Should I Avoid Tea if I Have Diarrhea? A Complete Guide

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, caffeinated foods and drinks can have a mild laxative effect that may worsen diarrhea. When faced with this common ailment, it's natural to question whether your daily cup of tea could be helping or hindering your recovery.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the complex relationship between tea and diarrhea, differentiating between caffeinated and herbal varieties. It details which teas might help soothe symptoms and which are best avoided to prevent dehydration and further irritation.

Key Points

Caffeine Increases Gut Motility: Caffeinated teas like black and green varieties stimulate intestinal contractions, which can worsen diarrhea symptoms for sensitive individuals.
Herbal Teas are Soothing: Caffeine-free options like chamomile, ginger, and peppermint tea have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can relieve cramps and irritation.
Prioritize Rehydration: Diarrhea causes fluid loss, and caffeinated teas have a mild diuretic effect, so sticking to water and herbal teas is safer for maintaining hydration.
Avoid Dairy and Sugars: Adding milk, cream, or excess sugar to tea can aggravate digestive distress by introducing hard-to-digest lactose or pulling water into the intestines.
Tannins Have Astringent Effects: Black tea contains tannins that can help reduce intestinal inflammation and slow bowel movements, but this potential benefit must be weighed against the risks of caffeine.
Know When to See a Doctor: For severe or persistent diarrhea, or if accompanied by fever or blood, consult a healthcare provider, as home remedies and dietary adjustments may not be enough.

The Core Concern: Caffeine's Effect

One of the main reasons for caution when drinking tea during diarrhea is its caffeine content. Caffeine is a known stimulant that can increase gut motility—the muscle contractions that push contents through your digestive tract. For some individuals, this accelerated movement can exacerbate loose stools and discomfort. This is particularly relevant for black and green teas, which naturally contain varying levels of caffeine. While a small amount of caffeine might not affect everyone, those with a sensitive digestive system or pre-existing conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be more prone to a negative reaction.

Dehydration: A Primary Risk

Diarrhea leads to significant fluid loss, making rehydration critical. While all teas are primarily water, caffeinated teas also act as a mild diuretic, potentially increasing fluid loss through urination. This can work against your body’s need to rehydrate, especially during a severe bout of diarrhea. Therefore, prioritizing caffeine-free fluids, such as herbal teas, water, and oral rehydration solutions, is the safest approach to maintain proper hydration levels.

Herbal Teas That Can Help Soothe Diarrhea

For those seeking a comforting hot beverage, several herbal teas offer soothing properties without the dehydrating effects of caffeine.

Chamomile Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, chamomile can help relax the intestinal muscles, reducing cramping and gas associated with diarrhea.
Ginger Tea: Ginger is a well-regarded remedy for nausea and stomach upset. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe intestinal irritation.
Fennel Tea: With its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, fennel tea can relieve intestinal cramps and bloating.
Peppermint Tea: The menthol in peppermint can relax intestinal muscles and help relieve cramps and gas. However, caution is advised for those with acid reflux, as it can worsen symptoms.
Blackberry Leaf Tea: Contains tannins with astringent properties that can help tighten intestinal tissues and reduce stool frequency.

The Role of Tannins in Black and Green Tea

While caffeine is a concern, some research points to a potential benefit of black and green tea. These teas contain tannins, compounds that possess astringent (drying) properties. Tannins can help reduce intestinal inflammation and slow down bowel movements, potentially firming up stools. However, the effect varies between individuals, and it is crucial to consider the trade-off with the caffeine content. If you choose to drink black or green tea, opt for a weak brew and limit your intake to avoid overstimulation. Always drink it plain, without milk or excessive sugar, as these can irritate the digestive system.

Comparison of Teas for Diarrhea


Feature	Herbal Tea (e.g., Chamomile, Ginger)	Caffeinated Tea (e.g., Black, Green)
Caffeine Content	None	Moderate to High
Effect on Gut Motility	Calming, Antispasmodic	Stimulating, potentially worsening diarrhea
Tannin Benefits	Low or Absent	Contains tannins, which can be astringent and anti-inflammatory
Rehydration Potential	Excellent, no diuretic effect	Moderate to Poor, mild diuretic effect
Additives	Best served plain, potentially with honey	Avoid milk and sugar, which can aggravate symptoms
Best for Diarrhea	Strongly Recommended for soothing symptoms	Use with Caution, risk of exacerbating symptoms

What to Avoid in Your Tea

To ensure tea doesn't worsen your condition, be mindful of what you add to your cup. Dairy products, including milk and cream, contain lactose, which can be difficult for some people to digest, especially during a stomach upset. The temporary lactose intolerance that can occur with diarrhea makes it a significant irritant. Similarly, excessive sugar or artificial sweeteners can pull water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea. It is best to drink your tea plain or with a small amount of honey, which has antibacterial properties.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

In summary, whether you should avoid tea for diarrhea depends on the type of tea. Caffeinated teas like black and green tea should be consumed with caution and in moderation due to their stimulating and mild diuretic effects. In contrast, caffeine-free herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint are often recommended for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a better choice for hydration and symptom relief. The most important takeaway is to prioritize fluid intake to prevent dehydration. If you have severe or persistent diarrhea, or experience symptoms like fever or blood in your stool, you should consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. For more detailed information on managing digestive health, consider visiting authoritative sources like the IFFGD website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best teas for diarrhea are caffeine-free herbal options with soothing properties, such as chamomile, ginger, peppermint, and blackberry leaf tea. Chamomile and ginger are particularly effective for calming the stomach and reducing inflammation.

Caffeine is a stimulant that increases gut motility, or the movement of muscles in the intestines. This can lead to more frequent and looser stools, worsening diarrhea symptoms and potentially contributing to dehydration.

Black tea contains tannins, which have astringent properties that can help reduce inflammation and slow bowel movements, potentially firming stools. However, it also contains caffeine, so it should be consumed weakly and in moderation, or avoided by those sensitive to caffeine.

You should avoid adding dairy products like milk or cream due to potential lactose intolerance during illness. It's also best to avoid excessive sugar or artificial sweeteners, which can worsen diarrhea.

Green tea contains both caffeine and tannins. While the tannins have some soothing effects, the caffeine can stimulate the gut. If you're sensitive to caffeine, it's safer to choose a caffeine-free herbal tea.

Peppermint tea contains menthol, which can help relax the intestinal muscles, easing cramps, gas, and pain associated with diarrhea. However, individuals with acid reflux should be cautious, as it can sometimes worsen their symptoms.

Only if it is caffeine-free. While tea is a fluid source, caffeinated teas can act as a mild diuretic, potentially counteracting rehydration efforts. Prioritize water and oral rehydration solutions alongside soothing herbal teas to stay hydrated.