Digestive health is the cornerstone of overall wellness, and herbal medicine has a long and rich tradition of providing relief and support for digestive issues. Here are 30 herbal decoctions you can use to soothe and strengthen your digestive system.

Ginger and Peppermint Tea

A classic and simple tea blend, ginger and peppermint both have long histories as digestive aids. Ginger is warming and anti-inflammatory, while peppermint helps ease bloating and gas.

Combine the two for a versatile blend that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Chamomile and Fennel Tea

Chamomile is a gentle relaxant and anti-inflammatory, while fennel is a carminative that can help ease digestion and soothe cramps. Together, they make a calming and effective tea blend that can be enjoyed after meals or before bed.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm is a gentle nervine and digestive aid that can help soothe discomfort and promote relaxation. It has a light, citrusy flavor that pairs well with other herbs and can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs.

Cinnamon and Cardamom Tea

Cinnamon and cardamom are both warming and carminative spices that can help ease bloating and promote healthy digestion. They also have a delicious, cozy flavor that can be enjoyed in teas, lattes, or baked goods.

Dandelion Root Tea

Dandelion root is a well-known liver tonic, but it also has digestive benefits, thanks to its bitter compounds that stimulate digestion and help regulate bowel movements.

It has a slightly bitter taste that can be balanced out with other herbs or sweeteners.

Mint and Lemon Verbena Tea

Mint and lemon verbena are both cooling and refreshing, with digestive benefits to boot. Mint helps ease bloating and gas, while lemon verbena soothes inflammation and promotes healthy digestion. This blend makes a great iced tea for hot summer days.

Ginger and Licorice Root Tea

Ginger and licorice root are both anti-inflammatory and soothing, making them a great combination for digestive distress. Licorice root also has demulcent properties that can help soothe the lining of the digestive tract.

This blend has a sweet and spicy flavor that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Action and Demulcent Blend: Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm Bark, and Licorice Root

This decoction blend is not a tea, but rather a thick, mucilaginous preparation that can coat and soothe the digestive tract.

Marshmallow root and slippery elm bark are both demulcents that can help ease inflammation and irritation, while licorice root adds a sweet flavor and further demulcent properties.

Golden Milk: Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, and Coconut Milk

Golden milk is a traditional Ayurvedic drink that has gained popularity in recent years for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper are all warming and anti-inflammatory spices that can help ease bloating and discomfort, while coconut milk adds creaminess and flavor.

Healing Bone Broth: Chicken or Beef Bones, Vegetables, and Herbs

Bone broth has been hailed as a healing tonic for centuries, and for good reason. The collagen and gelatin in bones can help rebuild the lining of the digestive tract, while the nutrients in vegetables and herbs can provide nourishment and support.

Sip on a warming mug of bone broth for a comforting and healing meal.

Carrot and Ginger Juice

Fresh juices are a great way to get concentrated nutrients and enzymes that can help support healthy digestion. Carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote gut health, while ginger adds a zesty kick of anti-inflammatory compounds.

For added digestive support, you can also add a bit of fennel or apple.

Papaya and Pineapple Smoothie

Papaya and pineapple are both rich in digestive enzymes that can help break down food and ease bloating. They also have a tropical flavor that pairs well with other fruits and greens in a smoothie.

For a smoothie that’s even more supportive for digestion, add some fresh mint or ginger.

Triphala Powder in Warm Water

Triphala is an Ayurvedic formula made from three fruits: amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki. It is a potent digestive and detoxifying tonic that can help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion.

Take it in warm water first thing in the morning for best results.

Digestive Bitters: Artichoke Leaf, Dandelion Leaf, Gentian Root, and Orange Peel

Bitters are a traditional remedy for digestive woes, as they stimulate the production of digestive juices and enzymes.

This blend of artichoke leaf, dandelion leaf, gentian root, and orange peel has a bitter and complex flavor that can be taken as a tincture or added to hot water as a decoction.

Chai Tea: Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves, Ginger, and Black Tea

Chai tea is a warming and spicy blend of herbs and spices that can help ease digestion and promote relaxation.

Cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger are all carminative and anti-inflammatory, while cloves add a unique flavor and black tea provides a bit of caffeine. Add milk and honey for a cozy treat.

Burdock Root Tea

Burdock root is a gentle diuretic and liver tonic that can help support healthy digestion and detoxification. It has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs.

Herbal Infusions: Nettle Leaf, Red Clover Blossom, and Red Raspberry Leaf

Herbal infusions are a simple and effective way to get the benefits of herbs in a concentrated form. Nettle leaf is rich in minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds, while red clover blossom has a gentle cleansing effect on the body.

Red raspberry leaf is a uterine tonic, but it can also promote healthy digestion and soothe cramps.

Coriander Seed Tea

Coriander seeds are a warming and carminative spice that can help ease bloating and gas. They also have a sweet and citrusy flavor that can be enjoyed in teas or blends. Try adding some fennel or ginger for an even more effective blend.

Angelica Root Tea

Angelica root is a traditional Chinese herb that can help tonify and regulate the digestive system. It has a slightly bitter and warming flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs.

It can also be added to stews, soups, or other savory dishes.

Peppermint and Lemon Balm Tincture

A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract that can be taken in small amounts for medicinal purposes. Peppermint and lemon balm are both calming and digestive herbs that can help ease discomfort and promote relaxation.

Take a few drops of this tincture on the tongue or in water for quick relief.

Slippery Elm Bark Powder in Warm Water

Slippery elm bark is a demulcent herb that can help soothe and coat the digestive tract. It is often used for conditions like acid reflux and ulcerative colitis. Mix the powder with warm water to make a soothing and nourishing drink.

Mullein and Marshmallow Root Decoction

Mullein and marshmallow root are both demulcent herbs that can help soothe the lining of the digestive tract. They also have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that can be enjoyed as a decoction.

This preparation can be sipped on throughout the day for ongoing digestive support.

Fennel Seed Tea

Fennel seeds are a classic digestive aid that can help ease bloating and gas. They have a mild licorice-like flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs. Try adding some chamomile for extra calming benefits.

Calendula and Plantain Leaf Tea

Calendula and plantain leaf are both gentle and soothing herbs that can help ease inflammation and promote healthy digestion. Calendula has a bright and sunny flavor, while plantain leaf has a slightly bitter and grassy taste.

This blend is perfect for sensitive or inflamed digestive systems.

Wild Yam and Licorice Root Decoction

Wild yam and licorice root are both demulcent and anti-inflammatory herbs that can soothe and strengthen the digestive tract. They also have a sweet and slightly spicy flavor that can be enjoyed as a decoction.

This blend is especially supportive for those with hormonal imbalances that affect digestion.

Black Walnut Hull and Wormwood Tincture

Black walnut hull and wormwood are both parasiticides that can help eliminate unwanted organisms from the digestive tract. They can be taken as a tincture for a short period of time to help clear any infections or overgrowth.

Make sure to work with a qualified herbalist if you suspect you have a parasite.

Bupleurum and Ginger Formula

Bupleurum and ginger are both Chinese herbs that can help regulate and strengthen the digestive system. Bupleurum has a bitter and cooling flavor, while ginger is warming and spicy. This formula is often used to relieve stagnation and improve digestion.

Yellow Dock Root Decoction

Yellow dock root is a bitter and cooling herb that can help stimulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements. It also has a cleansing effect on the liver and blood. Drink the decoction once or twice per day for best results.

Licorice and Slippery Elm Lozenges

Lozenges made from licorice and slippery elm can be a soothing and nourishing treat for those with digestive issues. Licorice has demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties, while slippery elm can soothe and coat the lining of the digestive tract.

The lozenges can be slowly sucked on throughout the day to provide relief.