Monday, October 13, 2025

This morning drink can reduce bloating and indigestion

Consuming a basic mixture of soaked jeera/ cumin and ajwain/ carom seeds, which used daily to support the digestive system and gut health. US based gastroenterologist, Dr. Pal Manickam recently explained the health benefits of this drink through scientific evidence while demonstrating its practical advantage to gut health.

Magic potion

The preparation method for this drink involves soaking 1 teaspoon of each seed- jeera and ajwain in water throughout the night before boiling the mixture in the morning and then straining it to serve warm.

Detoxify and digest

This mixture enhance the digestive function and achieves natural body detoxification. The digestive acids and enzymes needed for better food breakdown emerge from thymol, which exists in jeera.

Ajwain works to eliminate gas and bloating through its ability to relax the digestive system. Saunf / fennel provides stomach relief while simultaneously decreasing stomach acid levels. This blend can also support metabolism. Regular consumption may also help reduce occasional discomfort from over eating or indulgent meals.

Dr. Pal explains that this morning drink activates the digestive system after sleep, by using gentle ingredients instead of caffeine or strong stimulants to prepare the gut for food consumption. The daily practice leads to better digestion, reduced bloating and improved bowel movements which results in long-term gut health improvement. Its warm, soothing nature also helps regulate morning appetite, encouraging healthier food choices throughout the day.

Science behind the drink

Dr. Pal, who specialises in gut health has explained the effectiveness of this morning drink. According to him-

The antioxidant properties and oil content in jeera and ajwain water help the body eliminate metabolic waste products.

The drink stimulates bile production, which serves as a crucial factor for fat breakdown and metabolic processes.

Ajwain helps the body reduce water retention while improving the absorption of nutrients.

The ingredients present no major risks which research evidence supports their traditional usage and small-scale studies confirm their advantages.

Regular consumption of this mixture can assist in weight loss through its ability to boost metabolism and fat breakdown.

The addition of fennel seeds to the mixture, enhances detoxification processes while simultaneously decreasing stomach acidity,

Dr. Pal states that this remedy does not function as a magic solution, but it offers a safe approach to enhance gut health and metabolic function. The treatment works discreetly to support natural body processes, without causing any severe adverse reactions.

Detoxifying and balancing effects

The consumption of jeera-ajwain water enables the body to detoxify by clearing out harmful substances and maintaining proper stomach acid levels. The drink functions as a gentle diuretic, which helps the body eliminate surplus water and decreases swelling. The advantages of this drink enable users to experience lighter body weight and increased daily energy levels..

Dr/ Pal notes that this traditional remedy helps control blood sugar levels following meals, thus providing sustained energy and preventing unexpected hunger cravings.

Wellness beyond physical benefits

The warm aromatic beverage creates a feeling of equilibrium which helps people maintain their mental health. Dr. Pal supports the value of traditional health practices because they create both physical advantages and mental serenity for individuals.

Ingredients

Jeera 1 tsp

Ajwain 1 tsp

Saunf  1 tsp ( optional)

Preparations

The seeds require dry roasting at a low heat to achieve better flavour.

Soak the seeds in water throughout the night.

In the morning, boil the mixture, strain and drink it warm on an empty stomach.

Who should be careful

People with chronic digestive issues or allergies need to consult their healthcare provider before using this drink as a regular beverage. People who are pregnant or taking medication, should verify potential drug interactions and adverse effects.


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Thursday, June 03, 2021

11 Common Herbs with Antiviral Properties

Ginger is by far not the only herb capable of warding off colds and other viral infections. In fact, some of the common herbs and roots you may already have on hand in your garden or pantry have potent antiviral properties as well. These 11 powerful herbs, like the humble garlic, aromatic sage, and fresh peppermint, have stood both the test of time and scientific scrutiny, and are widely known for their antiviral activity. Learn about their specific benefits below. 
 
Do keep in mind, however, that taking herbs is a supplemental method, and not a primary treatment of any condition unless otherwise advised by your doctor, and you will still need to adhere to all guidelines and recommendations given by medical professionals in preventing and treating a specific condition.  
 
1. Fennel / saunf
Herbs with Antiviral Properties Fennel
Both the roots and the seeds of the sweet-tasting fennel plant have been used to reduce inflammation and ease digestive distress for centuries. Indeed, the roots of the plant contain quite a lot of vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants, which made researchers believe it may be beneficial at boosting the immune system.

Some studies, though mostly test tube and animal model studies, have even shown the potential of the herb to kill specific viruses. For example, one article showed that the naturally-occurring ingredients of fennel called rans-anethole was capable of eradicating the herpes virus.  
 
2. Oregano Herbs with Antiviral Properties Oregano
Oregano is great not only on pizza! In fact, the delicious herb has been shown to eradicate a multitude of different viruses, such as the herpes virus (type-1), respiratory syncytial virus, and the rotavirus, which causes diarrhea and digestive distress in kids. 
 
In addition, one test-tube study also explored the potential of the herb to kill the murine norovirus, which causes a highly infectious stomach flu in mice. A virtually identical virus also affects humans and is the primary cause of stomach flu. Oregano managed to eradicate the virus just 15 minutes after exposure. It needs pointing out, however, that all studies mentioned above used oregano oil, the most concentrated form of the herb.

3. Echinacea
Herbs with Antiviral Properties Echinacea
Echinacea flowers sure do look quite beautiful in the garden with their vibrant petals and peculiar cone-shaped core, but the primary reason people grow this bright pink flower is for its health benefits.
 
In fact, many people use echinacea to boost their immunity before the flu season, a tradition that stems from Native American medicine, as Native Americans used the flower to treat all kinds of conditions, including viral infections. Studies support the plant's potential to treat some viral infections, such as herpes and influenza.  
 
4. Garlic
Garlic is definitely one of the most popular seasonings in the world, but apart from being quite delicious and essential for some of your favorite dishes, it's also a very potent herbal remedy. Additionally, it is one of the most well-studied herbs out there that has well-known anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.

Furthermore, garlic has been shown to have antiviral properties against specific viruses, namely influenza A and B, viral pneumonia, rhinovirus (the cause of the common cold), and even HIV. The most recent research conducted on 23 humans evidence also suggests that garlic extract can eradicate warts related to HPV (human papillomavirus) in 2 weeks of use. This all leads us to one conclusion - never shy away from garlic when cooking!
 
5. Sambucus
Herbs with Antiviral Properties Sambucus
You've probably heard of elderberries, but few people actually know what these blackberries are beneficial for. Sambucus, or elderberries, are a traditional medicinal ingredient that's been used for all sorts of purposes for centuries, but the scientific evidence proving most of these uses is limited. 
 
That said, there is one review study in 180 humans that concluded that black elderberry supplements significantly helped shorten and decrease the severity of upper respiratory viral infections. The berries were also shown to boost the immune response in response to the flu in mice.

6. Peppermint
Herbs with Antiviral Properties Peppermint
The mint family of plants has one thing in common - virtually all of its species, be it peppermint, basil, or lemon balm offer a multitude of health benefits, including ones connected to the treatment of viral infections. One of the ingredients suggested to be responsible for the beneficial immune-boosting and antiviral effects is menthol, and peppermint has the highest concentration of it compared to other members of the mint family. 
 
Other essential oil components present in peppermint, basil, and lemon balm have been also known to fight off different viruses causing upper respiratory infections, enterovirus, and herpes, among others, so make sure to include plenty of these herbs in your diet, too.

7. Rosemary
Herbs with Antiviral Properties Rosemary
Rosemary is another one of those herbs that's widely known for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, and rosemary essential oil and extract, in particular, are present in many concoctions that intend to treat all sorts of infections. Two ingredients naturally-present in the herb - Rosmarinic and Oleanolic acid - may be responsible for these beneficial health effects. 
 
Rosemary extract has been found to kill hepatitis A and herpes, whereas oleanolic acid has shown the potential of treating herpes, HIV, and influenza in animal models and in-vitro studies.

8. Sage
Herbs with Antiviral Properties Sage
Another member of the mint family and a frequent ingredient on many people's shopping list is sage. This soft-leaved plant has a pleasant aroma and is commonly added to both meat and vegetable-based dishes. Though not much research is done to account for the anecdotal use of sage as an antiviral agent, in vitro studies suggest that safficinolide - one of the naturally-occurring compounds in sage - can be helpful at fighting HIV-1.
 
9. Ginseng
Herbs with Antiviral Properties Ginseng
Ginseng needs no introduction, as the herb is a staple item in Chinese traditional medicine and has enjoyed increasing popularity worldwide in the past decade or so. While ginseng extract itself has been shown to be effective at killing hepatitis A, herpes, and some respiratory viruses, isolating compounds called ginsenosides and administering them in a high concentration seems to have an even greater antiviral effect. 
 
One noteworthy virus that succumbs to ginsenosides are coxsackieviruses, a group of extremely dangerous viruses that can cause meningoencephalitis - a potentially life-threatening brain infection.

10. Dandelion
Herbs with Antiviral Properties Dandelion
You've probably heard that young dandelion leaves can be enjoyed in salads, but the flowers of the plant are also a common ingredient in plant medicine. The plant is very sturdy and so it's commonly considered a weed, but it shouldn't, as it has many anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial health effects. 
 
In terms of its antiviral effects, dandelion extract was reported to kill influenza, hepatitis B, and other viruses. A more recent test-tube experiment also showed the ability of the extract to stop the spread of the life-threatening Dengue virus.

11. Licorice
Herbs with Antiviral Properties Licorice
The last, but definitely not the least ingredient on this list is licorice - no, not the candy but the root that gives the candy its characteristic smell and flavor. Like ginseng and ginger, licorice root is a staple in Eastern medicinal practices, but there is also some interesting research that reveals the antiviral potential of the plant. 
 
In-vitro research reveals that the extract of licorice root is capable of eradicating HIV, herpes, and even SARS-CoV (the first coronavirus, not the novel kind the world is currently battling).

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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