An upset stomach not only causes physical discomfort but mental distress as well. Let's face it, we have all been there. Missing an important meeting or presentation due to an upset stomach can be truly upsetting and embarrassing.

Are you suffering from an upset stomach and looking for home remedies on the net? Then this article is just for you.

Causes of an upset stomach

An upset stomach can be caused due to a number of different reasons. Did you know that stress is one of the most common causes of a troubled tummy? Stress can cause your digestive system to react by showing symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach ache, and nausea. Food poisoning can also be a cause for an upset stomach, which is why it is important to eat healthily. The lifestyle choices that we make have a huge impact on our overall health. Poor food and lifestyle choices may also lead to an irritable bowel and digestive system.

But whatever be the cause, the solution is simple. Ready to spill the tea? Homemade teas are the most effective natural remedies to prevent and cure an upset stomach.

Here is a list of teas that aid in better digestion and cure an upset stomach.

One: Chamomile tea

Chamomile is the name used for various daisy-like plants belonging to the family of Asteraceae. It is often used to make herbal immersions for conventional medicine. Chamomile tea has become increasingly popular these days due to the rising awareness and shifts to more organic and traditional lifestyle choices. It is one of my all-time favourites. This tea is a herbal immersion made from dried Chamomile petals and hot water.

It is known for its soothing effect on the body and mind and also for its numerous health benefits. Evidence suggests that Chamomile may be a good solution to digestive problems and may also reduce the risk of occurrence of certain gastrointestinal diseases. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent diarrhoea. It is also known to cure nausea and gas. Apart from its laxative properties, this soothing tea may also improve sleep, heart health and may also prevent certain types of cancer.

Two: Holy Basil tea

Holy basil or tulsi as it is popularly known is an aromatic perennial herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is very popular among the Indian subcontinent and is cultivated for religious and ayurvedic purposes. It is also used as an essential oil but is most commonly used in herbal ayurvedic teas. Holy Basil is rich in vitamins A and C. It is also a source of calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll. Tulsi or holy basil can boost your health in many ways.

It can lower cholesterol levels, reduce joint pain, lower blood sugar levels and also protect your stomach and bowels. Drinking this tea can reduce the appearance of stress-related ulcers. It increases your stomach's defence mechanism by increasing the mucous secretion and increasing mucous cells. It also decreases the stomach acid which in turn extends the life of the mucous cells. Holy basil tea is an organic alternative to drugs that have many side effects in the long run.

Three: Green tea

Green tea has become a popular lifestyle choice and is most commonly used to aid in weight loss. Green tea is a variety of tea that is made from Camellia Sinensis leaves and buds that have not yet undergone the withering and oxidation process used to make black tea. Green tea is believed to have originated from China but several varieties of green tea have been developed since. The tea was used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to contain bleeding and heal wounds. It is also known to aid digestion, improve heart and mental health and control body temperature.

Studies also indicate that green tea can prevent cancer or at least reduce the risk of its occurrence. It is also widely used as a natural remedy for upset stomach and diarrhoea. It not only treats stomach ulcers but also provides relief from stomach pain, bloating and nausea. However, it is advised to consume only one or two cups per day as excessive consumption of green tea can have several side effects due to its high caffeine content.

Our recommendation:

Mythical Green is Pure Ceylon Green Tea. Regular consumption of Mythical Green can support weight loss through increased metabolism and enable a healthy lifestyle. This tea comes from Sri Lanka’s famous town of Nanu Oya in the Uva region. We also recommend our Green Tea infusion — Prakriti Veda.

Four: Peppermint tea

Peppermint is a hybrid between watermint and Spearmint. It is native to Europe and the Middle East, although now the plant is widely cultivated in many parts of the world. It is used as an ingredient in breath mints. Peppermint tea is a very refreshing tea that is also caffeine-free. Drinking this tea can relieve digestive conditions such as bloating, indigestion and gas.

Studies indicate that regular consumption of such tea relaxes and soothes the digestive system and may ease stomach aches and ulcers. It can also cure irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Studies conducted on children also showed that Peppermint tea reduced the frequency, length, and severity of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Five: Ginger tea

Ginger tea is hands down, my favourite kind of tea. It is best enjoyed on a rainy day with hot homemade fritters. Ginger tea is an Asian herbal beverage that is made from ginger root. It is known for its medicinal property in the Indian subcontinent. The tea is made by boiling the ginger root in water. It is known to prevent digestive issues like bloating, nausea and vomiting. It also reduces cramps and supports bowel regularity. Although not scientifically proven, drinking this tea can help prevent morning sickness in pregnant women.

It can also prove effective in reducing chemotherapy-related vomiting and nausea. Folk medicine also prompts that Ginger tea can help soothe morning sickness symptoms like cold sweats and dizziness. Ginger can also protect you from heart and blood pressure-related diseases. Regular consumption of this tea will also regulate weight and blood sugar levels.

To make ginger tea at home, all that you need to do is to grate a tiny piece of peeled ginger and steep it in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Strain it and add a few drops of lemon or honey to enhance its taste.

Our recommendation:

The ‘superfood’ Ginger is infused in the Two Seasons tea, providing a valuable source of Vitamin C, Magnesium and other minerals that act as a natural anti-histamine to boost immunity against cold, flu, allergies and stomach infections.

Six: Black Tea

Black tea is a variety of tea that is more oxidized than oolong, white or green teas. It is bitter and stronger in flavour than other teas. Black tea was originally discovered in China. However, it is known as red tea in China due to the colour of the oxidized leaves. One thing that sets black tea apart is that it usually retains its flavour for several years, unlike green tea that usually loses its flavour within a year. It also has a lot of antioxidant properties and regular consumption can help eradicate free radicals and decrease cell damage in the body.

Black tea improves gut health. The bacteria found in the gut play a significant role in one's overall health. Polyphenol, which is a component found in teas of such kind may help maintain a healthy gut by stimulating the growth of good bacteria and hampering the growth of bad bacteria in the gut. Black tea also contains antimicrobial properties that kill harmful substances and improves gut health by repairing the lining of the digestive tract.

We would highly recommend drinking black tea for a healthy and problem-free gut.

Our recommendation:

Hand-selected to achieve the highest level of flavour protection and quality, this tea is then blended with the traditional flavouring of the Earl Grey — bergamot oil. Reaching a dazzling light copper when fully brewed, this tea will entice you with its sweet, lemon, and floral notes while providing your gut with healthy bacteria that are good for health.

Seven: Fennel Tea

Fennel is a flowering plant species that belongs to the carrot family. It is a perennial plant with yellow flowers. It is native to the shores of the Mediterranean but has become widely cultivated in many parts of the world. It is a highly flavourful herb and is used in cooking especially in the Indian subcontinent. Fennel tea is an antimicrobial and antiviral agent that helps fight infections in the body.

Drinking Fennel tea is a great way to unwind after a long, tiring day. Fennel relaxes your muscles, including the digestive muscles which may lead to you feeling more relaxed after drinking it. This magical ingredient can cure an upset tummy, flatulence, and diarrhoea. Drinking warm Fennel tea may calm your digestive system and help with digestive issues. It can also provide relief from constipation. It is a great way to clear your body from all toxins.

To make Fennel tea at home, all that you need to do is pour one cup of boiling water onto about 1 teaspoon or 2 grams of dried Fennel seeds. 

Eight: Liquorice Tea

Liquorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra from which a sugary tang can be extracted. The Licorice plant is a herbaceous plant indigenous to the middle east, southern Europe and parts of Asia. It is usually used as a flavouring in candies in Europe and the Middle East. The root of the liquorice plant is also used to ease gastrointestinal conditions.

Liquorice root can speed up the repair of the stomach lining and restore balance in case of food poisoning, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. Studies have found that Licorice can suppress bad bacteria in the gut. It can be consumed in many forms such as DGL, tea, powder or liquid extract. The tea is made by crushing the dried leaves of the plant. Liquorice tea can be purchased in supermarkets or online as well.

It is not advisable to intake more than 8 ounces of Licorice tea per day as excessive consumption may lead to a condition called Licorice poisoning.

Nine: Spearmint Tea

Spearmint, commonly known as garden mint, common mint, is a species of mint that is native to Europe and southern Asia. It is used as a natural flavouring ingredient in food and organic teas. Terpenoid carvone, which is the main chemical component of Spearmint is believed to aid in the inhibition of tumours. Spearmint is also an antioxidant. It also displays many antimicrobial properties. This mint can help provide relief from digestive distress. It contains carvone, which helps decrease muscle contractions in the digestive tract. According to a study conducted on people with irritable bowel syndrome, it was noted that Spearmint significantly reduced stomach pain, discomfort, bloating and diarrhoea.

Spearmint tea is very refreshing and easy to make at home. Just boil one cup of water. Then remove it from the heat and add a fistful of Spearmint leaves to it. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and serve.

Our recommendation:

Zen Mint tea has a calming effect on the intestines. It aids digestion by soothing muscles of the digestive tract.

Ten: Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon is a spice extracted from the inner bark of several tree species from the Cinnamomum genus. Cinnamon is mainly used as a flavouring agent in a wide variety of cuisines. It has been known for its medicinal values for thousands of years. Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants such as polyphenol. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have also shown that cinnamon may cut the risk of heart diseases and lower bad cholesterol. This spice also helps fight bacterial and fungal infections. The antimicrobial properties present in it may prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath which is why it is being used in toothpaste these days.

Cinnamon was used in traditional Greek and Indian medicine to treat bloating, indigestion, gas, nausea and gastrointestinal spasms. It is known to fight food poisoning by killing germs, especially E.coli that is present in undercooked meat and unpasteurized food. It aids in digestion and calms an upset stomach.

To make Cinnamon Tea, simply boil a cup of water. To it, add half a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon and stir. Do not consume cinnamon oil as it can be toxic even if consumed in small quantities.

Our recommendation:

teakruthi's Cinnamon Chai blend is a combination of two of our favourites: Low grown black tea and pure Ceylon Cinnamon. Hand-plucked at an elevation between sea level and 600m, this tea is heavy and robust; it offers a spicy, fresh flavour and is gold in colour. Ceylon Cinnamon, indigenous to Sri Lanka, is the best of its kind—in fact, it’s known widely as the only “true cinnamon,” or “real cinnamon.”

Eleven: Cardamom tea

Cardamom is a spice that is native to the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia. They are recognized by their small seed pods and distinguished aroma. The early references of Cardamom can be found in Sumer and in the ayurvedic texts. Cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world, and rightfully so because of its numerous health benefits and medicinal uses. The spice has been proven effective in curing digestive problems including stomach ulcers. It is also often mixed with other spices to relieve discomfort, vomiting, and nausea. Cardamom is also rich in antioxidants and may help lower blood pressure. Studies also suggest that Cardamom may contain cancer-fighting compounds. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, the consumption of Cardamom may also provide relief from certain chronic diseases. It can treat bad breath and prevent cavities.

The process to prepare Cardamom Tea is simple. All you need is a cup of boiling water and three to four Cardamom pods. Add the cardamom pods to boiling water and let the tea steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Sweeten using honey or sugar.

Our recommendation:

Cardamon infused Majestic Chai is a Ceylon Black tea infusion. Each leaf is carefully hand-selected to bring you only the highest quality flavour in rich black tea.

References

1. Pharmacological effects of green tea on the gastrointestinal system — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1546403
2. Oolong tea increases metabolic rate — https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/11/2848/4686734
3. Potential health benefits of peppermint tea — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1676779
4. Effects of ginger on gastroduodenal motility — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1044250
5. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283

About the author

Shreya Dalela

Contributing author

Shreya loves to research and write about tea and claims Mythical Green Pure Ceylon Green Tea to be her favorite go-to beverage. She swears that her daily cup of green tea gives her a dose of morning inspiration as she sits down to type 1000s of words every day. To unwind at the end of the day, she reaches for a cup of soothing Ananda Veda Green Tea infusion. You can often find her saying 'Everything is better with a cup of tea' :)

[Meet all our blog authors]