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Last updated: Apr 13, 2024

10 best herbal teas for digestion

When it comes to soothing digestive issues, herbal teas are a wonderful natural remedy.

Peppermint tea is a top choice, as it calms the stomach and reduces inflammation, easing symptoms of IBS. Ginger tea, with its natural anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce nausea and alleviate discomfort. Fennel tea, with its carminative properties, relieves bloating and gas, while also promoting the release of digestive enzymes.

Licorice root tea, with its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces inflammation in the digestive tract and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.

1. Chamomile

Chamomile tea aids digestion due to its antispasmodic and carminative properties.

These properties relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract, reducing the risk of indigestion and gas build-up. Moreover, chamomile contains certain volatile oils, such as bisabolol, that have a calming effect on the stomach and intestines, thereby alleviating discomfort and promoting healthy digestion. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, attributed to the presence of flavonoids like apigenin, can soothe inflammation in the digestive tract and facilitate the healing of any existing digestive issues.

Consequently, chamomile tea enhances the overall efficiency of the digestive process and fosters a sense of well-being.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for digestion.

  1. In a small pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Remove the pot from heat and let the tea steep for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea to remove the chamomile flowers.
  5. Serve the tea hot, optionally adding honey or lemon to taste.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint tea aids digestion due to its active compounds, primarily menthol and methyl salicylate.

These components boast antispasmodic properties, relaxing the gastrointestinal muscles and thus alleviating digestive discomforts like cramps and spasms. Moreover, peppermint tea enhances the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine, expediting the digestion process. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects help soothe the digestive tract, providing relief from irritation and inflammation.

Finally, peppermint tea's carminative properties allow it to expel excessive gas from the digestive system, preventing bloating, discomfort, and other symptoms associated with poor digestion.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for digestion.

  1. In a teapot, combine 1 cup of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves.
  2. Cover the teapot and let the mixture steep for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Strain the tea to remove the peppermint leaves, discarding the solid parts.
  4. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
  5. Serve the tea warm and enjoy its soothing effects on your digestion.

3. Ginger

Ginger tea aids digestion due to its carminative properties, which move gas from the intestines to the stomach, relieving bloating and discomfort.

This beverage contains gingerols and shogaols, compounds with anti-inflammatory effects that help soothe the digestive tract, reducing inflammation. Furthermore, ginger stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, accelerating food breakdown and nutrient absorption. Additionally, ginger tea's warmth enhances blood flow and relaxes the intestinal muscles, alleviating constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.

Therefore, ginger tea's natural properties make it an excellent aid for healthy digestion.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for digestion.

  1. Peel and grate 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, let it steep in hot water for 5 minutes.
  2. Boil 1 cup of water, add the grated ginger and reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the ginger tea into a cup, discarding the ginger pieces.
  4. Add honey and lemon to taste, stir well.
  5. Sip the warm ginger tea slowly, allowing it to soothe your digestion.

4. Licorice

Licorice tea aids digestion due to its active compound, glycyrrhizin, which stimulates the production of mucin, a slippery substance that lubricates the digestive tract, allowing food to pass through smoothly.

This tea also encourages the release of bile from the gallbladder, which helps break down fats during digestion. Moreover, licorice tea soothes the stomach lining, reducing inflammation and irritation, and alleviating symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux.

Furthermore, it combats digestive discomfort by minimizing the secretion of gastric acid, thereby preventing stomach ulcers and promoting overall gut health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for digestion.

  1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of chopped licorice root with 4 cups of water.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove the licorice root pieces.
  4. Allow the tea to cool down to a drinkable temperature.
  5. Serve and drink up to three cups daily for digestion aid.

5. Fennel

Fennel tea aids digestion due to its carminative properties, which stem from the volatile oils found in fennel seeds.

These oils, including anethole, facilitate the expulsion of intestinal gas and reduce bloating. Moreover, fennel tea's antispasmodic qualities help relax the gastrointestinal muscles, easing the digestive process. Additionally, fennel contains rosmarinic acid, which boasts anti-inflammatory effects that can alleviate inflammation in the digestive tract.

The tea's high antioxidant content further promotes digestive health by safeguarding the gastrointestinal system from oxidative stress.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in fennel tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in fennel tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel tea for digestion.

  1. Chop: Slice 1 tablespoon of fresh fennel seeds or 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds powder.
  2. Steep: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the chopped fennel and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Strain: Strain the fennel tea into a cup, discarding the used fennel.
  4. Sweeten (optional): Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
  5. Serve: Drink the fennel tea while it's still warm, preferably after meals for digestion.

6. Dandelion

Dandelion tea promotes digestion due to its bitter properties that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes in the liver.

This tea also contains inulin, a type of soluble fiber that serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria, encouraging their growth and maintaining a healthy gut flora. Moreover, dandelion tea's mild laxative effect facilitates bowel movement, easing strain during defecation. Additionally, this herbal tea's ability to stimulate bile production in the gallbladder ensures better fat emulsification, further aiding digestion.

Lastly, the anti-inflammatory properties of dandelion tea alleviate digestive discomforts, such as bloating and cramps, ensuring a smooth and efficient digestive process.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in dandelion tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in dandelion tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion tea for digestion.

  1. Gather 2-3 dandelion heads and carefully remove the yellow petals, discarding the green sepals and stems.
  2. Rinse the petals under cold water to remove any dirt or insects, then let them dry completely.
  3. Place the dried dandelion petals in a tea infuser or teapot, adding 1 cup of boiling water for every 1 tablespoon of petals.
  4. Allow the tea to steep for 5-10 minutes to release the flavors and health benefits.
  5. Remove the tea infuser or strain the tea, then enjoy it while it's still warm, either plain or with a touch of honey for added natural sweetness.

7. Senna

Senna tea contains compounds known as sennosides, which have a stimulant effect on the intestines.

These sennosides trigger contractions in the colon, accelerating the movement of stool through the digestive tract. Consequently, senna tea reduces the time that waste materials remain in the intestines, alleviating symptoms of constipation and promoting regularity. Additionally, this herbal tea softens stool, making it easier to pass.

Overall, senna tea's active components enhance digestion by encouraging bowel movements and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in senna tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in senna tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic senna tea for digestion.

  1. Measure: Use one teaspoon (2-3 grams) of dried senna leaves or one senna tea bag.
  2. Boil: Bring eight ounces of water to a boil.
  3. Steep: Steep the senna leaves or tea bag in the hot water for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain: Strain the tea to remove the senna leaves, if used.
  5. Serve: Drink the tea while it's still warm, up to three times a day for digestive relief.

8. Marshmallow

Marshmallow tea, derived from the marshmallow plant's roots, contains a gelatinous substance known as mucilage.

This mucilage creates a protective coating on the gastrointestinal tract, easing irritation and reducing inflammation. As a result, it promotes digestion by soothing the stomach lining, allowing it to function optimally. Moreover, marshmallow tea's mild laxative effect further aids digestion by gently stimulating bowel movements, while its anti-inflammatory properties help in alleviating symptoms of digestive disorders such as leaky gut and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Ultimately, the numerous beneficial compounds in marshmallow tea work synergistically to enhance the digestive process and maintain overall gastrointestinal health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in marshmallow tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for digestion.

  1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of dried marshmallow root, and 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers; bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse.
  3. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup, discarding the solids.
  4. Add honey to taste, stirring until fully dissolved.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy up to three times a day for digestive relief.

9. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm tea contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water.

This gel moves through the digestive system, providing a protective coating for the digestive tract's lining. This coating soothes irritation, relieves inflammation, and alleviates digestive issues like indigestion, constipation, and stomach pain. Moreover, the gel's slippery texture facilitates the passage of food through the stomach and intestines, promoting regularity and overall digestive health.

Consequently, slippery elm tea's key component effectively addresses various digestive problems, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient digestive process.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in slippery elm tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in slippery elm tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm tea for digestion.

  1. Measure out 1-2 teaspoons of dried slippery elm bark.
  2. Place the bark in a tea infuser or empty tea bag.
  3. Steep the infuser in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Remove the infuser and let the tea cool to a drinkable temperature.
  5. Sip the tea slowly, allowing it to coat your digestive tract.

10. Skullcap

Skullcap tea promotes digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes in the stomach, facilitating the breakdown of food.

This herbal tea's antispasmodic properties relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, alleviating discomfort and aiding in the motion of food through the system. Furthermore, skullcap tea possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, thereby soothing any irritation. Additionally, its calming effects on the nervous system can help decrease stress-induced digestive issues, ensuring smoother and more efficient digestion.

Lastly, skullcap tea contains bitter compounds that trigger the release of bile from the liver and gallbladder, enhancing the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins during the digestive process.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in skullcap tea that help with digestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in skullcap tea that aid with digestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skullcap tea for digestion.

  1. Measure - Pour 1 cup of water into a saucepan and add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed skullcap herb.
  2. Heat - Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring it to a boil, allowing the water to absorb the skullcap's properties.
  3. Simmer - Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain - Remove from heat and strain the liquid into a cup, discarding the used herb.
  5. Serve - Sip the warm tea slowly to aid digestion.

What is digestion and how can it affect your life?

Digestion is the complex process by which the human body breaks down food into nutrients, allowing for their absorption and utilization to fuel various bodily functions.

This vital process begins in the mouth, where food is mechanically broken down and chemically treated with enzymes, and continues in the stomach and small intestine. Here, nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream, providing energy, building and repairing tissues, and supporting immune function.

Digestion's profound impact on people's lives is evident in its role in sustaining overall health, mental clarity, and physical performance.

What other natural remedies help with digestion?

Among the most common and effective natural remedies for digestion are probiotics, apple cider vinegar, and ginger.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that naturally live in your digestive system and are also present in certain foods, such as fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir. These beneficial bacteria help break down food, destroy harmful bacteria, and create vitamins.

Apple cider vinegar is another popular natural remedy that aids digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid, promoting healthy gut bacteria, and breaking down fats in the digestive tract. Ginger, on the other hand, has long been used as a natural remedy for various stomach ailments, including nausea, indigestion, and bloating.

It works by stimulating the digestive juices and enzymes that help break down food in the stomach.