By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Herbal teas for inflammatory bowel disease are a natural remedy that helps alleviate the symptoms of this chronic condition by reducing inflammation and promoting digestive health.
The best herbal teas for inflammatory bowel disease include Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, Taraxacum officinale, Althaea officinalis, Ulmus rubra, Zingiber officinale, Peumus boldus, Aloe barbadensis, Cinchona officinalis, and Ginkgo biloba.
If left untreated, inflammatory bowel disease can lead to severe abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and social isolation, negatively impacting one's quality of life and overall well-being.
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to the presence of glycyrrhizin.
This compound has been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promote healing of the intestinal lining. Additionally, the tea's antioxidant properties help to protect the body from oxidative stress, further contributing to its therapeutic effects.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of Glycyrrhiza glabra tea may provide relief from symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Glycyrrhizin: It helps with inflammatory bowel disease by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stress, thereby alleviating symptoms of inflammation.
- Licoricidin: It helps by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and mediators, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Liquiritigenin: It helps by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, including inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and also by protecting the integrity of the gut barrier.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Roots: They are the primary source of glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in soothing the digestive system.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and saponins that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Stems: They contain glycyrrhizin and other bioactive compounds that help in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the digestive system.
2. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The active compound curcumin in turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, promoting healing and reducing symptoms of IBD. Curcumin also inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which contribute to the development of IBD.
Additionally, curcumin has been found to modulate the gut microbiome, improving the balance of beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Curcumin: Helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Demethoxycurcumin: Acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, thereby reducing inflammation in the gut.
- Bisdemethoxycurcumin: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Curcuma longa used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Curcuma longa are used due to their high content of curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that helps alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Roots: The roots of Curcuma longa are used because they contain a significant amount of curcumin and other bioactive compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote digestive health.
- Leaves: The leaves of Curcuma longa are used due to their high antioxidant content, which helps protect the gut lining from damage and reduce inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because it contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds, such as taraxasterol and taraxeryl acetate, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut.
The tea's bioactive compounds may also help to modulate the immune system and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to improved symptoms and reduced disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
This makes Taraxacum officinale a promising natural remedy for managing IBD symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Flavonoids: They help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, which can alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Polysaccharides: They can act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improving the gut microbiome balance, which can help manage inflammatory bowel disease.
- Phenolic acids: They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Taraxacum officinale used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high content of bioactive compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Roots: They are used due to their ability to stimulate digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut, which can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Flowers: They are used due to their potential to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system, which can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
4. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and irritation.
The mucilaginous compounds present in marshmallow root, the main ingredient in Althaea officinalis, form a protective barrier on the gut lining, shielding it from further damage and allowing it to heal. This can lead to improved bowel function, reduced symptoms of IBD, and enhanced overall digestive health.
Regular consumption may also promote a balanced gut microbiome.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Mucilages: Help reduce inflammation in the gut by forming a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, preventing irritation and allowing for the healing of damaged tissues.
- Glucans: Stimulate the immune system to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines, which help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gut lining.
- Iridoids: Exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut, which can contribute to the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Althaea officinalis used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Roots: They are used due to their high mucilage content, which helps to soothe and protect the intestinal lining.
- Leaves: They are used as they contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract.
- Barks: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
5. Ulmus rubra
Ulmus rubra teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The tea contains polyphenols and flavonoids that have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, which can contribute to the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, Ulmus rubra's astringent properties may help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.
This makes it a potentially beneficial natural remedy for managing IBD symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Tannins: Help with IBD by reducing inflammation and soothing the gastrointestinal tract due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flavonoids: Act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut, which can contribute to IBD symptoms.
- Quercetin: Exerts anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate IBD symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ulmus rubra used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Leaves: Used to make teas due to their mucilaginous properties, which help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract.
- Roots: Used to make teas due to their rich mucilaginous content, which can help protect and heal the mucous membranes in the digestive tract.
6. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
The compounds present in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to the development of IBD. Additionally, ginger has been found to have antioxidant properties, which help to protect the gut lining from damage and promote healing.
This makes ginger tea a potential natural remedy for managing IBD symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Shogaols: These compounds exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Gingerols: Gingerols have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the gastrointestinal tract, which is beneficial for IBD patients.
- Curcuminoids: Curcuminoids possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, leading to improved symptoms and quality of life for individuals with IBD.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the most commonly used part of Zingiber officinale for teas due to their high concentration of gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Buds: Ginger buds are also used for teas as they contain high amounts of volatile oils and gingerols, which help alleviate inflammation and digestive issues.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are used for teas as they contain a rich source of gingerols and other compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe digestive issues.
7. Peumus boldus
Peumus boldus teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because it possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe and protect the gut lining.
The tea's flavonoids and phenolic acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which are key factors in the development of inflammatory bowel disease.
Additionally, boldine, a compound found in the tea, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, making it a promising natural treatment option for managing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Peumus boldus teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Boldine: It has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the gut and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Alkaloids: They exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which help protect the gut from oxidative stress and inflammation, thus reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Phenolic acids: They possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Peumus boldus used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Leaves: They contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Roots: They contain sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Leaves: They also contain boldine, a alkaloid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect the gut and reduce inflammation.
8. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The gel extracted from the Aloe vera plant contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract.
By calming the gut and reducing inflammation, Aloe barbadensis teas can help alleviate symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating, and promote a healthy gut microbiome, leading to improved overall digestive health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe barbadensis teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Anthraquinones: Help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes and inducing the production of anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Phenolic acids: Act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress that contributes to the development of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Polysaccharides: Modulate the gut microbiome, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, and enhance the integrity of the gut lining, thereby reducing inflammation and improving symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Aloe barbadensis used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Leaves: Aloe vera leaf gel is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help soothe and calm digestive issues.
- Leaves (inner gel): The inner gel of the aloe vera leaf is high in mucilages, which can help reduce inflammation and protect the digestive tract.
- Leaves (juice): The juice extracted from aloe vera leaves contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
9. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The tea contains quinine, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, Cinchona officinalis tea may help to reduce oxidative stress, a key contributor to IBD.
The tea's anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be beneficial in reducing the severity and frequency of IBD symptoms, providing relief to those suffering from this condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Quinovic acids: These triterpenoid saponins help with inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system, which in turn alleviates symptoms of the condition.
- Quinine: This alkaloid has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Quinoline alkaloids: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to manage the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation and preventing infections that may exacerbate the condition.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease due to their high content of quinine alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Barks: The barks of Cinchona officinalis contain various alkaloids, including quinine, that help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Stems: The stems of the plant are also used to make teas, which are rich in alkaloids that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, helping to manage symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
10. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with inflammatory bowel disease because its unique combination of flavonoids and terpenoids possess anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm the digestive tract.
The tea's antioxidant properties help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut, promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Additionally, Ginkgo biloba's ability to improve blood flow and reduce platelet aggregation can aid in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the inflamed tissues, supporting the healing process and alleviating symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Flavonoids: Help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, contributing to the alleviation of symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Bilobalide: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and thereby reducing inflammation in the gut.
- Quercetin: Exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect the gut mucosa from damage and reduce the severity of symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Leaves: Used for teas due to their rich content of flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Seeds: Used for teas due to their content of ginkgolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Roots: Used for teas due to their content of flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.