What is a Leaky Gut?

What is a Leaky Gut? Several herbs can support the healing of a leaky gut by reducing inflammation, soothing the intestinal lining, and promoting repair. Here’s a list of herbs and their specific benefits:
1. Licorice Root (DGL – Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)
- Benefits: Protects and soothes the gut lining, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue repair.
- How to Use: Take as a tea or supplement in its DGL form to avoid side effects like high blood pressure.
2. Slippery Elm
- Benefits: Contains mucilage, which coats and soothes the gut lining, providing relief from irritation.
- How to Use: Consume as a tea, powder, or capsule.
3. Marshmallow Root
- Benefits: High in mucilage, it creates a protective barrier over the gut lining, helping to reduce inflammation and irritation.
- How to Use: Use as a tea or tincture.
4. Aloe Vera
- Benefits: Reduces inflammation and irritation in the gut, while promoting the repair of the intestinal lining.
- How to Use: Drink pure aloe vera juice (look for food-grade options without additives).
5. Chamomile
- Benefits: Soothes inflammation, relaxes the digestive tract, and promotes overall gut health.
- How to Use: Brew as a tea or take as a supplement.
6. Turmeric (Curcumin)
- Benefits: Powerful anti-inflammatory properties help reduce gut inflammation and support healing.
- How to Use: Add to food, take in capsules, or brew as golden milk.
7. Ginger
- Benefits: Improves digestion, reduces inflammation, and supports the gut microbiome.
- How to Use: Use fresh ginger in teas, smoothies, or meals, or take as a supplement.
8. Peppermint
- Benefits: Relieves digestive discomfort, reduces inflammation, and supports the gut lining.
- How to Use: Drink as tea or take enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules.
9. Calendula (Marigold)
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and soothing properties promote healing of the gut lining.
- How to Use: Brew as tea or use in tincture form.
10. Milk Thistle
- Benefits: Supports liver detoxification, which is essential for overall gut health.
- How to Use: Take as a capsule, tincture, or tea.
11. Fennel
- Benefits: Reduces gas and bloating while calming the digestive tract.
- How to Use: Use as tea or spice in meals.
12. Cat’s Claw
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help reduce gut inflammation and support immune health.
- How to Use: Take as a tea, tincture, or supplement.
Usage Tips
- Quality Matters: Use organic, high-quality herbs free of additives.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re on medication or have a health condition, talk to a healthcare provider before starting herbal remedies.
- Combination: Many of these herbs can be combined into teas or supplements for synergistic effects.
Incorporating these herbs into your diet alongside other lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly support gut healing.