3 of your best digestive allies during the Holidays
The Holidays are here. You can’t wait to spend the time with your friends and family and relax from the busyness of the fall. In addition to the joy and excitement, this time of the year also has a dark side.
Have you noticed, the Holidays seem to shine the light on your weaknesses?
If you’re anything like I am, you might overindulge in good food and conversation during this Season.
These next few weeks are much less predictable for your digestive system. To perform their best, our bodies, just like elite athletes, like the predictability and routine to perform.
Every year my neighbors get together to celebrate the holidays. I live in a great community, and one of my neighbors is a chef. His food is always so creative and scrumptious!
This morning I was wondering why is it usually so hard for me to pass on that second cookie?
Do you ever get overwhelmed by the amount and the variety of food available or by the temptation of the ingredients that might not agree with you?
Today, I want to share 3 practical tips with you.
These plants are my secret weapons for a better digestion during the Holidays.
If you are the cook in your family and want your guests to leave with a pleasant sensation of fullness, or you just love to feel great after a delicious dinner/dessert, these simple herbs can be your allies too! You can find them in the most supermarkets (in the produce or tea sections).
1. Ginger
This plant comes from Asia. It’s a great medicine for most people. People that prefer somewhat bland diet, say Ginger is hot and peppery in your the mouth. This sensation decreases as you get used to the taste.
Chinese and Ayurvedic physicians believed that Ginger starts the “fire” of your digestion. Today, we know that Ginger affects digestive system by reducing gas, stimulating acid production, decreasing nausea and vomiting, promoting motility of your gut and decreasing cramps.
If you expect to have a larger meal later that day, starting your morning with a cup of ginger tea is wise. This plant has other benefits too! Ginger warms you up (it stimulates your circulation) and is great during the cold of winter. It also promotes sweating, which is typically helpful if you’re coming down with a cold or flu.
I buy a root in the produce department and typically keep it in my freezer. I use a piece that is two-thirds of my finger in length. You can chop it in pieces (these days I don’t even remove the skin), put it in water, bring it to boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Adding lemon juice and honey, when ready, makes this a very pleasant and beneficial drink.
2. Chamomile
This is my second favorite digestive aid. If you are familiar with Beatrix Potter, you’ve probably heard of Peter Rabbit. You probably remember that he drank chamomile tea after being bullied on the playground.
Chamomile is an amazing plant known to for its anti-inflammatory, calming and digestive effects. This herb is typically safe for adults and children.
Making a cup of tea is very easy. Get a good quality chamomile tea in your supermarket. Pour some hot water on the flowers/bag letting it steep for 10 minutes. Some typical brands sold in your supermarket might be on a weaker side, so sometimes herbalists recommend brewing a couple of bags together.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint is well known all around the world. Mint oil is used in many products as a food flavoring, in cosmetics and more.
I like brewing peppermint tea for its effects on your digestive tract. Research done on mint oil shows a beneficial effect in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint is used to help reduce cramping and gas after a heavy meal and is a perfect addition to your dessert.
Just pour some hot water and let the peppermint leaves/bag steep for 10 minutes.
May your Holidays be filled with laughter, happiness and good health!
Originally published at http://www.lanacamiel.com
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About the Author
I am a college professor, pharmacist and herbalist, teaching young professionals and students how to have less stress and more focus with the right food and herbs.
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