Natural Health: What can I take to settle my stomach?

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What can I do about my queasy stomach? No matter what I eat, it seems to flare up. It has not settled since Christmas when I indulged in rich food and drank lots of wine. Is there a remedy I could take?

It may seem unfair that some individuals can indulge seemingly without consequence while others struggle to process rich foods and alcohol. But sensitivity to overindulgence can be a useful ‘canary in the coal mine’. This means you are more likely to make healthy decisions and choose foods that heal rather than harm your body.

Activated charcoal is a valuable remedy to have on hand for any digestive upset. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using activated charcoal, as it may interfere with the absorption of medications.

A gentle detoxification process will help soothe your queasy stomach — from simply increasing your water intake to supplementation with liver-supportive and digestive herbs such as dandelion and milk thistle.

Incorporating probiotics into your diet may also help to address the queasiness by introducing beneficial bacteria and maintaining healthy gut flora. You can either take high-quality probiotic supplements or include homemade yoghurt prepared with live cultures, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods into your diet.

Mastic gum, derived from the resin of the mastic tree, can help manage stomach issues and relieve digestive discomfort. Known for inhibiting Helicobacter pylori, mastic gum supports gastrointestinal health, alleviates indigestion, and shows promise in protecting against gastrointestinal ulcers and regulating cholesterol levels.

My fingers and toes feel the cold terribly during the cold weather, even when I wear lots of layers. What can I do to boost my circulation?

Several herbal remedies, including ginger, cayenne, turmeric, garlic, hawthorn berries, gotu kola, and even rosemary, support and boost circulatory health. A common circulation-boosting tea includes ginger, garlic, turmeric, cayenne, and honey.

Ginger is known for its warming, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties and can be taken as a fresh root or dried powder. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and provides cardiovascular support and increased blood flow. Garlic has been used for centuries to support circulation and heart health, and cayenne contains the constituent capsaicin, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Raw honey is added to improve flavour and provide sweetness to the brew. It supports digestive function and circulation and is beneficial to heart health.

You can add rosemary to your circulation-boosting brew, as this aromatic herb is loaded with antioxidants, shows anti-inflammatory activity, and contains rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which help relax blood vessels and improve circulation. In addition, rosemary enhances blood flow to the brain and reduces the likelihood of blood clot formation.

Rosemary and ginger essential oils can be added to a base oil and massaged into your fingers and toes nightly to help. Massage is beneficial in enhancing circulation and promoting blood vessel dilation.

Hawthorn berries are a remedy for heart health due to their specific action in dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow. Gotu kola is used to boost circulation and address venous insufficiency.

Many of these herbal remedies also help to boost brain function. A balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants is vital since this reduces inflammation and oxidative stress on the body.

A simple solution for improving circulation is to ensure that you are well-hydrated. Water supports blood flow by helping the body maintain blood viscosity, preventing it from becoming thick or sluggish.

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 NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.