Improved Digestion
Teas for Improved Digestion
Teas for Improved Digestion
It’s not uncommon for some of us to overdo it a bit at times on rich, indulgent foods and drinks. These treats are mostly harmless when enjoyed in moderation, but they can sometimes result in a range of stomach complaints and discomforts such as indigestion (dyspepsia), heartburn, bloating and nausea.
While these common ailments can be tolerated, they often prove to be a nuisance throughout the day and are preferably cured as soon as possible. Ideally, these cures will come from a natural, everyday source, such as a tisane or a tea to aid digestion.
Certain teas have long been associated with helping to ease a range of stomach ailments and generally improving digestion, with peppermint tea, chamomile tea, nettle tea, green tea and caffeine-free herbal tea noted as some of the best teas for indigestion.
This fresh, vibrant, caffeine-free tea is known for its calming effects and refreshing flavours, but it has also been suggested that it improves ailments such as indigestion, nausea, trapped gas and bloating. The essential oils in peppermint have also been linked to reducing abdominal pain that may be caused by indigestion, making peppermint tea great for an upset stomach and an ideal drink to enjoy after a big meal.
Another tea that may help with digestion, chamomile tea is one of the most popular single ingredient herbal teas in the world and offers a number of health benefits. Like peppermint, chamomile is known as a great tea to unwind with, as it promotes relaxation and improved sleep, but it is also suggested that chamomile can be effective in treating certain stomach ailments. Chamomile has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for numerous gastrointestinal ailments, but even recent clinical studies have suggested that chamomile can be effective in the treatment of dyspepsia.
Known to be high in vitamin A and vitamin C, nettles are also a high source of nutrients and contain zinc, iron and magnesium. Nettle tea can be used to treat symptoms of hay fever and nasal congestion and may even help to lower blood sugar. That’s not all – the anti-inflammatory characteristics of nettles may also help to regulate digestion and alleviate an upset stomach, making nettle tea especially good for digestion.
Rich in antioxidants and naturally caffeine-free, rooibos tea is also a source of several polyphenols, such as aspalathin, which may help to protect the body against free radical damage. What’s more, rooibos is especially low in tannins when compared to many other teas, which makes it a good choice for those who may experience mild digestive problems when drinking more tannin-heavy teas.
This black tea is rich in antioxidants, can contribute towards lowering the risk of heart disease and has even been shown to contribute towards healthy weight loss. Historically, Pu Erh tea was used in the treatment of several ailments, including poor digestion, and it is still used today by those looking for natural, everyday ways to improve digestion.