Best Tea for Digestion
Talking about digestion issues is such a broad topic. Symptoms can range from suffering from indigestion and feeling bloated after a rich, heavy meal to those who are dealing with a diagnosis of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or IBD (inflammatory bowel disorder).
What tea is best for digestion?
Compounds present in tea such as polyphenols and antioxidants are naturally beneficial for the digestive tract. Polyphenols act as a prebiotic creating healthy gut bacteria which in turn helps digestion.
Drinking tea is certainly a more holistic approach to soothing your digestive tract. And while it may not solve a more serious condition completely, studies have shown that tea may provide relief. Tea helps metabolize rich foods that can cause upset and bloating. Along with a healthy diet, exercise, and a good night's sleep, drinking tea regularly is a habit you can feel good about.
If you want to know which tea is the best to improve digestion, reduce bloating and inflammation, and promote a healthy gut, here are a few recommendations.
The eight best teas for digestion include:
- Peppermint
- Ginger
- Dandelion
- Chamomile
- Licorice root
- Rooibos
- Oolong
- Green
Peppermint Tea
For centuries, peppermint tea has been used to aid digestion and soothe an upset stomach. Peppermint has been specifically studied for relieving gastrointestinal stress such as IBS. Peppermint contains antispasmodic properties because the menthol in peppermint has a relaxing effect on the intestinal smooth muscle.
Peppermint herbal tea is available as a tea in its own right, but can also be found blended in with other ingredients such as Lemongrass Ginger. Just be careful, because although pure peppermint tea is caffeine-free, other ingredients in the blend can add caffeine such as when blended with green tea in Jade Citrus Mint, Chocolate Mint which gains caffeine from the cocoa nibs, or Moroccan Twist which is peppermint blended with Darjeeling Sungma summer tea.
Stomach issues don't limit themselves to a particular season, so enjoy peppermint tea hot or iced all year round.
Recommended Peppermint Tea Blends
Ginger Tea
For centuries, ginger has also been known to help calm a sour stomach and improve overall gut health. A natural compound of the ginger root is Gingerol. This compound helps food exit the stomach and through the digestive system so that it doesn't linger in the gut and cause issues.
Ginger is just plain good for you in general soothing sore throats, and reducing nausea often associated with morning sickness.
Ginger is also a popular blend with many teas. Again, depending on the time of day you need the relief, be aware of which blends have caffeine or not. Knowing now that peppermint also aids digestion, look for a blend with ginger and peppermint for a double dose of relief.
Dandelion Root Tea
For centuries, another root utilized in herbal medicine for digestion is Dandelion. This root also helps fight off cold bugs, and improve overall health. Dandelion root is recognized in teas and tisanes for its earthy tartness. Some studies have shown that along with easing digestive issues, dandelion may help improve appetite and relieve constipation. Dandelion and peppermint can also be found blended together in detox tea, or dandelion and ginger blended in whats known as slim tea.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is commonly known as a good bedtime tea because of its relaxing qualities. But chamomile is also a good tea for digestion. Consuming a cup of chamomile tea before or after your meal can help your body absorb more of the nutrients.
The plant compounds help stimulate production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes help break down the food while it travels through the digestive tract. Chamomile has also may help to reduce bloating and gas.
Licorice Root Tea
Native to Western Asia and Southern Europe, licorice is another root used to help digestion. Licorice tea has a natural sweetness that is enjoyable after dinner in place of sugary sweet desserts.
Tea made with licorice root aids in healthy digestion. Over 300 compounds found in licorice provide the beneficial antibacterial properties improving symptoms of indigestion and IBS often caused by bacterial infections. Licorice root also provides antispasmodic effects helping reduce gas and bloating. Along with the variety of health benefits, moderation is recommended to avoid any adverse effects.
Explore teas with licorice root
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos, also known as red tea or red bush tea, is a plant native to South Africa. It is naturally caffeine free, and can also provide help with digestion. Several nutrients found in rooibos have antispasmodic properties that may help ease stomach pains. Compounds in the tea help the digestive tract relax and relieve discomfort.
Oolong Tea
If you are not sensitive to caffeine, Oolong tea is another tea that can help aid digestion. Oolong tea falls inbetween green and black tea when it comes to oxidation levels. Its flavor is lighter than black tea, but fuller bodied than green tea.
Oolong balances the digestive tract, and reduces inflammation for those suffering with acid reflux or ulcers. Its gentle antiseptic properties also help reduce bad bacteria in your belly which can interfere with healthy digestion.
Ready to find some delicious Oolong?
Green Tea
Green tea always seems to be touted as the Queen Bee when it comes to healthy tea. And for digestion, the narrative stays the same. Along with all the other health benefits of green tea, it also aids with digestive health.
Rich in polyphenols, catechins, and antioxidants, green tea can help to soothe the stomach. Coming from the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea does contain caffeine so be careful after dinner if you are sensitive to caffeine.
How to drink tea for better digestion
Because dinner is often the largest meal of the day, it makes sense that most digestive issues are experienced at nighttime. For this reason, steeping a cup of tea after a large or rich meal will help the body as it digests. Many teas are good for digestion, so you can find the type that you enjoy the most. Selecting a caffeine-free tea is also essential so you can get the rest you need that night.
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Drinking tea won't solve to root of digestive issues, but it may give you some relief from the symptoms you are dealing with. After a large meal, tea may help with digestion. If you are suffering from chronic stomach troubles it is always recommended to seek the advice of your medical professional.
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