Can you drink tea when vomiting and diarrhea? What you need to know for safe and soothing hydration

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Dehydration is the most severe threat posed by prolonged episodes of diarrhea or vomiting, according to the World Health Organization. So, can you drink tea when vomiting and diarrhea? The answer depends on the type, brewing, and caffeine content, as some varieties are therapeutic while others can be irritating.

Quick Summary

Some caffeine-free herbal teas, such as ginger and chamomile, can be beneficial for soothing digestive upset during episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. It is critical to avoid caffeinated teas, strong brews, and dairy to prevent worsening symptoms and risking dehydration.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the most critical step to prevent dehydration during episodes of vomiting and diarrhea.
Choose Herbal and Caffeine-Free Teas: Stick to soothing herbal options like ginger (for nausea) or chamomile and peppermint (for cramps) and ensure they are caffeine-free.
Avoid Caffeinated Teas: Caffeinated varieties like strong black and green teas can worsen diarrhea by stimulating intestinal activity and causing increased fluid loss.
Brew Weakly: Strong tea contains high levels of tannins that can increase stomach acid and irritation, so opt for a mild, diluted brew.
Start with Small Sips: To avoid triggering more vomiting, begin with small, frequent sips of fluid rather than consuming large amounts at once.
Steer Clear of Sugar and Dairy: Sugar and dairy can be hard on a sensitive stomach and exacerbate diarrhea, so avoid adding them to your tea.
Know When to Seek Medical Help: If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning signs, such as fever or blood in stool, it's vital to consult a doctor.

The Importance of Hydration During Digestive Illness

Vomiting and diarrhea cause the body to lose significant fluids and electrolytes, putting you at risk of dehydration. Replacing these lost fluids is the top priority for recovery. While water is essential, certain teas can provide additional benefits by soothing the digestive system and offering mild anti-inflammatory or anti-nausea properties. However, it's crucial to select the right kind of tea and prepare it correctly.

Safe and Soothing Teas to Sip

Not all teas are created equal when it comes to an upset stomach. Opting for mild, caffeine-free herbal options is the best strategy. Remember to sip slowly, starting with a small amount to see how your stomach tolerates it.

Ginger Tea: A well-established remedy for nausea and vomiting, ginger tea can help settle an upset stomach. Its active compounds, gingerols and shogaols, act on the gastrointestinal tract to relieve symptoms.
Peppermint Tea: This tea is excellent for calming stomach cramps and relaxing intestinal muscles due to its antispasmodic properties. It can reduce gas, bloating, and the discomfort associated with diarrhea. However, it can worsen symptoms of acid reflux in some individuals.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects, chamomile can help relax digestive muscles and reduce spasms. It is often used to alleviate gas, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea.
Fennel Tea: A traditional remedy for various digestive issues, fennel tea can promote digestive regularity and help alleviate gas and stomach cramps.
Weak Black Tea: For diarrhea, weak black tea may offer some relief. It contains tannins, which can have an astringent effect that reduces inflammation and bowel frequency. Crucially, it must be brewed weakly to minimize its caffeine content and potential stomach irritation.

Teas to Avoid When Feeling Ill

Just as some teas are helpful, others can make your symptoms worse. It is important to know which to avoid to prevent further digestive irritation and dehydration.

Caffeinated Teas: Avoid strong black and green teas, as caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic. It can increase intestinal contractions and fluid loss, worsening diarrhea and accelerating dehydration.
Strongly Brewed Tea: Tannins, naturally present in tea, can increase stomach acid, leading to irritation, nausea, and reflux if the tea is brewed too strongly or consumed on an empty stomach.
Milk and Sugar: Adding milk or sugar to your tea should be avoided. Dairy products can be difficult to digest when you have a stomach bug, and excess sugar can exacerbate diarrhea.

Comparing Teas for an Upset Stomach


Feature	Good Choices (Herbal Teas)	Bad Choices (Caffeinated & Strong Teas)
Caffeine Content	Naturally caffeine-free (Ginger, Chamomile, Peppermint)	High in caffeine (Strong Black, Green Tea)
Effect on Diarrhea	Can have a calming, antispasmodic effect	Acts as a stimulant and diuretic, worsening fluid loss
Effect on Nausea	Proven anti-nausea properties (Ginger)	Can irritate the stomach lining and worsen nausea
Preparation	Steeped gently, without milk or sugar	Brewed strongly, often with milk and sugar
Risk of Dehydration	Helps rehydrate when consumed properly	Can increase fluid loss, accelerating dehydration
Stomach Irritation	Generally soothing and anti-inflammatory	High tannin and acid content can cause irritation

Best Practices for Fluid Intake

When dealing with vomiting and diarrhea, it's not just about what you drink but also how you drink it. Following these practices can help ensure your body stays hydrated without causing further distress.

Rest Your Stomach: If you have been actively vomiting, wait for up to two hours after the last episode before attempting any fluid intake. This allows your stomach to settle.
Start Slow: Begin with ice chips or very small sips of fluid, such as a tablespoon every 15 minutes. A cold fluid may be easier to tolerate than a warm one.
Consider Electrolytes: To replace lost salts and minerals, consider oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or electrolyte-rich drinks. These are specifically designed for rehydration and are particularly important for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Avoid Acidic and Carbonated Drinks: Fruit juices and sugary, carbonated sodas can irritate the stomach and worsen diarrhea. Flat ginger ale is sometimes suggested, but the high sugar content can still be problematic.
Gradual Reintroduction of Solids: After you can tolerate clear liquids for a period, slowly reintroduce bland, binding foods from the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

Conclusion

While vomiting and diarrhea are uncomfortable, thoughtful nutritional choices can aid recovery and prevent complications like dehydration. Selecting soothing, caffeine-free herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, or peppermint can alleviate symptoms. Simultaneously, avoiding irritating beverages such as strong caffeinated teas, milk-based drinks, and acidic juices is crucial. By combining wise tea choices with careful, small sips of fluids and prioritizing electrolyte replenishment, you can provide your digestive system with the support it needs to recover. For persistent or severe symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best course of action. More information on staying hydrated can be found via the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ginger tea is excellent for nausea and vomiting, while peppermint and chamomile teas are great for calming muscle spasms, cramps, and diarrhea due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

It is best to avoid regular black and green teas due to their caffeine content. Caffeine can act as a diuretic and stimulant, worsening diarrhea and increasing the risk of dehydration.

Brewing tea too strongly can increase its tannin content, which may cause stomach irritation and potentially increase nausea or acid reflux. A weak, mild brew is gentler on your digestive system.

If you are struggling to keep liquids down, try sucking on ice chips or popsicles to slowly and steadily replenish fluids. For severe cases, your doctor may recommend oral rehydration solutions (ORS).

Yes, a little honey or lemon can be added for flavor and may offer additional soothing properties, but be mindful of adding too much sugar, which can worsen diarrhea. Limiting added sweeteners is generally safer.

It is recommended to wait for at least two hours after the last episode of vomiting before attempting any fluid intake. Start with very small, slow sips to test tolerance.

You should see a doctor if symptoms last more than two days, if you show signs of severe dehydration (e.g., lethargy, sunken eyes, dark urine), or if you experience a high fever, severe pain, or notice blood in your stool.