Digestive Issues Archives - Jovanka Ciares

How To Get Rid of Intestinal Parasites… Naturally

There are home remedies that are prepared with botanicals like peppermint, rue and mugwort, which have anti-parasitic properties, and are very efficient in eliminating parasites and intestinal worms.

These can be used every 6 months or in small doses on a regular basis to keep the intestine clean, but can also be used after confirmation of the presence of pinworms as a way to complement the treatment indicated by the doctor. It is important to remember that in the case of pregnant women, nursing women or children, it is important to first consult a doctor before ingesting them.

Here are 5 home remedies with anti-parasitic actions traditionally used to manage intestinal parasites. They are:

1. Rue tea with papaya seeds

The home remedy with papaya and rue is optimal in the treatment of worms, since rue is a powerful anthelmintic.

Ingredients

1/2 tablespoon of papaya seeds;

1 tablespoon of dried rue leaves;

1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Place the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Then it should be strained and drunk warm, during the day.

2. Turmeric tea

7 home remedies to kill parasites and intestinal worms

Another good home remedy to treat intestinal parasites is turmeric tea (curcuma longa), because this root has curcumin as an active principle, which according to some studies, inhibits the growth of some pathogens, including helminths and protozoa. In addition to this, turmeric is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients

12 ounces of water;

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.

Preparation mode

Boil the water and add the teaspoon of turmeric, let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day between meals.

3. Olive oil with garlic

7 home remedies to kill parasites and intestinal worms

Garlic is optimal for the elimination of intestinal worms and can be consumed raw, but it can also be consumed daily as a flavored oil, as it maintains its anthelmintic properties.

Ingredients

16 ounces of olive oil;

1 branch of rosemary;

3 cloves of peeled garlic.

Preparation mode

In a bottle of approximately 700 ml place the peeled and gently crushed garlic cloves and then add the oil and the rosemary branch. Close and store in a dry, moisture-free place for at least 10 days. Use this oil to cook food and to dress salads or soups.

See all the health benefits of garlic.

4. Mugwort tea

Mugwort is excellent for eliminating intestinal parasites due to its antiparasitic properties, its scientific name is mugwort vulgaris.

Ingredients

20 g of artemisia leaves;

32 ounces of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Add the leaves to the boiling water and let it rest for 5 minutes. Strain and drink when hot 3 times a day.

5. Anise tea

Anise tea also has anthelmintic action, being useful to complement the treatment against intestinal parasites.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of anise seeds;

1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the seeds in the boiling water and let it rest for 8 minutes. Strain and take after meals. Learn more about anise and its properties.

Your Gut Health Questions Answered with Dr Mary Pardee

Today, I have Dr Mary Pardee functional medicine doctor and Naturopathic Medical Doctor specializing in integrative gastroenterology and gut-brain health to some of the most popular questions I hear from folks about gut health.

We will talk about over the counter remedies, those pesky, gassy, smelly symptoms you struggle with and more. Tune in!

Living with chronic conditions like diarrhea, acid reflux, constipation, gas, or bloating can leave you feeling drained and hopeless, not to mention embarrassed. You shouldn’t have to scan every restaurant menu before going out to eat, or avoiding restaurants altogether. Your gut should be nourishing you, not causing stress and discomfort.

And let’s face it: none of this is all that fun to talk about. But facts are facts: The health of your body is largely affected by the health of your gut.

It’s time we talked about poop.

And probiotics.

And all things gut health.

Check out today’s interview, you’ll learn a TON today!

Upset Tummy Be Gone | How To Soothe Your Tummy

We’ve all been there: a squeezy feeling in the pit of your stomach, and gas bubble that feels trapped and causing pain, a bloated stomach that makes you look 4 months pregnant (even the boys), the funny butterflies that are neither cute nor sexy.

What to do? If you’re feeling that combination of physical discomfort and emotional stress that manifests in discomfort, pain and distention on the belly, I got some herbal blends for you! Check out the video blog and the written list below the video!

Here are some of my favorite tummy soothers:

1. CHAMOMILE

-aromatic and carminative bitter

-loved by kids & elders alike

-great for occasional gas and bloating

-relieves nausea and occasional heartburn

2. GINGER

-warming carminative

-soothes upset stomach and nausea

-supports sluggish digestion

-rekindles digestive fire and reduces gas/bloating

3. PEPPERMINT

-cooling carminative

-smooth muscle of the digestive tract

-soothes the nerves & a nervous stomach

4. BURDOCK

-bitter stimulant

-maintains healthy gut flora

-keeps microbiome in balance

-stimulates digestive secretions

Endometriosis Pain Management

Struggling with endometriosis pain? There’s much you can do. First of, check out the video below for details, then check out the notes below the video.

Here are the foods that you should avoid or favor:

Foods to avoid

dairy
processed foods high in refined sugars
caffeine
alcohol

Foods to increase include:

green leafy vegetables
broccoli
celery
blueberries
ginger
chia seeds

Regarding the herbs and natural remedies to try, check these out:

Castor oil

Castor oil has been used for hundreds of years to treat endometriosis. It can be used at the very beginning, when cramping is first felt, to help the body get rid of excess tissues. It’s important that this technique is only used before the menstrual flow, and not during.

Castor oil should be massaged directly into the abdomen. You can also mix it with a few drops of a relaxing essential oil like lavender to help relax the pelvic muscles, and apply it to a warm compress to place on the abdomen.

Turmeric /ginger

Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial to people experiencing endometriosis symptoms. It can also be used to manage endometriosis in the long term. Some research has even found that it has the ability to inhibit endometrial growth.

You can take turmeric capsules, or make turmeric tea by boiling one cup of water and adding a teaspoon of both turmeric and ginger powder. You can also add honey and lemon. Drink this three times daily while experiencing symptoms, and at least once daily when you’re using it for maintenance.

Ginger tea

Some people with endometriosis experience nausea as a result of the condition. Ginger tea is one of the best home remedies for treating nausea, and research has consistently shown that it’s both safe and effective.

You can purchase ginger tea packets at many supermarkets and grocery stores. Just add them to a cup of boiling water and drink two to three times daily when experiencing nausea.

Pelvic massages with Motherwort oil

Massaging the pelvic muscles can help relax them and reduce inflammation, reducing cramping. Using a few drops of high-quality lavender essential oil can help further relax the muscles. Gently massage the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

Pelvic massages should only be used before the menstrual cycle; it may aggravate symptoms if you use it as a treatment during your period.

Herbs that Help Manage PMS

90% of women report having painful menstrual cramps from time to time. In parts of the world, women use fennel seeds to relieve cramps and pain during menses. In studies done with fennel versus placebo, they worked just as well as over the counter pain drugs and without the side effects.

Fennels seeds also have the added bonus of helping reduce bloat and painful abdominal gas. They’re like tiny 1-2 punches of goodness.

Note: Fennel seeds relax the uterus so you may bleed heavier than normal. Please exercise caution if you have very heavy periods.

On the other hand, ginger is one of the most effective herbs for cramps AND to reduce bleeding. Having ginger tea regularly throughout your period can just do the trick. In studies, ginger seems to appears to be a highly effective treatment for the reduction of menstrual blood loss.

And of course, it is safer than most prescription medication, and with fewer side effects

In combination, these 2 powerhouses may work incredibly well to manage PMS symptoms.

Here’s how I used them:

BENEFITS:
(1) Ginger Root
Effective for cramps
Reduces inflammation
Relieves pain
Reduces bleeding
Helps with anxiety and depression

(2) Fennel Seeds
Reduces gas and bloating
Can increase blood flow
Reduces cramps and discomfort
Anti-inflammatory
Relaxes muscles

Tea Recipe
1-2 inches of ginger root
1 Tbsp of fennel seeds
3-4 cups of water

Boil at low heat for 5 mins. Let cool and drink 1 cup twice a day at least one week prior to your period or when the first symptoms appear.

Food Poisoning? Try these 5 Tips At Home

Food poisoning is the worst! We’ve all been there: food is tasty but perhaps a little greasy and after a great now out things take a turn for the worse. Awful stomach cramps. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Chills, Fever feeling. Aches all over.

Yep, you are one of the estimated 37 million cases of food poisoning that take place within the United States every year.

Here are my 5 tips to deal with this awful condition (video below):

Coaching Session And Colitis Herbal Blends with Vince Lia

Today I’m featuring a new client, a friend, who also happens to be a great wellness warrior and vegan YouTuber… Vince Lia!

Vince mentioned that he was struggling with colitis (a type of severe bowel inflammatory disease) for years and recently had a bad flare-up caused by stress.

I of course jumped at the opportunity to help a fellow wellness seeker and we agreed to do an herbalism health coaching session.

If you ever wondered what a session with me looks like, this will give you a great insight into what it is to work with me (a full session involves other steps not shown in the video but you’ll definitely get the picture).

Check out the content of the video:

Vince’s story – 1:22

His transition to veganism – 5:35

Holistic Approach – 9:15

Herbs for Colitis – 12:00

Herbal Remedy for digestive issues – 14:55

And the herbs I recommended Vince include:

Gingko Biloba

Get It Here

Boswellia

Get It Here

Have you heard of them? Plan on trying one or another? Let me know in the comments below the video.

6 Perfect Home Diarrhea Herbal Preparations

Diarrhea is the watery or loose stools that happen three or more times a day.

It is important to note that diarrhea is not a disease but a symptom of different disorders such as food poisoning, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance (sugar in milk), Crohn’s disease, gastroenteritis, ulcerative colitis, intestinal parasites , etc.

Likewise, it can be produced by some medications (antibiotics, blood pressure drugs and antacids with magnesium), since these can alter the normal balance of bacteria in the colon.

Diarrhea is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, general weakness and loss of appetite.

For the average healthy individual, attacking the diarrhea with herbal remedies can be very effective. Either way, you must go to your health care practitioner if your stools are soft for more than 48hrs so you can rule out any serious issues.

Here are my top 6 herbal preparations for this uncomfortable condition (check out the video and the full list below the video).

Remedy for Diarrhea #1 Wash a handful of fresh berries of red currant and place in a blender along with some water. Blend for a few moments and drink the juice obtained.

Remedy for Diarrhea #2 Put some salt on the navel and hold it with a band aid.

Remedy for Diarrhea #3 Wash and split a large lemon. Extract your juice and add it to 1 liter of warm water. Drink throughout the day.

Remedy for Diarrhea #4 Pour a handful of rosehip seeds into 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and let cool for 5 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day.

Remedy for diarrhea #5 Boil, for 10 minutes, 3 tablespoons of raspberry or blackberry leaf in half a liter of water. After that time, cover and let cool. Take throughout the day.

Remedy for Diarrhea #6 Place 1 teaspoon of black tea in 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and let cool. Drink a warm cup, without too much sugar.

Herbs to Ease Heartburn, GERD and Acid Reflux

Have you ever suffered from that awful burning sensation at the top of your stomach? Or what about stomach pain, stinging sensation in the throat and chest, and persistent throat sore throat!

If you have or know someone who does, do not despair. There’s one little herbal remedy that people have been using for decades to help relieve these symptoms and more (it’s great for ulcers too)!

Even my dad uses it to help manage his GERD.

What’s the magic ingredient???? Slippery Elm!

First things first: to get yours, Click Here

Secondly: Check Out the video below (more below the video)

Thirdly, a fun Trivia: Slippery Elm is one of the few herbs that’s FDA approved as a medication!

Fourth and finally:

Here’s the recipe:

Mix slippery elm, cinnamon, nutmeg and water in a small pot to form a smooth paste.
Add nut or coconut milk and stir over a low flame, gently heating the mixture and stirring constantly until there are no lumps.
Turn off the heat and add your sweetener of choice.

Enjoy and feel better!

Learn To Poo The Right Way

How are your bathroom trips? If you suffer from too much gas, bloating, indigestion, constipation or any other digestive issues, chances are there’s just too much “poo” or debris in your intestines.

The way you poo could be part of the problem. And the solution could be as simply as learning how to sit while in the toilet.

Check out this video to learn why I love Squatty Potty so much. And click on this link to get yours today!

Let me know what you think, in the comments below the video!

Top 5 Herbs that Help Digestion

In my experience as an herbalist and a patient suffering from fibroids and endometriosis, I’ve found that, creating a balanced environment in your gut can allow your hormonal system to work a bit more efficiently and eventually reduce pain and discomfort until your body returns to a balanced state.

Here are the 5 herbs I’ve used through the years to soothe my GI tract and also help balance my hormonal self.

*Chamomile – very popular and mild. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s common and wildly used. Chamomile increases gastric juices, helps you expel gas, reduce painful spasms and reduce inflammation. It is wildly used because it is mild so even people with IBS and other serious gastric conditions can use it.

*Hops (will help you sleep, sedative, nerving relaxant), but it revs up your digestive juices.

*Slippery Elm (Ulnus spp) – is used in lots of OTC’s. Slippery Elm is great for the mouth (soft tissue, canker sores, stomach walls). Awesome to sooth the gut when your hormones are causing LOTS of issues

*Yarrow: Yarrow leaf and flower can be added to food or used in tea. This bitter plant may be helpful in managing blood sugar, which is so important in maintaining digestive health AND regulating thyroid function, which is key in maintaining strong and balanced hormonal health.

*Triphala, an Ayurvedic combination of the fruits amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki, is the classic herbal remedy for long-term digestive benefit. It tones the intestinal walls, detoxifies the system and promotes evacuation. Triphala has a high tannin content, so in low doses, it treats diarrhea (1 gram per day). In higher doses, it treats constipation in a slow, gentle way, toning the walls of the gut while it works.

How To Curb Late Night Binging

Craving sweet, salty or fatty foods late at night? Even after you’ve had an awesome day full of nourishing foods, plenty of fiber, and water!

You’ve done everything you can and you still have those pesky cravings. How to curb them? This video will show you what I do to help me not un-do my healthy day!

Here’s the list of the tips mentioned on the video:

Consume more nutrients through the day
Spread out your water
Avoid bringing crappy food into the house
Have raw cacao powder
Take cinnamon bark tea
Have sex
Increase healthy oils in your meals
Peppermint essential oil

Hope you enjoy them!

What a Health Coach Eats, Winter Edition

I often get asked what I eat in a day and the answer to that question is “it depends”. I eat differently in winter than in summer and regularly check with my alternative medicine practitioners to check for imbalances and nutrient deficiency.

Having said that, you can still follow some simple basic principles to help your body feel its best regardless of the time of the year.

Here’s what a health coach (moi) eats during winter!

Now, below the video, tell me: do you eat for the seasons? What are you eating these days and how does your body feel? Let me know in the comments below!

How To Manage Occasional Diarrhea

Ugh! We’ve all suffered from it at one point or another…. diarrhea… and all that comes with it:

Stomach ache
Feeling feverish and ill
Dehydration
Uncontrollable bowel movements
Frequent passage of loose and watery stool
Abdominal cramps
Stomach pain
Dry mouth

The reasons why we suffer from diarrhea as far and wide, from bacterial infection to serious autoimmune disorders. Whatever the reasons behind your loose and watery stools, one of these natural remedies might be able to help.

Check out the video below to learn my go-to remedies to treat occasional diarrhea.

Now, in the comments below, tell me: Have you used any of these? Have they been helpful?

Do you know of any remedies as effective to manage diarrhea symptoms? Let me know in the comments below!

Gluten Free Open Avocado Toast

I love bread! There, I admit it! It’s fantastic, it’s comforting and it can be very healthy! I often choose gluten free, multi grain bread made by local bakers and using sustainably sourced ingredients.

One of my favorite snacks, light lunches or even dinners is a simple open avocado toast on gluten free bread. This ridiculously simple dish has just 3 ingredients, takes 5 mins to prepare and has over 10 grams of protein.

Click on the video below to see how!

Oh, and here are the ingredients, just for your enjoyment!

1 avocado
1 small tomato, firm
3-4 fresh basil leaves
olive oil to taste
Himalayan pink salt to taste
Juice of ½ a lemon

Enjoy!

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