Digestion is a complex process that involves many organs in our body. Digestive infusions can help with this. Good digestion is important, among other things, so that the body can absorb the nutrients it needs to carry out its vital functions.
Stress, overeating than usual, excessively processed foods, changes in daily habits, extreme heat or cold are many factors that can affect digestion and when we have stomach problems, plants become our allies. .
Infusions have accompanied humanity for thousands of years and offer great benefits for our health.
When taken correctly, they help us improve digestion, eliminate fluid retention and relax.
To improve digestion after heavy meals or if you occasionally experience unpleasant digestive symptoms such as heartburn or reflux as well as gas and bloating, you can drink some digestive infusions.
In our kitchen we have a wide range of ingredients to prepare delicious infusions. These include spices, fresh or dried fruits and commonly used aromatic herbs. So how can we combine these ingredients correctly? It’s quite an art, but while you get to grips with it, we’ll introduce you to some balanced infusions to specifically treat digestive problems.
When preparing these three types of digestive infusions, pay attention to the ingredients that are very suitable for drinking after meals.
Aromatic digestive infusion
- Sliced ​​pineapple heart or dried pineapple (in this case make sure there is no added sugar) 30%.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) 40%.
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) 30%.
Digestive infusion for colic
- Angelica root (Angelica archangelica) 40%
- Fennel fruits (Foeniculum vulgare) 20%
- Green anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) 20%
- Dried orange peel (Citrus aurantium) 10%
Refreshing digestive infusion
- Mint (Mentha x piperita L.) 40%
- Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) 30%
- Caraway (Carum carvi) 30%
Mix all the ingredients of each infusion in the specified proportions, using one tablespoon of these herbs per 250 ml of water.
In order not to lose the digestive properties of the plant, if the mixture only contains leaves, you should pour hot water at around 80°C and let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes. If the preparation contains roots or bark, they should be boiled for about 5 to 10 minutes to develop their medicinal properties.
Ideal herbs for preparing digestive infusions
- dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber): The leaves and roots are used. The young leaves can be used in salads to promote digestion and infusion of the root improves digestion.
- mint (Mentha x piperita L.): It is rich in essential oils and other active ingredients that together promote digestion and also reduce gas production during the digestive process.
- pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.): The heart of the pineapple is rich in bromelain, a mixture of enzymes that promote digestion. The pulp of the papaya also provides this digestive effect
- rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.): The leaves contain essential oils and bitter substances that relieve the symptoms of severe digestion.
- chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.): Its flowers are rich in essential oils and other substances that also promote digestion and help relieve the symptoms of gastritis.
- balm (Melissa officinalis L.): Among the anti-flatulence digestive plants, lemon balm leaves are ideal for relieving indigestion due to their digestive properties.
- fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.): Due to its digestive properties, fennel is a medicinal and aromatic plant with a long culinary tradition. The fruits contain essential oils that reduce flatulence.
- green anise (Pimpinella anisum L.): Like fennel, the fruits of this plant are used in cooking for their aroma and their digestive and anti-flatulence properties.
- gentian (Gentiana lutea L.): The crushed and dried root can be taken as an infusion one hour before meals to stimulate the appetite.
- chicory (Cichorium intybus L.): The root is used, which, in addition to stimulating the appetite, also promotes good digestion.
- liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.): The rhizome is said to relieve indigestion and has a healing effect on ulcers of the gastric mucosa. It must be noted that excessive use may cause side effects.
- Linen (Linum usitatissimun L.): Flaxseeds are rich in mucilage and are recommended to protect the stomach and intestinal mucosa.
How to get the most out of digestive infusions
It is best to take it after a large meal to ease digestion and reduce the effects of heavy digestion (bloating, bloating, heartburn, general malaise). Some recommend drinking some aperitif herbal mixtures before meals to prepare the stomach.
In the hot season, you can also drink these cold infusions as a complement to lunch and dinner and enjoy their aroma. However, experts recommend drinking herbal teas warm for a better therapeutic effect.
The infusion can also be useful as a supplement for recurring digestive problems caused by illness or medication, without having to take more medication.
In these cases, as well as in the case of frequently occurring complaints in the gastrointestinal tract, you should first consult your doctor before taking infusions or treatments based on medicinal plants.
Remember that herbal medicines are medicines that contain active ingredients and, if used incorrectly, can cause side effects or interactions with other medicines.
With information from: