We all do it. In fact, overindulgence seems to be the word of the day during the holiday season. Even if we try to restrain ourselves, temptation strikes. When else during the year do we have a half dozen desserts and at least that many side dishes, just waiting under a blanket of gravy?

If you find yourself over stuffed, over stressed and nursing a stomach and headache, there are herbs that can come to your rescue! Here is a list of easy-to-find herbs that will help soothe your self-inflicted pain and ease your digestive burden. Of course, try not to overindulge, but it happens, be ready with one or more of these herbs:

January is Hot Tea Month: Here’s a Few to Try

Mint – Mint takes the spotlight. It is soothing and delicious in a simple tea. Adults and children alike, enjoy the refreshing taste. Peppermint has also been shown to relax the cramping that is associated with an upset stomach. 

Use 1 teaspoon dried mint in a cup of boiling hot water. Let steep for 3 minutes and sip. Enjoy a cup up to 4 times a day. 

Dill – Dill can do so much more than just help make pickles. Dill has long been known for its soothing and galactagogue (helps promote lactation) properties, though we may not actually use it for those benefits. 

If you find your stomach needs a bit of soothing, grab your dill weed or dill seed and make a quick cup of tea. Using the standard 1 tsp to 1 cup boiling water, steep 3 to 5 minutes. When using the seed, there is no need to crush; just let your cup steep for an extra minute or two. Even children enjoy the flavor of dill tea. 

Fennel – Fennel is wonderful! Make a tea of this licorice flavored herb, and drink it slowly as you relax. I find that fennel seed is easier to find, and works just fine. Combine with a bit of dill if you like. 

I gently crush my seeds, before making tea but I think whole seeds work just fine for this- use the standard 1 tsp herb to 1 cup boiling water, and steep 3 to 5 minutes. Fennel has a natural sweetness that can be added to any tea mix to help any tea become more palatable. 

Ready for more?

Chamomile – Don’t forget about chamomile and let this good old herb go to waste. The truth is, many times we feel overwhelmed with the stress of the holidays and the resulting illness is no surprise. 

Chamomile works like nothing else to soothe our frazzled nerves and relaxing away the stress of the day. Its light, apple flavor is loved by virtually everyone, and chamomile’s mild tea won’t upset even the most under-the-weather family member. 

Lemon Balm – Are you surprised to see this familiar herb? Lemon balm is well-known for its lemony flavor, but many people do not realize that it is the perfect herb for a stress-relieving tea. 

Because it soothes nerves as well as the digestive system, a few sips of lemon balm tea might just convince you to indulge in an entire hot cup. To be honest, sometimes simply soothing your nerves is all it takes to feel better all over. Lemon balm is the perfect antidote for those post-holiday stress levels. 

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