Herbal Teas for Crohns Disease

Herbal crohn’s teas can be an effective remedy, and can often be used in conjunction with vitamin supplements and the proper diet to further relieve and prevent gastrointestinal symptoms. Although herbs that are considered beneficial for crohn’s can be taken in forms other than tea (I.E. pills) herbal tea tends to be the best way to treat gastrointestinal issue.

Why? According to some studies, warm liquid is easy for the body to digest, and allows herbs to come in direct contact with the walls of the stomach and intestines. Conversely, herbal crohn’s supplements in pill form can be difficult to digest, and may contain alcohol which often results in most of the herb being absorbed in the mouth.

The following information is focused on the herbal teas that are considered the best for herbal crohn’s treatment.

Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is made up of the essential oil menthol. When ingested, menthol produces powerful antispasmodic effects that directly soothe the muscles in the digestive system, aiding in digestion. Furthermore, peppermint tea has a very calming aroma which can help relax nerves and subdue a nervous stomach. Peppermint tea can also alleviate stomach cramps and cramping of the intestinal muscles.

Peppermint tea helps alleviate the following crohn’s symptoms:

o Bloating

o Gas

o Flatulance

o Abdominal pain

o Irregular bowel movements

It is best to consume peppermint tea after large meals and before bed.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has been used for centuries in treating a variety of health ailments including common gastrointestinal issues, and is an ideal herbal crohn’s remedy. Chamomile is a mild sedative and has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and carminative properties that help aid in digestion and soothes and heals the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.

Chamomile tea alleviates and prevents the following crohn’s symptoms:

o Gas

o Flatulance

o Digestive discomfort

o stress

Chamomile acts as a mild sedative, and is therefore best taken before bed.
Note: Chamomile is part of the daisy family. Therefore, if you are allergic to daisies you should not drink this tea.

Fennel Tea

Fennel has a calming effect on the stomach and is one of the most effective herbal crohn’s remedies for relieving gas pain and reducing flatulence. Fennel tea aids the digestive tract, and is also recommended for use in conjunction with an herbal laxative to reduce cramps. In addition, fennel is known for its ability to boost the metabolism and works as a detoxifier.

Fennel tea is considered effective for relieving the following crohn’s symptoms:

o gas pain

o flatulence

o bloating

o stomach pain

Fennel tea is best taken after meals or when symptoms are present.

The following are five herbal crohn’s teas that aid in digestion which you can try:

1. Peppermint tea – see above

2. Chamomile tea – see above

3. Fennel tea – see above

4. Ginger tea – Relieves gas, bloating and pain. Ginger is exceptional at relieving nausea and vomiting. It does not have sedative properties, but it can make the body generate more heat and the warm feeling in the stomach may cause discomfort.

5. Lemon balm tea – Relieves pain and discomfort of indigestion, as well as gas and bloating. Lemon balm is also effective in alleviating anxiety, nervousness and mild insomnia. Lemon balm is like mint in the sense that it has a soothing effect on the stomach.

Where can you find herbal teas and which are best? You can find herbal teas in your local grocery store, health food or nutrition stores and online. Although loose leaf tea is best, teabags are fine as long as you can clearly smell the distinct aroma of the herb through the bag.

In addition, make sure herbal teas are caffeine free as caffeine can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and trigger symptoms. You should also ensure that the herb is the only or primary ingredient listed in the tea.