Use Ginger, Papaya, and Peppermint to Soothe Stomach

Today is the official kickoff of the "Season of the Tummy Ache”.  Whether you eat too much Halloween candy (the whole month of November), participate in flu season, eat too much Thanksgiving feast, or eat too many Christmas cookies and pies, no need to worry because I have some natural remedies to ease the quease.

Ginger

Ginger root and powdered gingerroot are proven to help ease nausea and vomiting.  I gave it to my daughter 2 days ago when she had a stomach bug and within 20 minutes she said her tummy felt better.   Also, it’s wonderful for pregnancy morning sickness.  It has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain in people with arthritis.  The great thing about ginger is that not much is need to do the trick.  If you can eat it alone then that will work but here are some better ideas for consumption:

-         *  Make Ginger tea.  This is great when you are feeling a sickness coming on or if you are already sick.  Cut about 1 inch of Ginger, then cut that into smaller pieces and let it steep in hot water.  Add some honey and/or lemon for taste.  You can also serve the tea over ice and make it ice tea as a substitute to lemonade.

*         Add Ginger to rice, vegetables, sweet potatoes, or stew. 

*        Add powdered gingerroot to tea or any of the dishes above.

*        Ginger candies or crystallized ginger.  I found them at the local whole foods market. 

*          Ginger combines well with cinnamon, honey, lemons, paprika, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg.

To peel Ginger, its best use a peeler or paring knife.  But my advice is to wait to peel it until you are going to use it, that way it will keep good in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks.

**Note that too much ginger is not advised for people with a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones.

Papaya

Papaya contains a digestive enzyme called papain, which helps to digest proteins.  Because of that enzyme it’s often used in digestive enzyme dietary supplements.  Taking some papayas enzymes after a hefty meal helps a stomach feel so much better.  Besides being an indigestion savior, papayas contain dietary fiber, folic acid, antioxidant vitamins C and E, and potassium.  They help protect against degenerative diseases. 

A papaya should have orangish-reddish skin or be starting to turn yellow.  If it’s really green then it may not ripen to produce the best tasting papaya.   It’ll be ready to eat when it’s slightly soft to the touch, and it ripens very quickly, so be prepared to eat it within 2 days of picking it up at the store.  Eat papaya alone or with other fruit in a salad.  Grilled papaya is delicious.  Pick up some papaya digestive enzyme dietary supplements to keep on hand in those “I ate too much” moments. 

Peppermint

Peppermint is also known to help alleviate gas and intestinal issues.  It's thought that the menthol in the mint helps smoothe muscle to relax.  When the smoothe muscles of the intestinal tract relax, gas can flow freely.  In the winter months, some peppermint tea can soothe the stomach.  The tea can be made by steeping dried peppermint in hot water or by adding peppermint oil to hot water.    With that said, peppermint ( or any other mint) is not recommended for anyone with any form of acid reflux or heartburn since it will cause the smoothe muscles of the esophageal sphincter ( the mechanism that closes off the stomach from the esophagus) to relax, allowing for the stomach contents to work their way up.  Also, many mints are irradiated and sprayed with pesticides so it's best to buy organic for maximum benefit. 

Cheers to Happy Tummys!