Instead of opening the medicine cabinet the next time you feel gas or bloating, search your pantry. Herbal teas have long been used to treat a variety of ailments such as menstrual cramps, colds, insomnia, and allergies, but there are certain types of tea that can help soothe an unruly tummy, specifically by helping to eliminate bloating and gases.
Several things can cause bloating and gas buildup. The types of foods you eat – those that are high in fiber, foods that are high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), artificial sweeteners, and cruciferous vegetables are all common culprits.
Regardless of why you have an expanded stomach and more flatulence than usual, you'll want to try these best bloating and gas teas to help ease your discomfort.
5 types of tea that relax a swollen abdomen
Mint tea
This is made from the leaves and oil of the mint plant. Menthol is one of the main components of the plant and is what gives tea (and anything with a mint flavor) that refreshing taste. It also relaxes the muscles of our intestinal wall.
Research on peppermint tea itself is lacking, but peppermint oil is well-studied for its health benefits and is often used to help treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
An August 2016 clinical trial, published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, tested peppermint oil against a placebo over the course of 28 days and found that those who took peppermint saw a significant reduction in several IBS symptoms, including bloating.
Ginger tea
What can't ginger do? It is commonly used in cooking because it adds a spicy touch and flavor to dishes, but it also has a number of health benefits, including soothing an upset stomach.
Ginger extract has what's called a carminative effect , meaning it prevents gas from building up or helps remove gas from the body, according to a November 2018 study in Food Science & Nutrition. The review also notes that ginger prevents reflux along with bloating. That's because ginger can increase gastrointestinal motility and decrease pressure on the esophageal sphincter.
Although more research needs to be done to confirm these findings, the study also notes that ginger rarely induces negative side effects, so it's worth a try.
Fennel tea
This tea may be a little less popular, but when it comes to reducing swelling, it works.
A June 2016 study, published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, found that when people with IBS were given a treatment of fennel and curcumin (the active component found in turmeric), they saw a significant improvement in all symptoms of IBS, including a decrease in swelling.
Fennel seeds contain a compound called anethole, which is similar to dopamine and has a relaxing effect on the muscles that make up the lining of our gastrointestinal tract, according to a February 2017 article published in the Gastroenterology Report.
Fennel seeds taste similar to licorice, making them a delicious drinking experience.
Turmeric tea
Turmeric stands out for its intense golden color and exceptionally strong flavor that is commonly used in curries. The spice contains curcumin, an active component that is responsible for many attributed health benefits.
In the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease study, curcumin was used in conjunction with fennel in a study of people with IBS and was found to provide significant relief in all symptoms associated with the condition.
It is believed that because curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, it can help improve digestion. Additionally, turmeric helps reduce bloating and flatulence in people with indigestion. It's noteworthy that if you have kidney stones, gallbladder disease, or take blood-thinning or blood-sugar-lowering medications, you should avoid curcumin.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is made from dried flowers of the Matricaria species. When made, it takes on a floral flavor that is usually mild. Chamomile has a long history of use to treat digestive problems like cramps, reflux, and flatulence, notes an October 2011 review published in the National Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences.
The review also cites more recent research supporting its use, highlighting an earlier study where chamomile extract was used successfully to treat common gastrointestinal problems like gas, stomach spasms, and gastritis.
The flavonoids and other active compounds found in chamomile appear to have an antispasmodic effect.
