Soothe Stomach Pain and Digestion With Herbal Teas

Using Tea to Soothe an Upset Stomach

If you suffer from occasional stomach aches or digestive issues like ulcerative colitis, you may find that drinking certain herbal teas can help provide relief. Many teas contain ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and antioxidant effects which can aid digestion and calm an upset stomach.

How Tea Can Soothe the Stomach

Research has shown that several components commonly found in herbal teas may help soothe an upset stomach, including:

• Ginger - Contains gingerols that have anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal motility effects.
• Peppermint - Has antispasmodic properties that can relax intestinal muscles and ease cramps and pain.
• Fennel - Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic to relieve digestive issues.
• Chamomile - Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that promote GI health.
• Licorice root - Soothes ulcers and inflammation and protects against stomach acid damage.

Drinking teas with these types of natural ingredients can help relax the muscles of the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and relieve cramps, gas, and nausea when your stomach is upset.

5 Soothing Teas for Stomach Problems

Here are 5 delicious herbal tea blends that can help calm an upset stomach:

1. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is one of the most effective herbal teas for relieving stomach aches and digestive issues. The menthol in peppermint relaxes stomach muscles to reduce cramping and stimulates bile flow to aid digestion. Try making a refreshing peppermint tea with:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tsp dried peppermint leaves
• 1 tsp raw honey (optional)

Steep the peppermint leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Add honey if desired. Drink 1-2 cups daily to ease stomach discomfort.

2. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a spicy and soothing beverage that can tame nausea, cramps and inflammation. Studies show ginger's active compounds called gingerols have analgesic and gastroprotective effects. Brew anti-nausea ginger tea with:

• 1 cup water
• 1 inch fresh ginger root, sliced
• 1 tsp honey or lemon (optional)

Simmer the ginger root in water for 10 minutes. Add honey or lemon as desired. Drink 1-3 cups per day to settle the stomach.

3. Fennel Tea

Fennel tea contains the compound anethole which gives fennel its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. This can relieve intestinal cramping and bloating. Make soothing fennel tea with:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• Honey to taste (optional)

Steep the fennel seeds in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired. Drink a cup after meals to aid digestion.

4. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is often called an herbal cure-all, and science backs up its ability to treat stomach problems. It contains apigenin, a flavonoid that reduces inflammation and relaxes muscles. Make relaxing chamomile tea with:

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers
• Lemon juice (optional)

Steep the chamomile in hot water for 5 minutes. Add lemon if desired. Drink 2-3 cups daily to soothe the stomach.

5. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root contains triterpenoids like glycyrrhizin that have protective effects on stomach ulcers and lining. It also thins mucus to improve digestive function. Make licorice root stomach tea with:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tsp dried licorice root
• 1 tsp raw honey (optional)

Steep the licorice root for 5-10 minutes. Add honey to taste if desired. Drink 1-2 cups daily to coat and protect the digestive tract.

Tips for Using Tea to Soothe Stomach Problems

Here are some tips on using tea to get relief from stomach issues:

• Drink teas warm or hot to provide the most relief.
• Sweeten teas naturally with honey, lemon juice or ginger slices.
• Try ginger or fennel tea after heavy, fatty, or spicy meals.
• Avoid oversteeping teas to prevent bitterness.
• Drink chamomile or licorice root tea 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Look for organic, loose leaf herbal teas for the best quality.
• Talk to your doctor before using herbal teas if you take any medications.

An upset stomach can put a damper on your day. Sipping on gut-soothing teas containing herbs like peppermint, ginger, chamomile and licorice root can help relieve inflammation, pain and digestive discomfort naturally.

With their delicious flavors and comforting warmth, these herbal brews are an excellent natural way to calm an unsettled stomach when it is feeling queasy or irritated.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.