What we’re about to say, we say earnestly: tummy aches are no joke.
Unlike complainants of the man-flu, suffering from bloating, stomach cramps and frequent rushed trips to the bathroom is – for want of a better adjective – an entirely draining experience.
We desperately search for remedies that might soothe our symptoms over time, but we’re met with bombardments of ads featuring unproven ‘detox’ teas and supposedly beneficial laxatives. While herbal teas are indeed a fantastic means to help soothe ballooned, painful bellies, it’s important to avoid options which encourage you to forgo traditional meals.
Here in the UK, we’re no strangers to consuming tea daily. However, you may find that if you trade out a milky English Breakfast builder’s brew for a gut health-boosting herbal blend, it could ease some of those painful daily gastrointestinal issues – including acid reflux.
If that all sounds like your day-to-day, you might be suffering from IBS. We chatted to nutritionist and author of How To Stay Healthy, Jenna Hope (RNutr), for some insight into how to soothe those pesky symptoms.
In a nutshell, what is IBS and what are the main symptoms?
“IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder which means it affects the function of the gut. Common symptoms include bloating, flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea and pain within the gut,” explains Hope.
How does drinking tea help to relieve the symptoms of IBS?
“Whilst the research is limited around the effects of tea on IBS, some people do find that it can help to calm symptoms,” the nutritionist notes. “Animal studies suggest that peppermint can help to relax gastrointestinal motility and reduce spasms which may help to relieve some symptoms.”
As a result, peppermint tea is perhaps the most common type used to help manage IBS symptoms. “Increasing hydration through consuming tea can also help to encourage movement in those with IBS-C (IBS constipation) which can help to reduce symptoms,” Hope adds.
What types of tea are best to drink during IBS flare-ups?
“We definitely need more research around a whole host of teas,” the nutritionist tempers, “however, peppermint tea and peppermint oil are the most well-understood when it comes to managing IBS flare-ups. Where possible try to opt for organic peppermint tea to minimise the preservatives often sprayed onto tea leaves to increase the yield".
What other ways can one help to reduce the symptoms of IBS?
“Gentle exercise such as yoga and walking can help with managing symptoms,” says Hope, encouraging sufferers to engage in any kind of daily movement that suits their lifestyle. The nutritionist adds, “IBS is thought to be significantly affected by the gut-brain axis and symptoms can often be heightened during times of stress.” As such, it’s incredibly important to concentrate just as heavily on your mental health. Talking therapy, journalling to help manage stress, eating regular, healthy meals and getting a full night’s sleep are just a few ways to ensure you’re protecting your mind as well as nourishing your body.
What can one do to help prevent future IBS flare-ups?
“Unfortunately, IBS has no cure at the moment and is more about managing the symptoms than curing them,” says Hope. Nevertheless, she says, “Consuming a healthy balanced diet, managing stress and optimising sleep can really help with reducing the symptoms. The causes of IBS can be very unique to each individual and therefore, if you’re concerned about your symptoms, please seek professional advice.”
Keep scrolling for the best herbal teas to help soothe symptoms of IBS.
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Clipper Organic Peppermint Tea Bags
As nutritionist Jenna Hope says, organic peppermint tea is the best post-meal soother for IBS symptoms. Clipper’s organic, fair-trade peppermint infusion is housed in bleach-free tea bags and delivers a crisp, refreshing taste which doesn’t overwhelm the senses.
Buy now £12.00, Amazon
Pukka Organic Three Ginger Tea 20 Tea Bags
Pukka tea may look good on the kitchen counter, but it tastes even better. Aside from peppermint tea, another brilliant post-meal soother is ginger. This triple-whammy organic blend of ginger, turmeric and galangal is ethically sourced and housed in compostable bags. Expect a sinus-clearing, brain-boosting de-bloater with this powerful mix.
Buy now £4.75, Holland & Barrett
Pukka Organic Radiance 20 Tea Bags
The Radiance Tea by Pukka consists of soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients including aloe vera, dandelion, fennel, liquorice, nettle and peppermint. Despite the powerful, often sharp-smelling ingredients, the most powerful notes are that of peppermint and liquorice – which makes for a cleansing, delicious and ever-so-slightly sweet herbal brew.
Buy now £4.75, Holland & Barrett
Bird & Blend The Digester Tea
Though detox teas should typically be enjoyed without milk, Bird & Blend’s wonderfully aromatic Digester Tea works brilliantly with dairy if you’d like a more diluted morning brew to kickstart your metabolism.
The Digester Tea has been developed to help soothe digestive issues such as IBS, food intolerances, bloating and indigestion with the help of oolong, ginger, fennel and ginseng.
Buy now £7.55, Bird & Blend
Dr Jackson’s Detox Tea - 21 teabags
A wholesome blend of fennel seed, aniseed, cardamom pod, dandelion root and nettle leaf, this detox tea by Dr Jackson works as a natural anti-inflammatory which has been crafted to deliver soothing, restorative digestive aid.
Each tea bag is made from heat-sealable plant starch derived from non-GMO sugarcane, making them 100 per cent biodegradable.
Buy now £20.00, Dr Jackson’s
Clearspring Organic Japanese Sencha Green Teabags
The organic Japanese Sencha used in Clearspring’s delightfully light tea is grown in the countryside surrounding Kyoto and Kyushu - areas in Japan known for producing some of the finest teas thanks to their ideal climate.
Buy now £4.10, Ocado
Bird & Blend Tea Co. Dozy Girl Chamomile Tea
Hot girl summer walked so dozy girl winter could run. Esteemed tea connoisseur Bird & Blend say we need to take a break with its Dozy Girl concoction. Allow the sedative properties of the chamomile to take hold and relax into the rest of the day ahead. Chamomile has also been shown to soothe the stomach and relieve any hints of intestinal irritation.
Buy now £7.15, Bird & Blend Tea Co.
DIRTEA Lion’s Mane powder
Dirtea makes perhaps the most stylish supplements around and this Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder is no exception. Lion’s Mane has a lighter taste, a bit like miso soup, and this powder is designed to be added to all kinds of drinks or just mixed with hot water for an effortless addition to your day.
Organic, gluten-free, vegan-friendly and easy to mix, this Lion’s Mane supp is a top hit for regaining focus and keeping you switched on from morning till night.
Buy now £39.99, Selfridges
Origreens Organic Passion Flower Tea
For those who are yet to be introduced to passiflora, we advise you to listen up. The organic ingredient is the core substance of this tea and is known to calm the nervous system. The climbing plant is originally from Mexico and was used by the Aztecs for its many beneficial qualities such as mood elevation and enforcing healthy sleeping patterns.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Verdict
Nothing helps to beat the bloat quite like a steaming cup of refreshing peppermint tea. Clipper Organic Peppermint Tea is our personal favourite, and we’re also big fans of the aniseed-y Pukka Radiance Tea.
