Thanksgiving is celebrated by overeating. For many people the holiday brings with it a feeling of bloating and sleepiness after the big meal. While the obvious answer is to not eat as much, this advice is often lost in the joy of the holiday. There are some simple things that can be done that will help you recover from the heavy bloated feeling in the stomach.
The classic cures from Chinese medicine for what is called “food stagnation” are the herbal formulas called Bao He Wan, and Po Chai (often called “curing pills”). These are sometimes sold over the counter in Asian grocery stores. Also found in Asian grocery stores are hawthorn berry candies, candied ginger as well as Bo Jen Mi tea, which can also help.
For many people who do not have an Asian Grocery store handy, there are some home remedies that can work just as well. These are good after dinner drinks to help your guests and yourself recover.
Oolong tea
Oolong tea is classic for settling the stomach after a meal. Black and green tea have less benefit but can help as well. Adding orange or tangerine zest to the tea will add flavor and help the stomach as well.
Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds either chewed or steeped into a tea will reduce bloating and are especially good when there is burping.
Ginger Tea
Fresh ginger sliced and steeped in hot water with optional tea and a touch of sugar. This is best for the person who regularly has poor digestion, marked by cold feeling in the stomach. For the person who regularly does not have a problem or has regular heartburn, this may not be the best choice. Dried ginger can be used, but is not as good at settling the stomach.
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