5 Herbs to Support Digestion During the Holidays
Written by Rebecca Younger. CH, CDEvery meal is a conversation between your body and the food on your plate. When digestion flows, you feel light, clear, and energized. When it doesn’t, your body lets you know. A little bloating, heaviness, or that familiar post-feast fatigue can be a sign your digestive system could use some extra care.
Plants understand our bodies and help us find balance again. Herbs have supported healthy digestion for centuries and today, those same herbs and spices support gut health and digestion, and soothe digestive discomfort so you can enjoy festive foods without the fallout.
This guide to better gut health explores five time-tested herbs that support digestion, ease occasional digestive symptoms, and help your gut microbiome stay happy through the holidays and beyond!
Understanding Digestion and Gut Health
Your digestive tract is a complex network that turns food into nutrients and energy. It relies on enzymes, digestive juices, and beneficial gut bacteria to do its job well. When that balance gets disrupted by rich foods, stress, travel, or changes in routine, it can lead to occasional bloating, abdominal discomfort, or sluggishness.
The gut microbiome, a community of microorganisms that live in the intestinal tract, plays a major role in digestive health. Supporting these beneficial microbes through herbal medicine, a balanced diet, and consistent habits helps keep digestion strong, immune function resilient, and the body in balance.
During the holidays, when rich foods and irregular schedules are common, digestive support can make all the difference between feeling weighed down and thriving through the indulgence.
How Herbal Medicine Supports Digestion
Herbs work with your body’s own rhythm. Many are carminative, helping to relieve gas and abdominal bloating, or bitter, stimulating digestive juices and enzyme activity. Others are demulcent, soothing the intestinal walls and calming the GI tract. These herbal remedies are valued in both traditional medicine and modern complementary and alternative medicine for their ability to aid digestion safely and effectively.
Traditional herbs such as peppermint, ginger, fennel, gentian, and oregon grape root have supported digestive concerns for generations.
5 Herbs for Happy Digestion
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Peppermint is one of the most trusted herbs for digestive health. The essential oils in peppermint help relax the smooth muscles of the GI tract, which can soothe gas, ease abdominal distension, and calm an upset stomach. Peppermint tea, tinctures, and oil capsules are well-known natural remedies used to support digestion and soothe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is a powerful herb for digestion known for its warming and stimulating qualities. It supports gastric motility, promotes digestive enzyme activity, and helps ease occasional nausea or abdominal discomfort. Fresh ginger root, ginger tea, and ginger tinctures have long been used in herbal therapies to soothe the digestive tract and maintain healthy digestion. Ginger contains natural properties that support a healthy inflammation response and help calm the intestinal walls, and support overall GI health.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Sweet and aromatic, fennel seed is both a culinary spice and a digestive ally. It helps relieve gas, ease cramping, and support healthy bowel movements. Fennel’s traditional use in herbal medicine includes soothing abdominal discomfort, calming bloating, and promoting regularity. Its ability to relax the digestive tract and encourage smooth movement makes it one of the most reliable herbs for gut health.
Gentian Root (Gentiana lutea)
Gentian root is a classic bitter herb and a cornerstone of digestive bitters. Its distinctive taste stimulates the production of saliva, digestive juices, and bile, all of which aid digestion and nutrient absorption. Herbalists often recommend gentian before meals to support appetite and flowing digestion. Bitters like gentian are a simple way to keep the digestive system primed, especially when eating rich foods during the holidays.
Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oregon grape root is a grounding, bitter herb that supports the digestive system and encourages balance within the gut. Like other classic bitters, it helps stimulate digestive juices, bile flow, and enzyme activity, all of which aid digestion and nutrient absorption. Its naturally bitter taste signals the body to prepare for food, promoting smoother digestion from start to finish.
This herb is also valued for helping maintain microbial balance in the intestinal tract, supporting a healthy gut environment and overall digestive wellness. Oregon grape root works especially well alongside other bitters like gentian and fennel, creating a comprehensive foundation for digestive health.
The Power of Bitters
Bitter herbs have been used for centuries in traditional and alternative medicine to aid digestion and support the digestive system. When the tongue senses bitterness, the body responds by producing saliva, gastric juices, and bile, which help break down food efficiently and absorb nutrients. This process supports digestive enzyme activity and overall gut health.
WishGarden’s Badass Bitters brings this time-honored herbal therapy into modern life. Made with gentian root, Oregon grape root, and aromatic herbs and spices, this formula is ideal for healthy digestion before or after a meal. Bitters are especially useful during the holidays when you may be enjoying heavier foods or larger portions.
Quick Relief and Long-Term Support
Sometimes your stomach needs quick comfort, and other times it needs steady support. Digestive Rescue offers fast-acting relief for occasional indigestion or discomfort. They’re perfect to keep on hand for travel or gatherings.
Badass Bitters provides long-term digestive benefits by supporting your body’s natural rhythm and promoting a balanced digestive environment. With consistent use, bitters can help maintain healthy gastric motility, calm occasional digestive symptoms, and encourage overall gut health.
Everyday Habits for a Healthy Gut
Herbs work best when paired with supportive habits that promote digestive wellness. Here are some notable habits that support gut health:
- Eat mindfully and chew thoroughly to help your digestive system do its work.
- Stay hydrated to keep things moving through the intestinal tract.
- Move regularly; a walk after meals supports gastric motility.
- Manage stress, since the gut and nervous system are deeply connected.
- Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber and whole foods to nourish beneficial gut bacteria and maintain a healthy microbiome.
Safe and Mindful Use
Herbs are powerful allies for digestive health when used thoughtfully. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, talk with your healthcare provider before adding herbal supplements.
The WishGarden Way
WishGarden's digestive blends are made with pure, sustainably sourced plants and are designed to support healthy digestion and overall gut health.
WishGarden Formulas Featuring Digestive Herbs
- Digestive Rescue: A fast-acting herbal formula that helps ease occasional digestive discomfort, bloating, and upset stomach, especially after a heavy meal. This blend combines time-tested herbs like peppermint, ginger, and fennel that work together to calm the digestive tract, support healthy gastric motility, and restore balance when your stomach feels off. Perfect for travel, rich foods, or moments when digestion needs a quick reset.
- Digestive Rescue for Kids: A gentle, kid-friendly version of our classic formula designed to bring comfort to little tummies. This soothing blend features herbs such as catnip and fennel that work naturally with a child’s digestive system to relieve occasional gas, bloating, or fussiness. Safe, effective, and easy to use when kids need calm and comfort after meals or travel.
- Badass Bitters: A bold daily tonic that helps awaken and strengthen your digestive fire. Featuring classic bitter herbs like gentian, Oregon grape root, and peppermint, this blend activates digestive juices, bile, and enzymes that aid digestion and nutrient absorption. Taken before meals, it supports appetite, reduces occasional bloating, and helps maintain long-term gut health and balance.
- Morning Sickness: A gentle yet effective herbal formula crafted for queasiness during pregnancy. Made with soothing herbs like ginger, peppermint, and cardamom, it works to calm the stomach, support healthy digestion, and ease occasional nausea without overstimulating the system. Safe for pregnancy and trusted by midwives for natural, comforting relief when you need it most.
Whether you’re savoring a holiday meal or simply maintaining gut balance all year, these herbal remedies meet your body where it’s at and help bring it back into harmony.
A Natural Path to Digestive Harmony
From cooling peppermint and warming ginger to bitters like gentian and Oregon grape, herbs for digestion help the body return to its natural rhythm. They calm digestive symptoms and encourage a healthy, balanced gut. A dose of bitters, a cup of ginger tea, or a thoughtfully crafted tincture can support digestion and restore comfort after even the richest meal.
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women's health. She aspires to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of life. She studied Herbal Medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the Brand Communications Specialist at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
