Teas for Digestion and Stomach – Mint, Senna, Gentian and Blends - page 2
This category contains herbal teas traditionally used for digestive complaints: mint, senna, gentian root and blends for bloating, constipation, liver and bile (teas no. 3, 7, 9, 13, 27, 37, Digestion tea, Phytolax tea). It is part of the Teas category.
Which tea for which complaint
| Complaint | Herbs and blends | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fullness after meals, bloating | mint, chamomile, blends with fennel and caraway | Drink after meals; avoid mint with heartburn |
| Poor appetite, slow digestion | gentian root (bitter herb) | Drink 15–30 minutes before meals |
| Occasional constipation | senna leaf, Phytolax, tea against constipation | In the evening; works after 8–12 hours; max 1–2 weeks |
| Liver and bile | blends with artichoke, dandelion, mint | With gallstones only on medical advice |
For bloating see also products for bloating and gas, and for the liver bile and liver products.
When to see a doctor
- severe or long-lasting abdominal pain
- blood in the stool or black stool
- unintended weight loss
- constipation or diarrhoea lasting more than 2 weeks, or a change in bowel habits after 50
Pharmacist's adviceSenna tea is for occasional use – long-term use can disturb electrolytes and make the bowel dependent on laxatives. If you need a constipation tea all the time, talk to your doctor and increase fibre and water intake. With heartburn avoid mint and choose chamomile. Liver and bile teas do not replace treatment of gallstones. |
See also
Frequently asked questions
Which tea is good for the stomach?
For fullness and bloating after meals mint and chamomile are most common; for poor appetite bitter teas such as gentian. With heartburn chamomile is the better choice.
How long can I drink senna tea?
Senna is for short-term use, no longer than 1–2 weeks without medical advice. It is not used in pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children without a doctor's recommendation.
When should I drink a digestion tea?
Teas for bloating are drunk after meals, bitter teas for appetite before meals.