3 Teas to Cure Indigestion Woes
Indigestion is hard to define because it’s used so interchangeably with terms like heartburn, bloating, and general stomach aches. It’s best to know the underlying cause in order to find the most effective remedies, but for such a vague term that can be hard. Some define it as only irritation of the upper lining of the stomach chamber, often occurring alongside a number of different maladies. So to tangle the meaning up even more, someone with indigestion could be experiencing heartburn as a result. Here I am referring to it as any discomfort in the stomach region, but particularly discomfort as it relates to heartburn/acid reflux.
Demulcents and Mucilage: The Stars of the Show
Demulcent:
A demulcent is an agent that soothes irritation and inflammation, typically by applying a protective film over mucous membranes. Examples include glycerin, honey, and syrup. They also can contain mucilage.
Mucilage:
A water soluble fiber that presents as a thick gummy substance, and is produced by many plants to store water. Mucilage is extremely hydrophilic (water loving), and will trap water in its cage like molecular structure to form a gel. When mixed with water, it will swell many times its size. The saccharide (sugar) in it links in such a way that the human digestive enzyme cannot break it down-which is why is so excellent for helping with indigestion, upset stomach, heart burn, and other stomach ailments. It can also aid in digestion in that it will relieve constipation as it can add bulk to stool. A little bonus, it will also ease a cough, or and coat and soothe a sore throat.
*Do Note*
Mucilage can slow the absorption rate of certain medications due to its protective coating in the digestive system. Try to take them at least an hour apart. Also, the protection that it provides varies, usually lasting up to several hours. This is why 2 or 3 cups a day makes a huge difference.
1. More Marshmallow Please
Marshmallow (althea officianalis), is an herb that has been used by great empires that have risen and fallen over the last 2,000 years. The Roman Empire, the Chinese empire, and the Egyptian empire, to name a few, used it as a source of food and for its medicinal properties. Both the roots and the leaves contain mucilage which, when combined with water, make a slick gel of sorts [1]. It’s this gel that is cherished for its ability to soothe irritated mucous membranes of all sorts. This gel adheres to the epithelial lining of the stomach, creating a literal coating [2]. This protective film relieves irritation and inflammation, protects against further acid damage, and is particularly helpful in indigestion as it relates to acid reflux or ulcers.
You will need…
-2-3 tablespoons of marshmallow root
-2 cups of water
-Mason jar (at least 16 ounces)
-Raw honey (optional)
Directions
This is a cold infusion, which helps preserve the integrity of the mucilage. Pour the water in the Mason jar and add your marshmallow root to it. Screw on the top and give it a gentle shake. Store in the fridge overnight or for 24 hours, depending on how viscous it is. The result is usually a pale, slightly foggy viscous liquid. Strain the tea and press to extract all the extra goodness from the root. Add honey to taste, and drink up to two cups daily. You can warm it slightly after it’s infused if you find that more soothing.
2. Sip on Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is also a demulcent with a decent amount of mucilage. The bark of the tree (typically the inner bark) is chopped or ground up for use. For making an herbal infusion (aka…tea), use the ground bark. A cold infusion also works best here, again to get the best out of the mucilage. However, I’ve also done a hot infusion with very warm or gently boiled water and still found it to be soothing, especially if I haven’t prepared a cold infusion ahead of time.
For a cold infusion you will need…
-1-3 tablespoons of ground slippery elm bark
-1 cup of water
-honey to taste
-A glass mason jar
Directions
Add water and slippery elm to the mason jar, shake, and store in the fridge up to 24 hours. Strain before drinking.
For a hot infusion you will need…
-2-5 tablespoons of ground slippery elm bark
-1 cup of boiling water
-Your favorite mug
-Honey to taste
Directions
Put the slippery elm bark in your favorite mug and cover with boiling water. Stir and steep, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Add honey to taste.
3. Gotta’ Love Licorice
Last but certainly not least is licorice root, also a demulcent and keeper of that oh so precious mucilage. And yes, like marshmallow root, licorice root does not resemble much of its more artificial cousin that we are used to. But, especially with a bit of honey, it’s a wonderful soothing tea. It can also be made cold or hot, depending on your preferences-although again cold infusion may protect the integrity of mucilage more.
For a cold infusion you will need…
-1-2 tablespoons of licorice root
-1 cup of water
-honey to taste
-A glass mason jar
Directions
Add water and licorice to the Mason jar, shake lightly, and store in the fridge up to 24 hours. Strain before drinking.
For a hot infusion you will need…
-1-2 tablespoons of licorice root
-1 cup of boiling water
-Your favorite mug
-Honey to taste
Directions
Grab your fav mug and pop in the licorice root. Cover with boiling water and steep, covered, for 5-8 minutes. Add honey to taste.
An ounce…
…of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Lifestyle changes usually have to accompany any remedy for indigestion. There is no magical cure. How fast you eat, what you eat, what medications you’re on, how much you eat, your weight, and more can all contribute to indigestion and other G.I. problems. However, nature has provided us with some awesome ways to bring us comfort as we go about maintaining our healthy selves! (Mucilage, take a bow.)
We Want to Hear from You! Let us know which remedies work and do not work for you, ask a question or leave a comment:
Love the information. I enjoy reading all the health benefits from using herbs . Love natural remdies. Thank you
You’re welcome Lori!
Loves all teas very good and healthy Thanks for Sharing
my best find, as I have GERD is to take 1 oz of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 oz Honey (Pure and unfiltered and 4 oz of hot water mixed well. Im also on Protonix in the morning. This is my best reme3dey.
I apologize for the typos
I love all the information! I try to be more natural when eating. Thank you for so many wonderful and informational ideas!
You’re so welcome Wendy, glad you enjoy the site 😀
Great info. Will try the teas. I am having diverticulitis issues. Hope the teas might help.
Hello. I have pure marshmallow roots that i uprooted myself. I dont kmow how to.process it. Please help.
Wahoo! Way to grow your own 😀
Some people have a specific size they like to chop the root into, but my fav method is to just clean the roots and chop them up into pretty small pieces (almost ‘shredded’ if that makes sense.) Allow them to dry fully before storing them in dark glass jars out of direct sunlight. If they aren’t totally dried before storing they will get moldy so always be certain before you jar them. Enjoy!
I love the teas and information. I think natural is best. Licorice tea seems better than mirolax!
Ah, miralax. I have had my fair share of that stuff in my life. I am obviously bias but I much prefer these 😉
Fantastic remedy for ALL different types of ailments.
Thank you for the very useful tips from nature when the chemical plundering of human health is flourishing! I prefer the one with Licorice which is indeed easily accessible.
You’re welcome Joseph, nature’s remedies truly are incredible <3
On the rare occasion I have heartburn I keep Activated charcoal capsules. I have used them for years and they never fail me. Peppermint essential oil or peppermint tea has also helped.
Both of these have also helped me and my family with nausea.
Mucilage! Who would have known! Thank you for the info, I’ll try to find this marshmallow root, slippery elm and licorice and give them a try!
Funny isn’t it?! It sounds like something you’d really rather avoid 😛 but it’s good stuff!
Claire,Love your Helpful e-mails…Thank You so much!!!Keep up the Great work
Love the Healthy post. Another one that’s my favorite. It’s Ginger root with, star anise, cinnamon and raw honey perfect for indigestion.
Ohhh that sounds lovely! Thanks Carolina 😀
Thanks I love the natural remedies….
Your time and efforts in helping others is much appreciated Claire Goodall. Love to all.
Knowledge and information is most important to me. Understanding how the herb or essential oil works in the body is critical to overall good health.
I couldn’t agree more Brenda! 🙂
Thanks for the information on the teas! I will try them to see what works for me.
I don’t Sharee about Protonix but I was on Prilosec for years not a good long term solution it cause a high risk for osteoporosis . I have found ACV every morning in a glass of water very helpful. I would say 85% better, but I will be trying some of these teas to keep it at bay. thanks for the great info.
Hi Claire,
I will definitely try your teas mentioned, I have been suffering with what started off with a Hiatus Hernia / Reflux / Indigestion….for quite a number of years. I have had endoscopies done to make sure the Hernia hasn’t grown. But the Reflux is extremely bad now. My doctor has me on Prevacid and another doctor tried Pantaloc……but the nausea and burning increased. I take Prevacid, and add Zantac, and I do know all these prescriptions can not be good for my body. I will certainly try the teas to see if I get some sort of ease.
Many thanks,
Laura
Oh ugh that sounds terrible, I am sorry, reflux is truly horrendous. I hope these teas bring you some relief-there’s also a separate remedy list for heartburn/acid reflux that might have something that helps. Feel better!
I enjoy your home remedies…keep it up!
When I have an upset stomach, I always reach for ginger tea. If it’s particularly uncomfortable some peppermint mixed in, usually helps.
You’re welcome Patricia, I am glad you like them! And I agree, ginger tea is also a gem 😀
I find that ginger tea also helps for indigestion and a stomach ache.
Ginger is FANTASTIC for tummy stuff-great suggestion Mary!
Mint tea, ginger tea, fennel tea are all good for tummy upsets.
Thanks for your suggestions Ro!
Thanks for all the suggestions. I am a candidate for indigestion every time I make my “Heartburn Chili” with a lot of Chili powder, Cayenne and Jalapenos… I usually just use baking soda in water, but I’ll try the Slippery Elm root and Licorice.
Thanks Claire your information is helpful and interesting. I enjoy reading Everyday Roots.
Alana
Apples cure heartburn for me every time… Fuji are my favorite!
Thank you for sharing your remedy Glenda 😀
What perfect timing – having trouble with acid reflux and really don’t want to talk over the counter drugs – thank you so much …
You’re welcome Sue I hope they help 🙂
Thank you so much for the teas, this is very useful information!
Thank you so much for all your information. I’ve definitely used a few of them.
Please keep doing what you do.
You’re welcome Bibi, glad you enjoy the recipes!!
I appreciate all of your information on herbs. This one is very helpful especially for we seniors. 😉
So glad you find it helpful Terri!
raspberry tea with honey
Thanks Claire love
Hi Claire.
I bought a bag of ground slippery Elm and the package says to use 1 teaspoon to 1 cup of water. Your recipes calls for 7 times more of the powder. Can u pls explain what such a discrepancy? Thank you so much!
Hi Nathalie,
Personal preference! You can certainly play around with the amount of slippery elm that you would like to use in your teas-I prefer mine to be quite thick as I feel that “coats” my stomach better and brings me more relief, however if you’re unsure you can start with the lesser amount and work your way up as well. Hope this helps!