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3 Digestion-Boosting Tonics To Down Between Bites Of Stuffing & Pie

Author:

Liz Moody

November 23, 2017

Author & Podcaster

By Liz Moody

Author & Podcaster

Liz Moody is the host of the top-rated The Liz Moody Podcast, author of bestselling books "100 Ways to Change Your Life," "Healthier Together: Recipes for Two—Nourish Your Body, Nourish Your Relationships," and "Glow Pops," and a popular online content creator who has helped millions of people transform their lives. A regular speaker, panelist, and podcast guest, Liz shares her own deeply personal anxiety journey that led her to where she is now as well as actionable, fun, and science-based ways for everyone to live their best lives.

Photo by Canan Czemmel

November 23, 2017

The big day is here, and hopefully, you’re indulging your body and soul in time with family and friends and delicious food. While we’ve spent the week providing healthy Thanksgiving alternatives, we know it’s hard to resist that second (or third...or fourth) piece of pumpkin pie, so we asked Rachel de Thample, author of the newly released Vital Tonics & Soothing Teas, to share a few stomach-soothing, digestion-boosting remedies with us.

Her top pick? A simple shot of apple cider vinegar, which can balance blood sugar, decrease bloat, and help digestion (always look for one with the raw, active cultures and the mother inside the bottle). If you’re looking to get a bit more DIY, here are a few more options.

Spiced Dandelion Tea

According to Rachel, "This stunning tea has lots of warming spices to soothe your digestive system after a big feast, but it’s the dandelion here that is the star. The earthy root of spring’s yellow blooms is brilliant for detoxing, but it’s also deliciously similar to coffee in taste, making this tea the perfect after-dinner drink."

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dried dandelion root
1 star anise pod
3 cardamom pods
½ dried licorice root (about 1 teaspoon)
1¼ cups freshly boiled water

Method

Place all the ingredients in a teapot and pour over the freshly boiled water. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain into a mug and drink.

Charcoal Shot

Photo: @showcake

"Activated charcoal is like a magnet for toxins and is used in emergency medicine in cases of accidental poisoning," explains Rachel. "It’s great to clear your system. Take the activated charcoal tablet at night and drink the shot with a large glass of water upon waking, followed by lots of water during the day to assist with elimination."

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 activated charcoal tablet (you can find these at most pharmacies and natural health stores)
¼ cup fresh apple juice or pineapple juice (or water)
A squeeze of lime
½ teaspoon fresh aloe vera or bottled aloe vera juice

Method

Take the charcoal tablet in the evening. In the morning, whisk the apple juice, lime juice, and aloe in a glass and drink immediately.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Tonic

"Lemongrass is effective for taming achy tummies," notes Rachel. "The lemonal compound contained in lemongrass makes it a mild astringent and antiseptic, and it’s also great for soothing coughs and keeping colds and flu at bay."

Serves 2

Ingredients

2½ cups filtered or mineral water
4 lemongrass stalks
1 thumb-size piece of fresh ginger
1 tablespoon coconut sugar or raw honey, or to taste
Lime slices (optional)

Method

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Smash the lemongrass and cut it into thin shreds. Peel and julienne the ginger.
Add both to the water and boil for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Add the coconut sugar or honey, to taste, and serve warm with a garnish of lime slices if you like, or refrigerate and serve over ice.