Everyone suffers from an occasional bout of indigestion after overindulging or when under stress. For some people, stomach and intestinal maladies can be a frequent occurrence. If indigestion is a recurring problem, it’s important to rule out a treatable medical cause for your symptoms before resorting to home treatments. If you get a clean bill of health from your doctor, you may want to try herbal teas to help relieve your indigestion symptoms. Here are four herbal teas that have been shown to help indigestion:
How to help indigestion: Ginger tea
Ginger has been used since ancient times to treat symptoms of nausea and other digestive maladies. In fact, ginger is approved by the German government as a treatment for indigestion. To make ginger tea for treating digestive problems, use ginger powder or pre-made ginger tea bags from your local health food store. If you use the powder, a dosage of one gram per day divided into three doses should be sufficient. Avoid exceeding this dose without consulting your physician. To prevent symptoms of indigestion after a large meal, sip a cup of steaming ginger tea after each meal.
How to help indigestion: Peppermint tea
Sufferers of chronic indigestion swear by the benefits of peppermint tea for relieving indigestion. Peppermint has been shown to relax the muscles of the stomach and intestines making it easier for food to pass through. It also appears to stimulate the production of digestive juices which can help to break down food more effectively. The recommended dose is two and a half teaspoons of the dried herb per cup of hot water. You can also buy peppermint herbal tea bags, although the concentration of peppermint may be lower than you can achieve brewing directly from loose leaves. Avoid using peppermint tea if you suffer from acid reflux disease since it can make this problem worse.
How to help indigestion: Fennel tea
When you visit an Indian restaurant for lunch, have you noticed the bowls of fennel they make available to you as you leave? Indians know that fennel helps to relieve the symptoms of indigestion. It appears to do so by speeding up the rate at which food moves through the intestinal tract. To make a fennel tea to promote digestion, boil two grams of the crushed seeds for ten minutes in a cup of water. Keep the pot covered during the boiling process. Strain well and drink the tea after every meal. Fennel is also effective in relieving flatulence.
How to help indigestion: Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is a versatile tea with many beneficial health properties. Long known to be effective for promoting sleep, it also helps to relax the smooth muscle of the stomach and improves symptoms of gas. To make a cup of chamomile tea, pour boiling water over 3 grams of chamomile flowers and allow it to steep for ten minutes. Strain the liquid and drink after a heavy meal. Chamomile tea is a good choice when you want to relax after your evening meal. Avoid using chamomile of any type if you have ragweed allergies since it can cause a serious reaction.
Next time you feel those familiar rumblings of indigestion, stop suffering and reach for cup of herbal tea. It’s a tasty and soothing way to relieve your digestive woes.
