An upset stomach can happen for almost any reason. Nerves, flu or eating too much or not enough are all reasons for having stomach problems. Most of the time a stomach upset is not serious and you can relieve it with a quick drink of herbal tea. Herbs can create side effects, so before you use an unfamiliar herb to settle your stomach, check with your health practitioner or an herbal specialist to ensure it is the correct herb for your condition.
Ginger
A time-honored herbal remedy for centuries, ginger provides relief for a variety of stomach ailments. In particular, ginger is often helpful in relieving nausea and vomiting. You can use ginger in almost any form to soothe an upset stomach. Raw ginger placed in 2 cups of boiling water makes an excellent herbal tea. Nibble on a piece of candied ginger or drink some ginger ale as long as it is made with real ginger. Use caution if you take blood thinners, as ginger can thin the blood. Speak to your health practitioner before using ginger for medicinal purposes.
Mint
The mint family of herbs is made up of three related plants, all helpful for stomach upsets. Peppermint makes an excellent herbal tea and is helpful for almost any type of stomach problem. It soothes the stomach and esophagus by triggering the body to release mucilage, or a thin film of mucus to coat delicate mucous membranes. Spearmint does the same thing and soothes sore throats, settles nausea and relieves acid indigestion. Basil is used around the world for treating stomach upsets, especially acid reflux. It is a popular remedy in Ayurvedic medicine. If you grow these herbs in your garden or on a kitchen shelf, pluck a leaf and chew on it for stomach relief. Additionally, make herbal tea with any member of the mint family by adding either fresh or dried herbs to boiling water and steeping, straining and drinking cups of the tea as needed. Chill the remainder, which can be consumed hot or cold.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is an ancient herb used to soothe upset stomachs, loosen chest congestion and stop coughing. Like mint, licorice root stimulates the body to produce prostaglandins and mucilage, creating a thing mucus film that protects the digestive tract and relieves tickling in the respiratory tract. Licorice root is naturally sweet and makes a delicious herbal tea. It is good as a cold tea as well, so store any leftovers in the refrigerator for later. Licorice root can raise the blood pressure. Consult your health practitioner if you take blood pressure medicines for hypertension before using licorice root.
Green Tea
Green tea contains compounds that may help settle your stomach and relieve bloating and gas. It may also relieve the pain and bloating associated with a gallbladder colic, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea is available loose, in prepared teabags and in liquid extract. Adding a few drop of extract to a glass of water may help you relax and digest your food more efficiently. Most green tea is caffeinated and may cause nervousness, irritability and insomnia. If you have problems with the caffeine, there are manufacturers that make decaffeinated green tea. These brands all contain the same healing compounds.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville and Peter Korn; 1998
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallbladder Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, MS, and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peppermint
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