A couple of days ago, we wrote about the merry act of drinking ( too much that is) with the leftover effect of nasty hangovers and the wonderful little natural helpers that exist in our very own kitchen to counter it. Well if you read that then thought to yourself I don’t drink so this festive drawback won’t apply to me, great…but what about the other festive drawback? You know the one that’s the result of overindulging in the tempting scrumptious/ sinful delicacies of the season – yes I’m either talking about festive weight gain or festive indigestion.
Now obviously if nature’s got a cure for hangovers, it has cures for digestion issues too. Of course indigestion is easier to deal with than weight gain but if you have the patience and determination to see the course (herbal treatment) through till the end, then rest assured your efforts (or sacrifice) will not go unrewarded.
The following remedies I have are aimed at treating that discomforting feeling of being too stuffed but used long term, they have remedial properties against fighting weight gain:
Fennel Tea
Those tiny little seeds don’t just pack a punch in scent, but also in power. In fact, a nice strong tea of fennel will give you instant relief from the whole package that comes with indigestion (mild stomach upsets, indigestion, bloating, gas, and cramps)
Peppermint Tea
Surely you saw this one coming – after dinner mints would have given you an idea that mint must be good for the stomach. Well it is, peppermint has healing qualities that
Reduce spasms of the colon and intestinal tract,
With the presence of thymol and eugenol, balances oral and intestinal flora which thereafter reduces fermentation of undigested food- that means no bloating, nausea and gas!
Dandelion
Not just another pretty flower, dandelion (flower and root can be used) either chewed in sprigs or made into a bitter tea stimulated bile flow – bile aids in the process of emulsification, digestion, and absorption of fats.
Gentian Root
One word to describe this herb – bitter! Gentian increases the body’s secretion of digestive juices, and to some extent, also increases peristalsis which is how it aids digestion. Jokes aside, gentian really really is one of the strongest bitters around, but it is also one of the most effective aids for indigestion.
Ginger Root
Simple to make and cures that heavy stuffed feeling, ginger root crushed and boiled into tea is one of the best and easiest after dinner drinks to ease that queasy stomach.
Merry Christmas everyone!
