Lani Lopez - Bloated sore tummies

Stress, rich food, alcohol and overindulgence can have an impact on how we digest food. When we get excited or anxious, blood flow is reduced to the stomach for digestion and fed to our brain and muscles in an attempt to get ready to fight or fly away from imminent danger. Well, that’s how our body sees it. Even an exciting challenge or being in love can have this effect.

As food stays in our stomach from minutes to hours if we keep this stimulation up we can’t digest our food and suffer the consequences of bloating, sore stomach and partial digestion.

Fennel seed tea and Kawakawa leaf tea are very good for bloated sore tummies. Be mindful though Fennel helps to relieve wind, so it’s best not be near those you like.

The New Zealand native heart shaped leaf Kawakawa reduces inflammation in the gut, helps bloating, indigestion and is very good for stomach pains due to over-eating or too much fatty food. Kawakawa used daily is also known as a blood cleaner so it’s excellent for clearing skin problems such as psoriasis and acne. Pick a handful of Kawakawa leaves with the holes in them. Traditionally this indicated that if insects are eating them these leaves are better. Wash thoroughly and boil a generous handful of leaves in 2 litres of water and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and drink. Add honey or fruit juice to sweeten.

You might want to look for or plant these herbs in your garden. They all promote good digestion and healing.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia), thyme (Thymus vulgaris ), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), basil (Ocimum basilicum), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), oregano (Origanum vulgare), aloe vera (barbedensis), kawakawa.