Herbs & Medicinal Plants

Your gut and your brain are in constant conversation. It’s one reason stress so often shows up in your stomach, and why an unsettled gut can make it hard to feel settled anywhere else.

• Peppermint · Fresh leaves or tea are familiar after a meal. For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the better evidence is for specially coated peppermint oil capsules, which may help with symptoms such as abdominal pain.
• Ginger · Look for fresh root, dried ginger or tea. A warming cup many people reach for when their stomach is unsettled. Ginger may help with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, though much of the research tested measured preparations. If you’re pregnant and considering a medicinal ginger product, ask your midwife or pharmacist about the specific product.
• Fennel seed · Often brewed as tea and traditionally used for mild bloating and wind. It’s a longstanding use with limited clinical evidence.

What you eat every day shapes your energy, your gut and how you feel. You’ll find more on our Nutrition & Gut Health page.

Flaxseed (linseed), chia and hemp seeds belong here for what they bring to the plate. Flax and chia add fibre, while hemp seeds add protein and fats. Stir them through porridge or yoghurt, or scatter them over a salad. Some of the most useful plants are simply the ones you enjoy eating often.

Turmeric has a long history in cooking and traditional medicine, and concentrated turmeric and curcumin supplements are now everywhere. If you’re considering one, know that Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration warns of a rare risk of liver injury with medicinal turmeric or curcumin products. This risk does not appear to apply to typical amounts used in food.

Check what fits with what you already take. If you’re pregnant, buying for a child or taking regular medicines, show the exact product to a pharmacist or your treating clinician. A familiar plant can behave differently when it’s concentrated.