A cup of hot, fragrant tea may do more that soothe the soul. Tea, depending on what type you drink, may also soothe a number of digestive tract woes. While herbs may have beneficial effects, they can also cause side effects and interactions with medications and other substances. Consult your doctor before using any alternative medicine and for concerns related to your digestive tract.
Dandelion Tea
If you think of dandelion plants as useless weeds, you may want to reconsider. Dandelions are revered by many for their culinary and medicinal uses. Dandelion leaves and roots are available in a variety of forms, including a tea. The leaves are used as an appetite stimulant, and the roots are used to aid digestion and support liver health. Avoid dandelion if you're taking lithium, suffering from heartburn or have an allergy to dandelion or related plants, such as ragweed, marigolds and chamomile.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is more than a flavoring for gum or toothpaste. It's also taken as a tea, to improve digestion and relieve nausea, diarrhea and gas by relaxing the muscles of the stomach and improving bile flow. Peppermint can relieve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea and pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Infants and children should not take peppermint. Avoid this herb if you have heartburn, GERD, gallstones or a hiatal hernia, or if you take medications to reduce stomach acid, control blood sugar or lower your blood pressure.
Senna Tea
Senna tea acts as a stimulant laxative. The active ingredient in senna draws water into the bowel and stimulates bowel activity, resulting in a bowel movement. Senna should never be used for more than 10 days in a row, because it can impair normal bowel function and cause diarrhea, which can have serious negative effects on the heart due to depletion of fluids and electrolytes. Avoid senna if you have abdominal pain, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you suffer from Crohn's disease, an intestinal blockage, appendicitis or ulcerative colitis.
Ginger Tea
Ginger -- as a tea, or in other forms -- has proven medicinal value. The anti-nausea properties of ginger are well-accepted, and health providers commonly recommend ginger for relief of nausea and vomiting related to motion sickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy. More evidence is needed to establish safety and effectiveness during chemotherapy. Don't give ginger to children under 2 years old, or take ginger if you have gallstones or take blood-thinning medication.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has long been used to ease colic, the uncontrollable screaming and crying in infants sometimes attributed to gastrointestinal discomfort. Some research confirms that chamomile does ease intestinal spams. Various studies that examined its usefulness in treating colic found the herb safe and effective, according to an article in the August 31, 2008 issue of "The New York Times." There is a risk of serious allergy to chamomile. Consult a pediatritian if your infant shows signs of distress and before giving chamomile tea.
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