Spring is synonymous with renewal for vitality, but also for our digestive system! Discover the drink to consume without moderation this month of March, for lighter intestines.
We hide them by coughing, we prevent them from coming out… Flatulence and bloating, described under the medical term aerophagia, are often disarming for the people affected. Behind the desire to laugh about it or hide from it, bloating can really bother us on a daily basis. Or worse, they can be sources of intestinal pain or abdominal tension. We leave behind our raclette pans and our fondue set. After this winter period, between festive meals, galette des rois and pancakes, it is time to take care of our bloated bellies.
And the perfect drink for this in-between seasons is a herbal tea with carminative seeds! Carminative seeds are known to relieve bloating and aid digestion. “They have the power to reduce the formation of intestinal gas while absorbing and evacuating those already formed in the intestine.describes Sophie Pihan, naturopath. Carminative seeds also stimulate the production of digestive juices. Indeed, if the body does not secrete enough of these juices, food ferments in the intestines and bloating appears.
But it’s not just any seeds that Sophie Pihan recommends to us here: it’s fennel seeds. The best part about these seeds? They are antispasmodic. “Fennel seed is ideal if cramps are associated with the presence of gas.“Dried fennel seeds are quite easy to find in organic stores, in bulk or in the form of sachets. To prepare your drink, pour simmering water over a teaspoon of seeds, in a cup. Leave to infuse for about 10 minutes covered to prevent the active ingredients from evaporating with the steam. Strain and enjoy this light herbal tea.
Even if fennel is the anti-bloating plant par excellence, other carminative seeds also relieve this type of digestive discomfort, such as anise, caraway, cardamom, licorice or even angelica seeds. There are also infusions specially recommended in the evening to deflate the stomach. Furthermore, a few simple reflexes can make all the difference in regaining a feeling of lightness. Consider massaging your abdomen clockwise with a drop of peppermint essential oil diluted in a vegetable oil (olive, almond, etc.): this mechanical gesture helps release accumulated tension.
Finally, remember that digestion begins in the mouth; taking the time to chew each mouthful considerably reduces air entry (aerophagia) and makes the work of your intestines easier. By combining these good habits with the power of carminative plants, you offer your body the ideal transition to spring renewal.
