Bloated, uncomfortable stomach, gas…you are not alone. Bloating affects 20-30% of people worldwide. Several factors can trigger this disorder namely the accumulation of gas in the intestine, imbalances of intestinal bacteria, ulcers, constipation, parasitic infections and many more. Traditionally, people used natural remedies including herbal teas to relieve bloating. Here are 6 effective herbal teas to help relieve bloating.
peppermint
In traditional medicine, peppermint is widely recognized for its soothing action on digestive problems. It has a fresh and refreshing flavor. Test-tube and animal studies show that plant compounds called flavonoids found in peppermint may inhibit the activity of mast cells (cells of the immune system). When these are abundant in your intestine, they sometimes cause bloating.
Other studies have also shown that peppermint relaxes the intestines, which may relieve intestinal spasms and the bloating and pain that comes with them.
To prepare the herbal tea, add 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves, 1 tea bag, or 3 tablespoons of fresh peppermint leaves to a cup of boiled water. Let them steep for 10 minutes before drinking them.
Lemon balm
A European Medicines Agency suggests that lemon balm tea helps relieve mild digestive issues like bloating and gas. Available in North America, Europe, and other regions, lemon balm tea has a lemony smell and flavor along with hints of mint. According to several researches, this herbal tea can decrease abdominal pain, constipation and other digestive symptoms.
To prepare, steep one tablespoon (3g) of dried lemon balm leaves or one tea bag in a 240ml cup of boiled water for 10 minutes.
Absinthe
Wormwood is a green leafy herb that makes a bitter tea, but you can sweeten the taste with lemon juice and honey. Because of its bitterness, the plant is sometimes used in bitter digestive products to aid digestion. Human studies suggest that one-gram capsules of dried wormwood can prevent or relieve indigestion or upper abdominal discomfort.
This plant promotes the release of digestive juices, which can optimize digestion and reduce bloating. Animal studies indicate that wormwood can also kill parasites that cause bloating.
To prepare the tea, use one teaspoon (1.5g) of dried herb per cup of boiled water and steep for 5 minutes.
Wormwood should not be used during pregnancy, as it contains thujone, a compound that can cause uterine contractions.
Ginger
Ginger tea has been used since ancient times for stomach ailments. Scientific studies claim that taking 1 to 1.5 grams of ginger capsules daily in divided doses helps relieve nausea. Additionally, ginger supplements can speed up stomach emptying, ease digestive upset, and reduce bloating and gas.
Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of powdered dried ginger root per cup of boiled water. Soak for 5 minutes. Ginger tea has a spicy flavor that you can sweeten with honey and lemon.
Fennel
Fennel has traditionally been used for digestive disorders, especially abdominal pain, bloating, gas and constipation. It tastes similar to licorice. In rats, treatment with fennel extract helped fight ulcers. Preventing ulcers can reduce your risk of bloating.
If you want to use tea bags, you can buy fennel seeds and crush them for tea. Measure 1 to 2 teaspoons of seeds per cup of boiled water. Soak for 10-15 minutes.
chamomile
Chamomile is part of the daisy family. In traditional medicine, chamomile is used to treat indigestion, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and ulcers. Animal and test-tube studies indicate that chamomile may prevent bacterial infections in Helicobacter pylori which cause stomach ulcers and are associated with bloating.
To make this tea nice and slightly sweet, pour 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile over a cup of boiled water and steep for 10 minutes.
Angelica roots
This plant has a bitter taste, but tastes great when steeped in lemon balm tea. The bitter components of the plant promote the stimulation of digestive juices for better digestion. Additionally, animal research proves that angelica root helps relieve constipation, which causes bloating.
If pregnant, you should always consult your healthcare professional before using the herb to ensure proper care.
lemon juice
Lemon juice stimulates digestive enzymes and speeds up the digestion process. Prepare yourself a glass of warm lemon water if you have recently eaten a lot of salt. This will help you eliminate excess sodium and reduce swelling in the abdomen. In fact, staying hydrated on a daily basis helps prevent bloating.
