The use of herbal teas to treat conditions is as old as the practice of medicine itself. There are literally hundreds of different herbal teas available today, enjoyed for their deliciousness and their potential health benefits. Digestive teas can be highly beneficial for individuals who suffer from the symptoms of digestive disorders like gas, bloating, constipation, and flatulence. The top three teas for supporting and promoting digestive health include: • Ginger • Fennel • Peppermint

Ginger Tea for Digestion

Ginger has a rich traditional medicinal use for calming the stomach and for reducing nausea. Ginger has been used for over 2000 years in China to treat nausea. Ginger is native to Asia, where its use dates back over 4000 years. The main active ingredients in ginger include gingerols and shogaols. These compounds are believed to be responsible for many of the digestive benefits of this amazing spice. Some studies on ginger have shown that ginger is more effective as an antiemetic than many of the pharmaceutical drugs used for nausea. Some studies and trials are being done on the use of ginger as a preventative for the nausea associated with chemotherapy. Most studies indicate that ginger is safe, even in large doses, and that it does not interfere with other medications, although some individuals may experience heartburn from large doses of ginger. The consumption of ginger has been linked to increased saliva flow. Saliva contains many of the enzymes required for the digestive process. By increasing saliva flow, digestion benefits, due to the increase in enzymes that enter the stomach, which then break down your food. If you want to take advantage of ginger for digestion, then you need to steep fresh ginger in boiling water to see the best results. A ginger supplement can also be an effective way of adding ginger to your diet.

Fennel

Fennel, originally cultivated in Europe, is now found throughout the world, and it is prized for its distinctive flavor in culinary dishes and for its powerful medicinal benefits. Fennel tea can be made from the fronds of the fennel plant, but the part of the plant with the highest concentration of active ingredients is the seeds. Fennel tea is therefore best prepared from the seeds of the fennel plant. Steep a tablespoon or two of crushed fennel seeds in boiling water to create a fennel tea, to take advantage of the digestive benefits of fennel. Fennel was traditionally used as a carminative, which essentially means that fennel was used to help relieve gas, bloating, and flatulence. Studies show that fennel may be beneficial for the relief of colic and may help to reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel disease.

Peppermint

Peppermint is still one of the most popular flavorings for gum, toothpaste, and sweets, and it is still widely used for culinary purposes. Peppermint has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal benefits, primarily for its benefits in terms of the gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant, and a tea can be brewed from freshly harvested peppermint leaves. Peppermint tea is also widely available for consumption. Finally, peppermint oil is available for supplementation, although you should make sure you purchase peppermint oil for internal use, rather than the essential oil. Peppermint offers a number of benefits in terms of the digestive system. Studies show that peppermint oil can be very beneficial for relieving indigestion. The consumption of peppermint improves and encourages bile flow, which helps to digest fats. Peppermint also soothes the stomach muscles and may therefore be helpful in relieving stomach cramps. Peppermint soothes the symptoms of indigestion, although patients with GERD should consult their physician before taking peppermint on a regular basis. Peppermint is beneficial for relaxing the stomach muscles, and reducing the gas and bloating that often occur in gastrointestinal disorders. Further studies indicate that peppermint can help to treat or reduce the symptoms associated with IBS, including the pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea that often occur in individuals with IBS. Other topical benefits of peppermint include the relief of tension headaches and the ability to sooth irritated skin. And in case you can't stand the taste of peppermint, there is always a peppermint supplement.

Supplements for Digestion

If you prefer a supplement, or do not have the time to steep and wait for tea, then a digestive supplement offers a simple and effective way to add these beneficial ingredients to your daily dietary intake. The Digestive Enzymes & Herbs by Pioneer offer you a comprehensive formulation that contains peppermint, fennel, ginger, artichoke, and other beneficial herbal extracts and enzymes designed to support and promote optimal digestion.