Feeling bloated is the pits. It’s uncomfortable, your pants feel tight, it makes your stomach look bigger, and it can make you feel lethargic.
According to Healthline, it is usually caused by “excess gas production or disturbances in the movement of the muscles of the digestive system.”
While there are medical conditions that can cause bloating, the most common causes are diet — certain foods or added ingredients you might be intolerant to — as well as overeating or premenstrual bloating.
Bloating can often result in pain and discomfort in the abdominal area and while there’s no one way to eliminate bloating, there are ways to treat it. An easy way to help reduce bloating is through herbal tea. Many herbs work wonders on the pain and discomfort associated with bloating.
We’ve rounded up five herbal teas that can be helpful to sip when bloating strikes.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint is a popular remedy for digestive issues as it has been shown to relax the gut. According to Healthline, it can relieve intestinal spasms and the bloating and pain that comes along with that.
Peppermint oil has also been found to help reduce abdominal pain and other digestive issues. While peppermint tea itself hasn’t been scientifically tested for bloating, one study did find that one tea bag had six times more peppermint oil compared to peppermint leaf tablets.
To make a batch of fresh mint tea, simply put a handful of mint leaves into a mug or teapot and pour boiling water on top. Otherwise, dried peppermint tea bags from the supermarket will also do the trick!
Fennel tea
Fennel seeds are great for targeting bloating, gas, constipation and abdominal pain, thanks to a compound found within the spice. If constipation is causing your bloating, fennel is great for sluggish bowels and might help get things moving again.
To make fennel tea from seeds, simply crush one to two teaspoons of fennel seeds and steep them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Otherwise, Pukka makes a great organic fennel tea called Three Fennel that is great for digestion and bloating.
Ginger tea
Research has found that ginger helps reduce digestive upset and intestinal cramping as well as bloating and gas, according to Healthline. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and contains an enzyme that absorbs proteins, which can cause gas.
For fresh ginger tea, finely slice a small knob of ginger and steep it in a mug of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain. Ginger can have a strong taste, so feel free to add a squeeze of lemon or dollop of honey to the tea to make it more palatable.
The ginger tea bags by Planet Organic are good too and have added lemongrass to cut through the ginger flavour.
Chamomile tea
A member of the daisy family, chamomile is often used to treat gas, nausea and indigestion. According to TIME, chamomile helps to relax muscles and dissipate any gas that could be causing stomach bloat.
Chamomile flowers are sold in most health food shops and you simply steep them in boiling for 10 minutes before consuming. Otherwise, chamomile tea bags are also a good option.
Lemon balm tea
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family but has a lemony flavour — hence the name. This herb is great for relieving mild digestive symptoms like bloating and gas, according to Healthline.
Studies have shown that lemon balm is also good for treating abdominal pain and constipation. While getting your hands on lemon balm leaves might be a bit tricky, there are many varieties of lemon balm tea bags available, including this one from Planet Organic.