A Simple Remedy for an Upset Stomach

This is a simple Chinese tea that anyone can make at home and is a great way to harmonise your digestive system and keep it strong.  The herb is called “Chen Pi” in Chinese, which means “Roasted Citrus Peel”.  Traditionally the peels were left out in the sun to dry, but this can take weeks, and pretty hard to do in the depths of winter.  But now days there’s a much quicker and easier way to do it.  Gather up enough Mandarin or Orange peels (not grapefruit) and lay them out on a baking tray.  Put them in the oven on 180 degrees for about 12min.  The speed at which they cook will obviously be dependent on the size of the pieces.  They only need to be browned, not blackened.

All you need to do then is let it cool, break off a piece the size of your thumbnail, add hot water and let it draw for about 8 minutes.  Then drink.

Store the herb in an airtight container, in a cool place away from sunlight.  It never really goes off, so can use it even one year later!!

So what is it good for?

Its classically in many formulas for overeating, indigestion, nausea, bloating and reflux.  Had too much to eat? morning sickness? bloating after food? stomach feeling queezy? this should work well for you.  If you have nausea I’d advise adding some ginger into the tea also.  The benefits and uses of ginger I will discuss at a later date.

This simple herb is a fabulous way to settle and aid digestion whatever the cause.  If it doesn’t help at all, then I highly recommend seeking out an acupuncturist for an assessment and treatment.