The arrival of spring can seem to bring on an increase in digestion-related disorders, such as acid reflux, IBS and peptic ulcer disease. The change in seasons can cause an increase in the acids produced by the stomach walls and activates the formation of the hormone cortisol. Both of which, stimulate digestive disorders and put extra pressure on the lymphatic system. With 80% of our body’s immunity situated in the intestinal mucosa, aligning our gut lining and moving our lymph is essential to digestive balance and fighting spring allergies.
We can take proactive measures to help our digestive system ease into spring.
Start with your Nutrition-Try to reduce your consumption of animal-derived fats such as butter, eggs, dairy and fat meats. Also be careful of the over consumption of spicy foods, fried foods, refined sugar, and ready meals (rich in salt and preservatives). These things may irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach, making it sensitive to gastric acids. Boost consumption of lightly cooked spring veggies to support the liver’s function and increase fiber availability. Fiber helps to move cellular and digestive byproducts out of the body and feeds beneficial gut flora.
Herbs for Seasonal Transitions-
Cleavers: anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it great for improving skin health, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. She is also a powerful lymphatic and alterative, helping to support the lymph system's natural detoxification of the body. I like to work with her in vinegar, a salad or as a tincture. I find tincture best for someone who is also energetically struggling to let go of something or move on.
Chickweed: a nutritive herb, rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals. Chickweed apple cider vinegar can help improve blood pressure, support healthy blood sugar levels, to support digestion, improve skin quality and move lymph.
Chamomile: provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory response, as well as relieving stomach cramps. Great as a tea or salve.
Fennel: relaxes the muscles of digestion, relieves bloating, settles stomach pain, stimulates appetite. Fennel taste great in salads for extra crunch.
Ginger: great for indigestion, nausea, gas, excellent for gastrointestinal infections. Ginger makes a wonderful tea, seasoning or make your own throat lozenges.
Marshmallow root: protects and soothes the lining of the digestive system, soothe ulcers and gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Marshmallow works best as a cold infusion.
Calendula- has anti-inflammatory, vulnerary (wound-healing), antiseptic, anti-fungal, astringent and cholagogue (stimulating the flow of bile) actions that may help her ability to support the internal 'skin' of our gut lining. She is my absolute favorite. Calendula can be worked with as a vinegar, salve, tea, soup or petals added to salad.
Violets: the flavonoids and alkaloids in violets help to lower blood pressure and salicylic acid found in the leaves helps reduce inflammation and pain. Violet is a moistening lymphatic, high in vitamin C and soothes digestive and respiratory conditions. She is great in a tea, salve or salad.
Move Your Body- Daily exercise is important for maintaining balance in the body. Exercise stokes the digestive fire and stimulates all of the body channels, preventing or eliminating stagnation and blockages. Deep stretches, yoga, walking, hiking, dancing and Pilates have all been shown to support a healthy digestive and lymphatic system.
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