9 Best Herbal Teas For Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Herbal teas for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are a type of alternative remedy that uses plant-based extracts to alleviate symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and inflammation.

These teas can treat IBD by reducing inflammation, soothing the digestive tract, and promoting relaxation, which helps to manage stress and alleviate symptoms.

Examples of herbal teas that can help treat IBD include peppermint tea, which helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and reduce nausea; ginger tea, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain; chamomile tea, which can help to calm the digestive system and promote relaxation; licorice root tea, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe the digestive tract; marshmallow root tea, which can help to protect the digestive tract and reduce inflammation; and triphala tea, which is an Ayurvedic blend of herbs that can help to promote digestion and reduce inflammation.

By incorporating these herbal teas into their diet, individuals with IBD may be able to find relief from their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Below there's a list of the 9 best herbal teas for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Curcuma longa teas

Curcuma longa teas have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The herbal preparation contains bioactive constituents such as curcumin, which has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the gastrointestinal tract.

By reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response, Curcuma longa teas help to alleviate symptoms of IBD, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals with this condition.

The benefits of using Curcuma longa teas to treat IBD include reduced risk of complications, improved nutritional status, and enhanced overall well-being.

Recipe:

1. Gather 1 teaspoon of dried Curcuma longa powder and 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Pour the boiling water over the Curcuma longa powder in a cup.
3. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes to allow the powder to dissolve.
4. Strain the liquid using a fine-mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth into another cup.
5. Drink the tea warm or at room temperature, 2-3 times a day as needed.

Curcuma longa teas can be an effective treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease, but possible side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

To minimize potential side effects, it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed, and to avoid taking Curcuma longa teas during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as with medications that thin the blood or lower blood sugar levels.

2. Zingiber officinale teas

Zingiber officinale teas, also known as ginger tea, have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The bioactive constituents of ginger tea, including gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, thereby reducing inflammation in the gut.

By modulating the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation, ginger tea helps to alleviate symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

The benefits of using ginger tea to treat IBD include reduced symptoms and improved quality of life, making it a potential natural remedy for this debilitating disease.

Recipe:

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh ginger root, 1 cup of water, and a strainer.
2. Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin pieces.
3. Boil the water in a pot and add the sliced ginger.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, then strain the liquid.
5. Drink 1 cup of the ginger tea, 2-3 times a day, to help manage inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.

Zingiber officinale teas can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, but it may cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive stomachs or those who consume large quantities.

To use Zingiber officinale teas safely, it's essential to start with small doses and gradually increase the amount, and to also avoid taking it on an empty stomach, as this can exacerbate digestive issues.

3. Glycyrrhiza glabra teas

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut.

The bioactive constituents of Glycyrrhiza glabra, including glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote the healing of the intestinal mucosa.

As a result, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas have been found to reduce symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, and improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition.

The benefits of using Glycyrrhiza glabra teas to treat IBD include reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and a lower risk of complications associated with this chronic disease.

Recipe:

1. Gather 1 cup of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra roots and 2 cups of water.
2. Boil the water in a pot and add the dried roots. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a cup. Discard the solids.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the tea if desired. Stir well to dissolve.
5. Drink the tea 1-2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, to help manage symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas can be used as a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, but its use may lead to side effects such as increased blood pressure, low potassium levels, and changes in fluid balance, which can exacerbate symptoms like edema and cardiac issues.

When using Glycyrrhiza glabra teas to treat this ailment, precautions should be taken to avoid overconsumption, as excessive glycyrrhizin can disrupt the body's natural hormone balance, and individuals with kidney or liver problems should be cautious and monitor their condition closely.

4. Ulmus rubra teas

Ulmus rubra teas have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The bioactive constituents present in Ulmus rubra teas, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, help to reduce inflammation and protect the gut lining from oxidative stress, thus alleviating symptoms of IBD.

This herbal preparation has been found to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby helping to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the gut.

The benefits of using Ulmus rubra teas to treat IBD include reduced symptoms, improved quality of life, and a decrease in the need for conventional medications.

Recipe:

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Ulmus rubra leaves, or 2 tablespoons of dried leaves.
2. Boil 1 cup of water in a pot.
3. Add the Ulmus rubra leaves to the boiling water and remove from heat.
4. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes, then strain the tea into a cup.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day, as needed, to help manage symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Ulmus rubra teas can be used to potentially alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, but it may also cause side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, and interactions with other medications.

Precautions when using Ulmus rubra teas for this treatment include monitoring for signs of excessive bleeding, diarrhea, or stomach cramps, and being cautious not to consume excessive amounts, as it may exacerbate the condition in some individuals.

5. Althaea officinalis teas

Althaea officinalis teas have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory, soothing, and protective properties.

The mucilaginous compounds present in this herbal preparation, such as althaea polysaccharides and mucilage, help to treat IBD by forming a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and irritation, and promoting healing.

The bioactive constituents of Althaea officinalis teas, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and saponins, also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that contribute to their therapeutic effects.

The benefits of using Althaea officinalis teas to treat IBD include reduced inflammation, improved digestion, and a faster recovery from symptoms, making it a valuable adjunctive therapy for managing this condition.

Recipe:

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried Althaea officinalis root and 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Add the dried root to the boiling water and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the root particles.
4. Let the tea cool down to a comfortable temperature before drinking.
5. Drink 1/2 to 1 cup of the tea 2-3 times a day to help manage symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Althaea officinalis teas can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, but possible side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or stomach cramps, as well as allergic reactions, like skin rashes or itching.

When using Althaea officinalis teas to treat inflammatory bowel disease, it is essential to start with small dosages and gradually increase as needed, while also monitoring your body's response and being cautious of potential interactions with other medications.

6. Aloe barbadensis teas

Aloe barbadensis teas have been explored as a potential natural remedy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.

The bioactive constituents of Aloe barbadensis, including aloin, aloe-emodin, and acemannan, have been shown to help soothe and protect the intestinal lining, reduce inflammation, and modulate the immune response, thereby alleviating symptoms of IBD.

The benefits of Aloe barbadensis teas in treating IBD include reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and enhanced quality of life.

By incorporating Aloe barbadensis teas into their treatment regimen, patients with IBD may experience a reduction in symptoms and an improvement in their overall health.

Recipe:

1. Gather 2 cups of Aloe barbadensis gel. You can buy it in stores or grow your own Aloe plant.
2. Strain the gel through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any impurities.
3. Add 2 cups of water to the bowl with the Aloe gel. Stir well to mix.
4. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over low heat for 10-15 minutes. This will help the Aloe gel dissolve in water.
5. Strain the mixture again into a cup and drink. You can add honey or lemon juice to taste. Drink 1-2 cups a day as needed.

Aloe barbadensis teas can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, but possible side effects may include stomach upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions in some individuals.

When using Aloe barbadensis teas for this purpose, it is recommended to start with small amounts and gradually increase the dosage to minimize potential side effects such as digestive discomfort and electrolyte imbalance, and to avoid consuming the tea for extended periods to prevent dependency on the herbal preparation.

7. Foeniculum vulgare teas

Foeniculum vulgare teas, also known as fennel teas, have been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The bioactive constituents of fennel, including anethole, limonene, and flavonoids, help to reduce inflammation in the gut and alleviate symptoms of IBD.

By modulating the gut microbiome and reducing oxidative stress, fennel teas can help to treat IBD by promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

The benefits of fennel teas in treating IBD include reduced symptoms, improved quality of life, and a decrease in the need for conventional medications.

Recipe:

1. Gather 1 teaspoon of dried Foeniculum vulgare seeds and 1 cup of water.
2. Boil the water in a pot and let it cool for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the Foeniculum vulgare seeds to the water and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid and discard the seeds. Add honey to taste if needed.
5. Drink 1 cup of the tea, 2-3 times a day, as needed for inflammatory bowel disease.

Foeniculum vulgare teas can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, but possible side effects may include allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or itching, as well as interactions with blood thinners or medications for diabetes.

Precautions to take when using Foeniculum vulgare teas include being cautious with dosages, as excessive consumption may exacerbate digestive issues, and also considering the potential for Foeniculum vulgare teas to interfere with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or liver disease.

8. Terminalia chebula teas

Terminalia chebula teas have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The herbal preparation helps to treat IBD by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

The bioactive constituents of Terminalia chebula teas, including chebulagic acid and ellagic acid, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which contribute to their therapeutic effects against IBD.

Regular consumption of Terminalia chebula teas has been reported to provide benefits such as reduced symptoms, improved quality of life, and even potential prevention of complications associated with IBD.

Recipe:

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Terminalia chebula bark and flowers.
2. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of Terminalia chebula bark and flowers to the boiling water.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Strain and drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help manage inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.

Terminalia chebula teas can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, but they may cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea due to the herbal preparation's potential to interact with the digestive system.

Precautions include monitoring blood sugar levels when using Terminalia chebula teas, as they may lower blood sugar levels, and being cautious when consuming these teas with other medications, especially blood thinners.

9. Ginkgo biloba teas

Ginkgo biloba teas have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and improve gut health.

The bioactive constituents of Ginkgo biloba, including flavonoids and terpenoids, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress, thereby alleviating symptoms of IBD.

By modulating the gut-brain axis and improving gut barrier function, Ginkgo biloba teas can help to reduce inflammation, prevent intestinal permeability, and promote healing in the gut.

Regular consumption of Ginkgo biloba teas may help to alleviate symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, and improve overall quality of life for individuals suffering from this condition.

Recipe:

1. Gather 1 cup of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves, and a tea infuser.
2. Place the dried Ginkgo biloba leaves in the tea infuser.
3. Steep the leaves in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the leaves.
5. Drink 1 cup of the Ginkgo biloba tea 2-3 times a day to help manage symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Ginkgo biloba teas can be considered for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, but they may cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea due to their ability to thin the blood and stimulate digestion.

To minimize potential side effects, it is recommended to start with a low dose, monitor blood pressure and platelet count regularly, and avoid using Ginkgo biloba teas with other blood-thinning medications or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.