Does Peppermint Tea Help with Nausea? Benefits and 5 Other Teas That Work

If you’re experiencing nausea and wondering whether peppermint tea can provide relief, you’re not alone. This common question has a promising answer backed by scientific research. Peppermint tea has been shown to be one of the most effective natural remedies for nausea, stomach discomfort, and digestive issues.

Nausea can stem from various causes including motion sickness, pregnancy, post-surgical recovery, digestive disorders, or even certain medical treatments. Finding natural, gentle relief is often preferred over medication, making herbal teas an attractive option for many people seeking comfort.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the science behind peppermint tea’s anti-nausea properties and introduce you to five other powerful herbal teas that can help settle your stomach naturally.

Does Peppermint Tea Actually Help with Nausea?

Yes, peppermint tea does help with nausea, and there’s solid scientific evidence to support this claim. Peppermint contains natural compounds, particularly menthol, that have proven therapeutic effects on the digestive system.

Research has demonstrated that peppermint works in several ways to combat nausea:

• Muscle relaxation: Peppermint oil has been shown to relax the smooth muscles in your digestive tract, reducing cramping and discomfort that often accompany nausea
• Aromatherapy benefits: Studies involving over 120 participants found that simply inhaling peppermint oil significantly reduced post-surgical nausea
• Pain reduction: Animal studies have confirmed that peppermint oil reduces pain signals in the gastrointestinal system
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Peppermint contains compounds that help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining

How to Use Peppermint Tea for Nausea Relief

To get the maximum anti-nausea benefits from peppermint tea, follow these recommendations:

Preparation method: If using fresh peppermint leaves, steep 10-15 crushed leaves in one cup (240 ml) of hot water for 10-15 minutes. For tea bags, steep for 5-7 minutes to release the beneficial compounds.

When to drink: Sip peppermint tea slowly at the first sign of nausea. You can drink it warm or allow it to cool to room temperature if hot beverages worsen your symptoms.

Frequency: Most people can safely consume 2-3 cups of peppermint tea daily. However, if you’re pregnant or have specific health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before using peppermint tea regularly.

Enhancement tip: Before drinking, take a moment to inhale the aromatic steam from your cup. The scent alone can help reduce nausea symptoms.

5 Other Effective Teas for Nausea

While peppermint tea is excellent for nausea, several other herbal teas offer similar or complementary benefits. Here are five alternatives worth considering:

1. Ginger Tea: The Gold Standard for Nausea

Ginger tea has been used for thousands of years to combat nausea and is perhaps the most well-researched natural remedy for stomach upset.

A comprehensive review of nine clinical studies confirmed that ginger effectively relieves nausea caused by morning sickness, chemotherapy, certain medications, and post-surgical recovery. One study involving 576 people undergoing chemotherapy found that consuming 0.5-1 gram of ginger significantly reduced nausea severity compared to placebo.

How to prepare: Grate a small knob of fresh, peeled ginger (about 1-2 inches) and steep in boiling water for 10-20 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor and therapeutic effect. Strain and add honey or lemon if desired.

Best for: Morning sickness, motion sickness, and chemotherapy-related nausea.

2. Chamomile Tea: Gentle Digestive Support

Chamomile tea comes from delicate flowers that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to calm digestive distress.

Research on chamomile extract has shown impressive results. A four-month study of 65 women receiving chemotherapy found that taking chamomile extract twice daily reduced vomiting frequency. Another study of 105 pregnant women demonstrated that chamomile extract was even more effective than ginger at reducing pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

Important note for pregnancy: While these studies are promising, pregnant women should always consult their healthcare provider before consuming chamomile tea or any herbal remedy, as some herbal teas may pose risks during pregnancy.

How to prepare: Steep 1 tablespoon (2 grams) of dried chamomile flowers in 1 cup (240 ml) of hot water for 5-10 minutes.

Best for: Stress-related nausea, digestive muscle tension, and mild stomach upset.

3. Lemon Tea with Honey: Aromatic Relief

The combination of lemon and honey creates a soothing tea that addresses nausea through multiple mechanisms.

Research has shown that lemon’s citrus aroma alone can significantly reduce nausea. A four-day study involving 100 pregnant women demonstrated that simply smelling lemon essential oil led to significant reductions in nausea and vomiting.

Honey adds more than sweetness—it contains natural antibacterial properties that may help protect against infections that could contribute to digestive upset.

How to prepare: Add 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of fresh lemon juice and 2 teaspoons (15 ml) of honey to 1 cup (240 ml) of hot water. Stir well and sip slowly.

Best for: Pregnancy-related nausea and situations where you can benefit from aromatherapy.

4. Fennel Tea: Traditional Digestive Aid

Fennel is an aromatic herb with a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor that has been used in traditional medicine to treat various digestive complaints.

Clinical studies support fennel’s effectiveness for digestive health. Research involving 80 women found that taking fennel before menstruation helped reduce symptoms including nausea and weakness. Another study of 159 people showed that drinking one cup of fennel tea daily promoted digestive health, gut recovery, and regular bowel movements after surgery.

How to prepare: Add 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of dried fennel seeds to 1 cup (240 ml) of hot water. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain.

Best for: Digestive discomfort, bloating, and post-surgical nausea.

5. Licorice Tea: Powerful but Use with Caution

Licorice root has a distinctive, bittersweet flavor and a long history in traditional medicine for treating digestive issues.

A one-month study of 54 people found that licorice extract reduced symptoms of indigestion including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and bloating. Additional research suggests that licorice extract may help heal stomach ulcers, which can cause nausea and digestive discomfort.

Important safety information: While licorice tea can be effective, it requires caution. This herb can cause side effects like elevated blood pressure, especially when consumed in large amounts or by people with low potassium levels. Limit your intake to just 1 cup (240 ml) per day, and consult your healthcare provider before using licorice tea if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.

Pregnant women should not consume licorice tea without first consulting their healthcare provider, as it may pose risks during pregnancy.

Best for: Indigestion-related nausea and stomach ulcer symptoms (with medical supervision).

Choosing the Right Tea for Your Nausea

With so many effective options, how do you choose the best tea for your situation? Consider these factors:

Cause of nausea: Ginger tea excels for morning sickness and motion sickness, while chamomile works well for stress-related digestive upset. Peppermint is versatile and works for most types of nausea.

Flavor preference: If you dislike spicy flavors, skip ginger. If you’re sensitive to sweet flavors, avoid licorice. Peppermint and chamomile offer more neutral, widely-accepted flavors.

Health status: Pregnant women should be especially cautious and consult healthcare providers. Those with high blood pressure should avoid or limit licorice tea.

Severity of symptoms: For mild nausea, any of these teas may work. For more severe symptoms, ginger or peppermint tea tends to be most effective.

Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Regardless of which tea you choose, these strategies can enhance its anti-nausea effects:

• Drink slowly: Sip your tea gradually rather than gulping it down. This gentle approach is easier on an upset stomach
• Inhale the aroma: Before drinking, take several deep breaths of the tea’s steam. Aromatherapy provides additional nausea relief
• Temperature matters: While most people prefer hot tea, some find room temperature or lukewarm tea easier to tolerate when nauseous
• Avoid adding milk: Dairy can sometimes worsen nausea for certain individuals. Stick to honey or lemon for flavor enhancement
• Stay hydrated: Nausea can lead to dehydration. These teas provide both therapeutic benefits and important fluids
• Time it right: Drink tea at the first sign of nausea for best results, rather than waiting until symptoms become severe

When to Seek Medical Attention

While herbal teas are generally safe and effective for common nausea, certain situations require professional medical evaluation:

• Nausea persisting for more than 48 hours
• Severe vomiting that prevents keeping down fluids
• Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst)
• Nausea accompanied by severe abdominal pain
• Blood in vomit
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Suspected food poisoning
• Nausea during pregnancy that affects nutrition or quality of life

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Herbal teas can complement medical treatment but should not replace professional care when needed.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While generally safe, herbal teas can cause side effects in some people:

Peppermint tea: May worsen heartburn or acid reflux in some individuals. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should use caution.

Ginger tea: Can cause heartburn or mouth irritation in high doses. May interact with blood thinning medications.

Chamomile tea: Can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family.

Fennel tea: May have estrogen-like effects. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult healthcare providers.

Licorice tea: Can raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels. Not recommended for people with hypertension, kidney disease, or heart conditions.

Always inform your healthcare provider about herbal remedies you’re using, especially if you take prescription medications or have chronic health conditions.

The Bottom Line

So, does peppermint tea help with nausea? Absolutely. Scientific research confirms that peppermint tea is an effective, natural remedy for nausea and digestive discomfort. Its muscle-relaxing properties, pleasant aroma, and gentle action make it an excellent choice for most people experiencing stomach upset.

However, peppermint isn’t your only option. Ginger, chamomile, lemon-honey, fennel, and licorice teas all offer proven benefits for relieving nausea. Each has unique properties that may work better for specific situations or individual preferences.

The best approach is to experiment with different teas to discover which works best for your body and circumstances. Keep several varieties on hand so you’re prepared when nausea strikes. These natural remedies are readily available, affordable, and have been trusted for generations to provide gentle, effective relief.

Whether you choose peppermint tea or one of its herbal cousins, you now have evidence-based options for managing nausea naturally. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and give these therapeutic teas time to work their magic on your upset stomach.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Peppermint Oil for Gastrointestinal Symptoms
• PubMed Central – Ginger and Nausea: A Systematic Review
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Chamomile
• National Institutes of Health – Ginger in Gastrointestinal Disorders
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Peppermint Oil
• PubMed Central – Licorice and Its Therapeutic Properties