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Holiday tummy? Herbs can help!

Paola
Dec 29, 2015
4 min read

If your household is in any way like mine, you may have seen the endless parade of treats, chocolates, cookies, and large meal after large meal throughout the last few days… which means tummy troubles for the majority of us. The stress of the season, change in our regular routines, lack of fiber in the diet, and overabundance of fatty, sugary foods can play a role in throwing our digestion out of whack.

Belly issues can present in a variety of ways, from heartburn, to bloating, indigestion, slow intestinal transit, or the opposite, too much/too frequent output. And while there are effective modifications that can be made to one’s lifestyle and diet to ameliorate or prevent these symptoms - ensuring enough fibre in the diet, limiting the amount of refined carbohydrates and starches, continuing with a regular, or semi-regular physical activity routine, drinking plenty of water, avoiding foods that trigger your existing tummy issues, slowing down while eating your meals- the balance tends to be tipped towards overindulgence, so it’s better to be prepared for any potential issues.

Enter the amazing power of medicinal plants! For centuries we have known that herbal remedies can effectively help us deal with all sorts of digestive issues. From herbs that stimulate digestion, herbs that protect and support liver function, herbs that soothe cramping, herbs that relax intestinal tone, herbs that help you “go” - and those that do the opposite- and so many other actions. Below are some of my go-to herbs when mild tummy issues arise.

If you are finding that your digestive problems are more the norm than the exception, however, please see your trusted Health care provider for advice.

Chamomile: This herb - actually, its the flower part that is used - relieves spasms on your digestive tract, and acts as a good relaxant for muscles and for your brain as well. It is rich in essential oils, therefore it can relieve intestinal pains and aid in the elimination of gas. To make tea, infuse 2-3 tsp of the dry herb in 1 cup of boiling water, covered, for 10 minutes.

Lemon Balm: Also known as Melissa, this herb is an excellent carminative - soothes the gut wall, eases pains and reduce the production of gas in the digestive tract- relieving spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, and it’s particularly suited in situations when your tummy troubles are accompanied - or caused by - anxiety and/or emotional upset. To make an infusion, steep 2-3 tsp of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water, and leave covered for 10-15 minutes. This herb may interfere with the action of thyroid hormones, so please consult with your naturopathic doctor if you intend to consume it regularly.

Ginger: A well known warming digestive herb, ginger has been traditionally used to treat motion sickness - and recently has shown efficacy in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea - and to improve overall digestion. Its warming properties can also make it a good choice when there are peripheral circulation issues, chilblains, and it can even help soothe a sore throat. Ginger has been shown to increase bleeding times in laboratory studies, so you should be careful to use it if you are taking blood thinners. To make an infusion, steep 1 tsp of grated fresh root in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes.

Peppermint: It is by far the herb that everyone thinks about whenever bloating and distension are present. It can relieve bothersome gas in the gastrointestinal tract, and support digestion by stimulating the flow of gastric secretions and bile. Its relaxing properties on the digestive tract are so strong that it can exacerbate acid reflux, so people with pre-existing reflux disease should use this herb with caution. To make a tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp of dried herb, steep, covered for 10 minutes and drink as frequently as needed.

Fennel seeds: Have you ever seen the mix of seeds that is offered after a meal in indian restaurants? well, fennel seeds, along with other seeds like anise and cardamom, are there to help you soothe any digestive issues that may happen after a feast, and to give you good breath ;) Fennel seeds can help relieve nausea and stomach cramps, while stimulating digestion and appetite. To infuse, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp of crushed seeds, cover and steep for 10 minutes. If you know ahead of time that certain foods will aggravate you, you could drink this infusion 30 minutes before your meal.

And so many other herbs worth mentioning, of course: caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, dandelion root, gentian, parsley, rosemary, yarrow, burdock root, lavender, chinese rhubarb… and the list goes on!

If concocting your own brews is not your cup of tea, you may find ready-made commercial blends from several widely available tea companies. Traditional Medicinals makes a peppermint-based tea with many of the herbs discussed here. Yogi Tea has a “get regular” blend that features Senna, a stimulating laxative along with other digestive herbs; this one is suitable for occasional use only. Flora has a digestive tonic tea that also includes many of the herbs discussed here, in reasonable amounts.

Give herbs a try! I am sure they will help ease your tummy discomfort and will get you back on track in no time. Again, if your issues are more long-standing, however, they may be an expression of an underlying problem that you may need to discuss with your health care provider.