Chamomile and Other Remedies that Improve Digestion
Stomach aches, constipation, and intestinal irritation are just a few of the digestive disorders that impact daily life. Although many digestive problems may seem inevitable, we can prevent some by eating healthily and using some natural remedies. This article will discuss several benefits of various natural teas that improve digestion.
Digestive Disorders
Digestion breaks down food into simple molecules that the body’s tissues then use for proper functioning or to produce metabolic energy. All of the organs in the digestive system have an important role in the digestive process.
Digestive System Organs
Upper Organs
The digestive system is made up of a wide variety of different organs all around the body. These include:
- Mouth: This is where chewing and salivation occur. The mouth is where the chemical decomposition of food begins, particularly that of carbohydrates.
- Pharynx: This membranous muscle is located in the neck and connects the mouth and nostrils with the esophagus and larynx. It allows for the passage of air and food through a valve called the epiglottis.
- Esophagus: This is a conduit that connects the pharynx with the stomach. Its muscular walls contract and relax in a downward direction that allows for digested food to pass. It’s very delicate and can be damaged by acid reflex.
Lower Organs
- Stomach:This muscular bag stores and processes ingested food. Cells that secrete acids and enzymes make up the stomach and their job is to metabolize lipids, proteins, and other substances.
- Small intestine: The small intestine measures about 6 meters long and is located below the stomach. It receives secretions from the pancreas and other glands that transform food into simple molecules like amino acids. The duodenum, jejunum, and ileum – where the absorption of nutrients occurs – all form part of the small intestine.
- Large intestine: The large intestine measures about one and a half meters long and includes the colon and rectum. It ends at the anus, which is where remnants of digested food are discarded from the body as feces. The large intestine is essential for the absorption of vitamin K, fiber, and water.
Our eating habits and lifestyle affect all of these organs. Eating unbalanced or poorly prepared meals, taking drugs and/or alcohol frequently, using certain medications, and even stress can cause problems with digestion.
Some of the most common digestion disorders are indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea, but certain disorders can be serious and even chronic.
Below are some natural remedies that can help alleviate digestive disorders without needing to use any strong medications.
Natural Remedies to Improve Digestion
You should always visit a doctor if you suffer from any daily discomforts or known digestive disorders. However, there are some herbal teas and other natural remedies than can improve our overall digestion.
1. Chamomile Tea
For many years, chamomile has been praised for its digestive abilities. Its essential oils give it digestive, carminative, antispasmodic, and sedative properties.
Chamomile is a wonderful plant that improves digestion, relieves gastric ulcers, and prevents acid reflex.
Preparation
This tea is simple and fast to make!
- You just need to boil one cup of water.
- Once the water reaches a boil, add two grams of chamomile leaves or flowers.
- Let the chamomile steep for five minutes.
- Afterwards, drink the tea.
- It’s best to drink chamomile tea after each meal to receive optimal results.
We also recommend: How to Treat Stomach Indigestion with 5 Homemade Remedies
2. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon not only can be used to treat respiratory system infections, but it can also help with digestive disorders.
This spice helps fight flatulence and other gastric problems as well as nausea and diarrhea. However, people who suffer from ulcers should avoid cinnamon because it stimulates the secretion of gastric juices.
Preparation
- First, boil water.
- Then, add 1 or 2 sticks of cinnamon to the boiling water.
- Let the cinnamon steep for about 10 minutes.
- If you want, you can sweeten the tea with 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Finally, drink and enjoy!
3. Star Anise Tea
Star anise, or Chinese anise, tastes similar to normal anise and is extracted from the fruit of the Illicium verum tree. This tree is native to China, and the star anise has several properties that are beneficial to the digestive system.
This spice contains anethole, or an aromatic compound that relieves stomach aches and nausea, as well as swelling and gas. In addition, star anise has sedative, antibiotic, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties.
Preparation
- Boil one liter (1/2 gallon) of water.
- When it reaches a boil, add 30 grams of anise.
- Let cool.
You can drink a cup of this tea whenever you need it. Young children and pregnant women should not drink this.
Discover: Aloe Vera for Slow Digestion
4. Lemon Balm Tea
Melissa officinalis, which is also known as melissa or lemon balm, is a plant that has been used since ancient times for digestion. It contains terpenes, citronellol, citral, and geraniol. These are all active ingredients that give it its citrus flavor and sedative properties.
It is commonly used for disorders related to stress and anxiety due to its calming properties. In addition, it’s also great for intestinal spasms, colitis, heartburn, and gas-related problems.
Preparation
- To prepare a cup of lemon balm tea, you’ll need 3 tablespoons of dried melissa leaves. If you’re using fresh leaves, you will need 3 to 9 grams of them.
- Heat up a cup of water.
- When it reaches a boil, add the leaves.
- Let steep for about 10 minutes.
- Then, drink the tea whenever you want.
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that good digestion can affect your overall mood. The most effective way to improve digestion is by changing your eating habits and leading an active lifestyle.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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