Tips for the Stomach Flu

Our lesson today is on the Peppermint plant.  I simply love this baby, not just because it is easy to grow (and boy, does it grow… and can easily take over the place).  But it also is an all-natural remedy for an upset stomach.  Now, I’m not saying don’t go see a doctor if  you are suffering for more than a week or have additional symptoms, but this wonderful plant can help to ease your nausea when this little dandy of a bug hits ya.

But wait there’s more! The menthol that is present in this plant, as well as enthone and menthyl esters, also helps with headaches, respiratory problems and indigestion.

Peppermint tea is a great tummy soother.  Even with all of the commercial products on the market to coat and sooth your stomach, this one doesn’t mask the problem, but actually relaxes the stomach muscles.  Taken with a bit of honey is even better!.

Peppermint essential oil.  Love this stuff!  There are many different brands on the market, so whichever you choose, it will likely do the trick!  I used to give my customers a double whammy with the tea and oil, and 15 minutes later they were feeling tons better.  Just put a drop (no more) on your wrists or chest (or both).  The vapors from this oil help to calm your stomach.

Peppermint candies.  I try to keep a few of these around my desk for the President of the college (every once in a while she just gets an upset stomach.  Can’t understand why…. stress maybe? Just kidding Danielle.  I love you, you know that).  There are a whole host of shapes and sizes to find these in, so pick which you like!

And while those are working, relax with Peppermint Patty and the rest of the Peanuts gang.  They’re sure to make you happy and forget all about your icky tummy!

When your stomach is feeling better and you’re ready to venture back into the world of food, don’t forget about starting out slowly.

My Mom taught me about the BRAT diet, which in turn I passed onto my daughters and countless other people.  This stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast.  These are all foods that are very easy on the stomach when you are not feeling good.  But remember, you have to start out with small portions and eat slowly.  And if your curious about the apples, the best way to take them is in applesauce, plain with no sugar if you can.  Also keep in mind, bland is better at this stage.

And stay hydrated!  Yes, water is a great friend at this time, but it can get real old, real quick!   A mild tea is going to be good at this point, but don’t forget about an old favorite from our youth:  flat 7-up (can you still buy this stuff??).  My mom would open a bottle of it (back in the day, we drank it out of tall, glass bottles), put it in the fridge overnight, and I’d sip on that baby all day long.

I miss my Mom.

So, hope you are able to avert the tummy terrorizer, but if not, try this nifty, natural plant in it’s various forms to get you back to feeling like yourself again!