Tea for an Upset Stomach: 9 Types to Try

Several varieties of tea, including ginger tea, have been shown to relieve an upset stomach by treating issues like nausea, diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting.

When your stomach is upset, sipping on a hot cup of tea is a simple way to ease your symptoms.

Still, the type of tea may make a big difference.

In fact, certain varieties have been shown to treat issues like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Here are 9 teas to soothe an upset stomach.

Green tea has been heavily researched for its many potential health benefits.

It was historically used as a natural remedy for diarrhea and infection from typhoid, a foodborne illness that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It may relieve other stomach issues as well.

For example, one study found that green tea extract significantly improved diarrhea and decreased the duration of hospitalization in children with viral gastroenteritis, or stomach flu.

In animal studies, green tea and its components have also been shown to treat stomach ulcers, which can cause issues like pain, gas, and indigestion.

Keep in mind that some people report feeling nauseous after drinking strongly brewed green tea on an empty stomach. To prevent this, stick to the recommended brewing time and drink your tea with a small snack.

summary

Green tea may help heal stomach ulcers and treat issues like diarrhea when consumed in moderation

Ginger tea is made by boiling ginger root in water.

This root may be incredibly beneficial for digestive issues like nausea and vomiting.

According to one review, ginger helped prevent morning sickness in pregnant people, as well as nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy.

Another review noted that ginger can reduce gas, bloating, cramps, and indigestion while also supporting bowel regularity.

Although most of these studies looked at high dose ginger supplements, ginger tea may provide many of the same benefits.

To make it, grate a knob of peeled ginger and steep it in boiling water for 10–20 minutes. Strain and enjoy alone or with a bit of lemon, honey, or cayenne pepper.

summary

Ginger tea can help prevent a variety of digestive issues, including nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, cramps, and indigestion.

Peppermint tea is a common choice when tummy troubles start to strike.

Animal studies reveal that peppermint oil can relax intestinal muscles and help relieve pain.

Furthermore, a review of 14 studies in 1,927 people suggested that peppermint oil reduced the duration, frequency, and severity of stomach pain in children.

This oil has even been shown to prevent chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.

Some studies indicate that simply smelling peppermint oil helps prevent nausea and vomiting.

Although these studies focus on the oil rather than the tea itself, peppermint tea may provide similar benefits.

You can buy this tea at grocery stores or make your own by steeping crushed peppermint leaves in hot water for 7–12 minutes.

summary

Peppermint tea may help treat stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Peppermint oil is also very soothing.

Black tea boasts a set of health benefits similar to that of green tea, especially for soothing an upset stomach.

It may be especially effective at treating diarrhea.

In fact, in a study in 120 children, taking a black tea tablet helped improve the volume, frequency, and consistency of bowel movements.

Additionally, an older 27-day study noted that giving black tea extract to piglets infected with E. coli — a type of bacteria that can cause digestive issues — reduced the prevalence of diarrhea by 20%.

However, more research in humans is needed.

summary

Much like green tea, black tea may help reduce diarrhea when consumed in moderation.

Fennel is a plant in the carrot family with a burst of licorice-like flavor.

Tea from this flowering plant is commonly used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomachaches, constipation, gas, and diarrhea.

In a 2014 study in 80 people, taking a fennel supplement for several days before and during menstruation decreased symptoms like nausea.

A test-tube study also found that fennel extract blocked the growth of several strains of bacteria, such as harmful E. coli.

Another older study in 159 people revealed that fennel tea promoted digestive regularity, as well as gut recovery after surgery.

Try making fennel tea at home by pouring 1 cup, or 237 milliliters (mL), of hot water over 1 teaspoon, or 2 grams (g), of dried fennel seeds. You can otherwise steep the roots or leaves of the fennel plant in hot water for 5–10 minutes before straining.

summary

Fennel tea has antibacterial properties and has been shown to decrease conditions like nausea. It may also relieve menstruation symptoms and promote bowel regularity.

Licorice is famous for its distinctly sweet, slightly bitter flavor.

Many forms of traditional medicine have utilized this legume to settle stomach upset.

Multiple older studies indicate that licorice helps heal stomach ulcers, which can trigger symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and indigestion — a condition that causes stomach discomfort and heartburn.

Notably, a 2012 month-long study in 54 people showed that taking 75 milligrams (mg) of licorice extract twice daily significantly decreased indigestion.

Still, additional research is needed on licorice tea specifically.

This tea can be purchased at many supermarkets, as well as online. It’s often combined with other ingredients in herbal tea blends.

Keep in mind that licorice root is linked to several side effects and can be dangerous in high amounts. Therefore, stick to 1 cup (237 mL) of licorice tea per day and consult a healthcare professional if you have any medical conditions.

summary

Licorice tea may help heal stomach ulcers and decrease indigestion, though more research is needed. Make sure to consume no more than 1 cup (237 mL) per day.

Chamomile tea is light, flavorful, and often considered one of the most soothing types of tea.

It’s often used to relax your digestive muscles and treat issues like gas, indigestion, motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In a study in 65 people, taking 500 mg of chamomile extract twice daily reduced the frequency of vomiting caused by chemotherapy, compared with a control group.

Another older study in rats also found that chamomile extract prevented diarrhea.

While these studies tested high amounts of chamomile extract, the tea made from these daisy-like flowers may also relieve stomach problems.

To make it, steep a premade tea bag or 1 tablespoon (2 g) of dried chamomile leaves in 1 cup (237 mL) of hot water for 5 minutes.

summary

Chamomile tea may help prevent vomiting and diarrhea, as well as several other digestive issues.

Also known as tulsi, holy basil is a powerful herb long revered for its medicinal properties.

Although not as common as other teas, it’s a great option to soothe an upset stomach.

Multiple animal studies have determined that holy basil protects against stomach ulcers, which can cause a wide range of symptoms, including stomach pain, heartburn, and nausea.

In fact, in one older animal study, holy basil reduced the incidence of stomach ulcers and enhanced the healing of existing ulcers within 20 days of treatment.

Still, more studies are needed.

Holy basil tea bags can be found at many health stores, as well as online. You can also use dried holy basil powder to brew a fresh cup yourself.

summary

Animal studies show that holy basil can help protect against stomach ulcers, reducing symptoms like stomach pain, heartburn, and nausea.

Like peppermint, spearmint may help relieve digestive distress.

It boasts a compound called carvone, which helps reduce muscle contractions in your digestive tract.

In an older 8-week study, 32 people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were given a product containing spearmint, coriander, and lemon balm alongside diarrhea or constipation medication.

Those taking the spearmint product reported significantly less stomach pain, discomfort, and bloating than those in the control group.

However, the supplement contained multiple ingredients, not just spearmint.

Also, a 2015 test-tube study noted that this mint blocked the growth of several bacteria strains that may contribute to foodborne illness and tummy troubles.

Still, more human research is needed.

Spearmint tea is easy to make at home. Simply bring 1 cup (237 mL) of water to a boil, remove it from heat, and add a handful of spearmint leaves. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain and serve.

summary

Spearmint tea may help reduce stomach pain and bloating. It may also kill certain strains of bacteria that are responsible for food poisoning.

Research shows that tea provides many health-promoting properties.

In fact, many types of tea can help settle an upset stomach.

Whether you’re experiencing nausea, indigestion, bloating, or cramps, brewing one of these delicious beverages is a simple way to get you back to feeling your best.

Tummy Problems? 4 Natural Ways to Treat Stomach Aches

Dealing with a stomachache is never a fun prospect. Luckily, there are many great ways to get rid of an upset stomach. There are even many natural remedies that allow you to feel better and not have to deal with getting prescription or heading to the pharmacy. Consider the following great natural remedies for stomach problems.

1. Ginger

If you’re nauseated, consider chewing on something with ginger. You may remember when you were a child and you felt sick. Your parents gave you ginger ale to sip because of the medicinal properties of ginger as it soothes the stomach. Ginger can be consumed in many ways, from ginger root to ginger tea, or even ginger candies. However, if you decide to suck on a ginger candy, you need to make sure it has real ginger, and not just ginger flavoring.

2. Baking Soda

Are you dealing with indigestion or heartburn? Instead of taking an over the counter antacid, use some baking soda, which you probably already have in your kitchen. Most antacids today are made with sodium bicarbonate, which is baking soda. So, simply mix some baking soda – usually one to two teaspoons – into a cup of warm water and drink it down. You’ll feel your stomach settling quickly and effectively. In fact, it works so well for some that they don’t have to ever buy antacids again. Instead, they simply mix up some baking soda and water every time heartburn rears its head.

3. Peppermint

Another option if you’re dealing with a stomach that won’t settle down is peppermint. Peppermint helps settle the stomach, and is good for dealing with nausea. You can prepare peppermint in several ways. The most common ideas are candy mints or gum. The problem with these is that the added sugar can make your stomach feel worse. Instead, you can chew on peppermint leaves, or use them to make a tea. Warm peppermint tea is a great option for anyone dealing with nausea, and it helps with other problems, such as menstrual pain.

4. Chamomile

Most people know that chamomile tea helps calm nerves and helps you relax. However, if you’re dealing with a stomach ache as well as anxiety, make some chamomile tea. This will sooth your nerves as well as your tummy. You can usually find chamomile flowers at health food stores, or if you’re limited on your shopping options, check out some prepackaged chamomile tea from the grocery store. Adding a little bit of lemon to the mixture will help your stomach even more. Another great additive to the chamomile tea is honey to sweeten it, while still staying natural.

No matter what is causing your stomach ache, there are many ways to help your stomach feel better. These natural remedies are great for children or adults, and pregnant women can even use many of them.  However, if you are pregnant make sure you talk with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies. Always be prepared for any stomach issues with these natural remedies. 

Written by

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD|Updated on Oct 19, 2021

Dr. Rob Rohatsch currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Solv Health. Dr. Rohatsch brings his extensive background in multi-site ambulatory medicine operations, on-demand healthcare, and consumerism to Solv, where he helps drive strategic initiatives in a cross functional executive role. He brings comprehensive healthcare expertise ranging from medical group operations to revenue cycle management and clinical expertise. 

Dr. Rohatsch completed his military service in the US Air Force and earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Rohatsch served on the Yale School of Medicine faculty teaching at the medical school and is currently on faculty at the Haslam School of Business at the University of Tennessee teaching in the Executive MBA Program. He also serves on several boards and chairs The TJ Lobraico Foundation.

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Indigestion (dyspepsia) – Medical center “Lіko-Med”

What is indigestion?

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a pathological condition caused by indigestion, which is accompanied by pain and burning in the upper abdomen, belching, gas, discomfort or fullness in the stomach after eating. Symptoms of indigestion can be caused by an excess of fatty, spicy and fried foods in the diet, fasting, overeating or fast food, drinking alcohol, caffeine, NSAIDs, stress and smoking. Very often, indigestion is a sign of serious medical problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stomach ulcers. Compliance with the diet, the rejection of bad habits, the exclusion of food and drugs that provoke the symptoms of the disease helps to stop an upset stomach. Treating the underlying cause can relieve and eliminate symptoms.

What to expect?

Usually minor indigestion resolves on its own within a few hours. To eliminate unpleasant symptoms helps to take drugs that suppress stomach acid – antacids. In the absence of a positive effect of drugs or a repeated disorder, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

Prevalence.

More than 20% of the world’s population suffers from digestive disorders.

Risk factors.

Excessive alcohol consumption, use of NSAIDs, medications that irritate the stomach, GERD, stomach ulcers.

Treatment.

Treatment for indigestion includes:

– Treat the underlying cause of the disorder (eg, GERD, ulcer).

– Taking antacids or other drugs that suppress acid.

– Avoid spicy, fatty foods, alcohol and caffeine.

– Slow and moderate eating.

Avoidance of stressful situations.

– Quitting smoking and taking NSAIDs.

What can you do yourself?

Self-help for upset stomach consists of:

– Taking antacids and over-the-counter drugs that reduce stomach acid.

– Restrictions on spicy, fatty foods, alcohol and caffeine.

– Moderate, healthy diet.

– Stop taking NSAIDs and smoking.

– Stress prevention.

What makes it worse?

Alcohol, caffeine, NSAIDs, spicy, fatty foods, stress, smoking, overeating, fast food, and eating before bed.

When to see a doctor?

If severe symptoms of indigestion occur or if they worsen in 1-2 days, a doctor should be consulted. Medical attention is needed if vomiting and weight loss occur, in the absence of appetite and black, bloody stools.

Sometimes the symptoms of a heart attack are mistaken for indigestion. Therefore, in case of indigestion, accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, pain spreading to the jaw, neck and arms, seek medical help immediately.

What to ask the doctor?

1. What can cause my stomach upset?

2. Do I need to take antacids or other medicines?

3. What should I do if the medication does not relieve my symptoms?

4. When will the symptoms disappear?

5. When should a doctor be called?

Diagnosis.

Your doctor will diagnose an upset stomach based on your medical history and physical exam. Additionally, blood tests, feces, x-rays of the stomach and intestines, endoscopy can be prescribed.

Functional disorders of the stomach. What is Functional Indigestion?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Functional disorders of the stomach are a number of pathologies that are associated with impaired motility and secretory function of the stomach without significant changes in the structure of the mucous membrane. Manifested by symptoms of dyspepsia (nausea, loss of appetite, periodic vomiting) and pain. To make a diagnosis, the following studies are carried out: fractional gastric sounding, esophagogastroscopy, electrogastrography, radiography of the stomach, ultrasound of the abdominal organs. Treatment is conservative, including drug therapy, diet therapy, proper diet.

• Causes of functional stomach disorders
  • Classification of functional disorders of the stomach
• Symptoms of functional disorders of the stomach
• Diagnostics of functional disorders of the stomach
• Treatment of functional stomach disorders
  • Prognosis for functional indigestion
• Prices for treatment

General

Functional disorders of the stomach are diseases in which the functioning of an organ (secretion, motility) suffers, but pathological changes do not affect its structure. In the future, both the disappearance of symptoms and a complete cure are possible, as well as the transition of disorders to a more serious organic pathology. Mostly young people are affected, men are twice as likely as women. According to various estimates, functional disorders of the stomach account for from 1.5% to 58.8% of all gastroduodenal pathology. Such different assessments are due to the fact that when making a diagnosis, different approaches are used and adequate additional studies are not always carried out. If functional indigestion is suspected, a gastroenterologist or general practitioner should be consulted.

Functional stomach disorders

Causes of functional stomach disorders

Functional disorders of the stomach can be of primary or secondary origin. Factors that cause the occurrence of primary disorders include irregular meals, dry food, and the abuse of fried or spicy foods. Violations can develop due to alcoholism, smoking, physical overstrain, work in hot shops, bacterial infections and helminthic infestations, stress. Secondary disorders include conditions that have arisen against the background of chronic diseases of various organs of the digestive system, vegetative-vascular dystonia, diseases of the kidneys, heart and blood vessels, spine, foci of chronic inflammation or infection.

Irregular meals lead to a violation of the cyclical secretion of gastric juice, an excess of gastrointestinal hormones. Some dishes (fried, with a lot of hot spices) can irritate the gastric mucosa, and smoking, especially on an empty stomach, provokes the release of gastrin, which stimulates the production of digestive juices in the stomach. Stress and nervous disorders lead to disruption of neuroendocrine regulation. With secondary functional disorders, the strengthening of the influence of the vagus nerve (parasympathetic system), which stimulates motility and secretion, comes first.

In most cases, with functional disorders of the stomach, motility suffers, the evacuation of solid contents into the lower gastrointestinal tract is disturbed. Pain is associated with arrhythmic strong contractions of the walls, sometimes reverse peristalsis is observed. Often, not only the motility of the stomach is disturbed, but also the motor function of the duodenum, weakness of the sphincters occurs. The secretion in the stomach increases, which causes heartburn and pain in the upper abdomen.

Classification of functional disorders of the stomach

Taking into account the causes of the pathology, functional disorders of the stomach are divided into primary and secondary. In addition, the following types of organ dysfunction are distinguished: hypersthenic, hyposthenic, normosthenic, asthenic. According to clinical signs, the following forms are distinguished: pain, dyspeptic, mixed.

There are also several special forms of functional gastric disorders, such as acute gastric dilatation, aerophagia, and habitual vomiting. When formulating a diagnosis, the type and form of the disease must be indicated.

Symptoms of functional stomach disorders

Most of the symptoms of functional indigestion are clearly related to specific causes of the disease. Pain appears after errors in the diet, stressful situations. Localized pain in the epigastrium or around the navel. They are aching in nature, sometimes they can turn into acute intense pain. Also, patients complain of nausea, heaviness in the stomach after eating, heartburn. Aerophagia is characterized by belching rotten. Sudden, recurring vomiting is characteristic of habitual vomiting syndrome.

A specific feature of the symptoms in functional disorders of the stomach is its subjectivity and inconstancy. Complaints of patients are often contradictory, not very specific, with emotional overtones. Characteristic is their behavior and appearance. Patients have an asthenic physique, they are emotionally labile. Most of them do not eat well, work or study a lot, and have various personality problems.

During a general examination, signs of vegetative-vascular dystonia are often revealed – pallor of the skin, cold extremities, rapid or labile pulse, excessive sweating. On palpation, a slight soreness is found in the upper abdomen or around the navel. An important criterion for diagnosis is the short duration of complaints. The disease should not last more than a year or a year and a half. Otherwise, a more serious pathology should be suspected.

Diagnostics of functional stomach disorders

To study the characteristics of gastric secretion, fractional gastric sounding is performed. The method allows you to determine the volume of gastric juice, its acidity, the amount of free hydrochloric acid. Probing is carried out on an empty stomach (basal secretion study) and after stimulation with histamine or pentagastrin (stimulated secretion). A more modern method for studying secretory function is intragastric pH-metry. It allows you to evaluate the properties of gastric juice and the features of its secretion directly inside the stomach.

Esophagogastroscopy helps to identify motor changes in the activity of the stomach, such as cardia insufficiency, spasm or insufficiency of sphincters, increased peristalsis. The appearance and structure of the mucous membrane in functional disorders of the stomach are not changed, rarely reveal signs of inflammation. This technique allows for differential diagnosis with pathologies such as chronic gastritis, erosions and ulcers, stomach cancer.

Electrogastrography (EGG) is performed using a special device – an electrogastrograph. It allows you to study the bioelectric activity of the gastric wall. Using this technique, the type of functional indigestion is determined (hypersthenic, atonic, normotonic). To study motility, radiography of the stomach with barium contrast is also used, which allows you to assess the rate of evacuation of the contents, the state of the sphincters, the tone of the walls, and the volume of the organ.

Treatment of functional stomach disorders

Therapy depends on the cause and degree of functional disorders of the stomach. It is recommended to change the mode and quality of food. Food should be taken 3-4 times a day, at least once a day there are hot liquid dishes. You should limit foods that can irritate the mucous membrane (too spicy seasonings, pickled and fatty foods, smoked meats of all kinds). Very often, nutritional correction leads to a significant reduction or complete disappearance of symptoms, and drug treatment is not required.

If the patient has neurovegetative disorders, anticholinergics of non-selective sedative action are prescribed to him. Nervous system disorders can be corrected with sedative herbal remedies, minor tranquilizers such as diazepam, oxazepam. In more severe cases, antidepressants are prescribed.

Antispasmodics (drotaverine, papaverine) are prescribed for the treatment of motor function disorders and pain relief. Anticholinergics and selective cholinomimetics give a good effect, sometimes patients are recommended to take nitrates. With the syndrome of habitual vomiting, metoclopramide, domperidone are prescribed. Secretory disorders are corrected with the help of selective anticholinergics (pirenzepine, telenzepine), antacids.

Prognosis for functional stomach disorders

With functional disorders of the stomach, the prognosis is quite favorable. The main requirement is to correctly diagnose and start treatment on time. It is very important for the patient to change the type of food, get more rest and not overload the nervous system. If the disease arose at a young or adolescence, it may disappear on its own in a year or two, when the neurovegetative system begins to work more stably, and violations associated with age-related changes are eliminated.

Under adverse circumstances, functional disorders of the stomach turn into more serious diseases – stomach ulcers, chronic gastritis. This happens in the absence of treatment, regular diet violations, stress.