lemon slices
Jennifer Iserloh, The Skinny ChefOver the Memorial Day weekend, I had my fill of picnics and like most people I know, found myself picking, nibbling, and tasting things I don't normally eat. This week, I'm paying the price with my digestion off, and a touch of heartburn. That's why I like to do a bit of a healthy digestion clinic for myself after the holidays that will help to get digestion back on track.

So I'll share these remedies with you that come from the produce isle instead of the drug store. Once the initial stomach ache has subsided, these are soothing sips and tips that can calm and relax.

Lots of Lemon
According to ayurveda, the ancient Indian life science, lemon is the perfect thing to clean the old pipes when digestion is sluggish. Add lemon to hot water or your favorite unsweetened tea

Ginger
Ginger is often used to calm nausea but some people use it to lessen heartburn by chewing on a ½ inch piece of fresh peeled ginger. I get an occasional heartburn flare up, so I've given it a try and had great success. If you can't "stomach" the thought of eating raw ginger on its own, simply boil 4 slices chopped (no need to peel it) in a cup of water for a fast ginger tea.

Cardamom
Fragrant cardamom is valued by herbalists for its carminative, laxative, and calming properties. It has been prized, just as lemon, in ancient Indian medicine and cooking for its ability to improve digestion and has even been used to combat a variety of embarrassing side effects of tummy aches. Cooking with cardamom is easy, just use it sparingly, ¼ teaspoon of the ground, since it can be overwhelming. Make yourself a traditional Indian chai tea as a great place to start.

Rooibos Tea
Rooibos or redbush comes from a bush that grows in Southern Africa. I love its golden red color when it's steeped and the fact that it is caffeine-free -- since coffee and other caffeinated beverages can imbalance digestion and irritate the intestinal tract. People believe that redbush has the ability to calm stomach cramps because it works as an anti-spasmotic but I like it because it has a round, even flavor and also happens to be high in antioxidants like flavanols. You can find redbush in many flavors in your local grocery store. Its rich yet mellow flavor can be enjoyed hot, or chilled as a superb iced tea for summer.