December ushers in a period of generous, often convivial meals, punctuated by intense emotions and the pleasure of being together. But behind the conviviality sometimes lurk feelings of heaviness, bloating, and post-meal fatigue. Rest assured: your digestive system can get through this period smoothly, provided you offer it some natural support… and a touch of common sense.
Why do we digest less well during the holidays?
Festive meals combine several factors that naturally slow down digestion:
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Excess fats, sugar and alcohol , which put a heavy strain on the liver.
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Very long meals , during which we eat more than necessary.
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Late hours that disrupt the body's digestive rhythms.
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Excitement, discussions, emotions, sometimes family stress , which activate the sympathetic nervous system… the enemy of digestion.
The result: the stomach works more slowly, the intestines ferment more, and fatigue sets in.
The four typical signs of indigestion
You might recognize yourself:
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Feeling of heaviness after the meal
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Bloating or gas
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Drowsiness after dessert
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Heartburn or acid reflux
Nothing to worry about: these inconveniences are very common… and there are natural solutions to soothe them quickly.
After a heavy meal: immediate steps to relieve discomfort
Here's what actually works:
1. Walk for 10 to 15 minutes
Gentle walking stimulates digestive motility and prevents congestion.
2. Breathe deeply
Abdominal breathing activates the vagus nerve , the conductor of digestion.
3. Heat on the stomach
A hot water bottle relaxes digestive muscles and calms spasms.
4. Avoid coffee
Coffee increases stomach acidity and can irritate the stomach; therefore, it's best to avoid it right after a heavy meal. You can advantageously replace it with a digestive herbal tea , such as an infusion of Ceylon cinnamon, fennel, ginger, or peppermint, which will promote more peaceful digestion.
The most useful digestive plants during the holidays
1. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Warming, invigorating and carminative (reduces gas and bloating), it stimulates slow digestion, reduces fermentation and perfectly complements winter meals.
→ To be used in herbal tea or in cooking.
2. Rosemary
An excellent ally for the liver, it supports the elimination of fats and toxins.
→ As an infusion, alone or with a squeeze of lemon.
3. Fennel
Carminative, mildly laxative, it soothes gas and bloating.
→ Seeds to infuse… or to chew after the meal.
4. Ginger
Warming, it stimulates digestive juices and soothes nausea.
→ As an infusion or in hot lemon water.
5. Peppermint
Refreshing and decongestant, it soothes abdominal pain and spasms.
→ Ideal as an after-meal herbal tea (to be avoided in case of gastroesophageal reflux — GERD).
6. German chamomile
The digestive herbal tea par excellence: intestinal tonic, carminative, regulator of motility.
→ Suitable for slow digestion and excess gas.
"Express Digestion After-Holiday Herbal Tea" Blend
A carminative (reduces gas), digestive, aromatic blend, ideal for lightening the days after heavy meals.
Ingredients for one jar (20–25 cups)
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20g of fennel seeds
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20g of peppermint
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20 g of German chamomile
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20g of Ceylon cinnamon bark , cut into small pieces
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20 g of rosemary
Mix all the plants together and store in an airtight jar away from light.
Instructions for use (for 1 cup – 250 ml)
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Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture.
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Pour 250 ml of simmering water (90–95 °C).
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Cover and let it steep for 8 to 10 minutes .
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Strain and enjoy while piping hot.
Expected effects
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Relieves bloating
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Stimulates digestion and liver function
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Soothes digestive spasms and heaviness
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Promotes rapid abdominal comfort
💡 Ideal as an after-meal herbal tea or as a short-term treatment during the holiday season.
A practical solution: our digestive herbal tea “HELLO MY DIGESTIVE BALANCE”
No time to prepare your own blend? No problem! Our ready-made digestive herbal tea combines peppermint, fennel, thyme, rosemary and green anise, for smooth and comfortable digestion after your meals.
Simply infuse 1 tablespoon in 250 ml of hot water for 10 minutes and enjoy a delicious and beneficial infusion, ideal for enjoying the holidays without digestive discomfort.
Digestive aromatherapy: targeted support
Essential oils can help… provided they are used with caution.
The most useful
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Linalool basil essential oil
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Peppermint essential oil
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Lemon essence
→ Mix 2 drops in 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and massage the stomach in a clockwise direction .
Contraindications
- Lemon oil: avoid if taking anticoagulants
- Peppermint: contraindicated in cases of epilepsy, and for frail seniors.
- Basil and peppermint: not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
A closer look at activated charcoal, an age-old remedy that remains effective.
Used since ancient Egypt as a universal antidote, activated charcoal is now valued for:
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absorb the gases
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reduce bloating
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to soothe intestinal fermentation
Its history spans centuries: from the antidote of Ebes (1550 BC) to the famous Belloc charcoal (19th century), to the Eucarbon mixture, created in 1909. It remains an essential part of digestive herbalism, simple and natural.
How should we take it?
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Typical dose: 1 to 2 tablets or capsules (approximately 500 mg each) or 1 teaspoon of powder .
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Instructions for use: away from meals , ideally 30 minutes before or 2 hours after to avoid reducing nutrient absorption.
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Mix well with water and swallow quickly.
When to use it?
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After heavy meals or meals very high in fats and sugars.
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In case of bloating, gas or a feeling of heaviness.
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Occasionally, as a remedy for digestive comfort.
Precautions and interactions
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May reduce the absorption of certain medications (anticoagulants, antibiotics, thyroid treatments): take at least 2 hours apart .
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Avoid excessive consumption: no more than 3–4 doses per day without medical advice.
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Not recommended for people with severe intestinal disorders or digestive obstruction.
Preventing indigestion: good habits to adopt
Digestion begins… in the mind. Your attitude towards food is just as important as its contents.
1. Chew thoroughly
Each bite should be thoroughly moistened with saliva to facilitate the work of the stomach.
2. Take your time
A meal lasting at least 15–20 minutes is necessary for the body to initiate its digestive processes.
3. Eat raw
Raw vegetables, aromatic herbs, sprouted seeds: the supply of enzymes is valuable.
4. Move regularly
Gentle running, walking, cycling, swimming or gardening: digestive motility can be maintained.
5. Support your gut flora
Thanks to prebiotic foods: garlic, onion, leek, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, artichoke…
6. Limit very fatty foods
Marbled meats, fried foods, pastries, rich cheeses… the fattier it is, the slower it is to digest.
7. Avoid drinking before and during meals
A large amount of water dilutes digestive enzymes and slows gastric emptying.
Gentleness and kindness towards your digestion
The holidays are first and foremost a time for joy—and your digestion deserves the same gentle touch. With a few simple steps, some well-chosen herbs, and a little breathing, you can fully enjoy your meals… without paying the price afterward.
Your digestive system will thank you.
Sources:
- Johannes Gottfried Mayer, Bernhard Uehleke, O. Kilian Sau m, Zioła Ojców Benedyktynów, Mieszanki i leczenie , Świat Książki
- Michel Pierre, Caroline Gayet , My Herbalism Bible , LEDUC
- Dr. G. Pamplona-Roger , Encyclopedia of Life and Health, Guide to Medicinal Plants ,
- Article "Activated charcoal, for a king's digestion", Plants & Health
Under no circumstances should the information and advice offered on the MerveilleNature website be considered a substitute for a consultation or diagnosis made by a doctor or healthcare professional, who are the only ones able to properly assess your state of health.
