Herbal Tea for Upset Stomach: What Works and What to Watch For
Feeling queasy or bloated? A cup of the right herbal tea often helps faster than you think. Below I cover the best teas for nausea, gas, and indigestion, how to brew them, and when to skip them — so you get relief without surprises.
Best teas for common symptoms
Ginger: Great for nausea, motion sickness, and mild stomach cramps. Use 1–2 grams fresh (about a thumb-sized slice) or 1 teaspoon dried grated root per cup. Steep 8–10 minutes. Sip slowly; 2–3 cups spread through the day is fine for most adults.
Peppermint: Eases gas and cramping by relaxing gut muscles. Steep 1 teaspoon dried leaves or a tea bag for 5–10 minutes. Don’t use peppermint if you get reflux or heartburn — it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and make reflux worse.
Chamomile: Calming and gentle on the stomach, useful for mild indigestion and sleep-related nausea. One tea bag or 1–2 teaspoons dried flowers, steep 5–7 minutes. It can increase sedation with sleep meds or alcohol, so be cautious if you’re taking sedatives.
Fennel: Good for bloating and gas, especially after a heavy meal. Crush about 1 teaspoon of seeds and steep 5–10 minutes. It’s safe in normal amounts but avoid high doses if pregnant unless your doctor says it’s okay.
Licorice (DGL) and slippery elm: Both coat the stomach and may help reflux or heartburn. Use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) lozenges or follow package directions; pure licorice can raise blood pressure if taken long term. Slippery elm powder can be mixed into hot water as a soothing drink; check labels for dosing.
Brewing tips and safety
Cover the cup while steeping to keep the volatile oils. Strain and sip slowly — slurping too fast can irritate an already upset gut. Start with one cup and wait 20–30 minutes to see how you react before having more.
Watch for interactions: ginger and high doses of chamomile can affect blood thinners; chamomile can add sedation with other sleep medicines; licorice can raise blood pressure and interact with some heart meds. If you take regular prescriptions, check with a pharmacist or doctor first.
Avoid herbal self-treatment if you have severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, high fever, blood in stool or vomit, signs of dehydration, or symptoms that last more than 48 hours. Those need medical attention.
Simple teas can be a fast, low-risk way to ease mild stomach upset. Use clear amounts, mind interactions, and get medical help when symptoms are serious or don’t improve. If you want, tell me your symptoms and I can suggest a specific tea and sip plan.
Searching for real ways to ease an upset stomach after meals? This article breaks down the top herbal teas—ginger, chamomile, and fennel. Learn why each one works, how to prepare them for the best results, and practical tips for gentle, tasty relief. You'll even get preparation secrets and a deeper look at what science says about these natural remedies for a queasy gut.
