Ginger mint tea can be calming to an upset stomach. Whether it will help you depends on the cause of your nausea. Only your doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis. Ask him whether ginger mint tea might be a helpful treatment for you.
Ginger for Nausea
Ginger has a long history in traditional medicine as a remedy for gastrointestinal upset. A study on ginger and postoperative nausea and vomiting published in 2006 in the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" concluded that a dose of 1 g of ginger was more effective than a placebo for soothing these symptoms. Studies on ginger for morning sickness, chemotherapy-related nausea and seasickness are also promising, although more analysis needs to be done on their effectiveness and safety.
Mint for Nausea
Mint, especially peppermint, is frequently used as a stimulant, a decongestant and expectorant, and to soothe gastrointestinal spasms and tension, reducing gas and bloating. Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, states that it is likely ineffective against postoperative nausea, but that peppermint oil may help gastrointestinal spasms and heartburn. Insufficient scientific studies exist to rate its effectiveness for morning sickness or other types of nausea.
Preparation and Dose
Tea made from ginger and dried peppermint leaves is widely available and safe for most people. To make your own, steep 1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain. This tea can be drunk hot or cold. To make ginger tea, steep 2 tbsp. shredded fresh ginger in hot water. However, ginger seems to be most effective against nausea when taken as a supplement, not a tea. Take 2 to 4 g of fresh root or 1 g of powdered root daily. For postoperative nausea, take 1 to 2 g powdered root an hour before anesthesia, but only after consulting with your doctor.
Warnings
During pregnancy, ginger should be used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor. It may also decrease blood sugar, reduce blood pressure and slow blood clotting. If you are taking any medications that have these effects, speak with your doctor before using ginger. Peppermint may interfere with the way the liver breaks down some medications, such as cyclosporine, ibuprofen, warfarin and omeprazole. Ask your doctor whether drinking peppermint tea will be safe.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginger; Steven D. Ehrlich; 2008
- Medline Plus; Ginger; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Peppermint; Steven D. Ehrlich; 2009
- Medline Plus; Peppermint; 2010
- "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology"; The Efficacy of Ginger for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; N. Chaiyakunapruk, et al.; 2006
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