Wild Weeds for Bloating

You already know that Nature is good for the body, mind and soul... 

...but did you know it also helps digestion?

That's because spending time outdoors shifts our hyper-activated nervous systems out of fight-and-flight and back to rest-and-digest. 

Many people don't realize this is the first step in resolving digestive problems!

That is why July is all about getting outside - not only for the fresh air and peace of mind - but to find and collect (free) wild weeds that aid digestion!

Last week, I mentioned how wild rose and red clover help support and soothe the gut-brain connection. Now let's look at two local weeds can help the stomach with gas and bloating!

Juniper Berry – Juniper communis or Juniper horizontalis

This is Nature’s version of a digestive enzyme pill!

It is good for stimulating the appetite, soothing stomach cramps and eliminating gas. Try chewing one or two before a meal to aid digestion of difficult foods, or when you have that "too full" bloat after a meal.

You can also dry juniper berries and use them ground up as a seasoning on wild meat and fish (like pepper); and they are awesome for boosting fermentation! I have used them to make gulten-free sourdough starters, and I add them to my krauts for both flavour and a natural probiotic kick!

Learn where to find creeping juniper and how to identify it here.

Wild Mint - Mentha arvensis  

Mint’s digestive properties are well-known. The leaves ease indigestion, gas, heartburn (though not reflux!) and ulcers. Mint tea is best taken prior to a meal or a few hours after, so as not to dilute the digestive secretions needed for digestion.

Mint is also helpful for freshening your perspective and clearing a tired mind! I like to use 1-2 drops of mint essential oil in my one liter water bottle to aid digestion and boost my energy.

Learn where to find it and how to identify wild mint here.

I am heading outside right now to begin foraging these wild weeds as well as collect (okay eat) some wild strawberries (bery helpful for the gut-brain). More on wild Canadian berries here.

HOWEVER, in the meantime, check out my recipe for Digestive Aid Kraut that contains gentian, juniper berries and some other helpful wild weeds that assist digestion.

If you've never made sauerkruat before, watch my how-to video here.

Do you forage wild weeds for medicine or found ones that help your symptoms? Which ones? I'd love to hear about it!