5 Teas For Better Digestion

The secrets to health and happiness are not really secrets at all but rather, age-old remedies that people have been using for millennia. Among other simple tips such as “walk daily,” “eat a natural diet” and “smile more,” one that can have a profound effect on your health and comfort is “drink more tea.”

Civilizations have been using herbal teas to treat digestive issues and soothe symptoms such as nausea, constipation, bloating and indigestion for thousands of years, and for good reason — they work! Whether you’ve been feeling a bit bloaty lately, have had trouble digesting your food or simply want to keep your system in balance, add these five herbal teas to your diet.

1.    Ginger Tea

Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that contains a compound called gingerol. Studies show that gingerol helps to stimulate stomach contractions and trigger emptying, two actions that can help to alleviate bloating, relieve gas and encourage bowel movements. Research also suggests that ginger can help with cramping, nausea and indigestion.

2.    Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is an herb known for its cool and refreshing flavor and ability to calm an upset stomach. Peppermint contains menthol, which is a compound that has been proven to improve digestive issues in both human and animal research groups. In one four-week study of 57 people who live with irritable bowel syndrome, 75% of people who took peppermint capsules twice a day showed an improvement in symptoms. This is compared to just 38% of people who took a placebo.

3.    Dandelion Tea

Dandelions may be a weed, but they’re a weed with powerful health and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show omile Teathat dandelion contains compounds that, like ginger, trigger muscle contractions and the subsequent flow of food through the GI tract. Additional research found that dandelion extract fights inflammation, decreases the production of stomach acid and protects against ulcers.

To make dandelion tea, bring a mixture of two cups of dandelion flowers and four cups of water to a boil. Remove it from the heat and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Pour the mixture through a colander or sieve and into your cup, and drink up.

4.    Cham

Chamomile is an herb that boasts several supposed health benefits, ranging from a better night’s sleep to reduced cancer risk. It also helps to promote digestive health. Per the findings from a few different studies and anecdotal evidence, chamomile promotes better digestion, helps protect against diarrhea and fights stomach ulcers.

5.    Fennel

Fennel is an herb that has a black-licorice type taste and that you can eat both raw and cooked. Though it is not fully understood why or how, findings support the theory that fennel is a natural laxative. Studies in which older adults consumed fennel tea for a month found that it promotes healthy bowel movements and relieves constipation. Other findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory agents in fennel also help to protect against and fight ulcers.

People have been using herbal teas as remedies for stomach pain and digestive issues for thousands of years. If you recently experience digestive issues, or if you just want to protect against them, drink a cup of tea each night — or more for more benefit. Give the above five herbal remedies a try.

5 Teas That Are Beneficial to Your Health

Often used in ancient herbal remedies, the tea plant — Camellia sinensis — is a proven tool in promoting health and well-being. Study after study supports the claim that various teas support physical and mental health.

Unfortunately, the variety of available teas makes it difficult for the average consumer to choose the most beneficial tea options. From green tea to black tea and everything in between, not all teas are equal. Despite the growing supply and variety of available teas, most registered dietitians agree that five teas stand out over the rest.

1. Green Tea

Medical professionals and dietitians agree that green tea is the most beneficial option. Green tea contains loads of antioxidants that help:

  • Improve brain function
  • Lower risk of heart disease
  • Protect against cancer
  • Aid in fat loss

One antioxidant, in particular, catechin, helps protect your body against free radicals and other harmful molecules. The substance prevents cell damage, protecting against premature aging and disease.

2. Peppermint Tea

Experts recommend drinking peppermint tea when you are not feeling 100%. The tea contains menthol, which can help when fighting a cold. Menthol essentially helps to rile up your immune system.

Peppermint tea has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Dietitians and medical professionals claim the tea can help reduce fever, relieve nasal congestion, and relax sore throats. If peppermint tea is not your drink of choice when feeling under the weather, you can also try:

  • Echinacea tea
  • Elderberry tea
  • Hibiscus tea

3. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has proven digestive benefits. Several studies show ginger combats nausea, including morning sickness. Also, the herb helps the stomach move food to the digestive tract, easing indigestion and gastric distress.

Despite the benefits of ginger tea, many people cannot handle the strong taste. If you do not like ginger tea, consider peppermint tea. Several studies suggest peppermint can help with indigestion, but be careful because it can aggravate acid reflux symptoms.

4. Herbal Tea

Herbal teas represent a mixture of dried flowers, herbs, fruits and spices. They are not derived from the tea plant like other teas. Drinking herbal tea can improve lung health.

According to some reports, herbal teas possess anti-inflammatory properties that help relax airways, allowing for easier breathing. Herbal teas are often recommended to people with asthma and similar conditions because of their effect on the lungs. Experts recommend selecting a tea with cinnamon, turmeric, or ginger for optimum lung benefit.

5. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is an excellent option for easing a troubled mind and drifting to sleep. The chamomile plant contains the antioxidant apigenin, which attaches to brain receptors to alleviate anxiety symptoms and increase relaxation. According to some experts, chamomile acts as a mild tranquilizer.

If you don't like chamomile tea or want to try something different, choose valerian root tea. Valerian root works similarly to chamomile and promotes relaxation.

Tea is a proven health aid. While producers continue to create clever mixes, five straightforward teas are all you need to experience the many health benefits of the beverage.

6 Teas To Lift the Clouds and Boost Your Mood

What could be cozier than a warm cup of tea on a cold, rainy morning? If you feel like you need to shake the blues before you snuggle up with your favorite throw and relax, consider that some types of tea can actually help alleviate unpleasant feelings like sadness, anxiety and stress. Here's the tea on the six best mood-boosting herbal blends to try.

1. Feel Calm With Chamomile

You're probably familiar with the tiny, adorable chamomile flower buds that commonly show up in bedtime tea blends. In addition to its relaxing scent, chamomile can create a soothing, warm sensation that helps with restful sleep. Research published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2016 even found that a regular regimen of chamomile tea reduced symptoms of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder.

2. Turn It Up With Tulsi

You might not even realize that you have the ingredients for tulsi tea growing in your garden. Sometimes called holy basil, tulsi has been shown in studies to improve mood and sharpen concentration when consumed in tea form. Simply steep the leaves along with a bit of ginger and cardamom for about five minutes, then add your preferred amount of honey and lemon for an instantly revitalizing brew.

3. Savor St. John's Wort

Although St. John's wort is a common supplement for depression in capsule form, it can also benefit your mood when taken as a tea. Some research suggests that this herbal ingredient can relieve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, insomnia, anxiety and depression. In fact, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that St. John's wort may work as effectively as prescription antidepressants for some people who have mild to moderate symptoms, though it's important to make sure it doesn't interact with other meds you take.

4. Adapt With Ashwagandha

Look no further than this ancient tea if you need relaxation. Ashwagandha actually qualifies as a substance called an adaptogen, which allows your body ADAPT (get it?) to stress. Humans have been drinking this herbal tea for thousands of years to support maximum function of the brain, lower stress-causing cortisol levels and resolve symptoms of anxiety and depression. A 2019 study published in Medicine (Baltimore) found that drinking ashwagandha tea effectively reduced feelings of anxiety among participants.

5. Love That Lemon Balm

Part citrus tang, part minty zip, this tea is nearly guaranteed to become your new go-to. Lemon balm has a long history as a remedy for stress, anxiety, insomnia and depression, and it can also help sharpen your mental focus. It's no wonder that this herb, native to West Asia, North Africa and Europe, is now a popular potted plant all over the world. A study published in the journal Nutrients in 2014 even backed up lemon balm's ability to relieve anxiety and soothe stress.

6. Go for the Green

Why is green such a great color for foods and beverages? You know your green veggies are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and green tea has similarly impressive health effects.

First and foremost, it contains an anxiety-alleviating amino acid called L-theanine. An animal study published by the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences also linked green tea to higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, two mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. In addition to the mental health benefits of green tea, it's packed with antioxidants that help fight cancer-causing free radicals and may support loss of fat cells.

When adding new herbal teas to your diet, check with your health care provider to make sure they don't interfere with any prescription or over-the-counter remedies you take. Some supplements can have unwanted effects when combined with other medications.