When my sisters and I were growing up, there was only one food that cured our upset tummies—buckwheat groats, also known as kasha. That’s right, plain buckwheat stops nausea right in its tracks.
Not all throwing up is bad. Vomiting is the body’s way of eliminating toxins from the body. Sometimes that’s encouraged.
However, at some point, when a child or adult starts to feel hungry or shaky after a bout of elimination, and they can’t seem to hold down anything else—grab a box of buckwheat groats and work some magic!
How does it work? When suffering through a stomach ailment where vomiting presents, blood sugar levels usually drop. The stabilizing effect of the kasha brings the sugar levels back into equilibrium.
Buckwheat is a gluten-free super seed, not a grain, with amazing properties. It stabilizes blood sugar levels, helps lower cholesterol, and can regulate diabetes. Buckwheat contains the eight essential amino acids, including lysine, as well as high amounts of manganese, magnesium, and fiber. It also contains two flavanoids: quercitin and rutin.
Quercitin has been shown to support healing in the body. Rutin is an antioxidant shown to potentially inhibit cancer. Rutin also strengthens the capillaries and circulation, and may reduce painful varicose veins.
Recipe
Here’s the easy recipe on Wolff’s Kasha box that I make for my kids, when needed:
- 2 Cups broth or water (I use Imagine No Chicken Broth)
- 2 Tbs. butter or margarine (Earth Balance margarine is non-hydrogenated.)
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/8 tsp pepper (I leave this out when treating stomach upset, as it might be harsh on irritation.)
In separate bowl (egg is optional for vegans, so leave this coating part out):
- 1 Cup kasha
- 1 egg or egg white
- Lightly beat egg in bowl with fork. Add kasha, stir to coat kernels.
- Heat liquid, butter, and seasoning to a boil.
- In a separate medium-size skillet, add egg-coated kasha. Cook over high heat 2 to 3 min, stirring constantly until egg has dried on kasha and kernels are separate. Reduce heat to low.
- Quickly stir in boiling liquid. Cover tightly; simmer 8 to 11 min. until kasha kernels are tender and liquid is absorbed. Makes about 4 cups
Earlier this afternoon I had some of those veggie sticks (first taste-tested at Costco), & I swear there is nothing natural about them despite what the packaging says because they upset my stomach so much I had to lie down! I like kasha and had no idea it had the benefits you cite. I’ll pick some up! Thx, Dr. Coren!
It is such comfort food! Hope it brings you good happy feelings inside 🙂
I bought creamed kasha.. which is smaller grained..my kids loved it.
Will have to try that one! I bet it makes a great breakfast food and great for babies as an early food. Much better than those carb-filled nutrient devoid rice cereals.