TeaChat

What tea do you suggest for an upset stomach? I have read mixed information on different teas, some that will help, others that could make you feel worse, so now I am more confused than ever.
Before I became a loose leaf tea user, I had always simply brewed a black tea bag, nothing added, to settle any stomach upset.
Suggestions?

I usually make sure I have some food in my stomach before I have any tea, otherwise the tea itself upsets my tummy!

When I'm trying to relieve a stomachache, I find that a black tea/peppermint blend is good. TeaSource (teasource.com) sells a nice tea called Peppermint Twist. It has a minty flavor that is soothing and not overwhelming.

http://teasource.com/merchant2/merchant ... t_Count=26

Peppermint is great.. but I personally really like to use Hawthorn Berry. it's used in Chinese medicine specifically for the stomach and to aid digestion. You can buy it in a Chinese supermarket. The Chinese name is Shan Zha.

I see a lot of extracts out there. I haven't tried those... I just prefer making tea with the dried fruit.

If you don't happen to have a Chinese supermarket near you (though you should) you can probably find it online.

Is there another name for Hawthorne berry? When I get a stomach ache, I drink Rooibos. However, I would like to try other remedies.

Peppermint and ginger are both things that help settle an upset stomach. I would suggest looking into a quality loose tisane (or even making your own) with one or both of these two things because the teabags you buy in the store are either going to be flavored, old or just bad quality.

I wouldn't recommend anything caffeinated because caffeine is a diuretic and could possibly make you feel worse.

Yes ginger is really awesome. I usually go for the pepto because ironically,my stomach aches pretty much happen at work. I will have to grab a tisane with these two ingredients in it. Thanks Rabbit.

plant partaker wrote:Is there another name for Hawthorne berry? When I get a stomach ache, I drink Rooibos. However, I would like to try other remedies.

Shan zha is the chinese name.. but in english its generally hawthorn

here's some I found for you http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 602_263622

Its not that expensive considering you don't need to use that many for each cup. My bag has lasted me months

Some info about it from a Chinese medical perspective: http://tcm.health-info.org/Herbology.Ma ... erties.htm

plant partaker wrote:Yes ginger is really awesome. I usually go for the pepto because ironically,my stomach aches pretty much happen at work. I will have to grab a tisane with these two ingredients in it. Thanks Rabbit.

On a side note (depending on the kind of upset your stomach is feeling) some people consider pu-erh to be a good disgestif.

Thank you very much for the suggestions. How would you brew Hawthorne berries?

I'm very fond of grated fresh ginger in hot water. One can add honey to flavor if the ginger flavor is too strong by itself.

I find that ginger soothes upset stomach, warms you from the inside, and stimulates digestion.

... mmm, ginger!

BTW, peppermint is not a panacea and can aggrevate certain conditions such as ARD.

For an herbal blend I use a mint blend (50/50 spearmint/peppermint) and chamomile. I mix it 1/3 mint and 2/3 chamomile. It's very soothing. The smell always reminds me of spring.
I also agree with the ginger... though I haven't tried it in my blend as of yet...

Heartburn type upset try mint
Nausea type upset try ginger

Many rounds of chemo taught me this.

beecrofter wrote:Heartburn type upset try mint

... except when brought on by ARD ... at least not peppermint.