The Best Teas for Gut Health: Soothe Your Stomach and Improve Digestion

When it comes to gut health, tea can be a simple and soothing solution. Whether you’re dealing with bloating, cramps, indigestion, or even more serious gut issues like SIBO or H Pylori specific herbal teas can help ease discomfort and support digestion. Let’s explore the best teas to drink for stomach aches, digestion, and overall gut health.

Best Teas for Stomach Aches

 

1. Peppermint Tea for Upset Stomach: Peppermint tea is known for its ability to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. It can help relieve symptoms of bloating, gas, and cramping, making it a go-to remedy for an upset stomach. The menthol in peppermint has a soothing effect on the digestive system, helping to ease discomfort quickly.
2. Ginger Tea for Stomach Pain Relief: Ginger tea has been used for centuries to relieve nausea, stomach pain, and indigestion. It works by increasing digestive enzymes, which can speed up the emptying of the stomach and reduce feelings of discomfort. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties also help calm the digestive tract. Ginger tea is also incredible for constipation and improving gut motility. 
3. Chamomile Tea for Stomach Cramps: Chamomile tea is a gentle herbal option that helps relax the digestive muscles, making it ideal for relieving stomach cramps and discomfort. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, which can soothe intestinal distress.

Best Teas for Digestion

 

1. Fennel Tea for Bloating and Gas Relief Fennel tea is an excellent digestive aid. It helps stimulate the production of gastric juices, which improve digestion and reduce bloating and gas. Fennel seeds are often used in traditional remedies for indigestion and are known for easing symptoms like heartburn and bloating.
2. Dandelion Root Tea for Constipation Relief Dandelion root tea is a natural diuretic and laxative, making it a useful option for those dealing with constipation. It promotes bile production, which can help break down food and keep digestion smooth. This tea also supports liver health, which is essential for detoxification and digestion.
3. Artichoke Leaf Tea for Healthy Digestion Artichoke leaf tea can help stimulate bile production, which supports digestion and helps reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and discomfort after meals. This tea has also been studied for its potential to lower cholesterol levels, providing additional health benefits.

Best Herbal Teas for Overall Gut Health

 

1. Licorice Root Tea for Gut Health Benefits Licorice root tea is known for its ability to soothe inflammation in the stomach lining and digestive tract. It has been used to help treat ulcers, heartburn, and leaky gut by promoting the production of mucous, which protects the gut lining.
2. Marshmallow Root Tea for Leaky Gut Marshmallow root tea has mucilaginous properties, meaning it produces a thick, gel-like substance that coats and protects the gut lining. This can help prevent and heal leaky gut by reducing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.
3. Slippery Elm Tea for Gut Inflammation Slippery elm tea is another mucilaginous herb that soothes the gut lining and reduces inflammation. It can be helpful for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heartburn, and ulcerative colitis by creating a protective barrier in the intestines.

Best Teas for “Leaky Gut” or Intestinal Permeability

 

Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before trying anything new. 

1. Bone Broth Tea for Gut Healing Bone broth tea is rich in collagen and gelatin, both of which help strengthen and repair the gut lining. Drinking this tea can support overall gut health, particularly in cases of leaky gut, by helping restore the integrity of the gut wall. Additionally, bone broth is very rich in minerals so it can support hormones, energy, and digestive enzyme production. 
2. Glutamine Tea for Leaky Gut Syndrome
   Although the research is limited, some people use glutamine tea to support gut healing. Glutamine is an amino acid that may help repair the gut lining, but it’s important to note that more scientific evidence is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.

Why Does Tea Help with Digestion?

Herbal teas can be incredibly beneficial for digestion due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and relaxing properties. Many of the herbs used in digestive teas, like peppermint, ginger, and fennel, help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which aids in breaking down food more effectively. Teas also help calm the digestive muscles, reducing symptoms like bloating, cramps, and indigestion. Additionally, certain teas, such as licorice root and marshmallow root, can help protect and heal the gut lining, making them particularly useful for people with gut inflammation or leaky gut.

Conclusion

Teas can offer natural relief for many common digestive issues. From soothing an upset stomach to promoting healthy digestion and healing the gut lining, there’s a tea for almost every digestive concern. Incorporating herbal teas into your daily routine is a simple way to support gut health, but remember, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re dealing with chronic gut issues.

At our practice, we go beyond food and tea to support clients with digestion, addressing underlying causes like stress, gut microbiome imbalances, and more.

Curious about your own digestive health? Take our FREE “Why am I bloated” quiz to get personalized insights about your specific GI complaints and what steps you should take.