Remember the days when every celebrity and influencer was promoting some type of tummy tea? Well, those teas were more like laxatives that just made you stay on the toilet for far too long. You might have been turned off from tea entirely. However, there are actually teas that are good for your digestion and overall gut health. But, you won’t find them from some influencer’s “link in bio.” Instead, you just need to hop over to the regular tea section of your store.
Best Teas for Gut Health
“Teas that are often considered beneficial for digestive health include herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger, chamomile, and fennel tea,” registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and founder of Food Queries, Melissa Wasserman Baker, told 21Ninety. “These teas may help alleviate digestive discomfort, reduce bloating, and promote overall digestive well-being.”
The best part is that you don’t have to chug a single-ingredient tea. According to ayurveda practitioner and occupational therapist, Bridge Ochoa you can drink tea blends that include gut-boosting ingredients. “The best tea includes a mixture of a few of the following: fennel seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, ginger root, turmeric root, cardamom seeds, cinnamon chips, clove, black pepper, and chamomile flowers.”
To make the best cup of tea Ochoa recommends steeping your tea in a covered mug with hot water for about 45 minutes. Covering it makes sure none of the essential oils escape. Plus, “the longer it steeps, the stronger it will be,” the ayurveda practitioner exclaimed.
It can also be steeped overnight for a strong brew. Make sure to cover it while it is steeping to stop the essential oils that are in the herb from escaping — you want those in the water, not evaporated in the air. Once it’s ready, the occupational therapist said to drink about a cup a day for a month to really notice a shift in your gut health.
Digestive Health Benefits
Baker noted that herbal teas, specifically like ginger and peppermint, can relax the gastrointestinal muscles and reduce discomfort. “Additionally, tea can promote hydration, which is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements and overall digestive function,” the RDN explained.
While certain teas greatly benefit the digestive system, make sure other medications you’re taking don’t get in the way. Ochoa noted that there could potentially be drug-herb interactions that would not be pleasant to deal with.
That said, it’s also important to know that even with tea, there can be too much of a good thing. “While tea is generally safe for most people, excessive consumption of caffeinated teas, such as black or green tea, can lead to issues like acid reflux or stomach irritation in some individuals,” Baker warns.
VAHDAM Turmeric Ginger Herbal Tea
VAHDAM’s Turmeric Ginger Herbal Tea is a tummy-loving blend of two all-star ingredients sourced and packaged in India. In this seven-ounce bag you’re getting over 100 cups worth of tea.
Buddha Teas Organic Fennel Seed Tea
If your gut needs an overhaul Ochoa recommended trying a seed-based tea like Buddha Teas Organic Fennel Seed Tea. According to the ayurvedic practitioner, “the medicinal qualities of that spice is held within the seed.” In this box, you’re getting 18 bleach-free bags of USDA-certified organic OU Kosher tea.
Harney & Sons Chamomile Herbal Tea
This tin of Harney & Sons Chamomile Herbal Tea is both decorative and helpful in balancing your gut. It’s filled with 20 sachets of tea sourced from Egypt.
Twinings of London Pure Peppermint Herbal Tea Bags
The Twinings of London Pure Peppermint Herbal Tea Bags give you a zing without any caffeine. Each of the 20 packs is filled with 100 percent pure peppermint.
FGO Organic Ginger Tea
FGO’s Organic Ginger Tea is a spicy tea. All of the 100 bags have Indian-sourced USDA certified-organic ginger. Plus, the bag closes at the top to keep your tea fresher for longer.
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