FENNEL for digestion

The Greeks and Romans drank fennel tea in the belief that it would help them lose weight, while infant colic was treated with fennel tea as early as the third century BC. To this day, babies are still given gripe water containing fennel to ease trapped wind. We all have those days when we feel sluggish and bloated; fennel is packed with fibre and anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe a sore tummy. My tea also contains ginger, which aids digestion, calms nausea and is anti-inflammatory, along with camomile to relax the muscle spasms that cause pain and peppermint to ease gas in the bowel.

FENNEL TEA WITH GINGER, CAMOMILE AND PEPPERMINT 1 tbsp crushed fennel seeds

2 tbsp fresh peppermint leaves, chopped, or 1 tbsp dried 4 camomile flowers

Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 500ml boiling water

Honey or maple syrup to sweeten, if needed

Put all the ingredients, except the honey, in a teapot or jug. Cover and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey if using, and sip to soothe your digestive system.