PAEAN gut-health guide · Written by NIMH-registered herbalists
Herbal Medicine for Bloating
Persistent bloating affects up to 1 in 3 UK adults — and is one of the most common reasons people seek a herbalist. Herbal medicine offers a targeted, root-cause approach — addressing gut motility, microbiome balance, food sensitivities and the underlying inflammation that drives the symptom.
01 · The practice
Why most gut symptoms rarely have a single cause.
Bloating is the most common gut complaint UK adults bring to a herbalist — more common than IBS, GERD or constipation individually. It’s also the symptom most likely to be dismissed when bloods come back normal. Bloating can be functional (the gut feels distended without actual gas), gas-driven (real fermentation producing real volume), motility-driven (food moving too slowly), or microbiome-driven (SIBO and dysbiosis are major contributors). The reason herbal medicine works well here is that it addresses all four drivers in parallel rather than picking one.
Persistent bloating affects up to 1 in 3 UK adults — and is one of the most common reasons people seek a herbalist. Herbal medicine offers a targeted, root-cause approach — addressing gut motility, microbiome balance, food sensitivities and the underlying inflammation that drives the symptom.
“Around 80% of the world’s population uses herbal medicine as part of their primary healthcare.”
WHO Global Report on Traditional Medicine, 2019
02 · How it works
How herbal medicine settles the gut.
01
Tailored protocol
Each formula is matched to the individual, not just the diagnosis.
02
Root-cause approach
The aim is to address the underlying cause, not just suppress symptoms.
03
Evidence-informed
Where good clinical evidence exists, it guides the protocol.
04
Coordinated care
Treatment is coordinated with any conventional care you receive.
By the numbers
Working on the gut by the numbers.
70%
Of IBS clients report meaningful improvement on personalised protocols
4-8
Herbs typically combined in a bespoke gut formula
8-12
Weeks to settle a chronic gut presentation
60-90
Minutes to take your full gut history
03 · The herbs at work
Herbs that work on the gut-brain axis.
Carminative
Peppermint
Relaxes lower oesophageal sphincter and intestinal smooth muscle.
Carminative
Fennel
Traditional Mediterranean wind-easer used after meals.
Carminative
Ginger
Stimulates gastric motility and reduces post-meal heaviness.
Antispasmodic
Chamomile
Calms spasm and excessive gas.
04 · What to expect
From discovery call to a settled gut.
01
Discovery call
A free 15-minute call to walk through your gut symptoms and history.
02
Gut-focused consultation
60-90 minutes mapping your gut symptoms, diet, stress and triggers in detail.
03
Gut-settling protocol
A targeted formula combining gut-healing, motility and microbiome support.
04
Cycle of reviews
Reviews every 3-4 weeks to fine-tune your formula as the gut stabilises.
Safety note
Some gut-supporting herbs interact with medication — peppermint oil can reduce absorption of iron and certain heart medications, liquorice raises blood pressure in long courses, and DGL is a safer alternative for reflux. Always work with a registered herbalist if you take PPIs, anticoagulants or anti-hypertensives, and tell your GP about any treatment.
05 · Frequently asked
Questions we hear from gut-health clients.
Is bloating always a sign of IBS?
No — many people without IBS experience bloating from food intolerances, SIBO or dysbiosis. Investigation matters.
Should I do a SIBO breath test?
Useful where bloating is severe, persistent and post-prandial. Your herbalist will advise whether testing is appropriate.
How quickly will it settle?
Many patients notice significant reduction within 4–6 weeks. Underlying SIBO or chronic dysbiosis may take 3–6 months.
Can I book online from anywhere in the UK?
Yes — consultations are offered by video and home visits are available in selected areas.
Talk through your gut symptoms with a practitioner.
A free 15-minute discovery call helps us understand whether tailored herbal support is the right next step for your gut.