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Herbal Tonic for Gut Repair

Even if you try to eat less processed foods and refined sugars, many other factors can affect your gut. On days when I’m feeling a bit out-of-sorts, I like to make this herbal tonic for gut repair. It’s a great recipe to have for those days when nothing is going right. A combination of powerful plants, this tonic will help soothe your GI tract while improving nutrient absorption and bowel movements.

Keeping Your Gut Biome Healthy

How can we reset our guts? In truth, the system can’t be fixed overnight as much of digestive health is tied to your gut biome. Your gut biome is the mix of beneficial microbes that live in your gut. These tiny creatures help support our immune health, brain health, vitamin synthesis, and general digestion. They have so much power through the gut-brain-axis: a communication system that links our central nervous system with our digestive tract. Because of these interconnections, maintaining a healthy gut is tied to overall health. Here are a few of our favorite strategies to support and improve your gut health, setting the stage for our DIY herbal gut repair tonic recipe.

Probiotics and Prebiotics: These are your gut’s best friends. Probiotics introduce friendly bacteria, while prebiotics feed and strengthen them.

Stress Management: Your gut health impacts your mental health and vice versa. Finding ways to cope with stress and anxiety can improve your body’s secretion of digestive juices.

Dietary Diversity: Your gut loves a diverse menu. Incorporating a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet can provide essential nutrients and nourish the diverse community of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

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Herbal Elixirs: Stay tuned for our DIY herbal gut repair tonic recipe. It’s a carefully crafted blend of nature’s finest ingredients, each chosen for its remarkable digestive benefits. Together, they form a potent elixir designed to soothe, heal, and revitalize your gut.

Benefits of the Herbs in this Tonic

Before jumping into our recipe for gut repair tonic, it’s essential to understand the rich history and incredible benefits of the key ingredients. Each of the ingredients in our tonic plays its own role in supporting gut health. Together, they create a revitalizing beverage that supports digestion.

Chia Seeds. Chia seeds are rich in soluble fiber, a digestive superhero that not only promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria but also helps regulate bowel movements, ensuring everything flows smoothly through your digestive system.

Ginger. It can reduce bloating, calm an upset stomach, and provide relief from digestive discomfort, all while adding a delightful zing to your tonic.

Honey. Nature’s golden elixir, honey, adds some sweetness to our tonic and offers its own array of health benefits. Its antimicrobial properties help maintain the balance of gut flora, ensuring a harmonious environment in your digestive system.

Lemon Juice. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it aids in the production of collagen, which supports the health of your intestinal lining. Additionally, the natural acidity of lemon juice can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, helping to break down food more efficiently.

Cayenne. Don’t let the fiery reputation of cayenne pepper scare you away; it’s a potent ally for your gut health. Used across cultures for its heat and flavor, cayenne stimulates digestion, helping your body absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Slippery Elm Bark. It’s a common ingredient in teas aimed at treating a sore throat. Here, we capture those same soothing qualities in our gut repair tonic. Slippery elm bark, in particular, is a soothing balm for your digestive system. When incorporated into your DIY herbal tonic, it coats your digestive tract with a soothing mucus.

*Slippery Elm bark is not suggested for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, do not use it if you are hypersensitive to pollen. Since slippery elm coats the GI tract, it may interfere with absorption of other medications.

How to Make an Herbal Tonic for Gut Repair

This herbal gut health tonic is designed to nurture your digestive system with the powerful properties of chia seeds, ginger, cayenne, honey, and slippery elm bark powder. Sip on this elixir regularly to promote a healthier gut.

Ingredients:Herbal Tonic for Gut Repair - ingredients
  • 2 cups of filtered water
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (adjust sweetness to your liking)
  • 1 teaspoon slippery elm bark powder
Steps:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Wash and peel the ginger, then thinly slice it to release its flavors and compounds more effectively.Herbal Tonic for Gut Repair - cut ginger

Step 2: Make ginger tea. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of filtered water to a gentle boil. Once the water is boiling, add the sliced ginger to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the ginger’s flavors to infuse into the water.Herbal Tonic for Gut Repair - boil ginger

Step 3: Combine with the remaining ingredients. After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and pour in a glass container. Add the chia seeds. Stir well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and drizzle in the honey. Adjust the amount to suit your preferred level of spiciness and sweetness. Finally, sprinkle in the slippery elm bark powder. Herbal Tonic for Gut Repair -add cayenne, chia seeds, slippery elm bark and honey

Step 4: Cool and enjoy. Allow your gut health tonic to cool down to a comfortable drinking temperature. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the tonic through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the ginger slices.

How to Use

Pour your herbal gut health tonic into a cup and savor the nourishing blend. Sip it mindfully, and let it work its magic on your digestive system.

Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities to suit your taste preferences and digestive needs. Take this gut health tonic 2 hours before or after taking medication.

When to Make an Herbal Tonic for Gut Repair

This herbal tonic can be made and enjoyed at any time of day.

Morning Boost: Starting your day with a gut health tonic is a fantastic way to kickstart your digestive system. Consider sipping it in the morning, about 15-30 minutes before breakfast. This allows the tonic to prepare your gut for the day ahead, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption from your first meal. Our delicious and powerful gut health shot is another great way to jumpstart your digestive tract.

Post-Meal Aid: Alternatively, you can enjoy your gut health tonic after a meal, especially if you tend to experience digestive discomfort or bloating. This can help ease any post-meal distress and facilitate smoother digestion.

Pre-Stress Routine: Stress can take a toll on your gut health, so consider sipping your tonic during moments of relaxation, like during a meditation session or while enjoying a quiet evening. This can help counteract the negative effects of stress on your digestive system.

In truth, you should just listen to your body. If you’re feeling particularly off or if you’ve had a heavy, hard-to-digest meal, don’t hesitate to reach for your gut health tonic. It can be a soothing and supportive remedy during times of digestive distress. Remember, every individual is different, so it’s essential to pay attention to how your body responds. Over time, you’ll discover the timing that works best for you and your unique digestive needs.

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I don’t want to NOT have this information. Wow!
Thanks for sharing.

Hi Jobyna,

You’re very welcome! We’re happy to hear you enjoy our articles.

Many blessings and good health!

The recipe makes about 2 cups of tonic, but it isn’t clear to me what quantity is considered a dose. I’d like to make some to keep in the fridge and take a dose of it as needed for my IBS-D. Thanks.

Good question!

Hi Gail,

One cup of this tonic a day is enough. You could make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Many blessings and good health!

Do you have a recommended source for slippery elm powder? Thanks.

You forgot to say anything about when to add the lemon juice.

I’ve been walking with a distended midsection for years. Doctor’s tell me its IBS. However, I’m led to believe that my intestines are full of inflammation. Quite a number of foods give me indigestion. The tonic is a start. Any news other suggestions?

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