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For centuries, many botanicals have been used to maintain digestive and liver health or to manage digestive diseases, symptoms or upsets.

Some clinical studies have been done with botanicals but often the information is experiential over time and has been passed down from different cultures.

Usually it’s a specific part of the plant, such as the buds, root, bark, stem, fruit, or flower that’s used for a specific medicinal purpose. Herbal tea infusions are a very popular way of delivering botanicals directly to the GI tract.

Dietary supplements may use the whole plant part or they may extract and concentrate the most active ingredients and standardize the amount of them found in each dose.

Many supplements are formulated with a number of plants or their extracts that act synergistically.

A sampling of botanicals used for digestive and liver health

Artichoke – has been shown to improve liver and gallbladder functions and stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, especially bile. Artichoke interferes with the production of cholesterol and enhances the elimination of cholesterol. Artichoke supports gut motility.

Black Radish – is a time-honored remedy for digestive and liver problems. Black Radish encourages the liver to produce bile and lowers the tension of the bile duct. It accelerates movement in the digestive system, relieving constipation. It also boosts the immune system, as it is anti-microbial.

Boswellia – (aka Frankincense) has been used for centuries as an herbal medicine. In recent times it has been clinically studied for its effects on reducing inflammation in the mucosal lining of the GI and respiratory tracts. A healthy mucosal gut lining is needed for immunological health, to absorb nutrients and deliver them to the bloodstream.

Boswellia targets the key enzyme involved in the synthesis of inflammatory compounds known as leukotrienes; increased concentrations of leukotrienes are associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis. Boswellia is used as part of an integrative medicine treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Europe.

Fennel – has been used to help flatulence and helps relax the smooth muscles of the GI system.

Ginger – among other uses, it has a soothing effect on the stomach and helps relieve nausea and dyspepsia (indigestion). Ginger supports gut motility.

Lemon Balm – a member of the mint family, the oil from its leaves has been used to improve appetite and digestion. It is also known for its calming effects.

Milk Thistle – rich in flavonoids, milk thistle helps support the liver’s key role in detoxification.

Peppermint Oil – alleviates upset stomachs, inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and soothes and relaxes GI muscles. Peppermint oil may be helpful with managing IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Note: because it relaxes GI muscles, it is not recommended for people with acid reflux (GERD).

Rosemary – an herb found to be helpful for indigestion and to alleviate stomach pains. It also has a calming effect.

Slippery Elm – a demulcent, has been long used by native Americans in North America. It’s coating properties make it helpful in relieving coughs and sore throats, and for reducing gastric reflux symptoms by coating the esophagus.

Thyme – has antibiotic properties and has been found to be effective against intestinal infections.

Wormwood – acts as an antiseptic, keeps the bowels clean by helping to eliminate gastrointestinal microbes. It has also been used as a remedy for liver and gallbladder problems.


*Digest RC+ is a unique, all-natural herbal supplement specially designed to alleviate various digestive symptoms, and with regular use, to strengthen overall digestion and elimination. It contains black radish, wormwood, peppermint, artichoke and milk thistle. It is the #1 digestive supplement used in Central Europe.