Donum ∞ Dei

💩 Medicinal Plants for Digestive Issues

The larger part of classical herbal lore revolves around digestion. Two groups do most of the work: bitters, which stimulate saliva, gastric juice and bile flow and are therefore taken before a meal, and the antispasmodic essential oils of the carrot family — caraway, fennel, anise — which help afterwards, when things feel tight and bloated.

40 plants from our database are traditionally associated with Digestive Issues – each with a profile, active compounds, safety notes and sources. Poisonous and legally controlled species are deliberately left out of this list; they remain reachable through the search and the plant index.

These plants are traditionally used for the listed conditions. Not medical advice — consult a doctor or pharmacist for persistent symptoms.

White flower umbel of yarrow
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium

Bitter tea for temporary loss of appetite and mild digestive complaints.

Photo of Agrimonia eupatoria
Agrimonia eupatoria
Agrimonia eupatoria

Agrimony herb infusion for mild diarrhoea and digestive complaints — astringent effect of catechin tannins, positively assessed by Kommission E.

Photo of Leek
Leek
Allium porrum

Finely sliced or chopped raw leek as salad ingredient, topping or seasoning.

Photo of Garlic
Garlic
Allium sativum

Low-odour standardised powder preparations (enteric-coated) for lipid and blood-pressure lowering in slightly elevated values; allicin release in t…

Photo of Aloysia citrodora
Aloysia citrodora
Aloysia citrodora

Infusion of dried leaves (1–2 tbsp per 250 ml boiling water, steep 10 min) for relief of mild symptoms of mental stress, sleep difficulties, and mi…

Photo of Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis

Traditional use for mild gastrointestinal complaints.

Photo of Dill
Dill
Anethum graveolens

Traditional infusion of dill fruits for dyspeptic complaints, flatulence and bloating — Kommission E positive verdict (1990).

Botanical plate of garden angelica from Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen
Garden angelica
Angelica archangelica

Classic aromatic-bitter tea for loss of appetite, fullness, flatulence and sluggish digestion.

Photo of Tarragon
Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus

Fresh or dried leaves and shoot tips are used as an aromatic culinary herb.

Photo of Chard
Chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris var. cicla

In the folk medicine of various cultures (Dalmatia, Turkey, the Near East), chard is considered a stomach-friendly and liver-supportive vegetable.

Photo of Cauliflower
Cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Raw cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C (approx.

Photo of Caraway
Caraway
Carum carvi

Classic digestive tea for bloating and mild cramps.

Photo of Chicory
Chicory
Cichorium intybus

Loss of appetite and dyspeptic complaints (bloating, flatulence, mild digestive weakness) and as adjuvant in disturbances of bile flow - bitter the…

Photo of Cinnamomum verum
Cinnamomum verum
Cinnamomum verum

True cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon) is traditionally used as a spice for mild dyspeptic complaints, flatulence, and feeling of fullness.

Photo of Cornus mas
Cornus mas
Cornus mas

Ripe cornelian cherry fruits are eaten fresh or prepared as compote, jam, juice, and dried fruit.

Photo of Zucchini
Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo convar. giromontiina

In Mediterranean folk tradition, zucchini is considered a 'cooling' summer food due to its high water content (approx.

Photo of Cumin
Cumin
Cuminum cyminum

Dried cumin seeds are one of the oldest culinary spices in the world.

Photo of Artichoke
Artichoke
Cynara scolymus

Traditional use for dyspeptic complaints: fullness, flatulence, nausea and slow digestion — especially after fatty or rich meals.

Photo of Fennel
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare

Classic digestive tea for mild GI cramps, bloating, fullness.

Botanical plate of common fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) by Jacob Sturm showing flowers, divided leaves and root.
Common fumitory
Fumaria officinalis

Traditional fumitory tea to increase bile flow for indigestion such as fullness, flatulence and slow digestion.

Close-up of the pink flowers of Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
Herb Robert
Geranium robertianum

Folk tea for mild diarrhoea and gastrointestinal complaints; the astringent action of the tannins is the main rationale.

Photo of Geum urbanum
Geum urbanum
Geum urbanum

Root infusion or decoction of dried wood avens rhizomes for diarrhoea, stomach cramps and digestive disorders.

Photo of Laurus nobilis
Laurus nobilis
Laurus nobilis

Dried bay leaves are an indispensable spice in Mediterranean cooking: soups, stews, meat and fish dishes, marinades, bouquet garni.

Botanical colour plate of flax with flowering plant, flower, capsule fruit and seeds from Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen
Flax
Linum usitatissimum

Herbal bulk laxative for habitual constipation — clinically well documented.

Photo of Malva sylvestris
Malva sylvestris
Malva sylvestris

Helps with mild stomach and gut discomfort by coating and soothing through the action of the mucilage.

Photo of Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla

Classic chamomile tea (Kommission E positive) for gastrointestinal spasms, gastritis and inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract.

Photo of Lemon balm
Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis

Tea for mild gastrointestinal complaints with a nervous component.

Photo of Peppermint
Peppermint
Mentha × piperita

Peppermint leaf infusion (Kommission E positive) for relief of digestive complaints including flatulence, dyspepsia and spasmodic gastrointestinal…

Photo of Mentha × villosa
Mentha × villosa
Mentha × villosa

Tea from Bowles' mint leaves and sprigs is used in Brazilian and Philippine folk medicine for stomach complaints, nausea, flatulence, and dyspeptic…

Photo of Spearmint
Spearmint
Mentha spicata

Traditional infusion of leaves and herb tips for mild digestive complaints: flatulence, bloating, mild cramps.

Photo of Menyanthes
Menyanthes
Menyanthes trifoliata

Loss of appetite and dyspeptic complaints (bloating, flatulence, weak digestion) - bitter tonic taken before meals

Photo of Mercurialis annua
Mercurialis annua
Mercurialis annua

Medieval folk medicine (today OBSOLETE, historical documentation only): Hildegard of Bingen mentions bingelkraut ('Bingilcrut') in her 'Physica' (1…

Photo of Basil
Basil
Ocimum basilicum

Fresh leaves are used as a primary culinary herb in southern European – especially Italian – cuisine.

Photo of Ocimum tenuiflorum
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Ocimum tenuiflorum

In Ayurvedic tradition, Tulsi is considered a Deepana (digestive fire stimulant) and Vata-pacifier for bloating reduction.

Photo of Oregano
Oregano
Origanum vulgare

Traditional folk-medicinal use as an aromatic infusion for dyspeptic complaints (bloating, flatulence, loss of appetite) and for catarrhal upper-re…

Photo of Parsnip
Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa

The parsnip root is one of Europe's oldest root vegetables and was a central staple food before the introduction of the potato (16th century).

Botanical plate of boldo showing male and female plants, flowers, fruits and floral details
Boldo
Peumus boldus

Mild dyspepsia and mild gastrointestinal spasms

Anise plant with white umbel flowers
Anise
Pimpinella anisum

Classic digestive tea for bloating, mild GI cramps and fullness.

Flowering blond psyllium plant (Plantago ovata) with narrow leaves and dense oval spikes in its natural habitat
Blond psyllium
Plantago ovata

Main use with EMA-recognised 'well-established use' evidence: the psyllium husks swell in the gut, increase stool volume and water content, and the…

Photo of Prunus spinosa
Prunus spinosa
Prunus spinosa

Flower infusion for digestive complaints, mild constipation and bladder-kidney support.

Different concern? All complaints at a glance · all plants

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