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Title: Heartburn
Categories: Info
Yield: 1 Formula
| TEA FOR HEARTBURN | ||
| 2 | pt | Anise seed |
| 2 | pt | Fennel seed |
| 3 | pt | Peppermint |
| 1 | pt | Cinnamon |
| 1/8 | pt | Lavender |
Heartburn is another side effect of pregnancy. For most pregnant women, it is not a big problem, though it may make eating a bit unpleasant. For some it is a major cause of distress. It usually occurs toward the end of pregnancy and is caused by overproduction of digestive acids, relaxed or stressed stomach muscles, or nervous tension. The remedies are simple. Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid acid-forming foods. Among these are foods high in sugar (all sugars, including natural sugars, are acidic to the system), cheese, citrus fruits (except for lemons and grapefruit, which are alkalinizing to the system), and processed wheat. Eat slowly and chew foods well. Avoid liquids with meals. Yogurt, kefir, and warm milk with cinnamon are helpful, tasty remedies for heartburn when it is caused by overproduction of digestive acids.
Papaya tablets and papaya leaf tea have proven very helpful. But the most effective way to take this remedy--and the best tasting--is to eat fresh papaya. (That may entail a trip to Hawaii or another tropical paradise, which is highly recommended for morning sickness as well as any other of the maladies of pregnancy! ::grin::) Mucilaginous herbs such as slippery elm and marshmallow root are also very soothing to the intestines and help pacify heartburn. Mix 1 tablespoon slippery elm powder in a cup of warm milk and flavor with honey and cinnamon for a soothing, tasty remedy.
Other digestive herbs that help with heartburn are fennel seeds, anise seeds, cumin seeds, and dill seeds. An old-fashioned remedy for digestive disturbances like heartburn was to combine these seeds in a tasty combination and chew them before and after meals.
T E A F O R H E A R T B U R N Use 4-6 tablespoon of herb mixture per quart of water. Add herbs to cold water and slowly bring to the simmering point over low heat, keeping pot covered. Immediately remove from heat and infuse for 20 minutes. Strain. Drink in small amounts throughout the day.
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