Digestive health problems affect millions of people daily, often in ways that impact energy, nutrition, and overall well-being. Whether you're dealing with common discomforts like bloating or constipation, or more persistent conditions such as acid reflux, IBS, or achalasia, there's often a natural way to find relief.
This article explores lesser-known,
effective remedies that can support your gut health—backed by evidence and used
by individuals who seek alternatives to long-term medication. We’ll also take a
closer look at achalasia, a rarer condition that affects swallowing, and
discuss natural options that may support symptom relief.
1. Slippery Elm: A Soothing Herbal Remedy
Slippery elm has been used in
traditional medicine for centuries. It contains mucilage, a gel-like substance
that coats and soothes the lining of the digestive tract.
How
it helps:
- Calms inflammation in the oesophagus and stomach
- Eases acid reflux and mild gastritis symptoms
- May support smoother swallowing for people with
conditions like achalasia
How
to use:
Mix 1 teaspoon of slippery elm
powder with warm water. Drink this after meals and before bed.
Note: It may interfere with the absorption of some medications,
so take it at least two hours apart.
2. DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice):
Natural Acid Relief
Unlike ordinary liquorice, DGL has
had the glycyrrhizin removed to avoid side effects like increased blood
pressure.
Benefits:
- Helps reduce acid reflux and ulcers
- Protects the stomach lining
- May be useful in soothing irritation in the oesophagus
People with achalasia who experience
heartburn may benefit from DGL as a gentle alternative to antacids.
How
to take it:
Chewable tablets before meals
(dosage depends on the brand). Always follow label instructions.
3. Ginger: Digestive Support for Nausea
and Motility
Ginger is a well-known remedy for
nausea, but it also improves stomach emptying and may assist people with
digestive motility issues.
Effects:
- Reduces bloating and indigestion
- Stimulates digestive enzymes
- May support oesophageal clearance, useful in delayed
emptying conditions
Some individuals with achalasia
experience chest pain or regurgitation due to food sitting too long in the
oesophagus. While not a cure, ginger tea may offer some comfort alongside other
therapies.
4. Peppermint Oil Capsules: Natural IBS
and Bloating Relief
Enteric-coated peppermint oil
capsules can pass through the stomach and release in the intestines, where they
help relax muscles.
Common
uses:
- Reduces cramping and bloating
- Eases irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
- Soothes mild spasms in the digestive tract
Caution: If you suffer from reflux, peppermint may worsen symptoms
by relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter.
5. Probiotics: Restoring Gut Flora Balance
Probiotics help maintain a healthy
balance of bacteria in the gut. This can aid digestion, boost immunity, and
improve bowel regularity.
Suitable
for:
- IBS
- Diarrhoea related to antibiotics
- Constipation
- Bloating
Choose a broad-spectrum probiotic or
one targeted to your specific symptoms. Consider strains like Lactobacillus
acidophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis.
People looking for supplements to
help with achalasia symptoms may also explore probiotic support, especially
if digestive discomfort and reflux are frequent.
6. Marshmallow Root: Calming the
Oesophagus and Stomach
Like slippery elm, marshmallow root
contains mucilage that soothes irritation.
Benefits:
- Coats the digestive tract
- Reduces discomfort from acid or irritation
- May offer relief for those experiencing painful
swallowing
This makes it a gentle option to
consider for those managing more persistent swallowing issues or inflammation
of the upper digestive tract.
7. Digestive Bitters: Stimulating Natural
Enzyme Production
Digestive bitters are plant extracts
traditionally used to spark the body's own digestive processes.
How
they help:
- Stimulate saliva, stomach acid, and bile
- Improve nutrient absorption
- Reduce bloating and sluggish digestion
You can take bitters in liquid form
15–20 minutes before meals.
Note: If you suffer from active ulcers or severe reflux, bitters
may not be suitable without medical guidance.
8. Achalasia: A Focus on Natural Relief
Achalasia is a rare condition where
the muscles of the oesophagus lose the ability to move food toward the stomach.
The lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) may also fail to relax properly, making
swallowing difficult.
Conventional treatment often
involves surgery or dilation. However, many people explore natural approaches
to help manage the symptoms, especially between procedures or alongside
treatment.
Natural remedies that may support
achalasia:
- Chamomile tea
– Calming and anti-inflammatory, useful for night-time discomfort
- Ginger
– To support digestion and reduce regurgitation
- Marshmallow root or slippery elm – For coating and soothing the oesophagus
- Soft-food diet
– Blended or pureed meals reduce effort during swallowing
- Small, frequent meals
– Help avoid overload and pressure in the oesophagus
- Probiotics
– Address potential bacterial imbalance caused by reflux or poor motility
To explore more about this condition
and how to address it naturally, read our in-depth article on the Best Natural Remedies For Achalasia.
While no natural remedy cures
achalasia, the right combination of lifestyle changes, gentle herbs, and
nutritional support can significantly improve daily comfort.
9. Aloe Vera Juice: Soothing Digestive
Irritation
Aloe vera, taken internally, may
calm inflammation in the stomach and intestines.
Benefits:
- Reduces acid
- Supports healing of irritated tissue
- May ease reflux-related discomfort
Only use aloe vera juice that’s been
specifically processed for internal use. Start with small amounts to check for
sensitivity.
10. Turmeric (Curcumin): Anti-inflammatory
Support
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is
known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Digestive
benefits:
- Reduces inflammation in the gut lining
- May help with IBS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Supports liver function and bile flow
Take as a supplement or add to food
with black pepper to increase absorption.
11. Fennel Seeds: Quick Relief for
Bloating and Gas
Chewing fennel seeds after a meal is
an old habit in many cultures—and for good reason.
Why
it works:
- Relaxes the muscles in the gut
- Reduces gas and pressure
- Aids digestion of fatty foods
Fennel tea is another gentle way to
gain similar benefits.
12. Warm Water First Thing in the Morning
Simple but surprisingly effective,
drinking warm water upon waking helps activate the digestive system.
Potential
benefits:
- Aids bowel movements
- Stimulates digestive enzyme release
- Hydrates the body after a night’s rest
This can be especially helpful for
people with sluggish digestion or those managing symptoms of achalasia by
encouraging gentle flow through the oesophagus.
Lifestyle Tips for Better Digestive Health
In addition to natural remedies,
your daily habits play a major role in maintaining a healthy gut.
Try
these simple changes:
- Chew thoroughly
– Reduces strain on your digestive system
- Avoid late-night meals – Prevents reflux and improves sleep
- Stay hydrated
– Essential for moving food through the gut
- Prioritise fibre
– From fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limit ultra-processed foods – Reduces inflammation and supports healthy microbiota
Final Thoughts
Digestive health doesn’t always
require a medicine cabinet full of prescriptions. With the right natural approaches,
many people find significant relief from symptoms that once interfered with
daily life.
