Basil Tea and Digestion

Everyone loves to eat. Sometimes the results of mankind’s collective love of food can get downright unpleasant. Bloating, gas, and indigestion are all side effects of meals that probably tasted great while eating, but turned into stomach bombs during the digestion process. Fear not though, as help against indigestion does exist, and is present in something as simple as a cup of tea. A common herb with a refreshing fragrance, the anti-inflammatory properties of basil tea provide help against a rough digestive experience.

The Process of Digestion

In some people, the digestive process can be painful or uncomfortable due to large amounts of gas in the stomach or acid and bile going the wrong way. Symptoms such as a burning sensation or pain in the abdominal region are often the result of indigestion.

Heartburn, for example, is an irritation of the esophagus caused by an imbalance of stomach acid. A common cause of heartburn is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not closing as tightly as it should. Other causes of heartburn include overeating and an increase in pressure upon the stomach (such as with obesity, pregnancy, etc.). While occasional heartburn is not a dangerous thing, people with chronic heartburn are at risk of more serious problems. Avoiding certain foods can help to relieve the frequency of such effects, while supplementing your diet with certain beverages can also help to optimize the digestive process.

Basil Tea to the Rescue

When seeking a beverage that can quell even the most tempestuous of stomach problems, look no further than basil tea. Basil has muscle relaxants like magnesium that can relax the stomach and improve how gas moves through the intestines. The magnesium in basil tea can relax the LES, making it less likely that gas will travel back up the esophagus and lessening the risk of heartburn. Eugenol, an active compound in basil, has an enzyme-inhibiting effect that can help to relieve inflammatory bowel problems as well as stomach cramps, indigestion, and unwanted gas.