Herbal Teas for an Upset Stomach

Since before the dawn of recorded history, human beings have gathered many small, shrub-like plants known as herbs for their aromatic, flavorful, or medicinal properties. A good number of these medicinal herbs help to soothe conditions associated with the gastrointestinal tract, providing a natural treatment in as simple an object as a glass of tea. The following plants may each be cultivated for their medicinal purposes, and dried for use at a later time when digestive issues arise.

Originally from central Europe, as indicated by the name, Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) is a perennial plant that grows to no more than ten inches in height. Besides serving as a vastly effective antioxidant, antitoxin, and facial creme, Edelweiss has also been used for centuries to treat gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea. Related to the sunflower, Edelweiss is distinctively identified by its bursting star-shaped petals with their yellow center.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) contains beautiful purple flowers which are quite edible and often used in salads, while the leaves can also be brewed into a tea to improve or stimulate digestion. Though easy to grow, this perennial herb requires a sunny location and enough room to stretch as high as three or four feet. If these conditions are not available, and instead one only prefers a window garden, Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is an excellent related alternative used to make "Oswego tea," and displays many of the same overall effects.

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) is another herb, typically used to treat the general symptom of an upset stomach. Though as an annual it must be replanted every year, this two-foot-tall plant can be made into a medicinal tea, or the grayish-green leaves can be used to season soups, stews, or roasted meats. When planting, start indoors, and then move outside to an area without shade when the danger of frost has passed.

Finally, though it may drive felines crazy, Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has several valuable uses for humans. In addition to calming an upset stomach or troubled mind after being brewed into tea, it will also help to relieve cold symptoms, and regenerates every year. When cultivating catnip, plant in either sun or light shade, and feel free to use either fresh or dry leaves.

For a natural tea to cure many household stomach pains, the above herbs may provide a helping hand when the medicine cabinet cannot. Their cultivation is easy, and settling down to a glass of warm tea is a modern relief without medical symptoms. As always, consult with a physician before making the decision to add medicinal herbs to your diet.