Milk Thistle - Toxic Relinquisher
Milk thistle is a powerful anti-oxidant that protects the cells from free radicals by scavenging them before they cause cellular damage. In classic Greek medicine, milk thistle was used to treat liver and gallbladder diseases and to protect the liver against toxins. Historically, the seed of milk thistle was used as a cholagogue which stimulated the flow of bile. Stimulating bile ensures a smooth digestion — improving metabolism, breakdown, absorption, along with preventing stagnant bile, which means toxic buildup in the Gall Bladder and subsequently the Liver.
Dandelion Leaf - The Weed of Wonders
Not only does this incredible healer soothe the gut, reduce inflammation, and restore the liver and gall bladder, it has many more healing functions that most people don't know about. Recent studies have demonstrated that its rich anti-oxidant makeup prevents free-radical damage to cells and DNA, slowing down the aging process in our cells.
Dittany - The Ancient Remedy
Dittany, a revered herb native to Crete, has been used since antiquity for its digestive and medicinal properties. Rich in powerful essential oils, Dittany aids in digestion by reducing bloating, soothing stomach cramps, and enhancing bile production. Ancient Greek physicians, including Hippocrates, recommended it for gastrointestinal issues, and it continues to be a staple in herbal medicine today.
Mastic Gum - The Resin Healer
Mastic gum, derived from the resin of the mastic tree, has been used for centuries in Mediterranean medicine for its gut-healing properties. It helps soothe inflammation, reduces harmful bacteria in the stomach, and is known for its effectiveness in treating indigestion and ulcers. Mastic gum also supports liver function and promotes overall digestive health.
Artichoke Leaf - Bitter Leaf
As one of the strongest herbs for digestion, it stimulates bile flow, which contributes to a better digestion. This digestive herb also strengthens liver and kidney function.
A few more...
There are so many more incredible herbal healers that increase digestive function. Classics like: ginger, turmeric, hibiscus, licorice.
More bile-boosters, liver - gallbladder tonics like: Yellow dock, Oregon Grape root, Chanca Piedra.
Other aromatics that most people live by like: Peppermint, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Orange Peel.
Our digestive system is more than just a process of breaking down food—it is deeply intertwined with our emotions, nervous system, and overall well-being. Ancient traditions recognized the gut as a central pillar of health, and modern science continues to validate its crucial role in everything from immunity to mood regulation. By nurturing our digestion with mindful eating, reducing stress, and incorporating powerful healing herbs like Dittany, Mastic Gum, and Milk Thistle, we can cultivate a healthier gut and, in turn, a more vibrant life. True wellness begins from within, and when we honor the wisdom of both our ancestors and our own body's signals, we unlock our full potential for balance and vitality.
Коментарі