Digestion begins the moment food enters our mouth and we begin to chew. Our digestive systems break down and stores all the nutrients we need and secretes what we don’t.
It sounds like a simple procedure but it actually is a complicated process requiring many vital organs (stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas) to function well.
The main purposes of our digestive systems are:
- To ingest food and break it down with enzymes
- To move food around our body and digest it further to facilitate absorption
- To enable secretion of waste
Most of us have suffered some form of digestive system disorder or illness. These can be common conditions such as heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, nausea and indigestion, which are easily remedied. Or can be much more acute and potentially life-changing like Celiac disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which is why we may choose to take a natural supplement like Pegaga to help support and create a healthy gut.
Pegaga (Gotu Kola) has many beneficial health properties, and while the most studied and known is its ability to boost brain function, it can also help ease digestive system issues like indigestion, stomach ulcers, diarrhoea and tummy aches; and detoxify at the same time. According to Ayurvedic medicine, 80% of all diseases stems from digestive imbalances, which in turn can be caused by stress and poor lymphatic circulation.
Pegaga can improve all this with the following properties:
Mild diuretic:
A diuretic is a substance that promotes the increased excretion of water from the body, and is often used in weight loss and to flush out toxins. Pegaga has mild diuretic properties making it a safe option to detoxify, ease inflammation, boost energy levels and help with weight loss.
Soothing properties:
Heartburn is a common ailment caused by irritation of the oesophagus caused by stomach acid with the pain centred around the middle of the chest. It’s often worse in the evening and after eating and one way of easing the symptoms is to consume a demulcent, which is a substance that relieves and soothes irritation of mucous membranes. Pegaga is a demulcent so a teaspoon of powdered herb in water can help soothe heartburn.
Adaptogen:
Stress can cause and increase heartburn, stomach cramps, IBS, ulcers, inflammation, constipation and loose stools. Pegaga is classified as an adaptogenic substance, which means it helps the body deal with stress and restoring physiological functions naturally, and helping to ease the symptoms of digestive conditions.
Gut-brain connection:
Anxiety directly affects everything in our body but is particularly unforgiving on our gut. One of the main benefits of Pegaga is its ability to treat anxiety. Studies have shown that it has a calming effect, which in turn relieves the effects anxiety has on our digestive systems.
Support intestinal health of older people:
Reports have stated that Pegaga supports the intestinal health of elderly patients with digestive issues suggesting that the plant may play a role in the stomach’s ability to self-heal. The intestinal lining (epithelium) is part of the body’s skin layer (epidermis), which means that Pegaga’s skin renewal properties works on both internal and external skin tissue.
Pegaga is a powerful herb on its own so mixing it with papaya and turmeric leaves only enhances its health benefits. Papaya leaf extract is known to aid digestion, as a colon cleanser and most commonly, to ease constipation. The enzyme papain, found in papaya and its leaves, is also known to heal and prevent stomach ulcers, and has antimicrobial properties. Turmeric leaves are also hugely beneficial and are used to ease bloating and gas. Curcumin, the compound found in turmeric, is also known as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
To find out more about these amazing Traditional Asian herbs, and how to order this limited edition product, click here.
