Normally people think of traditional teas, like green tea, black tea, Darjeeling and Earl Gray, which are all teas made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, picked at various times and processed different ways. However, there are other types of tea, such as peppermint tea, hibiscus tea and other herbal creations that are not only delicious, but also have some health giving properties. While some teas can boost your immune system, others are more beneficial for immediate results, like those that reduce bloating.
Peppermint tea is probably one of the most popular for stomach issues.
Peppermint tea is soothing for the stomach and also great to relieve a stuffy nose. The flavonoids in peppermint tea can help slow or stop the overactivity of the mast cells in your stomach, which are responsible for bloating. It also helps soothe the pain, based on studies showing it’s effective for both bloating and the pain it causes. It’s the peppermint oil in the tea that provides the benefits and it six times stronger in a cup of tea than in peppermint oil capsules.
If your mother made you ginger tea or gave you ginger ale for stomach problems, she was right.
Ginger is soothing for the stomach and studies show that ginger capsules can provide aid for nausea and bring relief for stomach distress. It helps speed up how fast your stomach empties, which aids in reducing bloating cramping and other digestive issues. The root of the ginger plant is used and it’s the gingerols in the root that’s infused in the hot water when you steep the grated ginger root.
Chew a fennel seed or steep some tea.
Licorice is good for digestion and so is its impersonator, fennel. It has a taste that also compares to anise or cumin. If you’ve ever sprinkled fennel seed onto a pizza or simply chewed a fennel seed, you know it has that delicious anise flavor that often complements Italian or Chinese cooking. Fennel tea is traditionally used for bloating, gas, constipation or abdominal pain. Animal studies showed it can provide some protection from bloating and even ulcers. Another study done on nursing-home patients showed fennel helped prevent constipation.
- Many companies provide herbal teas, including ginger, but you can make your own by slicing ginger root and putting it in boiling water for ten minutes. Remove the root and enjoy the relief it provides.
- If you want an ornamental plant that returns each spring because of self-seeding, grow your own fennel. In the fall the flower heads die leaving seeds you can gather and a bulb that can be steamed and eaten.
- Lemon balm and chamomile tea also help reduce bloating, gas and nausea. Both can also help you sleep. Lemon balm is also a natural bug repellent and may slow age-related memory loss.
- Always check with your health care professionals before using natural supplements or herbal teas, especially if you’re taking medication, as they can interact with some meds.
For more information, contact us today at Iron Fit San Antonio