It is common for those who suffer from the symptoms to look for some kind of tea for gastritis. Some plants, in fact, can be beneficial for this condition, for example, when they have digestive, anti-inflammatory and/or relaxing properties (helping in cases where emotions contribute to triggering the symptoms of gastritis). Discover tea options and learn how to prepare them.
The best teas for gastritis
Anna Carolina Diniz (CRN 16100966), a nutritionist with a postgraduate degree in Biofunctional, Orthomolecular and Phytotherapy Nutrition, explains that espinheira santa, for example, is known for its anti-ulcerogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity due to the flavonoid and terpene compounds present in it. . “This plant has the power to decrease the secretion of hydrochloric acid, helping in the regeneration of the stomach. It also has bactericidal action against H. pylori (a bacterium that is common in patients with gastritis). But its use is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women,” she comments.
Mint (mint) is also an option, adds Anna Carolina, as it helps with stomach healing. “However, it is not recommended for people with severe liver damage, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five years of age. High doses can cause insomnia and irritability, so it should be consumed without exaggeration”, guides the nutritionist.
Guaçatonga tea can also be an ally in cases of gastritis, as Anna Carolina comments, as it has anti-ulcer, antiseptic and healing action. “The bicyclogermacrene present in the plant, associated with the flavonoids and polyphenols of the leaf, is potent for the protection of the stomach. The herb, however, is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women”, adds the nutritionist.
Fennel tea, in turn, works to improve digestion, while teas such as melissa, witch hazel, lemongrass and chamomile can be useful when emotional issues (such as anxiety, sadness, anger) help trigger the symptoms of mucosal inflammation. (gastritis) as they have calming/relaxing properties.
Check out a list of teas that, in one way or another, can help those who suffer from gastritis:
- Espinheira-santa;
- Mint;
- Guacatonga;
- Fennel;
- Melissa;
- Witch hazel;
- Lemon grass;
- Chamomile.
The ideal is always to have the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist to know the daily recommendation for consumption of tea(s).
How to prepare your tea for gastritis
Learn how to prepare these teas to actually enjoy the benefits they offer.
espinheira santa tea
Preparation: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil; when it boils, turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of dried espinheira-santa leaves. Cover and let rest for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm up to 3 cups a day.
Mint tea
Preparation: Place 3 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves in a cup. Boil 250 ml of water and pour it into the cup with the mint leaves. Cover and let rest for about 10 minutes. Consume the tea up to 4 times a day.
guacatonga tea
Preparation: Bring 1 liter of water to the fire. When the water reaches a boil, add 2 tablespoons of herb and turn off. Cover and let the tea steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
fennel tea
Preparation: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. When the water reaches a boil, turn off the heat and add 5 g of green fennel leaves. Cover and let the tea steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
Melissa tea
Preparation: Place 1 teaspoon of the dehydrated plant in the bottom of a cup. Pour 200 ml of boiling water into the cup and let it steep for 10 minutes. Take the warm mixture.
witch hazel tea
Preparation: Bring 1 liter of water to the fire. When the water reaches a boil, add 2 tablespoons of witch hazel leaves and turn it off. Cover and let the tea steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
lemongrass tea
Preparation: Bring 1 liter of water to the fire. When the water reaches a boil, add 5 tablespoons of the dried plant and turn off the heat. Cover and let the tea steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
chamomile tea
Preparation: Bring 250 ml of water to the fire. When it boils, add 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers. Cover and let the tea steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
Despite being beneficial, these teas should not be consumed in excess and do not exclude the need to consult a gastroenterologist, who will indicate the best type of treatment taking into account the particularities of each case.
What you really need to know about gastritis
Although this is a condition that most people have heard of, there are still many doubts about what gastritis really is and what its main symptoms are. See below for clarification on the main issues.
What is gastritis?
“It is an irritation or inflammation of the mucosal tissue that lines the inside of the stomach. There are different types of gastritis, but the most common type is gastritis caused by excess acid or medication intake, the so-called erosive gastritis”, answers Bruno Zilberstein (CRM 19827), gastroenterologist at BP – A Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo.
What to do when you have gastritis?
You should look for a doctor so that the diagnosis can be made and the best type of treatment can be indicated. Zilberstein explains that the treatment is usually the combination of a non-irritating diet that does not cause the increase in acidity with appropriate drugs that decrease the production of acid in the stomach.
How should a person with gastritis eat?
Nutritionist Anna Carolina explains that people should avoid anything that irritates the stomach, such as caffeinated drinks (mate tea, black tea and coffee), soda, alcohol, fried foods and sausages (sausages, ham).
“A person should eat a low-fat diet with easily digestible foods, such as cooked vegetables. Kale and spinach are great. You should also avoid raw foods”, highlights the nutritionist.
It is also important to reduce the amount of salt in the diet. “Do not use ready-made seasonings and any type of pepper, not even black pepper. Milk and its derivatives are also prohibited. The person should avoid going without eating for a long time because the hydrochloric acid in contact with the mucosa can worsen gastritis”, adds Anna Carolina.
The nutritionist also advises to have more meals throughout the day, however, in small amounts. “Avoid acidic fruits and, if possible, add aloe vera juice to your menu, because it is an excellent healer. Tobacco and stress also worsen gastritis, so they should be avoided,” she highlights.
How to know if a person has gastritis?
“The most common symptoms are pain in the pit of the stomach, heartburn and burning (a burning sensation located in the pit of the stomach, in the upper part of the abdomen, above the navel)”, comments Zilberstein.
Faced with these symptoms, the person should not hesitate to seek a doctor for the proper diagnosis.
Although there are beneficial teas for those who suffer from gastritis, they should preferably be consumed under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist and should not be taken in excess. Enjoy and learn about teas that help you lose weight.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.