Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family, reflect on gratitude, and – let’s be honest – eat delicious food. But let’s face it, Thanksgiving meals can be hard on the stomach. Luckily, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers some natural herbs that can help balance digestion, relieve bloating, and help us enjoy the holiday without feeling overstuffed. Here are some herbal recommendations to keep in mind for Thanksgiving and beyond!
1. Hawthorn Berries (Shān Zhā)
- Benefits: Hawthorn berries are renowned in Chinese medicine for aiding digestion, particularly after eating rich or fatty foods. They can help reduce bloating, aid in fat breakdown, and relieve food stagnation.
- How to Use: Try a hawthorn tea or tincture right after your Thanksgiving feast to give your digestive system a little boost. You can also chew on a few dried berries if you prefer.
2. Ginger (Shēng Jiāng)
- Benefits: Known for its warming effects, ginger promotes circulation and eases digestive discomfort like bloating and gas. It's especially useful if your Thanksgiving meal includes cold or raw foods, as it helps to bring warmth back to the stomach.
- How to Use: Brew a simple ginger tea by simmering fresh ginger slices in hot water. Adding a bit of honey and lemon makes it both soothing and delicious.
3. Licorice Root (Gān Cǎo)
- Benefits: Licorice root helps harmonize the effects of other herbs and reduces stomach discomfort. It also helps with heartburn, which can be a common complaint after a big meal.
- How to Use: Licorice root tea can be taken post-meal, either on its own or mixed with other herbs like ginger or peppermint for additional digestive support.
4. Dried Orange Peel (Chen Pi)
- Benefits: Dried orange peel helps with bloating and supports the movement of “stuck” food in the digestive tract. It’s often recommended in TCM for cases of sluggish digestion and bloating after a big meal.
- How to Use: Orange peel tea has a pleasant, citrusy flavor and can be made by steeping the dried peel in hot water. You can also add a slice to soups or stews for extra flavor and digestive benefits.
5. Mint (Bo He)
- Benefits: Mint is a cooling herb that can help soothe digestive upset and reduce feelings of heaviness or indigestion. It also has a refreshing flavor that can cleanse the palate after a rich meal.
- How to Use: Mint tea is a refreshing way to end a meal, especially if you're feeling too full. Just steep fresh or dried mint leaves in hot water for a few minutes and enjoy!
Creating Your Own Thanksgiving Digestive Tonic
Why not make a "Thanksgiving Tummy Tamer" using these herbs? Here’s a simple recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp dried hawthorn berries
- 1 small slice of fresh ginger
- 1 piece of dried orange peel
- 1/2 tsp dried licorice root (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients (except the mint) in a pot with 3 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain into a mug, garnish with mint, and sip slowly after your meal.
A Final Note on Enjoying the Feast Mindfully
Chinese medicine encourages mindful eating – savoring each bite and eating until you feel 70-80% full. Try pacing yourself and listening to your body as you go. If you end up overeating a bit, don’t stress. These herbs are here to help you feel your best!
