Across cultures, herbal remedies have been used to treat a variety of ailments for centuries. Turmeric fights inflammation, while ginger has anti-nausea properties. The hydration that tea provides alone can help soothe ulcerative colitis symptoms (UC) like diarrhea or short bowel syndrome after surgery. These few herbs and tea recipes are especially belly-calming.
Ginger
Ginger promotes effective digestion so food doesn’t linger too long in the gut. The herb has also been shown to improve nausea and vomiting. One study shows people who took ginger supplements for 12 weeks had less severe symptoms of UC and a better quality of life.
To make ginger tea, boil 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of sliced ginger root in 2 cups (500 ml) of water for 10–20 minutes before straining and drinking it. You can also steep a ginger tea bag in 1 cup (250 ml) of boiled water for a few minutes.
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Turmeric
Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can contribute to healthy digestion. Adapted from an ancient system of traditional medicine, ayurveda, Turmeric is even being studied as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.
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Here’s a tasty ginger-turmeric recipe to try to add some anti-inflammatory spices to your diet:
Ingredients
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
1 lemon wedge
Directions
- Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan; add turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain tea into a large glass; stir in honey and serve with lemon wedge.
Fennel
Fennel seed works wonders for a number of digestive issues, like constipation and gassiness.
This tea combines the herb with ginger, peppermint, and chamomile for a gut-soothing blend that can be taken before or after a meal to reduce bloating or cramping. See the recipe below!
Ingredients
1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried cut ginger pieces (not ground)
8 ounces boiling water
1 tablespoon honey
Directions
- Combine the chamomile, fennel, ginger, and peppermint in a teapot or mug. Pour boiling water over.
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain tea, then sweeten with honey, if desired.
Peppermint
Studies show that peppermint oil can relax muscles in your digestive system and improve various digestive symptoms. So it’s safe to say that peppermint tea may provide similar benefits.
You can enjoy a cup of peppermint tea on its own, or incorporate peppermint as a soothing addition to other herbal teas.
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Green
Green tea is known to have properties that aid digestion and soothe the stomach. These anti-inflammatory components have some protective effects in people with ulcerative colitis or UC. Try making your green tea fun with this recipe using mint and ginger!
Ingredients
6 cups water
1/4 cup ginger, peeled and sliced
3 to 6 bags of green tea (depending on how strong you like your tea)
1/2 cup mint leaves, tightly packed
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 lemon
Directions
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the water and ginger slices. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags and mint leaves.
- Cover the pot and steep for about 15 minutes. Strain the brewed tea.
- Stir in the honey and lemon juice
Slice the second half of the lemon. When ready to serve, add 1 to 2 lemon slices into each glass, along with a few mint leaves and ice cubes. Once the tea has cooled, pour it into the glasses and serve.
Talk to your doctor before increasing your consumption of herbs found in the tea recipes.
