The Happy Gut author Reece Carter shares his recipe for a healthy, happy tum
Self-confessed ‘herb nerd’ Reece Carter has made herbal remedies new again with teas, tinctures and recipes for healing. His two books The Garden Apothecary and The Happy Gut will inspire you to grow your own herbs for fun and good health.
HAPPY GUT HERBS AND SPICES
Ginger is Reece’s favourite choice for nausea and tummy upset. Sip spicy ginger tea throughout the day – add a little manuka honey which has antibacterial properties. You can add fresh ginger rhizome or dried ginger to cakes, stir fries and teas. Cinnamon helps with indigestion and can be made into a decoction (boil cinnamon bark for a few minutes in water, cool and sip).
Angelica root will help reduce bloating and boost a sluggish appetite. Reece recommends Angelica in a tincture (recipes for tinctures can be found in The Happy Gut).
Turmeric is renowned as an anti-inflammatory and is a wonderful addition to many savoury dishes such as curries. However, it is also popular in lattes and smoothies. Reece is happy to share this delicious recipe with Style readers. Enjoy!
GOLDEN GLOW SMOOTHIE
Turmeric is the number one anti-inflammatory herb for the digestive system. With the gut being prone to long-term inflammation from stress, alcohol and poor dietary choices, it makes sense to incorporate turmeric as part of a healing plan for the gut.
I’ve also included other ingredients known for their beneficial effects on the gut — yoghurt for probiotics, chia seeds for fibre, pineapple for its protein-digestion enzyme called bromelain, and ginger and cinnamon as herbal digestive aids.
The combination of banana, pineapple and coconut makes this smoothie taste like a tropical treat. Serves 1.
What You’ll Need:
1/2 cup sliced frozen banana
1/2 cup chopped frozen pineapple
1/4 cup vanilla whey protein (or vegan alternative)
1/3 cup Greek yoghurt (or dairyfree alternative)
1 cup (250 ml) coconut milk
2–3cm piece of fresh turmeric, peeled, or ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
2–3cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled, or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Large pinch of toasted coconut flakes, to serve
Method:
1. Combine all the smoothie ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass, top with the coconut flakes, and enjoy.
The Happy Gut ($39.00 RRP) is available wherever good books are sold or you can order online from Booktopia.