Boost Your Digestion: Doctor-Approved Herbs For A Healthy Gut

Last Updated:June 08, 2025, 13:34 IST

Good gut health begins with diet, and herbs can boost digestion and enhance probiotic benefits.

Maintaining good gut health starts with what’s on your plate, and your diet can either support or sabotage your digestive system. While probiotics, like those found in yoghurt, are often the go-to for promoting a healthy gut, certain plant-based additions, especially herbs, can take your gut care game to the next level by enhancing digestion and even boosting probiotic effectiveness.

Internal medicine physician and gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, based in California, recently took to Instagram on June 5 to reveal three herbs he incorporates into his routine to maintain optimal gut health. Dr. Sethi frequently shares tips on digestion and nutrition, and this time, he spotlighted three simple yet powerful ingredients that support a healthy digestive system.

1. Turmeric + Yoghurt + Black Pepper

Turmeric and black pepper may already be staples in your kitchen, but when combined with yoghurt, they offer a potent gut-friendly mix. Dr. Sethi includes this trio in his evening routine to help combat gut inflammation. “Turmeric in my evening yoghurt. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been shown to reduce gut inflammation. Make sure to put a little bit of black pepper for proper absorption,” he advised. The black pepper enhances the bioavailability of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, making it easier for the body to absorb and utilise its anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. Ginger in Evening Tea

Ginger has long been used in traditional medicine for its soothing properties, especially when it comes to digestion. Dr. Sethi includes ginger in his evening tea to promote gut health and relieve common digestive complaints. “Ginger in my evening tea – ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can also help with nausea,” he noted. Adding ginger to tea is a simple way to harness its natural benefits while winding down at the end of the day.

3. Unsweetened Fennel Seeds

Among his top three gut-friendly picks, Dr. Sethi considers unsweetened fennel seeds a standout due to their impressive impact on digestion. He eats them after dinner to ease digestion and reduce bloating. “Fennel seeds contain anethole, which can relieve bloating and gas by relaxing the muscles in the GI tract,” he explained. Fennel seeds are a natural remedy traditionally used for centuries to alleviate digestive discomfort, and anethole, their key compound, is known to relax gastrointestinal muscles and improve motility.

Incorporating these natural ingredients – turmeric with yoghurt and black pepper, ginger in tea, and fennel seeds after meals can support a balanced and healthy gut.

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Delhi, India, India

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