The Gut-Brain Connection: Herbs for Digestion, Stress & Whole-Body Health with Maria Noel Groves

What does your gut have to do with your mood, stress levels, immune function, and overall health? More than you might think.Digestive complaints are more common than ever, with increasing rates of IBS, SIBO, reflux, food sensitivities, and chronic digestive discomfort. But what if supporting gut health is about more than simply managing symptoms?In this episode of The Wild Rose Podcast, host Megan Kendrick sits down with clinical herbalist and author Maria Noel Groves to explore the fascinating relationship between digestion, the nervous system, the microbiome, and overall health.Drawing from her latest book, Herbal Gut Health, Maria explains how the digestive system influences everything from nutrient absorption and immune function to mood, stress resilience, and long-term wellness. Together, they unpack the gut-brain connection, discuss why digestive issues are on the rise, and explore practical herbal strategies for supporting digestive healing and restoring balance.You'll also learn about digestive bitters and carminatives, the role of stomach acid and the microbiome, common digestive concerns such as IBS and SIBO, and Maria's 5 Rs framework for gut repair.Whether you're an herbalist, a student of natural health, or simply looking for ways to better support your digestion, this conversation offers practical insights and empowering tools for building resilience from the inside out.In This Episode, We Discuss:• Why digestive health is foundational to overall wellness• The gut-brain connection and the role of the vagus nerve• How stress affects digestion and digestion affects stress• IBS, SIBO, reflux, food sensitivities, and microbiome imbalances• The importance of stomach acid and digestive secretions• Digestive bitters and aromatic carminatives• The 5 Rs of gut repair• Realistic timelines for digestive healing• Everyday herbal strategies to support gut healthResources & LinksMaria Noel Groveshttps://wintergreenbotanicals.comWild Rose College of Herbal Medicinehttps://wildrosecollege.comThe Wild Rose Herbal Villagehttps://community.wildrosecollege.comSubscribe to The Wild Rose Podcast for conversations exploring the art, science, and spirit of herbalism with leading herbalists, educators, and plant medicine practitioners