Herbs to support a healthy gut.

When we think about gut health, we often just associate it with digestion. But the truth is, your gut plays a much bigger role in your overall health than you might realize. One key player in this story? Something called leaky gut syndrome—a condition that can affect not only your digestion but your immune system, mood, energy levels, and even your skin.

Your Gut Is More Than Just Digestion

Inside your gut is a microbiome—a collection of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This microbiome is made up of over three million genes, and everyone’s mix is unique. It helps with digestion, yes, but it also keeps the lining of your gut strong and healthy.

That lining acts like a smart filter. It lets the good stuff—like nutrients and water—pass through while keeping out harmful substances like bacteria, toxins, and viruses.

What Is Leaky Gut?

When that filter (your gut lining) gets damaged, it can become too loose or “leaky.” This means that harmful substances can slip through and enter your bloodstream. This condition is known as leaky gut syndrome.

Leaky gut can be triggered by things like:

• A processed, high-sugar diet (common in the Standard American Diet)

• Chronic stress

• Certain medications

• Lack of sleep

• Obesity

• Environmental toxins and infections

Once the gut barrier is compromised, your immune system can go into overdrive, which may cause chronic inflammation and affect many areas of your body.

Signs Your Gut Might Be Struggling

Leaky gut can lead to a wide range of symptoms—many that go beyond the digestive system. Here are some signs to look out for:

Digestive symptoms:

• Bloating

• Gas

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Indigestion or heartburn

• Stomach pain or discomfort

Whole-body symptoms:

• Acne or skin issues like eczema

• Hormonal imbalances

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Fatigue or low energy

• Joint pain or stiffness

• Autoimmune conditions

• Allergies or food sensitivities

• Slower recovery from injuries or inflammation

If you're dealing with a few of these symptoms, your gut might be trying to tell you something.

How to Support a Healthy Gut (Naturally)

One way to help heal a leaky gut is by supporting it with herbs and natural remedies. Many herbs have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and they’re packed with vitamins and nutrients that nourish the gut.

Certain herbs can also soothe the gut lining and help rebuild its protective barrier. Think of them as a gentle repair crew for your digestive system.

Some helpful herbs include:

1. Marshmallow Root (althea officinalis) - It contains mucilage, polysaccharide, flavonoids, tannins, calcium oxalate and amino acids. 

   It’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating. It’s soothing and protective to mucous membranes such as the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract. It can act as a form of soluble fiber, which has gentle bulking laxative and draws out toxins from the bowels. 

            *** may delay absorption of oral drugs if taken simultaneously. 

2. Slippery Elm Bark (ulmus fulva) - It contains mucilage and polysaccharide. It’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and demulcent. 

The mucilage and polysaccharide is anti-microbial, soothing and protective to mucous membranes. It’s also a form of soluble fiber with gentle bulking laxative effects and draws out toxins from the bowels. It’s useful in cases of gastritis, enteritis, colitis and diarrhea. 

3. DGL - (deglycyrrhized glabra) - It contains flavonoids, mucilage, polysaccharides, lignans, and amino acids. It is adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, demulcent and hepatoprotective. 

   It is used to soothe gastrointestinal inflammation and irritations such as GERD,

   gastritis and irritable bowel disease. It increases blood flow to the damaged mucosa of the gut and can be used to treat small intestine ulcers. It protects against damage to the small intestine barrier and tight junction proteins and reduces inflammatory markers that can cause gut damage. 

4. Aloe (aloe spp) - It contains mucilage and polysaccharides. It is anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and demulcent. 

It is often used internally to treat peptic/duodenal ulcers and GERD. It can also work as a laxative that aids in cases of chronic and acute constipation, while helping to eliminate toxic compounds or parasites and neutralize free radicals. 

5. Turmeric (curcuma longa) - It contains flavonoids, resins, polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins and minerals. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, diuretic, carminative and hypolipidemic.

   It promotes liver function, bile flow and production. It protects the liver against toxic exposure. It helps relieve flatulence. It is often used in gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, dyspepsia, gastric ulcers and ulcerative colitis. 

***should not be used if you suspect biliary obstruction, gallstones, or stomach hyperacidity or stomach ulcers. 

The Bottom Line

Your gut health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with fatigue, skin issues, joint pain, or mood swings—and you’ve ruled out other causes—it might be time to take a closer look at your gut. We offer naturopathic care in Cranberry Twp, PA and virtually. 

The good news? With the right support, your gut can heal. Herbs, lifestyle changes, and a gut-friendly diet can make a big difference.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about how to start healing your gut naturally or which herbs might be right for you, stay tuned for more posts or contact our Cranberry Township Clinic to book your appointment today. Your gut (and your whole body) will thank you!

Reference: 

1. Marciano, Marisa, and Nikita A. Vizniak. Quick Reference Evidence Informed Botanical Medicine: Herbs, Nutrition, Hormones and Medications. Professional Health Systems Inc, 2018. 

2. Stengler, Mark. The Holistic Guide to Gut Health: Discover the Truth about Leaky Gut, Balancing Your Microbiome, and Restoring Whole-Body Health. Hay House LLC, 2024. 

3. Tilgner, Sharol. Herbal Medicine: From the Heart of the Earth. Wise Acres, 2020. 

4. Ried K, Travica N, Dorairaj R, Sali A. Herbal formula improves upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms and gut health in Australian adults with digestive disorders. Nutr Res. 2020 Apr;76:37-51. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2020.02.008. Epub 2020 Feb 8. PMID: 32151878.