by Patrice Green
During this time of holiday cheer, we sometimes find ourselves very far from our usual food regimens. There’s so much temptation at holiday celebrations that we indulge in ways we’re not used to, with less than stellar results. If you’re feeling a little – or a lot – uncomfortable read on for some helpful hints.
There is nothing like fennel essential oil to ease stomach upset. You can add a drop to your carrier oil of choice and gently rub it on your stomach and abdomen for almost instantaneous relief. Its anti-spasmodic properties help ease gas and bloating. There are some people who advocate taking one or two drops internally in a tea. I AM NOT ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. Ok, I’ll stop shouting, and just gently remind you, dear reader, that essential oils are highly concentrated, powerful herbal allies. I’ve seen fennel oil eat through a heavy plastic cap. We are trying to ease stomach upset, not bore holes. Put a drop or two in a carrier oil. Rub it on the affected parts of your abdomen. Add it to bath salts. NO TEAS!
If you want a delightful tea that gives you some stomach relief, try a light ginger-licorice-lemon combination with some meadowsweet. Meadowsweet is a premier herb for stomach upset. Lemon helps soothe and alkalize your system, which may be a bit out of whack from eating a lot of sweets or carbs. Licorice and ginger are both stimulants for the digestive tract, so remember, a little bit of these herbs goes a long way. Gentle is key.
If you feel like a soothing bath is in order, try adding some bentonite clay to your bath salts to help detox. A lovely combination is Himalayan pink salt, Epsom salts, dendritic salt, bentonite clay, a few drops of fennel, niaouli and lavender. Naiouli is in the Melaleuca family, like it’s more famous relative Tea Tree, but works more gently. According to the Floracopeia website, Naiouli leaves are valued in the Middle East for making a tea that stimulates healthy bowels. Lavender is soothing and relaxing, to help further ease distress. The Epsom salts help replenish depleted magnesium stores. Take a bath, then take a nap. You’ll wake up refreshed and feeling better. Sip some tea while in the bath for even better results. It’s a wonderful time of year to gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate the season, but it’s also nice to schedule an hour or two of downtime for self-care.
As always, thanks for reading. May you and your family enjoy the blessings of the season!
There is nothing like fennel essential oil to ease stomach upset. You can add a drop to your carrier oil of choice and gently rub it on your stomach and abdomen for almost instantaneous relief. Its anti-spasmodic properties help ease gas and bloating. There are some people who advocate taking one or two drops internally in a tea. I AM NOT ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. Ok, I’ll stop shouting, and just gently remind you, dear reader, that essential oils are highly concentrated, powerful herbal allies. I’ve seen fennel oil eat through a heavy plastic cap. We are trying to ease stomach upset, not bore holes. Put a drop or two in a carrier oil. Rub it on the affected parts of your abdomen. Add it to bath salts. NO TEAS!
If you want a delightful tea that gives you some stomach relief, try a light ginger-licorice-lemon combination with some meadowsweet. Meadowsweet is a premier herb for stomach upset. Lemon helps soothe and alkalize your system, which may be a bit out of whack from eating a lot of sweets or carbs. Licorice and ginger are both stimulants for the digestive tract, so remember, a little bit of these herbs goes a long way. Gentle is key.
If you feel like a soothing bath is in order, try adding some bentonite clay to your bath salts to help detox. A lovely combination is Himalayan pink salt, Epsom salts, dendritic salt, bentonite clay, a few drops of fennel, niaouli and lavender. Naiouli is in the Melaleuca family, like it’s more famous relative Tea Tree, but works more gently. According to the Floracopeia website, Naiouli leaves are valued in the Middle East for making a tea that stimulates healthy bowels. Lavender is soothing and relaxing, to help further ease distress. The Epsom salts help replenish depleted magnesium stores. Take a bath, then take a nap. You’ll wake up refreshed and feeling better. Sip some tea while in the bath for even better results. It’s a wonderful time of year to gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate the season, but it’s also nice to schedule an hour or two of downtime for self-care.
As always, thanks for reading. May you and your family enjoy the blessings of the season!
Patrice Green is an Herbal Educator, Certified Aromatherapist, Energy Medicine and Reiki Practitioner and founder of Green Aromatics. She is also the Assistant Director at the Boston School of Herbal Studies. She received her herbal training at the Boston School of Herbal Studies, and shamanic training from Isa Gucciardi, Ph. D. at the Sacred Stream in Berkley, CA. Inspired by time spent among the coastal Redwoods of Muir Woods and its beach, Green Aromatics strives to imbue its products and services with the same resilience, joy and equanimity of these majestic beings. Patrice may be reached through the Green Aromatics website.
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