Christmas time, the most wonderful time of the year. Friends + family + parties + rich foods + overindulgence = indigestion. We are a culture marked by consumerism, marketing and overindulgence. Now I’m not trying to be a Scrooge, but the facts are there is growing rate of obesity in the U.S. makes it clear that our indulgences are often in food. We know that overindulgence in rich and fatty foods can cause stomach upset. But stress, hormones, antibiotics and food sensitivities can also cause digestive distress. Traveling and visiting relatives and friends can put us in situations where we are eating foods we are not accustomed to, which could result in some digestive issues.
Over the counter products for digestive issues ranked high in consumer demand in an article on Drug Topics, a newsmagazine for pharmacists. They indicated that there are thousands of new products introduced to the market each year and that pharmacists do not have enough time to evaluate what products to stock on their shelves? Just the other week, November 29, 2010, the FDA ordered a recall of 12 MYLANTA liquid products and one AlteraGEL liquid product, Rolaids, Children’s Benadryl and Junior Motrin. Could it be that the FDA is also having trouble keeping up with product safety?
If you’re like me, you’d like to try some home remedies first, then seek some over the counter meds if the natural way is not helping out. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I bought an antacid, anti-diarrhea/nausea product because there are several essential oils that are excellent for the digestive tract.
The first oil we use for digestive issues is peppermint essential oil. (not for children under 3). According to the American Botanical Council, peppermint oil is used in the United Kingdom to treat gastrointestinal issues including symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), nausea and diarrhea. We apply the oil to the soles of the feet, the stomach or place a drop in a glass of water and sip slowly ( use only food grade peppermint essential oil like Young Living).
Ginger, tarragon and fennel essential oils are soothing to the digestive tract as well. Young Living offers a blend of oils targeted at digestive issues – Di-Gize (tarragon, ginger, peppermint, juniper, fennel, lemongrass, anise, patchouli essential oils). Dilute 1 part essential oil to 4 parts olive oil or V-6 carrier oil and place in a capsule to ingest prior to a meal, or apply to the abdomen or soles of the feet on Vita-Flex points. DiGize is one blend in the Golden Touch kit, a combination of Young Living oils targeted at keeping your family healthy this winter.
So go ahead, enjoy a cookie or two, enjoy your time with family & friends this season and keep a bottle of peppermint essential oil on hand.
With some careful planning and self-control, you may be able to lessen your chances of stomach upset this season. Be reasonable in your intake of rich and high fat foods. Manage stress in healthy ways and enjoy the season!
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