Post-Feast Digestive Aids: Festivals and parties often mean tables piled with rich curries, fried snacks, and plenty of sweets. It’s fun while it lasts, but the after-effects? Not so much. Bloating, heaviness, acidity, and sluggish digestion are common post-feast complaints, which is why many people turn to traditional fixes.
In Indian homes, three remedies come up again and again: triphala, trikatu, and jeera (cumin) water.
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Triphala: The gentle cleanser
What is it: Triphala is an Ayurvedic blend of three fruits: amla (Indian gooseberry), haritaki, and bibhitaki. It acts as a gentle, natural laxative, helping keep your bowel movements regular while supporting better nutrient absorption. Many people find it eases bloating and supports long-term gut health, and it’s generally mild enough for regular use.
How to use:
- Take ½ teaspoon of Triphala powder in warm water before bed.
- Or use tablets if you don’t like the taste.
Trikatu: The fire starter
What it is: Trikatu is a pungent Ayurvedic trio made of black pepper, long pepper (pippali), and ginger and used to kindle digestive fire (agni). It can help the body handle heavy, ghee-rich sweets and fried snacks and may cut post-feast sluggishness and mucus. It’s spicy; avoid if you have acidity/GERD or ulcers, and use carefully if you’re sensitive to spice.
How to use:
- ¼ teaspoon of Trikatu powder with honey after a heavy meal.
- Can also be taken as a tablet or capsule.
Jeera water: The everyday soother
What it is: Jeera (cumin seeds) is a staple spice with gentle, carminative (gas-relieving) properties. It can help ease bloating, support smoother digestion, and has a mildly cooling effect that may calm acidity. It is best for mild, short-term relief from gas and heartburn.
How to use:
- Boil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in a glass of water for 5 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm water after meals.
Triphala, Trikatu, or Jeera water: Quick comparison
| Remedy | What it does | Best for | When to take |
| Triphala | Gentle cleanser, regulates bowels | Constipation | At night, before bed |
| Trikatu | Boosts digestive fire, breaks down heavy food | Indigestion, sluggishness, bloating | After heavy meals |
| Jeera water | Soothes stomach, reduces gas & acidity | Mild acidity, everyday bloating | After meals, anytime |
Triphala, Trikatu, or Jeera water: Which one should you choose?
- If your main issue is constipation or slow digestion, go with Triphala.
- If you feel too heavy or bloated after rich food, and your stomach feels “stuck”, try Trikatu.
- If you just want a light, safe, everyday aid for gas and acidity, stick to Jeera water.
A simple post-feast reset routine:
Here’s how you can combine these remedies with movement:
- Morning after feast: Drink warm jeera water to soothe the stomach.
- Daytime: Take a short 10-minute walk after meals.
- Evening: If still feeling heavy, a small dose of Trikatu with honey.
- Bedtime: Triphala in warm water to gently cleanse overnight.
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Festivals and parties are meant to be enjoyed, but when laddoos and rich curries leave your stomach in knots, you don’t have to suffer. Time-tested remedies can offer quick relief and long-term digestive support, making them smart staples to keep on hand.