Sipping Serenity: Teas That May Soothe an Upset Stomach

Question: How can I find teas that might help calm an upset stomach or nausea?

Navigating digestive discomfort can be a challenging experience, often leading individuals to seek natural remedies. Among the most accessible and widely consumed beverages, tea holds a long-standing reputation for its potential to soothe an upset stomach and quell nausea.

The Protective Power of Dancong Tea

Emerging research highlights the potential of properly stored Dancong tea in mitigating gastrointestinal distress. Studies indicate that low-dose, post-storage Dancong tea can be beneficial for individuals experiencing stomach discomfort, particularly when that discomfort is induced by irritants [4]. The findings suggest that such tea may help alleviate damage to the stomach lining by modulating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways [4]. It is important to note, however, that high doses of aged tea or any dose of fresh tea are not recommended for those with gastric issues [4]. This distinction underscores the nuanced relationship between tea preparation, storage, and its effects on the digestive system.

Oolong’s Astringent Embrace

Tieguanyin oolong tea, another fascinating variety, also presents intriguing properties that may contribute to digestive well-being. During its manufacturing process, the tea undergoes various stages that influence its nonvolatile components [3]. For instance, Tieguanyin oolong has been observed to contain higher levels of certain theaflavins and ester catechins, such as gallocatechin gallate and epigallocatechin-3-gallate [3]. These compounds, while potentially contributing to an astringent aftertaste, are also known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities, which could play a role in soothing an irritated stomach [4, 3]. The cultivar itself plays a significant role in shaping the final flavor profile and chemical composition of the tea [3].

Beyond Specific Varieties: General Tea Properties

While specific tea types like Dancong and Tieguanyin oolong show promise, the broader category of tea offers compounds that interact with the digestive system in various ways. Polysaccharides found in tea, for example, can interact with specific microbial enzymes and metabolic pathways within the gut [5]. Further exploration using advanced omics techniques could precisely map these metabolic transformations and identify the responsible microbes [5]. Understanding these intricate interactions is key to unlocking the full potential of tea for digestive health.

In conclusion, the evidence suggests that certain teas, particularly post-storage Dancong tea and Tieguanyin oolong, may offer a natural avenue for alleviating stomach upset and nausea. Their benefits appear to stem from their ability to modulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, with specific compounds like catechins playing a significant role. As research continues, a deeper understanding of tea’s complex interactions with the digestive system will undoubtedly emerge.

References

[1] — Ernesto Illy, Luciano Navarini — Neglected Food Bubbles: The Espresso Coffee Foam. — 2011-Sep — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21892345/ [2] — Katarína Poláková, Alica Bobková, Alžbeta Demianová, Marek Bobko, Judita Lidiková, Lukáš Jurčaga, Ľubomír Belej, Andrea Mesárošová, Melina Korčok, Tomáš Tóth — Quality Attributes and Sensory Acceptance of Different Botanical Coffee Co-Products. — 2023-Jul-11 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37509767/ [3] — Qiuming Li, Qingcai Hu, Xiaoxi Ou, Jihang He, Xinru Yu, Yunzhi Hao, Yucheng Zheng, Yun Sun — Insights into “Yin Rhyme”: Analysis of nonvolatile components in Tieguanyin oolong tea during the manufacturing process. — 2024-Oct-30 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39253009/ [4] — Huanwei Jian, Ruohong Chen, Lingli Sun, Qiuhua Li, Junxi Cao, Xingfei Lai, Zhenbiao Zhang, Suwan Zhang, Mengjiao Hao, Shili Sun, Zhongzheng Chen — Low-Dose, Post-Storage Dancong Tea Attenuates Hydroalcohol-Induced Gastric Damage via Modulation Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways. — 2025-Aug-12 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40870713/ [5] — Zimo Zhao, Ruofan Chen, Ken Ng — Effects of Differently Processed Tea on the Gut Microbiota. — 2024-Aug-25 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39274868/