Best Teas for Gut Health: Five Teas Surprising Benefits

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We may get embarrassed to talk about some things in life except with a select group of people. This includes anything related to our gut health, such as constipation, digestion, gas, and stomach ulcers. We have all experienced that moment when we are in a quiet room full of people, and our stomach moans because whatever we ate did not digest well. Many of us know the benefits of Ginger Tea and Peppermint tea for our gastrointestinal issues. If you are unaware, check out my post on these teas. This article is about five teas that can help with gut health that most people may not know about. The best teas for gut health are Senna Tea, Fennel Tea, Gentian Tea, Licorice Tea, and Chamomile Tea. Please read the unique benefits of each tea below. Remember, not everything is for everybody, so see what works for you. Please check out the two teas are I use as my personal favorites for cleansing my stomach and help with digestion while I sleep.

Senna Tea

senna tea

A study published by the Journal of Palliative Medicine (2008) found that cancer patients who took sennosides (stimulant laxative) for five to twelve days had bowel movements on half of those days. Drinking senna tea is a convenient way to find relief from constipation.

Side Effects:

  • Laxative Effect: Research in Frontier Pharmacology (2021)and MedSurg Nursing (2013) acknowledges senna’s powerful laxative properties. Extended use might lead to dependence and electrolyte imbalance.

Ways to Prepare Senna Tea

Ingredients:

  • One senna tea bag or one teaspoon of dried senna leaves
  • 1 cup of water

Instructions:

  1. Boil Water: Bring water to a rolling boil in a kettle or pot.
  2. Tea Bag or Leaves: Place a senna tea bag or the dried senna leaves in a cup.
  3. Pouring Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the senna tea bag or leaves.
  4. Steeping Time: Allow the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. This duration can vary based on desired strength; longer steeping might produce more potent tea.
  5. Strain (if using leaves): If you’ve used dried leaves rather than a tea bag, strain the tea using a fine mesh strainer or tea infuser to remove the leaves.
  6. Optional Flavoring: To mitigate the slightly bitter taste of senna tea, consider adding a touch of honey or a squeeze of lemon for flavor enhancement.
  7. Cool Down: Let the tea cool to a suitable drinking temperature before consumption.

Enhanced Senna Tea Variations:

  1. Senna-Citrus Infusion: Infuse the senna tea with slices of fresh citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, or limes to add a refreshing twist to the flavor.
  2. Senna-Mint Blend: Combine the senna tea with a sprig of fresh mint leaves during steeping for a hint of minty freshness.
  3. Senna-Herbal Fusion: Create a blend by mixing senna leaves with other herbal teas like chamomile or ginger for a more complex and diverse flavor profile.

Fennel Tea

fennel tea

A study published by the Journal of American Medical Directors Association (2006) found that fennel tea can help constipation. The study comprised eighty-six participants who consumed fennel tea daily for twenty-eight days. The participants had significantly more bowel movements than the placebo group.

Side Effects:

  • Allergies: If you are allergic to celery, carrots, and related plants in the Apiaceae family, refrain from drinking Fennel tea.

Ways to Prepare Fennel Tea

Ingredients:

  • One teaspoon of fennel seeds or a fennel tea bag
  • 1 cup of water

Instructions:

  1. Boiling Water: Initiate the process by bringing water to a vigorous boil in a kettle or pot.
  2. Fennel Seeds or Tea Bag: Place the fennel seeds or tea bag into a cup.
  3. Pouring Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the fennel seed. You can also pour boiling water over a tea bag.
  4. Steeping Time: Allow the tea to steep for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. A longer steeping time may intensify the flavor.
  5. Strain (if using seeds): If you use fennel seeds instead of a tea bag, strain the tea using a fine sieve or a tea strainer to remove the seeds before consumption.
  6. Optional Additions: To complement the mild licorice-like flavor of fennel, consider adding a hint of honey or a slice of lemon for a touch of sweetness or tanginess.
  7. Cool Down: Let the tea cool to a suitable temperature for sipping.

Enhanced Fennel Tea Variations:

  1. Fennel-Citrus Infusion: Enhance the tea by infusing it with slices of fresh citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, or limes to add a refreshing zest.
  2. Fennel-Ginger Blend: Infuse grated ginger into the fennel tea for a delightful fusion of flavors that can offer additional digestive benefits.
  3. Fennel-Herbal Fusion: Combine fennel seeds with other herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint for a unique and more complex flavor profile.

Gentian Root Tea

gentian tea

A study published by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2014) found that Gentian Root Tea may improve digestion. According to the study, the improved digestion was believed to be due to increased blood flow to the digestive system.

There is no documented information on the side effects of Gentian tea.

Ways to Prepare Gentian Root Tea

Ingredients:

  • One teaspoon of dried gentian root
  • 1 cup of water

Instructions:

  1. Boiling Water: Start by bringing water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
  2. Gentian Root: Place the dried gentian root in a cup.
  3. Pouring Water: Pour the boiling water over the gentian root.
  4. Steeping Time: Allow the tea to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. A longer steeping time can intensify the flavors and properties.
  5. Strain: Use a fine mesh strainer or tea infuser to remove the root particles after steeping.
  6. Optional Enhancements: Add a touch of honey or lemon to soften the bitter taste, or even a dash of cinnamon or ginger for added flavor.
  7. Cool Down: Let the tea cool to a suitable drinking temperature before sipping.

Enhanced Gentian Tea Variations:

  1. Gentian-Blend Fusion: Combine gentian root with other herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile for a more palatable and diverse flavor profile.
  2. Gentian-Citrus Infusion: Infuse slices of citrus fruits such as lemon or orange into the tea during steeping for a refreshing zest.
  3. Gentian-Herbal Mix: Mix dried gentian root with complementary herbs like fennel or ginger to create a uniquely flavored herbal blend.

Licorice Tea

licorice tea

A study published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2014) found that licorice can help heal stomach ulcers and sometimes get rid of stomach ulcers. The study included one hundred participants who were given licorice root extract to treat their stomach ulcers for six weeks. After six weeks, ninety percent of the participants improved, and ten percent reported no longer having stomach ulcers.

Side Effects;

  • Blood Pressure: According to Food Frontier (2021), Glycyrrhizin in licorice may impact blood pressure by affecting mineral balance if used in excess.
  • Pregnancy: Research, including studies in Planta Medica (2013), suggests potential adverse effects on pregnancy, including the risk of preterm labor. Pregnant women are advised to limit licorice intake.

  • Ingredients:

    • One teaspoon of dried licorice root or a licorice tea bag
    • 1 cup of water

    Instructions:

    1. Boiling Water: Commence by bringing water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
    2. Licorice Root or Tea Bag: Place the dried licorice root or tea bag in a cup.
    3. Pouring Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the licorice root or tea bag.
    4. Steeping Time: Allow the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Adjust the duration based on desired strength; longer steeping can intensify the flavor.
    5. Strain (if using roots): If using dried licorice root, strain the tea using a fine sieve or a tea strainer to remove the root particles.
    6. Optional Flavor Additions: Enhance the tea with a drizzle of honey or a splash of lemon juice to complement the natural sweetness and add depth to the flavor profile.
    7. Cool Down: Let the tea cool to a suitable temperature before savoring the brew.

    Enhanced Licorice Tea Variations:

    1. Licorice-Mint Blend: Combine licorice with fresh mint leaves during steeping for a refreshing fusion of flavors and potential digestive benefits.
    2. Licorice-Ginger Infusion: Infuse grated ginger into the licorice tea to create a warming and stimulating blend that offers additional therapeutic properties.
    3. Licorice-Herbal Mix: Mix dried licorice root with other herbal teas like chamomile or cinnamon for a nuanced and multifaceted herbal concoction.

Chamomile Tea

chamomile tea

A study published by the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (2023) found that chamomile tea benefits the gastrointestinal system and can reduce flatulence. Chamomile tea is also famous for helping to relax the body and, therefore, is a good sleep aid.

There are no adverse effects from drinking Chamomile Tea.

Ways to prepare Chamomile Tea:

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers or a chamomile tea bag
  • 1 cup of water

Instructions:

  1. Boiling Water: Begin by bringing water to a gentle boil in a kettle or pot.
  2. Chamomile Flowers or Tea Bag: Place the dried chamomile flowers or chamomile tea bag into a cup.
  3. Pouring Water: Carefully pour the hot water over the chamomile flowers or tea bag in the cup.
  4. Steeping Time: Allow the tea to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. Adjust the steeping duration based on desired strength; longer steeping can intensify the flavor.
  5. Strain (if using flowers): If using loose chamomile flowers, strain the tea using a fine mesh strainer or tea infuser to remove the flower particles before drinking.
  6. Optional Additions: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a drizzle of honey or a splash of lemon juice to complement the tea’s natural sweetness.
  7. Cool Down: Allow the tea to cool to a comfortable sipping temperature before enjoying the calming brew.

Enhanced Chamomile Tea Variations:

  1. Chamomile-Lavender Blend: Combine dried lavender flowers with chamomile during steeping for an aromatic blend that promotes relaxation and tranquility.
  2. Chamomile-Citrus Infusion: Infuse slices of fresh citrus fruits like orange or lemon into the tea for a subtle citrusy zest that complements the chamomile’s floral notes.
  3. Chamomile-Honey Elixir: Sweeten the tea with a dollop of honey and a dash of cinnamon for a comforting and fragrant herbal infusion.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which tea is best for for cleansing the stomach? I enjoy Art of Tea: Cleanse , it is delicious and has a perfect blend of herbs that includes Organic Ginger, Organic Senna, and Organic Fennel.
  2. Which tea is best for digestion/gut health and sleep?  I enjoy Art of Tea: Soothe, because it combines two herbs that are great for helping you relax and having a restful sleep, which are organic lemon balm and organic chamomile with herbs that help with digestion such as licorice root and fennel.  Chamomile is a wonderful herb because not only does it help with relaxation, it can also be used to promote digestion.

Conclusion

In the realm of digestive well-being, discussions often gravitate toward mainstream remedies, leaving lesser-known teas in the shadows. The reluctance to address gut-related concerns is a universal experience, veiled by a hesitancy to delve into discussions about constipation, digestion, gas, and stomach ulcers. However, within this hushed narrative lies a realm of teas that could offer relief and nurture gut health in ways that might surprise many.

Senna Tea is a beacon for constipation relief, acknowledged for its efficacy in promoting bowel movements. Its potency, however, necessitates caution, as extended use may lead to dependency or electrolyte imbalances.

With its prowess in aiding constipation, Fennel Tea exemplifies the subtle yet impactful potential of herbal remedies. Yet, for those sensitive to certain plant families, caution is advised.

Gentian Root Tea emerges as a promising aid for digestion, fostering improved digestive function through increased blood flow, albeit with limited documentation on its side effects, presenting an intriguing avenue for exploration.

Licorice Tea unveils a potential remedy for stomach ulcers, evidenced by its contribution to healing in clinical studies. However, its impact on blood pressure and cautioned use during pregnancy highlight the need for mindful consumption.

Chamomile Tea, often cherished for its calming properties, extends its benefits to gastrointestinal health, offering relief from flatulence without documented adverse effects.

The pathways to preparing these teas, outlined in detail, offer a gateway to their potential benefits. Yet, as with any remedy, individual responses may vary, urging a cautious approach to discovering what resonates best with personal well-being.

In a society shying away from gut health conversations, these teas stand as unsung heroes, poised to offer solace to those navigating digestive discomfort. While their efficacy may not be universal, the journey of exploration toward gut health unveils a realm where these teas, often overlooked, could hold transformative potential.

Let us embrace this voyage of discovery, acknowledging that not everything suits everyone and finding what works best for our gut health with curiosity and mindfulness.

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