Bogged down with that dreaded stomach flu that leaves you feeling wrung out with shaky legs? Fret not, for here are five teas that can really warm up your insides & help your tummy relax…
The obvious solution to a stomach bug is a trip to the doc. But the antibiotics prescribed often have even worse side effects than the bug itself. With flatulence, countless trips to the potty and nausea reminiscent of Niagara Falls; it’s no wonder that any episode of stomach infection can leave us feeling much like a wrung-out dishcloth! While you battle out that bug with medicines, here are five teas that can aid in you having a more restful tummy and help you with the worse of the symptoms
Mint Tea
There’s more to the humble peppermint than being just a breath freshener. Mint oil has anti-emetic properties and so it reduces nausea and vomiting, and also is a natural pain reliever, thus relieving abdominal discomfort. To make mint tea, steep a handful crushed mint leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of organic honey if you must or else just sip it plain.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is thought to be a digestive aid which is why dieticians recommend you drink it to up your metabolism. To make the chamomile tea, steep two teaspoons of crushed and dried chamomile flowers in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 3-5 times a day. To get the most anti-diarrheal benefits, you can choose to sweeten the tea with apple sauce since apples contain the soluble fiber pectin that further soothes an upset stomach.
Rice Water Tea
The rice water left after boiling rice, especially brown rice, is rich in electrolytes and can go a long way in rehydrating and re-mineralizing the body after a nasty bout of diarrhea. And while this is not really a tea, if you use this water to steep a cup of green or herbal tea – it works very well in easing the discomfort of a stomach bug.
Ginger Tea
Ginger has long been hailed for its digestive uses – it’s an anti-emetic, anti-flatulent and a pain reliever. Commonly used to help an upset stomach as well as motion sickness, ginger is a great aid to curb nausea. It’s known as a heating herb and is also great for warming up the hands and feet… To make ginger tea or tisane, wash a 1-inch tuber well. Peel and grate the ginger and steep it in 2 cups of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and reheat before serving, adding in a little honey and a dash of a lemon to soothe the taste buds as well.
Basil & Lemon Tea
Lemon, with its vitamin C content, can destroy many of the pathogens causing that stomach flu in the first place. Holy basil is rich in anti-biotic elements thus it too fights off infection. To make lemon tea, heat 2 cups water to a boil and step a handful of fresh or dried holy basil leaves in it for 10-15 minutes. Strain the basil out and juice in a full lemon in the solution. Sweeten with organic honey and sip this tea at least twice a day.
We hope these recipes soothe you the next time you get bogged down with the dreaded stomach bug. Happy cuppa… If you have any questions or comments, do write in to us in the comments section below…
