Herbal care: Phyllanthus, Paeonia, Terminalia, Polygala, and Bacopa are herbals that may improve gut health and memory.
Herbal Care: Teas for Gut Health and Brain Health
I’ve discussed the surprising connection between the gut, memory, and learning, as well as the connection between gut health and ADHD. Here, I’ll focus on herbal therapeutic teas – teas and extracts that support the gut-brain axis.
But before I discuss herbal therapeutic teas, I want to share a key observation. Our developing understanding of the gut-brain axis is a key example of why an isolated focus on a single body system usually doesn’t translate into good health. A whole body, whole lifestyle approach is truly necessary if you want to optimize your health. For example, sleep affects both your brain and your gut function. Likewise, nutritious food and exercise affect all body systems.
This whole body approach is core to our philosophy at Linden Botanicals. More importantly, it’s core to your health and wellbeing.
Herbal Care: Teas That Strengthen the Mind and the Gut
Specific herbs have phytochemicals that can support a healthy microbiome in the gut and affect memory and learning. These phytochemicals can affect the brain and the gut directly or indirectly via the gut-brain axis.
If you feel that you need extra help in reaching your health goals, consider the following plant-based supplements as support along the way.
Phyllanthus niruri
Phyllanthus niruri, an all-around health support superstar, is well known for its abilities to help the renal system support a healthy microbiome in the gut. Research suggests that Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca Piedra) can also alleviate effects caused to cognitive ability by exposure to pesticides. READ THE FAQ
Terminalia chebula
Terminalia chebula is often used to support the health of the intestinal wall supporting the mucosa and the villi. Terminalia chebula (Myrobalan, Haritaki) also has a wide variety of constituents that are believed to affect cognition. Its extracts have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and are used to support the treatment of Alzhhiemer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. READ THE FAQ
Paeonia lactiflora
Paeonia lactiflora has historically been used in Chinese medicine as a blood tonic. It is often sought after to help reduce skeletal muscle spasms, soothe the liver, and moderate acute reactions. Paeonia lactiflora (white peony root) is thought to help relieve nerve pain, migraine headaches, and stomach cramps. Recent animal studies suggest a neuroprotective activity and the ability to ameliorate the effects of sedatives on the brain, as well as the ability to increase blood flow in a way that might help reduce the effects of a stroke. READ THE FAQ
Polygala tenuifolia
Polygala tenuifolia is known to Buddhists as the dream enhancer. A 2009 study concluded that certain chemicals extracted from Polygala tenuifolia (Seneca and Chinese Senega) improve learning and memory. READ THE FAQ
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is an adaptogen often used to combat the effects of stress, including intestinal issues. Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) is also frequently used to support the treatment of cognitive deficits and to improve learning and memory. READ THE FAQ
Herbal Care: A Whole Health Approach
There’s a lot to learn about the gut-brain axis. The biochemical signaling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system is extremely complex and isn’t yet fully understood. As a starting point, consider plants that can help balance your gut microflora, soothe your gut (your second brain), and improve memory and learning.
It also bears repeating — a whole body, whole lifestyle approach is truly necessary if you want to optimize your health.