9 Herbal Teas to Cure an Upset Stomach

Different types of tea have varying effects, with some specifically beneficial for relieving symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. When your tummy feels bad, drinking hot tea can help you feel better. That said, here are some of the best tea options that can help soothe your upset stomach.

Ginger tea

Ginger tea is easy to make by boiling ginger root in water. This root can be really good for stomach pain and other issues like feeling sick and throwing up. Studies show that ginger might help with morning sickness during pregnancy and nausea caused by chemotherapy. It can also ease gas, bloating, and cramps, and help with digestion. Even though most studies used high doses of ginger supplements, ginger tea could provide similar benefits. To make it, grate some peeled ginger and let it steep in boiling water for 10–20 minutes. Then strain it and enjoy it alone or with a little lemon, honey, or cayenne pepper.

Black tea

Black tea has health benefits similar to green tea, and it’s good for calming an upset stomach, especially for diarrhea. A study with 120 kids found that taking black tea tablets helped make their bowel movements better in terms of volume, frequency, and consistency. Another study with piglets showed that black tea extract reduced diarrhea caused by E. coli bacteria by 20%. But, we still need more research in people, to be sure.

Fennel tea

Fennel, a plant with a taste like licorice, is often used to make tea that can help with different health issues such as stomachaches, constipation, gas, and diarrhea. Studies have shown that taking fennel supplements can reduce nausea during menstruation, and fennel extract can stop harmful bacteria like E. coli. from growing. Another study found that fennel tea can help with digestion and recovery after surgery. To make fennel tea at home, pour hot water over dried fennel seeds or steep the roots or leaves in hot water for a few minutes before straining.

Licorice tea

Licorice has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, and it’s been used in traditional medicine to calm upset stomachs. Studies suggest it can help heal stomach ulcers, easing symptoms like stomach pain and nausea. A study with 54 people found that taking licorice extract reduced indigestion. However, more research is needed on licorice tea specifically. You can find licorice tea in stores or online, often mixed with other herbs. But be careful, as licorice root can have side effects, so stick to one cup per day and talk to a doctor if you have health issues.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is a popular choice for upset stomachs. Research in animals shows that peppermint oil can relax intestinal muscles and ease pain. Studies with over 1,900 people suggest that peppermint oil can reduce stomach pain in children. It’s also been found to help prevent chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and even just smelling peppermint oil can help with nausea. While most studies focus on the oil, peppermint tea might offer similar benefits. You can find peppermint tea in stores or make your own by steeping crushed peppermint leaves in hot water for 7–12 minutes.

Green tea

Green tea has been studied a lot for its possible health benefits. This herbal tea has been used traditionally to help with diarrhea and typhoid infection, which causes stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It might also help with other tummy troubles. For instance, a study found that green tea extract improved diarrhea in kids with stomach flu. In animal studies, green tea has been shown to treat stomach ulcers, which can cause pain and indigestion. But be careful, as some people feel sick after drinking strong green tea on an empty stomach. To avoid this, follow the recommended brewing time and have a small snack with your tea.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is known for its light and soothing taste and is often used to relax the muscles in your stomach and treat problems like gas, indigestion, motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Studies show that taking chamomile extract can reduce vomiting caused by chemotherapy and prevent diarrhea in animals, though they used high doses. However, chamomile tea made from these flowers might also help with stomach issues. To make it, steep a tea bag or dried chamomile leaves in hot water for 5 minutes.

Spearmint tea

Spearmint, like peppermint, can help with cramps in your stomach because it contains a compound called carvone that relaxes the muscles. In a study with 32 people who had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), those who took a product with spearmint felt less stomach pain, discomfort, and bloating compared to those who didn’t. However, the product had other ingredients besides spearmint.

A test-tube study also showed that spearmint can stop the growth of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses and stomach issues, but we need more research with people. You can make spearmint tea at home by boiling water and adding spearmint leaves, then letting it steep for 5 minutes before straining and drinking.

Holy basil tea

Holy basil, also called tulsi, is a strong herb known for its healing properties. Although it’s not as common as other teas, it’s good for calming an upset stomach. Studies in animals show that holy basil can protect against stomach ulcers, which cause symptoms like stomach pain and nausea. In one study with animals, holy basil reduced the number of ulcers and helped existing ones heal within 20 days. But we still need more research. You can find holy basil tea bags in health stores or online, or you can brew your own with dried holy basil powder.

Choose the Most Effective Stomach Settling Tea Today

If you’re looking for natural ways to soothe your upset stomach, consider incorporating these beneficial teas into your routine. Whether you prefer to purchase pre-made tea bags or make your own brew at home, these options are readily available and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Take a step towards better digestive health today by adding these soothing teas to your pantry and enjoying their natural remedies whenever you need them. Your stomach will thank you for it!