Desi Ilaaj for Digestion

Ingredients: Ajwain (carom seeds), water

How to prepare: Boil 1 tsp ajwain in 2 cups water. Reduce to 1 cup. Strain and drink warm.

Uses: Relieves gas, bloating, indigestion, acidity

May increase stomach acid. Avoid in acid reflux.

Ingredients: Cumin seeds (jeera), water

How to prepare: Soak 1 tsp cumin seeds in water overnight. Strain and drink in morning. Or boil and drink.

Uses: Improves digestion, reduces bloating, aids metabolism

Generally very safe. May slightly lower blood sugar.

Ingredients: Hing (asafoetida), warm water

How to prepare: Dissolve a pinch of hing in 1 cup warm water. Drink after meals.

Uses: Instant relief from gas, bloating, stomach cramps

Avoid during pregnancy. May interact with blood pressure meds.

Ingredients: Fresh mint leaves, coriander, green chili, lemon, salt

How to prepare: Blend all ingredients with minimal water. Serve with meals.

Uses: Aids digestion, cooling effect, relieves nausea

Green chili may aggravate acidity in some.

Ingredients: Amla, haritaki, bibhitaki powder

How to prepare: Mix 1/2 tsp in warm water. Drink before bed.

Uses: Natural laxative, improves gut health, detoxification

May cause loose stools initially. Not for pregnant women.

Ingredients: Fennel seeds (saunf), water

How to prepare: Soak 1 tsp saunf in water overnight or boil for 5 min. Drink warm.

Uses: Reduces gas, freshens breath, relieves constipation

Very safe. Can be given to infants in small amounts for colic.

Ingredients: Curd, water, cumin, salt, mint

How to prepare: Blend 1 cup curd with 2 cups water, cumin powder, salt, and mint leaves.

Uses: Probiotic, cools stomach, aids digestion after heavy meals

Avoid if lactose intolerant. Best consumed at lunch, not dinner.

Ingredients: Ginger juice, lemon juice, honey, warm water

How to prepare: Mix 1 tsp each ginger juice, lemon juice, honey in warm water. Drink before meals.

Uses: Stimulates digestion, reduces nausea, alkalizes body

Lemon may erode enamel. Drink with straw or rinse mouth after.

Ingredients: Psyllium husk (isabgol), water or milk

How to prepare: Mix 1-2 tsp isabgol in warm water or milk. Drink immediately before it gels.

Uses: Relieves constipation, adds fiber, regulates bowel movements

Drink plenty of water with it. May block medication absorption — take 2hr gap.

Ingredients: Fresh amla (Indian gooseberry)

How to prepare: Blend 2-3 fresh amla with water. Strain and drink on empty stomach.

Uses: Rich in Vitamin C, improves digestion, liver detox

Very sour — dilute well. May increase iron absorption.

Ingredients: Fenugreek seeds (methi), water

How to prepare: Soak 1 tsp methi seeds overnight. Drink water and eat seeds in morning.

Uses: Reduces acidity, improves digestion, lowers blood sugar

May lower blood sugar — monitor if on diabetes meds. Avoid in pregnancy.

Ingredients: Bottle gourd (lauki), mint, ginger

How to prepare: Peel and blend fresh lauki with mint and ginger. Strain and drink fresh.

Uses: Alkaline, cooling, reduces acidity, aids weight loss

NEVER drink if lauki tastes bitter — bitter lauki is TOXIC. Always taste first.

Ingredients: Raw mango, cumin, mint, sugar/jaggery, salt

How to prepare: Boil raw mango, extract pulp. Blend with cumin, mint, sweetener, salt, and water.

Uses: Prevents heat stroke, aids digestion in summer, rich in Vitamin C

High sugar content. Diabetics should use jaggery sparingly.

Ingredients: Broken wheat (daliya), water or milk, salt

How to prepare: Cook daliya in water or milk until soft. Season with salt or make sweet with jaggery.

Uses: Easy to digest, high fiber, good for upset stomach recovery

Contains gluten — avoid if celiac or gluten sensitive.

Ingredients: Fresh aloe vera gel, water, lemon

How to prepare: Scoop 2 tbsp aloe gel, blend with water and lemon juice. Drink on empty stomach.

Uses: Soothes stomach lining, reduces acidity, improves bowel movement

Do NOT consume aloe latex (yellow part). May interact with diabetes meds.