Digestive Support Supplements: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Can we talk?

Digestive health isn’t exactly dinner-table conversation, unless you’re looking to chase off guests or have some less-than-great expectations for the meal, but when things feel off, it’s hard to think about much else.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this normal?” or “Should digestion really be this uncomfortable?” you’re not alone. The good news is that occasional digestive issues are incredibly common, and understanding what’s happening (and what can help) is often the first step toward feeling better. The second step may just be digestive support supplements, but you should understand how they work first!

Quick Links:

• What Are Digestive Support Supplements?
• How Herbal Digestive Support Supplements Work
• Key Herbs Used in Natural Herbal Laxative Support
• Do I Need Digestive Support Supplements?

What Are Digestive Support Supplements?

One of the primary goals of naturopathy and holistic health is to support the body’s natural processes. When they’re not functioning as they should, plant-based solutions can help guide the body back to balance.

Digestive support supplements are no different. When things feel sluggish, irregular, or out of balance, botanicals can help support normal digestive function by lubricating the digestive tract and stimulating regularity in ways that align with the body's natural design.

Many people experience digestive issues at some point, whether it’s occasional constipation, slow bowel movements, digestive discomfort, or a sense that digestion just isn’t running as smoothly as it should.

Stress, travel, dehydration, dietary changes, medications, and seasonal shifts can all contribute to these challenges. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why, post-holidays, folks may be looking for a bit of help.

Herbal digestive support supplements, in particular, draw on long-standing botanical traditions combined with modern clinical insight. Ingredients such as marshmallow root and slippery elm are valued for their ability to hydrate and support the digestive lining, allowing for more comfortable bowel movements. Aloe, or aloe resin which is used in our product, kicks the body into action and can create an urgent need for a bathroom break.

These herbs are commonly associated with herbal laxatives. The demulcents encourage mucous production from the goblet cells that line the digestive tract; this increases water content and stimulates the bowel, leading the body back to its natural balance and functioning.

A thoughtfully formulated digestive support supplement may help:

• Support normal digestive function
  
  
• Provide occasional relief for sluggish bowel movements
  
  
• Help hydrate and lubricate irritated digestive tissues
  

When crafted with limited, high-quality ingredients and informed by clinical experience, as is often the case with naturopathic-advised formulations, digestive support supplements can be a reliable option for people looking for digestive support.

How Herbal Digestive Support Supplements Work

Herbal digestive support supplements are typically designed to support regularity by working with the digestive tract, often by soothing and protecting the gut lining, supporting hydration/lubrication, and stimulating motility, depending on the herbs used.

Many “digestive issues” involve irritation, dryness, and an unhappy gut lining that makes elimination feel uncomfortable, so herbal solutions aim to restore balance and address root causes, not just provide speed.

They soothe and protect the digestive lining (demulcent action)

Herbs like marshmallow root and slippery elm are rich in mucilage, a plant compound that becomes gel-like when mixed with water. This creates the demulcent effect: helping form a soothing, protective layer over mucous membranes.

• Studies on marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) have shown that the extract forms a protective film on inflamed mucosa, which is one reason it’s traditionally used to soothe irritated tissues (1).
  
  
• Research has shown that slippery elm is a mucilaginous herb used to support/protect mucosal barrier function in GI contexts (2).
  
  
• An NIH-hosted safety review demonstrated that slippery elm contains natural, gel-forming compounds and suggested that it has long been used to coat and soothe the digestive tract, helping to calm stomach and intestinal irritation (3).
  

They can support easier passage by promoting comfort and “slipperiness”

When the digestive tract is irritated or “dry,” bowel movements can feel harder than they need to. Mucilage-rich herbs don’t act as harsh trigger mechanisms like some OTC laxatives do; instead, they support natural digestion and smoother elimination. (This is one reason many people prefer mucilage-forward formulas when wondering what’s in an herbal laxative).

Some herbs, like aloe, provide more direct laxative action, so formulation matters 

Aloe is one example of why it’s essential to trust the company, the product, and the overall formula. Certain parts of the aloe plant, such as the leaf’s outer portion, have been used as a laxative, but it can also cause cramps and diarrhea, and there are safety concerns with specific oral aloe preparations (4).

Our formulation uses Aloe resin, which does act as a bowel stimulant. For that reason, it's recommend to take at night, which gives it time to work, and allows users to sleep through potential discomfort.

That’s why questions like “Are herbal laxatives safe?” don’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Not only does safety depend on the ingredient form, herbal dosages, duration, and the person, but also on whether the product was designed with clinical oversight and careful refinement. This is precisely where a naturopathic doctor–advised, limited-ingredient approach, like the one used by SuperTrees Botanicals, can add real value.

Bottom line? Herbal digestive support supplements can help promote regularity when soothing herbs are combined with ingredients that may more directly encourage bowel activity and do so in a more natural way than what you find at the corner pharmacy.

When it comes to supporting digestion, the goal is offer support for occasional sluggish bowel movements and restore everyday digestive function.

Key Herbs Used in Natural Herbal Laxative Support

When it comes to formulating herbal laxative formulas, one of the most important goals should be working with the body's natural systems. For our formula, that means relying on a small number of well-studied, complementary herbs that work together to limit cramping while encouraging regularity and normal digestive function. 

These herbs focus on soothing, hydrating, and supporting natural movement. In other words, natural digestive support without the sometimes harsh after effects of other solutions. While it will create urgency, it first helps your system prepare.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root is best known for its soothing, protective properties. It contains naturally occurring compounds that become slippery and gel-like when mixed with water. In the digestive tract, this helps coat and calm irritated tissues, making bowel movements more comfortable and supporting overall digestive balance.

Many of the widely recognized marshmallow root benefits stem from its ability to retain moisture and ease discomfort. For people dealing with digestive issues tied to dryness, irritation, or occasional sluggishness, marshmallow root offers support without stimulating urgency.

Aloe

Aloe has a long history of use in herbal laxatives and digestive remedies. When properly formulated and carefully dosed, aloe can encourage bowel movement while still supporting digestive comfort. Unlike harsh stimulant laxatives, aloe’s role in a balanced formula is to help move things along without overwhelming the system.

That said, aloe can be potent. This is why clinically informed, limited-ingredient formulations matter; they help ensure aloe supports occasional relief for sluggish bowel, while minimizing cramping and discomfort.

Slippery Elm

Like marshmallow root, slippery elm is a mucilage-rich herb valued for its ability to soothe and protect the digestive lining. It helps create a smooth, calming environment in the gut, supporting easier elimination and overall digestive comfort.

Slippery elm is often included in herbal laxative blends not to “force” a bowel movement, but to reduce friction and irritation, making regularity feel more natural and less stressful on the body. This supportive role is invaluable for people sensitive to stronger laxative ingredients. 

Together, these herbs create a formula that reflects a gentle, functional approach to digestive health, which often stands in stark contrast to what’s available OTC at the pharmacy. Together, they prioritize comfort, consistency, and balance, which are all better for our bodies than quick fixes or force.

Do I Need Digestive Support Supplements?

When our bodies are functioning as they should, we likely don’t question what we need and when we need it. For many, there’s a very real fear of using products that stimulate our digestive system, because the result is often not only relief but also urgency. And, in some cases, the solution is a bit more than a gentle nudge.

So, how do you know if you need digestive support supplements?

For many people, the answer is often more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Digestive support supplements aren’t meant to be a daily requirement for everyone, but they can be helpful tools during periods when digestion feels off, sluggish, or less reliable than usual.

You might consider digestive support supplements if you experience:

• Occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements
  
  
• A feeling of sluggish or incomplete digestion
  
  
• Digestive issues during travel, stress, or routine changes
  
  
• Temporary digestive slowdowns related to dehydration, diet shifts, or seasonal changes
  

Digestive support supplements are best suited for occasional concerns, not chronic or unexplained symptoms. A qualified healthcare provider can and should help you distinguish between supporting digestion and treating an underlying condition. 

The types of supplements we’re discussing are commonly used for short-term or on an as-needed basis, not as a permanent fix. The goal is to support the body while it recalibrates, not override its natural signals.

This is where natural, herbal-based formulas stand apart from conventional laxatives. If you’ve ever tried a stimulant laxative and felt significant discomfort and/or rebound constipation, you’re not alone. Many people turn to herbal laxatives because they’re looking for a more comfortable experience, one that supports regularity and natural balance without a shock to the system.

You may not need digestive support supplements if:

• Your digestion is regular and comfortable most of the time
  
  
• Lifestyle adjustments (hydration, fiber, movement) resolve the issue
  
  
• Symptoms are infrequent and self-correcting
  

But if digestive issues keep resurfacing, especially during predictable triggers, digestive support supplements can offer targeted, temporary assistance. When formulated with limited ingredients, clinical oversight, and an understanding of how different bodies respond, they can be a thoughtful addition to a broader digestive wellness plan.

In short, digestive support supplements aren’t about dependence. Like most botanicals and herbal supplements,  they’re about supporting function when the body asks for help and stepping back when it doesn’t.

Like any help, digestive support works best when it’s thoughtful and intentional. A limited-ingredient approach allows each herb to do what it does best, without unnecessary fillers, conflicting compounds, or guesswork. 

When formulations are refined over time, supported by clinical insight, and guided by naturopathic doctor (ND) oversight, the result is a digestive support supplement that prioritizes comfort, consistency, and real-world effectiveness for individual bodies; it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

If you’re looking for digestive support supplements designed with purpose, not shortcuts, check out our Move Mate. It’s a all-natural digestive support solution using a limited-ingredient formula, targeted botanicals, thoughtful formulation, and years of refinement.

 If you have questions, please reach out to our team! We’re happy to help.

Sources:

1. Devaraj, S., Yimam, M., Brownell, L. A., Jialal, I., Singh, S., & Jia, Q. (2013). Effects of Aloe vera supplementation in subjects with pre-diabetes/metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 11(1), 35–40. https://doi.org/10.1089/met.2012.0066

2. Peterson, C. T., Sharma, V., Uchitel, S., Denniston, K., Chopra, D., Mills, P. J., & Peterson, S. N. (2018). Prebiotic potential of herbal medicines used in digestive health and disease. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(7), 656–665. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0422

3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Slippery Elm. In LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury (Bookshelf ID: NBK599741). National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599741/

4. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2025, February). Aloe vera: Usefulness and safety. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera