Can raw, loose tea leaves help control diarrhea?

“Tea leaves contain tannins and antioxidants that can be good for your stomach. Tea leaves are astringent in taste, which has the properties of drying up. So it is useful when a person is suffering from diarrhea,” said Shlloka Joshii, a classical Hatha yoga teacher, yogic nutritionist, and diet and lifestyle expert.

So, is consuming a handful of tea leaves a good practice?

According to Joshii, “tea has to be brewed, not boiled or mixed with milk, or eaten raw” for all antidiarrheal preparations.

Since not all teas are created equal in this regard, one should avoid those laden with caffeine which “might even worsen the situation by dehydrating you further”, noted Joshii.

Should you be having tea leaves? (Source: Freepik)

What kind of brewed teas can help?

Teas like chamomile, black, cherry, or fennel “work their magic by adding bulk to your stool and soothing those pesky intestinal cramps”.

“Chamomile, in particular, steps up as a star player, offering gentle relief from the pain and spasms. Its anti-inflammatory prowess strengthens your gut’s function, nudging you towards relief from within,” said Joshii.

How do such teas help with diarrhea?

Hydrated: Diarrhea makes you lose water from your body. Drinking tea, especially herbal ones like fennel tea, helps keep the water in your body. You can even add a bit of salt or sugar to make it work better, said Joshii.

Calms your stomach: Warm brewed tea can make your stomach feel better by easing pain, cramps, and inflammation, mentioned Joshii.

 

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But before you steep that tea bag, here are a few things to keep in mind

– Be caffeine-conscious: Opt for herbal or decaf teas to avoid dehydration.

– Skip the dairy: Milk and dairy additives might worsen diarrhea for some, so stick to plain tea, shared Joshii.

– Hydrate: While tea helps with hydration, don’t forget to guzzle down water or electrolyte-rich fluids alongside to keep your hydration levels in check, urged Joshii.