The 5 Best Infusions to Soothe Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There are ways to soothe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Also known as colitis mucosa, this is a digestive disease that causes abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. At least according to this information obtained from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Thus, leads to periods of constipation and diarrhea.
This is a disease that’s been in constant increase due to bad diets and sedentary lifestyles. Both of these factors strongly influence its development.
This condition affects people of all ages. Though, it’s more common in teens, especially those who are almost adults.
The symptoms can be sporadic or caused by an external stimulus. However, it can also become a chronic problem that reduces your quality of life.
This is because, patients suffer from gas buildup, feeling bloated, and other uncomfortable digestive problems besides the pain. These will worsen if you don’t seek treatment.
Fortunately, there are some natural infusions you can use. Due to their properties, these can provide relief without unwanted side effects.
Check them out!
Infusions to soothe irritable bowel syndrome
1. Sage
Sage is a plant with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, according to this study conducted by Mashhad University in Iran. Thus, it can soothe irritable bowel syndrome.
Its properties are great for your intestinal bacterial flora and may help prevent constipation and inflammation.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. of dried sage (5 g.)
- 1 c. of water (250 ml.)
Instructions
- Firstly, add the dry sage to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes
- Then, strain it when it’s cool enough to drink
How to drink it
- Drink two cups a day, one in the morning and another at night.
Read about 6 Healing Properties of Sage
2. A fennel seed infusion can soothe irritable bowel syndrome
Fennel seeds are popular because of their digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. According to this study by the National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health in India, it can soothe irritable bowel syndrome.
This infusion can also reduce abdominal bloating. This is because it helps eliminate the gases and toxins from your intestines.
Ingredients
- 1 c. of water (250 ml.)
- 1 tsp. of fennel seeds (5 g.)
Instructions
- Heat the water and remove it from the heat as soon as it boils; then, add the seeds.
- Then, allow it steep for 15 minutes and strain it.
How to drink it
- Drink a cup for breakfast and after eating heavy meals
3. Anise
Anise is an anti-inflammatory and calming remedy. An infusion with it helps reduce stomach spasms and gas buildup in your intestines. This, according to a study conducted by Universidad de San Martín de Porres, in Perú.
One of its properties is it has the potential to reduce bowel irritation and protect healthy gut bacteria.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. of anise (10 g.)
- 1 c. of water (250 ml.)
Instructions
- Firstly, add the anise to the boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes
- Then, strain it and throw out the anise remains
How to drink it
- Drink the tea before every main meal
4. Mint
Mint is one of the plants that’s highly used to reduce digestive problems related to your colon.
It has antispasmodic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. They help control the pain and abdominal bloating. At least according to this study conducted by the Baylor College of Medicine, in Texas.
Ingredients
- 1 c. of water (250 ml.)
- 1 tbsp. of mint leaves (10 g.)
Instructions
- Firstly, boil the water and add the mint leaves
- Cover the pot and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes
- Then, strain the tea and drink it
How to drink it
- Drink a cup of tea for breakfast and drink it again two or three times per day.
Read about Mint Tea, Great for Weight Loss
5. Lemon balm infusion to soothe irritable bowel syndrome
Lemon balm tea is perfect for promoting digestion and reducing the production of intestinal gases.
Its anti-inflammatory action helps reduce colon irritation and any pain associated it it. So says this study conducted by the Mohammed V Souissi University in Morocco.
Ingredients
- 1 c. of water
- 1 tbsp. of dry lemon balm leaves
Instructions
- Firstly, boil a cup of water and add the dry lemon balm
- Then, turn the heat down and keep it boiling for two or three more minutes
- After three minutes, take it off of the heat and wait until it’s cool enough to drink.
How to drink it
- Drink a cup for breakfast and another at mid-afternoon
Keep in mind that, for best results, drinking these teas should complement a healthy diet. Therefore, you should keep the fats, sugars, and carbohydrates you eat under control.
At the same time, it’s important to skip alcohol, tobacco, and stimulants such as beverages that contain caffeine.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- El-Salhy, M., & Gundersen, D. (2015). Diet in irritable bowel syndrome. Nutrition Journal. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-015-0022-3
