Tidbit Tuesdays: Quickest way to a man’s heart…

With the holidays in full swing, I was reflecting on some of my favorite winter memories. Merriment, laughter, presents, song…and food! Oh, you can’t believe what food.

Picture this: Mama Christina’s Sicilian spaghetti and meatballs, in a sauce so savory and thick that it virtually carried you to the Mediterranean itself. Auntie Sandy’s real country fried chicken, bursting with juicy succulence. Eric’s world famous mesquite-smoked babyback ribs. They literally dissolved off the bone, poured into your mouth, and melted there. Eggplant parmesan, lasagna, ham, stuffing and fixings. Fixings, fixings, fixings! And that was all just Christmas Eve, kids!

Well, this year, my memories were unfortunately accompanied by bloating, Pepto Bismol and as many commode visits as there are bowl games. That’s a lot, people. That’s a lot.

Still and all, a holiday season a little dysentery shall ruin not.

Today’s tidbits are quite in keeping with my holiday experience.

Here are 5 HERBS that can help you get over your stomach woes.

1. Ginger: Native to India, ginger has been used for thousands of years. Whether taken raw, pickled, candied, in a tincture, or as a tea, ginger is effective for nausea and good for the digestive system. It also affects the circulatory system, and should be avoided by people with gallbladder conditions or those taking blood thinners.
2. Peppermint: Peppermint and its close relative spearmint are used to calm both the stomach and a stressful mind. It also helps ease common cold symptoms. People with heartburn or acid reflux should avoid it, however, due to its volatile oils.
3. Chamomile: Another calming herb, chamomile is a member of the daisy family
4. Slippery Elm: Native to North America, slippery elm bark is an effective soothing tonic. Although not as well known as ginger or mint, slippery elm has been used to aid in digestion and even help with minor pain and inflammation.
5. Cinnamon: Native to China, cinnamon is a popular and coveted spice that can help with stomach ailments and stimulate digestion. It’s often taken as a tea or with warm honey. Make sure to get true cinnamon.

Well, there you have it. Five herbs no aspiring apothecary should be without.

And, yes, I did just end that last sentence in a preposition, but, being as kaopectate sodden as I am, I really don’t care.

Here’s your quote of the day:

“I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.”

~ Elizabeth I

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