'Tis the Season for Overeating: A Digestive Remedy Recipe

At the time of this writing, it's the middle of November. Thanksgiving Day is about a week away. Then Christmas, Hannukka and Kwanza. We have many opportunities to eat and eat a lot. I'm already planning a Thanksgiving feast. This is a celebratory time for many people.

If you develop digestion problems, aromatherapy can help. Essential oils of peppermint (Mentha piperita), spearmint (Mentha spicata), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), ginger root (Zingiber officinale), and sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) all have digestive soothing properties. They can help with indigestion, constipation, gas, bloating and cramps.

A simple home remedy to use topically:

• 1 drop peppermint essential oil

  
  

• 1 drop fennel essential oil

  
  

• 2 drops sweet orange essential oil

  
  

• 2 drops ginger essential oil

  
  

• 2 tsp carrier oil (olive oil, jojoba, or sesame)

  
  

Blend all ingredients and massage an almond-sized amount over stomach area. Repeat as necessary every 30 minutes until symptoms subside. This recipe is a 2.7% dilution rate of essential oils to the carrier oil. Would love to hear your results!

Please note: peppermint essential oil is contraindicated for those with a history of cardiac fibrillation. Fennel is not recommended for those on blood thinners, take diabetes medications or if pregnant or breastfeeding.