Indigestion remedies

SIMPLE STEPS on HOW to AVOID and HELP INDIGESTION:
Most people seem to get indigestion at some or other point in their lives, some more than others and to greater and lesser degrees.   Indigestion is basically your body not being able to digest food properly, so we looking at heartburn, stomach upset, nausea, burping, wind, and bloating.

You have probably heard it all before but here it is again - a reminder on how to avoid indigestion.  At the bottom of this page, their is a lovely recipe for a soothing herbal tea that will help with indigestion.  Or have a look at my natural health index page.  Then under Indigestion you"ll find some fabulous remedies to help ease it.

Then there are always the factors which can't really be avoided:  like emotional upsets, or just plain old age which slows everything down including digestion.  But the list below still will help.

The Steps:
* Allow yourself time for meals.  Sit and enjoy it rather than eating on the run... I know... easier said than done, but still a major cause of indigestion is because of wolfing down food way too fast.

* Eat slowly - this will also help you lose weight (just by the by)

* Eat smaller portions more often

* Chew your food well and thoroughly... enjoy it don't breathe it in!  Digestive juices are secreted in your saliva, which triggers the stomach juices to get active.  The slower you eat the the easier it is on your system, and allows your system to work properly

* Sugar's and fats can increase the winds, so try cut these down.

* Try eat more whole foods containing fibre as this moves more easily through those squiggly intestines.

* Drink plenty of water (I'm sure you've heard this before!)  water keeps the intestine contents moving, cleanses your body and keeps you hydrated.

* Take a probiotic or eat yoghurt to increase the good bacteria in your gut.  This is always my first line of defence.

* Avoid fizzy drinks (they're just nasty and gassy)

* Stimulants such as too much coffee, tea or alcohol.  And spicy foods - intestines aren't too crazy about those.

Herbs that will help:
Eases, Relieves indigestion
* Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
* Bergamot  (Monarda didyma)
* Burdock (Arctium Lappa)
* Chives  (Allium tuberosum)
* Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
* Lemon Verbena  (Aloysia triphylla)
* Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
* Marjoram  (Origanum majorana)
* Oregano  (Origanum vulgare)
* Parsley  (Petroselinum crispum)
* Peppermint  (mentha x piperita)

Aids digestion
* Bay Leaf  (Laurus nobilis)
* Caraway  (Carum carvi)
* Chickweed  (Stellaria media)
* Coriander  (Coriandrum sativum)
* Danelion  (Taraxacum Officinale)
* Dill  (Anethum graveolens)
* Lovage  (Levisticum officinale)
* Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Improves slow digestion:
* African Wormwood  (Artemesia afra)
* Aloe Vera

Treat Tense Indigestion
* Catnip  (Nepeta mussinii)
* Chamomile  (Matricaria recutita)
* Lavender  (Lavendula sp)



INDIGESTION HERBAL TEA
Fennel, coriander  caraway, chamomile, ginger and peppermint all aid in digestion   The fragrant tea helps stimulate the flow of digestive juices.  All of which relieve indigestion.  If you don't have all the ingredients don't panic, just utilize what you do have and leave out the rest or swap with other helping herbs.  Any of the herbs listed above all help with indigestion.

Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried peppermint (or mint)
1/2 teaspoon fresh chopped ginger  
1 chamomile tea bag.
300ml water
Method:
* Add all ingredients to a pot.  Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.
* Strain the tea.
* Sweeten with honey to taste.
* Sip whilst still warm

My References and Additional further reading:

Please have a look at my Books and references page for where I got a lot of  the info for this post.

This post is linked to:
Healing Plants and Recipes Pinterest
Jill's Home Remedies
Common Sense Homesteading
Lambert's Lately