Steep These Healing Herbs In Hot Water, Then Drink 1-3 Times Daily to Relieve IBS Symptoms

I’m going to let you in on something about me that I only tell my closest family and friends: I suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS). I’ve had digestive problems since childhood, but my first IBS episode didn’t happen until I was a senior in high school.

At times, my episodes got so bad that I couldn’t leave the house! It was embarrassing and traumatizing to go through but if you met me today, you wouldn’t know I suffer from IBS! This is thanks to both lifestyle changes and this amazing herbal tea for IBS relief. Before I tell you how to make THE best tea for IBS relief, let’s go into what irritable bowel syndrome is in the first place.

IBS Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome is a widespread disorder that wreaks havoc on the colon. It is a chronic condition that can be triggered by stress, food allergies, and intestinal infections. The most common symptoms of IBS include:

Abdominal pain and cramping that fade when bowels are relieved
Bloating

Gas
Alternating phases of constipation and diarrhea
Mucus in the stool

Loss of appetite

As many as 1 in 5 (about 60 million people – yikes!) American adults experience symptoms of IBS. However, because of how common these symptoms can be, very few people seek medical help for IBS. As it is a chronic illness, the best way to treat your irritable bowel syndrome involves managing your symptoms over the long-term.

Make sure to take note of what triggers your episodes and take care to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and processed junk food. In my case, one of my main triggers was stress. I addressed my stress by taking up yoga, exercising regularly and making sure I get plenty of sleep. Another great thing to keep in mind is your diet and your intake of vitamin D. These changes will help you take control of your IBS, but when it comes to more immediate symptoms there’s nothing better than this soothing tea.

How To Make Herbal Tea For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This simple homemade tea makes use of two common ingredients: fennel and peppermint. Studies have found that both fennel and peppermint are great at treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Fennel

Fennel is a crunchy vegetable that is often found in the Mediterranean diet (try these yummy fennel recipes out). Fennel contains a combination of phytonutrients that help boost your body’s anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer fighting abilities. The most notable phytonutrient, anethole, has mild estrogen-like activity that works to sooth the muscles in the intestinal tract. As a natural remedy for IBS, recipes typically make use of the fennel fronds or leaves. Since they’re usually used as a garnish, this is a great way to make use of these aromatic and nutrient-filled leaves!

Peppermint

You may know mint well for its cooling properties. Well, the cooling properties of mint are great at soothing the digestive tract too! Menthol found in peppermint works to relax the intestinal muscles and prevent the muscle spasms and cramping that people who suffer from IBS typically experience.

That’s not all! Peppermint has anti-microbial properties that target harmful bacteria and fungi in your gut such as ulcer-causing H. Pylori. One review of studies found that peppermint and its oil are one of the most potent and safest treatments for IBS. In a double-blind study of children experiencing IBS, 75% of children receiving peppermint oil experienced less severe IBS pain and overall improvements in their symptoms.

These two superstar ingredients are widely available and easy to work with. When it comes to easing your IBS symptoms, I’m sure this will be your cup of tea.

Fennel & Mint IBS Relief Tea

Ingredients:

Choice of glass bowl, or 6-cup glass measuring cup
Strainer
4-6 cups Purified or Distilled Water

Fresh Fennel fronds (or leaves)
Fresh peppermint
Raw organic honey (Optional)

Directions:

Chop the herb stalks and fronds to encourage the release of oil.
Add the herbs to your choice of serving vessel.

Pour boiling water over and steep for about 20 minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger it gets.
Strain the herbs out and optionally add honey to taste. Drink 1 – 3 cups daily to relieve your IBS symptoms.