Mexican Teas for Soothing an Upset Stomach: What Mexican Tea Is Good for Your Stomach?

In Mexico, herbal teas are a popular folk remedy for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues. For generations, many have relied on infusions of native herbs to provide gentle, natural relief, making the question of what Mexican tea is good for your stomach a common one.

Quick Summary

This guide explores traditional Mexican teas renowned for their digestive benefits. Learn about the herbal properties and preparation methods of various infusions used to soothe indigestion, gas, bloating, and other stomach ailments.

Key Points

• Te de Manzanilla (Chamomile): A popular, gentle Mexican tea with anti-inflammatory and calming properties, excellent for general indigestion and stress-related stomach issues.

• Hierbabuena (Spearmint): This mint-based tea helps relax digestive tract muscles to relieve gas, bloating, and cramps, and can stimulate digestion.

• Epazote Tea: A potent carminative herb, traditionally added to beans to reduce gas. Use sparingly due to its strong flavor and potential toxicity in high doses.

• Te de Canela (Cinnamon Tea): A warm, aromatic tea that stimulates digestive enzymes and reduces inflammation, beneficial for gut health and cramping.

• Tepache: A fermented pineapple beverage with natural probiotics that aid overall gut health.

• Brewing Method: Simple infusions are easy to prepare. Use dried or fresh herbs steeped in hot water, varying the time based on the herb's potency.

A Tradition of Herbal Healing for the Stomach

The use of herbal infusions, or infusiones, to treat stomach discomfort is deeply embedded in Mexican culture. Recipes often passed down through families, utilizing common ingredients like chamomile and mint to calm digestive issues. These remedies leverage the natural properties of plants to address symptoms ranging from mild indigestion and cramps to bloating and gas. While scientific research on some traditional remedies is ongoing, their long history of use offers a valuable perspective on natural digestive support.

The Most Popular Mexican Teas for Digestive Health

Several specific Mexican teas stand out for their effectiveness in soothing an upset stomach. Each offers a unique set of benefits, addressing different facets of digestive discomfort.

• Te de Manzanilla (Chamomile Tea): Perhaps the most well-known Mexican herbal remedy for the stomach, chamomile is cherished for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to reduce stomach acid, combat gas, and relieve nausea. Its gentle nature makes it a popular choice for all ages, including infants with tummy troubles. A warm cup is often enjoyed after a heavy meal or before bedtime to settle the stomach.

• Hierbabuena (Spearmint) Tea: Known for its distinctly fresh, minty aroma, hierbabuena is a common and effective remedy for digestive complaints. It helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract, alleviating spasms, bloating, and gas. It also stimulates digestive fluids, aiding in digestion after a large meal.

• Epazote (Mexican Tea) Infusion: Epazote is a potent herb primarily known for its carminative properties, meaning it helps to reduce flatulence. In Mexican cuisine, it's frequently added to bean dishes specifically for this purpose. As a tea, it can be effective for treating stomach and intestinal ailments like cramps and gas. Due to its potency, it should be used in moderation.

• Te de Canela (Cinnamon Tea): Beyond its aromatic warmth, cinnamon tea is a powerful digestive aid. It stimulates digestive enzymes, improves gut health, and reduces inflammation that can cause bloating and gas. It is particularly effective for soothing stomach cramps and improving overall digestion.

How to Brew These Soothing Mexican Teas

Brewing these herbal teas is a simple process. Here are general guidelines:

1. For chamomile or hierbabuena: Add about 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs (or a small handful of fresh leaves) to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.
2. For epazote: Use sparingly, as it has a strong flavor. Add just 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb to boiling water, simmer for a couple of minutes, then steep for 3 minutes before straining.
3. For canela: Bring water to a boil with a cinnamon stick, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavor to infuse.

Comparison of Mexican Teas for Stomach Ailments

Feature	Te de Manzanilla (Chamomile)	Hierbabuena (Spearmint)	Epazote (Mexican Tea)	Te de Canela (Cinnamon)
Primary Benefit	Anti-inflammatory, calming, reduces stomach acid	Relaxes digestive muscles, reduces gas and bloating	Potent carminative, reduces intestinal gas	Stimulates digestion, anti-inflammatory
Taste Profile	Earthy, sweet, and mild	Fresh, minty, and invigorating	Strong, pungent, with notes of anise	Warm, aromatic, and spicy
Best For	Nausea, indigestion, anxiety-related stomach issues	Gas, bloating, indigestion, cramps	Gas and bloating, especially with beans	Stomach cramps, improving overall digestion
Usage Note	Generally safe for most, but check for allergies	Use with caution if sensitive to mint; can relax the esophagus	Use sparingly due to potency; can be toxic in high doses	Can lower blood sugar, so use caution with medication

Other Herbal Allies from Mexican Tradition

Beyond these well-known teas, other infusions and ingredients from Mexican culinary and medicinal traditions offer digestive support:

• Tepache: A naturally fermented beverage made from pineapple peels and spiced with cinnamon, tepache is rich in probiotics and can support overall gut health. Its light fizziness and tangy taste make it a refreshing digestive aid.
• Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea): This vibrant, tart tea is used in some Mexican traditions to support kidney health and relieve other pains. While not a direct stomach soother like chamomile, a healthy body overall contributes to better digestion.
• Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens): Like oregano tea, Mexican oregano has anti-inflammatory and carminative properties that can aid digestion and reduce gas.
• Ginger Root Tea: Though widely used, ginger is also incorporated into Mexican folk medicine. It is highly effective for nausea and improving digestion.

Conclusion

The tradition of using herbal teas for stomach complaints in Mexico offers a wealth of gentle, natural remedies. Whether you reach for a calming cup of manzanilla to settle a nervous stomach, brew some hierbabuena to relieve bloating, or use a pinch of epazote to prevent gas, these infusions provide time-tested solutions. As with any herbal remedy, moderation is key, especially with potent herbs like epazote. Before starting a new regimen, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or take medications, it is always wise to consult a healthcare professional. Exploring these traditional teas can provide soothing, aromatic relief rooted in centuries of Mexican folk wisdom.

For more research into the effectiveness of traditional Mexican plant medicine for gastrointestinal disorders, a study by IntechOpen provides deeper insights into indigenous practices and specific plant compounds.

Potential Interactions and Precautions

While these herbal teas are generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts, it's important to be aware of potential interactions and side effects.

• Chamomile: Those with allergies to plants in the daisy family (like ragweed or chrysanthemums) may have an allergic reaction. It can also interact with blood thinners and sedatives.
• Epazote: Its potency means that large doses can be toxic and may cause nausea. It is best used in small, culinary amounts.
• Cinnamon: It can lower blood sugar levels and may interfere with diabetes medication. Use with caution if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medication.
• Pregnancy and children: If pregnant or nursing, or if preparing for young children, consult a doctor before using herbal remedies.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Sources

• Rio Grande Herb Company. (n.d.). Epazote (Mexican Tea) 1/2 oz.. Retrieved from https://www.riograndeherbs.com/shop/Epazote-Mexican-Tea-1-2-oz-p145315969
• Muy Bueno. (2021, February 23). Traditional Mexican Remedies. Retrieved from https://muybuenoblog.com/grandmas-home-remedies/
• IntechOpen. (2019, June 19). Medicinal Plants Used by Indigenous Communities of Oaxaca.... Retrieved from https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/64792
• Anadolu Medical Center. (2023, August 09). Chamomile Tea: Benefits, Effects, Consumption. Retrieved from https://www.anadolumedicalcenter.com/health-guide/chamomile-tea-benefits-effects-consumption
• Verywell Fit. (2021, October 07). Manzanilla Tea Benefits and Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfit.com/manzanilla-tea-benefits-and-side-effects-4163713
• Lybrate. (2020, September 01). Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea, Uses And Its Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-cinnamon-tea-and-its-side-effects
• Chef At Hand. (n.d.). Epazote. Retrieved from http://chefathand.com/spices-a-z/e/epazote/

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mexican tea is best for bloating and gas?

Hierbabuena (spearmint) and epazote are both excellent for gas and bloating. Hierbabuena helps relax stomach muscles, while epazote is a powerful carminative herb traditionally used to prevent flatulence, especially from beans.

Can I give chamomile tea to my child for a stomachache?

Yes, Te de Manzanilla (chamomile tea) is a popular and gentle Mexican remedy for children with tummy aches due to its soothing properties. However, it is always recommended to consult a pediatrician before giving any herbal remedy to a child.

How do you make Mexican cinnamon tea for a stomachache?

To make Te de Canela, simmer a cinnamon stick in water for 5-10 minutes. This warms the digestive system and provides anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe cramps and indigestion.

Is epazote tea safe to drink regularly?

Due to its potent nature, epazote should be consumed in moderation. Large doses can be toxic, so it is safer to use it sparingly, as a culinary herb, rather than as a regular, everyday tea.

What is tepache and how does it help with digestion?

Tepache is a lightly fermented Mexican drink made from pineapple peels and cinnamon. As a fermented beverage, it naturally contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut and aid digestion.

What if I don't like the taste of a particular herbal tea?

You can try adding honey, lime, or lemon to a tea to improve the flavor. For stronger, more pungent herbs like epazote, combining them with other ingredients or using them primarily for cooking might be a better option.

Where can I find these Mexican herbs?

Many of these herbs, such as dried chamomile (manzanilla) and mint (hierbabuena), are available in most grocery stores or herbal shops. More specific or potent herbs like epazote may need to be sourced from Latin markets or specialty herb suppliers.