Nobody enjoys the uncomfortable rumblings of an upset stomach. Whether you’re dealing with nausea, indigestion, bloating, or stress-induced discomfort, a cup of tea can often help soothe your symptoms. However, if the issue persists or worsens, it’s essential to consult a doctor.
For easing stomach discomfort, teas like ginger tea, peppermint tea, and chamomile tea are widely recommended. Ginger stimulates digestion and helps reduce nausea, bloating, and indigestion. Peppermint tea relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, alleviating bloating and nausea. Chamomile tea’s carminative and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Additionally, its calming effects can be beneficial for stress-related stomach issues.
6 Teas That Help with an Upset Stomach
Stomach discomfort is a common problem, and tea, as a natural remedy, not only aids digestion but also provides certain medicinal benefits. Below are some teas known for their ability to ease stomach issues:
1. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea, made by combining ginger root with tea leaves, is commonly used to alleviate symptoms like colds, coughs, and indigestion.
It is particularly beneficial when consumed in the morning, after meals, or during colder weather. Drinking ginger tea in the morning helps boost metabolism and energy. After meals, it aids digestion, and in chilly conditions, it warms the body and dispels cold.
Ginger tea is also thought to ease nasal congestion from colds, relieve menstrual cramps, reduce bloating, and improve circulation. Furthermore, it may prevent cardiovascular issues and alleviate allergies.
2. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea, typically brewed from peppermint leaves and sometimes combined with green tea or honey, is particularly popular in North Africa.
Known for its ability to improve digestion, peppermint tea also offers benefits like relieving headaches, easing colds, reducing bloating or indigestion, and combating bad breath. It also has a refreshing, calming effect and can even lift your mood.
However, peppermint tea has a cooling nature, so individuals with cold sensitivity should avoid it. Nursing mothers should also be cautious, as peppermint tea may reduce milk supply. Excessive consumption can lead to side effects like mouth ulcers or gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is prepared by drying chamomile flowers and can be consumed as tea, capsules, or extracts for external use.
Chamomile tea is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties. It helps soothe stomach discomfort, muscle pain, and skin irritation and improves sleep quality.
The flavonoids in chamomile tea inhibit excessive stomach acid secretion, protecting the stomach lining and preventing ulcers. Additionally, its calming effect may help reduce stress-induced gastrointestinal spasms.
4. Barley Tea
Barley tea, made from roasted barley, is known for its ability to strengthen the spleen and improve digestion. It may relieve bloating and enhance appetite.
Nutrients like dietary fiber and unsaturated fatty acids in barley tea promote gut motility and improve digestion, potentially alleviating stomach pain.
Barley tea is generally gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for those with sensitive stomachs. However, as it has a cooling nature, excessive consumption is not advisable.
5. Fennel Tea
Fennel tea contains compounds like anethole and fenchone, which offer diuretic, digestive, and anti-spasmodic properties.
The warming nature of fennel makes it effective in easing cold-induced stomach pain and bloating. The essential oils in fennel tea stimulate gastric juice secretion and enhance gut motility, improving digestion.
Those with a “hot” stomach condition should avoid fennel tea to prevent aggravating their symptoms. Pregnant individuals and those allergic to fennel should also avoid it.
6. Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea contains active components like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and stomach-lining protective effects.
These properties help relieve pain caused by gastritis or ulcers and protect the stomach lining from excessive acid erosion.
However, licorice root tea should be consumed in moderation, as overuse can lead to side effects such as water retention, increased blood pressure, and low potassium levels.
How to Brew Stomach-Friendly Teas
By selecting the right tea for your needs and drinking it regularly, you can improve digestion, boost appetite, and enhance overall stomach health.
1. Ginger Tea
- Take a few slices of fresh ginger (about 10g), wash and peel them, then slice thinly. You can also add green or black tea (about 6g) and a suitable amount of honey or brown sugar to taste.
- Bring water to a boil, add the ginger slices, and simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes to fully release the ginger’s aroma and nutrients. If using tea leaves, add them after boiling the ginger water, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sweeten with honey or brown sugar based on your preference. Add honey only after the tea cools slightly to retain its nutritional value. Strain the tea to remove ginger slices and tea leaves, then pour into a cup and enjoy.
- You can adjust the amount of ginger and sweetener to suit your taste. If you’re sensitive to the spiciness of ginger, use less. Ginger tea is especially comforting in cold weather to help warm the body and promote digestion.
2. Mint Tea
- Use fresh mint leaves and rinse them thoroughly. For extra flavor, you can add green tea or a bit of sugar. Place the washed mint leaves in a cup, then pour boiling water over them. Adjust the water quantity based on your preference. For sweetness, add sugar as desired.
- Let the mint steep for a few minutes to release its full flavor. If you dislike the texture of mint leaves, strain them out using a fine mesh sieve and enjoy your refreshing mint tea.
- Personalize your mint tea by adding lemon slices for extra fragrance or using dried mint instead of fresh leaves. Mint tea is not only refreshing but also aids digestion and improves focus.
3. Chamomile Tea
- Use approximately 2g of chamomile flowers. Heat water to a boil, then let it cool slightly to around 90°C (194°F). Pour the hot water over the chamomile in a teapot or cup, ensuring the flowers are fully submerged.
- Cover and steep. For dried chamomile, steep for about 10 minutes; for fresh chamomile, steep for around 5 minutes.
- Strain out the chamomile using a tea strainer, pour into a cup, and sweeten with honey or lemon slices if desired.
- You can choose between German chamomile or Roman chamomile based on personal preference, as each offers unique health benefits.
4. Barley Tea
- Take a suitable amount of barley, about 10g for every 100ml of tea. Rinse the barley to remove impurities.
- Place the cleaned barley in a pan and roast over low heat until golden brown and fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Let the roasted barley cool to room temperature.
- Put the cooled barley into a teapot or thermos, add boiling water, and steep for about 10 minutes. Strain the barley and pour the tea into a cup.
- For a touch of sweetness, you can add honey after brewing.
5. Fennel Tea
- Use fresh or dried fennel. For fresh fennel, wash and dry it; for dried fennel, use it directly. Lightly crush the fennel seeds to better release their aroma and flavor during brewing.
- Place the crushed fennel into a teapot or cup and pour boiling water over it. Use about 5g of fennel for every 250ml (8.45 oz) of water.
- Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes. The longer the steeping time, the stronger the flavor. Strain out the fennel seeds and pour the tea into a cup.
- Add honey or sugar to taste.
6. Licorice Root Tea
- Use fresh or dried licorice root. For fresh root, wash and dry it; for dried root, use it as is. Slice the licorice root thinly to help release its beneficial compounds during brewing.
- Place the sliced licorice root into a teapot or cup and add boiling water. Use about 2–5g of licorice root for every 250ml (8.45 oz) of water.
- Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes. The longer the steeping time, the stronger the flavor. Strain out the licorice root and pour the tea into a cup.
- Enhance the flavor by adding honey or lemon to your liking.
Potential Side Effects of Excessive Tea Consumption
While tea offers many health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to various side effects that may affect both your physical health and daily life.
- Excessive Caffeine Intake: Caffeine can stimulate gastric acid secretion, potentially causing acid reflux, indigestion, or stomach discomfort.
- Tooth Staining: The pigments in tea can discolor teeth, requiring more frequent dental cleaning and care with prolonged consumption.
- Stomach Discomfort: Drinking excessive amounts of strong tea can dilute gastric acid, reducing its concentration and impairing digestion. This can result in symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, or abdominal pain.
- Kidney Stones: Tea contains oxalates and calcium, which, when consumed in large amounts, may lead to calcium oxalate deposits, forming kidney stones. Symptoms include intense pain in the lower back, blood in urine, and, in severe cases, kidney damage.
- Osteoporosis: Excessive tea consumption may inhibit calcium absorption and increase calcium loss, heightening the risk of fractures, back pain, and other bone-related issues, particularly in older adults and postmenopausal women.
- Iron Absorption Issues: Long-term excessive tea drinking may result in iron-deficiency anemia, especially affecting women and children, who are more susceptible to iron deficiency.
While tea is generally considered a healthy beverage, being aware of these potential side effects and taking preventive measures allows you to enjoy its benefits without unnecessary health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink these teas every day?
Yes, tea contains beneficial compounds like polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals, slow cellular aging, and may aid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and some cancers.
Drinking tea is also a great way to stay hydrated. Despite containing active components, tea can contribute to your daily fluid intake, supporting the body’s normal metabolism.
Which tea is best for treating nausea?
Herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, fennel, peppermint, barley, and licorice root tea are excellent choices for alleviating nausea symptoms.
What if I have both acid reflux and bloating?
While peppermint tea is effective for reducing bloating, it may relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen acid reflux. Similarly, high-acid teas, like black or citrus-flavored teas, can exacerbate acid reflux.
To manage both conditions:
- Avoid carbonated drinks and foods high in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), as these can cause gas and bloating.
- Opt for digestive-friendly teas like chamomile, ginger, and fennel tea, which can alleviate bloating and acid reflux symptoms.
Conclusion
The teas discussed, including chamomile, ginger, fennel, peppermint, barley, and licorice root tea, each offer unique benefits. However, it’s important to choose the right tea based on your specific health conditions.
For those experiencing both acid reflux and bloating, the safest options are chamomile, ginger, and fennel tea, as they effectively address both symptoms with minimal risk.
Peppermint tea and licorice root tea are great for bloating but may aggravate acid reflux, so they should be consumed with caution. Meanwhile, barley tea is a mild, caffeine-free choice, making it a safe option, especially for those who prefer to drink tea in large quantities.
