No need to reach for a pill or down a murky liquid to soothe digestive woes when there exist common natural herbs that improve digestion. In fact, some of the herbs you may already have lingering in the pantry or refrigerator happen to pack a metabolism-boosting punch.

Even better: they taste delicious! The following 5 natural herbs that improve digestion are your gateway to regularity and improved overall health.

1. Black Pepper

Almost all recipes call for a pinch of pepper, making it one of the most common natural herbs. It is available year round and it provides the body with essential nutrients, including manganese, vitamin K, iron, fiber, and copper. Black pepper stimulates the taste buds, alerting the stomach to increase hydrochloric acid, which is responsible to breaking down food in the stomach.

2. Ginger

Among its many health benefits, ginger is effective in helping to jump start digestive secretions. According to a study in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ginger consumption helps to speed up the movement of food from the stomach, hence contributing to overall digestive efficiency and health.

3. Anise

Since Roman times, anise has been grown in Italy to be used as a digestive aid. It is used to spice up meat dishes, curries, pickles, and liqueurs in Chinese cuisine and is often chewed after meals to freshen breath and aid digestion. Because of the active compounds in its volatile oils, anise treats cramps, gas, indigestion, and intestinal parasites.

4. Fennel

In the Middle Ages, fennel was in high demand for its aromatic and appetite-suppressing capabilities. In terms of digestion, fennel helps to relieve flatulence and colic, as well as stimulates digestion.

5. Orange peel

Orange peel has a bitter, aromatic taste. It stimulates bile flow and increases digestive enzymes. Its pectin also helps to stimulate protein metabolism in the digestive tract. Orange peel can be grated and added to candies, breads, cookies, and cakes. It is also a great complement to vegetable dishes or meat marinades.

Images: Zac Greant, Gerlynn, Istockimages, Kellysblues, Nick Saltmarsh, Nickboos

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I love marinara sauce. But without fail, 24 hours later, my lip-glossed mouth could make a small child cry and have the family pet running for cover. The culprit in my case is garlic. Sure, I’m not alone, but halitosis is a real turn off. Research has proven that among some culprits are:

• Garlic – is absorbed into the bloodstream and secreted by the lungs. While not everyone is affected, I certainly am
• Bacteria – volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan,  harbors on the teeth, gums and tongue
• Food particles – become lodged between teeth
• Plaque – on or below the gum line
• Dieting – to excess may cause ketoacidosis, the breakdown of chemicals during fasting, which smells awful
• Smoking – dries out the mouth and contributes to periodontal disease
• Diseases – such as lung infections, kidney failure and chronic reflux of stomach acids produce odors
• Milk Intolerance

20 Natural Ways to Keep Your Breath Fresh

If you’re not ready to drop $2,000 on a Halimeter, which will analyze the VSC’s in your mouth and let you know if your breath is offensive, here are natural ways to clean up your act.

1. Brush – after every meal, and be sure that your toothbrush is in good shape. A chewed-up, disfigured brush will miss those hard-to-reach areas.
2. Herb Pharm Breath Tonic – is my all time favorite. The non-aerosol spray is made from a sugar-free blend of certified organic peppermint, cinnamon, ginger, and clove extracts that leave my mouth feeling fabulous and clean.
3. Tongue Scraper – This smooth plastic or metal tool glides over the tongue and removes dead cells and bacteria
4. Floss – removes plaque and food that you may not even realize was stuck. I keep a container in my office desk
5. Water – According to the Mayo Clinic, drink water – not coffee, soft drinks or alcohol. Chewing gum or sucking on candy (preferably natural) also stimulates saliva, washing away food particles and bacteria.
6. Fenugreek – put one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in four cups of cold water, boil, then simmer for fifteen minutes over a low flame. Strain and drink like tea.
7. Guava – unripe guava has been said to aid bad breath as it contains tannic and phosphoric acids.

According to health 911, there are a few off-the-beaten-path remedies, including:

8. Apple cider vinegar – swallow a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar just before each meal (you may want to add it to a glass of water)
9. Alfalfa – alfalfa tablets have been said to aid bad breath
10. Anise – the licorice-flavored seed, may aid in reducing bacteria
11. Chlorophyll – Try liquid or chlorophyll tablets. Chlorophyll has a deodorizing effect
12. Clove Tea/Mouthwash – Cloves are a powerful antiseptic. Make a tea by putting three whole or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves in two cups of hot water and steep for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour through a fine strainer and use as a mouthwash or gargle twice a day.
13. Fennel – Slowly chew the leaves and allow the saliva to build up in your mouth. Or, mix the contents of a fennel capsule with baking soda, make into a paste, and brush your teeth, gums and tongue with it.
14. Lemon – If you can stand it, a lemon wedge sprinkled with salt will help stop onion or garlic breath.
15. Parsley & Mint – Chewing parsley or mint leaves has been a remedy used for thousands of years. These herbs are especially good if garlic and onions are the source of your bad breath. Parsley is very high in chlorophyll. Chew a few parsley sprigs dipped in vinegar for immediate relief. If you swallow the leaves after chewing them they will be digested and continue to provide breath freshness for quite a while. These plants seem to reduce the production of intestinal gas by promoting better digestion.
16. Natural gum – such as glee, is made with spearmint or peppermint essential oils. These oils kill odor-causing bacteria, and the chewing action stimulates the production of saliva which helps combat bad breath.
17. Sage – contains essential oils with antibacterial properties that help neutralize one of the causes of bad breath. Chew raw leaves.
18. Spirulina – is a very good source of chlorophyll and can be purchased either in capsule or loose form. It’s suggested to start with 500 mg three times a day, but please check with your medical professional first!
19. Tea tree oil – derived from the leaves of the native Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree, tea tree oil contains antiseptic compounds, which make it a powerful disinfectant. Try using a toothpaste containing tea tree oil, or put a few drops of tea tree oil on your toothbrush alone, or with your regular toothpaste. It has a strong aromatic flavor.
20. Baking Soda – Brushing your teeth with baking soda will help reduce the acidity in your mouth, which is less inviting for bacteria. Combine two tablespoons of dried lemon or orange rind, 1/4 cup of  baking soda, and two teaspoons of salt.

Please report back to us in the comments below on what worked for you!

Image: ellie

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