Herbs to Aid Digestion - by Rachel Nemetz, Herbalist
Chamomile – Matricaria recutita
- Anti-inflammatory, relieves gas and stomach cramps, mild bitter flavor
- Relaxing, calming, soothing, and pain relieving
- Good for whiny babies (and adults!) who cannot be comforted
- Combines well with Peppermint for stomach upsets
- Safe for children, pregnant and nursing women
- Good to help kids go to sleep (and adults, too!)
- Take as a tea or tincture (herbal liquid extract)
Peppermint – Mentha piperita
- Relieves stomach cramps by relaxing digestive muscles
- Anti-nausea, prevents vomiting, gas, bloating, and relieves stomach pain
- Mildly disinfectant, so works well to combat food poisoning
- Prevents stomach fermentation or sour stomach
- Close herbal relative, Spearmint – Mentha spicata – Yerba Buena (Spanish)
- Milder and super safe for kids and pregnant ladies
- Traditionally served to women in labor who have an upset stomach
- Take as a tea otherwise known as an herbal infusion
Ginger – Zingiber officinalis
- Anti-nausea: Helpful for Chemotherapy, Motion Sickness, Gynecological surgery, Morning Sickness during Pregnancy in moderation
- Also prevents vomiting and may be useful with eating disorders and stomach bugs
- Anti-parasitic, and anti-inflammatory for pain
- Protects against ulcers (antimicrobial)
- Promotes the growth of friendly flora (probiotics) in the intestines
- Assists digestion, particularly of protein, and increases absorption of nutrients
- “Alka-Seltzer of the Roman Empire”
- Take as a tea, using the dry or fresh herb, drink ginger ale with natural flavoring, or chew candied ginger as needed!
How to make an herbal infusion:
Herbal infusions are stronger than teas because more of the herb is used per cup of water, thus producing a medicinal grade drink. Herbal teas are nice to enjoy, but may not have the desired medicinal effect, because they are not strong or concentrated enough. To make a medicinal grade herbal infusion:
Use a ceramic mug or glass canning jar to prevent contamination from plastics, etc…
Combine ¼ cup of herb to 1 cup of boiling water (ratio of 1 part herb to 4 parts water)
Cover the container with a plate or jar top to create a tight seal (insuring all the medicine stays in the liquid and does not evaporate off into the air)
Let steep for a minimum of 30 – 45 minutes, preferably an hour or more (this allows the full spectrum of herbal ingredients to steep into the water and tastes stronger than a tea!)
Strain the herbs through a strainer and press out the excess liquid with a spoon. Enjoy!
Created by Rachel Anne Nemetz, Herbalist
Center for True Harmony Medicine & Wellness
www.trueharmonywellness.com (480) 539-6646
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