1. Oregano and Oregano Oil

One of the top herbs and supplements to take if you suffer bacterial overgrowth of any kind in the Gi tract, is oregano either in tablet or leaf form, as well as oregano oil. Oregano actually contains more antioxidants per tablespoon than blueberries, and isn’t just for seasoning your favorite marinara sauce. Oregano is a powerful immune booster, as well as anti-inflammatory herb. It fights yeast in the body, especially candida albicans, which affects most people with GI disorders in some form or fashion. You can buy oregano and oregano oil online, and use either however you see fit.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are one of my favorite supplements to include in my diet for a number of reasons. First, they help to calm inflammation in the gut, as well as aid digestion. They also help greatly reduce gas and bloating and help to ease constipation and diarrhea. Probiotics have even been found to help reduce depression, since the GI tract bacteria count has a direct effect on the brain. The more beneficial bugs you have, the better brain health you may have, due to the nerves in the GI tract being directly connected to your brain. I like Renew Life brand probiotics for the highest quality and highest potency with no allergens.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile is actually a flower, but is classified with herbs. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory aid to the GI tract, as well as a wonderful stress reliever. It helps calm inflammation in the entire body, and helps reduce anxiety, which can actually cause GI issues to begin with. Drink chamomile tea as a wonderful way to soothe stress and anxiety in just a few minutes. It’s also wonderful to have right before bed.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint is another powerful herb that’s wonderful for your digestion. It’s naturally calming to the stomach, and great for taming anxiety, stress, and even headaches. Peppermint can also improve mental focus, and is good for reducing depression as well. Drink peppermint tea, or put a few drops of extract in your cocoa, coffee, or smoothies!

5. Basil

Basil is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb, as well as an antiseptic herb. It fights bacteria in the body, including the digestive tract. Basil is also wonderful for relieving stress and headaches. You can eat it in your food, make a tea with it, or take a supplement.

6. Black Walnut

Black walnut hulls and black walnuts are great to consume, but for different reasons. Black walnut hull is an herb and is an aid in reducing yeast infections, parasites, and bacteria overgrowth in the body, especially the GI tract. Black walnuts are the best kind of walnuts to eat due to their higher antioxidant content. All walnuts are great for your heart however, regardless that they aren’t an herb or supplement. You can buy black walnut hull in a supplement anywhere nutritional products are sold, and it’s found in many antiviral and anti yeast supplements as well.

7. Green Tea and Extract

The green tea plant is one of the best aids to the body, for various reasons. Green tea extract, tea leaves and supplements all contain L-theanine, an amino acid that lowers stress and fights inflammation. Green tea is also high in antioxidants that fighting aging and disease.

8. Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are a supplement I would recommend anyone who has digestion issues to take. Taken with each meal, they help break down foods that can be hard to digest and help reduce any issues of pain, bloating, gas or constipation. You can buy many different brands. My personal favorite is Rainbow Light Advanced Enzyme brand.

9. Fennel

Fennel is a top seed to include in your diet. First, it reduces bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. It’s also full of digestive benefits including helping to break down food in the body easier and faster. It’s even rich in phytoestrogens, which are beneficial to women’s health, and it contains antioxidants, as well. They have been found to improve brain health, eye sight, and be beneficial to the blood as well. I like drinking fennel tea, which I make by brewing the seeds in my coffee maker, or you can use an herbal infusion. You can also buy fennel tea already in tea bags, or take a supplement.

These aren’t by any means the only herbs and supplements beneficial to GI health, or overall body health, however they are some of my favorites and ones I find to be very effective. Do you have a favorite list of herbs and supplements to share?