Hi ! 

Every month we explore the who, what, where, when and why of an important topic so by the end of the month, you’ll have more information and confidence to make meaningful changes to eat and live better with IBD.

This month’s theme: Teas & Herbal Teas

Quick recap:  You tea connoisseurs know that herbal “teas” aren’t technically “teas” but “infusions”. However, for our purposes, we’re covering herbal infusions with our tea series. Last week we talked about the health benefits of drinking green tea and black tea and other considerations regarding drinking tea with IBD. 

You say tea; I say tisane...

OK, so if herbal teas aren’t teas, what the heck are they? Good question.

Herbal tea, commonly known as tisane in other parts of the world, is an infusion of any edible plant, besides the tea plant. You can create herbal tea from various parts of a plant, including its leaves, fruits, bark, nuts, seeds, or flowers.

Healers have relied on herbal teas for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. Herbal teas have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Plus, they’re hydrating, and most are naturally caffeine-free.   

This week we’re talking about some of our favorite herbal teas: ginger, peppermint and chamomile.

Ginger Tea

We love ginger. Besides adding a delightful pungency to dishes, ginger eases digestive upset. Colleen frequently recommends ginger tea to her patients with nausea, abdominal discomfort and indigestion. Also, it can help with motion sickness.

Besides its ability to ease GI symptoms, ginger contains special anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Research shows that supplementing with ginger reduces inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). We have no idea if these benefits extend to ginger tea or IBD, but ginger tea is one of the most soothing ways to add ginger to your diet, so why not give it a shot?

How to brew the perfect cup of ginger tea

Add 1” of fresh, peeled, sliced ginger to a mug of boiling water and let steep for 5-10 minutes.  Optionally, add a squirt of lime and a drizzle of honey. Stir and enjoy its soothing effect! If the ginger tastes too strong, then start with less and work your way up to the full inch.  

Storage tip: To keep ginger fresh, wrap fresh ginger tightly in plastic wrap and store in your freezer. You can peel and grate frozen ginger and return the unused part to the freezer until the next time. 

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is another favorite, and this is the perfect season for it. 

Peppermint is a natural anti-spasmodic, so it can relax abdominal muscles, which can ease abdominal cramps, aid in digestion and allow for passing of painful gas. Colleen frequently recommends peppermint tea to patients with IBS. 

Also, peppermint tea might support the immune system thanks to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.  

Another bonus… Drinking peppermint tea might help reduce sugar cravings. 

Heads up: Peppermint tea isn’t for everyone. Beware that it can worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is what we picture when we think of someone relaxing with a hot mug of tea before bed. Anecdotally, chamomile tea helps to reduce anxiety, promote a good night’s sleep, and calm an upset stomach. Colleen suggests chamomile tea to patients with GI symptoms at night.

Heads up: Some people are sensitive or allergic to chamomile. Those with seasonal allergies, particularly ragweed, are at greater risk for an allergic reaction. Also, chamomile is high-FODMAP, so it can worsen gas or bloating in sensitive individuals.  

Coming up later in the month

Next week Scott will share how tea helps settle his gut, plus some fun facts about tea!

As always, send us your questions and feedback!

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Did you know that smoothies are one of the simplest and tastiest ways for people with inflammatory bowel disease to consume wholesome foods, including fruits, vegetables and other high-fiber foods, like nuts and seeds EVEN while following a “low-fiber” diet.

Learn everything you ever wanted to know in our book Smoothies to the Rescue!  

Check it out

Do you have a question about these topics, or something else? Just reply with your question to this email and it may appear in an upcoming newsletter.

In good health,

Colleen, Bertina & Scott

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended as medical counseling or medical advice. Results may vary