A Few Teas To Curb The Queasies

Peppermint tea

We've all felt queasy or nauseated at some point.  By request, I've selected a few teas that are specifically beneficial in treating the queasies whether they are caused by the flu, phlegm congestion in the stomach, food poisoning or treatments like chemotherapy, radiation or the latest plague - Covid-19. Unfortunately, we still do not have the full picture of what Covid-19 does or when we will have it under control, but we do have some tools to help those who have been effected by it.

My choices of teas are simply those that are well known to help curb nausea and replenish electrolytes that might be lost due to vomiting or diarrhea.  This is actually the selection that I recommend for clients who are undergoing chemo or radiation, treating colds and now Covid-19. Feel free to expand and your favorites to your own list, then stock your cupboards.  No one wants to run to the store when they are ill, so make sure to pick up of few of these items to have on hand.

Ginger

The most famous nausea remedy?  Maybe.  Ginger's warmth goes directly to the digestive system and helps it to open and relax. It's a natural food poisoning remedy which is why it is served sushi. Buy ginger as a tea, as pickled slices (avoid the pink food coloring, please), or as a lovely natural ginger ale.  Ginger is energetically warm to hot, so if you feel too hot or have a burning sensation in your stomach you may want to choose a different tea.

Chamomile

Chamomile comforts, soothes and sedates - ahhhh... Chamomile also helps to sooth burning throats and improves sleep.  Chamomile will also counter damp Gallbladder heat - gallbladder attacks and hyperactive histamine responses in the western terminology. Chamomile is also good for hot, angry allergy flare ups, hives and shingles. You can get chamomile as a singular tea or find it in sleep promoting combinations like SleepyTime.

Green Tea

Yes, traditional green tea is a wonder and should be in everyone's diet.  Why? It is full of antioxidants (those guys that fight free radicals), promotes healthy heart rate, increases focus, reduces stress, reduces cholesterol, increases the metabolism, increases the immune system, helps preserve the bones and helps prevent tooth decay, protects your Liver....shall I go on?  Try gen mai tea, which combines green tea with roasted puffed rice for a rich flavor.

Peppermint - all mints really

Peppermint cools and settles the digestion. and is a great remedy to have on hand for any regular digestive upsets.  It also works well to lift the spirits and to release headaches.  For those of you with lots of anger, angst and frustration, use peppermint to break up Liver Qi Stagnation.  Use as a tea, suck on natural lozenges, use in cooking - plant it around the house to keep the ants out....okay, side tracked.

Catnip tea -

Actually a member of mint family, I single it out here because it is truly phenomenal for babies and young kids (adults can use it too). During WWII British nurses used catnip tea for colicky babies and for those with gallbladder issues.

Honeybush Tea

Lovely, and light with distinctive honey comb flavor.  If you love honey, you need to try this out. Filled with antioxidants honey bush (and roobios) also boast sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and other vitamins needed to replenish weakened systems.

Basil

Basil is not just for keeping the bugs off the tomatoes. Basil helps to resolve cold phlegm patterns that can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  It also restores Yang vitality (energy), relieves infections and strengthens the immune system.  Use as a tea, pestos or salads.  You can also use the essential oil to diffuse in the room of sick person.

Roobios Tea

This richly flavored African tea is filled with antioxidants and helps reduce stress, hay fever, asthma, irritable bowel syndromes and other digestive disorders.  Great for infants with colic, it helps settle and encourages sleep.

Citrus Peel

Fabulous for clearing out phlegm, citrus peels are used in many empirical Chinese medicine formulas to cut through phlegm and digestive stagnation.  Orange pith tea is a favorite of mine for dealing with thick heavy phlegm from allergies, colds, and chicken pox.  Peel and organic orange, boil in 2 cups of water until reduced by half. Add a little honey and drink.  Be ready to cough up phlegm.

Avoid drinking plain water

Yes, you read that right.  For whatever reason, drinking plain water when you are queasy often makes people vomit. I recommend you hydrate with a tea, or at least add a little lemon to your water.  Just a touch seems to be fine.  Don't drink it cold or iced as this will cause the muscles of the stomach and throat to contract and tighten up.  Warm or slightly cool is ideal.

Be well

April