10 best herbal teas for hiccups

For hiccup relief, try sipping on a soothing cup of herbal tea.

Licorice root tea is a natural anti-inflammatory that calms the stomach and diaphragm, helping to relax the muscles and stop hiccups. Similarly, ginger tea's warming properties aid digestion and ease spasms in the diaphragm. Additionally, throat-soothing slippery elm tea coats and calms the mucous membranes, reducing irritation that can trigger hiccups.

For a more calming approach, a cup of chamomile tea promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which often contributes to hiccup episodes.

1. Fennel

Fennel tea aids hiccups relief due to its carminative and antispasmodic properties.

This herbal tea contains a volatile oil called anethole, known for soothing the gastrointestinal tract and reducing muscle spasms. As hiccups result from diaphragm spasms, fennel tea's ability to relax muscles proves beneficial. Furthermore, fennel tea supports digestion, thus reducing instances of hiccups caused by indigestion or acid reflux.

Lastly, fennel tea's soothing warmth helps alleviate irritations in the stomach and esophagus, minimizing hiccup occurrences.

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

• Seeds: Fennel seeds are an effective remedy for hiccups due to their carminative properties that help in expelling excess gas from the stomach, reducing hiccups caused by gastric distension.
• Leaves: Fennel leaves have antispasmodic qualities that help in relaxing the diaphragm, thus alleviating hiccups caused by spasms.
• Stems: The hollow stems of fennel contain volatile oils that soothe the mucous membranes lining the throat and esophagus, providing relief from persistent hiccups.
• Flowers: Fennel flowers contain flavonoids that help in relaxing the gastrointestinal muscles, reducing hiccups triggered by gastrointestinal irritation.
• Rhizomes: Fennel rhizomes have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help in clearing the respiratory tract, easing hiccups caused by respiratory issues.

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

• Anethole: Anethole, the main component of fennel's volatile oil, has antispasmodic properties that help relax the diaphragm and esophageal muscles, reducing hiccups.
• Fenchone: Fenchone, another volatile oil component, acts as a gentle muscle relaxant and local anesthetic, helping to alleviate hiccups by soothing the overactive muscles involved in hiccups.
• Dianethole & Photoanethole: These compounds contribute to fennel's antispasmodic effects, helping to relieve the spasms causing hiccups by relaxing the smooth muscles in the respiratory and digestive tracts.

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

1. Chop one fresh fennel stem, including seeds, into small pieces.
2. Place fennel pieces in a teapot and add 2 cups of boiling water.
3. Let the fennel tea steep for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove the fennel pieces.
5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day, for hiccup relief.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile tea provides relief for hiccups due to its antispasmodic properties, which directly address the diaphragm spasms causing hiccups.

This natural herbal tea contains cloroigenic acid, known to relax gastrointestinal muscles and alleviate hiccups. Furthermore, chamomile tea's soothing warmth helps calm the nervous system, reducing tension and, consequently, hiccups. Additionally, chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties can help ease any irritation in the stomach or esophagus, thereby preventing hiccups.

Lastly, the pleasantly mild flavor of chamomile tea encourages sipping and prolonged drinking, contributing to the cessation of hiccups.

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

• Flowers: The chamomile tea that is popular for treating hiccups is made from dried chamomile flowers, which are rich in antispasmodic and calming properties that help soothe the diaphragm and esophageal muscles, reducing hiccups.
• Leaves: Chamomile leaves are also used in medicinal tea for hiccups. They contain volatile oils, flavonoids, and other compounds with muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties that help alleviate hiccups.
• Seeds: Chamomile seeds, although less commonly used, contain essential oils like anthemic acid and alpha-bisabolol that exhibit calming and antispasmodic effects that can help stop hiccups.

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

• Bisabolol: This anti-spasmodic compound helps to relax the diaphragm, reducing hiccups.
• Chamazulene: With anti-inflammatory properties, this constituent helps soothe the nervous system, alleviating hiccups.
• Flavonoids: These antioxidants help to relieve tension and spasms in the diaphragm, thus reducing hiccups.
• Apigenin: This flavonoid has antispasmodic properties, helping to relax the diaphragm and alleviate hiccups.
• Coumarins: These compounds have anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects, which can help to prevent hiccups.

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

1. Boil 1 cup of water and let it cool down for 2-3 minutes.
2. Pour the hot water into a cup with 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers.
3. Steep the chamomile flowers for 5-7 minutes, then remove and discard them.
4. Optional: Add a spoonful of honey or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
5. Sip the chamomile tea slowly, taking small sips to help soothe hiccups.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint tea relieves hiccups due to its medicinal properties.

This herbal tea contains menthol, a natural cooling substance that soothes the nerve endings in the throat and pharynx. The muscle spasms causing hiccups weaken as the menthol reduces irritation. Furthermore, peppermint tea's warm temperature encourages slowed breathing and increased relaxation, which assists in further alleviating hiccups.

Ultimately, the synergistic effects of menthol and warmth make peppermint tea an ideal natural remedy for hiccups.

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

• Leaves: The leaves of the peppermint plant are rich in menthol, a compound known to relax the diaphragm and reduce hiccups.
• Flowers: The flowers of the peppermint plant contain essential oils and antispasmodic compounds that help soothe the muscles in the throat and esophagus, alleviating hiccups.
• Seeds: Peppermint seeds are a potent source of menthol and other volatile oils, making them an effective natural remedy for suppressing hiccups.
• Stems: The stems of the peppermint plant contain rosmarinic acid, a compound that has been shown to have antispasmodic properties, helping to relieve hiccups.

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

• Menthol: Soothes the throat and helps to relax the diaphragm spasms that cause hiccups.
• Menthone: Acts as a natural muscle relaxant, reducing tension in the diaphragm and easing hiccups.
• Limonene: Helps to relieve gastrointestinal irritation, which can be a trigger for hiccups.
• Eugenol: Has antispasmodic properties that can help to alleviate hiccups by reducing muscle spasms in the diaphragm.

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

1. Crush 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves or use 1 peppermint tea bag.
2. Place the crushed leaves or tea bag in a teapot or cup.
3. Boil 1 cup of water and let it cool for 1 minute.
4. Pour the hot water over the peppermint leaves or tea bag.
5. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain and drink.

4. Ginger

Ginger tea provides immediate relief from hiccups due to its strong, distinct flavor and spicy nature that interrupts the hiccup reflex.

The warm temperature of the ginger tea soothes the diaphragm, a muscle involved in hiccuping, and promotes normal breathing. Moreover, ginger tea stimulates the production of saliva and increases the swallowing frequency, which further impedes hiccups. Ginger's natural active compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, aid in calming the nerves connected to the diaphragm, thus preventing hiccups.

Lastly, drinking ginger tea slowly and steadily ensures that the body remains hydrated and eases the spasms in the diaphragm, providing long-lasting relief from hiccups.

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

• Rhizomes: Ginger rhizomes are widely used in medicinal tea for hiccups due to their strong aroma and pungent taste, which helps to stimulate the stomach and eliminate hiccups.
• Leaves: Ginger leaves contain high levels of essential oils and antioxidants, making them effective in soothing the diaphragm and alleviating hiccups.
• Flowers: Ginger flowers have anti-inflammatory and carminative properties, which can help relax the muscles in the chest and abdomen and provide relief from hiccups.
• Seeds: Ginger seeds are rich in compounds that can help regulate digestion and reduce spasms in the diaphragm, providing quick relief from persistent hiccups.

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

• Gingerols: Gingerols help relax the smooth muscle of the esophagus and stomach, which can help reduce spasms and relieve hiccups.
• Shogaols: Shogaols have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe irritation in the stomach and diaphragm, alleviating hiccups.
• Paradols: Paradols act as natural analgesics, helping to reduce pain and discomfort associated with hiccups.
• Zingerone: Zingerone helps balance gut motility, potentially preventing the sudden diaphragm contractions that cause hiccups.

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

1. Peel and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger root.
2. Boil 2 cups of water, then add grated ginger and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the tea to remove ginger pieces, discard solids.
4. Stir in honey or sugar to taste, then squeeze half a lemon for added flavor.
5. Serve hot and sip slowly for best results in relieving hiccups.

5. Anise

Anise tea aids hiccups relief due to its active compounds, primarily anethole, which relax the diaphragm.

This spasm of the diaphragm causes hiccups, and anise tea's soothing properties address the issue directly. Furthermore, anise tea stimulates the production of saliva, facilitating swallowing and subsequently alleviating hiccups. Additionally, anise tea has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries to treat digestive complaints, including hiccups, attesting to its efficacy.

Finally, anise tea's ability to modulate nerve impulses in the gastrointestinal tract contributes to hiccup relief, making it a valuable natural remedy.

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

• Seeds: Anise tea is primarily made using the seeds of the anise plant. The seeds contain compounds like anethole, which have antispasmodic properties that relax the diaphragm and relieve hiccups.
• Leaves: The leaves of the anise plant are also used in making medicinal tea. They contain essential oils and acetone, which help reduce inflammation and soothe the nerves, providing quick relief from hiccups.
• Flowers: The delicate flowers of the anise plant are a source of nectar for bees and essential oils for humans. They contain compounds that help relax the muscles of the digestive tract, reducing hiccups.
• Roots: The roots of the anise plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including hiccups. They contain active compounds that have antispasmodic and expectorant properties, providing relief from hiccups and cough.
• Rhizomes: The rhizomes of the anise plant, which are the horizontal underground stems, are rich in essential oils. They help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation, making them an effective ingredient in medicinal tea for hiccups.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in anise tea that aid with hiccups.

• Anethole: This compound is the primary active component in anise tea and is responsible for its distinctive liquorice-like flavor. It helps to relax the diaphragm and reduce spasms, thereby alleviating hiccups.
• Epigenin: This flavonoid found in anise tea has antispasmodic properties, which can help to reduce the muscle spasms that cause hiccups.
• Estragole: Another important compound in anise tea, estragole has been shown to have anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects, which may help to alleviate hiccups.
• Anisaldehyde: This phenolic compound found in anise tea has been shown to have antispasmodic and sedative effects, which can help to relieve hiccups by reducing muscle spasms in the diaphragm.
• Acetoanisole: This compound, also found in anise tea, has antispasmodic properties and may help to alleviate hiccups by reducing muscle spasms in the diaphragm.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic anise tea for hiccups.

1. In a small pot, boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of anise seeds to the boiling water.
3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove the anise seeds.
5. Drink the tea while it's still warm for best results.

6. Valerian

Valerian tea helps with hiccups due to its natural properties.

This herbal tea contains valerenic acid and other compounds known to relax the diaphragm and associated nerves. A relaxed diaphragm reduces the spasms causing hiccups. Furthermore, valerian tea soothes the digestive system, preventing irritations that trigger hiccups.

Lastly, it encourages proper breathing, disrupting the hiccup reflex and offering swift relief.

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

• Roots: Valerian tea's roots contain isovaleric acid and other compounds that have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to relax the diaphragm and ease hiccups.
• Rhyzomes: The rhizomes of valerian plant are rich in essential oils and alkaloids, offering antispasmodic properties that help alleviate muscle spasms, including those causing hiccups.
• Leaves: Valerian leaves have volatile oils, including flavonoids and iridoids, which possess muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effects, making them useful in treating persistent hiccups.
• Flowers: Valerian flowers contain essential oils and act as a natural sedative, helping to soothe the nervous system and potentially reducing hiccups caused by anxiety or stress.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in valerian tea that aid with hiccups.

• Valerenic acid: Reduces excitability of brain cells, may help relax the diaphragm and decrease hiccups.
• Valepotriates: Act as muscle relaxants, can help ease muscle spasms in the diaphragm causing hiccups.
• Iridoids: Possess antispasmodic properties, may help alleviate hiccups by reducing muscle spasms in the diaphragm.
• Flavanones: Exhibit calming effects, can potentially decrease hiccups by reducing nervous system excitability.
• GABA: A neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation, may help stop hiccups by reducing neural activity in the brain.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian tea for hiccups.

1. In a teapot, add 1 teaspoon of dried valerian root to 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the valerian root to release its active compounds.
3. Strain the tea to remove the solid valerian root particles.
4. Allow the tea to cool down to a drinkable temperature.
5. Sip the valerian tea slowly to alleviate hiccups.

7. Marjoram

Marjoram tea relieves hiccups due to its carminative properties, which come from its antispasmodic compounds.

These compounds, primarily terpene hydrocarbons and their oxygenated derivatives, have a soothing effect on the diaphragm muscle. When the diaphragm muscle contracts involuntarily, it obstructs the flow of air in the lungs, causing hiccups. By consuming marjoram tea, the relaxant effects of these compounds reduce the diaphragm's spasmodic activity, restoring regular breathing patterns and putting an end to hiccups.

Furthermore, marjoram tea's volatile oils stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which promotes healthy digestion and combats the potential for indigestion-related hiccups.

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

• Leaves: The leaves of marjoram tea plant contain active compounds that help relax the diaphragm, providing quick relief from hiccups.
• Flowers: The flowers of marjoram tea plant contain essential oils and antispasmodic properties that help soothe the muscles in the throat and chest, reducing the frequency and intensity of hiccups.
• Seeds: The seeds of marjoram tea plant have carminative properties that help expel gas from the stomach, relieving the pressure on the diaphragm and preventing hiccups.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marjoram tea that aid with hiccups.

• Volatile oils: The volatile oils in marjoram tea, particularly terpine-4-ol, have antispasmodic properties that help relax the diaphragm and decrease hiccups.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, such as luteolin and apigenin, present in marjoram tea have antispasmodic and calmative effects, which can help alleviate hiccups.
• Tannins: Marjoram tea contains tannins that can help soothe the mucous membranes of the throat and reduce irritation, which may contribute to hiccups.
• Triterpenes: Triterpenes found in marjoram tea, like ursolic and oleanolic acids, contribute to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve hiccups.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids found in marjoram tea, including rosmarinic and caffeic acids, provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the overall soothing action on hiccups.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marjoram tea for hiccups.

1. Measure - Pour 1 cup of boiling water into a teapot.
2. Add - Put 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram leaves into the teapot.
3. Steep - Let the marjoram leaves steep in the hot water for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain - Strain the marjoram leaves out of the tea and discard them.
5. Serve - Sip the marjoram tea slowly to soothe hiccups.

8. Dill

Dill tea provides relief from hiccups due to its carminative properties, which come from certain volatile oils.

These oils, containing ingredients like carvone and limonene, aid in the expulsion of intestinal gas and reduce associated spasms. As hiccups often result from diaphragm spasms caused by gas or nerve irritation, dill tea alleviates the issue by calming these muscle spasms. Moreover, dill's antispasmodic effects can be attributed to its richness in flavonoids like vicenin and kaempferol.

Consequently, dill tea's unique composition can effectively address hiccups by addressing both underlying gas and nerve irritation while soothing muscle spasms.

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

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and terpenes, providing antispasmodic properties that help alleviate hiccups.
• Seeds: Contain dense concentrations of essential oils, known to relax the diaphragm and ease hiccups.
• Flowers: Packed with healing compounds, flowers offer anticonvulsant properties to address hiccups caused by nerve spasms.
• Stems: Supply soothing mucilage, lubricating the esophagus and mitigating hiccups.
• Roots: Bursting with rotenoids, the roots have been used traditionally to treat persistent hiccups by easing muscle contractions in the diaphragm.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in dill tea that aid with hiccups.

• Eugenol: This compound has been found to have antispasmodic properties, which can help relax the diaphragm and reduce hiccups.
• Limonene: Known for its calming effects, limonene can help soothe the nerves and potentially reduce hiccups.
• Flavonoids: These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can be a trigger for hiccups.
• Furanocoumarins: These constituents can help relax gastrointestinal smooth muscles, which can help alleviate hiccups.
• Tannins: Tannins have astringent properties that can help tone the membranes of the digestive tract, potentially reducing hiccups.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dill tea for hiccups.

1. In a small pot, boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried dill leaves to the boiling water, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from heat, cover and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove dill leaves and discard them.
5. Drink the warm dill tea slowly, sipping it gently to soothe hiccups.

9. Spearmint

Spearmint tea provides instant relief from hiccups due to its carminative properties, which move gas from the stomach to the intestines, reducing the amount of air in the digestive tract.

The menthol in spearmint acts as a natural muscle relaxant, calming the diaphragm spasms that cause hiccups. Furthermore, spearmint's cooling and soothing effect on the throat and esophagus reduces irritation, alleviating hiccups. Its antispasmodic qualities lessen the involuntary muscle contractions responsible for hiccups.

Ultimately, spearmint tea brings quick hiccup relief by addressing the root causes with its proven therapeutic benefits.

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

• Leaves: Spearmint leaves contain menthol, a compound known to relax gastrointestinal muscles and alleviate hiccups.
• Flowers: Spearmint flowers are rich in antispasmodic compounds that help soothe the diaphragm, thus reducing hiccups.
• Seeds: Spearmint seeds have high oil content, including menthol, which helps relieve the spasms causing hiccups.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in spearmint tea that aid with hiccups.

• Menthol: Soothes the throat and helps to relax the diaphragm, reducing hiccups.
• Rosmarinic acid: Has anti-spasmodic properties that help to relieve muscle spasms, including those that cause hiccups.
• Limonene: Helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat and esophagus, providing relief from hiccups.
• Eugenol: Has anesthetic and analgesic properties that can help to reduce the severity and frequency of hiccups.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic spearmint tea for hiccups.

1. Gather ingredients: pick 10 fresh spearmint leaves or measure 1 teaspoon of dried spearmint.
2. Rinse the spearmint leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.
3. Boil 2 cups of water and let it cool for 1 minute.
4. Steep the spearmint leaves in the hot water for 5-10 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a cup, discard the leaves, and sip slowly.

10. Thyme

Thyme tea provides relief for hiccups due to its antispasmodic properties, which relax the diaphragm and decrease the sudden contractions causing hiccups.

Moreover, thyme's soothing effect on the digestive system reduces irritation in the esophagus, alleviating one of the common triggers of hiccups. Its natural calming qualities further help to decrease overall bodily tension and nervousness, minimizing the likelihood of hiccup occurrence. Additionally, thyme contains beneficial volatile oils, such as thymol, which have the ability to stimulate the vagus nerve, influencing the regulation of involuntary bodily functions, like hiccups.

Ultimately, thyme tea's diverse therapeutic properties work in unison to promptly address hiccups' source, offering swift and efficient relief.

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

• Leaves: Thyme leaves contain volatile oils like thymol, which relax the diaphragm spasms that cause hiccups.
• Flowers: Thyme flowers possess anti-spasmodic properties, making them effective in alleviating hiccups.
• Stems: Thyme stems have a soothing effect on the digestive system, helping to reduce hiccups caused by indigestion.
• Seeds: Thyme seeds contain compounds that help regulate nerve function, reducing instances of hiccups.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme tea that aid with hiccups.

• Thymol: Thymol, a main volatile oil in thyme, has antispasmodic properties that help relax the diaphragm and decrease hiccups.
• Carvacrol: As an active ingredient in thyme, carvacrol aids in reducing hiccups by calming the muscle spasms in the diaphragm and esophagus.
• Flavonoids: Thyme flavonoids, like apigenin and luteolin, have antispasmodic effects, which can help soothe hiccups by relaxing the diaphragm and alleviating muscle spasms.
• Tannins: Tannins found in thyme have astringent properties that can help control nerve impulses, reducing hiccups occurrence.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid in thyme has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate hiccups by reducing inflammation in the affected muscles and nerves.
• Menthol: Thyme contains small amounts of menthol, which can help relax the throat muscles and reduce hiccups.
• Glycosides: Thyme glycosides, such as thymosin, have been found to have antispasmodic properties, helping to soothe and prevent hiccups.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme tea for hiccups.

1. In a small pot, boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves to the boiling water.
3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove the thyme leaves.
5. Sip the warm thyme tea slowly to soothe hiccups.

What is hiccups and how can it affect your life?

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, a muscle located at the base of the lungs, followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords.

This rapid series of movements results in the distinctive "hic" sound. While hiccups generally last only a few minutes and pose no serious health risks, they can certainly be a nuisance and uncomfortable for some people.

Prolonged bouts of hiccups, although rare, can affect sleeping patterns, eating habits, and overall quality of life, making it challenging to carry out daily activities and communicate effectively.

What other natural remedies help with hiccups?

Among the most common and effective natural remedies for hiccups are taking deep breaths, holding your breath, and swallowing water slowly.

Deep breathing helps to reset the diaphragm's movement, which is often the cause of hiccups. To do this, take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds before exhaling slowly. Repeat this process several times until the hiccups subside.

Holding your breath is another simple remedy that can help stop hiccups. Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can without discomfort. Swallowing water slowly is also an effective method. Take small sips of water, ensuring that you swallow each sip completely before taking the next one.

This method helps to reset the nerve signals that control the diaphragm and can stop hiccups in their tracks.