From a Holistic point of view Digestive Health is directly linked to the Solar Plexus, presiding energy center for digestive organs, stomach, pancreas, liver, gall bladder, spleen, and adrenal glands. Common manifestations of dis-ease include ulcers, diabetes, cancer, liver, stomach, and gall bladder disorders, and skin disorders.

Individuals with Digestive disorders such as IBD (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) must make sure that they are getting important nutrients such as:

• Essential Fatty Acids

• L-glutamine

• B complex

• Fiber

• Free form Amino Acids

• Mineral complex

• Pancreatin

• Quercetin

• Calcium

• Magnesium

Specific foods and herbs for these main nutrients can be found in the Prescription for Nutritional Healing book (use code NUTRITION at checkout to get $5 off). You may notice that the Doctrine of Signatures significantly plays out here in this list. The corresponding energy center, Solar Plexus, represents the color yellow and this list contains many yellow stem, flower, or root plants.

Yellow Dock

Acts as a blood purifier and cleanser, and as a general tonic. Improves colon and liver function. Good for inflammation of the nasal passages and respiratory tract, anemia, liver disease, and skin disorders such as eczema, hives, psoriasis, and rashes. Combined with sarsaparilla, makes a tea for chronic skin disorders.

Caution: Yellow dock leaves should not be consumed in soups or salads. They are high in oxalates and may cause oxalic acid poisoning.

Burdock

Acts as an antioxidant. May help to protect against cancer by helping control cell mutation. Aids elimination of excess fluid, uric acid, and toxins. Purifies the blood, restores liver and gallbladder function, and stimulates the digestive and immune systems.Helps skin disorders such as boils and carbuncles, and relieves gout and menopausal symptoms.

Caution: if Diabetes is already diagnosed do not use Burdock.

Cinnamon

Relieves diarrhea and nausea; counteracts congestion;aids peripheral circulation. Warms the body and enhances digestion, especially the metabolism of fats. Useful for diabetes, weight loss, yeast infection, and uterine hemorrhaging.

Yarrow

Cooling herb that is effective in relieving stomach cramps and diarrhea.

Chamomile

Reduces inflammation, stimulates the appetite, and aids in digestion. Acts as a diuretic and nerve tonic.Helpful for colitis, diverticulosis, pain, and good for menstrual cramps.Remedy for stress, indigestion, anxiety and insomnia.

Uva Ursi

Promotes excretion of fluids and fights bacteria. Good for disorders of the spleen, liver, pancreas, and small intestines. Useful for bladder and kidney infections, diabetes, and prostate disorders.

Buchu

Lessens inflammation of the colon, gums, mucous membranes, prostate, sinuses, and vagina. Acts as a diuretic. Helps to control bladder and kidney problems, diabetes, digestive disorders, fluid retention, and prostate disorders. Best for bladder infections.

Echinacea

Stimulates certain white blood cells. Good for the lymphatic system. Due to its insulin component, which increases a serum globulin called “properidin”, echinacea promotes the neutralization of immune complexes, viruses, and bacteria.

Red Raspberry Leaf

This is one of the greatest secrets Solar and Sacral wellness. The fruit is great to consume as well, but the magical medicinal properties come from the leaves.

Reduces menstrual bleeding, relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms, and strengthens uterine walls. Good for diarrhea and for female disorders.

This is a pretty good list to start with, but specific conditions may require different or additional herbs. For example, someone who has diarrhea along with abdominal cramps. Applying Orisha diagnostic principles, we would identify the source of the problem in the Oshun/Solar Energy Center that presides over the digestive organs, and elimination system. In order to correct the mis- alignment of Oshun, we would appease it by using Raspberry leaves and Yarrow combined with honey in the form of a tea, taken three times a day. The honey is essential because Oshun is known for her love of honey, which brings about her healing qualities. Raspberry and Yarrow are both cooling herbs that are effective in removing stomach cramps and relieving diarrhea. The power to heal with cool water is characteristic to Oshun-Orisha which enhances the healing properties in the herbs.