Peppermint..................Basil

I have been having some inconvience in my life as a result of “nausea.” Although I have tried to help other post-op WLS patients who have had this same problem, it is very different when it actually happened to myself.

My general “Rule of Thumb” has been to go back to soups and puree and try to find something that you can tolerate and stick to that item for several days. Then gradually venture out on other foods. This is sort of like “testing the waters.” This plan of action will help and sometimes gives good relief.

Well, confession is supposed to be good for the soul, I tried taking the above suggestion. It did help and allow me to countinue taking in nourishment without vomiting and being nauseated. But I wanted to find something better.

I went back into the research mode and after trying on my own body several supposed remidies, I did find relief from two diferent proclaimed cures. Now I would like to share what I found with all of you.

Method 1
This comes from Kathi Keville, Director of the American Herb Association.

Peppermint Waters
--at a Health Food Store you can purchase “essential oils of peppermint.”
--at a Greocery Store you can purchase “peppermint flavoring.”
Dilute slightly with water and sip on this slowly.
When I tried this remidy I obtained almost immediate relief that lasted several hours.

Method 2
This comes from Richard E. Anderson, M.D. who is in private practice
in San Diego CA.
He uses this cure for nausea with great success for patients who are in Chemotherapy.

Basil Leaves Tea
--Fresh Basil is available at Health Food Stores and Greocery Store Produce Dept.
--also in the spice section dried Basil works too, just use more.
--some Health Food Stores even have Basil Tea.

There is another way to use Basil as an antinausea drug: Basil Pesto.

Basil Pesto
“Pesto” is an Italian word that comes from the Latin verb “to pound” or “to Crush.” Herb pestos are pastes that are used in all sorts of dishes. Pesto with pasta is probably the most common, but these pastes also go well with vegetables. You can even use pesto to make a dressing (dilute with vinear) or a sauce (dilute with milk). It is also great as a spread, a little pesto turns a plain sandwich into an explosion of flavor!

Basil, the main ingredient of this pesto is a gentle sedative, and helps to relieve high blood pressure as well as nausea.
--1.5 cups fresh Basil leaves
--2.0 cloves Garlic
--0.25 cup Pine Nuts
--0.5 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
--0.5 cup Olive Oil

Chop the Basil in a blender.
Add the Garlic and Pine Nuts and blend into a puree.
Now add Parmesan Cheese, continue blending at high speed.
Slowly add most of the Olive Oil until the ixture is the consistency of creamed butter.
Pack into a container, being sure all the air pockets are removed.
Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil on top to keep the pesto from turning dark.
It will keep for keep for a few weeks in the refrigerator.

If you or someone you know are having trouble with nausea please give one of these remedies a try. I used the Basil Pesto over some Linguine mixed with 2% milk and Shedds Country Crock Margarine.

I like it so much I even made it the main course in a meal for my family. The result, my grandson was not so energetic after supper and went to bed early! Hmmmm.... good stuff!

If you have any questions about this just drop me an e-mail.