Since thousands of years ago, tea has been used to treat digestive problems and other ailments.
It has been proven that several types of herbal tea help treat nausea, constipation, and indigestion. They can be readily found and made at home.
You can improve your digestion with these 9 teas.
Black tea
Camellia sinensis is the plant that produces black tea. There are many varieties of tea made with this plant, including Earl Grey and English Breakfast.
This tea contains several health-promoting compounds. Arubigins, for example, may improve indigestion and theaflavins may prevent stomach ulcers by acting as antioxidants.
It may therefore be beneficial to drink black tea to maintain healthy digestion and prevent ulcers, but more research needs to be conducted.
You need to steep a black tea bag for 5–10 minutes in a cup of boiled water before drinking black tea. After steeping, strain the black tea after using loose tea leaves. As a result of the antioxidant properties of black tea, it may help prevent stomach ulcers and indigestion.
Marshmallow root
A plant called Althaea Officinalis produces marshmallow roots. As a result of marshmallow root polysaccharides such as mucilage, your digestive tract begins to produce mucus more readily.
Marshmallow root may have anti-inflammatory properties as well as increasing mucus production and coating the throat and stomach. This provides ulcer protection. One tablespoon of dried marshmallow root should be mixed with one cup of boiled water to make the tea. After steeping for 5–10 minutes, strain and drink.
As a result of the compounds in marshmallow root, mucus production may be stimulated and stomach ulcers may be relieved.
Senna
Comes from Cassia flowering plants. This chemical breaks down in the colon and promotes contractions and bowel movements by acting on the smooth muscle. Children and adults with constipation from a variety of causes have found senna to be highly effective laxatives.
Constipation may thus be relieved by drinking senna tea. Nevertheless, it’s best to only drink it occasionally to avoid experiencing diarrhea. To make senna tea, steep 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of dried senna leaves in 250 ml of boiling water for 5–10 minutes, then strain. In addition to online and in most health food stores, Senna tea bags are also available.
This herb is commonly used as a laxative because it contains sennosides that stimulate colon contractions.
Dandelion
Yellow flowers cover these plants, which grow in lawns worldwide. These plants belong to the Taraxacum family.
In animal studies, dandelion extracts were shown to contain compounds that may stimulate muscle contractions and promote the movement of food in the small intestine. The dandelion extract was also found to protect against ulcers in rats by fighting inflammation and decreasing acid production.
As a result, dandelion tea may improve digestion. There has been limited research on humans. Dandelion tea can be made by combining 2 cups of dandelion flowers with 4 cups of water. Allow it to steep for 5–10 minutes after it is brought to a boil. Pour through a sieve or colander before drinking.
Animal studies have shown that dandelions extract stimulates digestion and protects against ulcers. More research is needed in humans.
Angelica root
There are many species of Angelica around the world. It has a celery-like taste and aroma. All parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine, but angelica root may aid digestion in particular.
Several animal studies have shown that the polysaccharide in the angelica root is capable of protecting the digestive tract against damage caused by stomach acid. This may explain why it may be helpful in preventing intestinal damage caused by oxidative stress in people suffering from ulcerative colitis.
There is no human research to confirm that drinking angelica root tea promotes a healthy digestive tract. To make angelica root tea, pour 250 ml of boiling water over 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of fresh or dried angelica root. Steep it for 5 to 10 minutes and then strain it. Angelica root has been shown to protect against intestinal damage and stimulate the release of digestive acids in animals and tests tubes.
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare is a flowering plant from which fennel is derived. You can eat it raw or cooked, and it tastes like licorice.
Some researchers believe it relieves constipation and promotes bowel movements. Fennel’s laxative properties are unknown, however.
Using a teaspoon of fennel seeds and 1 cup (250 ml) of boiled water, you can make fennel tea. Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes before straining and drinking. Also, you can use fennel root freshly grated or tea bags filled with fennel. Using fennel root to treat stomach ulcers has been proven to be effective. Also, it may help improve chronic constipation by promoting bowel movements.
Gentian root
Gentianaceae plants, which grow worldwide, are the source of gentian roots. For centuries, gentian root has been used as a stimulant and a remedy for stomach ailments. A bitter compound known as an iridoid is responsible for the effects of gentian root, which can increase the levels of digestive enzymes and acids.
You can purchase dried gentian root at a natural food store or online. Gentian root tea is made by steeping 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of dried gentian root for 5 minutes in 250 ml of boiling water. Enjoy it as a digestive aid before meals. It contains bitter compounds that are beneficial to digestion when consumed before meals.
Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant native to Asia and is scientifically known as Zingiber officinale. Its rhizomes (underground stem part) are used as spices throughout the world.
As a result of gingerols and shogaols, the stomach is stimulated to contract and empty. This spice can therefore help with nausea, cramping, bloating, gas, and indigestion. Taking 1.5 grams of ginger every day decreased nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, pregnancy, and motion sickness, according to a large review.
2 tablespoons (28 grams) of sliced ginger root will make 2 cups (500 ml) of tea if simmered for 10–20 minutes. The ginger tea bag can also be steeped in boiled water for a few minutes in a cup (250 ml).
Various studies have shown that ginger can help with nausea and vomiting, as well as digestive issues. A dried tea bag or fresh ginger root can be used to make ginger tea.
Peppermint
Mentha piperita, a green herb native to the Mediterranean region, is renowned for its refreshing flavor and calming properties.
A compound in peppermint, menthol, has been shown to improve digestive issues in animals and humans. It can be used to relieve stomach pain, gas, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects the large intestine and causes stomach pain and bloating. Though peppermint tea has not been studied in terms of its effects on human digestion, it may be beneficial just like peppermint oil.
Prepare peppermint tea by soaking 7-10 fresh peppermint leaves or 1 peppermint tea bag in one cup (250 ml) of boiling water for 10 minutes before straining. Peppermint tea may help reduce symptoms of IBS and other digestive issues, but research on its effects on digestion is lacking.
Safety precautions
Healthy people should exercise caution when adding a new type of tea to their routine, though herbal teas are generally considered safe. Children and pregnant and lactating women are not known to be safe when drinking some teas. Moreover, some herbs interact with medications, and you may experience unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting if you consume too much herbal tea.
Try a low dose of herbal tea to see how it affects your digestion before increasing the dose. If you take medication or have a health condition, be sure to consult your doctor first. Some teas are not safe for children, pregnant women, or those taking certain medications, even though most teas are considered safe for most people.
The bottom line
From herbal tea, you can get relief from constipation, ulcer pain, and indigestion. Peppermint, ginger, and marshmallow root are just some of the many types of teas that may help improve digestion. To improve your digestion, be sure to confirm how often and how much to brew a certain tea.
