Which teas are good for digestion?
Stomach problems can render you unproductive. Bloating and constipation issues are among minor digestive issues that can be treated with a cup of tasty tea. Organic tea has been researched and proved to be an effective solution to digestion problems. Here is a list of the best digestive teas to turn to;
1. Green Teas – Promotes overall digestion.
Green tea contains catechins such as EGCG that boost the digestive system. The catechins have an
anti-inflammatory effect that reduces inflammation and decreases stomach cramps. EGCG may also aid with colitis cases – which is a disorder caused by inflammation affecting healthy digestion.
Green teas can also be found in dietary supplements and diet drinks as it is the main agent of weight loss. Catechins and antioxidants in green tea increase the rate of metabolism and expedite the fats burning speed. Green tea will therefore help in improving digestion and belly comfort.
2. Ginger Tea – Alleviates Nausea And Cramps.
Ginger has been used for a long period to reduce nauseous feelings and other digestive ailments. The tasty ginger flavor stimulates the production of gastric juices and enzymes that help in digestion of food. Many types of research have proved that ginger helps in reducing nausea in one to six hours. The main participants of the research have been chemo patients, pregnant women with morning sickness, and other parties with conditions such as seafood and motion sickness.
Lemon ginger tea is a very popular blend that’s tasty and full of health benefits.
3. Peppermint Tea – Reduces Stomach Pain.
Peppermint tea is one of the major ingredients in multiple herbal teas for pain treatment. The tingly aroma and sweet flavor can help soothe stomach and discomfort by
reducing inflammation. The tea is most effective in stomach pains caused by excess gas, upset pains, and bloating. This is because peppermint has menthol and menthone that soothe the lining of the stomach and reduce inflammation. The tea also has antibacterial properties that destroy bacteria that could cause sickness. Peppermint also treats
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works directly on the colon and digestive tract to deactivate pain-sensing fibers and reduce inflammation. you can consume it has hot or even in the form of iced tea.
4. Black Tea – Boosts Healthy Gut Bacteria and Immunity.
A study by the
European Journal of Nutrition showed that drinking black tea can alter gut health. The polyphenols help in boosting gut health and the immune system. Black tea can help streamline the gut function and minimize digestive upsets.
5. Licorice Root Tea – Prevents Ulcers and Stomach Pain.
Licorice root tea is famous for treating coughs. For centuries, Asians have used it to treat digestive issues.
Licorice roots have mucin, a compound that lines the stomach and protects it from excessive acid. The flavonoids in the tea also fight H. pylori bacteria, which causes ulcers. The same compounds can fight canker sores too. This tea has a bitter flavor and is combined with others such as black cohosh, lemon verbena, and lemon balm. The tea blends help in fighting colic because they contain carminative effects which reduce spasms in the intestines.
6. Oolong Tea – Alleviates Acid Reflux.
Oolong tea, along with pu-erh tea, black tea, and white tea. It is made from Camellia sinensis plant and is only half-oxidized. It increases
antiseptic qualities that fight bacteria causing stomach upsets. With its basic PH level, it reduces symptoms of acid reflux. Oolong tea also increases weight loss by speeding metabolism and boosting fat burning. The digestive tea can help the intestines break down fatty foods after a heavy meal.
7. Chamomile Tea – Soothes.
If you are struggling with sleep issues, then chamomile tea is your go-to tea. It has a natural and sedative effect that help release senses and improve sleep. Chamomile inhibits the production of pepsin – a
digestive enzyme linked to acid reflux. The problem occurs when too much pepsin is produced and gets to the esophagus. Chamomile tames digestive enzymes to reduce symptoms. The tea also helps to reduce inflammation and stop diarrhea as it is an excellent relaxant.
8. Chai Tea – Streamlines Digestion.
Chai tea is one of the most popular wellness teas. It has been used to heal multiple health benefits for years, including digestive issues. Chai is made with a combination of spices such as cardamom, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s blended with a dash of whole milk and Indian black teas. Black tea can be replaced with rooibos to remove the caffeine-free version. Black tea has black pepper that stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid that aids the digestion of proteins. Cinnamon reduces nausea and prevents diarrhea by directly soothing stomach lines.
9. Pu-erh Tea – Boost Healthy Gut Bacteria.
Pu-erh tea is also good for digestion purposes. The tea undergoes oxidation after the leaves have been dried. Ripe
pu-erh tea oxidation involves putting the dry leaves in a pile of wet clothes in a warm environment. The latter promotes healthy micro bacteria that ferment the leaves. It also boasts antibacterial properties that combat diseases that bring stomach problems.
10. Dandelion Root Tea – Reduces Cramps.
Dandelion tea reduces stomach cramps and blood pressure due to its
inflammatory properties. Dandelion tea stimulates the production of gastric juice that breaks down food efficiently. It also promotes insulin acceptance and helps the body digest carbohydrates. It improves the immune sy
stem to prevent bacteria from causing digestive issues. Dandelion tea fights E.coli and other bacteria as well as improve white blood cell counts to improve body defenses. The tea can be prepared using roasted dandelion root.
11. Senna Tea – Alleviates Constipation.
Senna tea is made from Cassia Angustifolia. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter
laxative. This tea will help reduce bloating and constipation. The tea has sennosides that stimulate bowel movements and boosts contractions in the intestines.
Homemade Digestive Tea
Drinking digestive teas have been used as traditional medicine since time immemorial. Chinese Emperor Shen Nong discovered it by accident. It became the national beverage in China and the greatest export beverage all over the world.
Here are a few popular organic tea recipes that you can make at your home that help in aiding digestion;
-
Fennel.
Ingredients
- ½ tsp of whole dried fennel seeds
- ½ tsp of whole dried coriander seeds
- ½ tsp of whole dried cumin seeds
- 3 cups of boiling water
Process:
- Grind all the seeds to a fine powder using a coffee grinder
- Boil the powder in water and let it simmer for five minutes
- Stir the tea and then sieve it through a metallic strainer
- Consider adding cinnamon, ginger, and lemon for flavor
- Serve CCF while hot or cold
2. Chamomile
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tbsp of dried chamomile flowers in a tea bag
- 1 to 3 tsp of cold-pressed coconut oil
- 1 ½ cup of unsweetened, non-dairy milk
- ½ tsp of ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp of ground ginger
- ¼ tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp of raw honey
Process:
- Boil the water in a saucepan, reduce the heat and add chamomile and let it steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the flowers, add other ingredients as you stir
- Add coconut and honey to suit your taste and reheat on low heat
3. Peppermint
To make peppermint tea, you only need two fresh tablespoons of peppermint leaves. Add the leaves to boiling water and stir roughly before you strain.
Add some honey, ginger or lemon to add taste.
4. Licorice root
Licorice is an important ingredient of traditional medicine. Licorice root can be bought in any local grocery. To make Licorice root tea, you only add a teaspoon of the root into cold water and let it boil.
Let the mixture steep for a few minutes before you strain the roots.
Similar to the other teas you can add ginger, honey or lemon to add flavor.
5. Ginger
Besides ginger being a flavor additive in other types of tea, it is also among the teas that can be used for digestive purposes/
All you need is to grate two pieces of ginger and boil them in water.
Strain the ginger remains and enjoy the ginger tea. Ginger tea bags are also easily available in most grocery stores.
Try
Rhymba Hills® Reefresh Tea and
Rhymba Hills® Reevitalise Tea which contain bentong ginger
here.
When to drink digestive tea?
Digestive tea is essential when one is suffering from bloating and constipation.
What is Bloating?
Bloating affects your abdomen (stomach). This occurs when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with gas or air. Bloating makes you feel as if you have had a big meal, and there is no more space in your stomach. Subsequently, your stomach feels full and uncomfortably tight. Your stomach may appear bigger than usual, and your clothes may fit tighter too.
Symptoms of Bloating
Common bloating symptoms include; discomfort, stomach pain, and gas. It may also make you belch or burp frequently.
Symptoms of severe bloating include;
- Nausea
- Noticeable weight loss (without trying)
- Vomiting
- Vaginal bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Fever (due to an infection)
- Heartburn that is getting worse
What causes bloating?
You bloat when your GI tract is filled with air, which can be caused by something like food you eat. Different foods produce different levels of gases. Lactose intolerance is another cause of bloating. Other simple causes of bloating are;
- Menstruation (in some women)
- Reflux (GERD)
- Constipation
- Swallowing air (this occurs when you chew gum, eat too fast or smoke)
- Weight gain
- Other serious medical conditions associated with bloating include;
- Inflammation
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Cancer (ovarian, uterine, colon, pancreatic, or stomach)
- Some medicines
- Mental health factors, such as depression or anxiety
- Liver disease (abnormal buildup of fluid in your stomach or pelvis)
What is constipation?
Constipation is just a symptom and not a disease. It happens if you have fewer bowel movements than normal. It takes longer to pass the stool, and it becomes harder. Many individuals worry about bowel movement every day. The truth is that there is no limit to the number of daily and weekly bowel movements.
Symptoms of constipation
- Pass less than three stools a week
- Straining to have bowel movements
- Lumpy and hard stools
- Feeling like you are blocked in the rectum hence no bowel movement
- Feeling like you are incapable of emptying all the stool in your rectum
- Having to press the lower abdomen or use your finger to empty your rectum
- Constipation is considered chronic if you experience three of these symptoms for over three months.
Conclusion
Digestive issues can be pretty annoying and uncomfortable too. However, you can always use one of the digestive teas discussed above to get your system back on track. It is crucial that you visit your doctor if the symptoms persist after trying the digestive tea solution.
Find out the
best tea for digestion from Rhymba Hills
here.
