Tea for Digestion: Natural & Effective Ways to Relieve Discomfort

Some types of tea, such as boldo, fennel, peppermint, green tea, and chamomile, have stimulating, soothing, and digestive properties that can help improve digestion and reduce bloating or gas. These teas are a natural and effective way to relieve discomfort after eating heavy or fatty meals.

Indigestion can happen for many reasons, such as eating greasy foods or drinking too many fluids during meals. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, frequent burping, abdominal discomfort, and nausea.

However, if indigestion continues even after drinking tea for digestion, or if symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, or difficulty swallowing occur, it’s important to see a gastroenterologist or primary care provider to determine the cause and receive proper treatment if needed.

1. Boldo tea

Boldo tea is a great option for easing indigestion after large or fatty meals. Boldo is a medicinal plant that stimulates liver function, helping break down fats into smaller particles that are easier to digest, which helps relieve symptoms of indigestion.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp chopped fresh boldo leaves;

• ½ cup (150 mL) of water.

How to prepare:

Add the boldo leaves to the boiling water, cover, and let steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink when symptoms appear or about 10 minutes after meals to help prevent indigestion.

2. Fennel tea

Fennel tea helps stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, making it easier to digest food and relieving symptoms like bloating, stomach discomfort, and frequent burping.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp fennel seeds;

• 1 cup boiling water.

How to prepare:

Add the fennel seeds to the boiling water, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Drink after meals whenever indigestion symptoms occur.

3. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea has digestive and antispasmodic effects that help improve digestion and relieve stomach cramps caused by gas buildup in the intestines.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp peppermint leaves;

• ½ cup (150 mL) boiling water.

How to prepare:

Add the peppermint leaves to the boiling water, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink before or about 10 minutes after meals to prevent or relieve digestive discomfort.

4. Thyme and pennyroyal tea

Thyme and pennyroyal tea is another effective home remedy for indigestion. These medicinal herbs help stimulate digestion and provide quick relief from discomfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup boiling water;

• 1 tsp thyme;

• 1 tsp pennyroyal;

• ½ tsp honey (optional).

How to prepare:

Add the thyme and pennyroyal to the boiling water, cover, and let steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain and drink 1 cup of this tea whenever symptoms of indigestion appear.

5. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is an excellent natural option for relieving indigestion due to its soothing and digestive properties. It helps ease nausea, abdominal discomfort, and excess gas.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp (0.5 to 1.5 g) dried chamomile flowers;

• 1 cup boiling water.

How to prepare:

Add the chamomile flowers to the boiling water, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes. Strain and drink. For best results, drink up to 3 cups a day.

6. Green tea with mint

Green tea with mint is a great choice for promoting digestion, as it helps stimulate the production of stomach acids. This tea for digestion is particularly helpful for people who feel overly full or experience frequent burping after meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried mint leaves;

• 1 cup boiling water;

• 1 tsp green tea leaves.

How to prepare:

Add the mint and green tea leaves to the boiling water, cover, and let steep for about 5 minutes. Strain and drink unsweetened, since sugar can slow digestion.

7. Herbal tea blend

A beneficial herbal tea blend for digestion combines fennel, boldo, and blessed thistle. These herbs support digestion and liver function, helping relieve discomfort quickly.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 L) of water;

• 10 g boldo leaves;

• 10 g blessed thistle leaves;

• 10 g fennel seeds.

How to prepare:

Bring the water to a boil, remove from the heat, and add the herbs. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink 1 cup up to 4 times a day.

In addition to drinking tea for digestion, it’s important to make smart food choices. Combining high-fiber foods with rich, fatty dishes can often cause indigestion. To prevent this, try eating smaller portions of heavy meals like barbecue or creamy pasta, and opt for fresh fruit instead of dessert to support healthy digestion.