Tea has been of deep significant value in almost every culture around the world and for some with a history that dates back thousands of years ago. In fact, it is the most widely consumed drink in the world, after water –and with good reasons! Since ancient times, people have been drinking tea to help treat all sorts of illnesses and ailments, which is evident in most traditional medicinal practices across the world.
There are many different types of tea with different tastes, flavours and aromas and most of these teas are highly beneficial for health and wellness. And if you are someone often troubled by digestive complications, such as indigestion, constipation, cramps, bloating and more, a daily cup of tea may be just as essential to your wellness routine as your daily probiotic. And they could be your best natural solution for your most troublesome digestive symptoms.
Also read: Signs and Symptoms of Unhealthy Gut to Look Out For.
How Does Tea Support Digestion?
A simple cup of tea has been used for centuries by different cultures as the ultimate natural solution for improving gut health. And this practice is very much in momentum even in the present day, with new types and flavours being heralded every so often. Moreover, the digestive benefits of tea have also been backed by extensive research, which only adds more to its credibility. Just like water, drinking tea keeps the body hydrated and supports regular bowel movements while supporting healthy bodily functions through hydration. Furthermore, certain teas contain a plethora of antioxidants, polyphenols and other beneficial herbal compounds that contribute to better digestive health. Polyphenols in teas act as prebiotics, which nourish the healthy bacteria living in the digestive tract. Fortunately, most of these teas are widely available and easy to make. We have sorted some of the most healthy and best tea that will promote better digestion and gut health.
Here are 9 teas that can improve your digestion.
1. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has long been used to treat digestive issues, such as nausea, bloating, cramping and indigestion. Due to its dispersive aka carminative nature, ginger tea also functions well in reducing gas, relaxing the intestine muscles and speeding up the digestive process. Also, the presence of gingerol, which is a potent compound in ginger, helps stimulates the production of gastric juices and digestive enzymes that help break down food.
2. Mint Tea
Mint is one such herb that is quite well-known in traditional medicines since ancient times. Tea concocted from its aromatic leaves is known to be extremely beneficial in eliminating bloating and excess gas. The rich methanol present in the herb helps reduce gastric stress and is also recommended for alleviating the painful symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The natural soothing properties of the plant are also known to be beneficial in reducing abdominal or intestinal pain-causing inflammation.
3. Green Tea
The potent antioxidants present in Green tea, known as catechins, are known to be beneficial in treating digestive issues such as cramps. The anti-inflammatory properties of these catechins may help reduce inflammation in the stomach, thereby reducing stomach cramps. In addition to this, they also help decrease starch absorption and digestion, which may aid in healthy weight management and metabolism.
Also read: A Cup Of Green Tea A Day Could Be The Answer To Managing Diabetes
4. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea has been part of Chinese as well as Egyptian traditional medicine for centuries to treat all kinds of ailments. The tea is rich in anti-inflammatory properties which help with stomach cramps and intestinal spasms. In addition to this, cinnamon tea also helps in treating indigestion, bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, and more.
5. Chamomile Tea
This soothing bedtime tea also helps soothe the digestive tract and reduce symptoms of pain. Chamomile tea is also known to help curb the production of pepsin, which is a digestive enzyme that is linked to acidity. In addition to this, chamomile tea also helps soothe gastric stress and inflammation, as well as irritated muscle and lining of the intestine and stomach, thereby reducing symptoms of diarrhoea. Reducing bloating or excess gas is also another digestive benefit of chamomile tea.
6. Liquorice Root Tea
Liquorice root tea has long been used as a digestive aid in traditional medicine in Asia. The tea contains flavonoids that are known to help fight off H. pylori bacteria that cause ulcers. Moreover, liquorice tea is also known to help increase the production of mucin, which is a compound that lines the stomach and protects the stomach from excess stomach acid. This makes liquorice root tea an excellent candidate when it comes to supporting digestive health as well as ulcers, heartburn, acidity and even constipation.
7. Black Tea
Several studies have demonstrated that the compounds present in black tea, namely –thearubigins and theaflavins, may have positive benefits in improving indigestion and protecting against stomach ulcers, respectively. The theaflavins compounds, which are a type of antioxidant polyphenol and also prebiotic compounds, are also known to help in improving delayed gastric process and resulting indigestion caused by a medication.
8. Fennel Tea
Fennel seeds, commonly known as Saunf in India, are quite beneficial when it comes to improving digestive health. It eliminates bloating, reduces constipation and alleviates stomach cramps. Perhaps, this is also one of the reasons why Indians love to consume their fennel seeds after dinner! In addition to this, several studies have also suggested fennel seeds may also help in preventing stomach ulcers.
9. Curcumin Tea –Daily Diagemax Tea
Daily Diagemax Tea by Preserva Wellness features all the goodness of Mint, Ginger, Fennel, Cinnamon, Jeera and Coriander as well as 95% pure Curcumin extract to bring forth a uniquely soothing, aromatic, gut-healthy tea that nourishes the digestive tract and relieves any discomforts relating to the digestive health. The unique formulation of these potent herbs and spices brings forth a soothing concoction that acts as a natural antacid that helps prevent constipation, bloating, acidity, stomach ulcers and diarrhoea and supports digestive regularity and suppresses irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Also Read: 7 Ways Curcumin From Turmeric Can Aid Digestive Issues
The Bottom Line
A simple cup of tea can come a long way when it comes to improving digestive health. And the ones mentioned in this list are only some of the many teas that benefit the gut. They are simple and take no more than 5 minutes to prepare them. So whether you feel a little bloated or have trouble with your bowel movement, these teas will help you feel better and keep your system running at peak performance. If you want to start drinking a certain tea to aid your digestion, be sure to confirm the appropriate amount to brew and how often to drink it.
No one tea is going to be a magic potion. Tea, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes being part of it, is where you will find the true, healthy, effective solution. If your symptoms do not go away or are severe - consider meeting with a nutritionist or a doctor.