Do you suffer from bloating, flatulence, heartburn, reflux or perhaps IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)? If so, drinking a cup of settling tummy tea will relieve your symptoms. Traditional carminative herbs such as chamomile, fennel and ginger have been used for centuries to soothe and calm digestive disturbances. A herb with carminative qualities helps dispel unwanted gas from the digestive system.
Why tea?
Herbal medicine can be dispensed in several ways, tincture, tablet and tea. Herbal tea, or more accurately herbal infusion or herbal tisane is the oldest and certainly the easiest way to prepare medicine made from herbs. To a teapot or plunger add two teaspoons of dried herb (double this amount for fresh chopped herb) then pour on 600mls boiling water and steep for at least 5 minutes. This will make 2-3 cups of herbal tea.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea was a favourite medicine for Mrs. Josephine Rabbit, who famously gave her son Peter, a cup of this fragrant yellow potion to soothe his sore belly after overindulging in vegetables stolen from Mr. McGregor’s garden. Although a gentle acting medicine, chamomile has an impressive ability to reduce spasms and cramping of the bowel. It is just as beneficial for heartburn and reflux. If you are new to chamomile, prepare yourself for the faint aroma of mouse wee, however, the flavour is surprisingly floral and sweet, making chamomile a taste worth acquiring. Safe for pregnant mums and wee babies, excellent for colic.
Ginger
Ginger is well known as the go-to herbal remedy for nausea, whether from morning sickness, travel sickness or to help with the side effects of chemotherapy. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and also reduces griping and cramping. Warming and relaxing for a churning stomach, there is nothing better than a cup of ginger tea. Fresh ginger root (known as green ginger) or dried ginger can be used.
If you have tummy troubles, after a meal, put the kettle on and enjoy a calming cup of carminative tea.
Mim’s Digestivo tea contains these herbs and more
