Baking soda
Baking soda is an excellent remedy for heartburn, also called acid reflux, is a burning sensation just below or behind the breastbone that extends to the esophagus, and sometimes even the throat. This unpleasant burning sensation occurs when the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach does not close enough, allowing stomach acid and partially digested food to flow back up into the throat. Heartburn is most often occasional. Baking soda neutralizes excess acid in your stomach, which quenches the burning sensation in your chest and throat, and makes digestion less uncomfortable. However, if you experience acute heartburn more than twice a week, see your doctor, you may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease.
How to use it: after a heavy meal, dilute 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate in a glass of water and drink.
Activated vegetable charcoal
Charcoal has incredible absorbent power which allows it to effectively capture gases produced during digestion , as well as unwanted elements such as viruses, parasites, bacteria and heavy metals, which will be eliminated in the stools. It is also a valuable aid in cases of food poisoning.
How to use it: in capsules or powder to be diluted in a large glass of water.
clay
Clay is a rock with many benefits for our health. Full of minerals and trace elements, it has both preventive and curative action on the entire digestive system:
- It fights against heartburn and gastric reflux
- It soothes pain, irritation and inflammation of the intestinal walls and mucous membranes, acting like a bandage
- It relieves bloating and gas
- It regulates transit: it fights against constipation and relieves diarrhea, whether of infectious or viral origin.
- It rebalances the intestinal flora
How to use it: pour the equivalent of a teaspoon of powdered clay into a large glass of water. Let sit for at least 5 minutes. When going to bed or getting up, drink, taking care not to ingest the clay that has fallen to the bottom of the glass.
Essential oils
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is a great ally in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. It reduces nausea, colon spasms, relaxes the muscles of the intestine and can help reduce bloating and gas.
How to use it: the ideal is to take 1 to 2 drops of peppermint oil internally with a glass of water before meals. You can also apply 2 to 3 drops topically to your abdomen.
Tarragon essential oil
Tarragon essential oil improves digestion simply by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices (gastric acid and bile in particular) in the stomach, which helps to properly break down food, promotes the proper absorption of nutrients and leads to better peristaltic movement of the intestines. This promotes the correct elimination of waste and prevents constipation.
How to use it: the ideal is to take 1 to 2 drops of tarragon oil internally with a glass of water before meals.
Herbal teas and infusions
Fennel
Fennel increases the secretions of gastric juices and bile, reduces gas production, soothes the mucous membranes and intestinal walls, and stimulates transit for correct elimination of waste.
The artichoke
Artichoke leaves increase the secretion and fluidity of bile, facilitating the breakdown and assimilation of fats. This is why it is ideal for treating slow digestion which causes heaviness, abdominal distention and flatulence.
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most useful plants for digestion . It helps prevent the accumulation of gas in the stomach and relieves abdominal heaviness. It is ideal at the end of a meal.
Spices
Ginger
Historically used as a natural remedy for seasickness and pregnancy nausea, ginger is known for its ability to treat nausea and vomiting, but also to prevent gastric ulcers and stimulate intestinal motility.
Cumin
Thymol, a compound in cumin, stimulates the glands that secrete gastric juices, bile and digestive enzymes. Furthermore, cumin seeds being a food rich in fiber, they stimulate transit and combat constipation. Finally, cumin has carminative properties, meaning it prevents the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, which can sometimes lead to stomach upset and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
anise
Anise stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, fights bloating and reduces gastrointestinal pain because it exerts an antispasmodic action on the entire digestive system.
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