5 Homemade Ayurvedic Tonics That Help Calm Your Stomach Symptoms
In Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic medicine, emphasis is placed on maintaining balance within the body to promote overall health and well-being. Digestive issues are common, often caused by poor dietary choices, stress, or imbalances within the body. Fortunately, Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of natural remedies to soothe and calm an upset stomach. Here are five homemade Ayurvedic tonics that can work wonders in restoring digestive harmony.
Ginger-Lemon Honey Tea:
Helps with: Nausea and Indigestion
How it helps: Ginger contains bioactive compounds like gingerol, which have been shown to alleviate nausea and stimulate digestion by increasing the production of digestive enzymes. Lemon provides vitamin C and citric acid, which can help neutralize stomach acids. Honey coats the stomach lining, reducing irritation and promoting healing.
Ingredients:
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- 1 cup of water
Method:
- Boil the water in a saucepan.
- Add grated ginger to the boiling water and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain the ginger-infused water into a cup.
- Add lemon juice and honey, and stir well.
Cumin-Coriander-Fennel (CCF) Tea:
Helps with: Bloating and Gas
How it helps: Cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds have carminative properties, meaning they help to relieve gas and bloating by reducing intestinal inflammation and promoting the expulsion of trapped gas. This combination also aids in digestion and prevents the formation of gas.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- 2 cups of water
Method:
- Dry roast the cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds in a pan until fragrant.
- Add the roasted seeds to boiling water and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and sip it warm.
Mint-Coriander Digestive Juice:
Helps with: Acid Reflux and Heartburn
How it helps: Mint and coriander are both cooling herbs that help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce acidity. Mint contains menthol, which has a calming effect on the stomach muscles and can help alleviate heartburn. Coriander is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce irritation in the esophagus.
Ingredients:
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
- Handful of fresh coriander leaves
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- Pinch of black salt
- 1 cup of water
Method:
- Blend mint leaves, coriander leaves, grated ginger, lemon juice, black salt, and water until smooth.
- Strain the juice to remove any solids.
- Drink this refreshing tonic after meals.
Aloe Vera Digestive Drink:
Helps with: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammation
How it helps: Aloe vera contains compounds called polysaccharides, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can help soothe the lining of the digestive tract. It also has a mild laxative effect, which can help alleviate symptoms of IBS such as constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, aloe vera contains enzymes that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 cup of water
Method:
- Mix fresh aloe vera gel, honey, and lemon juice in a blender.
- Add water and blend until well combined.
- Consume this drink on an empty stomach in the morning to support digestive health.
Turmeric Milk:
Helps with: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Ulcers
How it helps: Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, making it beneficial for conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The addition of black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin. Consuming turmeric milk regularly can help prevent flare-ups and promote healing of ulcers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Method:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
- Stir in turmeric powder and black pepper.
- Sweeten with honey and mix well.
These homemade Ayurvedic tonics offer natural and effective solutions for calming an upset stomach and promoting digestive wellness. Incorporating these remedies into your daily routine can help maintain balance within the body and support overall health. However, if digestive issues persist or worsen, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.