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Digestive issues are very common in the United States—more than 60 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases, reports the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases. It can often feel like digestive issues and the symptoms that come with it, namely stomach upset, are impossible to cure, and that the discomfort is something you just have to deal with. But many digestive related symptoms often have everything to do with food intolerances, and can be reversed with dietary changes for this reason. Similarly, there are many foods with properties that support a strong digestive system. As a matter of fact, one of the best ways to naturally treat an upset stomach is with herbs, specifically herbal tea. We’re all looking to find new ways to lead a healthier lifestyle and save time while doing it, so we asked health experts what the best and easiest 2-ingredient herbal tea recipe is for fighting digestive discomfort and healing your digestive tract.
To understand how to best treat your stomach trouble, it’s important to get to the root cause of what’s causing it in the first place. “What commonly causes stomach discomfort is gassy foods like lots of raw vegetables, too much fiber, or foods you don’t tolerate well,” says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim. While gluten or dairy could also be a trigger in some people, if you don’t have any allergies, these are most likely the culprit.
When it comes to the best herbal tea to drink if you experience these issues, Young says ginger is a great herbal support for digestive health. To make it at home, boil ginger root in water and serve it with honey to add a sweeter flavor without using too much sugar. Ginger has been known to help with things like bloating, gas, indigestion, and keeping your bowels regular.
If you deal more with pain, nausea, or vomiting, another option may be peppermint. “Peppermint works on pain receptor cells and can therefore help you feel less pain,” says Pamela Barton, R.H.N., NNCP, founder of Butterfly Holistic Nutrition, “The peppermint can also relax the intestinal muscles and therefore help to relieve discomfort or pain.” You can buy it in stores or make it on your own by steeping peppermint leaves in hot water for 10 minutes.
Both of these herbal teas can be a great aid in trying to promote better digestive health. While it depends on what exactly your symptoms are, either one is accessible, easy to make, and has wonderful health benefits. They are both also caffeine free, so you can enjoy them at any time of day. Try drinking them to wind down before bed or as a midday pick me up when you want a change up from drinking water.
As stated previously, many symptoms of digestive dysfunction come down to diet and lifestyle, some people may have allergies that need to be assessed by a medical professional. If you cannot pinpoint your sensitivities, or you experience symptoms more often than not, consult with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan that best suits you and your needs.
