Herbal Gut-Brain Axis: The Link Between Digestion and Mood
In this episode, I explore one of the most fascinating relationships in the body — the gut-brain axis — and how our digestion and mental health are intimately connected. As a clinical herbalist and a practitioner of plant spirit medicine, I’ve seen how tending the gut can calm the mind, lift the heart, and bring us back into balance.
We’ll look at the science behind this connection — how the vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, and the gut microbiome shape our mood, focus, and emotional resilience. I’ll also share how stress and inflammation disrupt these pathways, and what we can do to restore communication between the gut and brain.
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Throughout the conversation, I introduce some of my favorite herbal allies for gut-brain harmony:
🌿 Ashwagandha – strengthens resilience and lowers stress hormones
🌿 Holy Basil (Tulsi) – uplifts mood and clears mental fog
🌿 Chamomile – soothes digestive tension and emotional unrest
🌿 Lemon Balm – calms the nervous system and supports digestion
🌿 Licorice Root – protects and nourishes the gut lining while easing fatigue
I’ll also share a simple case study and a few daily practices to help you strengthen vagal tone, improve digestion, and support emotional well-being — from breathwork and mindful eating to herbal rituals that deepen your connection with your body’s inner wisdom.
✨ Watch this episode if you’re curious about:
- How the gut-brain axis shapes your health and mood
- Herbs that support digestion, stress relief, and mental clarity
- The role of the vagus nerve and microbiome in healing
- Ways to calm inflammation and reconnect to your intuition
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Chapters: Herbal Gut-Brain Axis: The Link Between Digestion and Mood | Ashley Elenbaas
00:00 Begins
00:22 Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis
02:01 The Role of the Vagus Nerve
04:52 Neurotransmitters and the Enteric Nervous System
06:33 The Microbiome's Influence on Mood
08:16 Stress, Inflammation, and Gut Health
10:37 Herbal Allies for Gut-Brain Communication
18:04 Integrating Herbs with Lifestyle Practices
20:00 Case Study: Healing Through Gut Health
21:10 Final Thoughts on Gut Health and Intuition