03/06/2026
How Herbal Actions Support Gut Health:
Herbal “actions” are a set of common terms that refer to the properties associated with particular herbs. Understanding these terms helps us determine proper use, informs us in formulation decisions, and presents us with options when we need to substitute one herb for another. Many times, a single herb will have a variety of actions, which can be key in feeding a healthy microbiome. In terms of positively influencing the microflorae in our gut, we are most interested in herbal actions that include carminative, nervine, bitter, and demulcent herbs.
Carminatives:
Carminatives are aromatic herbs containing volatile oils. These small molecules help relieve intestinal gas, tension, and spasms and promote intestinal motility. They help the digestive process function smoothly and with ease. Use carminatives when there is gas, irritability, fluctuating stool frequency and/or consistency, bloating, cramps, or flatulence. Consider these carminative herbs: