Is Tea Good After Meals
While coffee can be an irritant and caffeine is the last thing some people need at night, herbal tea can gently settle and soothe tummies without any fuss – and without keeping you awake half the night!
A refreshing cup of peppermint tea after dinner is hard to beat, but for a luscious hit of chocolatey flavours you canât go past The Belly Blend – a totally decadent after-dinner experience without the sugar rush.
Warm and soothing Indian Spice Loose Leaf Tea is simply delicious while Just Chamomile and Tummy Tea are gentle on the palate.
Main Groups Of Active Substances
A tea can be cooked from fresh or dried plant flowers. There are 4 main groups of active substances in chamomiles essential oil, flavonoids, coumarins and polysaccharides.
Alpha-bisabolol in the plant essential oil works anti-inflammatory, soothes cramps of smooth muscles and heals ulcers caused either by medication or by stress.
Matricin or blue-colored chamazulene can also be praised due to anti-inflammatory properties.
Coumarins will destroy the bacteria, and flavonoids will successfully deal with microbes. Polysaccharides will easily establish the defense mechanisms of the body.
Peppermint Tea For Ibs
IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Its a condition that affects the digestive system, with common symptoms including stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.
Typically, IBS is a lifelong problem, but some remedies that can offer temporary relief at the very least. Enter Peppermint Tea benefits, which can provide one such remedy.
One study out of McMaster University, Canada, appears to be particularly promising – especially as it has the support of the NHS. On the NHS Website, in fact, it states that the research is: a high-quality, systematic review that provides good evidence that peppermint can be an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Yet again, though, were talking oil, not Tea.
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Are There Any Side Effects To Drinking Peppermint Tea
There is some evidence that peppermint tea may not be suitable for those who have GERD as it may in fact exacerbate symptoms rather than offer relief. If you struggle with heartburn, or have a hiatus hernia or kidney stones, it may be prudent to avoid peppermint tea too, as while no adverse reactions have been found, it may, in some, make symptoms worse.
Some people are allergic to mint. The leaves themselves may cause irritation of the skin or eyes, such as itching and hives. If peppermint tea is consumed, then symptoms of a reaction usually occur within minutes, and may include an itchy tongue or throat, wheezing or a cough. In rare cases, this reaction can be severe and is a medical emergency.
Visit the NHS website to read more about allergies.
Which Is The Best Tea For Bloating
So, which is the best tea for bloating? Its hard to choose just one, as everyone will have different preferences and symptoms. However, chamomile tea is generally regarded as the most gentle and effective for all kinds of symptoms. Its powerful yet soothing and has only a mild flavor.
Best of all, chamomile has the added benefit of calming the mind and relieving nervous tension, which can be a factor in stomach bloating.
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Is Peppermint Tea Good For Me
4th April 2022
Peppermint tea is a refreshing, herbal hot drink. Made by infusing peppermint leaves in hot water, this uplifting beverage is as delicious as it is good for you.
When you steep peppermint leaves, they release lots of essential oils. These oils, including menthol, menthone and limonene, contribute to the many health benefits offered by peppermint tea.
Read on to find out more and discover five ways peppermint tea can help your health.
Add Peppermint To Smoothies And Juices
Peppermint leaves can be rather bitter, but there are some delicious fruits and vegetables that will compliment mint. The following foods are particularly good for bloating and taste great in smoothies and juices :
Pineapple
Yogurt
Banana
Be sure to use some of them along with peppermint as a snack or breakfast or lunch. Just be careful of adding too much fruit as they are high in sugar and depending on your type of juicer the fiber is removed which makes it get digested quickly where it can cause problems like bloating and raising your blood sugar levels.
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Teas To Help With Bloating & Discomfort
Bloating is caused by a buildup of gas or air in the stomach, and it often leads to stomach pain and a swollen belly. If bloating is a pervasive problem for you, it might be a sign of more serious digestive issues. However, for many people, it’s commonly a result of eating too quickly or eating foods that are harder to digest. In that case, you may be able to reduce those uncomfortable symptoms with certain herbal teas.
We consulted registered dietitians who shared their top seven teas for easing digestion and eliminating bloat:
Drugs That Reduce Stomach Acid
If you take peppermint capsules at the same time as drugs that lower the amount of stomach acid, the enteric-coated peppermint capsules may dissolve in the stomach instead of the intestines. This could reduce the effects of peppermint. Take peppermint at least 2 hours before or after an acid-reducing drug. Antacids include:
- Famotidine
- Omeprazole
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Common Questions About Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil helps the muscle in your bowel, relax. This helps to relieve the pain of stomach cramps and eases bloating and farting.
The capsules have a coating that stops them dissolving when they pass through your stomach. Once the capsule reaches your bowel, it gradually releases the medicine.
Peppermint oil capsules will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to take full effect. If your symptoms do not improve, or get worse at any time, speak to your doctor.
If you buy peppermint oil from a pharmacy or shop, do not take it for longer than 2 weeks. Speak to your doctor if you still have symptoms.
If your doctor has prescribed peppermint oil, they may recommend that you take it for longer than 2 weeks. Follow the instructions from your doctor.
Peppermint oil is not known to affect other medicines. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are thinking of using more than 1 medicine for your symptoms.
Some side effects of peppermint oil, such as heartburn may have a mild affect on your IBS, but only for a few days. Speak to your doctor if youre concerned.
Peppermint oil is not thought to affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Alcohol may make some side effects worse, such as dizziness. It’s best to drink less alcohol while taking peppermint oil if it makes you feel dizzy, sleepy or confused.
Apart from alcohol, theres no food or drink that will affect peppermint oil.
Feeling Bloated Just Sip On Any Of These 5 Herbal Teas And Bid Adieu To It
It becomes so stressful right in the morning when you get up and see yourself puffed up like a hot air balloon. Argghhh! Just not happening, isnt it? Its just a big-time spoiler. From exercise to sipping hot water you must have done everything in your capacity to beat bloating blues. But you know what, you really dont have to fret this much, because we have a simpler solution. Excited to know? Well, all you need is a freshly brewed cup of your favourite green tea to reduce bloating.
FYI, not just one but we have five different tea variants that can phase out bloating just like that!
Heres are five green teas that you can guzzle right in the morning to reduce bloating
Fennel tea
What is bloating? It is the accumulation of gas and water due to the high sodium content in your body. Of course, indigestion also plays a huge role in making it worse, and thats when fennel or saunf comes to rescue. From the good old days, fennel has rescued people from gas, acidity, and bloating, and we can never forget how good it is.
And theres no rocket science in making fennel tea. Just crush a tablespoon of fennel seeds, boil them in water for 10 minutes, let the water come down to a lukewarm temperature, strain it, and sip on it. You can also add a hint of honey to make it all the more palatable.
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Ginger tea
Lemon tea
Chamomile tea
Peppermint tea
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How Long Does It Take For Peppermint Tea To Work
- In a day a cup or two is probably enough to enhance the digestive advantages of peppermint tea.
- Be aware of how it makes you feel, especially an hour or two after taking it. Its important to take a week off any herb or supplement from time to time.
- The outcomes of peppermint tea are fewer and milder than capsules made of peppermint oil. This tea is very stimulating, doesnt need to be flavored and has an exceptionally pull me up influence whenever you drink it.
- More essentially, peppermint tea can be very beneficial for your digestive system and help mitigate predicaments such as stomach gas and bloating.
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Side Effects Of Herbal Teas
Some laxative ingredients in teas, such as senna, can cause side effects and increase the risk of additional issues, including diarrhea.
The active ingredients in teas can also interact with some medications.
Before taking a tea to relieve constipation, ask a doctor or pharmacist whether the ingredients will interact with any current medications.
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Peppermint Tea And Weight Loss
There is no fix-all solution to losing weight. It takes hard work, determination and perseverance – not to mention morning jogs and salads!
Nevertheless, evidence suggests that Peppermint Tea benefits can, at the very least, offer a helping hand. This is because it can boost the metabolism of fat cells, which in turn enables the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently.
But thats not all. The menthol found in Peppermint Tea can, according to preliminary research, suppress appetite. It also contains no more than 2.4 calories per 8-oz serving, thus making it an excellent alternative to sugary soft drinks.
So, although youll no doubt need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, this beverage might play a part in promoting weight loss.
Peppermint Tea Benefits Skin
Weve previously noted that Peppermint Tea benefits acne. Yet thats not all it can do when it comes to keeping your skin looking healthy and youthful.
The vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants have more still to offer by combating free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the product of natural, though often harmful, human oxidation, which, when left unchecked, can cause untold damage.
Oxidative stress increases the risk of developing several chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. It also negatively influences skin health by causing inflammation, which in turn leads to collagen fragmentation and other issues.
Peppermint Tea, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. By neutralising free radicals, thus slowing oxidation, it greatly improves your skin in many ways.
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How To Buy The Best Peppermint Tea
If youd like to make peppermint tea using fresh leaves, you can buy a peppermint plant for your garden and cut off the fresh leaves, or buy packets of fresh leaves from a supermarket, and add to hot water. Alternatively, you can buy loose-leaf tea or teabags, which will be dried peppermint.
Check the labels to make sure its 100% peppermint, and ideally if youre buying teabags, make sure the bags are plastic-free and where possible, biodegradable.
Keep all dried tea in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Does Peppermint Tea Have Side Effects
Wow. With benefits and taste like these, youre probably asking: what are the side effects of peppermint tea? No side effects of peppermint tea were found in a study on the issue.
However, some people find that it can exacerbate GERD, kidney stones, or acid reflux, or heartburn in large quantities.
Many mamas-to-be are likely also asking, Is it safe to drink peppermint tea while pregnant? According to research, it is safe to drink 1-2 cups of peppermint tea daily while pregnant or breastfeeding. It may even help with nausea!
With those questions answered, theres only one left to ask. Is it bad to drink peppermint tea every day? Nope, I personally drink it every day and dont plan to stop anytime soon.
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Chamomile And Digestive Problems
Chamomile has a reputation for possessing relaxing and sedative properties. Some alternative health care practitioners recommend chamomile for digestive problems, particularly those connected with stress. The herb may relieve intestinal gas, diarrhea, upset stomach, chronic heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.
What Else Can I Do For Bloating
Peppermint is just one potential treatment for stomach bloating. While there is a wealth of research to highlight its efficacy, only very rarely does the same solution work for everyone.
If youre struggling with regular bloating then there are a whole host of potential remedies. For example, there is growing evidence that another factor in cases of stomach bloating may be an imbalance in the gut bacteria that aid the digestion of our food. One scientific analysis claimed that bacterial reconstitution can be beneficial.
Put into plain English, the use of probiotics can prove beneficial in many people. Furthermore, such substances can be used alongside other remedies like peppermint for an even greater overall impact. A second option for the treatment of bloating can be the use of so-called low FODMAP diets. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols.
As the name suggests, this process involves changing the diet so as to minimize the consumption of foods demonstrated to worsen feelings of bloating or more general IBS. Youll find detailed information on the low FODMAP diet here.
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Ginger Tea: It Is Great For Treating Nausea And Gas
Popularly known as a great remedy to treat nausea, Ginger can also help fight digestive issues like gas and bloating, thanks to a bioactive compound present in it called gingerol.A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology mentioned how consuming ginger tea helped people alleviate gas and stomach bloating, by emptying the digestive system more quickly and efficiently.
Supports The Gallbladder And Liver
If there are small gallstones present, drinking peppermint tea might help break them down into smaller pieces. It also helps promote the flow of bile from the gallbladder to your liver, resulting in fewer issues and attacks if you have a troubled gallbladder.
And as noted, peppermint tea can also help ease the pain and discomfort of gallbladder attack spasms and cramping.
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Final Thoughts On The Health Benefits Of Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea benefits have been well-documented for centuries and provide natural relief for many common ailments that dont need over-the-counter pharmaceutical solutions.
From restless nights to nausea and headaches, peppermint teas muscle-relaxing properties can alleviate stress from the body, and its antibacterial properties can ease bad breath and digestive issues.
Even if the health issues mentioned are of no concern, sipping a warm cup at the end of the day can promote a feeling of overall peace and comfort, and help you unwind from a long, stressful day.
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Article Sources
Other Teas For Bloating
Weve written an entire article on the Best Teas for Bloating, and – surprise, surprise – Peppermint Tea for bloating is high on the list. Dont have the time to read the whole thing?
Allow us then to provide you with a brief overview. Aside from the fact that Peppermint Tea benefits bloating, you can expect Ginger Tea to have the same capacity. Other options include Fennel and Dandelion Tea.
Last but unquestionably not least, the infusion that keeps on giving, the beverage of benefit after benefit after benefit – Green Tea. The evidence in its favour is irrefutable.
It can, without a doubt, treat bloating alongside a whole host of other incredible medicinal qualities. If you want to find out the details, however, youll just have to check out the blog – or our dedicated piece on the Benefits of Green Tea.
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Side Effects And Risks Of Using Essential Oils
Essential oils arent meant to be taken orally, and some are toxic. The effect of aromatherapy is experienced when inhaling the oils and massaging the diluted oils into the skin. Essential oils are generally very safe for the majority of the population to use.
The exception is essential oils that have menthol, like peppermint or spearmint oils. These are safe for adults to use, but can be dangerous for young children and infants to breathe in.
Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid essential oils as theres not enough research to ensure theyre all safe.
The biggest risk for using essential oils is irritation or allergic reactions. Essential oils that are put on the skin may irritate those with sensitive skin.
To prevent this, never apply essential oil directly to the skin. You should always mix a few drops of an essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice like coconut, sweet almond, or olive. Test to see if youre allergic by applying the diluted oil to a small skin patch. If no reaction occurs in 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe for topical use.
Essential oils are generally safe for adults. They may have a more pronounced effect on children, however, so make sure to ask their pediatrician first. If youre planning on using an air diffuser in your home, keep this in mind.
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